Chapter 38: Rock Lee


The explosion rocked Sunagakure, a shockwave of devastation that sent ripples of panic through the village. Temari, ever the vigilant kunoichi, was closest to the blast. Her eyes narrowed, scanning the chaos for any sign of the perpetrator. She felt the ground tremble beneath her feet and knew she had to act swiftly.

Leaping back to the Kazekage's office with grace, she found Gaara standing by the window, his expression a mask of controlled fury.

"Gaara!" she called out, urgency coloring her voice. "We've been attacked. It looked like a demon—most likely of Piccolo Daimao."

Gaara turned to her, his eyes sharp and focused. "I'm aware," he replied, his tone calm but edged with a simmering anger. "What did you see?"

Temari took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I was tailing Yamcha and Puar from a sizable distance when it happened. The blast was almost impossible to track—it was so fast, so sudden. They're gone, Gaara. They're dead."

Gaara's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. "This is my chance," he said, more to himself than to Temari. "My chance to protect our people, to make amends for my past."

Temari's eyes softened for a moment, seeing the weight of responsibility on her brother's shoulders. "Gaara, please. Be careful. If the fight gets too rough, you need to get out of there."

Gaara's gaze hardened. "I won't make that promise, Temari. Our village needs us now more than ever. Find Shikamaru and his team. We'll need his strategic mind and their strength."

The teen hesitated, her worry etched on her face. "And what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to take the fight to the enemy," Gaara said with a fierce determination. The redhead's eyes blazed with an unyielding resolve. "I will not let this demon terrorize our home any longer."

"Gaara, you don't have to do this alone," she pleaded, her voice cracking with a mix of fear and frustration. "The demon is strong..."

"There's no other way," Gaara responded, his voice a low growl. "Sunagakure depends on us. This is our fight, and I will be the one to lead by example."

Temari's heart pounded in her chest as she watched her brother prepare to leave. She knew the risks, the potential for loss, but she also knew Gaara's strength. He was the heir to the Kazekage throne, the pillar of their village. She could not afford to doubt him now.

"Just... promise me you'll come back," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos outside.

Gaara gave her one last look, a mixture of steely determination and unspoken emotion. "Stay safe, Temari."

And with that, he vanished in a stream of sand.

Temari stood there for a moment, her hands trembling. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. She had to find Shikamaru.

The girl promptly turned on her heel and dashed out of the office, her fan strapped to her back, determination set in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Gaara floated on a cloud of sand above the village, the devastation below painting a grim picture. The air was thick with dust and despair. He waited, eyes scanning for any sign of the enemy. As the dust began to settle, he saw them—a pair of blood-red eyes glowing through the haze.

The shadowy figure emerged, tall and menacing, with demonic wings spread wide.

Gaara's eyes narrowed. "So, you've finally shown yourself."

Before he could react, the figure moved with a speed that was almost incomprehensible, slamming Gaara into the ground with bone-crushing force. The future Kazekage lay pinned in a crater, his sand shield barely holding against the singular attack. He gritted his teeth, struggling to free himself from the iron grip.

"Who the hell are you?" Gaara spat, his voice filled with a mix of pain and defiance.

The demon, Snare, grinned down at him, his face a mask of malevolent glee. "Names are irrelevant. Only death matters."

Snare raised his right hand, claws extending, aiming for Gaara's throat. Just as the lethal strike was about to land, a sudden gust of wind hit the demon, momentarily pushing him back. Gaara looked up to see his fellow shinobi launching a coordinated attack, their combined wind jutsu creating a powerful blast.

"Fūton: Daitoppa!" they shouted in unison, their determination palpable.

Gaara took the opportunity to regain his footing, his sand swirling protectively around him. He watched as the shinobi force of Sunagakure arrived in full force, ready to die protecting their village. Their faces were set in grim determination, their eyes reflecting the same resolve as their Kazekage to be.

"Hold the line!" one of the shinobi commanders yelled. "For Sunagakure!"

Snare's grin widened, a chilling sight. "Futile," he said, almost laughing. "You're all just sheep to the slaughter."

The demon moved with terrifying speed, cutting through the shinobi like a hot knife through butter. Blood sprayed into the air as he tore through flesh and bone, each kill more brutal than the last. His laughter echoed through the village, a sound that sent shivers down the spines of those still standing.

Gaara watched in horror as his comrades fell, one by one. He clenched his fists, the sand around him trembling with his rage. "This ends now," he muttered, his voice low and deadly.

He launched himself at Snare, his sand forming into massive tendrils that lashed out at the demon. "Sabaku Kyū!" he roared, attempting to crush Snare in a sand coffin. But the demon was too quick, dodging the attack with ease and retaliating with a vicious kick that sent Gaara crashing into a nearby building.

"Is this the best you can do?" Snare taunted, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "Pathetic."

Gaara struggled to his feet, blood trickling down his face. "I won't let you destroy my home," he said, his voice a steely promise.

Before Snare could respond, a barrage of kunai and shuriken rained down on him, temporarily forcing him to retreat. Gaara's vision cleared, and he saw more of his shinobi rallying, their faces grim but resolute.

"We're with you!" one of them shouted, and a chorus of agreement followed.

Gaara nodded, his resolve hardening. The battle for Sunagakure had only just begun.

While the slaughter ensued, Temari didn't take very long to find her target: Shikamaru's team. She arrived with urgency, sweat glistening on her forehead as a testament to the speed and desperation of her run. The leader of his team rubbed his temples in frustration, his mind racing through the possibilities, trying to piece together what could have gone wrong this time.

"What is it now?" he asked, his tone sharp but not unkind. "Who's the culprit this time?"

"A demon of Piccolo Daimao showed up," Temari stated, her voice steady but laced with concern. Her eyes, usually so fierce and determined, now held a hint of fear, a rare vulnerability that only surfaced in the face of true danger.

Shikamaru nodded, as if expecting the news. "I figured that was the case. Neji, can you pinpoint the demon's location?"

Neji's Byakugan activated immediately, veins bulging around his eyes as he scanned the battlefield. His gaze was intense, his concentration unbreakable. "There," he said, pointing with a sense of urgency. "He's... he looks familiar. Too familiar. Exactly like Snare."

Ino frowned, confusion clear on her face as she processed the information. "How is that possible? We saw Yamcha cut him to shreds. We literally saw him die."

Lee, standing beside her, nodded in agreement, his brows furrowed in thought. "It doesn't make sense. If Snare was killed, how can he be here again?"

Shikamaru's eyes narrowed, his mind piecing together the fragments of the puzzle with lightning speed. The logic was elusive, but he knew they couldn't afford to dwell on it now. "It doesn't matter how. What's important is that we kill him permanently this time. We can't let ourselves get distracted by the details."

Temari's eyes flickered with worry, a rare sight that only underscored the gravity of the situation. "Gaara's already engaged him. He's strong, Shikamaru. We need to move quickly," she insisted, her voice a blend of urgency and concern, the protective instinct of a sister evident in her tone.

Speaking of Yamcha, the Nara's mind flickered back to the chaotic battle scenes. "Neji, can you find Yamcha? We need to know if he's alive," he said, his voice strained with urgency.

Neji's Byakugan pierced the village once more, his eyes scanning through the debris and chaos. "There," he said after a moment, his voice laced with a grim note. "He's dead. I see his body in a crater near the Kazekage office, curled up in a fetal position. Puar is nowhere to be seen."

