Chapter 66: The Dark Side
The midday sun bathed Oujisama City, the capital of the Land of Fire, in a warm golden glow. Shino, Hinata, and Kiba stood at the grand entrance, their eyes wide with awe as they took in the bustling streets and ornate buildings that surrounded them. It was a city unlike any they had ever seen before, a testament to the prosperity and grandeur of the Land of Fire.
As they made their way through the crowded streets, the trio couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. This was a place where power and privilege resided, and as small-time ninjas, they felt out of place.
They had been summoned to meet the commissioner of the mission, a noble from the capital, but they knew it was unlikely that they would have the honor of meeting the noble themselves.
Instead, they found themselves standing before a grand mansion, guarded by stoic attendants in formal attire.
One of the attendants approached them, his voice tinged with politeness but also a hint of condescension. "Welcome to Oujisama City. I am the attendant of the noble whom has requested your presence. Please follow me."
The attendant led them through the sprawling mansion, its opulent halls adorned with fine art and intricate tapestries. They entered a lavish study, where the noble's presence was symbolized by a large portrait that hung prominently on the wall. The attendant gestured for them to take a seat, and they obliged, feeling both nervous and intrigued.
"I apologize for the absence of the noble," the attendant began. "He is preoccupied with matters of state. However, he has entrusted me to convey his wishes and provide you with the necessary information for your mission."
Shino, always composed and observant, studied the attendant carefully.
Hinata politely bowed, displaying the exemplary manners learned in the Hyuga clan's training. "We appreciate your assistance. Could you please enlighten us about the nature of the mission and the recent serial murders?"
The attendant nodded, his gaze fixed on Hinata. "Certainly. We have been plagued by a series of gruesome murders in Oujisama City. The victims all share a common trait – they were members under the city's elite, the influential figures that shape the fate of this nation. It is imperative that we put an end to these heinous acts and restore a sense of security to the city."
Hinata's eyes widened in shock. "Members of the elites of society? Why would someone target them specifically?"
The attendant's head bowed further, obscuring his countenance, as his reply came with a tinge of sadness. "That is precisely what we hope you can uncover. The commissioner has compiled a list of the murder sites for your investigation, but we have reason to believe the murderer has to do with a mysterious new… group. We have also marked their area of activity on the map. You are to gather any information you can and report back to us when the problem is solved. It would be ideal if you could solve the case within a week."
Kiba leaned forward, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Why are the murder sites concentrated in this outer area of the city? Shouldn't the elites be in the inner area? Are the residents involved?"
The attendant's face tightened, a shadow of discomfort crossing his features. "That... the members under the elites perform their respectable jobs and missions there."
"Yo, so they were murdered when they went to work? What a strange place to start." Kiba grinned, clearly excited by the mystery.
The attendant stared at Kiba, a neutral smile on his face. "Yes. And a fair warning. It's best to not dig too deeply into the inner workings of their jobs. Some nobles wouldn't be too happy if you learn their… confidential hobbies. It's best to focus on solving the problem, the murderers."
Kiba and Hinata silently exchanged glances, clearly noticing something suspicious. However, Kurenai sensei had taught them not to be nosy.
Meanwhile, Shino stood silently in the background, adjusting his glasses that were glinting with interest, his mind connecting the clues.
With the briefing concluded, the attendant handed them the list of murder sites and bid them farewell, his parting words carrying a hint of urgency. "Please, bring an end to this darkness. The future of Oujisama City rests in your hands."
As they followed the winding streets, their steps became slower and more cautious. It wasn't long until they realized that the marked area on the map led them straight into the slums.
The vibrant and prosperous cityscape they had initially encountered quickly gave way to dilapidated buildings and narrow, garbage-filled alleyways.
The narrow, winding alleys were lined with dilapidated houses, their roofs patched with tattered sheets, and walls adorned with faded graffiti. The sounds of laughter and music were replaced with the murmurs of desperation and the occasional cry of a hungry child.
The air was heavy with the scent of decay and desperation, a far cry from the fragrant gardens and perfumed corridors of the noble's mansion.
"Akamaru doesn't like the smell of this place, but we can't help it. Our mission seems to be here," With a tender touch, Kiba comforted the whimpering Akamaru with a rub on its head.
No matter which world, and no matter how prosperous a country may seem, the slums seem to exist. Despite not being depicted in the anime, the hidden details revealed in reality were only more cruel.
