[What Tenten says is like a slap to the face. Of course Neji would want to protect Naruto—the one shinobi who could actually save the rest of them from dying in a pointless war. And he'd all but out-right stated that in the end Hinata would be the leader of the clan. The clan that they both loved and wanted to make better.

Neji chose his death and it was a meaningful one at that. One that any shinobi would be proud of having. Her actions and thoughts about how it should have been her were an insult to her cousin and the way he lived his life.

It takes a moment, and her face is very flushed from embarrassment, but she manages to look up at Tenten. Her hands have loosened from the death grip.]

Y-yes, you are right, Tenten-san.

[Her voice was still tight with unshed tears, but the look in her eyes is just a tiny bit more hopeful.]

I-I do not know what the others here know, but I did not see a reason to keep the news from you as well.