Ch 413: That’s Just How Men Are
Kai once said that Rock Lee was the most talented taijutsu genius he had ever seen, and might even surpass him.
Moreover, Kai hadn’t opened the Five Gates at Rock Lee’s age.
But Rock Lee’s later performance was unsatisfactory, seemingly signifying a retirement. The reason for his retirement was probably not because he stole too much limelight（it was simply）, but rather because he suffered too many irreversible injuries（a reasonable explanation）.
Now is the time for growth. Saving Rock Lee’s arm and leg might allow him to consume less potential and unleash power truly befitting his talent.
Konoha Hospital. Rock Lee was startled when he woke up.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he found a sea of heads looking at him.
“Ah!!”
Rock Lee, who was covered in wounds, almost jumped out of bed.
“Hey! It’s true, Yuta, how did you know Rock Lee was going to wake up!?”
Naruto asked in surprise.
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Yuta pointed to Rock Lee’s blanket on the bed.
There was a faint bulge near the waist.
“When boys are about to wake up, their… you know… will rise~”
The girls present secretly spat, while the boys found it hard to resist looking down.
Chen Bo’s knowledge of physiology is something the Ninja Academy wouldn’t teach. Children in their naive years wouldn’t notice it, and it wouldn’t happen until later anyway.
Rock Lee reacted, his face instantly turning as red as if he had opened the Eight Gates Formation, and covered his lower body with the blanket.
“How did you all get here? Where’s Kai Sensei?”
Rock Lee really wanted to ask Kai how he was doing. His youth was only his and Kai Sensei’s youth. His efforts naturally needed Kai Sensei’s encouragement.
Yuta raised a finger and pointed to the ceiling.
“Your Kai Sensei is upstairs with Kakashi-sensei.”
“Ah!?”
Rock Lee was stunned for a moment, then reacted.
He thought Kakashi was also hospitalized due to injury. Upon further thought, he must have gone to see his comatose best friend.
Although Kakashi always seemed to prioritize missions and appeared almost emotionless, people in Konoha knew that Kakashi visited his best friend at the hospital frequently, even though his best friend couldn’t even open his eyes.
Many people considered Kakashi and Kawazakura to be the epitome of bonds.
From the former Konoha Twin Stars, with Kawazakura growing stronger and Kakashi becoming somewhat of a supporting role, to now, with Kawazakura lying in bed, Kakashi has surpassed his past self, yet remains unwavering. Their bond is like that of brothers.
“As for us,”
Yuta shrugged.
“Actually, I wanted to see you and ask you something.”
“Please ask anything. Although I’ve lost my fighting ability, I still saw your courageous actions, Yuta. I need to express my sincere gratitude. Thank you for your help!”
Rock Lee’s eyes widened, his expression serious.
“I wanted to ask where you got your master and disciple’s outfits? They haven’t worn out after so much fighting. Look at my beggar’s outfit~”
Yuta said, lifting his cape.
It was more of a coat; the scarf around his neck was the actual cape.
His clothes could be described as rags and tatters.
“I also want to order a more durable beggar’s outfit~”
My God! X13
Everyone couldn’t help but think, why does this guy love beggar’s clothes so much!
Yuta wanted to ask Rock Lee where he got his clothes, so he walked towards Konoha Hospital. On the way, he unexpectedly met all his comrades. All twelve of Konoha’s strongest genin, plus Team 11, were in this ward.
“Thank you for visiting me!”
Rock Lee thought Yuta probably just wanted to visit him and used this as an excuse.
“Hey? No, I really want to change my clothes.”
“Um… for clothes, you should ask Kai Sensei. He helps me with my daily life.”
Rock Lee scratched his head.
Before Rock Lee graduated, Kai had been supporting him. If it weren’t for Kai, Rock Lee might not have graduated from the reformed Ninja Academy. So Kai is now supporting three people（Might Dai is still a genin, and poor）.
“By the way, how did the later battles go?”
Thanks to Konoha Hospital’s care, Rock Lee woke up without any major problems, so he quickly turned his attention to the later battles.
But Rock Lee only had one match left, that was Shikamaru Nara versus Kimimaro.
Shikamaru glanced at Kimimaro across the bed and sighed helplessly.
“Well~ Kimimaro won~”
Upon seeing Kimimaro’s name, Shikamaru directly chose to forfeit.
The Nara Clan might lack other things, but they certainly didn’t lack intelligence. Shikamaru knew Kimimaro’s strength.
Are you kidding me? A monster who doesn’t feel pain and uses his own bones as weapons? Can that be easily defeated with brains?
Shikamaru even doubted whether his Shadow Clone Technique could control Kimimaro.
The Nara Clan’s secret technique has strong control abilities, and combined with their intelligence, it’s incredibly powerful, but the strength of this technique is relative.
If Water Release always defeats Fire Release, and Lightning Release always defeats Earth Release, wouldn’t Sarutobi Hiruzen, who masters the Five Nature Ninjutsu, be invincible?
Kimimaro nodded to Shikamaru.
“Too bad.”
“Too bad for what? I didn’t let Lord Kimimaro fight to his heart’s content. I’m truly ashamed~”
Shikamaru rolled his eyes.
“But it’s troublesome. Knowing I can’t win, I’d rather give up~”
“So the Chūnin Exams are over!?”
Rock Lee exclaimed in shock.
“Not yet.”
Sasuke, arms crossed, said calmly.
“There’s a final showdown in half a month, but there’s less than half a month left now. You’ve been in the hospital for three days.”
“That long!?”
“That’s right, we’re wasting our training time to see you, bushy brow.”
Sasuke was as cynical and arrogant as ever.
But Rock Lee didn’t get angry, instead, he was very moved.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Being thanked directly, Sasuke turned his head away.
“No… no need. I actually learned some of your moves, consider it even.”
That’s how it should be between kids. Things like “you kill me, I’ll kill you” are abnormal.
“Rock Lee!!!!!”
The door to the ward was burst open, and Kai charged in like a bear, his eyes welling up again at the sight of Rock Lee.
“You’re finally awake!!!”
“Kai Sensei!!!”
The two embraced and wept, the scene getting a little out of control.
The others were a little dumbfounded, wondering why both of them were crying.
Few people could understand the depth of the bond between two men who yearned for youthful passion.
“Ah, let’s leave this to the master and disciple,”
Kakashi leaned against the doorframe, holding a small book.
“Because I knew there would be a lot of people today, I made extra food at home. If you don’t mind, how about coming to my house for dinner?”
Kakashi’s eyes were vacant, as if it were just a casual invitation.
But in reality, he wanted to show off Ari.
Men, if you have a girlfriend, wouldn’t you show her off?
……
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