The Conqueror of The Shinobi World Chapter 76 (Rock Lee Vs Neji Part 1) (Patreon)

' With an abrupt halt to the friendly match between his two talented Genins, Guy swiftly exclaimed, "Enough! Neji emerges victorious yet again!" Neji, wearing a smirk of superiority, couldn't help but scoff at the predictable outcome, leaving his training partner Lee sprawled on the ground, adorned with numerous bruises and a trickle of blood escaping from his nose. As Lee gasped for air, his breaths heavy and labored, he clenched his teeth in a mixture of frustration and fury, unable to conceal his burning anger at yet another defeat.

As beads of sweat trickled down Lee's flushed face, a testament to his tremendous physical exertion, he couldn't help but feel a wave of exhaustion wash over him, threatening to engulf his weary body. However, it was the overwhelming sense of humiliation that pierced his heart the deepest. Lee had been so sure, so utterly convinced, that this time he would emerge victorious in his long-standing rivalry with Neji, finally showcasing to him and the world that sheer determination and relentless effort could triumph over innate talent. Alas, the bitter reality unfolded before his eyes once again, as he found himself sprawled on the unforgiving ground, defeated and shattered, while Neji stood tall, seemingly untouched by the grueling battle they had just endured.

With an air of disdain hanging in the atmosphere, Neji cast his piercing gaze downward upon Rock Lee, his eyes brimming with a potent mixture of mockery and superiority. It was as if Neji regarded Rock Lee as nothing more than an insignificant speck beneath his lofty stature. "Why do you bother with this? You know you can't win, the fate has decided me as the Winner?" Neji's voice dripped with condescension as he questioned, his tone laced with a cruel certainty. His eyes remained fixed on Rock Lee, who defiantly lifted his head in response, a simmering fire of suppressed anger burning fiercely within his determined gaze.

Lee's voice dripped with contempt as he echoed Neji's words, emphasizing the irony with a sly sneer that danced on his lips. "Ah, fate," he drawled, his eyes flashing with a mix of defiance and determination. "There's no such thing as fate, my life would be quite sad if I simply decided to lay down and do nothing, because if something happens, is the Fate that saw it that way." Slowly, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Lee pushed himself up, his legs trembling with exertion but his spirit unwavering. In that fleeting moment, a spark of anger flickered in Neji's eyes, a testament to the clash of their opposing philosophies. But as swiftly as it appeared, the fury melted away, leaving Neji's gaze calm and composed, as if veiled by an impenetrable facade of tranquility.

Lee, his voice filled with a resolute determination, reflected on the pivotal role that defying "fate" had played in shaping his destiny. The journey towards becoming a Genin, the lowest rank in the world of shinobi, had been anything but easy. Every teacher he encountered along the way had echoed the same discouraging sentiment, urging him to abandon his dreams, yet he remained steadfast in his unwavering commitment. Against all odds, Lee stood proudly, his eyes burning with an indomitable spirit, as he proclaimed, "If I allowed 'fate' to control my life. I would have never become a Genin. Now, I'm a Genin because I didn't give up."

"Yes. You're a Genin," Neji agreed, much to Lee's shock. "But you're a terrible one, Lee. How many times so far you have needed either me or Guy-Sensei to pull you out of a Genjutsu. You call yourself a Genin, you're not, all it takes is a simple Genjutsu and you're out of the game. This is why you rely so much on Genjutsu Counter Seals." Neji added with a sneer as if he was speaking to a toddler on how to walk.

"Every Shinobi out there has a weak point Neji," Lee was quick to counter, defending himself. He knew he was horrible when it came to Genjutsu; they were his weakest point, which is why TenTen always made a Seal for him. Sadly, the Seal she made was of Level 1; it was able to block only D Rank and C- Rank Genjutsus, and above that would cause the Seal to get overwhelmed and just burn out.

With a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice, Neji swiftly interjected, "Yes, but you have many weak points, Lee." He couldn't help but feel a tinge of frustration at the necessity of elucidating what seemed like basic concepts to someone who was legally considered an adult.

