Chen
Summary
Chen was a jōnin-level shinobi from Konohagakure renowned as a legendary taijutsu master and a hero within the village. He once mentored a student who, much like Rock Lee, lacked the ability to perform ninjutsu or genjutsu and dedicated himself exclusively to taijutsu. Both participated in the Third Shinobi World War, where the student died due to his inability to learn other techniques. Devastated by this loss, Chen faked his death and retired from shinobi life. Years later, his granddaughter Azami secretly left rice balls at his grave, being the only one aware he was still alive. When Rock Lee, Naruto Uzumaki, and Tenten visited to pay respects to the "late" hero, Azami revealed Chen was alive and asked them to wait. Chen appeared, and when the genin attacked him, believing him to be an impostor, he dropped his rice ball. Enraged, Chen unleashed a secret technique. Lee, recognizing him as the true hero and amazed by the skill, begged to learn it to advance his dream. Shocked by Lee’s resemblance to his deceased student, Chen attacked him furiously before insisting Lee abandon his dream and leaving. Lee remained at the grave, waiting daily for acknowledgment. Eventually, Lee declared he did not care if Chen refused to teach him, but demanded recognition as a ninja. Chen agreed to use the technique on him. Although Lee was overwhelmed, Chen was impressed that Lee perceived the technique's true nature. Despite this, Chen reiterated that Lee should give up and departed. Chen later died, and Kabuto Yakushi acquired a DNA sample from him.