A wave of dread washed over the group. Shikamaru's jaw tightened as he watched shinobi after shinobi being mutilated by Snare, the scene turning into a horrific bloodbath. He pulled out the treaty seal on a folded sheet of paper from his pocket, staring at it with a heavy heart. Technically, their mission was complete. All they had to do was return to Konoha in one piece.

Seeing a flicker of indecision in Shikamaru's eyes, Neji voiced what they were all thinking. "This is no longer our fight. The treaty is signed. We should head back."

Temari rounded on him, her eyes blazing with anger. "Are you serious? The treaty is supposed to symbolize unity between our villages, and you want to abandon us now?"

Ino, standing beside Neji, interjected, "The treaty hasn't been made official until we return to Konoha. By law, we're still technically not bound to protect Suna."

Temari's frustration boiled over. She ignored Ino's words and looked directly at Shikamaru, her eyes pleading and challenging at the same time. "Shikamaru, I thought you had a spine damnit. How can you even consider leaving when all our lives are at stake? Since when did you become a coward?"

Shikamaru tried to explain, "Temari, it's not about being a coward. It's about being pragmatic. If we get ourselves killed here, what good will it do anyone?"

But Temari turned her back on him, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Shut the hell up. I have a demon to hunt," she said, before taking off into the fray without a moment's hesitation.

The Nara clenched his fists at seeing her run into the jaws of death so brazenly.

Ino stepped forward, her eyes full of understanding and sadness. "I get why you don't want to put us in harm's way. After losing Choji and Kiba, it makes sense that you want to prioritize our safety. And technically, our mission is complete. What would throwing our lives away achieve?"

Neji crossed his arms, his expression stoic. "Leaving now is the operative choice. It's not personal. If we could kill Snare before with Yamcha of all people delivering the blow, surely Gaara and the others can replicate the same feat."

Shikamaru shook his head. "The way we dealt with Snare the first time was a fluke. We caught him off guard. This time, we might not be so lucky."

Lee, his eyes burning with determination, spoke up, his voice filled with disgust. "I can't believe what I'm hearing. To hell with the mission being complete. We cannot abandon them now. I won't run from this challenge. I will face Snare head-on, alone if I have to."

Ino tried to reason with him. "Lee, don't be stupid. Throwing your life away for the greater good is something only the strongest can afford to do, like Son Goku."

Lee's eyes flashed with anger. "If Goku were here, he wouldn't run. He would fight with everything he has. Being the underdog means fighting against the odds, overcoming all obstacles and limitats. If you don't understand that, you don't understand the first thing about Son Goku."

With that passionate declaration, Lee launched himself into the battle, his resolve unshakable.

Shikamaru sighed deeply, knowing what was inevitable.


The scene was chaos incarnate. Amidst the swirling dust and the echo of screams, Kankuro faced the nightmare that was Snare. His puppets danced around him, weapons gleaming in the light, but the malevolent grin on Snare's face suggested he found this more amusing than threatening.

Kankuro stood his ground. "You won't get past me, demon," he spat, his eyes filled with determination. "Karakuri Engeki: Kuroari!" he roared, sending his puppet charging forward, its arms outstretched, ready to trap Snare.

Snare's eyes glinted with malicious glee as he sidestepped, his claws slicing through the air with a speed that defied reality. Kuroari shattered into pieces, wooden limbs flying. Kankuro gritted his teeth, sweat trickling down his face.

"You must be an imbecile," Snare hissed, his voice like grinding metal. "Did you think mere toys would save you?"

Kankuro didn't respond with words but with action, summoning another puppet in a blur. "Hitokugutsu: Sanshouuo!" The massive, armored puppet appeared, a fortress on legs, shielding him.

Snare chuckled darkly, his wings unfurling, casting a shadow over Kankuro. He dove in, his claws ripping through the puppet's armor as if it were paper. With a final, brutal strike, Snare drove his hand through the puppet, reaching Kankuro behind it.

"Die with your toys, puppet master," Snare whispered before ripping his claws through Kankuro's chest and grasping his heart. SHRRKK! Blood sprayed, and he fell, the puppeteers scream echoing through the battlefield, his body hitting the ground with a sickening thud.

"Another one bites the dust," Snare muttered, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure.

Nearby, Baki watched in horror and rage. "Kankuro!" he yelled, his voice raw. He launched himself at Snare, a flurry of kunai in his wake. "Fuuton: Shinkū Taigyoku!" he bellowed, a massive, compressed ball of wind shooting towards Snare.

Snare barely flinched, his wings snapping forward to block the attack. The wind jutsu dissipated against his dark aura. "Pathetic," he sneered, "Is this the best Sunagakure has to offer?"

Baki's face twisted in fury, but before he could unleash another jutsu, Snare was upon him. With a vicious backhand, Baki was sent flying into a nearby wall, his body crumpling to the ground, nearly lifeless.

With no mercy in mind nor heart, the demon blitzed in front of him, stuck his palm out and blasted him to oblivion. Not even ashes remained as proof of Baki's existence.

The shinobi force of Sunagakure, seeing their leaders fall, rallied together, launching a coordinated attack. "Fuuton: Kaze no Yaiba!" several voices cried, wind blades slicing through the air toward Snare.

Snare stood in the midst of the storm, his laughter echoing as he deflected and dodged each attack with ease. One by one, the shinobi fell, their bodies littering the ground. Blood soaked the sand, turning it into a gruesome battlefield. The shinobi of Suna fought valiantly, but they were no match for Snare's overwhelming power. The demon moved through them like a force of nature, his claws and energy blasts cutting through their ranks with ease.

It was a massacre.

Gaara watched helplessly as his comrades fell, his heart heavy with guilt and anger. He focused on protecting the civilians, his sand forming barriers against Snare's attacks. But it wasn't enough. As the demon carved a path of death through his village, the jinchuriki's frustration boiled over. He clutched at his chest, feeling the bijuu inside him stir. "Damnit, where is Shikamaru?" he muttered, his voice strained. "Where is the Konoha shinobi?"

As Snare tore through another wave of shinobi, his eyes locked onto Gaara. "You're next," he snarled, his claws dripping with blood.

Temari, arriving just in time, witnessed the carnage. Her heart pounded as she saw her brother's desperation. "Fuuton: Kamaitachi no Jutsu!" she unleashed her most powerful wind attack, sending a vortex towards Snare. But Snare, with a mere flick of his wrist, diverted the attack.

Before Snare could keep trotting forward, Temari employed a different kind of wind attack. "Fūton: Kiri Kiri Mai!" A powerful gust of wind, accompanied by a summoned weasel spirit with sharp blades, rushed towards Snare.

But Snare walked through the jutsu as if it were nothing more than a gentle breeze. "Is that all you've got?" he mocked, his eyes gleaming with malice.

Temari stood her ground, her heart pounding in her chest. "I won't let you hurt my brother," she said, her voice unwavering despite the fear gnawing at her.

"Temari, get back!" Gaara commanded, his voice edged with desperation. "You can't face him alone!"

Temari ignored his plea, her fan at the ready. "I'm not leaving you, Gaara!" she yelled, defiance blazing in her eyes. "If we die, we die fighting."

Snare's grin widened. "How touching," he mocked. "A family reunion."

Before he could deliver a killing blow, a glowing green blur shot through the battlefield, delivering a bone-crushing kick to Snare's side. THOOM! The impact sent Snare crashing through several buildings.

Rock Lee, his body radiating with energy, landed next to Temari.

