Sakura's smart? Which episode was that, when both Sasuke and Naruto were unconscious, she puts two *white* towels on a line right were they were? If she had a brush and ink, she'd probably would write *Hey, we're here* on them... I give that she is good at school, but does it mean that she is smart?
Besides, all she said to Oro was totally stupid. He goes like he will be searching for me...and she goes:*We don't want to see your face anymore* WTF is that? *we*? She sure knows Saske's psyche and goals deeply...and really, can even speak for him.
Doesn't she know at least to tell him to go screw himself???? Somebody train that woman to utter some foul words, please!!! What did you do do Sasuke-kun? What kinda useless question is that? If she said, you will pay for this or something...
So far, Hinata was able to locate the leeches that allowed her team to be the first to get a scroll, IMO, it takes some sort of intelligence to put her byakugan too good use. Amazingly enough, her teammates seem to trust her and acknowledge her value. Pretty weird, since Kiba is a male and it's not like them to appreciate women's powers. Shino, on the other hand, who unlike Kiba, doesn't seem to lack intelligence, apparently also acknwoledges her. Besides, what's the problem with making mistakes? She failed a lot, but she is learning not to run away from her problems.
Can we say the same about Sakura? I'd either punch Sasuke or tell him, fine, go and don't ever come back. She was like, oh, I will do your revenge thing with you... What? Somebody who can't see that revenge is stupid and self-destructive is *intelligent*?
Personally, I don't see a prob with making mistakes...and willing to learn from them. On the other hand, people like Neji, for one, who always underestimate others and are sure that they will *never* makes mistakes, wind up getting beaten miserably by a loser like Naruto. The good thing was that he was able to learn with his defeat. Nonetheless, it *was* a rude awakening.
Hinata does have problems, so what? Who wouldn't having being born in a family like hers? What's Sakura's excuse?
Hinata started to change way before Naruto cheered her. Moreover, during her fight with Neji, there were lots of other obstacles to complicate things, not only the difference of power. And she overcame all of them. Power disputes among relatives can be hell, even if they're just regular folks...
I think much of this anime is about figuring out that true power is not the capacity to kick ass and what exactly will make you strong...then again, just mho...
Anyho... enough of this for me. All that just to say: Women without self-esteem are lame. Women, who know they make mistakes and have weaknesses, but still don't run of their problems have my vote.