When Hinata's turn to fight comes, she is matched against Neji Hyuga, her cousin. Though she is discouraged by Kiba and advised to back down from the match, Hinata refuses to do so. Hinata is quickly put down by Neji who continually calls her worthless and tells her that she will always be unable to change herself. However, Naruto shows obvious disagreement and shouts in Hinata's defense. Telling Neji that Hinata will change during their fight, Naruto tells Hinata to defeat Neji. Hinata silently thanks Naruto in her thoughts and the match begins. While observing the match, and seeing Hinata refuse to admit defeat after being dealt a hard blow, Naruto comments that Hinata was tough. Rock Lee comments that Hinata was a lot like him. Sakura Haruno echoes this statement, mentioning to Naruto that Hinata was always watching him. Throughout the match, Naruto cheers for Hinata. As Hinata is brutally injured by Neji, Naruto solemnly recalls her previous statement of wishing to change herself.