"Yosh! We will not let him keep destroying your village!" Lee declared, his voice firm and unwavering.

Temari sighed in relief, nodding at Lee. "Good timing," she muttered, a small smile on her lips.

Gaara, still on one knee, looked at Lee with respect and gratitude. "Lee, thank you," he said simply, struggling to maintain his composure.

Lee gave a thumbs up, his teeth gleaming. "No need for thanks! I will protect everyone!"

As Snare emerged from his position, the green beasts fists clenched at his sides, his body trembling not with fear but with an electric anticipation. His eyes burned with determination as he stared down Snare. The demon's sinewy form loomed menacingly, a cruel smirk twisting his lips.

"Where are the others?" Snare demanded, his voice a low growl.

Lee's gaze remained steady. "This battle is between you and me. The others are of no concern to you."

Snare's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "Very well. I'll deal with them after I kill you."

Without another word, Snare lunged forward, his clawed hands slashing through the air. BAAAANGGGG!

Lee met his attack head-on, their blows colliding with a thunderous impact. The ground beneath them cracked under the force of their clash. To Snare's surprise, Lee matched his casual speed and power, blocking and countering each strike with equal ferocity.

Blow for blow, attack for attack, Lee stood his ground. Snare's disbelief was palpable. How could this human match him?

"Impressive," Snare sneered. "But let's see if you can keep up!"

Snare's aura flared as he exerted more of his power, his attacks becoming a blur of motion. Lee then struggled to keep up, his defenses beginning to falter under the relentless onslaught. Snare's claw struck out, aiming for Lee's chest, but was caught in a vice-like grip.

Lee's eyes had transformed, the pupils replaced with a fierce, glowing white energy. His body radiated a much stronger green aura, trembling with power. "I will not let you harm my friends or this village! Tomon, gate of limit, open!" he roared, his voice echoing through the battlefield.

With a surge of energy, his movements became a blur of green light as he launched a counteroffensive, each strike sending shockwaves through the air. Snare, momentarily taken aback, was forced to retreat as Lee had the advantage. His fists and feet moved with the precision and power of a seasoned taijutsu master, each strike landing with a force that quaked the ground for a remarkable distance. Snare grunted, momentarily taken aback by the ferocity of Lee's attacks.

"Impressive," Snare hissed, his smirk widening. "But you're not the only one holding back!"

Snare's energy surged, his muscles bulging as he unleashed more of his power. He countered Lee's attacks with increased speed and strength, each blow now pushing Lee back. The tide of the battle shifted, and Lee found himself on the defensive, struggling to keep up with Snare's relentless assault.

"Lee!" Temari shouted from the sidelines, her fan at the ready. "We have to help him!"

Gaara stood beside her, his sand swirling protectively around them. "This isn't a fight he can win alone," he agreed, ready to intervene.

But before they could make a move, Lee's voice rang out, clear and resolute. "No! This is my fight now!" He gritted his teeth, determination burning in his eyes as he parried a particularly brutal strike from Snare.

Temari and Gaara hesitated, caught between their desire to protect their comrade and their respect for his resolve. They stepped back, giving Lee the space he demanded, though their hearts pounded with worry.

Snare laughed, the sound echoing through the battlefield. "Foolish human. Do you really think you can defeat me on your own?"

Lee didn't waver. "I don't think. I know." His voice was steady, filled with an unshakeable belief in his own abilities. He focused inward, channeling his chakra as he prepared to push beyond his current limits.

Snare charged, his claws glowing with malevolent energy. Lee met him head-on, their clash creating a shockwave that rippled across the battlefield. Each strike from Snare was met with a counter from Lee, but the strain was beginning to show on the young shinobi.

In the midst of the ferocious battle, Lee's mind flashed with memories of his training with Gai-sensei, the countless hours of pushing his body to its limits, the lessons of perseverance and determination. He couldn't afford to lose, not now.

"I won't let you win," Lee growled, his voice filled with resolve. "I will protect my friends, this village, and everything I hold dear."

Snare's grin widened, sensing Lee's desperation. "Show me, then, what you're truly capable of."

With a roar, Lee's chakra flared even brighter. He took a deep breath, feeling the intense pressure building within him. "Sixth Gate... " he whispered to himself, gathering all his strength.

The ground trembled as Lee's chakra surged to new heights, his body glowing with a vibrant green aura. His muscles tensed, and his eyes glowed with an intense light as he began to unlock the Sixth Gate. The power coursing through him was immense, and the air around him crackled with energy.

"Gai-sensei," Lee repeated, his voice a fierce whisper. "Please let this work..."

As he stared Snare down, the battlefield seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable. The fight was far from over, and the outcome hung in the balance.

"Keimon, gate of view, open!" Lee's voice echoed through the desolate battlefield. As the Sixth Gate activated, a fierce, green aura burst forth from his body, sending shockwaves through the air. The ground beneath him quaked violently, and the winds roared, whipping around with such force that corpses strewn across the battlefield were sent flying.

The alive populace of Sunagakure in the vicinity watched in awe and terror as the sheer power emanating from Lee created tremors that rippled through the ground for thousands of meters. Buildings shook, and dust and debris were hurled into the sky, obscuring the sun and casting an eerie shadow over the scene!

The air around Lee exploded with energy, the ground cracking beneath his feet. "Temari, Gaara, tell everyone else to stay back too!" he ordered, his voice a thunderous command. "This battle is mine!"

Temari grabbed Gaara, pulling him back as Lee stood his ground, his fists blazing. "Give him hell, Lee," she muttered.

The air was electric with tension as Lee, his body now transformed by the power of the Sixth Gate, faced off against Snare. The ground beneath them seemed to shudder in anticipation, while the villagers and shinobi who had survived the initial onslaught watched with bated breath. Lee's purely white eyes were intense as he took on the demon by his lonesome.

"You think you can beat me, little human?" Snare snarled, his voice dripping with contempt. "You have no idea what true power is."

Lee said nothing in response. His focus was absolute, his muscles taut and ready. And then a war cry echoed through the village as he exploded into action, the final battle commencing with a fury that would be remembered for ages. His speed and agility immediately overwhelmed Snare. Each punch and kick were delivered with pinpoint accuracy, driving Snare back with a relentless assault. The demon struggled to keep up, his movements becoming increasingly desperate as he tried to counter Lee's attacks.

"You're fast," Snare admitted through gritted teeth, "but it won't be enough."

Lee's fists were a blur, his strikes landing with the potency of a multi-continental destroying bomb. Snare's defenses crumbled under the onslaught, his confidence shaken. The demon tried to lash out, but Lee's superior speed and technique kept him one step ahead.

"You think you can just come here and kill all my friends?" Lee's voice was a growl, his eyes blazing with righteous fury. "I'll show you what happens when you find someone who can actually stand up to you!"

Snare roared in frustration, launching a powerful energy blast. Lee dodged effortlessly, the ground where he had stood moments before erupting in a cloud of dust and debris. Lee used the moment to close the distance, delivering a crushing blow to Snare's midsection that sent him flying.

DOOOOSH!

Many of the villagers watched in awe from a safe distance thanks to another speedster wearing orange and blue, their hope rekindled by Lee's prowess. Temari, who had seen her fair share of powerful shinobi, was taken aback. "He's a force of nature," she whispered, her eyes wide with admiration.

But Snare was not so easily defeated. With a snarl, he took to the air, using his ability to fly to gain an advantage. Hovering above the battlefield, he glared down at Lee with malice. "You may be strong on the ground, but let's see how you handle this!"

