Chapter 9

The Academy had become routine. Morning lectures, physical training, sparring, and chakra exercises. I kept my place in the middle ranks of the class, never drawing too much attention. Sasuke stayed at the top, his focus unwavering. Naruto floundered at the bottom, his enthusiasm outweighing his skill.

Hinata was improving. I had started noticing it more. Her movements were sharper, more refined. She lacked confidence, but the skill was there. She was holding herself back. I made a mental note of it.

During lunch, I sat beneath one of the trees near the training grounds, my bento balanced on my lap. Kiba was loud as usual, gesturing wildly as he recounted some exaggerated story to Shikamaru and Choji. I half-listened, more focused on the way Hinata sat slightly apart from the others, carefully eating her meal.

She had been watching me again. Subtle, but not enough to go unnoticed.

I looked up, catching her glance. She immediately looked away, her fingers gripping the edge of her bento.

I took a bite of my rice, debating if I wanted to say something. She was interesting, that much was certain. Different from the others.

Before I could decide, Iruka-sensei called us back to the field for sparring practice.

I was paired with Shino this time. He was calculating, precise. He wouldn't waste energy on unnecessary movement. It was a nice change of pace.

The match started, and I waited. Shino observed, analyzing my stance. He wasn't reckless. Smart.

He moved first, sending a few of his insects toward me. I evaded easily, circling to the side. He adjusted, sending more in an arc to cut off my path. A trap.

I tested the limits, dodging to see how quickly he could react. Fast, but not fast enough.

I closed the distance, pivoting at the last moment to avoid his counter. My palm pressed lightly against his shoulder before I stepped back.

"Point for Raiden," Iruka called.

Shino adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable. "You held back."

"So did you."

A pause, then a small nod of acknowledgment.

I was beginning to enjoy these little exchanges.

As the sparring matches continued, I watched the others. Sasuke dominated his opponent with cold efficiency. Kiba was too aggressive, leaving openings. Naruto—well, Naruto was Naruto. He charged forward without hesitation, only to get flipped onto his back. Again.

Then there was Hinata. She was up against one of the civilian students. Her movements were hesitant, uncertain. She was better, I could tell, but she lacked confidence.

Her opponent lunged, and for a moment, I saw it. The opening. The perfect counter. But she hesitated, and the moment passed. She deflected instead of striking, playing defense instead of attacking.

The match ended in a draw.

As we were dismissed, I found her sitting alone near the training logs, her gaze downcast. I approached, my steps quiet against the dirt. She didn't notice me until I spoke.

"You could've won."

She flinched, turning to look at me. "O-oh. Raiden-san…"

I crouched down next to her, resting my arms on my knees. "You saw the opening. Why didn't you take it?"

She fidgeted, hands clasped together. "I… I don't like hurting people."

I studied her for a moment. She wasn't weak. Not physically, at least. Her problem was mental. She had been conditioned to hold herself back.

"You're training to be a shinobi. If you don't take the chance when it comes, your opponent will."

Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her sleeve.

I could've left it at that. Walked away, let her figure it out on her own. But for some reason, I didn't.

I reached over, gently taking her hand. She tensed, startled. I turned it palm-up, tracing a faint line along her wrist with my thumb. "Strength isn't just about hurting people. It's about protecting what matters. Hesitation can cost you everything."

She looked up at me then, her lavender eyes wide, uncertain. But there was something else there too. Understanding.

I released her hand and stood. "Think about it."

As I walked away, I had the distinct feeling she would.