Chapter 11: Gifted Genius vs. Hard Worker

Gai nervously clapped along with the crowd at the conclusion of the match. It wasn't that he was overawed by Gaara's strength, which was undeniably impressive, but he was immensely nervous about the upcoming battle. His two students, Neji and Lee, were about to battle. Sure, they had sparred in training countless times, but this was different.

"Gai?" Kakashi asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's this match" Gai replied, "Since my team was formed, everything has been building up to this fight. It has been Lee's ambition since meeting Neji to defeat him in battle. As for Neji, ever since his fight against Naruto he's seen Lee in a different light. He sees him as an actual rival now. This fight should be one to remember."

"So, why are you nervous?" Kakashi asked.

"The outcome of this match could change the lives of either of them in a bad way" Gai said, menacingly. "If Lee loses, it makes it seem like all of his training has been for nothing. That's a crushing blow that's tough to recover from. However, if the reverse were to happen, think how that would damage Neji's psyche. He's the pride of the honored Hyuga clan, a genius fighter. For him to lose what's going to be a taijutsu battle against another less, shall we say, gifted Genin just a year after losing to Naruto? He could lose all sense of who he is. Despite the favoritism I might have showed to Lee in the past, I do care for both of my students. I'm just worried about what might happen to them."

Kakashi studied Gai curiously, and then gave what appeared to be a smile.

"Well", Kakashi said, "if our rivalry is anything to go by, then they should be fine."

Gai looked back at Kakashi with a shocked look on his face, before giving in and smiling as well. Why does Kakashi always have to look so cool?

Lee stared over at Neji across the battlefield. Finally, after all those years of training, Lee had his chance. He could finally prove to the world that, even without ninjutsu or genjutsu skills, he could be a great ninja as well. He didn't have any kekkei genkai or enjoy any advantages of birth. His sweat and blood had brought him this far and he was determined that it would see him accomplish the final step as well. This is no longer the time for talk or for dreaming. It is the time to fight.

Neji stared back at Lee, watching him as he prepared for battle. Neji knew what Lee was thinking. He'd known it since the first time they met. Lee wanted nothing more than to destroy him in battle. Neji saw it as a compliment that Lee thought of him as a measuring stick. In the past, Neji ignored Lee completely and saw him as nothing more than a pest. However, recently Neji had been looking over his shoulder, well aware that Lee was right behind him. He knew Lee would never have the same powers that he had, but Neji also knew that, right now, they were facing off as equals. He too raised his guard and prepared to attack. The fight he had been looking forward to for some time was about to begin.

Tora dropped his arm and signaled the start of the fight. Unlike the previous bouts, this one got off to an immediate, high intensity start. Both ran at each other at full pace, their speed so fast it was hard to keep up. In fact, the majority of the crowd was struggling to see what was going on. Occasionally they would see the sand kick up into the air, or hear the strained voice of one of the fighters. It was only the other ninja that could keep up and even then only just. However, a break in the fight finally came as Neji flew up into the air. Lee had successfully landed a kick and he took the opportunity to perform the Dancing Leaf Shadow as he appeared directly behind Neji. Next, he unwrapped the bandages on his hands and surrounded Neji in them. He turned both of them towards the ground, and as they plummeted towards it Lee yelled "Primary Lotus". Both drove into the sand and Lee stood back up immediately. As he looked down, he yelled out.

"What, where is he?"

All Lee saw was a small trunk of wood where he had expected Neji to be. He realized what had happened, and castigated himself for not realizing.

"Substitution", he said as he spun around. Neji stood there, staring back at Lee with a smirk on his face.

"You didn't think it would be that easy did you?" he remarked, as he raised his guard once more. Lee ran back at Neji once more, screaming as he did.

"Eight Trigrams: Air Palm" Neji cried, directing his attack at the onrushing Lee. The force of the vacuum caused Lee to fly backwards, however, he did not do so for long. Through sheer force, he was able to stop his motion and return to the ground, and he too raised his guard.

"It seems you have also underestimated me," he said, also allowing a small smile to cross his face. After another brief interlude, the battle began again, except with much more intensity. Their speed seemed to double as both let down any restraint they may have been showing.

Kakashi glanced over at Gai, who looked deep in thought.

"Say Gai", Kakashi began, "I was just wondering. Why hasn't Lee taken his weights off? He'd surely be faster than Neji if he did."

"Lee has taken his weights off" was Gai's reply, who was still staring at the match. "Neji is faster than you think. However, the longer this match goes on the worse for Lee."

"How so?"