Snare launched a barrage of energy blasts from the sky, each one aimed with deadly precision. Lee darted around the battlefield, his movements a blur as he evaded the attacks. The explosions rocked the village, sending shockwaves through the already devastated landscape.

"You can't hide forever, human!" Snare bellowed, his frustration mounting. "I'll destroy everything you care about!"

Lee's mind raced, searching for a way to counter Snare's aerial assault. He glanced towards Gaara and Temari, who were trying to protect the remaining villagers while also remaining attentive to the fight.

Gaara, observing from a distance, knew he had to level the playing field. His sand rose from the ground, forming a platform beneath Lee's feet, allowing him to ascend and confront Snare in the air.

"Sabaku no Nimbus!" Gaara commanded, his voice steady despite the strain. A pseudo-nimbus cloud of sand became his vehicle and his launching pad simultaneously. "Lee, you have your footing!"

Silently thanking Gaara, Lee launched himself into the air off of the cloud, using the sheer force of his jumps to reach Snare. The demon's eyes widened in surprise as the genin closed the distance, his fists glowing with energy. "You won't escape me any longer!" Lee shouted, delivering a powerful strike that sent Snare reeling.

The demon recovered quickly however, retaliating with a vicious blast aimed at Gaara and Temari in order to eliminate Lee's aided flight. Time seemed to slow as Lee saw the attack coming, his body moving on instinct. He pushed himself harder than ever before, intercepting the blast that was imperceptible to the suna-nin with a cross guard.

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The impact was immense, but Lee stood firm, his body and arm bandages absorbing the energy with minimal damage. The ground around him cracked and shattered, but he did not falter.

He couldn't be touched, couldn't be stopped, couldn't be moved, couldn't be rocked, couldn't be shook, he was hot!

When will Snare ever learn?

Speaking of which, he hovered above, his expression one of disbelief. "How... how are you still standing?"

Lee lowered his arms, his eyes locked onto Snare. "I told you, I won't let you hurt them. I'll protect them with my life."

The battle was far from over, and as the dust settled, the villagers and shinobi watched with renewed hope. Lee had proven himself to be a formidable opponent, and Snare knew he was in for the fight of his life.

When the dust settled, Temari and Gaara were not there regardless. Even if Lee was late to the blast Shikamaru's shadows had pulled them to safety just in time.

The girl impulsively hugged Shikamaru, her relief palpable. "Finally grew some balls, eh?"

Shikamaru smirked, relief also in his eyes. "I should've grown them sooner, forgive me."

As Snare turned his attention back to the fight, Lee struck him with a devastating kick to the jaw, jarring Snare's mind and sending him crashing back to the ground. "We are NOT finished yet!" the beast exclaimed, his voice a battle cry.

Gaara, straining under the effort of maintaining the sand platform, pushed himself to support his comrades.

Ino nodded in gratitude at her previously most hated man in the world. "Thank you for helping Lee, Gaara."

"It's all I can do," Gaara replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "Even in my most powerful form, I was defeated seamlessly by Son Goku. Loathe as I am to admit it, Lee is the strongest among us by far."

- Flashback no Jutsu -

In the heart of Konoha's training grounds, the gravity room hummed with energy. Inside, Ino strained against the oppressive weight of the room, set to twenty times the normal gravity. Each movement was a monumental effort, her muscles screaming in protest.

"Lee, how do you manage this hellish lifestyle every day?" Ino asked, her voice strained as she completed another set of push-ups.

Lee, ever the beacon of energy and enthusiasm, smiled despite the sweat pouring down his face. "It's all about the springtime of youth, Ino! You have to push your limits to discover your true potential."

Ino rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her lips. "You and your springtime of youth. I think you might be a little crazy."

"Maybe," Lee replied, laughing. "But it's a good kind of crazy. Now, come on, one more set before we take a break."

Ino nodded, gritting her teeth as she pushed herself through another set of squats. The gravity pulled at her, making every movement a colossal effort. Finally, she collapsed onto the floor, breathing heavily. "Okay, I'm done. I need a break before I turn into a pancake."

Lee laughed and nodded. "Take five. You've earned it."

Ino staggered out of the gravity room, grateful for the normal weight of the world outside. She found a shaded spot under a tree and sat down, sipping water from her bottle. She watched Lee through the glass of the gravity room, admiring his dedication and relentless spirit. Even after all this time training together, his boundless energy never ceased to amaze her.

After a few minutes, Ino felt her strength returning. She stood up, stretched, and made her way back to the gravity room. She paused at the door, her eyes widening in shock. Lee had increased the gravity to forty times the normal weight. His movements were slower, more deliberate, but still filled with the same unyielding determination.

"Lee, are you out of your mind?" she exclaimed as she stood outside the room, using the voice box to communicate with him.

Lee looked up, his face strained but smiling. "Ino, welcome back! I wanted to see how far I could push myself today."

Ino shook her head in disbelief. "You're going to hurt yourself if you keep this up."

Lee's expression turned serious, his eyes meeting hers. "Ino, I have to be ready. There's always a chance that we'll face stronger enemies. If I don't push my limits, how can I protect my friends?"

Ino felt a pang of understanding. Lee's drive to become stronger wasn't just for himself; it was for all of them. She nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Alright, Lee. But I'm not stepping in there until you're done. I'd be crushed at forty times gravity."

Lee nodded, appreciating her honesty. "Fair enough. I'll finish up here and join you soon."

Ino watched as Lee continued his training, his movements precise and controlled despite the intense gravity. She could see the strain in his muscles, the sweat dripping down his face, but he never wavered. His dedication was unwavering, his spirit unbreakable.

As she watched him, Ino couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for Lee. He was relentless, always pushing himself to the limit. She could learn a lot from him, not just about physical strength, but about perseverance and determination.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lee finished his training. He deactivated the gravity controls and stumbled out of the room, his body drenched in sweat. Ino handed him a towel and a bottle of water.

"You're something else, Lee," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Lee smiled, taking a long drink of water. "We both are, Ino. We both are."

Ino nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie and purpose. Training with Lee wasn't just about getting stronger physically; it was about growing as a shinobi and as a person. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, pushing their limits and protecting their friends with everything they had.

After a short break, Ino and Lee decided to continue their training, but this time at a more manageable level. They re-entered the gravity room, setting it back to twenty times gravity. Ino felt the familiar weight press down on her, but this time, she felt a renewed sense of determination.

"Ready for another round?" Lee asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Ino grinned. "Bring it on, Lee. I'm not backing down."

They trained side by side, each rep a testament to their dedication and the bond they shared. Hours passed, and their training continued. Ino's muscles burned with fatigue, but she pushed through, inspired by Lee's relentless spirit.

As the sun began to set, they both collapsed onto the floor of the gravity room, utterly spent. Ino looked over at Lee, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Tomorrow," she said, her voice filled with determination, "we try twenty-four times gravity."

Lee's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's the spirit! We'll push our limits even further!"

- Present no Jutsu -

Ino glanced at Lee, admiration in her eyes. "No kidding. Compared to him, I'm nowhere near his level. Training with him, I've seen just how hard he works. He pushes himself to the brink of death. It's a level of dedication that's unparalleled. Lee is arguably the most talented taijutsu user in Konoha, maybe even better than Gai-sensei himself," she added. "He's a splendid shinobi indeed."

