In The Training Field (Naruhina)

Part 3

Hinata's POV

Hinata's wrists were sore and her hands ached, but she wouldn't stop. Not until she enhanced her skill. Even if she hurt herself, it didn't matter. As long as she kept going, kept improving.

She was furious. Hinata felt an anger deep down inside her starting to bubble up. But it wasn't anger at Neji or her father. Not even at the world. She was mad at herself. Mad because, no matter how hard she tried, someone always got hurt.

Even in her youth, Hinata had always felt like the weakest link in her squad, always holding Kiba and Shino back. Even Naruto, when she was sent on missions with him. She thought she'd overcome this by training even more, but it was never enough. She was mad at herself for being so foolish to believe she could make a difference.

But it did not matter. At least she wouldn't admit it. Hinata was stubborn and didn't know what else to do, so she trained. She trained harder then she ever trained before.

Despite her efforts to stay focused, a sound began drawing Hinata out of her stupor.

Someone was calling her name.

She tried to block out this distraction, hitting the wooden pole even harder, using the pain to keep her on task.

The voice called again. It sounded vaguely familiar but Hinata did not stop. She couldn't stop-

"HINATA!"

She froze and wiped the moisture off her face. That voice...could it be?

"Naruto?"

Hinata turned around, and there he was. Naruto Uzumaki, with his jacket around his waist, skin glistening with a light coat of sweat, and blonde hair glowing in the light of the setting sun.

Wow. Hinata thought drinking him in. Wait. The sun's setting already? How long have I been doing this?

"What are you doing here?" She asked with a (hopefully) reassuring smile.

"Just coming back from training, but are you okay? It took you a while to notice I was here. That's not like you. What's going on."

The worry in Naruto's tone matched his face. His expression was grave and concerned. Hinata couldn't bear it.

"Nothing!" She said, REALLY not wanting to talk about Neji, in fear that she would break down in front of Naruto.

Then he asked something that almost pushed her over the edge.

"How did the mission go?"

How did he know? Hinata pondered. No. Remember why you're here: to train.

She turned away from the blonde haired boy and continued her exercise, now feeling something warm dripping from her hand.

Then, suddenly, another hand grasped her wrist, stopping Hinata from landing another hit.