Last time the battle against Pai-Mey continued. Taranee and the others watched helplessly as more ninjas fought and failed to stop Pai-Mey. First Shino failed; then Kankuro; followed by Temari. Meanwhile Will began to come out of her funk, but it looked to be a slow process. Then Jaden had a moment of clarity; he decided to go down and duel Nerissa for The Heart of Candracar. Back at the battle, Saske managed to do some damage. Then Garra tried to restrain Pai-Mey while Usopp aimed an exploding marble at her. Pai-Mey broke free of Garra's restraints and blasted him. Now it is Rock Lee's turn. Can he defeat Pai-Mey when so many have failed? On with the show!

Chapter 11: The Tide Turns

Pai-Mey then strode over to the still form of Garra, who wasn't in really good condition. His sand armor had fallen off in huge chunks. "It's a shame you must die," said Pai-Mey, "You have so much potential." "If you're going to kill me," said Garra in a whisper, "Don't talk about it and get it over with."

"You're not dead yet Garra," said Rock Lee as he entered the battle area, "And I won't let you die until our rematch. Pai-Mey Matoya, I am now your opponent." "Oh really?" said Pai-Mey as she turned her back on Garra so to look at Rock Lee. Garra took advantage of this by crawling out of the battle zone. "What makes you think you can stop me when everyone before you has failed to do so?" asked Pai-Mey.

"It's simple really," said Rock Lee, "I have a unique condition that's extremely rare among Shinobi; I was born without the ability to use ninjutsu or genjutsu. Most would say this is a sever disadvantage to one who wishes to become a ninja. I saw it as a challenge."

Just then Hay Lin, along with Eric, Cornelia, Caleb and Jaden had arrived outside The Temple and had reached the sidelines of the battle zone. "What brings you down here?" asked Sakura. "Jaden says he knows how to defeat Nerissa," said Cornelia, "Or at least how to win back the crystal from her."

"What about down here?" asked Caleb, "What's going on with the battle?" "It's not good for one thing," said Naruto, "Believe it!" "Everyone who's faced Pai-Mey has either had his or her energy drained," said Sakura, "Or was blasted by that red arm of hers." "And now it's Rock Lee's turn," said Saske. "Lee," said Hay Lin, "Be careful."

"When I was young," said Rock Lee, "When I was training to earn the level of Genin, everyone told me that I was a hopeless case, that I could never be a ninja. How could I be one? I was born without the ability to channel stamina into chakra, and without chakra I couldn't use genjutsu or ninjutsu. Yet I was determined to be a splendid ninja, and if I could use only taijutsu, then I vowed to be a taijutsu master."

"So my little power of absorbing chakra won't work on you," said Pai-Mey, "So what? You still can't defeat me." "I can defeat you," said Rock Lee, "Because even if I'm not a taijutsu master yet, what I am is a genius of hard work. Since the day I made my vow I've been pushing my body to the limit of endurance and beyond, dedicating each day to the mastery of martial arts. I still have much to learn, but I believe that I know enough to stop you."

"Don't make me laugh boy!" exclaimed Pai-Mey as she giggled somewhat, "No level of martial arts is strong enough to defeat the power given to me by The God Hand." "I sincerely doubt The God Hand has foreseen you facing one who is three quarters of the way to mastering the Eight Inner Gate Formation," said Rock Lee.

"Oh man," said Naruto, "He's going to do it." "Do what?" asked Hay Lin. "Let me explain," said Sakura, "You already know that the human body has an energy network in which chakra flows. Within that network lie eight convergence points or gates. These gates regulate the flow of chakra throughout the body. If one were to open one or more of these gates he or she would have access to power they wouldn't have had before."

"So Rock Lee knows how to open these chakra gates," said Caleb, "And he can increase his strength because of it." "That and more," said Saske, "With each gate opened, Rock Lees' strength, his speed and agility shall increase. This taijutsu technique is called The Lotus. Yet The Lotus is a preverbal double edge sword; the more Rock Lee uses this power, the more gates he can open, the more stress he puts on his body."