As Snare struggled to his feet, his anger seething, Lee landed gracefully before him, his aura still blazing. "Your overconfidence will be your downfall, Snare. We will protect each other, no matter what it takes."

Snare's eyes blazed with fury, his muscles tensing as he prepared to launch another assault. But Lee stood firm, his green aura pulsing with raw power.

"You have underestimated us for the last time," he said, his voice a calm storm. "This ends here."

Snare snarled, his anger reaching a boiling point. "We'll see about that."

As the demon prepared to strike, Lee's fists clenched, ready to defend his friends and a village that was not his own to the last breath.

Ino's heart fluttered as she watched Lee engage Snare in the fierce battle. Every blow Lee delivered, every dodge, every counterattack resonated deeply within her. Part of her wanted to join the fray, to stand by his side, but she knew that doing so would only hinder him. She wasn't strong enough. Not yet.

Shikamaru, observing from a distance, couldn't help but marvel at Lee's prowess. "Even though none of us can match Son Goku's power, Lee has surpassed all my expectations. He's an absolute BEAST."

Neji watched in awe as Lee held his own against Snare, even in the air where the demon had the advantage. "I was completely wrong about my rationale on fate. Lee is proving that hard work and determination can overcome even the harshest of destinies."

Temari, her fan clutched tightly in her hands, could feel the immense power radiating from the battlefield. "This is on a whole other level. I can't believe how strong Lee is compared to the rest of us."

Ino, unable to contain herself, shouted encouragement from the sidelines, her voice carrying over the sounds of the battle. "Lee, you can do it! Show him what you're made of!"

Lee heard her and felt a surge of energy and determination. He launched himself at Snare with renewed vigor, executing the Asakujaku technique. His fists ignited with the flames of the Morning Peacock, shooting a barrage of fiery punches towards Snare.

Snare, not to be outdone, unleashed a series of ki blasts, the two attacks clashing in mid-air and creating a spectacular display of power. Neither side seemed to gain the upper hand as the shockwaves from their collision shook the village ever more.

Using his wings, Snare flew higher, trying to gain a better vantage point. He looked down at Lee, who was still on the cloud of sand Gaara had created earlier. Knowing that Lee would likely use the sand to rebound back into the fight, Snare decided to use his intellect to his advantage. He powered up to his utmost peak level of power, and then created clones of himself via the multi-form technique.

"Let's see how you handle this," Snare sneered.

Lee's eyes widened as three Snares descended upon him. He wasn't a sensor type, nor did he have the visual prowess of someone like Neji. He couldn't distinguish between the real Snare and the clones, so he did the only thing he could: he fought them all.

Snare's clones were not Kage Bunshin; they didn't dispel upon the first contact. Instead, each clone, though dispersing Snare's energy, was still incredibly powerful. Each one of them was relative to Lee's strength in his sixth gate form. The sheer number of enemies forced Lee to tap into his advanced taijutsu skills just to stay afloat.

Lee's eyes darted from one clone to the next, anticipating their moves. His body moved in natural afterimages, blocking and countering as he tried to keep up with the relentless assault.

Ino, her heart racing, called out again. "Lee, focus on the rhythm of their attacks. They can't be perfect copies!"

The green beast gritted his teeth, realizing Ino was right. The clones, though strong, weren't perfect. They had subtle differences in their movements. Focusing his mind, he started to pick up on these variations.

Meanwhile, the real Snare hovered above the battlefield, a malevolent smirk on his face as he surveyed his targets. Below him, the group tensed, each of them preparing for what felt like an inevitable confrontation with death.

Ino, with her heart pounding in her chest, stepped forward. Her chakra surged as she pushed herself into the fifth gate. "I won't let you take another step!" she shouted, her voice filled with determination.

Temari readied her giant fan, the weapon gleaming in the harsh sunlight. Neji's chakra began to seep out of his tenketsu, forming an ethereal blue glow around his body. His eyes, the signature Byakugan, bore into Snare with fierce determination.

Shikamaru, ever the strategist, tried to think of an instant win condition. "But there isn't one," he muttered, a smirk playing on his lips. "Lee is our only chance." He glanced at Lee's dilemma, knowing the situation was dire.

Snare descended slowly, his expression one of cold amusement. "You all think you can stop me from killing you?" he mocked, his eyes glinting with malice. "You can't even comprehend the power I wield."

Before anyone could react, Snare moved with a blistering speed, his hand piercing through Gaara's chest like wet paper. The redhead coughed up blood, his hands falling limp as his sand barriers, structures, supports, and clouds alike all crumbled.

"Gaara!" Temari screamed, her voice filled with horror.

Ino dashed forward, her body a purple and green blur as she tried to kick Snare away. But he was too quick, disappearing and then reappearing, delivering a punch to her jaw that nearly knocked her unconscious immediately. POWWWW! She crumpled to the ground at Shikamaru and Temari's feet.

Neji unleashed his own version of the Hakke Kūshō, but Snare walked through it as if it were nothing. The demon grabbed Neji by the throat, lifting him off the ground and choking the life out of him.

A shadow tendril wrapped around Snare's demonic hands, forcing him to release Neji. Shikamaru strained against the Kagemane no jutsu, his muscles trembling with the effort. "Let him go," he ordered, his voice steady despite the intrinsic fear.

Snare turned, breaking free of the shadow without effort and stalking towards Shikamaru with deadly intent.

Snare's footsteps echoed ominously as he encroached on Shikamaru and Temari, his eyes gleaming. The atmosphere was thick with dread, every breath labored as the imminent threat closed in on them. The aforementioned duo stood side by side, their faces etched with varying emotion.

Shikamaru glanced at Temari, his eyes narrowing. "Looks like this is it, huh?" he said, his voice carrying a hint of resignation but also a trace of his usual nonchalance.

Temari's lips curved into a smirk. "Yeah, seems like it," she replied, her voice steady and resolute. "You know, for a lazy bum, you weren't half bad."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "And for a loudmouth, you're pretty tough," he retorted, the familiar banter bringing a sense of normalcy to the dire situation.

Snare drew closer, his presence a dark cloud over their final moments. Temari took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Shikamaru's. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," she stated simply, her tone unwavering.

Shikamaru gave a small nod, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, me neither," he agreed, his hand moving to grip hers firmly. "Guess we're both in this till the end."

Snare's malevolent grin widened as he raised his clawed hand, eager to rip both of their heads off. Shikamaru and Temari faced him, their hands still entwined, unyielding in the face of death.

"Troublesome woman," Shikamaru murmured, a hint of affection in his voice.

Temari's smirk widened. "Troublesome man," she shot back.

In that fleeting moment, they found solace in each other, their bond unbroken even as the world around them crumbled. They stood tall, facing their end with a courage born of mutual respect and unspoken feelings.

"Temari," Shikamaru glanced at the girl one more time, a sad smile on his face. "It was nice knowing you."

Temari's eyes wanted to be filled with tears, but she managed a brave smile. "Yeah yeah, I love you too. We'll cloud watch, play shogi, and trash talk each other in the next world."

"I like the sound of that," Shikamaru replied, his voice finally cracking with emotion.

BSSHHSSHH!

Their conversation was interrupted by a colossal wall of sand forming between them and Snare. Gaara, his body now marked with the features of the One-Tail, stood before them, his voice a roar of defiance. The bijuu inside the redhead healed his gaping wound.

"Your fight is with me again!"

