Chater 4.
According to the schedule Shizune developed for Hatake's supervision, Hinata was to oversee his every lesson every day. Fortunately, their school was small and only had five grades: from 7 to 11. Granted, each grade had a parallel class, and art was taught once a week for two hours to each class, amounting to 20 hours of lessons the health assistant had to attend over the next week alone.
It was Hinata's luck that the first art class on Monday was at 9 o'clock, and it was the 10th grade too, which meant that Hanabi would be attending. Don't get her wrong, Hinata was thrilled to go together to school with her sister, but nothing will save her from the awkwardness of having to supervise her own sister's lesson. What would the other students say? Considering that it was Mr. Hatake who was conducting the class, she hoped he wouldn't make a big deal out of it and wouldn't make everyone uncomfortable. And if she learned something about the unconventional art teacher, it was that he had a knack for making people uncomfortable.
Just as Hinata was about to enter the school premises she saw a familiar black Mercedes-Benz S-class parked right next to the gates. The license plate belonged to her family, indicating that Hanabi had already arrived. When she came closer the driver's door opened and a pristinely dressed man stepped out. Hinata quickly recognized their personal chauffeur, Iroha.
"Good morning, Miss Hinata," the man greeted her with a small bow and a smile. "Miss Hanabi has already left for her lessons."
"Morning to you too, Iroha," she smiled back. "Have you been waiting for me?" Afterall, he had no reason to remain here after delivering Hanabi to school.
"As perceptive as always, Miss Hinata. I did wish to say hello before going, but also wanted to give you this."
With those words, the driver disappeared inside his car for a moment, before coming out with a boxed lunch in hands.
"Miss Hanabi forgot her lunch," he explained.
Thanking Iroha, Hinata took her sister's forgotten food and bid the thoughtful driver goodbye. As she was walking the school corridor, she couldn't help but shake her head in amusement. It was so like Hanabi to forget her things when she was excited.
'This is it,' she said to herself as she stood in front of the art workshop's door. Behind that door was her sister, doodling something in her notebook or perhaps even drawing in her sketchbook. It was art class afterall, and Hanabi loved art. A smile crept up on the young woman's face. No matter how uncomfortable Hatake will make her, she had her sister with her now. She'd take on all of his lessons if it meant she could spend time with Hanabi.
Thus, Hinata opened the door and stepped inside the classroom. There was her little sister, predictably buried in her sketchbook, looking completely detached from the outside world. Hinata came up to her sister's seat and cleared her throat. Violet eyes looked up from the sketchbook and met another identically colored pair, lighting up.
"Sis!" Hanabi exclaimed, immediately standing up and wrapping her big sister in a hug.
Hinata reciprocated the gesture, despite knowing what kind of scene the two of them were making for the rest of the clas. Soon every student in school will know of their relation.
"What's up? What are you doing here? Did you come to greet me? This school is so cool! Have you seen their art supplies?"
Hanabi spoke a million words at a time. Firing questions and immediately moving on to the next one before Hinata could say anything. The older sister chuckled quietly.
"Hanabi, calm down. I'll tell you everything," she said, patting her sister's shoulder. "You forgot your lunch by the way."
Thanking her for bringing her food, Hanabi seemed to finally settle down on her seat. During the time until the teacher arrived, the two siblings decided to have a little chat. Turned out it was a right decision, as Hatake was running late. It had been ten minutes since the bell rang, and the art teacher was nowhere to be found. Hinata didn't mind much, as she happily listened to her little sister's comments about her new school and answered questions, asking some of her own in return.
"So, you are happy with Konoha so far?" she asked.
"You are kidding? This is the best school ever!" Hanabi excitedly replied. "Everyone is so friendly, and just look at this room!"
With those words she gestured around her at the workshop. Hinata saw the art classroom briefly before but was still impressed at the sheer amount of equipment and space the room had. It had to be the largest and most specialized classroom in the school.