"Well" Gai said, "Each glancing blow Lee lands doesn't deal too much damage. However, each glancing blow of Neji's will harm Lee so much more. Gentle Fist takes effect over time, attacking Lee's chakra network. He needs to come up with something fast."

"Rotation" Neji cried, sending Lee to other side of the arena. Rather than try to finish off Lee, Neji was clearly looking to get some distance, so he could rest a little. Lee also seemed to appreciate the chance to catch his breath.

I can't win like this Lee thought, His hits are starting to take effect and I can't get past his rotation at this speed. I have only one option.

Lee crossed his arms in front of him making a cross.

Second Gate: Gate of Healing: Open!

"No!" Kakashi cried, "Didn't he learn from last time?"

"Actually, he has" Gai said, "He knows his limits with the Inner Gates now. He can use the 4th Gate for approximately 1 minute before his muscles will begin to tear. As long as he doesn't stay in that state for more than a minute, he'll be fine."

Lee yelled as he opened the last gate he could.

"4th Gate: Gate of Pain: Open!"

Lee's skin turned a deep red colour, his eyes were completely white and his veins were throbbing around his forehead. However, the most noticeable change in Lee was the green aura that surrounded him.

"Time to end this!" Lee yelled, and he ran towards Neji. However, Neji appeared ready for it, as he activated his Rotation once again.

Lee stood back, waiting for the technique to end.

As I expected, Lee thought, however, you can't keep up that technique long enough and as soon as you stop, I'll destroy you Neji.

Finally, Neji's Rotation ended and Lee pounced. He moved quickly in front of Neji and before he could react, kicked him up into the air. Lee stopped for a quick second, just watching the scene unfold before him. He finally had Neji at his mercy and was just seconds away from completing his goal.

This is it he said to himself, I am about to reach my goal. I hope your watching Gai Sensei.

Lee jumped in the air after Neji and made sure he ended up facing his rival. However, once he got up there, Neji hit him with his palm. The force of it was incredible and far stronger than any hit Neji had landed before.

"Last Resort: Eight Gates Assault!" Neji yelled, and hit Lee a further three times, who was still stunned at what had just happened. Both of them landed on the floor of the arena, breathing heavily. The crowd was stunned at what they saw.

"What?" Kakashi said, "Why is Lee back to his normal form? Why did he turn of the gates when he had at least another 20 seconds?"

Gai just looked stunned.

"I didn't think it was possible" he said, "Neji, when did you learn to do this? I've never heard of anyone that could do it, not even the best of the Hyuga."

Lee looked at his body, unable to figure out what had happened. He looked towards Neji, who was struggling just as much as Lee. Yet, when he noticed Lee, he smiled.

"You think you're the only one that learned a technique just for this fight?" he said. "I used my Gentle Fist to restrict your Inner Gates. They are all closed again and you won't be able to open them for some time."

Lee was distraught at the news. The Inner Gates were his trump card, his way of defeating Neji. Now, his rival had a way of taking that away from him.

What's the point? Lee thought, I have no way of beating him now. I'm tired from my use of the 4th Gate and I didn't even get any results from it. I can't beat Neji; he is just better than I am.

Lee looked up, ready to quit. However, when he saw Neji, his resolve returned.

He actually looks much more tired than I do he thought, he looks like he is barely able to move. That technique must take up a lot of chakra. I may be tired and my speed is severely reduced but if I can get in one more hit, it's over.

Lee ran at Neji with more force than ever before. He wasn't moving at even half his former speed, but the look on his face showed the strain he was under.

If he reaches me, it's over Neji thought; I don't have enough chakra for Rotation. I can barely move so I can't block his attack. Guess I have one option. I will have to use all of my chakra for my final attack.

"Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!"

Neji forced the vacuum of air towards Lee once again. He was able to put the same amount of force into the attack as before, but because of Lee's weakened state it had a much greater effect. Lee toppled backwards as the air connected, forcing him to the ground. Lee lay there, unable to move. The effects of the Gates, as well as that last attack, finally caught up with him. Neji was on his knees and struggling to stand.

"Come on" he said under his breath, "If I could just stand up, I've won."

Neji fell back to his knees as he almost stood up. He felt like lying down and giving up. The sheer pain of keeping himself off the floor was unbearable. Just then, he looked over at Lee.

Lee wouldn't give up, Neji thought, He would keep going until he stood. If he didn't, he'd probably give himself some kind of punishment. Well, my punishment would be not advancing to the final and I cannot allow that. So, come on Neji, just one push!

Neji forced himself up and stood on his feet. He was gasping, and wincing at the pain. However, he was stood up while his opponent lay unconscious on the ground. He looked towards the Proctor, begging to hear those words.

"The winner" Tora said, "Is Neji Hyuga."