The battlefield, a desolate expanse of chaos and ruin, is thick with tension as Gaara, partially transformed, stands before Snare. His sand armor glistens in the harsh sunlight, and his eyes, now tinged with a hint of the Ichibi's influence, burned with resolve.

"You think you can stop me with your petty tricks?" Snare sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

Gaara's response is a low, guttural growl. "Suna no Tate!" he commanded, and a shield of sand rises to intercept Snare's oncoming attack. The clash is violent, with sparks flying as the demon's blade-like limbs slice through the sand with ease.

"You'll have to do better than that," Snare taunts, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement.

Gaara grits his teeth, summoning more of his sand. "Sabaku Kyū!" he yells, attempting to encase Snare in a coffin of sand. The technique closes in around Snare, tightening with crushing force.

For a moment, Snare appears trapped, but with a chilling laugh, he unleashes a burst of dark energy, shattering the sand prison effortlessly. "Is that the best you can do? Pitiful."

Frustration etched deep lines into Gaara's face. He channeled more of the Ichibi's power, allowing its influence to warp his body further. His features become more feral, and his power surged. "Ryūsa Bakuryū!" Gaara shouted, summoning a massive tidal wave of sand to overwhelm Snare.

Snare's smile faded as the sand crashed down upon him, but his defiance is unyielding. With a roar, he disperses the sand with sheer force, emerging unscathed. "You cannot defeat me, boy. Your efforts are futile."

Desperation clawed at Gaara. He transformed further, his body swelling with the power of the Ichibi. His voice, now a blend of his own and Shukaku's, is filled with fury. "Sabaku Sōsō!" he bellowed, trying to crush Snare under the weight of his sand.

Snare, undeterred, smashed through the sand with relentless aggression. His attacks were swift and brutal, battering Gaara's defenses. "Just roll over and die for me. We both know you're outmatched. Unless this isn't the best you can do?" the demon taunted, landing with a thud. He lunged at Gaara, his movements a faster than a blur. Gaara barely managed to raise a sand shield in time, but the force of the blow sent him skidding back.

Gaara clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. He allowed Shukaku's power to surge further through his veins. His body grew more monstrous, claws replacing fingers, and his skin roughening like sandpaper.

His voice is a monstrous growl. "How about YOU roll over and die!"

The ground trembles as Gaara unleashes his full power, but Snare meets him head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Snare's strength is overwhelming, his attacks precise and devastating. Gaara's defenses crumble under the relentless onslaught. Even as a mini-Shukaku, he was stood no chance in the face of Snare's brutal onslaught.

There were levels to this. Some readers of the story might be clamoring that Gaara should've already been dead...keep reading!

Temari stands on a disheveled rooftop, her fan still at the ready, but her eyes wide with horror as she surveyed the destruction. Her usually composed demeanor was shattered, replaced by a deep sense of helplessness. She watched as Gaara, in his mini-Shukaku form, struggled against Snare's relentless assault.

"This... this is a nightmare," Temari whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of battle. "I've never seen anything like this."

Beside her, Shikamaru clenched his fists, his usually calm and strategic mind racing to find a solution. But even his genius is stumped by the sheer overwhelming power of Snare. He knew they were outclassed, and the realization hit him hard.

"Temari, we need to get Neji and Ino and stay the hell out of the way," Shikamaru said, his voice strained. "There's nothing we can do here. We're outmatched."

Temari looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and despair. "But Gaara... we can't just leave him. Or Lee."

Shikamaru's expression is grim. "I know, but if we get in there, we'll only get in the way and likely end up as grief on their conscience. We have to trust that Gaara and Lee can handle this."

Not far from the main battle, Rock Lee is engaged in a fierce struggle against three clones of Snare. His movements are a blistering combination of speed and precision, each strike landing with demon-crushing force. Despite his incredible skills, the clones are relentless, their synchronized attacks pushing Lee to his limits.

"Omote Renge!" Lee shouts, his body spinning in a whirlwind of kicks that sends one clone crashing into the ground. But the victory is short-lived as the other two clones press their advantage, their dark energy blasts tearing through the air.

Lee grits his teeth, sweat pouring down his face. "I won't let you win!" he declares, his eyes burning with determination. He maintains his Sixth Gate state throughout without any drawback thus far, his body glowing with a green aura as his power surges once more. "Konoha Senpū!"

His attacks become even more ferocious, but the clones adapt, their attacks becoming more coordinated. Lee manages to destroy another clone, but the last one proves to be the toughest, matching his every move with deadly precision.

Pivoting back to the main battle, Gaara was still getting thoroughly dominated. It was not close.

"You think the beast will save you?" Snare mocked, his eyes cold and calculating. "It's nothing but a tool, just like you." He then laughed, a chilling sound that echoed through the desolate battlefield. "Look at you, so desperate." He sneered, delivering a powerful kick that sent Gaara crashing into the ground.

Gritting his teeth, Gaara pushed himself up, his breath ragged. He knew what he had to do. He let his eyes flutter shut, feigning sleep...

And then ground trembled as Shukaku's full power was unleashed.

"YESSSSSSSS!" The enormous form of Shukaku the One-Tail emerged, its roar shaking the very air as it easily towered over the emasculated form of the village hidden in the sand.

Speaking of which, the once proud and bustling village of Sunagakure is now a scene of utter devastation. Buildings lie in ruins, their structures shattered by the immense forces unleashed during the battle. Streets that were once filled with life and activity are now littered with debris and the bodies of fallen shinobi. Fires rage uncontrolled, casting a hellish glow over the desolate landscape, while thick, acrid smoke fills the air, making it difficult to breathe.

The battle with Snare had left deep scars across the village, with massive craters dotting the ground where powerful attacks have landed. The sound of collapsing structures and the distant cries of a few injured civilians create a haunting backdrop to the chaos. Luckily, those screams were dwindling as an unknown agency was working discreetly, saving whomever he could reach.

The raccoon looked down at Snare, eyes glowing with bloodlust. "You're a fool if you think you can defeat me demon," the beast snarled, its voice like gravel. "Gaara might have changed, but I haven't."

Snare's lips curled into a smirk, unfazed by the towering beast before him. "Big words for a big target," he said, his tone mocking.

Shukaku roared, swiping a massive claw at Snare, who dodged with ease. The ground shook vigorously with the impact of Shukaku's missed blow. "You talk too much!" Shukaku bellowed. "Fūton: Renkūdan!" The powerful blast of wind hurtled towards Snare, tearing through the battlefield.

Snare countered with a dark energy blast, meeting Shukaku's attack head-on. The explosion rocked the area, but when the dust settled, the demon stood unscathed. "Is that all you've got, monster?" he jeered.

Undeterred, Shukaku attacked again, with more ferocity. "Sajin Rōto!" The devastating storm of sand enveloped Snare, the particles supposedly tearing at him like countless tiny blades. For a moment, it seemed Shukaku had the upper hand.

But Snare emerged from the storm, his body radiating dark energy. DOOOOOOOOOSH! He closed the distance in an instant, striking Shukaku with devastating force. "You're nothing but a relic of the past," Snare said, his voice cold and cruel. "Time for you to go back to where you belong."

Shukaku staggered, his massive form reeling from the impact. "Youdare…" the beast roared, swinging wildly. But Snare was relentless, dodging and striking with brutal efficiency. DOOOOOOM!

With a final, powerful strike, Snare brought Shukaku to its knees.

WHOOOOOSH!