"Thinking that your whole life is controlled by something beyond your control is such a sad way of looking at Life," Lee claimed, his voice echoing throughout the air, but it seemed his words made Neji glare at him. With a flicker of annoyance clouding his features, Neji fixated his piercing Byakugan gaze upon Lee, clearly unsettled by his audacity. Sensing the impending tension, Lee instinctively readied himself, bracing for an imminent assault. Yet, just as Neji's muscles twitched, poised to strike, a sudden apparition took form behind him in the form of Guy. Like a specter emerging from the shadows, Guy materialized with fluid grace, his hand gently resting upon Neji's shoulder, diffusing the mounting confrontation in a single unanticipated gesture.

"Neji, the fight is over," Guy spoke, his voice devoid of its customary playfulness that usually danced through the air when interacting with his genin team. Instead, his words carried the weight of a command, leaving Neji momentarily tempted to disregard him. However, before rebellion could take hold, Neji's eyes returned to their usual state of calm and collected composure. With a deliberate motion, he deactivated his Byakugan, allowing his gaze to shift towards his teammate, Lee, accompanied by an almost apologetic expression that silently acknowledged the intensity of their recent skirmish.

"You are right, Sensei. The fight is over, and everyone here knows who the winner is," With a knowing nod and a mischievous glint in his eyes, Neji wholeheartedly acknowledged the wisdom of his esteemed Sensei. Neji couldn't help but let a small, sly smirk curl up the corners of his lips, reveling in the satisfaction of a hard-fought victory. The atmosphere crackled with a palpable tension as Lee, consumed by a fiery rage, clenched his teeth in a desperate display of frustration. Well aware of the storm brewing within his rival, Neji relished in the exhilarating prospect of another clash. However, just as Lee appeared ready to unleash his pent-up fury, a single glance from the unyielding gaze of their mentor, Guy, commanded obedience and brought the hot-blooded warrior to a halt, extinguishing the flames of conflict.

Lee stood there, his heart sinking, as he helplessly watched Neji's retreating figure gradually disappear into the distance. The realization that TenTen's departure swiftly accompanied Neji's departure only added salt to the wound, intensifying the bittersweet taste of defeat that lingered in the air. Frustration surged through Lee's veins like a raging river, igniting an uncontrollable fire within him. With every stomp of his foot, the earth trembled beneath his furious wrath, causing blades of vibrant green grass to dance and twirl in the violent gusts of his unyielding determination. Despite pouring every ounce of his being into the relentless pursuit of victory, it seemed as though Neji possessed an uncanny ability to effortlessly soar above any challenge that stood in his way, leaving Lee perpetually yearning for the sweet taste of triumph that always seemed to elude his grasp.

As the beads of perspiration trickled down Lee's forehead, he could hear the soothing cadence of his Sensei's voice echoing behind him, slicing through the intensity of the training grounds. "Are you giving up?" the question floated towards him like a gentle breeze, stirring his determination.

In a swift motion, fueled by adrenaline, Lee spun on his heels, his gaze ascending to meet the unwavering eyes of his Sensei. There was a flicker of defiance in his irises, a fire burning deep within. With a mix of disbelief and injured pride, Lee vigorously shook his head, his expression a mosaic of determination and offense. How could his Sensei even fathom the idea that he would surrender, that he would abandon the relentless pursuit of his dreams? The mere thought sent a surge of determination coursing through his veins, fortifying his resolve.

A solemn tone resonated in Guy's voice, cutting through the charged atmosphere like a samurai's blade. "Good, but you know that Byakugan gives Neji an advantage that you can never have," the word hung in the air, heavy with expectations and unspoken challenges. Lee's lips tightened into a thin line, a silent affirmation of his unwavering commitment, a pledge to overcome every obstacle placed in his way.

With an air of skepticism and a tinge of wounded pride, Lee directed his question toward his revered Sensei, his eyes searching for answers. "Are you saying I should give up?" His voice held a subtle accusation as if challenging the very foundations of his training. Yet, beneath his wounded facade, a hint of vulnerability lingered, a flicker of hurt in his tone that betrayed his true emotions.

A warm, encouraging smile danced upon Guy's lips as he met Lee's gaze, his eyes radiating unwavering belief. "What kind of sensei would I be," he pondered aloud, his voice brimming with unwavering confidence, "if I were to ever utter the words 'give up' to my devoted genins?" The corners of his mouth stretched into one of his renowned wide grins, showcasing a set of pearly white teeth that seemed to shimmer with resilience and determination, mirroring the spirit he instilled in his students.

