Just for your information, I am not a fan of YAOI. But there aren't enough Shino stories, and this is for my friend, my other me; SumiChandlay… Happy uh… You're-My-Friend day! :D

Shino sat patiently in the grass as he watched Kiba and Hinata train. Kurenai sat beside him critically watching their movements.

"Hinata is progressing well isn't she?" Kurenai commented in a low voice. Shino turned his gaze from Kiba to watch where Hinata was throwing shuriken directly onto the bulls-eye. He nodded slowly.

"Indeed. She has progressed admirably." He agreed in his usual bored tone. "Kiba is also doing well." Kurenai looked at him in surprise.

"Really? I thought he was actually slacking off a bit. He hasn't hit the target once yet" She admitted. Shino shook his head.

"From the outside it may seem as if he is missing more targets, but really he is working on other things. If you watch closely, you can notice that although his accuracy has fallen today, the speed of his movements, and the synchronization between him and Akarmaru are being strengthened. He is working on pushing their power to a maximum, their synergy to utter perfection, and then once he is confident his movements are both speedy and strong, he will regain accuracy training." Kurenai glance over her shoulder.

"You noticed that just from watching him today?" She asked with astonishment. Shino nodded.

"It is not hard to pick up when one focuses on a target." He replied softly. "You merely need patience and perseverance." Kurenai nodded appreciatively.

"What do you notice about Hinata then? I'm worried about her. She pushes herself so hard these days." She sighed in distress. Shino widened his eyes and choked as he suddenly hid a gasp. Composing himself he quickly scrutinized Hinata's pose.

"Oh... Um... Hinata is very hard to follow. But it does appear that her stamina has increased." He lied. Kurenai breathed out in relief.

"At least I know she is improving slowly." Shino started to breath heavily.

"I must go now." He stated before quickly walking away. Kurenai stared after him.

"Shino?" She said in confusion. "Did I say something wrong?" Kurenai shrugged and continued to watch Hinata. "Stamina aye? Let's try Shino's method." She whispered and stared strenuously at Hinata.

***

Akamaru leaped through the forest, jumping raggedly from branch to branch. Faster Akamaru! Kiba thought wildly from his back. We're too slow! He glanced down into a small clearing and spotted movement.

"Woah! Akamaru! Look!" Akamaru pulled to a stop and glanced into the clearing. His nose twitched and he whined softly. Kiba nodded. "That's what I thought too. But what's Shino doing here?" Climbing off of Akamaru's back shino jumped into the clearing and parted the bush he'd seen the movement from.

"Shino. What are you doing?" Kiba asked blankly. Shino was staring widely at him, his barely visible cheeks glowing red.

"I was watching bugs." He stated as calmly as possible. Kiba cocked an eyebrow.

"You've been following us since a few kilometers back." He announced. Shino slumped in embarrassment.

"I was uh… actually… really curious about how you are so strong. I was hoping I would discover by following you." He lied once more. Kiba stared blankly for a moment then smiled widely.

"Really? I'm that strong?" He chuffed. "Well, in that case. I'll show you my secret." Shino widened his eyes.

"Really. You'll show me… your secret training method? The secret method that you have deemed you would never show another person?" Shino said in astonishment. Kiba nodded.

"Well. I think I can trust you not to blab. Because you're a good comrade right?" He said winking. Shino stared in awe. Kiba really… understands me. He thought in amazement. Kiba smiled again.

"Well, C'mon! Follow me!" Shino nodded, and as Kiba turned away, he smiled.