Shino adjusted his glasses, his stoic expression not betraying any emotions. He surveyed the area with a keen eye, taking in the sights and sounds of the slums. The air was heavy with the stench of decay and poverty, yet amidst the despair, he could sense a flicker of hope and resilience.
The slums, despite their hidden existence, were a testament to the hidden reality of the world's cruelty, but was also proof of humanity's resilience.
Hinata's heart ached at the gloomy sight. "It's hard to believe that such poverty exists within the same city. These people must face unimaginable hardships every day."
Kiba nodded in agreement, his canine senses picking up on the weariness that seemed to hang in the air. "Yeah, it's a harsh reality, alright. It really doesn't look like elite members from the noble families would work here… But our only clues point to this area. If we want to solve this case, we'll have to dive deep into these slums and uncover the truth, whatever it is."
Hinata's Byakugan traced a last sweep across the expanse radiating suffocating darkness, a final moment of acknowledgment before she lowered her head, her fingers anxiously fidgeting, betraying the torrent of thoughts and emotions cascading through her being.
Suddenly, Kiba, unknown to what reckless ideas he had, turned to his teammates, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yo, guys, I've got an idea. Since Shino can handle himself, why don't Hinata and I split up and cover more ground? We'll find those responsible faster that way. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to Hinata."
Hinata, her white eyes filled with concern, looked at Shino, a silent plea for reassurance. "I think it would be better if we stick together, Kiba-kun. This place can be dangerous, and Shino-kun's combat prowess would greatly benefit us. Besides, teamwork has always been our strength."
A subtle nod of agreement escaped from Shino, his countenance an emotionless mask, concealing the intricate labyrinth of schemes silently brewing within his mind.
Kiba's face contorted into a scowl, his canine teeth poking out. "Fine, have it your way and stay with Shino. But I'm confident Akamaru and I can handle anything that comes our way. I'll go investigate the site of that mysterious new group. We'll meet back here in two hours. Ja na."
With that, Kiba and Akamaru bounded away, disappearing into the labyrinthine alleys of the slums.
The worried Hinata turned to Shino, her voice filled with concern. "Shino-kun, are you sure it's okay? I can't help but worry about Kiba-kun going off on his own."
Shino placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder, offering her a reassuring pat. "No need to worry, Hinata. Kiba has grown stronger over the years. We must trust in his abilities and have faith in his judgment. For now, let us focus on our task at hand."
Hinata's solemn nod mirrored her introspective gaze, lost in the expanse of the distant horizon, while Shino's own eyes followed a concealed figure with a hidden intent, a subtle smile adorning his features, as if his intuition had once again proven astute.
Indeed, it appeared that Kurenai sensei's concern would now gravitate towards Kiba, allowing the responsibility of ensuring Hinata's safety to be entrusted to Shino's capable hands.
Will she regret her decision today? Shino didn't know, but he knew that the impending events would be disturbing, unsettling, and dark. If this was a story, Shino would warn the readers to not proceed further to avoid being triggered over the violent and dark content.
Even with this warning, perhaps many would still delve head first into the darkness. Who would go to hell if not me, right?
Despite being wordy, but important warnings must be mentioned twice: For those with a faint heart, bugger off before it's too late. You still have a choice.
Alas, unlike some who still had a choice, this was reality for Shino, and the truth: the tendrils of cruelty could never truly be evaded… but at least it wasn't directed at him this time. Heh.
Shino and Hinata walked side by side, their steps synchronized as they ventured deeper into the heart of the slums.
The narrow, winding streets were shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the faint flickering of dim streetlights that struggled to pierce through the thick haze of despair that permeated the air.
The oppressive atmosphere seemed to cling to the very walls of the dilapidated buildings, as if it had seeped into the bricks and mortar, infecting every inch of this forgotten corner of the village.
Dilapidated houses with makeshift roofs, children huddled around meager fires for warmth, and weary adults going about their daily routines with a quiet determination. The harsh reality of poverty etched itself onto every corner and crevice, making it impossible to ignore.
Shino's keen senses picked up the subtle movements and whispers within the slums. His bugs, flitted around, gathering information from the shadows. Hinata, on the other hand, kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, her Byakugan activated to its full potential.
As they pressed forward, Shino's keen senses detected the subtle movements around them. The pair was being watched, observed from hidden corners and concealed alleyways.
Eyes peered out from the shadows, glinting with a mixture of curiosity and caution. However, no one dared to confront them.
It wasn't their youthful appearance that deterred those who lingered in the darkness, but rather the unmistakable symbol of Konoha adorning their forehead and neck - the forehead protector.
