Rock Lee's preemptive One strike stunned everyone.
Although Konoha's Sasuke Uchiha and Sunagakure's Gaara had also defeated their opponents in a single move in the earlier matches, everyone saw those victories as the work of immensely powerful, instantly unleashed Ninjutsu.
Many of the ninja present had witnessed the effects of such powerful Ninjutsu to some extent.
But every expert present could tell that Rock Lee's strike had been nothing but textbook, pure Taijutsu!
Its speed, precision, and ferocity were impeccable.
"That kid from Sunagakure blew it?"
Taki Metsu narrowed his eyes, seemingly unable to believe it.
"Hm? From your tone, you don't think he should have lost so quickly? What, do you know him too?"
Karatachi Gui sounded a little surprised.
"...No."
Taki Metsu looked away. "You're up next. Get ready... hm?"
Suddenly, the jarring sound of a mechanism moving rang out.
Clack.
Everyone's gaze shifted from Kankuro embedded in the wall to the strange, heavily bandaged object in the middle of the arena—
The sound had come from there!
"Just like you said, Might Guy! There's something wrong with this puppet!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Rock Lee smiled in understanding and sprang into motion. "You saw through all of this! I'm so glad I had your guidance! Now, this ends here! Konoha Whirlwind!"
The green gale swept through the arena again as Rock Lee unleashed a kick even harder than his previous one, aimed straight at the puppet beneath the bandages!
However...
The instant Rock Lee burst into motion, the bandages in the middle of the arena exploded outward, revealing countless sinister blades!
"What?!"
Rock Lee was startled, but he was already airborne and could no longer stop.
Just as he prepared to slap the ground with his hands to change direction, the ugly puppet, blades protruding from every