Konoha Whirlwind!
The instant the battle began, Rock Lee shot forward, leaping into the air as a swift, fluid spinning side kick shot straight at Neji's face!
But before the Byakugan, the trajectory of such a straightforward attack was crystal clear. Neji merely shifted slightly to the side and raised an arm, easily blocking the powerful kick.
Immediately afterward, he flicked his wrist. Faint Chakra gathered at his fingertips as he countered with a Gentle Fist strike aimed directly at the acupoints in Lee's chest!
In an instant, the two figures rapidly crossed paths in the center of the arena. Fists howled through the air, and legs lashed out like whips! Rock Lee's offense was like a torrential storm—fierce and swift—while Neji remained composed, using the Gentle Fist to counter every move. Every block and dodge was perfectly timed, and he even seized the smallest gaps in Lee's attacks, constantly attempting to suppress him by sealing his acupoints.
Amid the fierce exchange, Neji calmly analyzed the battle. Indeed, Lee's taijutsu speed and power had improved tremendously compared to the last time he had challenged him several years ago.
But with the insight of the Byakugan, keeping up with Rock Lee's movements was still effortless.
Neji was certain that Lee lacked any effective long-range attacks. As long as he maintained close combat, the Gentle Fist's ability to seal acupoints would eventually tip the scales of victory in his favor!
Under his relentless pressure, Rock Lee, who had initially been on the offensive, gradually shifted into defense, constantly blocking and dodging the fingers that struck at his acupoints like a lingering affliction.
Rock Lee knew very well that once his meridians were sealed by the Gentle Fist and he could no longer use Chakra, even his final trump card would be impossible