"Is it really worth the wait...?" He opened his eyes and focused on her again, his expression almost... open, as it were, his attempt at expressing himself without the kind of control expected of a Branch Family member. Can she afford to wait, with war already in her future. If he had already given his life for her, who would be next? Hinata-sama herself?

His tone firmed as he looked to her. "Naruto broke me from my own narrow way of thinking. Perhaps... as difficult as it seems... you might learn to cherish him as a comrade, and give your love to another."