Capítulo 68: who's there!?
After months of intense training, Rock Lee had finally advanced his taijutsu mastery to a whole new realm. He had entered the third level of his martial discipline, a breakthrough that filled him with unparalleled strength and energy.
At this moment, Lee could feel power surging through his body like a raging river, unstoppable and overwhelming. His skin seemed to shine faintly, as if radiating a divine glow. Each muscle felt harder than tempered steel, honed through relentless training and dedication.
"So strong!" Lee whispered to himself, clenching his fists. "Pure taijutsu is even more powerful than I imagined."
He was in awe of the strength he had cultivated. Even with his memories of Sion Mun's past techniques, Lee recognized that his current power was far greater than what he had achieved in his previous life at the same stage. The realization filled him with pride and reinforced his unwavering determination.
"Orochimaru," Lee muttered under his breath, his voice cold and resolute. "Once I reach the fourth level of my training, I'll ensure you answer for your actions!"
With a slight shift of his feet, Lee became a blur of motion, racing through the dense forest at incredible speed. His agility and precision were unmatched; his footsteps barely disturbed the leaves underfoot. After entering the third level of his training, his speed had multiplied, and he moved like a shadow—silent and deadly.
Lee reached a large tree overlooking the cave where Sakura was guarding Naruto and Sasuke. Peering down, he saw her sitting at the entrance, clutching a kunai tightly in her hands. Her eyelids drooped, and her exhaustion was evident—she was on the verge of falling asleep.
"Naruto and Sasuke are fortunate to have survived this far," Lee thought, shaking his head. "But with Sakura as their only line of defense… this situation is dire. If an enemy strikes now, they won't stand a chance."
At that moment, Lee sensed movement. His sharp eyes flicked toward the shadows of the forest. He spotted three figures creeping silently toward the cave, their movements calculated and predatory.
"It's them—those three from the Sound Village," Lee thought, his expression hardening. His sharp gaze locked onto the hunched figure leading the group. The man's cold, calculating eyes glinted with murderous intent.
"Sakura doesn't even realize the danger…" Lee sighed inwardly. "If these enemies attack now, she won't even have time to react. What were Konoha's higher-ups thinking, placing her on a team with such critical responsibilities? She's clearly unprepared!"
Lee bent his middle finger against his thumb and flicked a broken tree branch toward the ground near the Sound ninjas.
"Snap!"
The sound was sharp and deliberate, breaking the stillness of the night. The three Sound ninja immediately dropped to the ground, their bodies tense as they scanned their surroundings for the source of the noise.
The sound also startled Sakura awake. Her exhaustion melted into panic as she stood up, gripping her kunai tightly. Her voice trembled as she shouted, "Who's there?!"
Her fear was apparent, and her body quivered despite her attempts to sound brave. A moment later, a squirrel darted out of the bushes, scurrying away into the darkness.
"It's just a squirrel," Sakura murmured, exhaling deeply as relief washed over her. She sat back down at the entrance of the cave, visibly shaken but unaware of the real threat still lurking nearby.
"Hopeless!" Lee thought, suppressing a groan. "Even with such a clear warning, she didn't notice the enemy. How am I supposed to protect them all at this rate?"
Meanwhile, the three Sound ninja whispered among themselves.
"Have we been discovered, Tōsu?" the long-haired one asked nervously.
"No," Tōsu replied, his voice cold and steady. "That was just a coincidence. Stay low."
"Should we attack now?" the female ninja, Kin, asked eagerly, her sharp gaze fixed on Sakura.
"No," Tōsu said firmly. "Orochimaru-sama's orders were clear. We wait until dawn before making our move."
Kin scowled. "That pink-haired girl irritates me. Her hair makes me want to—"
"Kin, silence!" Tōsu snapped, his icy tone cutting her off. "Orochimaru-sama's orders are absolute. Disobey them, and you'll face the consequences."
Kin shrank back under his glare. "Understood," she muttered.
The third ninja, Zaku, chuckled softly, breaking the tension. "Relax, Kin. Let her live a little longer. It won't change her fate come morning."
Hidden in the trees, Lee listened intently, piecing together their conversation. A grim smile tugged at his lips as he realized Orochimaru's true intentions.
"Orochimaru's strategy is clever," Lee thought. "By delaying the attack, he's ensuring that Sasuke has time to recover. He knows Sasuke's potential will grow stronger under pressure. Sending these three to face him tomorrow… it's a death sentence for them."
Lee felt a pang of pity for the Sound ninja. They were pawns in Orochimaru's game, destined to die for his twisted plans.
"Enjoy your last night," Lee murmured, his gaze shifting toward the retreating figures of the Sound ninja. "You don't even realize you're being sacrificed."
As the forest grew quiet once more, Lee turned his focus back to Sakura and the others. His resolve hardened. He wouldn't let anyone harm his comrades—not while he still drew breath.
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