Her life was so much more than what it seemed.

When Hinata was young, she didn't need protection. She was free to do whatever, as long as she stayed within the Hyuga's rules. She trained willingly, and you could see her potential right from the beginning. You could see it clearly from the moment she held her first kunai, from the moment she activated her Byakugan for the first time.

Hinata was special. She knew her strengths and her weaknesses. She knew what she was capable of and she knew that, as the heiress of her clan, she had to live up to every one of the Hyuga's expectations.

But, when she was almost successfully abducted from her home due to her power as a Hyuga, she truly realised what her bloodline meant. Her surname meant that if she was this strong as a child, she was in constant danger. If the other villages knew of her strength, they could try something again.

Even if she was strong, Hinata would not be able to overpower those who came after her. That much, to her, was clear. But not to the Hyuga Clan. They wouldn't understand. They would continue as they were before.

For her own protection, she hid her strength. Using the abduction as an excuse, she faked mental trauma. Hinata pretended to gradually lose all of her strength, mental capability and motivation. She carefully constructed a barrier, hiding every ounce of courage, pride, intelligence. And, so, the mask was formed.

She lost all respect from the Hyuga household and her grades dropped in the academy. However, she knew it was what had to be done. And, it's not like she would have to wear the mask forever. Once she was a ninja, she didn't have to hide it anymore. Once she was a ninja, she could learn how to properly protect herself in ways that she could not on her own.

That day was tomorrow. Graduation day. The day that she could pass the test and become a full-fledged Kunoichi.

Hinata's secret mask will not be a secret for much longer.