"Lee, won't you go back?" After Neji and Tenten had left, Might Guy turned to Lee with a questioning look.
"Mr. Guy, I'd like to stay a little longer," Lee replied quietly. "You go ahead. It's getting late."
Guy nodded, taking a firm hand on Lee's shoulder. "Remember, Lee, don't lose heart. Neji might be gifted, but if you keep putting in the effort, you can surpass even the strongest geniuses!"
"Thank you, Mr. Guy," Lee murmured.
With a final squeeze of Lee's shoulder, Guy flashed a reassuring smile and bounded away.
Watching him disappear into the trees, Lee whispered to himself, "I won't let him down."
The night grew darker, and the forest settled into a deep quiet, broken only by the occasional chirp of a hidden insect. Lee lay down on the cool grass, unmoving, until he sensed Guy had truly left.
Then, finally, alone, he got to his feet and began training. Muscles tensed, bones cracking. He went through each movement with intense focus. The night air was soon thick, with the sharp odor of impurities seeping from his skin, a grim sign of how deeply his body was transforming.
When his body could take no more, Lee fell to the ground, chest heaving. His heartbeat pounded loudly in his ears. "At this rate… the transformation is too slow," he muttered in frustration.
…
Hours later, Lee was shaken awake by a familiar voice. "Lee! Wake up, come on!"
Opening his eyes groggily, he saw Tenten and Might Guy kneeling beside him, their faces tight with concern.
"Lee, were you here all night?" Might Guy asked, looking both proud and serious.
"Yes, Mr. Guy," Lee answered, rubbing his eyes and struggling to sit up. "Are we starting our group training?"
"Yes," Tenten replied. "But when I got here and found you lying on the ground, fast asleep!"
Lee managed a small, sheepish smile. "Sorry to worry you, Tenten."
"Well, if you know that, then don't do it again!" Neji's voice cut in sharply from the side. "We all want to get stronger, but if you're going to act recklessly, you're bound to ruin your progress."
Lee looked up, taken aback. Neji never missed a chance to express his displeasure, but his words held a certain weight this time.
"Nothing worthwhile can be achieved in a single night," Neji continued. "True strength takes patience and constant training. All you're doing now is harming yourself."
Lee opened his mouth to thank him, but Neji cut him off with a stern glare.
"If you injure yourself, that's your choice," Neji snapped. "But don't forget that in three months, Mr. Guy is entering all three of us as a team for the Chūnin Exams. Don't hold us back."
Lee took a deep breath. "Thank you for your concern," he replied, keeping his tone even.
He understood that Neji's words held genuine care, though his delivery was harsh. Beneath the cold exterior, Neji's serious nature was almost endearing. Lee couldn't help but smile to himself, accepting the advice quietly.
Might Guy stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm. "Neji's right, Lee. Improvement takes time and careful dedication. Burning yourself out now won't make you stronger."
"Yes, Mr. Guy. I understand," Lee murmured, head bowed.
Though he nodded along, Lee knew his rigorous training had a purpose—he had to push himself this way to complete the transformation of his body. Only when these impurities were entirely expelled could he move on to the ultimate technique Sion had developed in his life.
Still, Neji and Guy didn't know about this. He simply agreed with their words for now.
"Can you continue with today's training?" Might Guy asked, his eyes watching Lee closely.
"Of course!" Lee answered confidently, standing straight.
He knew Rock Lee wouldn't back down at his limit, no matter how exhausted he felt. And with his body still holding up, he was determined to get the most out of his time.
"Excellent!" Guy grinned, eyes gleaming with pride. "Then let's get started. First, fifty laps around the village at top speed. Next, two hundred handstand push-ups. And lastly…"
Before Guy could finish, Lee took off running, already starting his laps. Neji and Tenten, already far ahead, had long disappeared from view.