The training ground designated for Team Three was a vast, open field of lush green grass, surrounded by towering trees on the sides and at the back. Scattered throughout were a few training structures, including wooden dummies, though they stood at a respectful distance from the natural scenery. But at this very moment, the entire field was in complete chaos—a whirlwind of howling winds, weapons strewn across the ground, and mini-earthquakes shaking the terrain, all caused by the relentless movements of a Hidden Leaf Jonin clad in a green jumpsuit.
His silhouette was the most blurred and distorted among all present, the vibrant green of his outfit further disorienting his opponents. Due to his sheer speed, his form seemed to constantly shift—taller when he leaped, shorter when he crouched—and he appeared utterly untouchable. No attack, be it a punch, a kick, or a projectile from a distance, could land on him.
Tenten, for example, was positioned precisely according to Rock Lee's earlier instructions. Perched on the sturdy branch of an old oak tree at a safe distance, she played the role of support, raining down shuriken and kunai with expert precision. But it was all in vain. Their sensei moved with such overwhelming speed that her weapons simply passed through empty air, as if he could bend space itself.
Why? Because to the Genin—and in both subjective and objective reality—Might Guy was simply too strong. Too fast. Too much.
Which is why Lee and Neji, facing him in close combat, weren't even trying to win. No, forget that. Winning was an impossible dream. Survival—that was their goal!
After all, the man before them wasn't called the Beast of the Hidden Leaf as a joke. And yet, Rock Lee and Hyuga Neji were no pushovers either. Neither of them ever wasted time in idleness. Lee had spent the last month training like a crazed, self-destructive workaholic with no brakes. Meanwhile, Neji had endured the brutal discipline of the Hyuga clan, where even the youngest members were given no quarter.
So, while the two young ninja were struggling, they weren't giving up. Not while they still had a chance to prove themselves!
No time to panic. Think, Lee, think!
The thought raced through his mind as chakra coursed through his body, flowing through his tenketsu. For a moment, it felt like time itself was slowing down to grant him clarity...
But only for a moment.
Their sensei, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a sharp intensity, lunged forward with a powerful fist aimed directly at Rock Lee. By this point, Lee was exhausted, his body screaming for rest. Worse, Guy seemed to have deliberately shifted his attacks to focus solely on him, completely ignoring Neji. No matter how much stamina he had, even Lee couldn't keep dodging forever. He realized he had only two choices: find an escape, or charge forward. And for Lee, the choice was obvious.
To hell with it!
Lee thought, abandoning evasive maneuvers and charging straight at Might Guy. He targeted a precise spot with his right side, predicting that Guy would instinctively dodge backward. And waiting just behind him—Neji, his fingers glowing with blue chakra, ready to strike at Guy's tenketsu.
For a fleeting second, it seemed like their plan might actually work. Without a word, they had coordinated perfectly, an unspoken strategy executed through sheer instinct. Even though Tenten couldn't directly join the fray, she watched intently from her position, hesitating to throw more weapons now that her teammates were too close to their opponent.
But then, everything fell apart.
Instead of retreating, as expected, Might Guy suddenly closed the distance even further, grabbing Lee by his gi and hurling him backward—straight into a stunned Neji. The impact sent both of them tumbling through the dirt, landing several meters away like discarded puppets, drained of energy.
And as for Tenten?
Guy dealt with her just as mercilessly, though in a different manner. Snatching a fallen shuriken from the ground, he flung it with pinpoint accuracy at her head. Only her sharp instincts and quick reflexes saved her—she managed to form the necessary hand seal just in time. In her place, a severed log took the hit, tumbling to the ground with a dull thud. A moment later, a slightly rattled Tenten reappeared near Lee and Neji, who were making desperate attempts to stand, despite their battered bodies.
Complete defeat.
Guy walked up to them, his usual warm smile back in place, offering his assessment.
"Lee, you wanted me to back off, but I did the opposite. You had a plan—Plan A. And while it was commendable, you needed a Plan B at the very least. You're too predictable. You only attacked with your right side. Learn to fight with your left as well. Neji, you were simply caught in the crossfire. But more importantly, you hesitated. How many good attack opportunities did you miss while waiting for the perfect one? Fix that. Be decisive. And you, Tenten—you held your position well and showed excellent mastery of the Body Replacement Technique. But you accomplished little else. Like Neji, you hesitated. Don't be afraid to attack! An attack is a step toward victory.
"That being said, I am pleased with your teamwork. And, more importantly, with your Youthful Spirit!" His grin widened as he delivered his verdict. "So, kids, my conclusion for today is—"
But before he could finish, Rock Lee shot up from the ground, standing defiantly in his fighting stance. His usual form was different now—more focused, more intense.
"Come on, Guy-sensei! This isn't over yet! All you did was throw me over your shoulder and knock me into that arrogant, cowardly Neji Hyuga… Do you really think that's enough to make me give up?"
Even covered in dust, with dirt clinging to his thick eyebrows, the fire in Lee's eyes had not dimmed.
"Hm?" Guy blinked at him before letting out a small chuckle. His smile stretched wider. "Heh. I really do underestimate you guys sometimes. Maybe I was too quick to count you out."
Inspired by Lee's determination, Neji exhaled sharply and forced himself to his feet, his joints aching from the strain. If Lee was still standing, then there was no way he would be left behind. And of course, Tenten couldn't just sit this one out either. She wasn't about to let herself be the weak link of the team. She wanted to fight—side by side with them, not just from a distance, hidden behind the safety of trees.
"So, round two, then?" Guy asked, his grin radiating pride as he saw his students refusing to give in.
Meanwhile, Rock Lee had only one thought running through his head:
Why do I feel like I'm the main character of a ridiculously over-the-top shonen manga?
P.s: If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 27+ at patreon.com/c/Lucius01
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