In a swift motion, Snare lunged at the weakened beast, ripping Gaara from Shukaku's body. The future Kazekage, now in his human form, dangled helplessly in the demon's grasp, his throat clenched in a vice-like grip.

Snare hoisted him into the air, and the surviving members of the village below watched in horror.

"This is your so-called strongest?" Snare sneered, his voice echoing through the silence. He tightened his grip, and Gaara gasped for breath, his vision blurring.

From the sky, a boy watched the scene unfold, his fists clenched in anger. Gaara, the leader of this village, hung on the brink of death. The villagers' faces mirrored the hopelessness of the situation, their morale shattered by the overwhelming power of their foe.

Yet, amidst the despair, the resolve in Gaara's eyes didn't waver. Even in the grip of death, the redhead remained unbroken. "You... will not... win," he choked out, his voice a defiant whisper.

Snare's sneer deepened, his grip tightening. "And why is that?" he asked, his tone dripping with malice. "Those are brave words indeed... for a dead man."

Temari watched in horror as her youngest brother is held aloft, the symbol of their village's strength reduced to a helpless victim. "Gaara... no..." she whispered, her voice breaking.

Shikamaru's face is pale, his mind racing but finding no solutions. "This can't be happening," he muttered, feeling the weight of their helplessness. "We're completely outclassed."

The village below is silent, the devastation and despair settling over the survivors like a suffocating blanket. The sky above Sunagakure is murky, reflecting the hopelessness that grips the hearts of its people. As Snare's laughter echoes through the ruins, the reality of their defeat became painfully clear.

"Any last words?" Snare sneered, tightening his hold. Gaara, barely conscious, managed to whisper two more words...

"Rock Lee."

Snare's eyes flicked to Lee, who had successfully maimed his final clone. A sense of dread began to creep in at the sight of the only form of adversity he ever faced still clinging, no thriving, despite three duplicates of himself working against him as a unit.

Tossing Gaara like garbage, Snare summoned his energy back from the clones, his power surging to his peak levels as a moon buster.

Ino, finally recovering from her daze, leapt into the air and caught Gaara before he could hit the ground and assuredly die on contact. It was the least she could do for the man trying atone for his sins by putting his life on the line for them all.

Seeing this, Snare unleashed his eye beams, aiming to incinerate both Ino and Gaara on the spot. The deadly light streams moved at space-warping speeds, but before they could reach their targets, bandaged arms intercepted them, causing a massive explosion.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

"Ino/Gaara!" Shikamaru and Temari respectively shouted, the blast sending mass amounts of debris flying.

Silence fell over the village, the air thick with smoke and dust. Then, the smoke was blown away, revealing Lee standing tall in a cross guard, his body glowing with an even more powerful green aura.

- Flashback no Jutsu -

Suddenly, the world around him faded, replaced by the familiar training grounds of Konoha. He was back in his early days as a genin, his body aching from the relentless training he put himself through.

"Lee," Gai-sensei's voice boomed, breaking through the haze of his exhaustion. "Remember your nindo. What is your ninja way?"

Lee, battered and bruised, looked up at his sensei, eyes burning with resolve. "I will never give up, no matter what!" he declared, his voice unwavering despite his fatigue. "I will become a splendid ninja, even if I can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu. I want to prove it to the whole world!"

Gai-sensei's face softened into a proud smile. "That's right, Lee. Your spirit and determination will lead you to greatness."

- Present no Jutsu -

"So I was not born with a whole lot of natural talent, not gifted like Neji... but I work hard and I never give up... that is my gift, that is my nindo, my ninja way..." was the whisper from the green beast.

Snare looked on in disbelief as Lee's power began to surge to unimaginable levels. "You... you can't be serious."

Rock Lee stood calmly, his eyes fixed on the overwhelming threat that was Snare. His body was racked from the countless strains and aches he had sustained, but his spirit remained unyielding. Ino and a now-recovered Neji watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of worry and hope.

Lee took a deep breath, centering himself. "I have no choice," he muttered, his voice barely audible. He closed his eyes, focusing on the immense power within him...

In an instant, Lee's body erupted with an intense, pulsating aura. The ground beneath him cracked and shattered, unable to withstand the sheer force of his power. The air around him turned a brilliant shade of blue, the chakra manifesting as a fiery aura that enveloped his entire being. The village trembled, its very foundations shaken by the sudden surge of energy.

Ino shielded her eyes from the blinding light, her heart racing. "What... what is this power?" she whispered, awe and fear mingling in her voice.

Neji, his Byakugan activated, could see the torrents of chakra flowing through Lee's body. "It's unbelievable," he said, his voice steady but filled with wonder. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Kyōmon, Gate of Wonder, open!"

As the Seventh Gate fully opened, Lee's skin began to emit steam, the sheer heat of his chakra vaporizing his sweat. His eyes blazed with determination, the usual dark hue replaced by a vibrant, almost supernatural glow. His muscles bulged with the influx of energy, and he felt a newfound strength coursing through every fiber of his being.

Ino cried out for Lee in concern, her voice barely audible over the roaring winds. "Lee, be careful!"

Despite the intense power radiating from him, Lee turned to her and flashed a thumbs-up, his smile sparkling with a classic, pearl-white sheen. "I'll be fine," he said, his confidence unwavering.

That smile, that unshakable belief in himself, made Ino's heart swell.

Lee was awesome.

Ino laughed heartily despite the situation, shouting, "Kick his ass and get back to me when you're done!" A smile spread across her face, fueled by the one ray of hope she clung to in the face of such an impossible opponent.

Lee nodded, his determination solidifying. Turning back to face Snare, he vowed, "I will win this battle and protect you Ino, even if it costs me my life. I will protect all of you."

Snare witnessed it all with a smirk played on his lips despite the sweat trailing down the back of his scaly head. "So, now you've decided to go all out," he said, his tone mocking. "Do you really think it will make a difference?"

Lee didn't respond.

ZOOOOOOOOM!

Instead, he launched himself at Snare with a speed that defied comprehension. The ground where he had stood moments before exploded from the force of his departure. In the blink of an eye, Lee was upon Snare, his fist connecting with a thunderous impact.

BAMMMM!

Snare was sent hurtling through the air, crashing into a distant building with a deafening boom. The force of the blow sent shockwaves rippling through the village, causing structures to quake and windows to shatter. Villagers, already terrified by the ongoing battle, watched in disbelief as the world around them seemed to crumble.

Lee's voice was calm and resolute. "I'm going to protect my friends and my village. No matter what it takes."

Ino's heart swelled with pride and hope as she watched Lee be great. "Lee, you can do this," she whispered.

Lee's green aura intensified as he charged at Snare, their fists colliding with a force that shook the village and beyond once more, even touching cities such as Diablo in the outskirts. The ground cracked beneath them as they exchanged blow after blow, neither willing to back down.

Snare, though powerful, began to feel the pressure. "Ergh, how are you this strong, human?"

Lee's eyes blazed with determination. "I trained every day, pushing past my limits. I fight for my friends, for my village, and most importantly for all the underdogs that never get to shine."

The battle raged on, Lee's movements a zipping of speed and precision. Snare, despite his power, was being pushed to his limits. And beyond them, too far beyond them. With every strike, Lee brought them closer to victory.

Snare was unable to match the uncomfortableness that Lee was willing to dive into.

The village rumbled viciously, sand blowing into dust storms, and the winds becoming dangerous. Lee's eyes were whiter than white, his hair flowed loosely and upward in power, and chakra pulsated around his body, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly glow as he began to kick Snare's ass more and more.