"I think you're a liar," said Pai-Mey to Rock Lee, "No one can open six chakra gates. The most I've ever heard of anyone opening was three." "Then you are severally out of date," said Rock Lee, "For I've spent the last three years training harder than ever. My body has been conditioned to handle the strain of fighting with six gates open. And today I open the seventh gate for the first time."

"He's even crazier than Garra," said Shikamaru, "And that's saying something." "Is it possible?" asked Sakura, "Can he really have the physical strength and constitution to handle the seventh gate?" "We're about to find out," said Saske, "You can count on that."

"What happens if he opens all eight gates?" asked Hay Lin. "If he manages to open the eighth gate," said Neji, "Then Rock Lee would have achieved a power greater than that of a Hokage. But such power doesn't come without a price. If he were to open all eight gates today, something I'm afraid he'll never be ready for; the stress on his body will be lethal. Death would be inevitable. I fear that just seven gates would cripple him for life." "You're wrong Neji," said Naruto, "Rock Lee wouldn't use The Lotus unless he knew what he was doing. He'll come out on top and in one piece, believe it!"

"I think you're bluffing," said Pai-Mey to Rock Lee, "You wouldn't risk your life for such a dangerous technique." "You're wrong traitor," said Rock Lee as he removed two weight belts from beneath his leggings, "And today you answer for your crimes, because the weights are coming off!" Holding out the weights at arms length, Rock Lee released them from his hands. They fell to the ground with the sound of something extremely heavy falling.

"How heavy are those things?" asked Caleb. "The last time I checked," said Tenten, "He had over 250 lbs on each leg." "You mean he's been walking around with at least 500 lbs on his legs?" asked Cornelia, "And he doesn't even sweat?" "He truly is a splendid ninja," said an amazed Hay Lin. "You can say that again," said Luffy.

"I don't care how much weight you've been carrying around," said Pai-Mey, "I'll still kill you." "Not likely," said Rock Lee as he unraveled the bandaged on his arms until there was at least eight feet of lose bandage trailing from his arms, "Now, The First Gate: Gate of Opening, Release!" "Did you feel that?" asked Nigel to Taranee. "I sensed it," said Taranee, "It's like Rock Lee just got a huge power boost. And I don't think he's done yet."

"The Second Gate: Gate of Rest," said Rock Lee, "Release!" "The first two gates," said Saske, "Are located in the brain. Gate one frees Lee from mental inhibitions, while the second one increases his strength. By now Rock Lee's overall strength has nearly doubled. And he's far from finished."

"The Third Gate: Gate of Life," said Rock Lee, "Release!" At that time Rock Lee's hair was standing up as if by static electricity and his skin began to turn red. "What's happening to him?" asked Hay Lin. "This I'm not really sure," said Sakura, "We think it's a side effect of opening the gates." "Gates three though seven," said Shikamaru, "Are located on the body's central axis. Number three is just above the heart, while number four is below and to the heart, with five, six and seven continuing down. Gate number eight is in the heart."

By now the very air began to resonate from the power radiating from Rock Lee as he exclaimed, "The Fourth Gate: Gate of Pain, Release!" "Incredible," said an awed Eric, "Who knew the human body had that much power locked inside it." "It gets better," said Sakura, "If you think it's incredible now, you ain't seen nothing yet."

"This shouldn't go on any further," said Nerissa, "Pai-Mey, kill him before he reaches his full power!" "She won't strike yet Nerissa," said Rock Lee, "Because Pai-Mey, like any other ninja, is curious on just how far I can take it. You're about to find out. The Fifth Gate: Gate of Closing, Release!"

"Unbelievable!" exclaimed Nigel, "His power, it's out of this world!" "I'm starting to feel it as well," said Irma, "How can he handle it?" "I don't know," said Martin, "He must have conditioned his body to compensate for the ever increasing stress. But how much further can he go?"

"This is as far as he got at the Chûnin exam three years ago," said Sakura, "His fight against Garra nearly killed him. The doctors said that he was crippled from the stress Lee put on his body, added by the wounds inflicted on Garra." ""After our battle," said Garra, "He should have never been able to walk again, let alone fight. But his injuries healed, he became stronger, more able to handle the stress of having the gates open for prolonged periods. When this is over, I hope to have the honor of fighting Rock Lee again."

