Hinata was released from hospital later on in the afternoon in the same day, as were many of the other ninjas injured during the Chuunin exam incident. While the others went their own ways, Hinata found herself wondering around aimlessly. I might go back home she supposed, but there won't be anyone there, and it won't be any better if there is, considering that my father and sister haven't visited me even once during my time at the hospital, and have not even attempted to make any contact at all. Her only visitors had been her teammates and Naruto. She couldn't stop thinking about the fact that Naruto did care about her, enough to visit her at least. She suddenly stopped walking and looked around her, finding herself standing right in front of a door. It took her a moment to realize that while she had been brooding, her instincts had taken control and taken her along the path she frequently traveled in her thoughts. She was right in front of the door to the house of Naruto! She mentally chided herself for not having paid more attention. Naruto was training, he wouldn't be here so why was she? Then the door opened and for the second time that day Naruto found himself face to face with a surprised and confused Hinata, who was staring at him as if not quite believing he was there.

"Hinata-chan, you're out of hospital already! And just in time for lunch as well!" He grinned an infectious grin and Hinata couldn't help smiling with him. She paused arkwardly for a moment, wondering how on earth she could explain herself. After all she could hardly say she accidentally wandered here. But there was no need for explanations at all; Naruto, seeing her hesitation, realized she didn't want to talk about it.

"Anyways Hinata-chan, I just came back from training to get my ramen coupons that I left back here, you want to have that meal that we talked about?" Its because Sakura refused he thought to himself, but he didn't really believe it.

"Of...of course...I...I...would love to go with you" and she had almost completely told Naruto her feelings in that quick short sentence. It was impossible to tell if Naruto had noticed, with his grin plastered on his face, but he quickly took Hinata's hand and squeezed it gently, and as a warm feeling spread through them both, Naruto led her back down the path she had so unwittingly followed.

During the short meal they had together at Ichiraku's ramen shop, Naruto had not stopped talking, and he told Hinata about all that had happened (from his point of view), and there was not a little boasting in it, while Hinata looked at him in open admiration. After they finished he took her hand again and told her that he would walk her back home. At first she was so overwhelmed by this dream come true that she did not have eyes for anything else, but gradually as they walked, she became aware of the villager's cold stares that were directed at Naruto and even herself because she was with him. Naruto, noticing her discomfort, was tempted to tell her his secret. Then somehow he gave in to his temptations.

"Hinata, I see you've noticed the people around us"

"Y..yes..Naruto-kun, w..why are they st..staring at us like that?"

"Hinata-chan, I want to show you something"

Without hesitating, he lifted his shirt up to show his stomach, and began to gather some chakra, while Hinata watched in surprise, too shy to speak. Suddenly a red seal blazed forth on Naruto's stomach, with they symbol of a fox in the middle of it. Hinata gasped an recoiled in horror. She knew what the fox was, and what it meant. For a moment she was paralyzed with fear, though not being old enough to have witnessed the foxes attack, yet she had heard many stories about it, and they were all terrifying.

Naruto saw the fear in her eyes and laughed bitterly

"Yes, Hinata, the Kyuubi wasn't killed by the Fourth, it was sealed inside me! Now you know why everyone hates me, because they're afraid I'll kill them like the fox did! No-one will accept me just for who I am!"

He stared at Hinata so intensely that she flinched, unable to hide her fear. Naruto could see it, and it hurt him deep inside. Without a word, he began to walk away. It was then that Hinata snapped out of her paralyzed state, her love overcoming her fear, and she ran after Naruto, and put her arms around his waist and held him close, her need to comfort him overcoming her shy nature. Naruto turned back in surprise as Hinata hugged him even harder, tears falling down her cheeks as she let loose her emotions.

"Naruto-kun, I...I don't care if you are a monster, even though I know you're not, it doesn't make any difference, because...because I love you, Naruto-kun!"

As she said the last words she let go of him, and lowered her head, too embarrassed to say any more. Naruto stood still for a moment, stunned by what he had just heard from the shy girl, and unable to think properly. Gradually Hinata's crying subsided, and Naruto put his arms around her, his right index finger stroking her left cheek gently. Then he suddenly grinned and shouted:

"Hinata-chan, I think I like you too!" Then their faces came together and they kissed each other deeply, and all the sadness, the anger and frustation were washed away like they had never been there.