“Team Gai had the highest level of taijutsu competency in the entire village, and by training under Gai and sparring with Lee and Neji, Tenten’s level had come to the point where her taijutsu was superior compared to every other shinobi but her teammates. In the midst of all her training, part of Tenten couldn’t help but unconsciously compare herself to Lee or Neji, or even Gai. I’m the most incapable within this team. That was the thought that nagged Tenten every second of her training.”
— Tenten’s narration from Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding
This was the depression Neji was talking about. The fact that he went out of his way to make sure Tenten knew her worth and assured her that “she was fine how she was”. Even in Naruto Gaiden (or whatever that light novel was) Neji mentioned that a goal of his was to cure Tenten’s depression.
This also implies that Tenten is stronger than Sakura, technically, which is WILD when you think about it.
Giving Tenten a bigger and bigger sword every time I draw her. The turtle on the sword is a charm, not a real turtle btw, I just realized it looked like some poor bastard was tied to the handle, lol
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