Naruto: Divine Reward System

At this moment, it wasn't just Lee who was shocked.

Tenten, Neji, and Sakura were all watching the battle with wide eyes—especially Tenten and Neji. As Lee's teammates, they understood his strength better than anyone. For someone to step in and stop him so effortlessly… that was no small feat.

But they weren't the only ones present.

A man with even thicker eyebrows than Lee stood nearby, arms crossed. He had initially planned to intervene, but before he could say anything, Tatsuya had already acted.

This man was none other than Might Guy—Lee's mentor and Kakashi's self-proclaimed eternal rival.

Lee stared at Tatsuya for a long moment before finally speaking. "You… why did you interfere in our fight?"

Tatsuya met his gaze evenly. "I didn't just step in for Sasuke's sake, but for yours too."

Lee blinked in surprise at the unexpected response.

Tatsuya continued, "The [Chunin Exam] hasn't even started yet. If you reveal all your abilities now, you'll be at a disadvantage when the real battles begin."

He paused for a second before adding, "And you should use that technique less often."

Lee's expression changed. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean," Tatsuya said calmly. "Even if it's just the first stage of the [Eight Gates], using it too much will take a toll on your body."

The moment those words left Tatsuya's mouth, Lee and Guy's eyes widened in shock.

Guy muttered under his breath, "So it's true… Kakashi wasn't exaggerating."

Clearly, Kakashi had told Guy about Tatsuya's mastery of the [Eight Gates]. He must have wanted Guy to guide him, knowing that there was no better mentor for someone walking this dangerous path.

"Wait… how do you know about—" Lee started, but Guy cut him off.

"Lee! You're still young and impulsive!"

Everyone's attention snapped to Guy as he suddenly stepped forward.

Naruto groaned. "Oh, great… another thick-browed guy."

Sasuke and Sakura also looked unimpressed.

"He looks just like Lee," Sakura murmured.

"And he even wears a jumpsuit," Sasuke muttered, barely hiding his disdain.

Unlike them, Neji and Tenten remained completely unfazed—they were used to it.

Hearing Naruto's comment, Lee turned red with anger. "Hey! Don't make fun of my teacher!"

Naruto crossed his arms. "You challenged us out of nowhere, and now we can't even talk? Tch." He was still annoyed about how easily he had lost earlier.

Guy, however, wasn't paying attention to their banter. He turned to Lee and called out, "Come here for a second."

Lee straightened up immediately. "Yes, sir!"

The moment Lee stepped forward—

WHAM!

Guy's fist slammed into his forehead, sending him crashing to the ground.

Everyone stared, dumbfounded.

But Lee didn't complain. Instead, his eyes filled with tears as he looked up at his mentor, lip trembling. "G-Guy-sensei…"

Guy clenched his fists, his eyes equally emotional. "Say no more, Lee!"

"GUY-SENSEI!"

Under everyone's horrified gazes, the two flung themselves at each other, embracing dramatically.

Sakura looked like she might faint.

Naruto gagged. "W-What the hell is this?!"

Sasuke, scowling, muttered under his breath, "There's no way I'm losing to these clowns."

After their over-the-top moment of bonding, Guy finally turned his attention to Tatsuya, Sasuke, and Naruto.

"So, you're Kakashi's students?" he asked.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you know Kakashi-sensei?"

Guy grinned, striking a dramatic pose. "Of course! We are [eternal rivals]!"

Naruto tilted his head. "Uh… rivals?"

"The score between us is 50 wins to 49 losses!" Guy declared proudly. "So naturally, I'm the better one!"

Naruto and Sasuke both froze in place.

They had seen Kakashi in action during the [Land of Waves] mission. He was on an entirely different level. Yet here was this eccentric, over-the-top man claiming to be stronger than him?

Tatsuya, however, remained completely unfazed.

Seeing his calm expression, Guy's eyes gleamed with interest. "This kid… Kakashi must really think highly of him."

Guy then turned to Sasuke. "I apologize for Lee's challenge earlier. I hope you won't hold it against him."

Sasuke didn't respond, his arms crossed.

Tatsuya, noticing Sasuke's attitude, smirked. "Sasuke isn't exactly the social type. If he's not arguing, that just means he's letting it go."

Guy laughed heartily. "You're an interesting one! I like you, kid!" He gave Tatsuya a thumbs-up. "If you ever need help with training, come find me!"

Tatsuya nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Alright, you three should get going," Guy reminded them. "You need to submit your [Chunin Exam applications] soon."

With that, Tatsuya, Naruto, and Sasuke turned and headed toward Room [301].

Just as they were about to leave, Lee spoke again.

"Sasuke… I lied earlier."

Sasuke stopped in his tracks.

"I'm not actually the strongest genin in Konoha," Lee admitted. "The real strongest one might be in my team."

As he spoke, he glanced at Neji, as if hinting at something.

But Sasuke, without even turning back, smirked. "That person isn't in your team."

With that, he continued walking, following Tatsuya.

Lee, Guy, Tenten, and Neji all watched the three of them leave, their eyes lingering on one figure in particular.

Tatsuya.

Because the way Sasuke had spoken… it was obvious who he truly believed was the strongest.