"Hay Lin," said Neji, "It was only after he returned from helping you and your friends that he was able to open the sixth gate. He said that it was because of meeting you that he was able to breach the barrier that has vexed him for so long. He said that you are his inspiration." "Wow," said Hay Lin, "I didn't know I made such an impact."

'I dedicate the opening of the seventh gate to you Miss Hay Lin,' thought Rock Lee, 'you are my muse. And today, just knowing that you're watching me has allowed me to breach this barrier in my goal to becoming a taijutsu master. But first…' "The Sixth Gate: Gate of Joy, Release!"

The very air around Rock Lee was crackling and distorted by the amount of energy being produced by him. "Don't just stand there, Pai-Mey!" exclaimed Nerissa, "Kill him while he's still powering up!" "Shut your trap!" snapped Nerissa, "He was right, I am curious about how far he can go."

"You're about to witness firsthand just how far I can go," said Rock Lee, "The Seventh Gate: Gate of Shock, Release!" There was a loud Bang! As Rock Lee's energy output increased to even greater amounts.

"This is beyond incredible," said Cornelia, "It's like he's a Super Sayin or something." "I'd say Rock Lee is a match for Max Kildare," said Caleb, "Maybe even stronger."

"Now I am ready," said Rock Lee, "You are finished Pai-Mey Matoya, your day of reckoning has arrived!" Before anyone could even blink, Rock Lee had vanished, only to reappear behind Pai-Mey. He delivered a kick to her back that sent her hurtling forward; she didn't even know he was there until it was too late.

After traveling about ten feet, Rock Lee appeared again and kicked upwards, sending Pai-Mey zooming into the sky. To everyone else Rock Lee's movements seemed less than a blur.

Pai-Mey had reached a height of about 100 yards when Rock Lee appeared behind her yet again. This time he grabbed her by the waist, his bandages wrapping around her until they had her restrained like a mummy. Lee and Pai-Mey began to spin like a corkscrew as they began to fall back down. Faster and faster they spun, while their rate of descent increased as well.

The two crashed onto the ground with the force of a small atomic bomb, or at least that was what it felt to Hay Lin and the others as they felt the shock of the impact. "Good God!" exclaimed Eric, "How can anyone survive that?" "I don't know about Pai-Mey," said Naruto, "But Lee looks to be alright."

Emerging form the dust cloud of the impact limped Rock Lee. Hay Lin rushed forward to him. He smiled and collapsed into her arms. "I did it Hay Lin," said Rock Lee, "I opened the seventh gate. I couldn't have done it without you." "Glad I could have helped," said Hay Lin.

Meanwhile Garra was glaring at Rock Lee with a look mixed with shock, fear and hate. "What's your problem?" asked Chouji. "Don't try to talk to him when he's like this," said Kankuro, "He might just kill you out of spite." "You want to know what my problem is?" asked Garra. "Well, yes," answered Chouji rather reluctantly.

"It's him," said Garra as he pointed at Rock Lee, his hand shaking with his rage, "He's stronger than I am. When we fought three years ago I barely survived, and he could only open five gates than. Now that he can open seven, I'm no match for him, he's stronger than anyone of us."

"You can worry about that later," said Ino, "The point is Lee won! Pai-Mey Matoya is defeated!" "I hate to burst your bubble Ino," said Shino, "But it's not over yet." The dust from the impact had cleared, and emerging from the impact crater was a badly cut and bruised Pai-Mey.

"I must admit," said Pai-Mey as she limped towards Rock Lee and Hay Lin, "I underestimated you. I didn't believe anyone could open seven chakra gates and still be conscious. You have my utmost respect, I shall grant you a proper death worthy of a true ninja." "If you want to kill Lee," said Hay Lin as she stood between Rock Lee and Pai-Mey, "You'll have to kill me first."

