NejiHina - Gentle Fist, Gentle Heart

A Place in the Sun

                                                        "Hyūga" (日向) means "place in the sun," 

Hinata was exhausted, her breathing was ragged - she barely had enough Chakura to sustain her Byakugan, but she knew she must persist. Her sparring partner, Neji - was in perfect form still, seemingly unbothered by the previous hours of training. 

"Hinata-sama, we should stop for today." Neji dropped his hands, signalling he had no intention to spar any longer.

"No! I can still... train.. further." Hinata said through breaths. Her form was flimsy, her knees looked as if they were about to buckle. Neji appeared right beside her, as her legs finally gave way. She fell back into his chest, he cradled her softly. 

"This is fine Hinata-sama, you've made good progress today." Neji scooped her up and carried her over to the engawa of the Hyūga household. They often practiced in the courtyard, the maids would bring refreshments out for Hinata, after their training as the sun would set - they would have the most beautiful view.

One of said maids came out, offering Hinata a towel and water, after Hinata thanked Neji - the Maid turned towards him. "Hiashi-sama has requested your presence, he will be waiting in the main hall after sundown." Neji nodded.

Hinata smiled and shared some pleasantries with the maid. Neji turned, sensing someone watching them. Hanabi? Again?  Hinata never seemed to notice, - the day she does will be a true hallmark of our training. - But Neji noticed, right from the beginning, Hanabi would always come and linger around Hinata when she and Neji would train. He had yet to figure out why, but always made a note whenever she would come to 'visit'.

The sun's amber rays were beginning to reach over the blue sky, decidedly turning it into a lovely warm orange.

"Thank you Honoka, please tell Hiashi-sama I will not keep him waiting." Neji dismissed her. The maid nodded before departing.

Hinata had recovered somewhat, she leaned against one of the wooden posts of the engawa. She looked up to the now orange-hued sky, and it couldn't help but remind her of someone.

""I wonder what he's doing right now." she said, her eyes tracing the cloud outlines.

"Training, I would assume. Being apprentice to one of the Sannin would be no easy matter."

There was then silence, they both gazed up at the sky. Moments like these were so peaceful to Neji. He was initially shocked when Hinata asked to train with him, especially after what he had done to her in the Chunin exams. And yet, despite this - training together felt so normal. Neji supposed it was, before his hatred for the main family - he and Hinata were sparring partners. The cute little sister Neji swore to protect.

"Ni-san.." she started.

"Yes Hinata-sama?" Neji walked over and sat beside her - yet of course at an appropriate distance.

"D-do you think I'm getting stronger?" 

"Of course Hinata-sama." Neji reassured her.

She moved to face him. "Thank you Ni-san, f-for everything. I couldn't do this with anyone else." a slight blush tinted her cheeks.

"No need to thank me Hinata-sama, I am merely doing my duty."

"Don't say that!" Hinata snapped.

"Forgive me Hinata-sama.. I didn't mean to offend you." Neji was unsure what to say. What had offended her? What did she want him to say?

"Don't say things like that. I thought we agreed.. we were going to fix things. One day they'll be no duty, nor branch family. We protect each other  now Ni-san."

Neji smiled. Not only had she become stronger, Hinata had matured. No longer was she the fragile, meek girl with no conviction. She had become an able and beautiful ninja.

"Yes Hinata-sama.. thank you for reminding me." Neji tried his best to act stoic, but he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Hinata joined him.

"Good." Hinata beamed at him, Neji felt his chest tighten a little.

"You should hurry to Father - the sun has almost set." she sighed, as she did every time she mentioned Hiashi-sama.

"Yes, I will not keep Hiashi-sama waiting." Neji bowed to Hinata, "Goodbye, I shall see you tomorrow."

Hinata nodded, "Until then Ni-san."