Welcome to the Hidden Leaf Village.
The village where, as we all know, Naruto Uzumaki makes his home.
But he isn't actually the main character this time.
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
Go away!
Hand over the money, now.
Give it up and no one gets hurt.
We got her to borrow it just like we planned!
Stop it...
Fork over the money, now!
Give it up and this'll all be over.
We'll make her pay it back just like we planned!
Stay back!
Make with the money, now!
Give it up and we'll leave you alone.
We'll get away with it just like we planned!
That's enough!
Huh?
Who's there?
When are you criminals going to learn your lesson?
Who are you?
I would love to say that I need no introduction,
but it's proper etiquette to give one's name to one's opponent,
no matter what manner of evildoer they may be.
Very well, I will tell you!
DANGER Be bright, turn to the right!
I hate crooked things!
My favorite words are:
Ta-da! I ate the whole thing!
Effort...
...and guts!
I'm a ninja who lives for my love!
My name...
...is Rock Lee!
Rock Lee is a Ninja Who Can't Use Ninjutsu
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
It's a fight!
I won't stand by while three adults assault a helpless little girl!
What? This is none of your business, pal.
You wouldn't be saying that if you knew who we were.
You're gonna get hurt.
We warned him good, just like we planned.
You leave me no choice.
If I can't convince you with my words, I'll do it with my fists.
What'd he say?
Poopie!
Poopie?!
Nice undies, Boss!
The sneak peek makes you look sexier.
You jerk, I'll get you for this!
That ninja is awesome!
He just had a lucky trip.
All according to plan.
That particular move allows me to resolve a situation...
...without any unnecessary bloodshed.
Elimination by Depantsification
The Elimination by Depantsification!
No way, he just made that up!
He even yelled when he almost stepped in the dog doo!
You beat the bad guys without having to hurt anyone!
Once again, I have protected our village without anyone getting hurt.
Give me your hand.
Okay!
Oh, give me a break!
Tenten, Neji!
Why did you run off on your own?
We're supposed to act as a team.
You can't just take off.
Now let's head back.
I'm sorry, but could you all help me some more?
Huh?
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
Debt collectors?
Yes, they came after me because they want to make my dad...
...pay back the money he borrowed from them.
Well, it's wrong to pick on the weak,
but people have an obligation to repay their debts, too.
Well said!
A friend once told me that if you don't,
creditors will hound you day and night.
The DVD you rented, "After School Escapades," is now overdue.
The DVD you rented, "After School Ecstasy," is now overdue.
The DVD you rented, "After School Extreme," is now overdue.
Don't bring up stuff like that!
Besides, that was your own experience!
Go on.
Of course my dad's working and intends to pay them back,
but those guys said if we didn't pay back ten times what he owed,
they'd wreck our house!
I see. So you've been swindled by a loan shark.
That's why I came to this village to hire a ninja to fight them off.
But they caught me on the way.
That's when your teammate saved me.
"Saved." Right...
Please, Mister, please help me!
Understood. I'll figure something out!
Hold on, you're getting ahead of yourself, Lee.
Yes, we've got missions, remember?
Someone in trouble sounds like a mission to me.
You mean it?
Of course!
Just think of me as your hero riding in on a black horse!
It's a white horse, idiot!
Black horses are for the bad guys!
Interesting.
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
Would you quit walking like that?
It's part of my training!
That's it, we're here!
Ah, this is your house?
I need to use your bathroom!
Mister, be careful!
Did they set traps?
No, but a stray dog pooped in front of the door.
Give us our money!
Poopie?!
It was a close call, but I didn't touch it.
That's the kind of display that makes you wonder if he's really a ninja.
You're okay, right?
It looks like they've taken most of your things already.
I'm sorry, they've shut off the electricity, gas, and water,
so I can only make plain tea.
Wait, do we even have electricity and gas in this world?
It's fine, I'm a coffee drinker anyway.
That's not what I meant!
I'll pass on the tea as well.
I prefer high-quality green tea.
Not you, too!
Wait, Mister, you can use ninjutsu, right?
Like shooting fireballs?
You could heat up the tea kettle for us!
I'm afraid I can't do that.
Of course, you're not supposed to use ninjutsu for such silly things, right?
Well, yes, but...
I mean I can't use ninjutsu!
What do you mean, you can't use ninjutsu?!
You're a ninja, aren't you?
A ninja who can't use ninjutsu, yes.
Then what was that jutsu...
...where you win without unnecessary bloodshed or whatever?
Well, um...
I was embarrassed about falling down,
so I just kind of rolled with it.
More like trolled with it, you klutz.
Can't use ninjutsu...
But don't worry, I—
You said you'd figure something out! I trusted you!
A ninja who can't use ninjutsu is just a regular person!
Oh, come on.
That's like saying a pig that can't fly is just a regular pig.
