I don't see how Hinata's words of encouragement are a declaration of love. Honestly, the best comparison for my feelings about the NaruHina relationship is a basketball fan reacting to Michael Jordan. Like OMG WTF?!?! SQUEEE *dies on spot*
And if Micheal Jordan for some reason ever had doubts going into a Championship Game, I'm pretty sure he'd have a lot of fans who would say things along the lines of "I believe in you!"
Hahaha, that makes total sense really. Hinata doesn't really
know Naruto. I mean yeah, they are considered friends, but she hasn't really spent and one on one time with him to get to know him. During the chunin exam test they weren't allowed to talk to each other. During the fighting parts... well, they were fighting. They had that one little one-on-one talk before the final matches, and while I give her credit for cheering him up, they didn't really
talk. She only sees what most everyone sees, not what someone who knows him like Iruka or Team 7 sees. (Tsunade and Jiraiya too)
QUOTE
At least Sakura and Sasuke are aware of the romantic tension in Part I, even if it is one sided. Sakura has basically stated her intentions. She loves him, it's not admiration, it's not fangirling (to her at least), it's love. I know Hinata isn't a main character but you would think that if she really liked Naruto the language would be clearer on her feelings. I know there are endless theories of what Sasuke meant by his "Thank you" before he left by SasuSaku fans...but for me it could be considered set up.
I totally think it was an infatuation, not love. But yeah, you're right. She thinks it's love (It could be, but not IMO).
Hinata's shy. No matter what place her character is in, main or minor, it would still be the same.