Bully Lord In the Chunin Exam (NarutoVerse)

Sasuke wiped his mouth, tasting the faint hint of blood. He shook his head slightly, brushing off the dirt from his clothes. His expression was steely, but there was no mistaking the lingering tension in his eyes. He didn't speak, but his glare at Lee told the story—this fight was far from over.

Lee, not giving Sasuke a moment to recover, darted forward again, his movements a blur. Sasuke was ready for him this time, his Sharingan activated as he attempted to block Lee's next barrage of strikes. The air crackled with energy as the two ninjas collided, their movements blindingly fast and precise. Lee's speed and relentless attacks kept Sasuke on the defensive, his body straining to keep up.

Kuro watched from the side, his eyes gleaming. *This fight's only getting better,* he thought. *And now Sasuke has no choice but to give it everything he's got.*

It was becoming increasingly clear: Lee might just have the upper hand—but Sasuke wasn't about to let this challenge end with a loss.

The atmosphere in the hallway crackled with an electric tension, as if the very air was charged with the energy of the battle. The sharp sound of Rock Lee's foot connecting with Sasuke Uchiha's chin echoed off the walls, a blow so forceful it sent the usually composed Uchiha flying upward in a perfect arc. Time seemed to slow as Sasuke's body twisted, struggling to regain control in midair, his eyes flashing with the sharpness of a seasoned fighter. His hands reached out instinctively, trying to stabilize himself, but it was too late. The force of Lee's attack had already done its damage, propelling him higher.

Lee, on the other hand, was a blur of motion. His training had made him a master of speed and precision, and this moment was no different. Without hesitation, he unfurled the bandages that wrapped his arms, the white fabric unfurling like ribbons in the wind. They fluttered as though they were alive, following the rhythm of his movements. The gesture was a signal of the next phase—his technique was about to unfold, and Sasuke's fate seemed all but sealed. Lee's body surged forward with a speed that made it impossible for anyone, not even his closest allies, to track his movements. His goal was clear: he was going to catch Sasuke in midair and end this fight in a decisive, almost brutal manner.

Naruto and Sakura watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide with shock. Naruto's mouth hung open as Lee vanished in an instant, moving faster than even he, with his heightened reflexes, could follow. He could only catch glimpses of Lee's rapid approach, his mind struggling to process the sheer speed and power Lee was exhibiting. Sakura stood frozen, her heart racing, her eyes darting between Lee's movements and Sasuke's vulnerable, spinning form in the air. It all felt surreal, as if time itself was bending under the weight of Lee's relentless assault.

Just as Lee was about to reach Sasuke, intent on finishing what he had started, an unexpected shift broke the rhythm of the fight. From the edge of the hallway, a figure moved with quiet precision. Kuro, who had been standing in the shadows, made his move. His fingers dipped into the pouch at his side, retrieving a kunai with a fluidity that suggested it was as natural to him as breathing.

*This is it,* Kuro thought, his mind sharply focused on the task. *Lee's speed is impressive, but it's predictable. A few more seconds, and Sasuke's done for.*

Kuro's fingers closed around the kunai as he adjusted his stance. He wasn't just throwing a weapon. This was his "Bullseye" skill in action—a technique that made his kunai throws unerringly precise. It wasn't just accuracy—it was the ability to calculate, to predict and then execute a throw so perfect, the target couldn't escape. He knew, without a doubt, that the kunai would land exactly where he aimed.

With a flick of his wrist, the kunai sliced through the air, its trajectory already locked in. It was a silent blur, a force of nature in its own right, heading straight for the bandages Lee had unwound.

The kunai struck true, embedding itself in the fabric and pinning it against the wall with a resounding thud.

Lee's momentum faltered immediately, his focus shattered for a brief instant as his body was thrown off course. He twisted midair, his calculated attack now disrupted. The controlled elegance of his landing became slightly less fluid, the sudden interruption enough to break his rhythm.

Sasuke, no longer held aloft by Lee, began to fall toward the ground. But fate had other plans. Just as his descent became inevitable, a figure dashed forward. Sakura, eyes wide with determination, caught Sasuke in her arms just in time, softening the impact. Her chest heaved with the strain, but she managed to steady him, her face a mixture of relief and concern.

The hallway fell into a deep silence, the tension now heavier than ever. All eyes turned toward Kuro, who stood at the edge of the shadows, his kunai pouch still open. His expression was neutral, but the quiet intensity in his eyes spoke volumes. He had done what he needed to do, and now, it was clear that the balance of power had shifted.

Lee, still brimming with adrenaline, turned to face Kuro. His gaze was sharp, sizing up the man who had so effortlessly disrupted his attack. There was a flicker of annoyance in Lee's eyes, but also a sense of respect for the precision Kuro had shown.

Sakura, still holding Sasuke, glanced nervously between the two men. Her breath caught in her throat, realizing the tension between them. *This isn't over yet...* 

Kuro stepped forward with measured ease, the soft clink of his kunai pouch swaying slightly with his movements. His expression remained neutral, but there was a quiet intensity in his eyes as he regarded Lee, taking in the determined energy that radiated from him. The hallway, once filled with the hum of battle, now seemed still—like the calm before a storm.

Kuro walked slowly towards him, each step deliberate and heavy with anticipation. His voice was laced with a dramatic tone as he spoke, "Sorry, bro," he began, his words lingering in the air, "I couldn't stop myself. Had to intervene, even if it meant ruining your fun."