Not even close.
You big liar!
I'm not falling for your act again!
I never lied to you, and I wasn't trying to trick you either.
Besides...
You decided to fall for me on your own.
We're not in some sappy TV drama!
Wait, hear me out!
Sure, I can't use ninjutsu, but—
Shut up! Go away!
Darn it.
Sounds like she doesn't want to hear it.
I guess we'll have to give up.
Stupid meanies...
Again?!
I said go away!
Give us our money!
Good afternoon, little lady.
That weirdo got in our way last time, but now the coast is clear.
It's time for the finale.
You've caused me enough grief.
Oh well, at least this kid'll fetch a handsome sum. Bwahaha!
I'm done for...
Hold it right there!
That voice!
It's him!
Villains who extort money from the weak,
if you don't want to get hurt—
Ow, ow!
Then get away from that girl!
What're you trying to pull?!
You can't even use ninjutsu!
Like I said, if you'd just hear me out...
Ah, I thought you just tripped last time.
Guess I was right!
If you can't use ninjutsu, we've got nothing to fear!
We'll get revenge just like we planned!
Get him, boys! Bwahaha!
It's true that I can't use ninjutsu.
However...
Leaf Crap Shoot
Leaf Crap Shoot!
Morning Coffee
Morning Coffee!
Raining Nosebleed
Raining Nosebleed!
Not bad!
But you'll never beat me.
Bwahaha!
What're you doing? Run away!
Never.
What now, Mr. Ninja who can't use ninjutsu?
Bwahaha!
You can't fight him.
A ninja who can't use ninjutsu is just an ordinary person.
You're wrong.
Just an ordinary person? Nothing could be further from the truth.
Right.
Lee isn't unique because he can't use ninjutsu,
or because of his hand-to-hand fighting skills.
What sets Lee apart from others is his unbreakable willpower.
The will to never give up.
You fool!
Take this!
You tripped yourself on purpose?!
Elimination by Depantsification
Elimination by Depantsification!
Ow! Ow! Ow!
Forget it, if we're just gonna get embarrassed like this,
we're never coming to this house again!
Boss!
Sure, I can't use ninjutsu.
However...
Even without it, I aim to be a great ninja.
That's my goal in life!
Mister...
I...
I'm sorry!
Poopie!
Poopie?!
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
Rock Lee aspires to become a great ninja,
even though he cannot use ninjutsu.
He has a long, hard road ahead.
"To become a great ninja,
even though I cannot use ninjutsu."
That is Rock Lee's goal in life,
and he trains hard every day as he works to achieve it.
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
I came here because you said you had a new training method.
What is this supposed to do?
I thought I'd try to master a new ability...
Well, count me out.
You'd really be better off if you could use ninjutsu, you know that?
If I really wanted to,
I bet I could do something similar to Naruto's...
Transformation, or Shadow Clone Jutsu.
But regardless,
I want to achieve my dream of becoming a great ninja,
despite the fact that I cannot use ninjutsu!
Lee! Neji!
We've got a new mission!
Rock Lee's
Rival is Naruto
No. 1 with celebs!
Gourmet Treat
Baumkuchen
Baumkuchen?
Yup.
Our client today is some rich old lady.
Baumkuchen Baking is In Progress
She said, "It's a really popular cake they sell in the village,
but they limit the supply to only fifty a day,
Only 50 Available
so I want you to get one for me."
How is that a mission for ninja?
No, every mission is a trial in some way.
We'll do our best like always!
How long are you gonna do that?!
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
Look at this crowd!
Nenkinya Baumkuchen Only 50 available!
Come early!
Leaf Department Store
Only fifty baumkuchen cakes available daily!
Line ends here.
We've only got one voucher left, act fast folks!
That's the last one!
Hurry!
Sir, I'll take that ticket!
Give it here!
Naruto!
Bushy-Brows!
For those not aware, this is Naruto Uzumaki.
Though he can be a bit of a dunce at times,
he is a man whose determination and hot-bloodedness rival Lee himself!
But above all, he is simply a very strong ninja!
And, as we all know,
he's also the main character of the main Naruto TV show.
You're buying one, Naruto?
Yeah, I'm on a mission.
Bushy-Brows, are you here for a baumkuchen, too?
Yes, actually.
I'm sure Naruto really needs the last voucher.
I wish I could step aside and let him take it, but...
He's a nice guy, normally I'd give it to him, but...
I'm on a mission, I can't let him take it!
Well? Who's taking the voucher?
I am!
I'm sorry, Naruto, I have to get one of these!
Same here.
So neither one of us can afford to give it up.
We'll have to settle this the old-fashioned way.
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
The rules are simple, Naruto.
Whoever grabs the voucher first is the winner.
Works for me.
Lee, you know what he's capable of!
He's kind of a dimwit, and a scatterbrain, and a little clumsy...
