In The Training Field (Naruhina)

Part 2

Hinata's POV

Neji's scream rang loud in Hinata's head. The horrified look he wore stayed plastered on her subconscious every time she closed her eyes. She'd offered to carry him back after the mission but Neji had refused her. He'd taken Tenten's arm and she'd helped a gravely injured Neji get back to the leaf, leaving Hinata in an ocean of guilt.

It was her fault Neji couldn't walk back to the village on his own two feet. Her fault his attack wasn't as effective as it should've been. Hinata couldn't pull through and Negi had to drain his own chakra to protect her.

She had been sure she'd gotten stronger, maybe even equal to her cousin, but her gentle fist had nowhere near enough power to take down their opponent. Hinata would've died if not for Neji jumping into the line of fire and diverting the attack.

But it had come at a great loss to him. If backup hadn't come when it did, the whole mission would've fallen apart, which wouldn't have happened if Hinata had just been stronger. Tried harder.

The worst part was seeing her father's face when they returned to the Hyuga home. It was mid afternoon when Mr. Hyuga ran out to the front of the house to greet the small party. Only to find his nephew, who he'd been training and started integrating into the family, beaten and bloody.

"Neji!" he said in alarm, taking the boy into his arms. Then he rounded on his daughter "Hinata, What happened?"

Hinata launched into a rapid explanation but her father cut her off with a raised voice.

"Why didn't you protect him! He is your blood. Your family. How could you let this happen?"

Mr. Hyuga turned his back on his child and carried Neji into the house.

During her father's rage Hinata had to restrain herself from crying. Now that he was gone, her walls began to crumble. A single tear traced a path down her face until she stopped herself.

Crying about it won't help. You need to train and get better so this never happens again. She thought.

Hinata decided to push her guilt down for now and left the estate to train.