Bab 76: Homecoming
The echoes of Kiba's anguished screams gradually subsided, dissipating into the stillness that engulfed them, leaving behind a gasping body sprawled on the unforgiving ground, its presence punctuated by the soft whimpers of Akamaru.
"Kurenai sensei, Kiba-kun, he-" Hinata's heart was fraught with worry and concern as she approached Kurenai, her voice trembling with apprehension as she sought answers in the midst of the lingering pain.
Kurenai's gaze met Hinata's, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. She was well aware of the torment that had been implanted within Kiba's mind, a retribution veiled in shadows, but she chose to withhold the truth of its malevolence… mainly because she had no choice.
Kneeling down beside Kiba, her touch gentle and comforting, Kurenai offered an explanation that only hinted at the true magnitude of his suffering. "This may be repercussions of the high dosage of drugs and the blow to his head. Time would heal his wounds, perhaps... within a few months at most. Kiba, if you want reassurance, I suggest a visit to the Konoha hospital for a thorough checkup."
Kiba clenched his teeth, the determination to appear unaffected etched upon his features. With a struggle, he forced himself upright, "It's just a bit of pain, no big deal, it won't hinder me."
"Kiba-kun..."
Cradling Akamaru in his arms, Kiba's once-turbulent spirit gradually found solace, a faint glimmer of happiness surfacing when he noticed the genuine concern etched upon Hinata's face.
A fleeting glance from Kurenai towards the silent Shino concealed a myriad of unspoken thoughts.
Inwardly sighing, she recognized the deadly threat that lay hidden within her team, a threat that could swallow the team whole.
But, she was part of this threat now. With a sense of purpose, she commanded the group to continue their arduous return journey, driving the innocent girl and dogs forward despite the lurking shadows that threatened to engulf their path, hoping they will return to the safe confines of their home sooner.
The journey back to Konoha seemed interminable, elongated by the burden of Kiba's sealed chakra, forcing the quartet to navigate the terrain with measured steps and patience.
Yet, as days passed, Kiba's physical strength gradually rekindled, bestowing a glimmer of hope upon their arduous trek, pushing them to quicken their pace as they neared the familiar embrace of their village.
As they approached the familiar forests near Konoha, the group couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and anticipation, but it was upon their arrival at the Konoha gates that fate intertwined their paths with an unexpected encounter.
"Hurry up Ero-sennin!"
Just as they were about to approached the gates, they bumped into another group returning. As they came to a stop, Kiba's eyes widened in surprise, for standing before him was none other than Naruto, the boy with an indomitable spirit, now wrapped in bandages… again.
"Naruto?!" Kiba exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. "What happened to you?"
Team 8 found themselves in the presence of Naruto, Sakura, and the famous Sannin, Jiraiya. A convergence of destinies set against the backdrop of the village's entrance, where tales of valor and camaraderie echoed through the air… at least, in the original story.
Naruto, dressed in his signature orange jumpsuit, his body wrapped like a mummy, flashed a bright smile and waved his bandaged hands. "Hey, Kiba! I just finished a mission with Ero-sennin. I'm about to head over to report to Granny Tsunade!"
As Kiba engaged in a conversation with Naruto, the group gleaned the news that their blonde-haired comrade had completed an S-rank investigative mission and training alongside the legendary Sannin.
"Eh? Hinata, you're here too? Why are you so quiet?"
Hinata's heart skipped a beat as she heard Naruto's voice. She had missed him dearly during his recovery in the hospital, went on a mission when he recovered, and now he was returning to the hospital… maybe she should sign up to be a nurse?
Her shyness threatened to keep her emotions locked away, but this time, she summoned her courage.
Her head bowed shyly, with a voice barely above a whisper, she said, "Naruto-kun... I'm glad to see you… I hope you get better soon."
Naruto turned his attention to Hinata, a warmth in his eyes as he recognized her. "Hinata! Yeah, I'll be all healed up in no time, dattebayo! There's no need to worry!"
Hinata blushed, her gaze shifting away. She had wanted to say more, to express her sadness over his injuries, but her shy nature held her back.
Kiba's excitement had also grew with Naruto's jubilant attitude, but as his gaze shifted to the side, and he noticed Hinata standing there, her white eyes downcast, her shy demeanor showing, Kiba felt as if Naruto stuffed a frog down his throat.