"So what should I do to counter, Neji's Byakugan?" With a determined gaze, Lee stood tall, his muscles straining against the pain that engulfed his body as if every bone had been shattered. His mind raced with strategic possibilities. Ignoring the throbbing ache that threatened to cripple him, Lee's burning determination fueled his resolve to find a countermeasure.

Guy began his advice with a hint of reluctance in his voice, a mix of wisdom and caution. "Usually, I would tell you to just train," he paused, his gaze fixed on Lee's determined face, "but I will be honest, to surpass Neji might take years, or even a decade for you, Lee." As Guy's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of an uphill battle, a flicker of determination ignited within Lee's eyes. He refused to let doubt seep into his heart. If his revered Sensei, the one who had guided him through countless trials, deemed it necessary for him to endure another decade of rigorous training to stand above Neji, then so be it.

"But I know something that can give you a boost, something that not even Neji has," Guy promised, placing his hand on Lee's shoulder; the words Lee just heard made him look up at Guy with more determination than he ever had.

"Really?"

"Yes, is called-" '

As Lee immersed himself in anticipating the forthcoming battle, his mind fixated on the Eight Gates, a formidable technique that held the promise of victory. Desperate to escape the whirlwind of doubts and uncertainties swirling through his thoughts, he found solace in the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium, which reverberated with a symphony of enthusiastic cheers and palpable excitement. Positioned at the heart of the arena, Lee stood tall, a figure of unwavering determination, his gaze locked upon Neji. It was as if Neji possessed an unshakable confidence in his abilities, disregarding the imminent clash that awaited him and Lee.

With a confident smirk playing on his lips, Lee took a sturdy fighting stance, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and anticipation. "Prepare yourself," he declared, his voice resonating with the echoes of a lifetime's worth of anticipation. The air crackled with energy as he locked eyes with Neji, who couldn't help but scoff, a hint of amusement dancing in his gaze, while he shook his head in mild disbelief. "I hope you're ready, because I have been waiting for this moment my whole life,"

"Fate has already claimed me as the victor, why should I be ready?" Neji questioned with a sneer. His piercing gaze momentarily wandered to the corner of the stadium where the remaining contenders were sequestered, their faces a mosaic of determination and anxiety. Amongst them, his eyes fixated on Hinata, her presence stirring a turbulent surge of emotions within Neji's core. He couldn't fathom how someone as fragile as her had defied the odds and made it to the final rounds of the esteemed Chunin Exams, a notion that both perplexed and ignited an undercurrent of resentment in his veins.

But he figured she would probably humiliate herself whenever her turn started. Neji knew well that Hinata had been lucky to reach this far, but today, her luck would run out.

"You know Neji I have never seen someone as simple minded as you, for someone who is called a genius, you sure love talking nonsense." As the words effortlessly flowed from Lee's lips. The corners of Lee's mouth curled into an amused smile, amplifying the effect of his teasing comment, especially when Neji, in response, scoffed in good-natured defiance.

"But I have known you long enough to know that your mind cannot be changed through words. No, my only choice is to prove it to you with my kicks and fists," Lee proclaimed. The gaze of the entire stadium fixated upon him, their eyes brimming with anticipation and admiration. Lee's heart swelled with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Every muscle in his body coiled like a tightly wound spring, ready to unleash an explosion of power and resilience; this would be the perfect opportunity to defeat Neji and show him that hard work can defeat natural talent.

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Perched on a distant vantage point, Guy found himself amidst the illustrious assembly of Jonins who had congregated from various villages. Engrossed in animated conversations, they exchanged thoughts and insights with one another. Meanwhile, Asuma, his eyes alight with enthusiasm, engaged in a lively discourse with Darui, a Jonin hailing from the village of Kumo. Guy surmised that their discussion revolved around a stupid topic - a friendly wager on the outcome of the Chunin exams. Betting on these momentous trials had become an iconic tradition, akin to a beloved sport, embraced by many who viewed the exams as a thrilling display of skill and talent. Thus, the act of placing bets had become an integral part of this enthralling sport.

