CH. 82-85

Chapter 82: "Lee’s Secret!!"

– Lee has difficulty trying to penetrate Gaara’s shield of sand. Gai admits to Sakura that Lee isn’t using Taijutsu only through choice, because he is unable to use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. Gai advises Lee to take his leg weights off, which enables Lee to move at superhuman speed. Gaara is shocked, as Lee becomes the first human able to physically put a scratch on him.

Chapter 83:

"Absolute Defense Crumbles!?" – A small portion of Gaara’s last line of defence, the sand armour, is cracked to reveal his true face. Lee pulls out his strongest move so far again, the Omote Rene (Front Lotus). Gaara lays motionless and the crowd cheers… only for Gaara’s decoy to dissolve into sand while the real Gaara rises from behind Lee!.

Chapter 84: "The Genius of Hard Work"

– Gaara becomes more vicious, taking advantage of Lee’s wasted effort. Gai recalls Lee’s unending determination as he once again stands up. Sakura grows concerned despite Lee being in a terrible condition, but Gai assures her that “The lotus of the Konoha blooms twice!”

Chapter 85: "Now..."

– Kakashi recognises Gai’s handiwork, realising Lee is about to use a virtual suicide attack that will ruin his body, losing his respect for Gai. Lee removes the limits on his body and brain, allowing him to recover and access insane dormant power. Lee shreds Gaara’s defences like paper and then prepares to use his final attack the Ura Renge (Reverse Lotus)!