NejiHina - Gentle Fist, Gentle Heart

Preparation Begins

It had been over a week since Neji had started his stricter training routine. The beginning had been hard, but it seemed Hinata was finally feeling more at ease.

"Well done Hinata-sama, if you keep progressing at this rate, I'll have to step up the difficulty. Perhaps I was too easy on you when I devised this strategy." Neji mused, watching her from the egawa.

Hinata, who at the moment was still panting, drew back her shoulders. "Yes! I.." Hinata stopped to take a few breaths, "can... do it."

"You always push yourself to the limit." Neji sighed, walking over to her and offering a towel."

Thank you." She whispered as she took the towel from him.

"I-I I have to push myself. I n-need to become someone worthy of..." she blushed and her sentence trailed off.

"Regardless of being worthy, it's only just noon, theres no need to tire yourself this early into the day."

Neji felt uneasy, but he wasn't sure why.

"I had to! We only had time for training this morning. T-this afternoon I have a m-meeting with Kurenai." A faint blush tinged her cheeks.

You blush far too easily. Neji thought to himself.

"I remember. You should go recover before leaving. I'll be waiting outside."

Hinata opened her mouth to say something, but quickly shut it.

She nodded before heading back into the house.

Neji wracked his brain. "To be someone worthy of?" He muttered aloud. "Hokage? Leading the clan? Surely not someone worthy of-"

Neji paused as he felt Hinata returning.

She had changed clothes and let her long black hair run freely down her back. 

"It's quite striking." Neji muttered aloud again.

Hinata looked around. "What is?"

Neji cleared his throat. "Nothing, forgive me, I was lost in thought."

Hinata only smiled.

They began walking to the main village strip. Hinata had mentioned Kurenai would meet her near the academy.

It was silent, as always. But it was no longer the insufferable silence it once was, the kind that hung in the air, like a dark cloud.

It felt lighter, more natural. In fact they often would chat, infrequently, but more so that it had ever been before. Neji was happy with the steady progress of his friendship with Hinata. He still harboured so much guilt, for his hatred of the main family, and for what he'd done to her.

But things change. Destiny can change.

They were near the academy, Hinata stopped. "I-I'm okay from here Ni-san." Hinata had both her hands clasped. "I-I'll go meet K-kurenai-sensei on my own." Hinata wasn't able to look Neji in the eyes.

"Hinata-sama, I really do insist.." Neji began.

"No! I can go by myself.." Hinata said in a stern tone. "B-besides, you have training with F-father soon.. I'll be back before you finish."

Neji sighed, it didn't seem as if he was going to be winning this battle. 

"I understand Hinata-sama." he conceded.

"Thank you Ni-san!" she smiled, Neji felt himself melt a bit. He loved it when Hinata called him Ni-san.

Neji nodded and swiftly departed, as Hinata was right - his training with Hiashi-sama was due to begin soon.

It was good that he had scheduled training.. most of his spent time was worrying over Hinata and devising the best plan for her to pass the Chunin exams... That I myself will also be re-taking. 

Neji shook his head. He had faith in his own ability, he was sure that he'd be fine - especially with his extra training with Hiashi-sama, there was little for him to worry about.

He arrived a little later than intended.

"You're late." Hiashi's voice boomed down, sending a chill down Neji's spine. Hiashi was one of the only people that could make Neji feel small - but of course he would never show that.

"Let's begin."