"I'm glad you like it," Hinata said, ignoring the whispers behind her. Apparently, the two siblings' relationship had already become a subject of student gossip. "Not everyone in this school is friendly, though, I have to warn you."
"Nah, I already talked to my classmates and they are cool with you being my sister. They just didn't believe me at first," Hanabi said, eyes narrowing at the teens behind her big sister, causing said teens to laugh sheepishly and turn away, finally giving the two women some privacy.
"I'm not talking about that," Hinata replied, amazed at her little sister's boldness. Hanabi always was a more straightforward one out of the two of them. "I was talking about the art teacher."
"Mr. Hatake? Don't tell me the person who teaches my favorite subject is an asshole!"
"Well, he is not the nicest of people…" Hinata answered, not wanting to disappoint her sister. Maybe he would be nicer now that his lessons were being supervised. Even then, she knew that Hanabi was too stubborn to be discouraged by an asshole teacher. If anything, Hatake might just meet his match in her little sister.
"Noooo!" Hanabi whined, slamming her head on her desk in exaggerated disappointment, making the older woman chuckle.
Just as Hinata was about to say something the door opened with a loud swish, and in came Mr. Hatake himself. He briefly scanned the room, eyes furrowing as soon as he spotted the health assistant. Hinata held herself back from rolling her eyes. That man was such a drama queen. Meanwhile, the whole classroom quieted down to complete silence. Hatake nodded once in approval and moved towards his desk.
"Today we will be learning about watercolors," he said simply, beginning to prepare the materials for the lesson.
"Sir!" one hand shot up.
"Yes, Konohamaru?"
"Aren't you going to introduce the new student?" the boy asked and a murmur of agreement passed along the room.
"No."
"I think you should," Hinata spoke without realizing.
Grey eyes narrowed at her. "Why? Because she is your sister?" he challenged. Everyone else in the classroom tensed, clearly anticipating a conflict.
"Because the students asked for it and because this is the standard thing to do when a new student arrives to school," the health assistant replied, meeting the teacher's gaze head on. She may not be as brave as her sister, but when she knew that the rules were on her side, she could at least hold her own when it came to an argument.
A heavy pause ensued. Students' eyes switched from their teacher to the health assistant and back, as if unsure who was going to come out on top in this altercation. Finally, Hatake sighed.
"Fine, Hanabi, please come forward and introduce yourself to the class."
Hinata smiled as her sister confidently strode to the front and, with a polite nod to the teacher, greeted her new classmates. As she was walking back to her seat, she gave a mischievous look to Hinata and the two had to hold back a giggle.
"Now that the formalities are over," Hatake's impatient voice cut through all the newly initiated excitement, "let's start the lesson. We've lost enough time already." As if he wasn't the one who was late by more than fifteen minutes in the first place.
As the class began, the art teacher proceeded to explain what Hinata gathered were the basics of watercolor painting: what kind of paper to use; what kind of techniques there are; what are the characteristic traits of watercolors and their advantages. He didn't sound particularly exciting to Hinata, but she felt like the information provided was comprehensive. Clearly, he wasn't slacking off as a teacher in that regard. Judging by Hanabi's look, whatever Hatake was talking about was at least correct. Hinata had a feeling that her sister's knowledge was more advanced than the contents of today's lesson.
Soon it was time for the practical part of the class. Everyone was given a small sheet of heavy paper and a set of watercolors and various brushes to repeat after the teacher. He proceeded to demonstrate the correct way of applying water on the paper and using the brushes, beckoning the students to repeat after him.
"Udon, are you trying to create a puddle? If not, I suggest you use less water next time if you want to have something meaningful on your paper." Hatake was going around the classroom, checking in on everyone's progress. It seemed he'd found his new victim in the timid looking boy with big round glasses. "Good thing you haven't begun drawing anything yet," he reprimanded, tapping the excessively wet paper on the boy's desk. "You know why?"
