"Hinata and Neji Hyuga? Are they brother and sister?" Sakura asked Kakashi as Hayate prepared to start the match.

"In a matter of speaking they are but they're more like cousins than siblings. The Hyuga clan is an old and prestigious clan much like the Uchiha clan. Think of a tree, they are related in the same way a branch is related to the trunk" Kakashi explained but Naruto looked confused.

"Hinata belongs to the main household and is a direct decedent from the head of the clan. Neji's family is just a side branch of the clan. Although I'm not entirely sure of the source, I've heard there is bad blood between the two families. There were rules made by the main house that the branches broke" Lee added.

"When you're ready, you can begin" Hayate said in a monotone voice.

"Before this starts Hinata you should withdraw. You were never meant to be a ninja, much too kind and gentle for that. You never even wanted to take these exams but Shino and Kiba did so you entered, not wanting to let your teammates down" Neji said in a voice full of scorn.

"N-No, you're wrong. I did it because I wanted to see if I could change" Hinata replied, looking down in embarrassment.

I remember the day I took you under my wing. Your father didn't care what I did with you despite you being the first born and heir. He told me you were of less worth than your sister who is five years your junior and you heard every word he said. Well now is your chance to show them how far you've come, Kurenai thought.

"People can't change Hinata no matter how hard they try. You will always be the pampered child of the main household and a failure. I see it all with my Byakugan" Neji said arrogantly.

"Byakugan? That's the Hyuga clan's kekkei genkai right?" Sakura asked remembering her father speaking about it once.

"Correct, it's a visionary jutsu like Sasuke's sharingan. In fact they say the Uchiha clan's sharingan was derived from the Byakugan some time ago. But if you're just looking at sheer insight, the Byakugan is the stronger of the two" Kakashi elaborated.

Hinata stared at Neji in fear as he activated the rare jutsu and watched his cousin darkly.

"I know what you're thinking Hinata. You're picturing the past wondering if everything you've done has prepared you for this moment. You know the outcome of the fight already, you know you will lose" Neji declared, his Byakugan allowing him insight.

Naruto was becoming enraged, who was this guy anyway and where did he get the right to speak to Hinata like that? His hand curled around the ointment the shy girl had given him before and he squeezed it hard. Sakura noticed the anger in her teammate and couldn't fault him for it. Hinata was terrified before the fight had even started. Neji's words were attacking the most vulnerable parts of her mind and talking her out of participating.

"That does it! Who are you to tell her what she can and can't do! Come on Hinata! Show this guy he can't talk to you like this! Make him pay!" Naruto called out loudly.

You're right Naruto I won't run away. Not this time, Hinata thought as she began performing a quick series of hand signs.

"So, that's how it's going to be. If you don't forfeit the match it's your own fault if you get hurt" Neji said angrily noticing the determination in his cousin.

Naruto definitely has a way of firing people up but it seems especially effective on Hinata, Sakura thought.

"Byakugan!" Hinata yelled and activated the same jutsu as Neji. Stepping into a battle stance she focused on her target.

"Prepare to defend yourself cousin" Hinata said confidently.

"That stance it's not a normal fighting stance is it?" Sakura wondered aloud as she watched Hinata and Neji position themselves.

"No it seems to be the Hyuga style. It is the most effective type of taijutsu found in the village. I have said it before, Neji is the strongest genin to come out of the leaf village" Lee said, his voice strained.

Both ninja ran at each other and began a series of close range hand strikes. Blue chakra swirled and twisted around them as their attempted to strike each other with their palms. They dodged and ducked and weaved, it seemed as though neither of them could get a hit in. Hinata quickly saw an opening and thrust her hand straight for Neji's stomach.

Neji pulled back and both ninja jumped away from each other, falling into the same stance as before.

"Was that a direct hit?" Sakura asked unable to see clearly.

"No way! She barely touched him" Naruto asserted.

"Even so a glancing blow is enough. That is what makes the Hyuga clan the most formidable of fighters" Lee said.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"Their taijutsu is unique and has been passed down for generations. The taijutsu Lee and I use focuses on external injuries. The Huyga way attacks the opponent internal organs through a chakra network. It's a more subtle way and less thrilling to watch but it gradually takes effect, the results are devastating" Gai explained.

