Cries of astonishment rose from the spectator stands. Even those who knew little about Ninjutsu had heard of the Eight Gates Released Formation. It was a forbidden technique that traded one's life for tremendous power. Using it meant being prepared to fight to the death!
"Konoha Secret Taijutsu Ultimate Technique: Front Lotus!"
With the Eight Gates Released Formation boosting him, Rock Lee's speed reached a terrifying level. He forcibly twisted in midair, dodging the Lightning Giant Wolf's attack at an impossible angle before closing in on Toru Kujyo from the side.
White chakra light coiled around his fist, a phenomenon produced by compressing the energy within his body to its absolute limit. That punch carried enough force to pulverize a boulder!
Faced with this lethal strike, Toru Kujyo finally moved.
He vanished from the spot as though teleporting, appearing behind Rock Lee a moment later. He moved so fast that even Sasuke Uchiha, with his Sharingan activated, could only catch a blurred afterimage.
"So fast!" Rock Lee's pupils contracted, but with the Eight Gates Released Formation active, his reaction speed had also reached its limit. Almost reflexively, he threw an elbow strike behind him.
Clang!
A sharp sound like clashing metal echoed through the air. Toru Kujyo had blocked Rock Lee's elbow with a single finger!
"Impossible..." Rock Lee's eyes widened. "An attack with the Eight Gates Released Formation active, stopped by just one finger..."
"Your strength is certainly impressive," Toru Kujyo said evenly. "But without technique to complement it, strength is nothing more than brute force."
He flicked his finger lightly, sending a deftly directed force along Rock Lee's arm and through his entire body. Rock Lee felt the flow of chakra inside him fall into disarray in an instant, and he flew backward uncontrollably.
Bang!
Rock Lee slammed