Meanwhile, observing their exchange in silence, was Sakura, who was still drowning in her quagmire after repeated failures in rescuing Sasuke. And then there was Shino.
Unlike Sakura, his usual calm demeanor masking his thoughts, Shino harbored a quiet discontent, his thoughts mired in frustration.
Inwardly, he grumbled at the disproportionate influence Naruto held over Hinata's world, the very fabric of their interactions shifting beneath the weight of the protagonist's all-encompassing aura.
Naruto's presence alone tilted the balance drastically on Hinata's scale, as if the protagonist's halo shone too brightly. It seemed that the scales of his connection with Hinata was imbalanced, skewed in favor of the fated hero who had become a beacon of inspiration, seemingly rendering Shino's efforts futile.
As the young group of shinobi gathered, unbeknownst to the others, Jiraiya had a hidden agenda. He aimed to extract information from Kurenai, especially about Shino Aburame and his mysterious insects.
His years of experience as an intelligence officer had honed his skills in extracting secrets, and he was determined to unravel the mystery that surrounded Shino. He had to determine if Kashira's warning was simply a mistake or...
Kurenai, however, was no ordinary shinobi. She possessed a keen intellect and a deep understanding of the art of deception.
While the original Kurenai might have unknowingly revealed details to Jiraiya, Karina, her new ally with unparalleled expertise in covert operations, now guided her every move through the zerg network.
With Karina silently managing the disclosed intel in the background, Kurenai maintained a calm facade, carefully deflecting Jiraiya's prying interest in Shino with measured responses.
Jiraiya sidled closer to Kurenai, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Kurenai, I must admit that I find the Aburame boy's abilities quite fascinating. Shino, was that his name? The way he controls those bugs, it's unlike anything I've ever seen. But he's still hiding a lot of cards isn't he?"
Kurenai met Jiraiya's gaze with a serene smile. Her voice carried an undertone of caution as she replied, "Ah, Shino. He is indeed hiding deeply. Reserved and introspective, he keeps his thoughts hidden behind a veil. His connection with the insects is a deeply ingrained part of his identity, a bond that has shaped his very being, but this is nothing special. How to say it? It runs in their genes."
Jiraiya's curiosity heightened at Kurenai's words, but he sensed a careful dance in her response. "And what can you reveal about these insects? Their behavior, their capabilities... anything that may shed light on their true nature. I'm interested in the ways his insects work, especially the one which is every men's dream- ahem- I mean, I'm interested in its applications on intelligence gathering."
Kurenai's eyes flickered for a moment, her mind dancing with thoughts of deception.
She chose her words meticulously, painting a picture that would captivate Jiraiya's imagination without exposing the secrets concealed within. "Shino's insects, raised with his own chakra, they are an extension of his will. They follow his commands, guided by his thoughts. Their abilities are multifaceted, adapting to different situations, and aiding Shino in various ways, especially his camouflage bugs, which allow him to hide his main body even from the eyes of jonin."
Jiraiya's interest deepened, but he could sense an elusive quality to Kurenai's words. He pressed further, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Oh? And how does Shino control them? You say his main body is nearby, but I heard he could control them regardless of distance. Is it through some sort of chakra manipulation or a unique bloodline?"
Kurenai's eyes sparkled with hidden amusement, a glimmer of triumph concealed within her gaze. "The method of control is a closely guarded secret, known only to those within the Aburame clan. It is a testament to their mastery and an art form shrouded in mystery. I'm afraid I cannot divulge the specifics, for it would be a breach of trust."
Jiraiya's brows furrowed, his desire for knowledge battling against the walls Kurenai had erected.
He leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a forbidden secret. "Kurenai, surely you understand the importance of sharing information with the right people. I can assure you, my intentions are purely for the betterment of our village. The hidden knowledge I possess could help us uncover new strategies, protect our loved ones. Shino's abilities could be a crucial asset."
Kurenai maintained her composure, her expression unyielding.
She had become a master in the art of misdirection, guided by Karina's subtle manipulations. "Jiraiya-sama, I understand your concerns, but the Aburame clan has safeguarded their secrets for generations. It is not my place to expose them without their consent. Shino's loyalty to his clan and his village is unwavering, and we must respect that. I can personally guarantee it."
