Naruto: Divine Reward System

However, using only his raw strength, Naruto was clearly no match for Lee.

As expected, the result was inevitable!

With a swift, precise motion, Lee executed his signature move—[Konoha Gale]—a powerful sweeping kick that sent Naruto flying.

Boom! Boom! Boom…

Naruto tumbled backward, rolling across the ground before crashing into the wall. His head spun, and for a moment, his vision blurred from the impact.

It was at this moment that Naruto truly realized the vast gap in strength between him and Lee.

Sakura gasped in shock, while even Sasuke's eyes widened slightly.

Naruto might not be the strongest, but he wasn't weak either. Yet against Lee, he hadn't even been able to put up a fight. That spoke volumes about Lee's ability.

Lee dusted off his hands and smirked. "Sasuke, I'm just letting you know—I won't lose to you." His expression turned determined. "Because I am the strongest among Konoha's genin right now!"

Sasuke, who had initially shown little interest in Lee, suddenly became more focused.

If Lee was truly the strongest genin in the village, then defeating him would prove that Sasuke was more than ready for the [Chunin Exams].

"Interesting." Sasuke smirked, stepping forward. "Come on then."

Seeing Sasuke's acceptance, Lee's eyes gleamed. "I'll finish this in five moves!"

Sasuke's smirk faltered for a second. He was the top rookie of his class, and Lee's words felt like an insult.

Hmph!

Without hesitation, Sasuke dashed forward, his speed nearly breaking the sound barrier. He fully expected to land a clean hit on Lee—

But it never happened.

Lee was gone!

"Too slow," came Lee's voice from behind.

Before Sasuke could react, a powerful kick struck him from the side.

"Konoha Senpu!"

The attack was even faster and stronger than what had knocked Naruto down earlier.

Sasuke barely had time to cross his arms to block, but it was useless. The force still sent him skidding across the floor, his feet struggling to find balance.

Boom!

Finally coming to a stop, Sasuke's eyes were filled with disbelief. He hadn't even seen the kick coming!

"Sasuke!"

Sakura cried out in worry, but Sasuke ignored her. His mind was racing, analyzing the battle.

"Tch…"

Sasuke clenched his fists. "This might be a good chance to test my new ability."

His black eyes flickered—and then, in an instant, turned red.

The [Sharingan] had awakened.

Gasps echoed through the hall.

"That's—could it be the [Sharingan]?!" Tenten exclaimed in shock.

Neji narrowed his eyes. "So, he's the Uchiha survivor."

Even Lee raised a brow. He had heard of the [Sharingan], but this was his first time seeing it in action.

Sasuke smirked, his confidence restored. Now, with the [Sharingan], he could read Lee's movements and counter them.

Without a word, he rushed forward again, fists clenched.

But nothing changed.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't land a single hit on Lee.

"What's going on?" Sasuke panted, frustration growing. "I activated the [Sharingan]! Why can't I see through your attacks?!"

Lee chuckled. "The [Sharingan] can predict ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu… but even if you see my attacks coming, it won't help if your body isn't fast enough to react."

Sasuke's breath caught in his throat.

That was it. He could see Lee's attacks—every movement was crystal clear in his vision. But his body simply wasn't fast enough to respond in time.

It was the power of the [Eight Gates]!

Unless he could match Lee's raw speed, the [Sharingan] was useless.

Kakashi had understood this, which was why he never underestimated pure taijutsu specialists like Might Guy and his student.

And now, Sasuke was experiencing it firsthand.

Lee took a stance. "I'll show you a real difference in skill."

With a sudden burst of energy, he disappeared again.

"Shadow Leaf Dance!"

Naruto and Sasuke's eyes widened. They had seen this move before. Once hit by it, escape was nearly impossible.

Lee appeared behind Sasuke midair, his bandages unraveling, ready to tie Sasuke up for the finishing move—[Front Lotus]!

But in that moment—

Sasuke vanished from his grasp.

Lee's eyes widened in shock. "W-What?!"

He glanced around, trying to understand what had just happened.

Sasuke hadn't escaped on his own.

He had been saved—by Tatsuya!

Tatsuya now stood calmly in front of Sasuke, arms crossed, having moved so fast that no one had seen him step in.

Lee frowned. "His speed… it's even greater than mine?"

Tatsuya had no intention of letting Sasuke get seriously hurt right before the [Chunin Exams]. If he had taken Lee's attack head-on, it would have put him out of commission for weeks.

And besides…

Sasuke was his protégé.

He needed him to learn, not be broken before the real battles even began.

Boom!

Lee landed back on the ground, his eyes still locked onto Tatsuya. "You're strong…"

Tatsuya didn't reply. He didn't need to.

Lee smirked, excitement flickering in his eyes. "It seems my instincts were right. You're not just an ordinary ninja."

Sasuke, still catching his breath, clenched his fists. He had just witnessed a new level of power.

And he wasn't there yet.

He needed to get stronger.

And fast.