Most of the people who made their living in the underbelly of society knew better than to meddle with shinobi. They understood that ninjas were an entirely different breed, capable of unleashing swift and deadly retaliation.
Without any hindrance, their investigation led them to a rundown warehouse on the outskirts of the slums, its decaying walls held secrets and whispers of the disappearances that plagued the area.
Embedded between other dilapidated buildings and separated by dark alleys, the warehouse certainly did not belong in the safe area. Shino's bugs alerted him to a group of suspicious-looking individuals huddled within those dark alleys and the rooftops of the buildings.
However, there was no need to mention them because they were irrelevant to their investigation. Even their numbers were inconsequential in the face of the tempestuous might of ninjas. Hinata also knew this.
They only needed to maintain their basic vigilance.
The duo cautiously approached the entrance, soon realizing their investigation target, the warehouse, had been sealed off.
As Hinata's determined gaze fell upon the chain obstructing sealing the door, her palm moving with precision, snapping it with an audible crack. The door to the warehouse groaned in reluctant compliance as it swung open after a single push and the duo vigilantly entered.
Hinata's pale eyes scanned the area, taking in the dirty surroundings. It felt eerily empty, devoid of any signs of the gruesome murder that had brought them here.
There was no trace of blood, no lingering scent of violence. It was as if the very essence of death had been meticulously eradicated from this place.
Hinata's voice was tinged with confusion as she broke the silence. "Shino-kun, something doesn't feel right. The places doesn't look like it has been cleaned, but there are small spots cleaner than the rest. There should be some evidence of a murder here, at least some traces of blood. Where could it have gone?"
Shino remained silent, his dark eyes scanning the surroundings with a penetrating gaze. He wore an inscrutable expression, his mind working behind the mask of his stoic demeanor. It seems he already had some speculations regarding the incident, but he didn't divulge it.
After a moment, he finally spoke, his voice low and measured. "You're correct, Hinata. The absence of blood suggests that there may be more to this situation than meets the eye. We must proceed with caution."
Their investigation of the warehouse yielded no answers, only more questions… at least for the innocent Hinata.
As they exited the desolate building, the duo was met with a cacophony of desperate cries.
A woman's voice pierced through the air, accompanied by the chilling sound of ripping fabric and the lecherous laughter of rough men. The source of the commotion emanated from a nearby alley, shrouded in darkness and obscured by the tall, decaying structures that surrounded it.
Hinata's heart wrenched with a mixture of empathy and determination. Her wide white eyes fixated on the alley, her mind torn between the urge to help and the knowledge of the dangers that lurked within.
She took a step forward, ready to intervene, to be the compassionate shinobi she had always strived to be. But just as her foot touched the ground, Shino's firm hand rested on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks.
"Are you sure, Hinata?" Shino's voice was seemingly laced with concern, his eyes meeting hers with a depth of understanding. "Kurenai sensei has taught us, being nosy could expose you to unknown risks. We must consider the larger picture."
Hinata's gaze wavered, her resolve tested by the anguished cries that continued to echo through the darkness. She felt a swell of frustration, knowing that she possessed the strength to aid those in need, yet feeling the weight of responsibility that came with her role as a shinobi.
With a determined nod, Hinata met Shino's gaze once again, her voice filled with conviction. "I can't stand by and let this continue, Shino-kun. She needs my help. I'll face whatever risks may come."
Shino's grip on her shoulder tightened momentarily before releasing its hold. "Very well, Hinata. I'll take care of the ones hidden around us."
As Shino's gaze transfixed upon the insatiable maw of the dark alley devouring Hinata's vulnerable form, his own presence seemed to be suspended in a bewildering trance, as if the consciousness had left to engage in a cryptic communication with someone elsewhere.
Within the confines of the base, Karina relinquished her control over the projected clone within the flickering holographic display, her body brimming with electrifying anticipation, bouncing with fervor as she avidly observed the live-feed, eagerly ensnared by the unfolding spectacle of Hinata's perilous encounter. "Shino, are you sure you want to let Hinata experience this? Isn't this too… cruel?"
Reclining upon the couch, his fingers idly caressing the smooth surface of the firm white cushions, Shino met the inquiry with a cunning grin playing upon his lips, "Some things, she must experience herself to understand. Let's treat this as a small punishment for her ignorance."
As Shino detected the brewing tension woven within the fabric of Hinata's circumstances, his eyes betrayed a glimmer of his scheming intentions, "Plus, only in despair can we gain her true gratitude."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone