"Lee... has he really become this strong? And Noah... I didn't think a rookie could have such power. No wonder Guy praised him so much..." Neji activated his Byakugan to track the battle.
He saw Noah's chakra reserves were enormous, and his consumption was astonishingly slow.
This proved Noah's control was exquisite. A high-intensity battle like this was barely an effort.
Neji's forehead broke into a sweat.
This genius Guy mentioned? The real deal.
His grip tightened on the railing. Facing Noah... his chances were slim. Their chakra levels weren't even in the same league. He would likely have to use his ultimate defense just to survive.
What he couldn't understand was why someone that fast and powerful had the sword technique of a total amateur.
At that speed, swinging wildly could still kill most people-but it was completely out of sync with his movement skills.
As Neji pondered, Noah and Lee clashed again.
This time, Lee skidded back across the floor.
He had nearly been hit, and even though he dodged, the air pressure from Noah's chakra blade knocked him back. His clothes were torn, though he was unhurt.
"Nice one, Noah!" Nathan cheered.
To him, Noah had the absolute advantage. Everyone thought so. Noah's performance was over the top. Without a way to limit his speed, no one felt they stood a chance.
The foreign ninjas whispered about the unfairness-if your ninjas were this strong, why fight each other like this? And why was Noah clearly holding back? Still, they weren't complaining; at least one of these monsters would be eliminated.
Gaara, however, wore a cruel smile. Watching the two, he struggled to contain his bloodlust.
"Noah, please be serious," Lee said, looking at his torn clothes.
"I appreciate you holding back, but I want a true warrior's battle!"
"A one-on-one 'man's fight'? But I can feel you're not going all out either," Noah tilted his head.
"Fine. If that's what you want, I'll be serious."
"Thank you, Noah!" Lee bowed deeply, perhaps misunderstanding Noah's intent.
"Then I will give my all too!" After a nod from Guy, Lee's chakra surged violently.
Noah knew Lee was about to open the Eight Inner Gates. He was curious to see how fast it would make him. If it was too slow, Noah wouldn't be able to showcase his spatial techniques properly.
"Kakashi, your student has been holding back, but it looks like the end is near," Guy said proudly, watching Lee.
"You're too reckless, teaching a novice such a dangerous technique," Kakashi replied, bored as usual.
"But don't be in such a hurry, Guy. It's just getting started."
"What do you mean?"
"Noah isn't 'holding back' physically. He's genuinely bad at physical combat. What he's actually good at... is ninjutsu."
A ninja that fast who isn't good at ninjutsu? Guy almost looked at Kakashi like he was joking. But Kakashi wasn't.
Guy grew curious. Was the kid really a physical combat amateur?
He soon found out.
As Lee attacked again, Noah stopped sparring and used a technique.
A single-handed seal completed it.
Earth Release: Earth Shore Wall!
A wall erupted, blocking Lee's charge.
What surprised Lee was that Noah's casting speed outpaced his movement. In that split second, Noah acted again.
Earth Release: Underworld Swamp!
The wall's center turned to mud. Lee's fist got stuck, and as he tried to retreat, his feet sank into the mire.
From Lee's perspective, he couldn't see what Noah was doing behind the wall. The audience, however, saw Noah cast two techniques in rapid succession, each with a single seal.
Total mastery.
"Single-handed seals..." Noah looked like a pure ninjutsu specialist. But that speed? Genuine genius. Respect for a fellow villager intact.
Noah cast a third technique: Earth Dragon Spear.
Spears erupted from the wall and floor, closing in on trapped Lee.
In Gates mode, Lee erupted with chakra and broke free. But as he did, Noah-behind the wall-suddenly appeared behind him.
Like a ghost. No warning. Just... there.
Lee sensed him, but had no time to think.
He kicked behind him. Silence.
Everyone saw it. The moment Lee kicked, Noah vanished and reappeared behind him again.
This wasn't high-speed movement. No movement could produce that effect.
Space-time manipulation.
The Third Hokage gripped the railing, pipe clenched in his teeth, staring at Noah.
He recognized it immediately: Flying Thunder God Technique.
"But... is he already that proficient?" the Third mused.
"He's not using kunai; quietly placing marks on Lee? How is he so skilled? He's only had the scroll for a few days!"
"The... Flying Thunder God?" Guy was stunned. Confidence evaporated.
How do you fight that? Instant teleportation. Speed alone meant nothing.
Look at Noah's natural speed!
"Why didn't you tell me he knew that!" Guy grabbed Kakashi, mind reeling.
"When did he learn it? How is this happening?"
"Actually... he used it once earlier," Kakashi said, sweat on his brow.
"You and Lee were... busy inspiring each other, so you didn't notice."
In the arena, Noah reversed his blade and held the hilt against Lee's back.
Lee froze. It was over.
Hayate snapped out of his shock and announced:
"Winner: Noah!"