People in the Same Situation

No one casually made enemies for themselves, and no one hated another person for no reason.

Although the students in Rock Lee's year had only studied at the Ninja Academy for one year, they had already begun to differ from other children.

Though they had lost their freedom and could no longer play as wildly as before, the school's rules restrained them while its knowledge influenced and reshaped them.

People like Rock Lee, who had little talent for ninjutsu or Genjutsu training, were not uncommon at the academy. There were almost always some in every class.

But people like Rock Lee, who persisted tirelessly even knowing they had no chance of becoming ninja, were far too few—so few as to be nearly nonexistent.

Someone with such perseverance only made the classmates around him feel regret and pity.

The battle at Training Ground Three lasted quite a while. Ryosuke watched the entire process quietly from the sidelines as a spectator.

Compared to his opponent, Rock Lee was far superior physically. Whether in speed or strength, he was a step ahead of the Inuzuka Clan boy.

And although the taijutsu he used was only the ordinary Konoha Style Taijutsu taught at the Ninja Academy, he had mastered it to an exceptional degree.

Even though he could not use ninjutsu, his advantages in taijutsu and physical ability compensated well for his shortcomings in battle.

It just... was not enough.

"I lost."

Though Rock Lee's determination was unyielding, and he had managed to endure until his opponent's Chakra was reduced to only a trace,

unfortunately, he no longer had the strength to continue fighting either.

His opponent might have been low on Chakra, but he still had stamina left.

"You're already quite good, but you should think more carefully about becoming a ninja." Satisfied, the Inuzuka Clan boy formed the Seal of Reconciliation, offered Rock Lee another word of advice, then stepped out of the training ground.

Rock Lee said nothing and silently left the training ground as well.

"Lee, are you going to continue sparring? Or are you done for today?"

Quite a few people nearby asked eagerly.

"Sorry, I can only stop here today. I've used up a lot of stamina." Rock Lee greeted them apologetically.

The others were clearly disappointed. Someone like Rock Lee, who was exceptionally skilled in taijutsu but could not use even the slightest bit of ninjutsu, was practically the ideal training partner. He could give them plenty of real combat experience.

So, he was actually quite popular at school. Many people sparred with him after classes during this time of day.

The sky was gradually darkening.

After silently resting by the edge of the training ground for a while and recovering some strength, Rock Lee prepared to leave the academy and end his day of study.

Ryosuke did not approach him immediately. He strolled behind him without concealing his presence.

Only after they had left the academy gates did he quicken his pace to catch up.

"That was a wonderful fight."

When he came alongside Rock Lee, Ryosuke noticed that his expression was somewhat gloomy.

It seemed he still cared deeply about losing the battle.

He was not yet the Rock Lee who grew braver with every setback and charged ever onward. He had not yet encountered the greatest fortune of his life—his mentor, Might Guy.

"You're... Hyūga?"

Ryosuke's greeting made Rock Lee stop in surprise. After getting a clear look at him, he quickly recognized who he was.

"My name is Hyuga Ryosuke."

Ryosuke smiled. "Your name is Rock Lee, right? I'll remember it. After watching that battle, I think you can become a very formidable ninja in the future."

His tone was gentle and friendly.

Faced with both Ryosuke's easy familiarity and his identity, Rock Lee replied somewhat at a loss, "Did you... watch the entire battle just now?"

"Of course. I was there from the beginning."

Ryosuke nodded. "Are you in a hurry to get home? I can treat you to something to eat, as thanks for letting me watch such a wonderful battle. You can also replenish your stamina."

"N-No... there's no need."

Rock Lee waved his hands in a fluster. "If you watched the entire battle, then you should know that I don't even have the qualifications to become a ninja. I simply can't learn ninjutsu."

He was not accustomed to this sort of enthusiasm.

Especially the praise in Ryosuke's words—it made him deeply uneasy.

Was there some kind of misunderstanding...?

"I know. You haven't learned the Three Body Technique yet, and even extracting Chakra is somewhat difficult for you," Ryosuke said gently. "But you truly have remarkable talent in taijutsu. Even with only the simple Konoha Style Taijutsu, you can bring out a fighting style uniquely your own. That is what caught my attention."

"In that battle just now, weren't there several times when you nearly succeeded? You only lacked a little speed and a little strength—enough that he didn't even have time to use the Substitution Technique."

"If you work even harder, perhaps next time you'll have the chance to defeat that person and become the victor."

Without realizing it, his halted footsteps had begun moving again.

And out of politeness, Rock Lee continued following him.

"But if I only know taijutsu, I have no way of becoming a ninja. Even graduating is very difficult for me," Rock Lee said troubledly.

He did not know why he had suddenly started talking to this stranger before him.

Perhaps it was because the words he usually heard told him to give up, but now someone was suddenly telling him that he actually could do it.

It made Rock Lee want to refute Ryosuke with every possible reason, while also forcing himself to face reality.

Of course, part of the reason was that Ryosuke's smile was bright, and they were close in age.

"The Ninja Academy's graduation assessment isn't that rigid. Special talents have special paths to graduation," Ryosuke said casually as he walked.

"Besides... it's not as though there are no ninja like you, with talent only in taijutsu while being ordinary in other aspects—or even poor, you could say."

"...Huh?!"

Rock Lee abruptly stopped, staring at Ryosuke with wide eyes.

Ryosuke stopped as well, but he did not continue speaking.

"Here should do. Ichiraku Ramen seems fairly famous."

Looking at the small noodle stall before them, where customers came and went continuously, Ryosuke lifted the curtain and entered first.

He had always wanted to try the famous Ichiraku Ramen of this Ninja World, but he had been busy training and had few chances to go out, so he had put it off for years.

Now was the perfect opportunity to try the ramen—and, while he was at it, see whether he could run into that blond brat.

"W-Wait! Please explain yourself! Are there really people like me?"

Faced with Ryosuke stopping halfway through his explanation, Rock Lee hurried after him. He no longer had the presence of mind to be polite or worry about letting someone he had just met treat him.

"Of course. This world is so vast that it has every kind of person. I can't say their situations are exactly the same, but they are very similar."

As he answered, Ryosuke sat down at the counter in front of the noodle stall. "One large bowl of Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen."