Chương 117: Arrival to Ocean
Stepping out from the dense forest, Shino came to a stop at the edge, his piercing gaze fixated on the vast expanse of the ocean before him. The salty wind carried the scent of adventure, and beyond the shimmering waves lay the distant islands, the starting destination of their current mission - escorting government funds to the Land of Water.
However, a sea demon haunted the treacherous ocean routes, and they were also tasked with finding and defeating it.
But as always, when the protagonist is around, the mission always held an added twist, a simple journey would be filled with unexpected turns and revelations.
"The wind is so salty…" Naruto's groan resonated through the air, his blonde hair ruffling in the breeze.
"Indeed," Anko replied calmly, her eyes scanning the horizon. "We've come far enough to catch a glimpse of the Land of the Sea."
Ino, standing beside Shino, looked at the distant islands with wide-eyed curiosity. "Is that the Mother Island?" she innocently questioned, pointing towards the largest landmass.
Anko's calm demeanor suddenly shattered, replaced by a look of terror. Her face contorted in fear, and she clutched her hand over her mouth, as if trying to suppress an overwhelming urge to vomit.
The unexpected reaction didn't seem to be noticed by the others, but Shino subtly shook his head in disbelief. For goodness sake, how could someone of her caliber, a seasoned jonin, display such a severe, unstable reaction?
Honestly, in this mission, Anko seemed more like a liability than an asset, always conveniently incapacitated during critical moments, as if the only reason for her presence was to set a backstory for the upcoming filler.
Shino couldn't help but ponder the nature of this filler mission, filled with exaggerated loopholes and a narrative that seemed to highlight Anko's incompetence, her uselessness, which was emphasized in a weighty manner in Boruto, where Anko indulged in food and became a background character… almost at the same level as the original Shino.
As Anko recovered from her shock, she muttered an excuse and hastily issued an order for them to find a boat ride. In a flash, she vanished, leaving behind a team of genin who had just come together for the first time on this mission.
Shino couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and amusement towards his absent-minded sensei. Though she could puff up her chest and boast of being reliable, if luck wasn't only their side, perhaps the original group may have capsized in the gutter during this mission.
Naturally, this unreliable jonin was certainly not Shino's target.
Instead, his layout on this trip this time was for him to forge good feelings with someone else, a character seemingly useless in the original Naruto and Shippuden series but with astounding achievements in Boruto, where her inventions played a vital role in Konoha's future defense.
Ino's dissatisfied voice broke the silence, calling out in shock when she saw Anko vanishing, "Oh? Sensei?!"
"Come'on! Guess it can't be helped…" Naruto hollered, already forging ahead with his boundless enthusiasm, clearly not caring too much, "What are you doing, Shino?"
Ino playfully teased, "We'll leave you behind, Shino!" before joining Naruto's stride.
Shino's impassive gaze followed Naruto and Ino as they walked away, his steps following their lead as their figures gradually disappearing into the distance.
His body moved with mechanical precision, his mind preoccupied with the multiple holographic feeds that flickered before his eyes. Shino's eyes flickered across the screens, each displaying a different scene unfolding in real-time. It was as if he existed in two worlds simultaneously - one of physical presence, and the other of unseen surveillance.
The bugs he had dispatched earlier scoured the area, their tiny forms blending seamlessly with the surroundings as they secured the perimeter, ensuring there was no presence of Uncle Snake.
Another feed trailed after Anko, capturing her hastened departure as she went to recall her sealed affections she carried for her former teacher.
Another screen showcased an aerial view of the ocean, the camera slowly advancing towards the cluster of islands in the distance. Four islands stood before him - Mother, Taro, Jiro, and Demon.
Their client was on Mother island, but that wasn't Shino's goal.
Shino's target was the island which hides the research lab, and it was evident which island bore the ominous presence, its very name a cliche testament to the malevolence it held.
If anyone isn't able to guess, it's naturally the Demon island. Clearly, its name screams 'there is something wrong with me'.
Of course, Shino didn't draw a conclusion based on something as unreliable as a name. He possessed knowledge of the original anime, and he naturally locked onto this island based on his memories.
Despite its episodes akin to fillers, often underestimated and dismissed as inconsequential, Shino still did his best to recall the details of these side characters because hidden within these narratives were dormant powers, waiting to be harnessed.
Just like Yakumo and her unique Kurama bloodline. Despite not being the strongest genjutsu master, Yakumo's ability was still deemed the strongest genjutsu in this world. If her bloodline was in the hands of a genius like Itachi, perhaps the Uchiha would have become Hokage.
Yet confined to the realm of filler, her ability was simply wasted potential, something that could have been used in the series of Naruto Shippuden, but was completely forgotten by the author. Did anyone really believe that Yakumo's bloodline limit would disappear simply from stabbing her own inner demon? If she still had the ability, where was she during the war?
On another note, the research conducted on Demon Island also intrigued Shino. The technique to transform humans into fishmen held untapped power, underestimated by those who witnessed its weak manifestation in the anime.
Fishmen, as proven in other worlds like One Piece, were a strong race. If Shino could acquire this method, he could forge an aquatic zerg race, dominating the oceans and securing a new territory where he could conceal his true self.
Despite his secret plans, Shino knew the plot had to proceed, not solely out of necessity, but also due to Shino's fear of tampering too much in the presence of the protagonist.
This mission was part of Naruto's trajectory that was carefully curated, leading him towards a potential female lead, even if their connection ended without a spark. Shino understood that the plot served as a delicate balance, one he dared not disrupt with his own ambitions.
He could manipulate, scheme, and seize opportunities behind the scenes, but he had to ensure the overall narrative remained intact. Deviating too far from the predetermined path risked a formidable backlash he wasn't prepared to face.
Shino knew the butterfly effects of his actions reverberated through this world, drawing suspicion from even Konoha. Many minor details had changed in many events, including the current one.
Before the mission began, Anko was discreetly tasked with monitoring him on this mission, an event observed by the vigilant eyes of Karina's monitors scattered throughout the village, and this was different from the original.
This reminded Shino that his actions had profound consequences, altering the very fabric of this world.
Yet, despite these alterations, the Kaima capture mission unfolded eerily similar to the original story line: same team, same task. Shino had been able to avoid the Bikochu mission with his efforts, but the timeline still somehow fell back into place.
Something was amiss, as if an unseen hand guided the events surrounding the protagonist toward an inevitable outcome. The farther Shino distanced himself from Naruto, the more malleable the events became, but certain aspects remained immutable, etched in the annals of destiny.
Perhaps he could have avoided the mission through some drastic means, but Shino was worried that if he didn't play by the book, the hidden existence may take drastic actions to remove the variable. Perhaps, his drastic alterations to the Bikochu mission may have been the reason a target was placed on his back.
Now, Shino had awakened and returned to his steady, stable outlook, but the disconcerting feeling of being a mere pawn, with the trigger of fate held by another existence, still unsettled Shino.
Worse of all, he was acutely aware that at any moment, that trigger could be pulled, aimed directly at him, rendering him powerless.
And he lacked the strength to identify and counterattack the wielder of this weapon, leaving him in a state of vulnerability, passively awaiting for the opponent to make a move. And Shino didn't like this feeling. Alas, he could only helplessly wait for the outcome.
But Shino vowed to rise above these uncertainties, to grow to a point where such worries held no sway over him. One day, he would no longer have these worries… assuming nothing goes wrong with his survival plans.
As the trio strolled through the bustling town, their steps unhurried, they took a moment to unwind and gather information before making their way to the docks. Naruto, being Naruto, couldn't help but steer the conversation toward a familiar name, Sasuke.
But, Naruto's voice trailed off as he noticed Ino's displeasure at the mention of their former classmate. He fell silent, glancing at Shino, who walked by his side.
Seizing the opportunity to shift the topic, Ino turned her attention to Shino, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Her words carried a hint of gossip. "So, Shino, what are your thoughts on Hinata?"
Naruto tilted his head, confusion etching his features as he squinted his eyes and crossed his hands behind his head. "Shino and Hinata?"
Shino raised an eyebrow, his attention piqued. "What do you mean?"
Ino persisted, her words cloaked in mystery, yet Shino could decipher their implications. "I mean, you know... I remember you two used to get along well. But after that mission, there was a change in your attitude."
Shino maintained his composure, his voice steady. "Nothing has changed."
Ino's eyes darted towards Shino, searching for a response. "Really? I beg to differ. Lately, Hinata has been... well, sad. And when asked, she refused to talk about it. But Kiba mentioned it had something to do with you."
Silent for a moment, Shino's gaze lingered on the Kiba interruption variable in the database, incrementing its weight. Finally, he replied to Ino in his usual calm tone. "Perhaps."
"Ah! Shino! Did you bully Hinata?!" Naruto's exclamation pierced the air as he pointed an accusing finger at Shino.
"Naruto! I'm sure Shino didn't mean that! You don't understand, so just be quiet and let him explain!" Ino's glare bore into Naruto as she growled, her fist raised in defiance. She then turned her attention back to Shino, awaiting an explanation.
Adjusting his glasses, Shino prepared his response. "I regarded Hinata as a trusted companion, and she viewed me the same way. However, recently, her thoughts have become tangled."
Ino chimed in, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Isn't that normal when you spend so much time on a team together?"
Shino's calm voice cut through the conversation. "You, Shikamaru, and Choji."
Ino stumbled for a moment, catching herself before regaining her composure. "There's nothing going on between us! It's impossible with those two. But... our clans- Wait, we're talking about you, Shino! Don't change the subject."
Shino calmly continued, "You understand Hinata's personality, especially her reactions when with Naruto. If those emotions were to manifest toward me while we're on a mission, it could have consequences, as proven on our previous mission."
Naruto, wearing an innocent expression, interjected. "Me? What does this have to do with me?"
In unison, Ino and Shino glanced at Naruto before they turned their gazes away from him, avoiding eye contact. "Oi! Oi! Don't just look away! Explain! Explain!" Naruto's voice rang out, filled with genuine confusion and curiosity.
Ino disregarded Naruto's confusion, her gaze fixed on Shino as she pressed further. "Really? Nothing at all?"
Shino maintained his composed demeanor as he nodded. "Hinata is a good friend."
Understanding the implications behind Shino's words, Ino let out a frustrated sigh. "Ah moe~ Well, I had my hopes up for nothing. I thought there might be something more. But for the important part, it's best if you address it with her directly. I'll talk to her about her attitude during missions so that she doesn't continue to be moody."
"Please," Shino replied, his head bowing slightly in gratitude.
Meanwhile, Naruto watched the interaction between his two teammates, his confusion still evident on his face as he absentmindedly scratched his head. "Are you guys not going to explain?"
However, their attention was suddenly diverted to a nearby shop where a young girl, slightly older than them, stood in front of it. Her body and half of her face were wrapped in bandages, as if she had endured a severe injury.
Normally, this sight may not have piqued Naruto's interest, but it was the unfair treatment the girl received from the shop owner that triggered Ino's sympathy. As a woman with a strong personality, both in the present and the future, Ino couldn't stand to see another girl being taken advantage of.
It was this seemingly insignificant incident that captured Naruto's attention, setting up a link for the nosy protagonist and the seemingly random side character, who turns out to be caught in the whirlpool of events that would soon unfold.
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