That's a narrow way to look at it. [Shikamaru would reprimand him more harshly, but the poor guy's taking it so hard he can't even answer a simple question. He tries to twist Lee's perspective, if it can be done.]

He shouldn't have to be here physically to give you purpose. I can't think of a better way to honor Neji's memory than and your rivalry to continue to push forward, improving yourself.