Vol.20 Chapter 173 – Those Suffering

Tsunade examines the damage on Lee’s back and discovers that he has bone fragments lodged in his spine. Although she and only she can attempt to remove them, Lee will die if Tsunade fails. Since her chances of success are only 50%, she advises him to give up his dream of becoming a ninja. To Gai’s disappointment, Lee accepts his diagnosis and leaves.

While Team 10 is eating lunch, Chouji insists that he eat the last piece of food, claiming it is the tastiest. Asuma points out that he should train more and become a chuunin like Shikamaru, which upsets Chouji. Sasuke, still recovering from his encounter with Itachi, thinks about how useless he was and how much Naruto has surpassed him.

Orochimaru, meanwhile, sends the Four of Sound to Konoha.