"Stand aside Air Guardian," said Pai-Mey as she aimed her red arm at Hay Lin, "I have no desire to kill you just yet." "Why the wait?" asked Hay Lin, "Why not kill me now and save yourself the trouble later?" "Because you, the Earth Guardian, the Fire Guardian and the Water Guardian," said Pai-Mey, "Are to be sacrificed to The God Hand. However, if you don't move, I'm sure my masters won't be disappointed in one less sacrifice."

"You're not sacrificing anyone!" exclaimed Usopp as he aimed and released his slingshot. The marble impacted and exploded right on Pai-Mey's face. "Good shot Usopp," said Luffy. "Thanks," said Usopp in a rather smug tone, "I could have made that shot with both eyes tied behind my back." Nami was about to retort but she was stopped by Sanji, "Let him gloat," he said, "He deserves it for once."

As Pai-Mey clutched at her burned face, Tenten launched handful after handful of shuriken and kuni at Pai-Mey, each edged weapon imbedding itself in her body. "Unbelievable," said Shikamaru, "Tenten must have thrown at least thirty kuni and forty shuriken. Yet Pai-Mey is still standing."

"You think this is funny!" exclaimed Pai-Mey as she began to pull out the many blades stuck in her, "You think you can humiliate me!" "I think we'd better end this," said Kiba, "And I know just how to, you ready Akamaru?" Kiba's barked in agreement as Kiba removed from his pocket two red pills.

"What are those?" asked Caleb. "These allow Akamaru and I to fight on a higher level," said Kiba s he tossed one pill at Akamaru, whom caught and swallowed it. Kiba swallowed the other. Within seconds raw energy began to surge through Kiba's body. Akamaru was also surging with energy as his fur turned red.

"Now Akamaru!" exclaimed Kiba, "Beast Human Clone Jutsu!" Before Cornelia's eyes Akamaru transformed into an exact replica of Kiba. "Cool!" exclaimed Eric. "More than cool," said Caleb. "Mind if I get my kicks in first?" asked Sanji. "Sure," said Kiba as Akamaru climbed onto his back, "Knock your self out."

"You think you can get away with laughing at me?" asked Pai-Mey to no one in particular as she pulled out the last of the kuni, "I won't be denied my place with The God Hand! I won't be humiliated!" "Nobody's laughing at you," said Nerissa, "And you shouldn't lower your defenses at any time."

"What are you talking about?" asked Pai-Mey just before noticing that Sanji was standing less than a yard from her. "Bar-b-q rib buster!" exclaimed Sanji as he kicked Pai-Mey in the torso. She gasped for air as Sanji maneuvered behind her, "Shish kabob back smash!" exclaimed Sanji as he delivered a kick to her back.

She fell to the ground. "Why is the ground shaking?" Pai-Mey asked out loud as she began to get up, "Why does the ground shake so?" "It's called shell shock," said Kiba as both he and Akamaru prepared to attack, "And this is a cue-de-gra! Double Wolf Fang!"

Both Kiba's charged and struck Pai-Mey in a whirlwind of claws, kicks and punches. By the time both Kiba's were done, Pai-Mey had collapsed to the ground and wasn't moving. One of the Kiba's reverted back into Akamaru. "Good going boy," said the real Kiba, "We did it."

Naruto was the first to reach the still form of Pai-Mey while the others gathered around her. "Is she dead?" asked Ino. "She's still breathing," said Zolo. "It's a shame," said Naruto, "All that power and it got her nowhere." "Then kill me," gasped Pai-Mey, "Stop wasting my time and get it over with." "No," said Saske, "We're not going to kill you, that is a matter for the authorities back home, so we're taking you back to Konohamaru. Pai-Mey Matoya, you're under arrest."

"I think it's time I stepped in," said Nerissa, "We still need to destroy The Temple, and it wouldn't look good to The God Hand if their favorite servant didn't come back." "Great," said Shikamaru, "I forgot about that one." "What do we do?" asked Ino, "We're not exactly in the best condition for any further fighting." "Leave Nerissa to me," said Jaden, "I know what I have to do."

The end of chapter 11. Next chapter Jaden challenges Nerissa for The Heart of Candracar. See you next time!