Disclaimer: Dustbunny doesn't own Naruto

A/N: This was supposed to be about Hinata and Neji, but Naruto squirmed in. Dunno how that happened, but the results aren't too bad

.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

Seeing Neji-nii-san's name with hers on the board, Hinata feels her breath catch.

What now? Should she quit like Kiba-kun advised? After all, if she fights, she'll surely lose. What's more, she'll be humiliated, crushed like a bug in front of everyone: Kurenai-sensei, Shino-kun, Naruto-kun...

Naruto-kun.

That's when Hinata makes her decision. She did not decide to participate in these exams to quit at the first sign of danger, to run and hide like a frightened rabbit. She's here to improve herself, to be better than she is, to be more like Naruto-kun.

She won't be backing down, not today.

.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1.

I figure something had to get her into the ring in the first place. Praise appreciated, concrit treasured, flames raspberried. Please don't tell me how much you like NaruHina, because frankly I don't and this isn't