"Then come on!!"
Neji's voice rang out firmly, carrying respect and resolve that came from deep within him.
The light in his Byakugan was as cold as snow, yet a trace of burning heat entered it at that moment.
His opponent was Rock Lee-the man who knew neither ninjutsu nor genjutsu, yet had forced his way this far through pure taijutsu.
He was willing to stake his life against someone like that.
It was not only an acknowledgment of Rock Lee, but also the most solemn response he could offer to their match.
-At the sidelines, however, Yemu frowned.
"Tch, are you fighting or trying to get yourselves killed?"
Yemu snorted inwardly.
Battles in the ninja world were not a matter of one or two contests, but an endless succession of wars and trials.
If they burned through their lives in every match, how would they wage war against the Ōtsutsuki Clan in the future?
How would they enter battlefields on a higher level?
Although the existence of the Ōtsutsuki homeworld remained uncertain, Yemu understood that these people would be vital fighting forces in the future.
If Rock Lee truly burned himself out here, it would be utterly foolish.
Still, he did not step forward to stop them.
Yemu's gaze darkened slightly.
Even if every chakra pathway ruptured and Rock Lee's body broke down, Yemu could still restore him completely.
Even if Rock Lee truly gambled with his life, he would not actually die.
That was the source of Yemu's confidence, and the reason he could watch so calmly.
Around the arena, hot blood and tension set the atmosphere ablaze.
The instant Rock Lee unleashed his power, every ninja watching held their breath.
The thick, blood-red mist pouring from his body resembled burning flames, casting the arena in crimson.
That