The two warriors clashed in mid-air, the impact of their collision sending shockwaves through the village. Lee's fists and feet moved faster than the eye could begin to perceive, no blurs to be discussed, each strike packed with enough attack potency to smash the moon to bits. Snare countered with his own flurry of attacks, but for every blow he landed, Lee returned twofold.

Lee's movements were a dance of destruction that left Snare reeling. "This is for everyone you've killed!" he growled, his voice filled with righteous fury.

Snare retaliated with a vicious ki blast, aiming to end the fight quickly. But Lee, undeterred, dodged the attack with ease, his speed and agility unmatched. "You'll have to do better than that!" he shouted, launching himself at Snare with renewed vigor.

Blow for blow, attack for attack, the two continued their deadly dance. Snare's frustration grew as he realized he was being taken apart. Lee's relentless assault was pushing him beyond his limits, and for the first time, doubt crept into his mind.

Ino watched from below, her eyes wide with awe. "Lee, you're incredible," she said, her heart pounding in her chest.

Neji, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. "He's surpassed all expectations. His power… it's unbelievable."

Shikamaru, ever the strategist, couldn't help but smile. "Lee's giving it his all, thank Kami he's on our side."

Temari, her eyes never leaving the battle, nodded in agreement, speechless.

Lee, meanwhile, was fully immersed in the fight. Every muscle in his body burned with the effort, but he pushed through the pain, driven by a singular goal: to protect his friends. "This ends now!" he declared, his voice echoing across the battlefield.

There were no more words to be had; this was for all the marbles. Lee versus Snare, the final round. Lee's speed had reached such a point of ridiculousness that Snare's flight advantage was completely negated. Lee was practically kicking off the air, using the molecules within it as his platform to launch off of. Each movement was fluid and precise, a testament to his relentless training and unyielding spirit.

In what turned into a slugfest, the will of an indomitable shinobi clashed with the greatest demon aside from Piccolo Daimao himself. Lee's will to win ultimately proved too great for Snare to handle. The demon started to break down in the face of such an unrelenting assault. Each hit from Lee was technically sound and viciously painful. His strikes were a symphony of destruction, a relentless barrage that left Snare reeling.

Lee went from stalemating him to pulverizing him. Headbutts, kicks, punches, the Asa Kujaku, knees, and elbows—each maneuver took Snare apart. His movements were a inconceivable poltergeist of green and white, his attacks a relentless storm that battered Snare from every angle. The air crackled with energy as their clash reached a fever pitch.

Seeing Snare try to gain verticality once again, Lee shot above his head and performed his signature Ura Renge technique.

"This ends now! Ura Renge!" Lee roared, his voice echoing through the storm. He wrapped his arms tightly around Snare, binding him in an unbreakable grip. Spinning rapidly, they descended in a spiral of devastating force, the air crackling with the sheer energy of the technique.

"ARRRGGHH!"

As they spun, Lee seemed to finish the combo with a powerful punch, but then he grabbed the bandages still wrapped around Snare. Using the momentum, he pulled Snare back towards him in mid-air and delivered one last, devastating punch.

"HIDDEN LOTUS!"

His final blow, charged with the full might of his opened gates, connected with Snare.

The impact was cataclysmic, leveling Sunagakure in its entirety.

Even the surrounding deserts of Suna kicked up enormous amounts of sand, creating a storm that increased in strength the further it emanated from the village itself. The ground trembled in fear, and the air was filled with the roar of the storm and the fading echoes of their battle.

Ino watched in awe and horror as the sheer power of Lee's final attack obliterated Snare, covering her eyes to block the suffocating sand. She felt a mixture of relief and sorrow, knowing the toll such a battle took on her friend. "Lee… you actually did it," she whispered, her voice filled with admiration and concern.

Temari, who had been watching with bated breath, let out a sigh of relief. "He really is something else," she said, her voice barely audible over the howling winds.

Neji, his Byakugan still active, observed the aftermath. "Lee's power is incredible. But at what cost?" he muttered, worry etched on his face.

Shikamaru, ever the strategist, couldn't help but admire Lee's strength. "Lee's truly a beast," he remarked, his voice tinged with respect. "Shows what I knew about my own teammates potential."

As the dust began to settle, Lee stood tall amidst the devastation, his body trembling from the exertion. He looked back at his friends, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and exhaustion. "I did it… for all of you," he said, his voice weak but resolute.

Ino rushed to his side, her concern evident. "Lee, you're amazing! But you need to rest now. You've done enough," she said, her voice gentle yet firm.

Lee nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I will… but first, we need to make sure everyone is safe," he replied, his energy still unwavering despite his feat.

The group gathered around him, their expressions a mix of relief and admiration. They had witnessed firsthand the incredible power of their friend, and it gave them hope. Almost like...

Son Goku.

Speaking of which...

Hidden from sight, a certain boy from the stars watched from the sky, his arms crossed, eyes fixed on the battlefield below. Son Goku had arrived just in time to witness the second half of Lee's titanic struggle against Snare. He had been about to intervene multiple times, but each time he held back, awestruck by Lee's sheer willpower and ability.

"Wow Lee," Goku muttered to himself, "You're incredible."

From his vantage point, Goku observed the battlefield, assessing the situation. He saw the fallen shinobi, the devastation wrought by Snare, and the determination etched on Lee's face as he fought. Goku felt a pang of guilt for not arriving sooner, for not being able to save the hundreds of shinobi who had perished. But he took solace in knowing that he had managed to evacuate the civilians, saving countless lives from the collateral damage of the battle.

Lee had earned his moment, and Goku knew it was essential for him to finish his fight, win or lose. The boy from the stars respected that. He understood the importance of letting Lee have this victory, this ascension into a higher tier of power. As he floated above, he knew who his training partner needed to be going forward. Lee and he were practically the same guy, even though he made himself a disciple of Gai. They both shared an unyielding spirit and a relentless drive to push their limits.

Lee stood amidst the wreckage, his body trembling from the strain of opening the seventh gate. His eyes, still glowing white, scanned the battlefield for any remaining threats. Ino, Neji, Shikamaru, and Temari approached him cautiously, their faces a mixture of awe and concern.

Goku, watching from above, couldn't help but smile. 'He's got the spirit,' he thought. 'I wanna fight him when it's over.'

As the dust began to settle, the group moved to tend to the wounded and secure the village. The storm began to subside, the winds calming, and the air clearing, revealing the extent of the destruction. But amidst the ruins, there was a sense of hope. They had faced a formidable enemy and emerged victorious, thanks to the unyielding spirit of Rock Lee.

Ino, Neji, Shikamaru, and Temari gathered around Lee, their expressions a mix of relief and admiration. They had witnessed firsthand the incredible power of their friend, and it gave them hope for the battles yet to come.

Goku continued to watch, noting how even in their moment of victory, they thought of others. It was a trait he admired and one that he shared. He knew that his presence would soon be necessary, but for now, he let them have their moment.

Even though it was his story, he didn't have to be selfish all the time.

He descended slightly, hidden in the shadows, ready to make his presence known when the time was right. But for now, he watched, proud of the incredible strength and spirit his friends had shown.

Lee's ascension into this tier of power was nothing short of legendary. Today was Lee's day, and he had earned every bit of it. The village, even if it was not Konoha, had seen a hero rise above comprehensive threats, and Goku was honored to have witnessed it.