Guy stood unwavering, heedless of the cacophony of voices that enveloped him. Even Kakashi, nonchalantly propped against a sturdy column, failed to capture his attention. Before Guy's very eyes, Kakashi's famous orange book beckoned. Yet, it was evident to him that his comrade's focus was undeniably fixated on the intense battle that was about to unfold before them. With a subtle play of deception, Kakashi cleverly masked his rapt interest by feigning absorption in the pages of his book, a masterful charade that Guy skillfully deciphered.

As Guy stood among his fellow Jonins, a burning desire to engage in conversation with them flickered in his heart. However, his attention was completely captivated by the incoming intense battle, a clash between Neji and Rock Lee. Being their mentor, Guy possessed an intimate understanding of their deepest aspirations, their every longing and ambition. With an unwavering gaze fixed upon Lee, a surge of anticipation surged through him, for he was aware that his pupil had yet to unleash his fabled ultimate technique upon any opponent.

Guy found himself in a precarious position. Deep down, he yearned to utter the words that would assure them of his unwavering objectivity. He desperately wanted to convince himself that he viewed each of them with an equal measure of admiration. However, a wave of honesty washed over him, revealing a truth he couldn't deny - he cared, oh how he cared, about the outcome of this competition. Despite his best efforts to suppress his favoritism, Guy knew that if he were to claim indifference, it would be a flagrant lie. His heart silently whispered its desire, secretly wishing that Lee would emerge victorious, even though both contenders resided under his tutelage.

Not only to show Neji that hard work is more important than natural talent but to show the entire world the same thing. For this reason, Guy made sure Lee knew how to open six of his eight gates. Guy knew Neji was fast, but with four gates, Lee would be enough to easily overpower him and win the fight.

As Guy stood at the iron railing, his eyes fixated on the bustling arena below; he suddenly heard a familiar voice call out to him from behind. "Guy," It was Kakashi.

Intrigued, Guy leaned back, his muscles tensing, and turned his head ever so slightly to catch a glimpse of Kakashi's face. With a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, Guy met Kakashi's gaze, awaiting his words. "Yes, Kakashi?"

"I know how you feel, Naruto and Sasuke will fight one another, and I would be lying if I said that I wouldn't care who won," In that fleeting moment, their eyes locked in a silent conversation. The sincerity in his voice was evident, despite its hushed tone, as every syllable reached Guy's ears with utmost clarity. In response, Guy simply nodded, a gesture filled with unspoken understanding and camaraderie. Returning his gaze to the arena, Guy's anticipation intensified, his heart pounding in sync with the collective excitement of the crowd. The air crackled with palpable tension as he waited, his eyes ablaze with determination, for the battle to commence.

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With a wide stretch of his arms and a lingering yawn escaping his lips, Shikamaru couldn't help but pose a thought-provoking question to his comrades, his eyes glimmering with a mischievous twinkle. "Who do you think will win?" As the Genins of Kumo and Konoha formed a bond, standing shoulder to shoulder in a display of camaraderie and mutual respect, it seemed as though they had known each other for ages.

However, amidst this harmonious scene, the Suna team chose to maintain a cautious distance from their counterparts, leaving onlookers to ponder the cryptic motives behind their deliberate isolation.

Without a moment's hesitation, Naruto's voice resounded through the air, breaking the silence like a sudden burst of thunder. "Lee," he uttered, his response both swift and confident, capturing the attention of everyone present. Eyes darted towards him, curiosity painted across their faces, but Yugito and Hinata seemed most intrigued, their gazes lingering on him a moment longer. Sensing the weight of the situation, Hinata took a step forward, her countenance a captivating blend of determination and uncertainty, as if caught in the midst of a fierce internal struggle.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata stammered, her voice filled with a mix of nervousness and determination, "my cousin is strong. I k-know R-Rock Lee is strong, but I'm certain N-Neji will w-win this f-fight." Hinata's loyalty towards Neji was unwavering despite their occasional differences and disagreements. She had a deep-rooted desire to see him triumph, believing in his potential and refusing to accept anything less than his glorious success.

