Ninja Academy

At Konoha Ninja Academy, sunlight spilled into every corner of the campus as the students chattered excitedly about the upcoming class assignments. Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Tenten—three children with completely different personalities—were assigned to the class led by the jonin Might Guy.

The moment Rock Lee stepped into the Ninja Academy, he sensed the strange looks and whispers around him. People mocked him as a dead last, believing that someone incapable of ninjutsu could never become a real ninja. Some mischievous children even picked up stones and threw them at him. Rock Lee could only cover his ears tightly and run away as hard as he could, tears welling in his eyes.

Might Guy, standing not far away, saw all of it. He stood there quietly, his gaze fixed on the child being ridiculed by everyone, his heart filled with indescribable sympathy and anticipation.

At last, it was time for introductions. Smiling, Might Guy gently asked each student what their goal was. When it was Rock Lee's turn, he rose without hesitation and answered in a firm, ringing voice, "I will become a great ninja, even if I can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu!"

Before his words had even faded, the classroom erupted in laughter. The students whispered among themselves, questioning and mocking Rock Lee's answer. Neji Hyuga curled his lips in a disdainful smile and sneered without concealing his contempt, "What can you do without ninjutsu or genjutsu?"

Rock Lee's face instantly flushed red. His eyes widened as he glared furiously at Neji. Unable to tolerate anyone looking down on or mocking his dream, he suddenly charged at Neji, raising his fist to teach the arrogant boy a lesson.

However, Neji easily sidestepped. Rock Lee's punch struck nothing but air, and momentum carried him forward. He stumbled and fell