Naruto Vol. 10

Rock Lee begins his match against Gaara by demonstrating exceptional speed, but Gaara’s sand automatically intercepts every attack. With Might Guy’s permission, Lee removes the heavy training weights from his legs and becomes fast enough to penetrate the sand’s defenses. When ordinary taijutsu remains insufficient, he uses the Primary Lotus and then opens several of the Eight Inner Gates to perform the Hidden Lotus.

Lee’s assault damages Gaara’s protective shell but fails to secure victory. Gaara cushions his fall with sand, traps Lee’s arm and leg, and crushes them. Although unconscious and grievously injured, Lee rises again through determination alone. Guy intervenes before Gaara can kill him, and the match ends with Gaara declared the winner. The remaining preliminary battle concludes when Dosu defeats Chōji, finalizing the roster for the tournament stage.

The finalists draw their matchups and receive a month to train. Kakashi Hatake chooses to concentrate on Sasuke Uchiha, assigning Naruto to Ebisu. During chakra-control training, Naruto encounters Jiraiya, whose interference sends Ebisu crashing into the water. After recognizing Jiraiya’s strength, Naruto demands that the eccentric newcomer take responsibility for his training.