The boy who was being told off only silently looked down on his ruined work, guilt apparent on his face. Everyone else watched the scene unfold with expressions of slight alarm. The sheer aura of intimidation that was coming from the art teacher was surreal. Even the simple act of tapping the desk with his fingers seemed almost aggressive coming from Hatake.
"You know why?" Hatake pressed, leaning closer, his larger frame trapping the teen in his seat.
The poor guy couldn't even bring himself to look up at his teacher. Hinata couldn't imagine what kind of person could make a 10th grader so scared.
"I asked you a question, Udon."
"Be-because when the paper is too wet the co-colors will spread uncontrollably and ruin the painting," Udon replied, stuttering.
"Correct," Hatake said, stepping back from the panicking boy, lifting the pressure slightly and allowing the poor teen a sigh of relief. "Honestly, Udon, if you were half as good at following simple instructions as you are at math, we wouldn't be having a problem with you every lesson."
Visibly dejected, the teen proceeded to pick a clean sheet and redo his exercise. Hinata bit her tongue; that wasn't a very good teaching method. She'd have to talk about this situation with Hatake later. As she observed the rest of the class, she couldn't help but notice every student getting tense as soon as Hatake came over to their desk. Evidently, it wasn't just Udon who was afraid of the art teacher, even though the rest were not as affected as the bespectacled boy. Finally, when it came to Hanabi's turn, Hinata was surprised to hear the art teacher hum with interest.
"The task was to make strips," he commented, looking at the drawings of spheres on Hanabi's sheet. The spheres looked pretty realistic, with shading and nice gradients between blended colors.
"I know, but the purpose of the exercise was to get to know more about watercolors," Hanabi replied, looking between her work and her teacher, "so I decided to try drawing some simple shapes and blending some colors."
Looking at the girl's innocent smile Hatake just nodded wordlessly and moved on. Next, he did some more explanation about the technique, before asking if anyone had any questions. Despite several people raising their hands, he proceeded to declare the start of the next practical session, telling the class that they were to draw something and experiment with the material. As he said that the bell rang, and he excused the class for a break.
"Udon, Moegi, Konohamaru, why am I not surprised it's you three," Hatake muttered, calling the named students over to his desk. "You had some questions."
Apparently, he answers questions during break time, Hinata noted. She couldn't say that it was an optimal idea, since break was meant to allow students some resting time. But as she watched the art teacher somewhat impatiently help the students out, she thought that it was still better than ignoring them at all. She then turned to look at her sister and wasn't at all surprised to see her completely absorbed in her sketchbook.
Ever since they were kids, Hanabi liked to draw. She would draw at every given moment of her spare time. She watched tons of cartoons and anime, read countless comic books and manga, dreaming to create something of her own someday. Father did not approve of her interest, and while she had private tutors for English, history and math, there was no support when it came to Hanabi's hobby. Hinata took it upon herself to supply her little sister with art materials and books. Oftentimes they had to do it discreetly. Eventually, Hiashi found out, and they had reached a compromise; Hanabi will continue drawing only if her academic achievements remain unaffected by it, and art will only be an extra-curricular activity. So far, Hanabi had come close to breaking their agreement several times, but she managed to pull through and salvage her grades at the last moment. She came to Konoha with perfect grades in every subject, the only way Hiashi would allow her to transfer and keep drawing.
Her sister's passion never failed to amaze Hinata. Compared to Hanabi, the young health assistant never felt as passionate about anything. She enjoyed her time at university and she very much liked her current job, but something felt amiss. Perhaps she's yet to find her purpose in this school. She was on the right track, she felt like, so the only thing left was to walk the way and see what happens in the end. And right now, her duty was to supervise over Hatake's lessons, which she'll do as responsibly as anything she'd ever been tasked to do.
