If a fan of Naruto was asked to pick two characters who seemed to be exact opposites, then Hinata Hyuga and Rock Lee might be their first choice. The two ninjas appear as if they couldn't be any more dissimilar. Rock Lee is bold, energetic, and always looking for a fight; while Hinata is shy, self-conscious, and typically avoids conflict. Even though Hinata and Lee have very different personalities, they share more character traits than one might assume. These two characters have so many similarities that they functionally fulfill the same role in the story.
Hinata and Lee Fight for Love
Hinata and Lee are both in love with characters that they have sworn to protect. It's well known that Hinata has been infatuated with Naruto since they were young children. She fainted almost anytime Naruto got close to her, but when Naruto was almost captured by the Akatsuki she put her life on the line to protect him. Lee's feelings for Sakura played out similarly. Upon first meeting Sakura, Lee swore to always protect her no matter what. When Sakura was attacked by Sound ninjas in the Forest of Death, Lee rushed to her aid. Although both Hinata and Lee were defeated in their respective fights, they upheld their promises of love.
Hinata and Lee Are Masters at Taijutsu
Rock Lee is, without a doubt, considered one of the best taijutsu users in the series. Although he is unable to use either ninjutsu or genjutsu, Lee more than makes up for it with his skill in physical combat. Lee's training under his sensei, Might Guy, turned Lee into a capable ninja able to defeat Sasuke Uchiha during their first meeting and challenge powerful foes like Gaara and Kimimaro.
Hinata is also another character in the series that uses exclusively taijutsu. Both Rock Lee and Hinata noticeably never use ninjutsu during their fights in the series. Hinata employs her clan's Gentle Fist fighting style which shuts down her opponent's chakra and causes internal damage. She is so skilled in this fighting style that she was able to use the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists, a secret Hyūga clan technique, which she used to fight Pain. Hinata and Rock Lee are two of the strongest taijutsu users in the world of Naruto.
Hinata and Lee Started at the Bottom
A defining part of Hinata's story is that she started as a rather weak person. She was bullied often as a child because of her eyes and required Naruto to defend her. Hinata was even disinherited of her position as heiress of the Hyuga clan by her father when her sister, Hanabi, showed more combat skill. Most of the people in Hinata's life initially believed that she would never amount to anything and stay a weak person for the rest of her life.
Rock Lee has a similar background to Hinata. Because of his inability to use ninjutsu or genjutsu, many people believed that he would never become a skilled ninja. He was at the bottom of his class during his time at the Academy and was looked down upon by those around him. Just like Hinata, most people believed that Lee would always be a failure of a ninja. Both Hinata and Lee started their stories at a disadvantage.
Hinata and Lee Are Capable of Change
Lee and Hinata share the same goal. Both characters want to prove that they can change who they are as people. One of the thematic questions posed during the Chunin Exams arc was whether or not a person could change themselves. Neji Hyuga's believed that a person who started as a failure, like Lee and Hinata, would always remain a failure for the rest of their lives. Hinata and Lee work hard to prove that idea wrong.
Lee solely focuses on developing his taijutsu so that he won't have to rely on ninjutsu or genjutsu. His skill in taijutsu makes him one of the strongest ninjas to compete in the Chunin Exams. Lee proves that he can become an excellent ninja even though he was born without talent. Hinata pushes herself to become stronger and develop her self-confidence. She refuses to forfeit when fighting Neji, proving that she can overcome her shy personality.
Hinata and Lee Have a Special Person
Another shared characteristic that Hinata and Lee have is that they both look up to someone. Both characters have a special person that they admire and try to mimic in some way. Hinata has been inspired by Naruto's determination and confidence since she was a child. She uses Naruto as a model of how to act in the world. The thought of earning Naruto's acceptance and pride drives her to improve herself and become a stronger ninja. Hinata has even adopted Naruto's ninja way of never giving up.
Lee has a similar relationship to Might Guy. Lee aspires to be more like Might Guy in every way. He dresses, fights, and talks exactly like Might Guy. Lee consistently tries to impress his sensei with his taijutsu and work ethic. Guy's dream of proving that he can become a successful ninja without ninjutsu or genjutsu has also become Lee's dream. And just like Hinata, Lee has adopted the same philosophy as the person he admires. Lee wants to show that hard work beats out natural talent.
