Chapter 54: Fifth Activation
A cloud passed under the afternoon sun as sweat trickled down Lee's face.
With swiftness, Arthur ran forward, snatching the kunai on the ground. He lunged at Lee with the weapon raised high. But Lee flung his arms up and his hands clamped onto Arthur's wrist just as the kunai came down.
It was quite a grip, but Arthur could see Lee's body shaking.
"You call that a block?" he snarled, pushing down with more might.
Lee's face contorted in effort and his knuckles turned white as he strained to hold on. Arthur then lashed out with his other leg, attempting a brutal side kick to send Lee flying. The impact connected, propelling Lee several yards back across the grass.
The boy coughed as his chest heaved in and out. Respectfully, he admitted, "You are undoubtedly a strong opponent! I had not expected you to be so skilled at taijutsu."
The comment was met with silence.
Then, with a nod, Lee began unwinding the bandages around his forearms. A green aura flared around him. The unmistakable energy signaled the activation of the Third Gate, the Gate of Life.
Lee seemed to blur from Arthur's view. A streak of green was already aimed at his legs!
Arthur twisted away, the wind whipping at his face as Lee shot past. But Lee didn't stop. He turned on a dime and launched a flurry of punches aimed at Arthur's head.
Arthur weaved and dodged, his own agility allowing him to keep pace with Lee's new speed. But Lee wasn't finished. With a swift feint, he switched tactics and his leg snapped out in a kick that slammed into Arthur's ribs.