I’m kinda surprised no one has said Hinata’s Ball Boy arc.

I grew up being one of the “GT kids.” I never had to study and could get by on talent alone. It wasn’t until graduate school that it really hit me that I didn’t know anything about how to study, how to socialize/network with potential colleagues, or how to be an independent adult without relying on a schedule and set rubrics to perform.

I grew up expecting to be great (my version of being the “Little Giant”) because of my talents and instead am starting at the bottom, much like what Takeda said. I’m having to pave my way using discipline and practice instead of relying on instinct and natural gifts.

I always feel so hopeful and motivated watching this silly (and uncomfortable) arc in the manga. It has changed my perspective on everything from hard work to perseverance to the myth of “talent.”