She said that what she did was selfish, but the only thing that was selfish about it was putting herself in danger while she was the acting clan head, thus risking leaving the Hyuuga clan with no leader in the middle of a crisis. Given the stakes, however, that didn't matter, because if the Akatsuki were to extract the Kyuubi, they would all be slaughtered anyway.

Loved the title, and YES I do think you are so right. (so much word about Romeo and Juliet too!)How can one know if it is love, without ever really interacting?

Of course, from what I understand of Japanese culture... I have a bad feeling that Kishimoto will have the two end up together. This feeling that you should never change your mind about anyone, combined with the "flirting" habit of specifically, notedly never interacting with the person, but being observant about them... makes me feel this way. I don't think it sends a good message to girls or boys about love at all, nor is good story telling or use of Hinata's character but...
The point is, good story; it was very poetic.

This is definitely a newer take on the infamous 437! It explores a perspective that not many people are willing to take, and for that, I applaud you. Considering some of the fanpeople out there, you're very brave!

I'll try to keep this quick so that, if you want to discuss this further, you are free to reply - I'm interested! Let me begin by saying that I am a fan of Naruto and Hinata as a couple. I agree that the pairing at this point is NOT 100% CANON - there is no guarantee that Naruto will ever return her affections. But one must consider that this is the first time a girl his age has ever said that she loves him, and when you're 16, that's a big deal. Even more so when you've grown up surrounded by prejudice and hate and never hearing those words before. While he may not return her feelings, I'm sure it will have some impact on him, even if it's the basic acknowledgment that someone cares about him.

Hinata is being selfish, of course - weren't we with our first crushes? And to finally admit that to him, knowing she has a small chance at survival, is a little immature. But Hinata doesn't have the greatest self-esteem - heh, guess that's why I like her so much eh? The chance of this relationship ever getting off the ground depends on the characters themselves and how they choose to react (assuming she survives of course!). Maybe they both survive - what will they do? Does Naruto back off, not knowing much about this girl or why she claims to love him? Or does he take a chance, and as they continue growing up, develop a more solid relationship?

I'm just saying that the die is cast, but the outcome is totally unclear. I've been on both sides of the "crush spectrum", so to speak, and I hope you don't find my opinion too immature. Feel free to reply so that we may discuss this further.

As for the review portion - very succinct and to the point, and a daring entry into the (sometimes rabid) fandom. Kudos!

um yeah question do you know what love is?

Its chapter 437, not 347 like your summary says.

Finally, someone who agrees. I hate, HATE NaruHina. The only pairings (that involve Naruto) that make sense to me is SasuNaru and NaruSaku.

Hinata is a stupid selfish little girl, that is plain to see.

I don't think Hinata expects Naruto to return her feelings, she's got too little confidence to expect that but I think she wanted to do two things in doing what she did.

1, To let Naruto know that he was loved and that he meant a lot to her
2, She did what she did so she wouldn't have to live with the guilt that she did nothing.

Hinata does not expect anything from her actions and she admits her own selfishness but actually what would have happened if she hadn't done what she did? Naruto would be lying there dying all the same.

As for finding love at sixteen, my great aunt and uncle knew each other from the five and started 'courting' at the age of fourteen, they are one of those stories that prove you can find love very young.

I do hate Romeo and Juliet though, my favourite love story is of Charlotte and Jerry in Now Voyager or Penelope and Odysseus in the odyessey (at least on her side!) I think I've rambled enough now but I do love Hinata as I do identify with her but I found your story very poignant and well written.

Is a nice analysis of what might have driven Hinata to do what she did in chapter 437. That being said, I have to disagree with some of your opinions:

"...wanting to so badly be near someone in hopes they'll rub off on you is not really love." First, it has never really been stated (not in the manga neither in the anime) that Hinata wants to be with Naruto because she wants his personality to rub on her. While it's true that her admiration for him developed into a crush, is not like she wanted to be with him to become stronger and braver. Indeed, both sources had stated the opposite thing: She wants to become stronger and braver so she might be with him. If you disagree, then let's see what happens in one of the last scenes before the timeskip: When Naruto starts his training trip with Jiraiya, we got to see Hinata watching him parting away. She then says something in the lines of: "I'm going to become stronger so I will be worthy of you." A proof that she does not want to form any relationship with Naruto expecting it to make her a better person. She realizes that she needs to be better by herslef if she wants to pursue any relationship with him.

