As Shoi and Hinata headed to the training grounds, Hinata, dressed in her usual attire. Her expression was neutral.
But to Shoi, this was the beginning of something much more.
"Let's start with the basics," Hinata said calmly, positioning herself in a fighting stance. Her voice was steady, her gaze focused.
Shoi could tell she was all business, but that was fine. This was exactly what he needed—an opportunity to study her, to understand.
Shoi mirrored her stance, his eyes watching her every move. They began with simple drills, exchanging blows and practicing their forms.
Hinata's movements were fluid, precise. Shoi kept up, not wanting to show any signs of weakness.
But as they continued, he intentionally made a few small errors, enough to draw her attention but not so much as to seem incompetent.
"Your stance is off," Hinata pointed out, stepping closer to adjust his posture. Her hands lightly touched his arms, guiding them into the correct position.
"You need to keep your center of gravity lower."
Shoi nodded, allowing a slight look of concentration to cross his face. "Got it. Thanks, Hinata-sensei."
She gave a small nod, her expression still unreadable.
As they resumed their training, Shoi made sure to correct his mistakes, showing improvement. He wanted Hinata to see him as someone willing to learn.
After a while, they took a break. Hinata handed him a water bottle, and He accepted it with a grateful smile. "You're really skilled, Hinata," he said, his tone sincere.
"I've got a lot to learn from you."
Hinata looked at him, her eyes softening just a bit. "You're doing well. Just keep practicing, and you'll get there."
He could sense a small opening. "I appreciate that. To be honest, I wasn't sure how this would go," he admitted, taking a sip of water.
"I mean, I know I'm not the most experienced, but I really want to improve."
Hinata's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than usual. "Everyone starts somewhere. What's important is that you're trying."
He nodded, letting her words sink in. This was the first step—showing vulnerability, allowing her to see that he wasn't perfect but was dedicated.
As they continued their training, He made sure to stay focused, listening to her advice and occasionally asking questions that would prompt her to talk more about her own experiences.
The session ended with a sparring match. Shoi gave it his all, but in the end, Hinata emerged victorious. She offered him a hand to help him up, and He took it, feeling the warmth of her palm against his.
As they parted ways, Shoi knew that this was only the beginning.
He'd planted the first seeds of trust and respect, and now he had to nurture them, carefully and deliberately.
The real challenge would come later, but for now, he was content with the progress he'd made.
A Week Later:
As Shoi and Hinata arrived at the training grounds, the routine had settled into a more familiar rhythm. Their sessions had become more comfortable, with Shoi having skillfully navigated the initial stage of earning Hinata's respect.
Today, Shoi had a new strategy. He intended to leverage their growing rapport to subtly influence Hinata's emotions.
Training Session:
"Let's start with some advanced drills," Hinata suggested, her tone matter-of-fact.
Shoi responded with an eager nod, "Absolutely. I'm ready to learn."
As they moved through the exercises, Shoi subtly began to intersperse his own challenges and vulnerabilities. He purposefully struggled with certain techniques, not out of incompetence, but to provoke a specific reaction from Hinata.
During a brief rest, Shoi wiped his brow, his face reflecting genuine frustration. "I've been trying so hard, but it seems like I'm hitting a wall," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of self-doubt.
"It's normal to face difficulties. Don't be discouraged. Everyone has moments like these."
Shoi took this opportunity to deepen his connection.
"I appreciate your understanding. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not making any progress despite my efforts. It's reassuring to have someone like you who can see past that."
"You're improving, Shoi. It just takes time. I've faced similar challenges myself."
Shoi nodded, his expression grateful. "It means a lot to hear that. I know I've been pushing myself, but your support really helps."
As the days passed, Shoi subtly introduced small gestures to deepen their emotional bond. He began to offer personal insights and stories of his past, carefully designed to evoke empathy and strengthen Hinata's emotional investment in him.
During one session, as they took a break, Shoi shared a story. "When I was younger, I faced a lot of setbacks. I remember feeling completely alone, thinking I'd never overcome them."
Hinata listened intently, her expression thoughtful. "That sounds tough. It's impressive how you've persevered."
Shoi gave a small, appreciative smile. "It was hard, but it taught me the value of having someone who believes in you. I'm really grateful for your guidance. It makes a difference."
By now, Shoi had carefully established a foundation of mutual respect and emotional connection. He began to subtly test the waters by inserting more personal compliments and seeking more personal advice from Hinata.
In one session, as they wrapped up their practice, Shoi said, "I've been thinking about what you said. Your approach to training is incredible. I can see why you're so respected."
"Thank you. I just do my best."
Shoi continued, "It's more than that. Your dedication and strength inspire me. I'm lucky to have the chance to train with someone like you."
Hinata's gaze softened, and her response was more personal than before. "I'm glad to hear that. It's been rewarding to see your growth."
As their training sessions progressed, Hinata's emotional responses became more pronounced.
Shoi's strategic blend of vulnerability, genuine appreciation, and subtle compliments had gradually influenced her feelings.
She now saw him not just as a student but as someone whose presence and progress were significant to her.
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