Returning to Konoha after the Land of Waves mission felt strange. It was the same village, the same streets, the same people going about their lives—but I felt different. Stronger, maybe. More aware of just how brutal the world could be.
Naruto stretched his arms over his head. "Man, it feels good to be back!"
Sasuke scoffed, adjusting his forehead protector. "Took long enough."
Kakashi barely glanced up from his book. "Go get some rest. We'll report to the Hokage later."
I nodded absentmindedly, my mind already on what came next. The Chunin Exams were around the corner, and if the Land of Waves had taught me anything, it was that I wasn't strong enough yet—not for what was coming.
After reporting to the Hokage and enduring Naruto's whining about getting a bigger reward, I wandered through the village, lost in thought. The mission had given me plenty to think about. Haku had been incredibly strong, but in the end, it hadn't mattered. Strength alone wasn't enough.
I needed to be smarter. Stronger. More prepared.
I didn't notice someone stepping into my path until it was too late.
"Oof—"
I caught them before they could fall.
"Raiden?"
I looked down. Lavender eyes blinked up at me in surprise.
Hinata.
I let go of her wrist, stepping back. "Didn't see you there."
She smiled, a little sheepishly. "I-It's alright. I wasn't paying attention either."
We'd known each other since the academy, and out of all the people in our class, she had been one of the few I actually liked. She was quiet but not in a bad way—more like she was always listening, always observing.
"You training?" I asked, noticing the slight scuffs on her sleeves.
She nodded. "Yes. My father says I need to improve my stance before the Chunin Exams."
I considered that. "Want to spar?"
She hesitated for only a second before nodding.
—
We found an empty training ground on the outskirts of the village. Hinata took her stance, her movements fluid, controlled.
I studied her for a moment before shifting into my own stance. "Don't hold back."
She nodded, but I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. Then, she moved.
She was faster than I expected, her strikes precise. I dodged the first few, watching her footwork, then let one of her palm strikes connect with my side. A sharp pulse of chakra spread from the point of impact, but my body absorbed it with little issue.
Hinata's eyes widened slightly. "Did that not…?"
I smirked. "It worked. Just not enough."
She bit her lip, then nodded.
This time, she was more aggressive. And for the first time in a while, I actually enjoyed a fight.
—
By the time we stopped, the sun was beginning to set. Hinata was breathing hard, strands of dark hair sticking to her forehead. But despite her exhaustion, her eyes were determined.
"You've improved," I admitted.
Her face turned pink. "T-Thank you."
I glanced at her hands. They were trembling slightly.
I extended mine. "Come on. I'll walk you back."
She hesitated for only a moment before taking it.
As we walked, I glanced at her from the corner of my eye.
Maybe this wouldn't be the last time we sparred.