Lost in her thoughts, Hinata hadn't noticed that the bell rang, and the second period had already started. Apparently, the class had begun their practice session, the workshop filled with the buzz of activity and students talking. Glancing at Hatake's silent form in the corner of the classroom, Hinata was once again surprised by the art teacher's approach. The atmosphere during the second half of the lesson drastically differed from the first. If before he demanded total silence and was completely involved during lesson, this time he was content in observing the students from the sidelines. She had already figured that Hatake wasn't as simple as people made him look after her first encounter with him, and today just confirmed it.
Just as he was observing class and she was observing him, their eyes met. Hinata gave him a friendly smile, which he predictably went out of his way to ignore. As if escaping from her attention, the art teacher stood up from his desk and approached one of the students. It turned out to be the boy who'd previously failed during the initial exercise, Udon.
"Finally managed not to ruin your work before the start," he commented his student's improvement. "The only thing left is to learn to draw."
Hinata watched with chagrin as the teen's face lit up at the reluctant praise, only to once again drop after his teacher's dismissive words. She found herself replicating Udon's emotions during the exchange. What baffled Hinata the most was that Hatake didn't even seem to realize how what he did made his student feel. She watched as he went around the class, commenting on everyone's work. His remarks ranged from blatant disapproval to almost neutral. As he reached Hanabi's desk, he commented on everyone of her deskmates' works except for hers. Her little sister seemed mildly irritated that her work was left ignored, but otherwise made no attempts to bring that to her teacher's attention.
"Your drawing is so good!" said one of the girls beside Hanabi. "Why didn't Mr. Hatake say anything?"
The Hyuga girl only shrugged in response, proceeding to make some finishing touches on her painting.
The rest of the lesson was uneventful. Hinata watched the students have fun and fool around with their paintings. Despite Hatake's judgment, Hinata thought most of the drawings were pretty. Most of the students managed to finish their work before the end of the lesson, the fact that didn't seem to please the teacher not one bit. After receiving all of their drawings for evaluation, Hatake dismissed the class. Hinata watched with amusement as the now free kids started hastily packing up and practically raced out of the workshop. The only one who remained was her little sister, who instead of moving towards the door had turned back to talk with her sister for a bit.
"Hanabi, come here," Hatake suddenly called out, postponing their conversation.
The girl shrugged her shoulders and turned around towards the teacher's desk. Curious, Hinata followed. Hatake met the health assistant with a raised brow but did not object to her presence. Instead, he pulled Hanabi's work out from the stack on his desk, setting it in front of the girl.
"This piece requires a far higher level of skill than what an average student can learn here, and you haven't even been studying here until today," he said, commenting Hanabi's painting.
It was a simple painting of a girl from shoulders up, with flowers in her hair. Hinata quickly recognized herself in it, but drawn in anime style. Her head was drawn in profile, tilted slightly down, her gaze looking down through half-lidded eyes. The crown of half-opened white lily buds pleasingly complemented the girl's purple hair with its soft greens and yellows. The gentle expression on the girl's face, coupled with her delicate smile, gave the girl a somewhat wistful appearance. Overall, it looked like something straight out of a cover art of a novel or some kind of manga, not a student's first attempt at watercolors.
"It's really good," Hinata found herself praising despite being a little embarrassed. Not every day you serve as an inspiration for a beautiful painting.
"For once, I'm inclined to agree with miss Hyuga."
Hinata decided to let that comment slide as she observed the interaction between her sister and her teacher.
"Well," Hanabi said, scratching her cheek in a rare display of shyness, "I had a lot of practice."
"It's not just the technical skill," Hatake continued, "The drawing clearly carries a meaning."
His words seemed to shock Hanabi, as the girl's eyes widened, her face dusting with pink.
"Anyway, your feelings are your feelings," he said, his gaze switching briefly to his student's older sister. What did he mean by that? "What I want to say is that you clearly have the ability, and I have extra classes for those students who wish to pursue a career in arts. The things I teach there are more advanced, and you can get more individual feedback."
