Second Chance | COTE x Naruto

Chapter 17

The battle between Lee and Naruto couldn't be compared to the other battles. That wasn't a duel between genin. Five Gates Lee was definitely on the same level as an elite jounin. And, Naruto put up a fight against such opponent.

Sasuke was speachless as he witnessed the power of Rock Lee. He wasn't the only one.

Even though the backfired attack was embarrasing, everyone had to acknowledge his strength. Sasuke might be able to follow his movement with his sharingan, but he would not be able to react in time. That was how fast the weird genin was.

Of course, it didn't mean Sasuke couldn't win against him. While he admitted he could never match him in taijutsu, taijutsu was the only thing Lee had. Sasuke could end the fight even before Lee could go all out by trapping him in genjutsu.

That was why Sasuke was once again glaring at Naruto.

The blond could end the fight anytime he wanted to, and yet he amused himself by limiting himself with taijutsu and enhanced-kage bunshin. It was as if the blond wanted to tell him that the gap in their power were increasing rather than decreasing.

"Wow, I never know that Lee is so strong!" exclaimed Ino, even Sakura nodded at her words. "And the fact that Naruto, of all people, can match him is truly something. I start to think that he is really cool...."

Hinata narrowed her eyes at the heiress of Yamanaka Clan. It was only a subtle one, though. Her eyes were once again focused on the arena floor. It was as Ino said, Lee was stronger than anyone expected. Hinata was confident, but without fuinjutsu she might be defeated if Lee was her opponent.

As for Naruto, Hinata wasn't surprised he could match Lee's strength. No matter where he was, she knew her husband would adapt exceptionally well. It was only natural for her man to be overly strong. Seeing him made a certain emotion surged in Hinata. She wanted him to play the submissive role.

Hearing all the praises given to his pupil, Guy couldn't help but feel proud. Lee was unable to use chakra. He was even worst than Guy. Guy could still use chakra, but that was not the case for Lee. No one knew Lee's hardwork better than Guy. And all those hardwork were paid off.

"He really is taking after you, Guy," praised Kurenai. "Unfortunately, he is facing against someone better. He is unlucky."

It was as Kurenai said. If Lee's opponent was someone else, he would be able to win. But his opponent was the strongest of the current generation. More than that, the blond didn't even reveal his blessed eyes. He was going easy on Lee. His loss was already set in stone.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen felt good. The speed of Naruto's growth was second to none. Six months ago, Kakashi claimed that Naruto was chuunin level without using his rokugan. However, right now it was clear that he was already an elite jounin without his blessed eyes.

To think that he has become this strong, thought Kakashi in amazement. No one can utilize the full advantage of shadow clone better than him. His growth rate is frightening.

Kakashi had started to train again after Naruto caught him off guard in their bell-test. If not, he would not be able to match his student's full power. But even with all the hard training he went through, Kakashi wasn't sure if he could defeat Naruto should the blond used rokugan.

On the arena, Lee wiped the blood from his nose and strightened his posture.

From all the geniuses he had heard, none could be compared to the guy standing ahead of him. The world was truly unfair. Lee felt like all his hardwork meant nothing. Hardwork beat talent? Bullshit. There was nothing hardwork could do when talent decided to work hard.