Rock Lee had always believed in the power of youth — in the rush of energy that filled your spirit when you gave something your all, when you chased your dreams without hesitation.

But he hadn't been prepared for this.

The festival was alive with colors and with the laughter of shinobi from all over the villages. Lanterns floated above the streets like stars brought down to dance with the people. Lee spun happily among the crowd, his green jumpsuit catching the occasional sparkle of light, his energy endless as always.

And then he saw you.

For a moment, it was like the world froze. The music faded. The chatter blurred into nothingness. His heart hammered so violently in his chest he was sure everyone around could hear it.

You stood near one of the food stalls, casually admiring the fireworks that had just started to light up the evening sky. Something about you — the way you smiled, the way the festival lights reflected in your eyes — hit him like a thousand punches from Might Guy-sensei himself.

"Th-this feeling!" Lee gasped, one fist clenching over his heart as he staggered a step backward, dramatic as ever. "I... I must be experiencing true love!"

He had no idea who you were. You wore the attire of a shinobi, but with so many visitors from other villages, he couldn't tell if you were from Konohagakure or if you were some dazzling mystery that fate had thrown in his path. He didn't remember seeing you before — and surely, he would have remembered someone as radiant as you!

His face burned as he stared, wide-eyed, utterly smitten.

"I must... I must find out their name!" he whispered to himself, pumping his fists with a sudden burst of resolve. "And then... propose marriage! YES! That is the power of youth!"

Of course, maybe he should at least introduce himself first.

Lee nodded sharply, psyching himself up, and took one determined step toward you — his heart thundering loud enough, he was sure, to rival the fireworks overhead.