The Byakugan's unparalleled insight allowed Hyuga Neji to see far beneath the surface of Rock Lee's body. His expression grew grim as he observed the extent of the injuries. Lee's left shoulder had been dislocated and forcefully reconnected, but it was still unusable. Far worse was the wound on his chest—a thumb-sized hole that pierced clean through to his back. The sight was shocking.
"Were the three from Sand Village really this strong?" Neji muttered, his face unusually solemn. For the first time, he felt a heavy sense of pressure.
"Actually, you don't need to worry too much," Lee said, offering a reassuring smile. "The three of them attacked me together. If it had been one-on-one, I wouldn't have been hurt this badly."
Neji breathed a sigh of relief. "I see. Even so, you shouldn't push yourself anymore. The next test will be individual matches. Focus on recovering—you'll need to be at your best."
Lee nodded. His objectives in the Forest of Death had already been accomplished. He'd tested his abilities against various ninjutsu and gained valuable experience. There was no need to take unnecessary risks now.
"Lee, are you seriously hurt? Where are your injuries?" Tenten asked, walking over with concern evident in her voice. Ever since she'd accidentally stumbled upon one of Lee's secret training sessions, the two had shared a closer bond.
"My left shoulder was dislocated," Lee replied casually. "But don't worry—it's nothing serious."
"Your left shoulder was dislocated?" Tenten exclaimed. "Take off your shirt and let me see!"
"N-no, that's not necessary!" Lee stammered, looking embarrassed.
"Hurry up and stop arguing!" Tenten said firmly. "If your shoulder wasn't properly realigned, it could lead to permanent damage. You know that, right?"
Lee sighed, realizing he couldn't win this argument.
"Tenten's right, Lee," Neji chimed in with a teasing grin. "If she doesn't care about examining you as a girl, why are you hesitating as a man?"
"Neji, shut up!" Tenten snapped, her cheeks flushing pink as she shot him a glare. Turning back to Lee, she added sharply, "Take off your shirt already!"
"Oh… okay," Lee mumbled reluctantly.
Lee looked like a reluctant child being scolded, while Tenten stood over him like a strict guardian.
"Haha!" Neji laughed, enjoying the sight. "I'll take a walk and give you two some privacy." He sauntered off, casting an amused glance over his shoulder.
"Neji, you idiot!" Tenten fumed, her anger bubbling over. Unable to direct it at Neji, she instead pinched Lee's waist hard.
"Ah! What was that for?" Lee yelped, glaring at her in pain.
"Hmph," Tenten said, her lips curling in satisfaction. Ignoring Lee's protests, she focused on his exposed shoulder.
"You're hurt worse than I thought," she said, her voice softening. "This isn't just a dislocation—your shoulder was completely broken."
"Yeah," Lee admitted. "It was forcibly broken during the fight."
Tenten ran her fingers gently over his shoulder, examining it closely. "You realigned it yourself?" she asked in surprise. "Your work is so precise. Even the village's medical team couldn't do better."
Lee shifted uncomfortably, trying to downplay her praise. "It's just a little self-help knowledge," he muttered.
Tenten leaned closer, her curious eyes fixed on his face. "A little? Don't be modest. Your technique is practically professional. Where did you learn this?"
"I… uh…" Lee stammered, his mind blanking as Tenten's proximity distracted him. Her delicate features and the faint scent of her perfume left him momentarily dazed.
"Hey! What are you staring at?" Tenten demanded, blushing as she caught him gazing at her. She twisted his shoulder sharply, snapping him out of his reverie.
"Ow! What was that for?" Lee shouted.
"Stop dodging the question! Where did you learn these skills?" Tenten asked again, her curiosity undeterred.
"I'm not telling you," Lee replied firmly, crossing his arms.
"Oh, you'll tell me," Tenten said slyly, leaning in closer and lowering her voice. "If you don't, I might have to share your little secret with Guy-sensei…"
"You wouldn't dare!" Lee said, his eyes narrowing.
"Try me," Tenten said with a smirk. "If Guy-sensei finds out you've been secretly learning techniques from someone else, how do you think he'll react?"
Lee sighed, realizing he was cornered. He wasn't worried about Guy himself—he was worried that others might take an interest and cause complications for him.
"I can't tell you where I learned it," Lee said slowly. "But… if you're that interested, I can teach you."
Tenten's eyes lit up. "Really? You'd teach me?"
"Sure," Lee said with a small smile. "If you're willing to learn."
"Of course, I want to learn!" Tenten said excitedly.
"Well then," Lee said, straightening up with a mischievous grin. "Kneel and formally ask me to be your teacher!"