The Different One (Naruto Fan Fiction)

Chapter 22: Family?

I groaned and grabbed the back of my head. Opening my eyes I could see the familiar white of a hospital room. I could just barely hear two people talking outside of my room. I slowly sat up and strained to hear what they were saying.

"She may not be able to participate."

"I understand." I recognized one of the voices as Kakashi's.

"But that can not happen! She could have very well saved my life!" A new voice appeared and was accompanied by loud coughing.

"Lee, you're still not fully recovered. Go back to your room. We can both deal with this." There was the sound of protesting then I heard Lee's heartbeat recede.

"Is there anything we can do to speed up her healing? There is a whole month before she has to fight for the next part of the Exams."

"I'm not completely sure. Maybe a miracle will happen and she will heal faster than she is now. Otherwise she will have to be thrown out of the competition." I frowned a bit, but laid back down.

My mask began to get stuffy, so I pulled it up a bit. "Damn," I muttered.

I heard a new heartbeat and smiled a bit. It was Naruto.

"What do you mean I can't go in?" He yelled. "Hibiki's my friend, I demand to see her!" I chuckled to myself as he was sent away by the medic ninja.

"Hey, Hibiki?" I let go of my mask and looked at the window where a boy, who I recognized as Lee, was standing.

"Yes?" He smiled and gave me a thumbs up, despite his crutches. "I came to thank you for saving me. The medic ninja refused to let me in, but I didn't let that stop me. So I snuck around." I shrugged my shoulders.

"It was nothing really." His eyes suddenly turned into stars and I scoot back from him.

"You are so brave! You have the power of youth!" I shook my head.

"I don't mean to burst your bubble Mister Youth." I crossed my arms on my chest and leant my back against the wall. "But I didn't save you with your welfare in mind." His smile didn't waver a bit.

"May I ask who this person is that you did save me for? I must thank them too!" I sighed.

"Gaara of the Sand." His smile finally disappeared. "I did it so Gaara wouldn't hurt anyone else, therefor making himself feel bad."

He stayed silent for a moment. "I see..." The smile appeared once again and I sighed. "Even so, I am indebted to you! Please accept my gratitude!" He bowed down towards me.

"Uh, okay. I accept." Lee made me feel uncomfortable. Maybe it was the eyebrows, or the so-called "youth" that he possessed. Whatever it was, it made me feel weird.

He straightened up and put out his hand. "Thank you!" He finally left and I felt myself relax.

The door opened to reveal Kakashi. He seemed distressed, but kept up a cool and collected facade. "Spar me Kakashi, I heard everything."

He slumped his shoulders a bit in relief. "So you know that your injuries are quite serious?" I nodded.

"Serious enough for me to be thrown out of the Chunin Exams, but I'm a bit confused about one thing." He nodded his head.

"Yes, what is it?"

"What will the next stage of the exams be on?" He seemed to freeze for a moment.

"Well?"

"All of the victors of the preliminary rounds are to fight in a one on one battle. Each person was paired up for the first few fights."