Eep~ So close! Naruto was so close to her!
That was Hinata's first reaction upon waking. Immediately afterward, she realized that since Naruto could appear beside her, it meant she had already lost this match.
"N-Naruto... I... didn't... I couldn't do it..."
As Naruto watched Hinata struggle to speak to him, he suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, though he did not know why.
Then he gave Hinata his trademark grin and said:
"Hinata, you did great! You've already done what you needed to do! Today, right here and now, is where you start to change!"
As he spoke, he gave Hinata a thumbs-up.
Hinata smiled at his words, smiling very happily. Naruto did not dislike her, and he had even acknowledged her!
Afterward, the medical staff carried Hinata away for treatment, while Neji stood nearby, watching Naruto gravely. There had not been the slightest warning. It was as though this guy had been standing there invisible all along and had suddenly revealed himself just now. Naruto was far more frightening than he had imagined.
Once Hinata was gone, Naruto could not be bothered with Neji and went straight back to Kakashi and the others.
Sakura stepped forward and asked, "Naruto, is Hinata all right?"
Naruto replied, "Yeah. She's badly hurt, but she's still conscious. She's really tough!"
Then Naruto added, "Kakashi-sensei, why? They're cousins, so why would they...?"
For Naruto, who had never experienced familial affection, having family was undoubtedly something to envy. He did not understand why Neji had been so ruthless.
When Naruto asked, Sakura and Sasuke, who were equally curious, turned their attention over as well.
Kakashi let out a quiet sigh, then began slowly, "Because they belong to the Hyuga Clan. You heard what they were saying just now, didn't you? The Hyuga Clan