A/N: I'm back after my final semester of school. Now I get to find a real job.
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On the stage, a the Hyuga elders stood behind a podium. The current clan head Hiashi Hyuga stood at the stand, speaking of his nephew's great genius and protective nature. How he was the perfect Hyuga shinobi. Naruto sat in his seat, cradling Hinata's hands in own as he attempted to figure out what to say. On his left, Sasuke stared ahead.

"And now one of Neji's precious comrades will speak. Uzumaki Naruto please come to the stage."

Naruto rose from his seat. He exchanged a glance with Sakura, who nodded. He walked towards the podium, reaching it before he had a chance to gather his thoughts. He stood behind the podium, gently tapping his fingertips on the wooden surface. He hesitated.

"Go speak, Uzumaki-kun," said one of the elder members of a clan from behind him. He looked back to see a kindly old woman with lavender eyes, such like Neji's. She added, "They want to hear what you say."

He approached the podium and looked over it. Hundreds of his fellow shinobi stared back. Among the crowd, he could see his friends/ Hinata's pale eyes were tinged bloodshot. A row behind Hinata, Tenten's eyes were glassy. Next to the weapons mistress, Gai and Rock Lee were using massive handkerchiefs. Sakura, Sasuke and Sai were expressionless. On Hinata's other side, Konohamaru was consoling Hinata's little sister Hanabi. On the far right, Tsunade and the elders stood prominent, as did the other Hyuga clan members. He was unnerved.

"I..I knew Neji," he said at least. "Great start," he thought to himself.

"I met him during the Chunin Exams. We weren't exactly friends. In fact I wanted to kick his ass at the time," he stated. "I actually did in the finals, believe it!"

A few members of the crowd chuckled. Naruto felt his nerves start to float away. Maybe he could get through this speech. His vision began to fade as flashbacks to missions past flashed before his eyes.

"After that we went on a few missions together, becoming comrades and friends. When I came back after a training trip with Jiraiya, I learned he had reached jonin rank. I was surprised only because we had both been genin when I left, but he was a genius."

He paused. The crowd was hanging on his every word. The image of Neji dead in his arms came to mind. He was the center of their attention for the worst of reasons.

"On the battlefield, he died to protect Hinata-chan and me. I'll never forget that. Believe it." He added quickly, "He was a great shinobi and a great man. Believe it!"

Silence. He left the podium without a word and returned to his seat. Once he reached his seat, Hinata hugged him. Sakura reached over to place a hand on his shoulder. Sasuke's dark eyes met his.

Hinata's father returned to the podium.

"Neji was exceptional. Thank you to everyone who came today."

A general shuffling echoed throughout the compound. Many of the attendees were either leaving or going to console various Hyuga clan members. Rock Lee grabbed Tenten in a bear hug as she began to cry. Sasuke rose to his feet. Sakura grabbed him by the arm, pulling him back down to sitting position. A loud creak came from Sasuke's shoulder. The latter winced.

"Since when are you so strong?" he mumbled. Sakura smiled.

"You've got to stay with me Sasuke."

"Hn," he replied with a wink to Naruto. Sai's expression went dark for a moment. Before he could even ponder this development, he felt a tug. He turned to see Hinata.

"Come with me Naruto-kun," asked Hinata. He turned to Sakura.

"Go ahead. I'll handle these two for five minutes," she said.

"Thanks Sakura," said Hinata.

The kuniochi led him away from the crowd to inside a Hyuga building. Naruto followed, unsure of what was coming next. Step. Step. Step across the wooden floors. She stopped and turned to Naruto. She didn't let go of his hand.

"T-thank you for coming today," said Hinata. Naruto drew closer to her, pulling the petite teen into his arms. She let her head sink into his chest.

"He was a comrade. I had to come."

"It's more than that. You changed him, Naruto-kun," she responded. "Onisan changed because of you."

"I was only looking to give him some payback for hurting you."

"He protected me after that."

Naruto leaned forward, but Hinata pressed a few fingers to his lips.

"N-not today. When all of these funerals are over we'll go for ramen."

She broke the embrace and led him out to the courtyard, where Sakura, Sasuke and and Sai were waiting. The latter two bore identical bruises. Sakura bore a dark expression.

"What happened Sakura-chan?" asked Naruto.

"Teme punched me for calling Ugly by her nickname."

"Only I can call him 'Teme'," interjected Naruto. "What happened to Sasuke?"

"Ugly punched him," responded Sai, winching as Sakura smacked him upside the head. Sakura turned to Hinata.

"It's time for us to go. Let us know if you need anything Hinata," said Sakura.

"Thank you," she replied.

"We have to go. Sasuke needs to return to the Hokage Tower before sunset," said Sakura.

"Hn."