Second, you're right. She is not in love. She has an infatuation. But an infatuation can actually develop into very strong feelings that eventually lead to love. Before you disagree with me, let me clarify my words: As far as I have seen in real life situations, two things can happen if an infatuated person manage to get closer and know better the source of his/her infatuation. Either he/she notices that the person he/she was crushing is not what he/she thought initially, and the infatuation dies. Or the knowledge actually drives him/her to understand and accept the real person, so the feelings develop and eventually mature into real love. Indeed, an infatuation or crush is the very first step in many long lasting relationships.

Also, I don't agree completely with this part: "...killing oneself for a guy who might not even reciprocate those feelings is the height of stupidity and selfishness - something over-dramatic teenagers who don't know what real love is seem to specialize in."

I consider that what Hinata did was stupid and selfish too, but I find it that way for a different reason. For once, I don't believe that Hinata really expected that her confession and sacrifice would lead Naruto to love her. Indeed, her words seems to imply that she no longer expects that to happen (in part because she seems to realize that she is going to die). She doesn't care, because she wants to protect Naruto so badly. Is not really a selfless act, because she can't cope with the idea of losing Naruto. So she is being selfish. She is also being stupid because she knows she does not stand a chance against this enemy, so her sacrifice might be worthless and pointless. Then again, I suppose she prefers to die rather than live without Naruto around.

Yeah! Something stupid and selfish. Stupid, you said, because he never noticed her. But what if he had noticed her before? What if they were dating? What if her feelings have finally blosomed into proper love? Would that make her actions less stupid and selfish? The answer is: No. For once, I actually believe she would have done the same thing if they were in a relationship. Love makes you do stupid things no matter your age. And love demands you to protect those you love, even at your own risk. That would have probably made her actions a bit less selfish but still very stupid, given the chance of her sacrifice being futile and pointless.

Then again, who can blame her? As teenagers, we did very stupid things in the name of "so-called" love. Some of us repent for them, some of us don't. Not to mention that, as adults we still do very stupid and selfish things even if we thruly are in love. It's alright anyway. Life would not have any meaning without this kind of experiences.

In any case, Hinata's actions show that her attatchment to Naruto is genuine and deep. Not mature enough to be proper "love", but I actually believe that her feelings for him could develop into it given the proper time. Then again, who knows what the author is planning and how is he going to deal with situation.

But it does not matter that I did't agree with you. I found your story to be very well written.
Keep up the good work!

very nice and beautifully written.

though there r a few points i dont quite understand if this fic is regarding the real hinata(not an OOC).there was no mention of her ever even thinking that naruto wouldnt reject her. she knew the risks. though yes i deeply agree with u tht hinata is still young and shouldnt b going around telling some1 she looks up to tht shes in love with them. though...u never know, she might be in love. the manga is unclear. and im very upset tht hinata placed herself in front of naruto to protect him, but only because she might die(shes 1 of my fav characters after all). i dont think she did it so naruto could realize she existence..i think she really just did to save his life. he would've been killed otherwised. rite? her intentions r still not totally clear.

I have to say, this is one of the best stories for chapter 437 I have seen yet. It beautifully describes what is going on in the mind of Hinata in her (supposed) last moments. I love the girl, I really do. She is one of my favorite characters and the selfishness she expresses toward Naruto only adds to my life of her. It shows that she is not a single-sided character and while nice, still has a glaring flaw she needs to work out. She can now be seen in a different light, for those who like or hate her. She is not a statistic nor is she a cliche. She is a person, a well-rounded person who wants what everyone wants, some sort of satisfaction.

She died because she wanted to. She didn't die thinking Naruto would love her, but she died because she could bare the thought of losing the boy. That would be way to cliche. Not I can't imagine what will happen next, but that is what I can infer. What you've written is just an expanded version of that notion.

That being said I do hope she isn't really dead and can actually get up the courage to explain herself to Naruto after whatever happens in the new chapters. I mean, despite everything, I am a sucker for romance and always will be.

Excellent observation my friend and keep up the good work. You're writing it some of the best I've seen.

Nice short story, but I do not think she is dead in that chapter. I sure hope I am right. It will be sad if she has passed on. Naruto will be heartbroken.