"I see because there isn't much you can do to build up your internal organs no matter how hard you train. Because it's all internal, every ninja no matter how tough would be vulnerable to this kind of attack" Sakura said and Gai nodded at her slightly impressed.

Hinata and Neji resumed their close range battle and it seemed as though Hinata had the upper hand. She had thrown herself into the fight and was giving her all.

"WAY TO GO HINATA!" Naruto yelled out in encouragement.

"It's really amazing how they have the ability to attack the chakra network" Sakura commented.

"Yeah you can say that again! Uh wait, what's the chakra network?" Naruto asked, confused. Sakura sighed but began to explain.

"The chakra network is a complex system of circulatory canals that distribute chakra around the body, it's similar to the vascular system the veins and arteries that carry blood" Sakura said.

"I get it! Except these veins carry chakra not blood" Naruto exclaimed, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Uh sure Naruto. The chakra network is so closely interwoven with all the most vital internal organs that they are almost one in the same. So when the network is attacked, the organs suffer damage as well" Lee added.

"Also the Byakugan allows both opponents to see each other's chakra network, that way they know where to deliver their blows. When they attack a small burst of chakra is released from their hands and drills into the opponent's body directly attacking their chakra network." Kakashi stated.

Upon saying this, the battle down below had come to a standstill. Neji had managed to deliver a heavy blow to Hinata's chest area causing her to cough out droplets of blood. These littered the ground and Neji's bandaged hand.

"So this is it? This is all the power that the main branch has to offer?" Neji asked aloud.

"Wait what happened? I saw Hinata hit Neji perfectly!" Naruto asked loudly.

Hinata breathed heavily her mouth surrounded by blood stains. I'm not done yet, she thought and moved Neji's hand away from her chest.

Making use of the opening Hinata thrust her palm towards Neji's face but before she could land a blow the Hyuga boy had grabbed her wrist and used two fingers from his other hand to deliver a shot of chakra into Hinata's arm.

Pulling back her sleeve, Neji exposed Hinata's pale arm which now bore a series of small red marks.

"W-What? Do you mean that all this time you could see it?" Hinata asked fearfully.

"That's right, I could see you chakra points the whole time we've been fighting" Neji replied coldly.

"Huh what is he saying?" Naruto asked.

"On the chakra network there are 316 energy centres or chakra points. Each is as tiny as the head of a pin but hitting one directly can affect chakra flow either halting it or increasing it. This depends on how the attacker strikes. These chakra points are undetectable to my sharingan eye. Neji can not only see these chakra points but attack them precisely even in intense battle" Kakashi explained.

Neji hit Hinata forcefully to the ground and walked towards her. Hinata's breathing was short and raspy as she lay on the ground and looked at her cousin.

"Give up now Hinata. This is what separates the elite from the failures, you can't change and you need to accept that. Once you said you wouldn't run any more I knew you were destined for failure. I will give you one last warning Hinata, forfeit this match" Neji said calmly.

I-I'll never go back on my word" Hinata said and stood up shakily, blood dripping from her mouth. "Because that too is my ninja way" she finished and smiled up at Naruto.

"I had no idea Hinata was so tough" Naruto said watching the shy girl.

"She's a lot like you" Lee commented happily.

"You know she is always watching you" Sakura added not so subtly.

Hinata? Watching me? Naruto thought.

Activating her Byakugan again Hinata moved to attack Neji but her heart clenched painfully and she stopped as more blood fell from her mouth and onto the arena floor.

She's reached her limit. One more hit and she's done,Kurenai worried.

Because Neji's attack on her chakra points has stopped her chakra flow altogether, Hinata can no longer fight in the Gentle Fist style. This match is over, Kakashi mused.

"Did you guys see the look in his eyes!? He wouldn't try to kill her would he?" Ino asked her teammates in alarm.

"The fight is completely missed match, the difference in strength is ridiculous" Sakura said angrily.

"GO HINATA YOU CAN DO IT!" Naruto cheered still believing in the Hyuga girl.

Naruto! Hinata thought and felt her strength returning to her. She ran forward and began to fight Neji in the same close range combat as before.

