It's likely that Neji had already lost to Lee many times by now.
After all, with Shiki's help, Lee had grown way stronger than he ever was in the original story. Every time Rock Lee doubted if his path could succeed, there was always someone by his side, cheering him on and pushing him to work even harder.
With such a rival and friend, how could Rock Lee not grow even stronger?
Moreover, just two days ago when Rock Lee and Tenten returned from their mission, Shiki had already learned quite a bit from the clearly improved Rock Lee—such as the fact that he had opened the View Gate.
The sixth gate of the [Eight Gates]!
When he first heard the news, even Shiki couldn't help but gasp in shock. Although on the surface, it seemed like Rock Lee had only opened one more gate beyond the original story,
with the [Eight Gates Release], each additional gate required exponentially greater effort to open.
If Rock Lee were able to open the sixth gate during the Chunin Exams, Shiki wondered—would he still lose to Gaara?
But no matter what, Shiki fully supported his hardworking friend. When he learned that Rock Lee had reached the sixth gate, Shiki felt genuinely happy for him.
Reflecting on this, Shiki fixed his gaze on Ebisu before him and said, "He is a ninja who cannot use ninjutsu or genjutsu."
"A ninja who can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu? How could he even be called a ninja?" Ebisu replied with surprise, since students like him wouldn't usually graduate from the ninja academy.
They wouldn't pass a single exam at the ninja academy—forget about graduating.
"That's right, Rock Lee is exactly that kind of ninja. And I'm telling you—he can beat Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuga Neji, two so-called 'geniuses' in your eyes. Think that's possible?"
"Ridiculous! How can you possibly prove that? In the end, you're just a childish brat showing off," naturally Ebisu refused to believe.
As a private tutor, Ebisu paid close attention to the prodigies at the ninja academy.
Uchiha Sasuke, for example, was a genius who could perform the C-rank jutsu, Great Fireball Jutsu, at age six.
One should know that C-rank jutsu are generally techniques only chunin can master.
Neji Hyuga, meanwhile, was the previous generation's genius before Sasuke—one Ebisu knew inside and out.
He simply refused to believe that Naruto and this so-called Rock Lee could possibly take down those two geniuses.
Seeing the look of disdain in Ebisu's eyes, Shiki couldn't help but say, "Then, Instructor Ebisu, if you don't believe me, how about we make a wager?"
"As if I'd gamble with a boring kid like you!" Ebisu immediately refused.
"Haha! Just as expected—you're scared of Naruto's younger brother!" Konohamaru interjected at just the right moment.
At first, Shiki didn't get it right away. It took a moment of thought before he remembered that Konohamaru now referred to Naruto as "Big Brother."
Ebisu naturally wanted to maintain authority in front of Konohamaru, and combined with this provocation, he finally snapped, "Fine! If that's how it is, then I accept your bet! What are the stakes?"
"Do a favor for them... without breaking my principles."
"That's it?" Ebisu asked, skepticism in his tone. He had expected Shiki to ask him to teach some advanced ninjutsu. Never did he imagine it'd just be doing a single favor.
After all, for a ninja, casually teaching forbidden techniques could already be considered as breaking protocol.
"That's all!" Shiki affirmed firmly, a glint flickering through his eyes.
"Fine! Then I accept!" Ebisu made the decision, then asked curiously, "So how do we test them? Should I call them out separately and have a sparring match?"
"No!" Shiki replied slowly. "If I remember correctly, the Chunin Exams will start soon. From what I know about them, they'll definitely participate."
As he spoke, Shiki couldn't help glancing toward The Third. His lips quivered slightly, but he couldn't find the words.
"In a few days," Shiki comforted himself inwardly. "Even when the Chunin Exams begin, there will still be time."
Maybe by then, he'd find a way that satisfies everyone.
A way to protect The Third without exposing that he was from another world.
Because no one would suspect someone from another world.
They would suspect someone else instead...
A spy!
Chapter 92: Alliance
Afterward, Shiki left the Hokage Office, though Konohamaru didn't follow him out right away. Shiki knew at least for now, he couldn't yet break free from Ebisu.
Since they agreed to meet at the village gates in the afternoon, Shiki decided to head home first.
After all, he'd be leaving Konoha for quite some time—failing to say goodbye to Sena Hoshino wouldn't be appropriate.
Incidentally, although Sena and Shiki's house was somewhat distant from the Hokage Office, relatively speaking, it wasn't too far.
The house itself was quite modest, containing only three bedrooms and a small courtyard.
In the middle of the yard stood two cherry blossom trees. In spring, stray cats often clambered over them while Sena Hoshino happily brought out food for the little creatures.
Only during moments like this would Shiki feel an indescribable sense of tranquility deep within.
Whoosh.
The wooden door creaked open, and the warm atmosphere inside immediately embraced him.
Ninjas usually didn't bother with everyday trivial matters. Ninja generally enjoyed good economic status, and having frequently faced life-and-death situations, they treasured people around them even more.
Of course, becoming cold-hearted after experiencing so much death was also quite common.
Phew! Sena spat out a mouthful of water and quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe the table she'd sprayed.
"Sena-chan, even though I'm back, there's no need to freak out like that, right?"
"And what's that supposed to mean? Why does every time I try to sneak a snack, you just happen to walk in and scare me half to death!"
Saying that, Sena used a pink tissue to wipe off some remaining cream around her mouth.
"I wouldn't stop you anyway," Shiki shrugged. This wasn't the first time he'd caught Sena trying to sneak snacks.
Yet every time, Sena reacted with such exaggerated surprise.
"But I promised you I'd only have dessert once a week to stay in shape."
"Oh, Sena-chan, were you talking about *that*? Truthfully, I've never really paid attention to it."
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