Part 40

-Rin's POV-

I wandered around the tower as more matches were being held. I didn't really have must interest to watch them, considering they probably wouldn't be that action packed anyways. When I wandered back through, I glanced at the board, with two recognizable names on it. HYUUGA HINATA VA HYUUGA NEJI. I lifted my eyebrows. A fight between two Hyuuga. A Byakugan showdown. The fight began, and Hinata kept up fine. But eventually, she started losing ground. I gripped the railing so hard my knuckles turned white and my hands started cramping. Occasional cheers went through the arena, and I could see the outcome of the fight. "You are too weak Lady Hinata. Unfortunately, it's your destiny to lose like this. You are only a failure." Hinata fell on the ground at the last strike, coughing up blood. Neji apparently didn't have enough. His hand extended to strike again. She's going to die if he hits her! I thought. Without the slightest pause or hesitation, I launched myself over the railing. To my surprise, I wasn't alone. Kakashi and Kurenai decided to step in, as well as the proctor, Hayate. In an instant, Kakashi and Kurenai were restraining his arms, Hayate standing behind him with a hand on his head, restraining him further. I was in a half crouch in front of Hinata, in a low crouch, a death look in my eyes. "Calm down Hyuuga." Hayate grunted.

Neji growled, turning around and brushing himself up. I kneeled beside Hinata, gently pressing my ear against her chest. I heard a thump, then a long pause, then a thump, then nothing. I looked at Kurenai sensei, who was looking at Hinata with a concerned face, visually asking me if she was okay. I shook my head. "She's gone into cardiac arrest, go get a medic, fast. We have 10 minutes at best." I said. After a lot of scuttling and craziness, things were finally settled. I went back to my spot, shooting dirty glares at Neji. I didn't really pay attention to any of the other matches. I was too busy worrying about Hinata, and wondering if Neji was just stressed, hateful, or mentally deprived. I even missed Sakura and Sasuke's matches, but I guess they won, them still being here.

The matches for the finals were announced, and I was set up to fight against Neji. I had mixed feelings about it, because, I hate him for doing that to Hinata, but I feel like he's troubled himself. I went to go visit Hinata in the hospital. "How are you doing?" I asked, sitting beside her bed. "I'm okay. Thanks Rin. You're a really good friend. I smiled as cheerfully as I could. "Always happy to help." I said. There was a knock on the door, and the door opened, revealing Hinata's little sister Hanabi, and Hiashi. I gave a bow to Hiashi, and smiled at Hinata. "I should get going. I'll see you, bye." I said, walking out the door and closing it behind me. I could detect familiar chakra signatures, so I walked towards them, my steel bottomed boots clicking on the floor, echoing down the empty hallway. "Sensei." I said, greeting him curtly. Sakura and Sasuke were there too, they seemed to be discussing something. "Who's Sasuke going up against?" I asked. "Gaara of the sand." Sakura replied. I nodded. "I see." I replied. "Sasuke will be undergoing training with me, so I won't be around." Kakashi said. Sakura nodded, murmuring, and I shrugged. "I'm fine off by myself." I said.