Bai was used to being teased. Sometimes it was about her brother, and how he was ugly and annoying. Sometimes it was about her appearance, and how it was obvious the young girl was struggling to look presentable. But most of the time it was about her skills, and how she was weak and would never be able to be a ninja, especially with her lack of ninjutsu.

She ignored it most of the time, choosing to stay quiet and to just let the harsh words be thrown at her. Despite being young, she had worked hard to build up her confidence. She knew she wasn't worthless and she knew that she was strong, so the petty words of other children didn't bother her.

The thing that did bother her, that did make her stay up late at night, trying not to cry as she thought of the cruel words, was when they brought up her family.

Bai loved her father, she loved him so very much. Hearing cruel children taunt her with insults about her father hurt her heart because she knew she couldn't change their opinions. She knew she couldn't make them see the brave, strong man that was raising two children on his own.

It was a childish thing for her to do, to cry over the words of other people, but Bai just couldn't help it. She was a child.

But at night, after she was finished crying, Bai would wipe her tears, wrap herself in a blanket, and drift off to sleep, promising herself she would be strong. She would grow into the strong beautiful girl her father raised.

And she did.

———

a/n

i hope that wasn't too bad !! this has been in my drafts for a while.
i really like the idea i have for this, but in all honesty, what really motivates me to write are the votes and the comments, so please vote and comment for more frequent updates !