The Art of Trying
Thread with @petalillusions
Hinata couldn't help but go still at that answer.
For a moment, she just stares. The surprise was clearly evident on her face, even though she tried to hide it- It was evident by how her eyes widened just a fraction, and her fingers stopped fidgeting with her sleeve.
Hinata had... Never thought of Kurenai like that.
To her, Kurenai-sensei had always been steady. Confident. Someone who knew. The idea that she still felt doubt was something Hinata could not even grasp the concept of.
She thinks she understands what her teacher is telling her, but... There was always that lingering fear that she was wrong. So, instead, Hinata lowers her gaze briefly, trying to sort through the feeling, her thoughts a little tangled.
“…I didn’t know…” she admits quietly.
There’s no judgment in it. Just soft, genuine surprise.
Her hands come together again, but gentler this time, like she’s grounding herself rather than hiding.
“I always thought you were… certain. About yourself.”
She hesitates, then looks back up, more earnest now.
“…If you still feel that way…” Hinata continues, her voice soft but searching, “then…”
She falters slightly, but pushes through it. Her eyes stay on Kurenai now, open and vulnerable in a way that shows she truly wants to understand.
“…How do you keep moving forward?”
Kurenai shakes her head. "I didn't want you to know, at least not back then. But you're a chuunin now and sooner than you think, you'll have the world at your feet."
She didn't feel she would be a good teacher if she tried to shield her students from everything and that meant also showing her own weaknesses.
One of the great lessons of childhood is learning that the adults are not infallible.
"It gets easier with time. The more you learn and grow, your confidence naturally follows. And perhaps most importantly, finding those that you can rely on and that will support you."
Hinata's expression is one of an earnest willingness to understand. It's what lets her known that Hinata will make it through whatever comes her way. The kind of inner strength she's always seen in the young girl.
"That's the real secret to succeeding in our work. The bond you've made with Kiba and Shino will be something you always have. And even if someday I'm not your teacher, I will always be here for you as well."

















