First she was telling him to cheer up, and then she was telling him it was okay to not be happy. Lee didn't know how to react, so he went along with his emotions and let the tears bubble up again. He clutched at Tenten's arm and cried on her shoulder, letting himself get out what was left in his system against one of the biggest comforts in his life.

Lee did want to be happy so everyone else would be happy but he hated lying. He hated lying to others and also to himself.

Once he gained a grip, Lee felt exhausted in a way he never did after training. He kept leaning against Tenten, hoping she wouldn't move away.

"... I want to be stronger, but I do not think I can get that way doing the same things I have been for so long."