"What a joke! What right does someone like him have to talk about Sasuke? I don't think he's necessarily stronger than Sasuke!"
Seeing Sasuke in low spirits, Sakura stubbornly complained to everyone present. Tenten sighed and said, "Neji really isn't the strongest. The strongest one is sitting right across from you!"
Sakura looked at Rock Lee, who was hunched over his meal, and was rather surprised. Neji was a member of the Hyuga clan, one of the strongest bloodline clans because of the Byakugan, so it was believable that he was powerful. But this thick-browed, green-clad monster in front of her was a strong fighter?! Sakura would not have believed it even if someone beat her to death.
"I'm full! For the sake of today's wonderful meal, I've decided to start extra training right now! Let's go!"
Ignoring everyone else, Rock Lee stood up and swiftly ran out of the room, leaving the four still eating behind with speechless, utterly baffled expressions.
"Rotation!"
In a forest, Neji was carrying out his planned intense training. After using Rotation once more to sharpen his focus, he heard footsteps. Turning around, he discovered that the newcomer was Sasuke. He ignored him and resumed practicing the Gentle Fist.
"Fight me!"
After watching Neji practice his fist techniques for a while, Sasuke suddenly challenged him. Neji withdrew his fists, closed his eyes, and calmed his mind for a moment before saying with a cold smile—
"I won't fight you!"
"Why?!"
Sasuke frowned and pressed for an answer. Neji put his clothes back on, gave Sasuke another look, then turned to leave as he explained.
"You're not worthy. Don't think I'm insulting you. I'm simply stating a very real fact. I want to become stronger for this village, and to prove something to everyone! Even someone