A Bug By Any Other Name

by La-Garce-Fille

Aburame Shino is the creepy bug-lover of the Rookie 9. But is that how he feels about it? We know all about what Naruto and his team get up to before the chuunin exams, but what about Team Eight? Follow Shino, Hinata, Kiba, and Akamaru as they complete their missions to qualify for entry, as well as become closer friends and teammates. Shino's POV.

1. Bug's the Word

A/N: Hello, world!

Wow, it's been so long since I've written a fanfic! I recently got back into reading, and wouldn't you know, the urge to write has just been smacking me upside the head!

I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE me some Team Eight. Shino and Kiba have always been favorites of mine, and the idea of exploring some antics in the beginnings of the team is just too exciting to pass up! This story is going to be about Team Eight, from graduation up to the chuunin exams, from Shino's POV (because who doesn't want to get inside the head of 'Uncle Buggy')!

This is just the prologue, so it's super short, but I'm working on the first real chapter as we speak!

Read on and tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are property of Masashi Kishimoto. I'm just playing with them. ^_^

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Prologue: Bug's the Word

My name is Aburame Shino.

Since I have your attention, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about myself.

My favorite color is moss green.

My favorite plant is the chameleon flower.

My favorite food is wild grass salad with winter melon.

People say I'm nit-picky. I disagree with this. Why? It's because I simply state facts.

People also say I'm creepy. They're wrong about that, too.

I don't like to talk too much. Needless words aren't necessary.

Now for more obvious things about myself.

My hair is brown.

I prefer to wear sunglasses and large coats.

I am twelve years old.

I am an entomologist.

I don't have friends. But I don't need them. Why? It's because I have my kikaichu, my parasitic insects.

I love my insects. In fact, I love all insects.

My name is Aburame Shino.

I am graduating the Academy tomorrow to become a genin, and a full-fledged shinobi of Konoha.

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A/N: Ta-da! Most of the chapter titles are going to be idioms or famous sayings (and some song titles) with a word or two replaced by 'bug'. If you can tell me the correct wording, I'll send you a preview of the next chapter!

Constructive criticism is appreciated, but no flames please. They do not enhance anyone's progress toward becoming better writers.

Ja ne! ^_^

-LGF, 7/18