Naruto: Shadows of the Divine Flame

The days after our return from the Land of Waves passed in a blur of routine. Training, eating, dealing with Naruto's endless energy, and preparing for the Chunin Exams. The mission had made one thing clear—I needed to be stronger.

I spent most of my time refining my control over Wood Release, experimenting with different formations and ways to blend it with my other chakra natures. The Sage Body granted me ridiculous stamina, so I could train longer than most without feeling the effects immediately. But even then, I wasn't satisfied.

On one of those evenings, I found myself back at Training Ground 3, leaning against a tree as I caught my breath. I had been testing how long I could sustain multiple wood clones while using elemental chakra in each one. The results weren't perfect, but they were improving.

"You train a lot."

I turned my head slightly. Hinata stood nearby, hands lightly clasped in front of her. Her lavender eyes flickered over the training area before settling on me.

"So do you," I countered, remembering our last spar.

She smiled a little, shifting on her feet. "I have to."

I understood that.

I straightened up. "You're here to train?"

She nodded. "Father says my footwork is still too hesitant. I was working on that."

I pushed off the tree, stretching my arms. "Let's see."

Her expression flickered with surprise before shifting into determination.

She took her stance. I watched, arms crossed, as she went through the motions. Each step was precise, but I could see what she meant. There was still hesitation, a second of uncertainty before each movement.

"Your technique is solid," I said as she finished. "But you're second-guessing."

Her hands clenched slightly. "I know."

"Why?"

She exhaled, looking away. "Because I don't want to fail."

I tilted my head. "You're not going to."

She glanced up at me, surprised.

"Hinata," I said, stepping closer, "you know how to fight. You have good instincts. You just don't trust yourself yet."

She looked down, thoughtful.

I gestured toward the training field. "Again. Don't overthink it this time."

She hesitated for a second before nodding. Then she moved.

It was small at first, but I could see the difference.

The hesitation was fading.

And as I watched, I found myself smirking.

Yeah. She was getting stronger.

And so was I.