Jiraiya's gaze held a mixture of frustration and admiration for Kurenai's unwavering stance. He understood the depth of her loyalty, the unyielding commitment to her comrades.
With a resigned sigh, he leaned back, conceding to her resolve. "Very well, Kurenai. I respect your decision, even if it leaves me wanting... But if you discover… issues, please report to the village. I don't doubt your loyalty, and I don't doubt the loyalty of your student, but the Aburame clan…"
Kurenai's arched eyebrow, her measured words carrying an undercurrent of intrigue as she sought to unravel the secrets veiled behind the unexpected shift in the atmosphere, "Jiraiya-sama, did something happen?"
Jiraiya's vigilant gaze swept the surroundings like a predator assessing its territory, his voice descending into a hushed whisper that carried a sense of secrecy. "The village has received a complaint against the Aburame clan, regarding a recent theft of corpses in many ninja villages. Those old things are already putting their suspicion on the Aburame clan, but the Aburame clan are also ambiguous, refusing to disclose their secrets..."
Kurenai's face had a slight frown.
She knew that her careful dance with words had reduced Shino's suspicion in Jiraiya's mind. Karina's expertise had protected their secrets, shielding Shino and his bugs from prying eyes. But they didn't expect the problem to be with the Aburame clan.
Kurenai solemnly nodded, her eyes locked onto Shino, and it wasn't long before she responded as if receiving a command through their thoughts,
Jiraiya received Kurenai's solemn nod as an acknowledgment to his words.
Unbeknownst to him, this nod concealed a hidden connection between her and Shino, their eyes locked in an unspoken language, guiding her response as if dictated by an ethereal force. "No problem, Jiraiya-sama. I'll keep a lookout, but I won't let my student become a pawn in their political games."
Jiraiya's weary sigh echoed through his heart, understanding Kurenai's meaning.
With a nod of reluctant acceptance, he beckoned Naruto forward, his mind already plotting his own arduous journey that lay ahead. "Naruto, let's go. We don't have all day. I still need to send you to the hospital. Seriously, so much time wasted and it could have been used for other activities."
"Ah! You just want to go peeking again, don't you, ero-sennin!" Naruto's arms crossed defiantly, his gaze fixated on Jiraiya with an undertone of suspicion, as if he were a young warrior gauging the reliability of his mentor.
"Ack- Shut up," Jiraiya's stumbling gait betrayed his momentary distraction, a swift glance at Kurenai revealing her disapproving eyes that held a veiled warning. "How many times did I tell you, it's inspiration and gathering information!"
With his hands crossed behind his forehead in a gesture of exasperation, Naruto's visage transformed into one of skepticism as he scoffed, "Yea, yea, gathering information. Dattebayo."
"Naruto! Let's go! If you don't recover, don't expect to learn the new ultimate technique from me!" Jiraiya's words escaped his lips in a hasty utterance, carrying a subtle undertone of discomfort and a tinge of lingering shame, as he swiftly turned on his heels, picking up Naruto like a sand bag.
"Ah! Wait up ero-sennin! Lightly, lighter, I have an injury you know!" Naruto's agile form squirmed on Jiraiya's back, his movements defying convention as he turned backwards, his arm raised in a farewell gesture. "See you, Kiba, Hinata. When I recover, I will definitely show you my new technique! Let's go Sakura-chan!"
As Sakura bid her polite farewell, she trailed behind, her steps laden with a lingering melancholy and a sense of unfolding realization regarding her own uselessness.
The hospitalization of Naruto had left an indelible mark on some of their hearts, and they knew that the path ahead would be paved with challenges and sacrifices.
But unlike the others, Shino's schemes were churning in his mind as usual, "Hm? Sakura should seek out Tsunade soon. Perhaps this can be used? But… is it worth it to go after the love-brain renowned for her uselessness?"
The sun cast long shadows across the Konoha gates as Team 8 disbanded, their recent mission still fresh in their minds.
As he walked away, Shino's gaze shifted imperceptibly towards Kurenai, their eyes locking in a moment of unspoken understanding.
It was as if a silent agreement had formed between them, a shared acknowledgment of the weight of their responsibilities.
Kurenai's nod, subtle yet resolute, affirmed their mutual understanding. She knew it was time for her to report the mission's outcome as their leader and complete her first mission for the hive.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone