In the preliminaries, Lee was pitted against Gaara. When his standard attacks proved incapable of getting past Gaara's defenses, he removed the weights on his ankles to increase his speed. When that also failed, he attempted the Front Lotus, but Gaara managed to escape at the last minute. With his options running out if he was to win and prove himself, Guy allowed him to use the Front Lotus. Gaara survived by spinning his sand gourd and breaking his fall, and the technique took a huge toll on Lee's body. Gaara further injured Lee, crushing his left arm and leg. Although Guy intervened to stop Gaara from killing him, Lee remained standing to continue the battle, despite being completely unconscious and injured. Because of his injuries, the doctors predicted that even if Lee recovered, his injuries would prevent him from ever being able to be a shinobi again.

Now, you and Sakura went to Ino's family's flower shop. Noticing you and Sakura's arrival, Ino scoffed, saying that she knew those flowers were for Sasuke. Sakura nodded, saying yes, one of them was for Sasuke. But you completed, saying that the other was for Rock Lee. Ino lowered her tone, looking at the floor in embarrassment and decided to go to the hospital with you and Sakura. Arriving there, you went to Rock Lee's room, only to find that he was not there. You, Ino and Sakura looked for him to only find him training outside. Sweating and groaning in pain.

"196..197..198!"Rock lee He mumbles due to his lack of strength, the nurse runs to him, trying to stop him only to be kicked out by Lee saying that he wouldn't stop until he reached his training goal.

"199..200-!"Rock lee groans in pain, falling to the ground, unconscious. .