"I agree with Hinata, Rock Lee is fast, but Neji is faster than him." Shino added, supporting what Hinata had said. Shino wasn't sure himself, but he didn't know just how strong Rock Lee was, and he had seen how fast Neji could be.

"Usually I would agree with you, Shino, Neji has the Byakugan after all, but Rock Lee has something that will make the Byakugan completely useless." Naruto spoke, earning the attention of everyone who heard him, especially the Kumo team.

"What is that exactly?" Mabui questioned, sounding intrigued; Samui nodded in agreement, wanting to hear what could make the Byakugan useless.

"Speed, and the Eight Gates will give you enough speed."

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In the midst of anticipation, Genma, positioned between Neji and Rock Lee, posed a question that hung in the air like a suspended breath: "Are you both ready?" Their eyes locked onto each other, mirroring the determination etched on their faces as they exchanged glances. And without a moment's hesitation, their voices merged in unison, overflowing with unwavering resolve: "Yes!"

With an authoritative "Start!" cry that reverberated through the arena, Genma propelled himself backward with astonishing agility, anticipating the forthcoming clash. As if propelled by a gust of wind, Lee surged forward in a dazzling display of speed, his form blurring as he rapidly closed the distance between himself and Neji. Neji, renowned for his exceptional perception, keenly observed Lee's approach and instinctively leaped backward, narrowly evading the lightning-fast kick aimed directly at his chin.

Neji launched himself at his opponent with lightning speed, his eyes shimmering with determination. In a swift and calculated move, he aimed to strike at the very core of his adversary's strength—his inner organs. Normally, Neji would have focused on disabling his opponent's chakra points, disrupting the energy flow and rendering them powerless. However, with his unique fighting style, he knew that Lee lacked the ability to harness chakra for Ninjutsu. Realizing this, Neji abandoned his usual strategy, opting instead to take a direct approach and inflict damage directly to his opponent's vital organs. The intent was clear: to swiftly bring the fight to an end, leaving no room for hesitation or negotiation.

With nimble agility, Lee skillfully evaded Neji's lightning-fast palm strike by executing a seamless side step, his body moving like a leaf dancing in the wind. Displaying unparalleled reflexes and determination, Lee retaliated with a lightning-quick kick aimed directly at Neji's position.

However, Neji, demonstrating his own prowess, swiftly evaded the incoming attack by smoothly crouching down, narrowly evading the dangerous trajectory of Lee's strike. As moments passed and the intensity of the fight escalated, an unwavering determination filled the air between the two combatants.

Despite the stabbing pain that suddenly surged through his lungs, Lee pressed forward with unwavering resolve as if a malevolent force had plunged a blade deep into his chest. Blood dripped from his mouth, a testament to the severity of his injuries, yet he refused to succumb to the agony that threatened to overwhelm him.

Summoning his remaining strength, Lee defied the pain coursing through his body and swiftly propelled himself away from Neji; he gracefully leaped through the air. His desperate attempt to create distance between them was driven by a desperate need to regain his composure and devise a strategy to counter Neji's relentless onslaught.

However, as if fueled by an unyielding determination to claim victory, Neji exhibited an unwavering tenacity, refusing to allow Lee any respite. With a fierce determination burning in his eyes, Neji surged forward, closing the gap with rapid strides, his every movement calculated and precise. His unyielding pursuit marked the relentless pursuit of triumph as he sought to exploit any opening and deliver another devastating strike upon Lee's vulnerable form.

With lightning reflexes, Lee skillfully evaded each of the relentless strikes that Neji hurled toward him, his body fluidly dodging and weaving. The air crackled with intensity as Lee's movements grew more intricate and precise with every dodge, his muscles coiling like springs, ready to unleash their pent-up energy.

Sensing an opportune moment, Lee propelled himself into the air, defying gravity as he soared upwards. As he reached the apex of his leap, a fierce determination sparked in his eyes, a fire that fueled his next move. With a burst of raw power, Lee unleashed a devastating kick aimed straight at Neji's face.

Neji, caught off guard by the sheer audacity of Lee's attack, instinctively raised his arms to ward off the blow, but his defenses proved insufficient against the sheer force behind Lee's strike. Like a bolt of lightning, the second kick crashed into Neji's left cheek, propelling him through the air with unstoppable momentum. The world momentarily held its breath as Neji's body arced through the sky, a fleeting figure against the backdrop of an indigo twilight. Gravity reclaimed its hold on Neji, and he descended with a resounding crash, the impact reverberating through the earth beneath him.