I've been watching you for a while Naruto. I don't know why but when I watch you Naruto I feel full of courage. I feel that I can keep going and that I can succeed. That even I am worth something, Hinata thought as she dodged and weaved her way through Neji's attacks.

Going for a forward thrust of the hand, Hinata misjudged Neji's movements and fell forward. Seeing this Neji pushed his hand up hard and hit Hinata square in the jaw. Falling backwards but remaining upright Hinata began coughing violently.

Before Hinata used to be a quitter, but now I can see she has changed. She put every ounce of her being into her training I saw it with my own eyes. But even so she continued to fail all of her missions, she lost her nerve when faced with real competition and became easily discouraged. But that's not the Hinata I see now. I have never seen such a look of fierceness in her eyes before, Kurenai thought as she watched her student.

Hinata narrowed her eyes and ran for Neji again.Naruto, before now I have always been the one doing the watching. But you are finally watching me and I'll show you what I can do! Hinata thought completely determined.

Neji had other plans and as soon as Hinata was in close enough range he sent a huge burst of chakra to her heart with the palm of his hand. Everyone watched in horror as Hinata coughed out blood and fell to the ground. Naruto shook with anger.

"You just don't get it do you Hinata? Your strikes were ineffective from the moment we started. You're finished" Neji said and deactivating his Byakugan he walked away.

"Since she can no longer-" Hayate began.

"NO! DON'T STOP THIS MATCH!" Naruto yelled.

What is he doing, Hinata can't take another hit like that. Anything else is risking her life, Sakura thought.

The hit of chakra to her heart was debilitating but Hinata was getting to her feet again. She looked weak and fragile and her whole body shook with the effort, but once again she was upright. Clutching at her heart in pain Hinata faced Neji.

"What are you doing? If you let yourself continue like this you're going to die!" Neji said.

It doesn't matter, I'm not going to make myself look bad in front of the person I admire the most. Not now that he's finally seen the real me! Hinata thought.

Neji activated his Byakugan and looked at his cousin in anger. Just what did she think she was playing at, opposing him like that?

"I'm far from finished" Hinata said in a strong voice but her hand clutched at her side.

"Give up the tough guy act. Everyone can see you're barely standing. You were born with the burden of being in the main household and you've cursed yourself for being weak. Just accept defeat and you won't have to suffer!" Neji spat.

"You've got it backwards cousin. You're suffering much more than I, you are the one who is all torn up about the fate of the main and side branches of the Hyuga clan" Hinata said heavily.

A fiery anger sparked within Neji and he ran towards his cousin with hatred in his eyes.

"Neji stop the match is over!" Hayate yelled and quickly began to run to intercept the boy.

Before Neji could take one more step towards his cousin he was surrounded by Gai, Kakashi, Hayate and Kurenai who restrained him from going any further.

"Neji, get a hold of yourself. You promised me you wouldn't let this whole head family thing get you all riled up!" Gai said with his arms across Neji's neck.

"Why are you and the other Jounin butting in! The head family gets special treatment huh?" Neji asked angrily.

Hinata's heart pulsed violently and in a matter of seconds she was on the floor, Kurenai rushed over to her and helped her to lie down.

"HINATA!" Naruto yelled as he and Lee jumped down from the balcony and ran to her.

"Are you okay?" Naruto asked urgently as he rushed to her side. Hinata slipped in and out of consciousness as she stared at the blond haired boy.

Naruto do you think I changed. Maybe just a little?Hinata thought and finally slipped into unconsciousness. The loudmouth ninja looked down at her with a mixture of emotions.

"Hey loser I have two pieces of advice for you. Firstly if you intend to call yourself a shinobi stop that stupid cheering of yours it's disgraceful. Second, once a failure always a failure you can't change that" Neji said glaring at Naruto.

"We'll just see about that" Naruto said angrily and ran forward intending to punch the smirk right off Neji's face when Lee stepped in front of him.

"What are you doing!?" Naruto demanded.

"I understand where you're coming from but all fighting must be done officially in a match. The loser beating the gifted genius through sheer willpower that would be quite the match. Even if I am the one who is going to have to fight Neji. But if you end up fighting him than that is fine too" Lee declared.

