In that moment, Rock Lee was truly shaken.
Through his heightened senses, he could feel an aura radiating from the blond boy, Uzumaki Naruto—a powerful, sleeping presence sealed within him. Though dormant, the faint energy it emitted was enough to startle even Lee, as it reminded him of beings from the Martial World. This energy was comparable to that of a "half-step Martial Emperor," a title granted only to those who dominated entire regions with overwhelming power. For such a force to exist within someone in this world... Lee's mind raced with questions.
"This energy… it's like the aura of ancient monsters from the Martial World," Lee mused. "Could there be a terrifying creature sealed inside this boy?"
Naruto's figure was familiar yet striking. He was about the same height as Lee, around 1.5 meters, and though his body was lean, his muscles seemed underdeveloped compared to Lee's own finely tuned physique. Wearing an orange jacket and sporting a shock of blond hair, Naruto might have looked ordinary were it not for the six whisker-like marks on his face, which gave him an oddly animalistic look.
At that moment, Naruto clenched his fists and glared at a tall man several feet away—a man in black with a wrapped object on his back. The man's height gave him an intimidating presence, especially in comparison to Naruto's smaller frame. His face, adorned with red markings, gave him a fierce, almost sinister look. He held a boy in his grasp, lifting him by the shirt with ease.
Beside him stood a beautiful girl, around 1.65 meters tall, with an indifferent expression as she half-heartedly tried to discourage her companion. From her casual tone, it was obvious she wasn't sincerely stopping him; she was merely putting on an act for appearances' sake. Lee understood immediately—if things went too far, she would protect her teammate, knowing they were in Konoha's territory.
Nearby, a pink-haired girl with a high forehead and two other young children stood trembling in fear. Yet, despite their fear, they didn't abandon Naruto or the boy who was being held. Lee nodded with silent respect, impressed by their loyalty even in the face of a threatening opponent.
"Konohamaru! Are you okay?" Naruto shouted, his eyes blazing with anger. "Let him go!" he demanded, facing the man in black.
The tall man chuckled, his gaze cold. "Are you Genin from Konoha Village? So weak." His tone was filled with disdain. "Since no one else has shown up yet, I suppose I could play with you for a bit."
"You're asking for it!" Naruto growled fists clenched. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, ready to take on the man in black.
Lee watched in silence, shaking his head slightly. "Naruto… rushing in headfirst without understanding his opponent's strength." He could see that the man in black was toying with Naruto and his friends, purposely taunting them to provoke an attack. Once they engaged, he could retaliate under the guise of "self-defense." It was a setup.
Yet, as reckless as Naruto was, there was something admirable about him. "Charging in like that, just to protect his friend," Lee thought. "He may be headstrong, but his loyalty is true. That's something worthy of respect."
Naruto's speed was decent, and he closed in on the man in only a few strides. Just as Naruto raised his fist, preparing to strike, the man casually moved his left hand, making a slight, almost imperceptible motion with his fingers.
In an instant, Naruto stumbled. His left foot twisted awkwardly, and he toppled forward with a surprised yelp, landing face-first on the ground.
"What… what just happened?" Naruto muttered, scrambling to his feet. He stared up at the man, wide-eyed with shock.
The children and the pink-haired girl trembled, their faces filled with fear and confusion as they watched Naruto's unexpected fall. The man's smug expression showed just how much he enjoyed their reaction.
"Is this the level of Konoha's Genin?" the man sneered, satisfied with Naruto's stunned expression. He continued to taunt him, his disdain evident. "If this is the best you can do, it's no wonder your village is so weak."
Naruto's face flushed with anger as he shouted, "Let him go, or I'll make you regret it!" He pointed an accusatory finger at the man, completely unfazed by his earlier stumble.
"Stop it, Naruto!" The pink-haired girl hurried forward, clapping a hand over Naruto's mouth. "Are you trying to make things worse? Just stay quiet!" she whispered frantically, glancing nervously at their opponent.
The man snorted. "You're a loud, obnoxious brat," he said with an air of irritation. "I despise kids like you. I really ought to—"
His words sent a chill through the group, and even Naruto seemed taken aback.
Still observing from a distance, Lee shook his head with a sigh. "So easily frightened… yet they're all still here, unwilling to run," he thought. "There's courage in that."
The man in black lifted the boy he was holding, clenching his fist as if preparing to strike him. "I'll deal with this runt first," he said coldly. "Then I'll take care of the loudmouth over there."
Naruto broke free from his initial fear, his fists tightening as he charged at the man again, shouting, "Let him go!"
Lee frowned, sensing the impending danger. "It seems there's no other choice." Swiftly, he slipped a small stone from his pocket into his hand, holding it with precise control.
Just as the man's fist descended toward the boy, Lee flicked the stone with practiced precision. It flew through the air, striking the man's hand mid-punch.
"Ah!" The man let out a surprised grunt, his grip loosening as he stumbled backward slightly, his gaze darting around for the source of the interference.
Naruto's eyes widened as he saw the man momentarily retreat. Taking advantage of the distraction, he lunged forward and grabbed Konohamaru, pulling him safely out of reach.
The man in black scanned the area, his eyes narrowing when he spotted Lee, who had stepped into view. Lee met his gaze with calm determination, his stance steady and unyielding.
"Who are you?" the man demanded, his voice dripping with irritation.
Lee took a step forward, his expression serious yet polite. "Rock Lee, a Genin of Konoha Village. I believe that harming children is not the way of a true shinobi."
Naruto's face lit up with relief and admiration. "Lee! Thanks for helping us out!"
The man's fierce expression returned, his pride clearly bruised. "You think you can stop me, little Genin?" he sneered, sizing up Lee with obvious disdain.
Lee's eyes remained steady. "I am not one to judge anyone's strength based on appearances," he said calmly. "But I will not allow you to harm my fellow villagers." His stance was firm, his body ready to react.
Naruto, still holding Konohamaru close, gave Lee an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Yeah, Lee! Show him what Konoha shinobi are made of!"
The man in black glared at both of them, his irritation mounting. Lee could feel the tension building, but he was resolute. If it came to a fight, he was more than prepared to put his taijutsu skills to the test.
"Very well," the man spat, eyes narrowed. "I'll take you on first, then."
Lee's eyes sharpened as he dropped into a ready stance, mentally preparing himself for the clash.