HINATA IS BROKEN

[...so you deliberately provoked me to test my strength?" Uzumaki Naruto said with a sly grin. ]

[Rock Lee, completely serious, nodded in response: "Yes, Uzumaki Naruto. I admire your determination and strength. I want to know what an 'ordinary ninja' like us can achieve with relentless effort."]

[Naruto sighed, scratching his head as if pondering. "Well, I guess there's no harm in a little sparring. But just so you know, I won't go easy on you."]

[Sasuke clicked his tongue, his irritation obvious. "Do whatever you want, Naruto, but don't embarrass me."]

[Haruno Sakura frowned, concerned. "Naruto, are you sure about this? We still have the Chūnin exams ahead. Don't exhaust yourself."]

[Naruto waved off her concerns with a confident smile. "Don't worry, Sakura. This is just a warm-up."]

---

Chūnin Exam Observation Stand

[The ninjas from Konoha Village watched with intrigue as the scene unfolded on the black-frame screen.]

Might Guy: "Lee, my boy, your youthful spirit burns brightly! This duel is not just a test of strength; it's a clash of ideals!"

Tenten: "I know Lee is strong, but Naruto seems... unpredictable. This is going to be interesting."

Neji: "Hmph. No matter how hard he tries, Lee can't defeat someone like Naruto. Geniuses always triumph over effort."

Ino: "I never thought I'd see Naruto so confident. It's like he's a completely different person in that world."

Hinata: "Naruto-kun... I believe in you."

---

Black-Frame World

[Rock Lee took a deep breath and assumed his fighting stance. "Naruto, I won't hold back. Prepare yourself!"]

[Naruto grinned, placing his hands in his pockets casually. "Alright, let's see what you've got."]

[In an instant, Lee surged forward, his speed catching both Sakura and Sasuke off guard. "Fast!" Sakura exclaimed.]

[Naruto, however, remained unfazed. With minimal movement, he sidestepped Lee's initial attack, causing Lee to skid to a halt.]

["Huh?!" Lee gasped, his eyes wide in surprise.]

["You're fast," Naruto said, his tone light. "But predictable."]

[The crowd in the Chūnin Exam Observation Stand erupted in murmurs. Lee, despite his speed and determination, seemed to be struggling to land even a single hit on Naruto.]

---

Observation Stand

Kiba: "What the heck?! Naruto's reflexes are insane!"

Shino: "He's not just dodging—he's analyzing Lee's movements in real time. This isn't the same Naruto we know."

Guy: "Impossible! Lee's taijutsu is among the best of his peers. How is Naruto countering it so effortlessly?!"

---

Black-Frame World

[Lee narrowed his eyes, realizing that raw speed alone wouldn't work against Naruto. "In that case..."]

[He tore off the weights from his ankles, letting them crash into the ground with an audible boom. Dust and debris scattered as the sheer impact left everyone, including Naruto, momentarily stunned.]

["Ah, so you've been holding back," Naruto remarked, a flicker of genuine interest crossing his face.]

["Let's see how you handle my true speed!" Lee declared, vanishing in a blur.]

[This time, Naruto's casual demeanor shifted slightly. Lee's movements were almost too fast to track, forcing Naruto to focus more intently.]

["Not bad," Naruto muttered, blocking a high kick just in time with his forearm. The impact sent a ripple of force through the air, causing nearby trees to sway.]

["But..." Naruto smirked as his free hand formed a shadow clone behind Lee. "I'm full of surprises too."]

---

Observation Stand

Neji: "That's... a shadow clone jutsu? No, it's different—he's using it mid-combat without hand seals."

Guy: "Remarkable! Naruto's unpredictability is his greatest weapon."

Sasuke: "Tch. He's showing off again."

---

Black-Frame World

[The clone grabbed Lee's arm mid-attack, halting his momentum. In a swift counter, Naruto spun and swept Lee off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground.]

[Lee, undeterred, immediately flipped back onto his feet. He grinned, wiping a small trickle of blood from his lip. "Incredible, Naruto. You've truly earned your reputation."]

[Naruto shrugged. "I could say the same for you, Lee. You're not bad yourself."]

[Before the two could continue, a voice interrupted their sparring. "That's enough!"]

[Might Guy appeared, his trademark grin flashing as he gave Lee a thumbs-up. "Lee, you've proven your spirit of youth. But the Chūnin exams are about strategy, not just strength. Save your energy."]

[Naruto smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Guess we'll call it a draw for now, huh?"]

[Lee bowed deeply. "Thank you, Naruto. I've learned a lot from this exchange."]

[As the seventh team resumed their journey, Naruto couldn't help but glance back, a small smile playing on his lips. "That guy... he's got potential."]

---

Observation Stand

Guy: "Youthful battles like these remind us of the beauty of hard work and determination! Lee and Naruto both shone brightly today!"

Tenten: "That was one of the most thrilling sparring matches I've ever seen."

Hinata: "Naruto-kun... you're amazing."

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