...and a butthead, and cheap, and perverted, and greedy...
...and egotistical, and oblivious, and a dork,
but you can't let your guard down!
What's your freakin' problem?!
Say that again, I dare you!
Of course!
He's not someone you can beat without proper training.
That's not exactly what I was talking about...
Another bowl!
And his ninjutsu is at a much higher level than an ordinary ninja's would be.
That was just sleight of hand!
Plus he's fought against many dangerous opponents,
and always come out the victor!
None of this ever happened!
At least keep things in-universe!
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
On your mark...
Get set...
Go!
He who strikes first wins!
I won't lose to you!
Naruto, luck is just another type of strength!
Sexy Jutsu!
For those not aware,
the "Sexy Jutsu" is one of Naruto's most effective moves!
I knew it, Naruto's ninjutsu skills give him the advantage!
Isn't the real problem that Lee's just being a lecher?
I'm not lecherous!
If anything, it was because I'm the type of man who lives by his instincts!
Don't try to save face now!
And stop twirling!
Thanks for giving me the lead!
I'll just have to counter with my own Sexy Jutsu...
Can he really copy the move after only seeing it once?
You just changed into a bikini!
I think most guys would be floored by this.
Lee, how long have you had that swimsuit on?!
That's what bothers you?!
Not bad, Bushy-Brows...
Oh, god, not you, too!
No, I was just trying to make a big jump,
and there was a branch in the way.
That's just you being scatterbrained!
Now's my chance to mount a comeback!
Crap!
Let's do this!
For those not aware,
this another of Naruto's trademark moves,
the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Basically, he makes copies of himself.
What's the point?
He just cloned himself.
That's not going to help him win a race.
I won't be outdone!
Shadow Clone Jutsu!
A clone jutsu?
When did Lee—
You're just running so fast you're leaving afterimages!
You don't need clones any more than he does!
Of course! If I combine the two...
Harem Jutsu!
What terrifying power...
How does knocking out Neji help anyone?!
You know, I'm getting tired of playing the straight man here.
Rasengan!
I won't let you win!
It's mine.
I win, Bushy-Brows!
To the victor goes the voucher!
I knew it, Naruto is so strong!
I guess I have no choice but to give up...
No. If I quit now... If I quit now...
There, there...
Why am I doing this?
Don't give up, Nejiko.
But I can't figure out this problem...
That's no reason to stop trying.
Keep working hard until you solve it, okay?
Okay...
She's such a good daughter,
but her one flaw is how she's so quick to give up.
Oranges
I wonder where she gets it from.
By the way, Mom,
the girl who sits next to me, Sakura,
said she ate some kind of cake called a "baumkuchen."
Oh?
Everyone else in class says they've tried it, too.
Ino even said she was going to buy one after school!
Oh?
Oh, but I don't want one.
We can't afford it, right?
You already work so hard, Mom.
Nenkinya baumkuchen.
Only fifty baked daily, 5000 yen apiece.
I guess high-class department stores charge a lot for their food.
We can't afford it.
Bankbook
I'm sorry, dear.
I was hoping I'd never have to spend this money,
but I can't just give up on this.
For her sake.
What in the world is the point of this dumb skit?!
This isn't a skit, it's real life.
In what dimension?!
Why did we suddenly go into a skit, anyway?!
I wanted to show Naruto just how badly we need the voucher.
My final tactic, to move him to tears!
This stupid kiddie stuff isn't going to change his mind!
He's bawling!
Bushy-Brows!
I finally understand how badly you need the voucher!
Take it, it's yours.
Um, that was complete fiction, though...
Still, I had to resort to ninjustu,
so I still consider it my loss.
Naruto...
See ya!
Big...
Naruto's such a big man.
Well, at least you won after all that.
I may have won the voucher,
but as a ninja, and as a man,
Naruto won, hands down.
Next time, I'll defeat Naruto for real!
Rock Lee aims to become a great ninja...
...despite not being able to use ninjutsu.
Now he has another ambitious dream: to surpass Naruto!
Caw-haw...
Sold Out
We're all out.
I called voucher number fifty a bunch of times,
but the holder never showed up!
The baumkuchen...
We failed.
Lee, you idiot!
To defeat Naruto, even though he can't use ninjutsu...
he has a long, hard road ahead.
Caw-haw, caw-haw...
You'd better learn some lessons after what happened today!
Why? I did my personal best for our first episode.
I have no regrets!
Are you serious?!
I'll fix you next time...
Speaking of which...
"Love is a Part of the Springtime of Youth,"
Love is a Part of the Springtime of Youth Love Makes Both Sides Crazy
and "Love Makes Both Sides Crazy,"
are next week's titles.
Love and romance...
I always take love and romance very seriously!
Just watch...
Sakura!
I have a bad feeling about this...