It was a scorching summer

"I still remember that scorching summer. I, Rock Lee, was out on my daily training run when I happened to see Meihui training Naruto and Sasuke. I was going to leave, but then something Meihui said caught my attention."

"Uchiha Sasuke, this is for your own good. Here comes your favorite-a big old slap." Meihui's words left Sasuke fuming, but he didn't dare protest.

Seeing Sasuke standing silently off to the side, Rock Lee assumed this was some powerful secret technique. He secretly jotted it down in his little notebook, then slipped away.

By the time Rock Lee finished recounting the technique's origins, Meihui had already died of embarrassment.

He had been minding his own business, only to have blame fall out of the sky. Even Danzo would have called that a masterclass.

Meihui was utterly speechless. When Rock Lee gave him a thumbs-up, he was so angry he wanted to jump down and beat him up.

Gaara, however, had no intention of going easy on Rock Lee in the arena. Several attempts to seize him left Rock Lee with nowhere to retreat.

"In that case, I'll have to use that move."

Rock Lee accelerated again. After several attacks, Gaara's sand could no longer keep up with his speed. Seizing his chance, Rock Lee sent Gaara high into the air with a rising kick, then followed him up and unleashed a technique that hurt its user almost as badly as its target-Front Lotus.

After Gaara crashed to the ground, cracks had appeared across his face, but he still directed his sand to attack Rock Lee.

Having just used Front Lotus, Rock Lee had suffered considerable injuries himself. As the sand drew closer, he had no choice but to activate the Eight Gates Released Formation.

An astonishing surge of chakra erupted around Rock Lee, scattering Gaara's sand. When the smoke cleared, veins bulged across Rock Lee's forehead, his face was flushed red, and only the whites of his eyes remained visible. He looked like a fierce tiger charging down a mountain.

"This is the moment to live by my Ninja Way!"

The spectators could hardly believe the sight of Rock Lee. Someone so unremarkable in appearance could unleash such incredible power. It was as though a terrifying force lay hidden within that small frame.

But seeing Rock Lee like this, Meihui couldn't help feeling regretful. Once this match was over, Rock Lee would probably be out of action for good.

Gaara was stunned by the Rock Lee before him as well. He had never seen anything like this. Rock Lee charged in and pummeled him, leaving him dazed beneath a relentless barrage of blows.

But Rock Lee had, after all, forced open the fifth gate of the Eight Gates Released Formation. Frankly, he had pushed himself a little too far.

Sure enough, after throwing a few punches, Rock Lee's strength began to fail. He used everything he had left to send Gaara flying, then, unable to endure any longer, released the Eight Gates Released Formation.

Rock Lee was utterly exhausted, pain coursing through his entire body. His body seemed to be protesting everything he had just put it through.

And how could Gaara let him off after taking such a beating? He immediately caught Rock Lee with Sand Binding Coffin. Gaara clenched his fist, intent on killing Rock Lee as easily as crushing a flower. But just then, Youth Bro entered the arena in time and stopped Gaara from continuing his technique.

"Rock Lee forfeits the match."

Ignoring Gaara's hostile glare entirely, Guy picked Rock Lee up and carried him away.

Seeing Gaara standing there fuming, Meihui couldn't help clicking his tongue in wonder. Gaara certainly had some guts. This was Youth Bro—the man who had nearly kicked the story straight into its finale.

With the right music and the right man, even someone beyond Kage level would get wrecked.