"It's finally that bushy-browed guy's turn." Son Goten tossed the orange peel into the trash, clapped his hands clean, and sat up straight for once.
He really couldn't get interested in those flashy ninjutsu matches earlier. They were either spitting water or spitting fire, like some kind of circus act.
Only this bowl-cut guy in a bodysuit felt different to him.
That sense of purely honing the body was right up a Saiyan's alley.
Down in the arena, Rock Lee bowed to Gaara. Even facing a murderous-looking monster from Sunagakure, he still observed every courtesy.
"I look forward to our match!"
Gaara folded his arms. The stopper of the gourd on his back popped out on its own, and fine grains of sand slowly flowed out.
Gaara's voice was hoarse. "I'll kill you."
The battle began, and Rock Lee moved, fast enough to stir up a gust of wind.
Konoha Whirlwind! A powerful spinning kick shot straight toward Gaara's head.
But before it could land, a wall of sand automatically blocked its path.
With a thump, Rock Lee used the impact to spring backward, then launched another flurry of combination punches.
Yet no matter how he attacked, the sand seemed alive, always blocking his punches and kicks a moment ahead.
"It's useless." Kankuro sneered from the stands. "Gaara's Sand Armor is an absolute defense. Taijutsu doesn't work on him at all."
"Not necessarily," Son Goten cut in.
Kankuro glared at him. "What do you know?"
Son Goten pointed below. "He's just not fast enough. As long as his fists are faster than the sand, that turtle shell is just for show."
Down below, Might Guy gave Rock Lee a thumbs-up. "Lee! Take them off!"
Rock Lee's eyes lit up. "Are you sure, Guy-sensei?"
"Yes! Spread your wings and fly!"
Under