"Alright you win Lee" Naruto relented and walked back over to Hinata.

How was that Gai-sensei!? Lee thought as he gave Gai a thumbs up.

Good one Lee! Nice going! Gai thought and returned the gesture flashing a toothy smile.

Hinata suddenly coughed, blood spurting out of her mouth. Panicking Kurenai unzipped Hinata's jacket and felt for her pulse with hands on Hinata's chest and neck.

She's going into cardiac arrest! Was he really trying to kill her? Kurenai thought and stared at Neji accusingly.

"I wouldn't waste your time glaring at me when you should be caring for her" Neji responded.

"Get a medic! Hurry!" Kurenai said loudly but the medical staff did not come rushing in like they had for all the previous matches. Something was clearly wrong.

"What is it! Where are they? What's taking so long?" Naruto said, panic mounting within him. Hinata was looking worse by the second.

"There is a situation at the infirmary, one of extreme emergency. All of the doctors and nurses have been called into help so they are unable to come for about five minutes" An unknown Jounin spoke, entering the arena.

"We have to get her to the hospital now!" Naruto yelled and moved to pick Hinata up but Kurenai stopped him.

"We can't move her! Hinata is going into cardiac arrest and without medical attention she will die! Dammit Daichi can't you do something, get a stretcher and take her to the infirmary yourself!?" Kurenai barked at the Jounin.

"I'm just the messenger and all the stretchers are up in the infirmary. Even if I were to take her up there now all of the doctors are busy with the emergency. As I said it will take five minutes" Daichi replied, looking annoyed.

"How dare you! She doesn't have five minutes she has ten at the most!" Kurenai shot back in a mix of anger and despair.

"Sakura we need you down here" Kakashi said, his voice strained.

"Hai sensei!" Sakura replied and jumped down onto the arena floor. Neji regarded the pink haired girl with suspicion as she approached his cousin.

"What can she do for her?" Kurenai asked shooting Kakashi a look.

"Sakura is a promising medical ninja in training and her chakra control is impressive. I'm not saying she can repair the damage done but I believe my student can keep Hinata stable until the medical ninja arrive" Kakashi replied.

"I will do my best for Hinata" Sakura said trying to reassure Kurenai and Naruto.

Cardiac arrest means that the blood isn't circulating normally due to failure of the heart to contract effectively. Because it's only just started it's reversible but there is a chance of SCD. I need to create a shockable rhythm while performing standard CPR to prevent the situation from escalating, Sakura thought.

Placing her hands over Hinata's chest Sakura began to pump short static pumps, intermittently checking for signs of a pulse. The Hyuga girl remained still but Sakura was determined to save her and continued the chest pumps. She knew the heart needed a shock to start again, was it possible that a burst of chakra could have the effect?

Neji used the chakra networks to hit Hinata's heart directly, would it work if I were to try and use my chakra to shock her heart. Normally a defribulator would be used to cause an electric shock. Chakra isn't the same as electricity. I can't risk it if I'm not sure, I don't want to kill her, Sakura thought as beads of sweat trickled down her forehead.

The situation looked hopeless and everyone watched as the young girl with pink hair continued to try and revive Hinata. Neji's eyes narrowed in Sakura's direction, she was one of Kakashi's students and an arrogant one too. Who did she think was? Just like the rest of them, trying to save the precious heir to the main branch. These people were sticking their noses into business that wasn't theirs. He had given Hinata a chance to back down and she refused to take it, it was her fault if she died.

"Sakura, it doesn't look like she's going to pull through" Kakashi said quietly and Gai nodded.

The ten minutes of time which Hinata had left were almost up, the doctors still hadn't arrived and Sakura's attempts at resuscitation had not succeeded.

"No! I refuse to give up on her! Come on Hinata you can pull through!" Sakura urged and continued to pump on her chest.

"That's right Hinata! You can't give up now! Not after all you've been through!" Naruto echoed.

"Well looks like we're going to see the first casualty of the exams" Kankuro said to Gaara in a cheerful voice.

"Whatever" Gaara replied.

"Lord Hokage, can we send for Lady Tsunade?" Anko asked and Sarutobi turned to her in surprise.

"Tsunade