Smiling at the older jounin had never been a problem. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Hinata had always been aware of Genma watching her; observing her training, watching her battles, and generally being close by. Never before had she thought on it, her active consciousness putting it to just having the same career and thus the same circle of activities and friends.

His eyes had somehow become one of the reasons she fought to become better; to become worthy.

Now, he reached a hand out to help her help from where he had just landed her, effectively ending the sparring match, Hinata felt a hot rush of disappointment. Uncharacteristically ignoring the offered help, she pushed herself off the ground and used the excuse of swatting at her clothes in order to not meet his all-seeing eyes.

"Hinata?"

Flashing a smile at her sensei, she tried to walk away when a firm hand landed on her shoulder to pull her back around. Reluctantly meeting dark eyes, she tried to keep the smile on her face but felt it frozen.

"Are you okay?"

Her chin firmed, lifted up, and she (surprising herself too) glared at the older man while gently brushing his hands off.

"I am not weak."

And left him standing there with a hand slightly extended.

(218)