Lee could feel it instinctively—this person was far more dangerous than anyone he had encountered. Though she hadn't even made a move yet, his instincts, refined by the countless battles and experiences he inherited from Sion Mun, screamed at him to avoid her at all costs.
She was beyond formidable; his senses told him she might even be deadlier than Kakashi or Might Guy. If she targeted him, escaping would be nearly impossible.
Lee channeled all his strength into his leg, swinging it down like an axe toward her head, hoping his raw power would make her hesitate.
"Impressive strength," the female ninja commented, smiling as she raised her hand and caught his ankle with surprising ease.
Lee's mind reeled. She stopped my strongest kick like it was nothing!
This wasn't just any opponent; she had to be exceptionally skilled—possibly even Kage-level.
With his free leg, Lee immediately aimed a sharp kick at her chin, relying on the brutal, instinctive techniques he knew from Sion Mun's past. But she merely leaned back, avoiding the strike as if it were a minor inconvenience.
"Interesting. You've got spirit," she said, clearly entertained.
Lee felt a pit forming in his stomach. He'd put everything into those attacks, and she wasn't even trying. This was on a level he hadn't faced before.
"What's your name, kid? And who taught you?" she asked, still holding his ankle effortlessly.
"My name is Rock Lee," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "My teacher is Might Guy."
"Oh, so you're one of Little Might Guy's students," she chuckled, as if that explained everything. "That explains the strength. Not bad, for someone so young."
The way she referred to Guy as "Little Might Guy" and brushed off his strength only deepened his unease. This woman was seasoned and powerful, far beyond a typical Jōnin.
"What do you want with me?" he asked, masking his unease.
"From now on, you'll come with me," she replied with a tone of finality.
"What?" Lee said, surprised.
"I recently founded a village called Otogakure," she explained, her voice calm yet commanding. "With your strength, you could become something far more than you are now. I'll ensure you reach heights beyond your teacher's reach."
Lee's mind raced, remembering the ruthless Otogakure ninjas he had already encountered. So, this was their leader…
Seeing his hesitation, her expression hardened. "It's simple: either you join me, or you die."
Lee's fists clenched. His inherited instincts kicked in, telling him he didn't have many options here.
"My choice is clear," he said slowly, stalling for time.
She released his ankle, a satisfied, cold smile spreading across her face. But Lee had no intention of joining her. The moment her grip loosened, he yelled and swung his hands toward her ears, aiming to disorient her.
The woman dodged his move effortlessly, a smirk on her face. "I knew you'd try something like that."
Before he could react, her hand shot out, lightly tapping his shoulder. Lee's vision blurred with pain as his shoulder snapped with a loud crack. Despite the agony, he forced himself to stay focused.
Using the impact to propel himself backward, Lee pushed off and darted into the dense forest, his only thought to escape as fast as possible.