I forced my eyes open, as a white ceiling filled my vision.
Not again.
I shot up, yanking off the tubes and needles stuck in my body.
But I froze when I felt another presence in the room.
I turned my head to meet the amused expression of Neji Hyūga.
"Neji?"
"I don't think you should do that." He said.
"What are you doing here?"
"I was visiting Lee, when I thought I would stop by and see how you're doing."
I frowned.
"Lee? Is he alright??" I asked, worried.
Neji shut his eyes. "No, he isn't."
I stood up in an instant, a deep pit in my stomach. A painful jolt shot from my neck through my nerves, as I gripped the bed to keep my balance steady.
Neji appeared at my sight, placing one of his hands on the small of my back and the other on my arm.
"Sit down. You're in no condition to stand."
"Neji.." I put my hand on his chest as he helped me on the bed, looking up into his eyes.
"Lee. What happened to Lee?"
Neji's expression softened.
"He was almost killed in the preliminary exams."
"Killed?!"
"He was beat from head to toe. If Guy Sensei hadn't stepped it, then Lee would be dead right now."
I felt my blood boiling.
"Who was his opponent?"
"Gaara."
Gaara.
I don't know if I was either amused or angry. Gaara and Lee were the two I had considered rooting for in these exams. But I didn't think that they would fight each other.
"And you, Neji?" I asked, curious.
"Me?"
"Were you able to defeat your cousin, Hinata?"
His jaw clenched at the mention of her name.
"Of course." He said, his tone harsh.
I decided to not push this subject any further, since I had heard about the conflict between the head and branch family of the Hyūga clan.
"Can you take me to see Lee?" I asked instead.
He nodded.
As I tried to get on my feet, Neji stopped me.
"No. I'll carry you."
I scoffed. "Please. A genin carrying a Jonin? I don't like the sound of that."
He glared at me.
"Your chakra may be coming back, but you are still weak. Don't push yourself too hard. Let someone help you for once."
It was my turn to glare at him.
"How dare you speak to me like that." I snapped.
He sighed, bowing his head in apology.
"My most sincere apologies, Genari Sensei."
I smirked.
"No matter. Now, carry me to Rock Lee." I said, throwing my left arm over his shoulder.