As the art teacher was explaining the purpose of the additional classes, Hanabi's expression turned more and more hopeful. By the end of his offer the girl's eyes lit up in excitement.
"Really? That's so cool! When do we start?" Hanabi looked so eager that Hinata wouldn't be surprised if she agreed were Hatake to offer her to skip the rest of her classes for the extra art sessions. Fortunately, the man was reasonable and offered her to come after the school was over.
"Come every day after classes. I'm here all the time."
"Gotcha!" Hanabi said, making finger guns while moving towards the door. "I'll be here first thing after classes."
After the chipper girl left for her next class, Hatake addressed Hinata.
"Did you have something to say?"
"I do actually," the woman replied, adopting a friendlier smile. "It's about today's lesson."
"Did I do something from your checklist? Or perhaps you have a grade for my performance?" he mocked sarcastically, nodding towards the evaluation form in Hinata's hands and standing from his desk to tidy up the classroom.
"I believe in individual approach. Checklists are great for guidance, but they lack flexibility," Hinata replied. According to her evaluation form Hatake was a horrible teacher, but from what she'd seen he had a number of strong points.
"That's what I've been telling those fools the whole time," Hatake commented with a snort. "You can't evaluate a person based on how many boxes his work ticks."
Hatake was mildly surprised to know that his opinions were shared by the young woman, especially since she seemed so obsessed with protocol. When she motioned to help him tidy up the room it surprised him even further. "You know I'll be the one evaluating most of your lessons, right?" she said as she was ordering the brushes.
"How would I know that?"
"Shizune didn't inform you?" Hinata frowned. She was sure Hatake's email was tagged as one of the recipients of their supervision schedule. "Didn't you receive an email?"
"I don't check my email," he shrugged as he was wiping off paint from the desks.
'Is he serious?' was what Hinata thought at that moment. "Well, I can print it out for you if you'd like," was what she said.
Taking his silence as a 'yes', the health assistant proceeded to give the art teacher a rough idea of what the schedule was like for the month. The only indicator that he was listening was the fact that he stopped doing whatever he was doing, and only continued once she was over briefing.
"So, I am required to write a report on every lesson and discuss any issues I find with you," she finished.
"If you must," he allowed, going back to arranging the seats in the classroom, only to realize that they have already been perfectly arranged, courtesy of Hinata.
"I don't want to come off as a know-it-all–"
"You did not?"
"–but there will be others who will supervise your lessons, and I don't think they'll be as lenient," she continued, undeterred by the sarcasm.
Hatake glared at her, but after a brief pause, seemed to relent.
"Alright," he said, letting out a frustrated sigh. "I'm all ears."
Hinata smiled as the two of them sat down.
"From what I've seen you are not a bad teacher," she began, once again eliciting a surprised look from the man in front of her. "I cannot judge the content of your lessons, but you give enough freedom to your students while at the same time maintaining good discipline. All you need is to work on your nurturing side."
"I am not a babysitter!"
"You don't need to be," she tried to placate, "but a requirement is to at least be respectful." Hatake didn't seem convinced by her words, so she decided to stop the discussion and stood up. "Listen, I'm not trying to teach you how to do your job, you are a much better artist than I could ever be. But I'm always available if you need to talk."
She left him to think on her offer. She wasn't obligated to help, but something compelled the woman to make the offer to the grouchy art teacher. It could be the way he conducted his lessons, or the way he recognized Hanabi's talent and offered help without hesitation. Or it could be the way he looked back in the nurse's office when he requested that morphine. How the pain had made a normally stoic and hard man look helpless and… human. It was that look that reminded her that he was a person like everyone else, with feelings and fears. As much as she didn't want to, Hinata couldn't help but pity the man. But just as with the medical situation back then in her office, the final choice was Hatake's to make. If he wanted her help he had to ask for it and actually listen to advice.