As Lee descended gracefully from the air, his heart pounding with anticipation, he prepared to charge towards Neji. However, just as the fiery determination ignited within him, an unexpected adversary emerged, attacking him from the shadows. With an agonizing jolt, a searing pain surged through his left shin, leaving him disoriented and vulnerable. His body wavered precariously, threatening to collapse onto the unforgiving earth below. The pain, sharp as a dagger's edge, coursed through his veins, tormenting him beyond measure. In a futile attempt to suppress his mounting anger, Lee clenched his teeth, his furious determination undeterred, but his once nimble leg was rendered virtually useless, hampering his every move.

When did that happen? Lee asked himself when he suddenly remembered that Neji had hit his leg before Lee had kicked his face, resulting in his shin getting hurt badly.

As Lee mustered the courage to advance, every ounce of determination in his body, he was seized by an excruciating jolt of agony coursing through his leg, causing him to wince in pain. Gripping his teeth tightly together, he fought against the waves of discomfort, refusing to let it hinder his progress. Meanwhile, Neji, who had been lying on the ground moments before, slowly rose to his feet, his face betraying the evidence of a brutal encounter. His nose was visibly broken, blood trickling down his face, creating a crimson stream, yet he appeared unperturbed by the injury. In fact, a mischievous smirk of triumph gradually tugged at the corners of Neji's lips, hinting at the satisfaction he derived from their intense confrontation.

"It's over," Neji declared triumphantly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he prepared to deliver the final blow in the fierce battle. Fueled by an unwavering determination, Lee swiftly rolled up the cuffs of his pants, exposing a concealed set of weights that had been secretly restraining his movements all along.

A sudden gasp of astonishment escaped the onlookers' lips, their eyes widening with intrigue and anticipation. Lee's resolute voice pierced through the air, shattering the silence, "Not yet!" With an unwavering determination etched upon his face.

At that very moment, a profound transformation took place within Lee's being. As the last weight relinquished its grip on his legs, Lee experienced an exhilarating sensation. It was as if the shackles of gravity itself had been cast aside, freeing him from the burdens that had weighed him down. A surge of newfound lightness coursed through his veins, igniting a spark of newfound confidence within him. In that fleeting instant, Lee felt an indescribable surge of liberation, as if his body had been transformed into a vessel capable of defying the laws of nature.

In a display of astounding agility and strength, Lee swiftly hurled his formidable weights with expert precision, sending them hurtling to opposite ends of the expansive arena. As soon as the metallic masses made contact with the earth's surface, an awe-inspiring spectacle unfolded before the onlookers' eyes. The sheer force of impact caused the ground beneath to splinter and fracture, giving rise to billows of dust and swirling plumes of smoke that danced in the air as if an immense and weighty entity had forcefully descended upon the scene. Even Neji, known for his calm demeanor, couldn't help but be taken aback by the astounding display of power. Although aware of Lee's consistent use of weights in his training regimen, he had never anticipated them to possess such astonishing mass and heft.

Suddenly, a hushed silence fell over the crowd as they beheld the sight before them. Gasps of astonishment escaped their lips as they comprehended the immense burden that Lee was shouldering.

"You can do this Lee," In the midst of the electrifying atmosphere, Guy whispered words of encouragement under his breath. His voice, barely audible amidst the sea of voices, carried a profound belief in Lee's abilities. Guy knew that this was Lee's moment, his chance to prove himself against the formidable Neji and emerge victorious.

With a steely gaze fixed upon his opponent, Lee exuded a newfound confidence. His muscles tensed, ready to unleash his unparalleled speed and agility. The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd braced themselves for the clash of two ninjas like them. Lee's words, dripping with determination, pierced through the silence, challenging Neji to keep pace with his lightning-fast movements.

"Now, Neji. Let's see if you can keep up with my speed." All eyes were on Lee. The spectators could feel the surge of adrenaline coursing through their veins, their hearts pounding in sync with the pulsating energy of the arena.