Naruto: A New Perspective

Chapter 24

Alright then, Sasuke Uchiha vs. Rock Lee, begin!"

Sasuke smirked at Lee,"You're gonna lose,give up"

Lee shook his head no, with eyes burning Lee said."I have anticipated this match, Sasuke! I will fight you with all I have!"

Sasuke smoothly entered the Uchiha stance, a defensive one that could switch into attacks easily if he chose. Lee watched his stance while entering his own preferred starting stance.

'His form is impeccable.' Lee admired, 'And his confidence... most certainly a worthy opponent!'

"Come Sasuke! Let us display our burning flames of youth!"

With those words, Lee blurred and rushed at the Uchiha who had been expecting as much. Sasuke pumped chakra through his veins, filling himself up with energy. Lee was faster than Neji, even if it wasn't by much.

Lee was faster than Neji, but Sasuke was faster than Lee. The fist that was launched at Sasuke's face was knocked away by the Uchiha's elbow, and his own punch met the stomach of the very surprised Lee.

"Oof!" Lee cried, and he was sent stumbling backwards, but to his credit he recovered quickly, flipping back into a defensive position, albeit clutching his stomach.

"Very nice, Sasuke." Lee admitted, "I had not realized you were so fast. You were holding back against Shino?"

Sasuke smirked at that.

"You are a most interesting person, Sasuke!"

"Hn." Sasuke replied.

Lee's face became curious, "You are much more serious now; I have noticed that your usual attitude is angry and arrogant, yet now you are calm, calculating... not to mention your taijutsu style is flawless to my eyes, and I do not even recognize what style it is. Shino's earlier assessment of you was clearly flawed.

"Shino looked with his eyes." Sasuke said, "But being ninja, we have to learn to look beyond the surface."

The fight continued, and Lee nodded furiously at the wisdom his opponent's words, "This is very true, Sasuke! Truly there is more to you than meets the eye!"

Lee's eyes burned even brighter as he clenched his fist, "But the same can be said for me!"

The green clad ninja rushed at Sasuke again, moving at his max speed and met the raven haired genin head on. Sasuke blinked at this increase in speed, but blocked the blow that came easily enough. They continued to trade blows, and Sasuke quickly fell into a rhythm of blocking and countering.

They both took blows, but they fought evenly, neither giving up ground or letting the other score a hit that was too crippling.

Aiko watched the fight in awe, and Naruto smiled knowingly, Sasuke wasn't holding back using taijutsu at all... that would make him easier for Naruto to beat in the finals. No matter who won this match, they would be worn out from it, and would have to face Naruto in the final match, since he would get by after beating Gaara.

Naruto glanced at the Sand-nin, who was following the fight with veiled interest, but wasn't speaking. Gaara had walked away from Shikamaru's explosive attack like nothing, and the Nara had rightfully quit at that moment. Luckily, Naruto had a few more tricks up his sleeve than his lazy friend.

The other genin and teachers were paying attention to the fight as well. Hinata had woken up, and although she wasn't really completely recovered, she had abandoned the hospital bed, uncomfortable staying there with her... temperamental... cousin. Yes, Neji was quiet, but it was still a little too much for the timid Hyuuga to bear, he was a constant reminder of what she might become now, a branch member.