Hinata's Training

"Hinata, what I'm going to teach you today is simple: tree climbing!" Uchiha Ao led Hinata over to a large tree, patted its sturdy trunk, then turned to the nervous, shy girl beside him.

Hyuga Hinata heard him and couldn't help wondering if there was something wrong with her ears.

Tree climbing? Did that really need special training? she wondered.

But soon, she sighed silently to herself. Fine, tree climbing it was. Ao-kun had saved her, after all, so whatever he said had to make sense.

Seeing the many expressions flickering across Hinata's little face, Uchiha Ao couldn't help chuckling.

He knew exactly what was going through the little girl's mind.

In a gentle voice, he said, "Hinata, by tree climbing, I don't mean the usual way you've seen, using both your hands and feet. I mean like this."

As soon as he finished speaking, Uchiha Ao steadily channeled chakra into the soles of his feet. Then he slowly lifted one foot and planted it firmly against the trunk.

His movements were smooth and natural. Without relying on anything else for support, he simply began walking straight up. Each step was steady, as though he were walking across level ground instead of a vertical tree trunk.

The chakra was like invisible yet resilient glue, holding the soles of his feet tightly against the rough bark.

Watching from below, Hyuga Hinata parted her lips and let out a soft "Ah" despite herself. The nervousness and shyness on her face gave way to curiosity and wonder.

Hyuga Hinata usually kept to herself, spending most of her time at home.

Her father had people guide her training, but they mostly taught her how to use the Hyuga Clan's basic taijutsu. Special techniques like this, which involved using chakra, were rarely mentioned.

So what she was seeing now was entirely new and astonishing to her.

In the blink of an eye, Uchiha Ao had reached a sturdy branch and stood on it.

Then he flashed down from the tree, landing lightly and steadily in front of Hinata. Patiently, he said, "Hinata, now try it yourself, the way I just showed you.

Hinata took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She copied Uchiha Ao, slowly closing her eyes and focusing as she cautiously drew on the chakra within her body, guiding it toward the soles of her feet.

Only when she finally felt a faint warmth of chakra flowing beneath her feet did she slowly open her eyes. A hint of apprehension in her gaze, she cautiously lifted her foot and tried to step onto the trunk.

But the moment she planted her foot against it, Hinata's body lurched violently, beyond her control. She panicked and hurriedly grabbed the trunk for support. Her face flushed, and beads of sweat instantly appeared on her forehead.

"Don't be nervous, Hinata. Relax your body and focus on how the chakra feels as it clings to the tree trunk," Uchiha Ao said softly, guiding her from nearby.

Hyuga Hiashi had always raised Hinata with a strict, high-pressure approach. No matter how hard she tried or how much progress she made, all she got from her father was a stern appraisal and even higher expectations. No one had ever encouraged her so gently and patiently.

What Ao needed to do was encourage Hinata when the time was right, helping her gradually build confidence and draw out the tremendous strength hidden within her.

Hearing Ao's gentle encouragement, Hinata took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. She kept recalling how Uchiha Ao had climbed the tree and controlled his chakra.

She tried moving her feet again. This time, although she was still slow, she was much steadier than before. One step, then another. Gritting her teeth, Hinata climbed several steps in a row.

"Hinata, you're doing great! Keep it up, and focus on controlling your chakra," Uchiha Ao called out at just the right moment, giving Hinata a much-needed boost.

Hinata gritted her teeth and adjusted her chakra output again, trying to stand more steadily.

She slowly edged one small step higher, but just then the chakra beneath her feet suddenly became unstable. She lost her balance and fell straight down.

Just as Hinata thought she was about to hit the ground in an embarrassing heap, Uchiha Ao reacted in a flash, stepping forward and catching her securely.

Still shaken, Hinata patted her chest. Her face was full of self-reproach. "I'm sorry, Ao-kun. I... I still can't do it."

"It's okay, Hinata." Uchiha Ao smiled gently and set her down. "This was your first try. It's perfectly normal to fail. Let's try again. I believe you can do it."

Encouraged by Uchiha Ao, Hinata rallied herself.

After an entire afternoon of grueling practice, sweat had soaked her clothes, which now clung tightly to her body.

Her arms and knees were scraped from her repeated falls, with spots of blood seeping through, but she didn't even notice the pain.

She had finally managed to climb higher than before, and Hinata clung tightly to the trunk, overcome with excitement.

"Hinata, you did great," Uchiha Ao said, giving her the praise she deserved.

Hearing Uchiha Ao's words, Hyuga Hinata's eyes grew slightly red, and warmth welled up inside her. Such simple praise meant the world to her.

All her life, she had grown up under her father's stern gaze. No matter how hard she tried, all she received was criticism and reproach. Deep down, she longed to be recognized.

At that moment, Uchiha Ao's approval was like the winter sun, driving away the gloom that had long lingered in her heart.

"Ao-kun, what are we going to practice next?" Hyuga Hinata was beginning to look forward to training.

Before, she had always thought about how to avoid it.

Uchiha Ao saw the change in Hinata's eyes and felt deeply pleased.

He smiled and said, "There's no rush. It's almost dark, so we'll continue tomorrow. Besides, after training for so long, you must be starving, Hinata."

As if in response, Hinata's stomach let out a timely rumble.

Embarrassment flashed across Hinata's face, and her cheeks instantly turned bright red.

She lowered her head shyly and instinctively covered her stomach with both hands, as though that could make the awkward sound disappear.

Uchiha Ao laughed heartily. "Come on, Hinata. I'll take you to get something to eat." As he spoke, he gently patted her head and led her toward Ichiraku Ramen Shop.

Before long, they arrived at Ichiraku Ramen Shop.

The owner, Uncle Ichiraku, greeted them warmly, his face beaming with a plain, sincere smile. "Welcome! What would you two young customers like?"

Uchiha Ao smiled back. "Uncle Ichiraku, I'll have a bowl of your signature soy sauce ramen. What about you, Hinata?"

Hinata looked shyly at the menu, her slender finger gliding gently across it. After hesitating for a moment, she said softly, "I... I'd like tonkotsu ramen, and a serving of gyoza."

Uncle Ichiraku cheerfully took their order. Before he could turn and head into the kitchen, Uchiha Ao quickly added, "Uncle Ichiraku, and ten bowls of Miso Egg Bamboo Shoot Ramen!"

Uncle Ichiraku raised his eyebrows in surprise. "That many?"

"Uncle Ichiraku, I'm a ninja. Ninjas usually have big appetites," Uchiha Ao explained with a smile.

At that, Uncle Ichiraku laughed heartily. "Ha ha, so that's how it is. All right, just wait a moment. I'll make sure you're satisfied!" With that, he turned and went briskly into the kitchen to get started.

As they waited, Hinata looked at Uchiha Ao in confusion. "Ao-kun, will you be able to finish all that?" Uchiha Ao gave her a mysterious smile. "Don't worry. You'll see."