Bab 28: Nightmare

"Is there something else, Kurenai-sensei?"

With the other two teammates dismissed, Kurenai placed her hand on Eio's shoulder, hinting him to stay back.

Gazing at the scroll written by Eio with a serious frown, she took a moment before looking up and asking extremely seriously.

"I know it is extremely invasive of me... but you have lied on your scroll. According to your report, you are well-versed in Taijutsu, something that was witnessed in your Graduation exam.

But when it comes to ninjutsu and genjutsu abilities, it astonishes me that you have never even tried any jutsus other than Clone Jutsu and Transformation Jutsu.

Disregarding the above factors, I need to point out that due to a special coincidence, I did witness you training your sword skills and shuriken/kunai practices.

Before you refute my claims, I had a chat with Yondaime and he did hint that you have trained with your father, Ryu Hozai, is it? Being an active Chuunin, your father must have taught you a few things."

Her words made Eio jump up. He admittedly practised sword skills in his pastime to remember his previous apprentice, Trunks, but never did he think that his actions would have been under the observation of others. But still, deep down, he didn't feel much about this act of keeping an eye on him.

Long has he known that in this village, filled with Shinobis and Kunoichis, keeping a basic record on everyone is a basic caution necessary for the development of the village.

Nobody can refute the fact that each and every citizen of the village carries the risk of being a spy of other organisation.

"Look at this."

Kurenai spoke simply, rolled his scroll and kept it inside the pouch strapped onto her thighs and then placed two scrolls on the ground, unfurling them slowly.

One was Hinata's and other was Shino's.

Each of them jotted down their jutsus and abilities to their maximum potential. Aside from some of their clan exclusive, Eio reckoned.

"Eio, even though the two did not question you, I think that... you should at least respond to their trust accordingly."

"Trust..." Eio muttered softly as Kurenai placed down another scroll that demonstrated their team strategies. And as expected, Eio didn't have any other role than to engage in direct confrontations accordingly.

"From now on... we are a team, a small family that will have to trust one another with our lives. You may be strong... stronger than what you have currently shown.

But please, respond to your new Family with enough trust in them. Let me ask you one thing, as demonstrated in your third strategy where you have to deal with the ambush of another three cell team from behind, Shino will act as the first defence mechanism while Hinata would immediately scout for other hidden enemies, if there are any.

What about you? Aside from 'preparing' for your combat, how else did you help them? Can you say it with extreme confidence that you reciprocated the trust placed on your shoulders by them?"

With his gaze lowered, Eio finally nodded and spoke extremely softly. He did feel ashamed of himself and felt a newfound respect for his new sensei.

"I apologise for my ignorance... Kurenai-sensei."

Smiling at his appearance, Kurenai broke into a gentle smile and initiated a physical contact. Her palm rested on his surprisingly soft hair and she finally spoke softly, almost whispering.

"Just like you said, Eio. You can trust us and you can definitely count on your teammates when you need them the most.

You don't need to act on your own... from now on."

Looking up, Eio could swear that in the past two days' interaction, Kurenai-sensei never looked so beautiful as she looked at the moment. Under the setting sun's dim rays of orange light, her pale white skin reflected a glossy shine while her dark luxurious hair looked nothing short of a treasure. Hie violet eyes were sent into a daze before she felt her hand ruffling her hair.

"I understand, Kurenai-sensei."

He nodded before he started answering about his capabilities honestly and also changed the team strategies alongside Kurenai-sensei. Of course, much of his bloodline heritage and his father's heritage was hidden, due to extreme survival reasons.

He also got his training schedule changed accordingly before Kurenai surprisingly invited herself to dinner with his family.

***

Inside a solemn room, dim light suppressing the heart of little Hyuuga, Hinata kept her gaze on the ground, not daring to look at her own father, whose stern expression could be felt without even her vision observing his gaze.

"Being the Elder one, you disappointed my expectations... the clan's expectations placed on you. You have lost your title of being the heiress, but I wanted you to at least fight for the title.

But you remained a disappointment."

His cold words pierced the heart of the young Hyuuga. Her head lowered even further and her shoulders slumped in sadness.

"With the Yondaime's order, you are now full-fledged genin, one of the village's protector. Of course, not being the member of the main branch, you cannot move outside the village without the seal of the clan."

Hinata nodded meekly. She knew much about her fate the moment she let the decisive strike on her little sister pass by due to her feelings. She never regretted that decision.

Instead of fighting her own younger sister, she would rather be caged, just like her elder cousin, who bore the same fate and even hated her for her birthright.

"I understand..."

She could barely speak under the stifling pressure.

"Good, at least you are not pathetic enough to deny your destiny. Now follow me into the sealing chambers."

***

Since Shino's mother had passed away at his young age, he and his father were the ones who cooked the meal every night.

"Kurenai-sensei requested a meeting with you?"

Shino's raised eyebrows could be seen through his shades while his father nodded calmly. Placing fried beans in his mouth, he chewed slowly and only after finishing the food did he speak up.

"Kurenai-san is an observant jounin whose might only falls below strong kunoichis like Mikoto Uchiha and Kushina Uzumaki Namikaze. To keep all the points checked, she would definitely want to visit the place of your stay to garner much about your upbringing."

Nodding at his father's words, Shino thought deeply of this act and finally spoke up.

"It is quite a rational act. Since I am going to be her subordinate, she should know almost everything she can about me."

Finally, his father showed a little hesitant expression as he spoke up with slight difficulty.

"Shino... you don't have to further your mother's experiment. Even she wouldn't want—"

"To complete mother's wish is my ambition. A Shinobi's ambition is what allows him to grow and strive for success.

If you take that away from me, you will be sending me to the path of mediocrity. Not only it is irrational, father, you will also be letting your decision getting clouded by emotion."

Finally, his father quietened down. Deep down, he knew that no matter what he says, a 'rational' son can never understand the basic concern of his parents. All he can do is partake in the experiment himself and try to keep Shino safe from harm's way.

***

"I must admit... it is quite unexpected."

Kurenai muttered as Eio sat next to her, his face burning with embarrassment. Himawari, meanwhile, sat alongside Asuna and ate her dinner, letting out giggles with her mouth full and still looking cute.

Gazing at the striking position of baby Eio... naked, Asuna also chuckled with fond memories. The thing is... every baby is naked most of the point. Eio wasn't much concerned about that. It was his willy... well, in his case, it was his stuff... that attracted Kurenai's attention.

"I mean... it is quite an unusual thing to ask as his sensei, but... I mean, how?"

Kurenai herself was speechless.

Asuka, on the other hand, simply smiled and refused to answer, making Kurenai realise that Eio's genetic heritage is quite... rich.

"Ahum... I wished to talk about your son's future and the purpose of my visit is to know more about him and his family.

So you wouldn't mind if I ask some personal questions, would you?"

Kurenai finally placed the picture on the table and spoke seriously. Since Ryu was on a mission, she had to discuss much about Eio with Asuka, which Kurenai was completely fine with.

And just like that, Eio's nightmare began.