After an exchange of fists with Shira, Lee reveals that Shira is like him: unable to use ninjutsu and genjutsu. Sen explains to Team Guy how Shira, who was not allowed to attend the Academy, trained on his own in taijutsu before she and Yome noticed him. When Shira accidentally destroyed a boulder that was set to prevent sand erosion, the recently appointed Gaara noticed him and tested his skill. Impressed by Shira's skills, Gaara decides to abolish his father's rule so Shira can become a shinobi from that day forth. After hearing Shira's story, reminding him of his own painful past, Lee runs off to face Goji and his group to demand an apology to Shira. However, Lee finds himself subjected to a genjutsu before his teammates save him. Lee was about to seetle thing when Shira intervenes, stating that he has only himself to blame for not having trained hard enough as he offers his team's scroll to Team Goji. But Goji declines the offer and instead gives Shira his team's scroll. As Team Goji departs, Shira accepts Lee's request for a match.