Hinako

I never believed in fate.

How could I believe in fate if I always thought I would defeat Neji? If fate were real, I would be destined to always be weaker than him.

I never believed he would surpass me, therefore I could not have believed in fate.

It was all a lie. A trick, if you will. A deceitful mask used to hide my true intentions. To hide how powerful I know I am.

I never believed I would be the best. That would be too arrogant of me. No, I just knew I

could defeat those who were not as strong as I was.

I never thought Shikasuzu could beat me, so when she did, I was amazed. she was the first person to truly crack my mask, make me realize that it wasn't a good mask to have.

For one who wears a mask that suggests she believes in fate, and then to have that mask wrenched off by someone who doesn't believe you-it's shocking.

I never would've imagined Shikasuzu to have that kind of insight.

Then again, she may not have noticed it was a mask at all. she may have just decided she didn't like the way I was and wished to change me.

I want to change, but I cannot.

I must continue to pretend I believe in fate.

I can change my view on fate, but I cannot say it no longer exists, even though I never believed in it in the first place.

I had to change my view, mostly because I was acknowledged.

My uncle realized I was a true genius.

But I'm not a genius, not really.

You see, that's another mask I wear.

If I believe I'm a genius, then others believe it, too. Even if it's a lie.

A true genius is one who will not admit defeat, no matter what.

Someone who knows he is outnumbered.

Knows he/she is not strong enough.

Knows there is no possible way for him/her to win.

Yet-he/she keeps fighting.

That is a true genius.

Gai-sensei often calls Lela a genius of hard work.

Shikasuzu isn't even labelled a genius, but to me, I regard her as a genius of strength. A genius of stamina.

Those who do not give up no matter the odds are the ones who are truly geniuses.

Just once-I'd like to strip off this fake mask that labels me a genius. The fake mask that insists I believe in fate.

Just once...

I would like to be...

Hinako.

Just Hinako.

Hyuuga Hinako.

A genius of spotting other geniuses