Revised Jul 4 2006
Notes: I don't know if this new version is any better than the last, but I did detect some mistakes in grammar and spelling. So, hopefully, I changed things for the better. But, honestly, I suck at editing my own work. Sometimes you just can't spot your own mistakes. :x
Characters © Kishimoto
Eyes held skyward, as ears scrutinized for signs of danger: the running of a stream, the bristle of small woodland creatures, and the slight panting of what was unmistakably human. In the time it took for the mind to focus on the target, a kunai had sailed pass him, missing only by a few millimeters.
Aburame Shino ran. Twigs and branches snagged at his clothing and skin, but there was no time to register the pain. Fatigue from a day's activities was catching up, yet he ran. Two feet, five feet, up a tree, and into hiding, he ran. Behind him, the kunai exploded. Fortunately, Shino had noticed the explosive talisman attached to the metal projectile. Reflexively, he realized that the assailant wasn't aiming for him. Instead, the shadow had aimed for a pile of gunpowder to trigger an explosive reaction. It was a trap. A well hidden trap.
Years of training and experienced had resulted in a medley of useful survival skills in the dangerous occupation of a soldier. He had developed a nimble and able body while enhancing his cognitive skills. In this field, there was a thin line between life and death. A thin line that can be severed with a flick of a wrist. Survival was the key to this game.
Safe in hiding, Shino focus on the opponent. Strengths and weaknesses were put into account to detect any and all patterns of movement and attack. During his teenage years, he had become the team's main component when analyzing the enemy and creating efficient offensive plans. It took him a few minutes longer than usual since the target was well aware of the observant eyes upon him and swiftly moved in the dense woodlands to thwart Shino's attempts to get a read on weaknesses. Yet, experience won over persistence. He found a way. Kunai and shrunken flew in every direction towards his target. Sharp clangs rebounded off the bark of trees, resulting in soft echoes. Weaponry littered the forest floors. The figure managed to dodge every piece of equipment with fluid ease. Shino continued in pursuit. The chase was fairly uneventful. The fast pace guaranteed a safe hunt; there wasn't enough time to lie down any traps and other than an occasional knife.
It was finally time for Shino's efforts to be paid off as they arrived in a grassy field. The plains were ominously quiet. But trained ears could hear voices fill the air. Click, click, click. He could feel the fear in his target's eyes as he realized he was surrounded. Behind him were hundreds, thousands of bugs hungry and ready to make a meal of chakra. Shino had planted them here, knowing that after his assailant left the safety of the vegetation, he would attack and complete his mission.
The body shivered like a frightened rabbit as he realized that he was trapped. Shino took his knife and aimed. The dagger sailed in the air and seared the pouch of herbs that was attached to the man's thigh.
Slowly, the figure shifted and morphed. Coarse hair fell into softer, wavy tresses, bulking muscles minimized into smaller defined arms and legs, he shrunk a few inches, and his face became feminine. It was Kurenai. She smiled mysteriously and held out a parchment.
"You passed."
Shino had gone through various trials for his Jounin exam. He had passed: enemy data collection, interrogation, battle and finally pursuit. Within each test, he was evaluated for strength in three categories: physical, mental, and emotional, as well as insight, intuition and determination. It was tough, Shino thought as he remembered the wounds from the brutal exam, but it wasn't too tough for me.
Shino went home that day feeling refreshed and accomplished. The old building welcomed him with a familiarity. Sometimes there was just wasn't another feeling like home. Shower. The grime, sweat, and blood cleansed and washed away. Medicinal check. Body needed to be stabilized. Bedroom, rest was inevitable as he stumbled into his bedroom. Throwing his numb body on his bed, Shino inhaled the freshly laundered sheets, quietly recalling the day's events. It was a lot to contemplate so Shino decided to take his time. He remembered the thrill of the mock missions, the feel of being hypnotized under an unbreakable genjutsu, and most of all, the pride of overcoming his obstacles.
He suddenly wished his teammates were here. He could see Kiba's face full of shock, indignity, and utter denial of Shino's accomplishment, yet silently congratulating him. He knew Hinata would be less vocal in her response, softly congratulating him while shyly smiling up at him. Some people never change.
A sharp pain jabbed at his chest and Shino laughed softly with a hint of bitterness. It must have been a result from the exam. Just because it was genjustu doesn't mean physical pain couldn't happen. Groaning, the newly inaugurated Jounin turned to his side and lifted the covers over his head. In the process, Shino felt his hand tip something over and knocking it down on the floor. Wincing, he turned around and picked it up delicately.
The impact created a crack across the glass of a simple framed picture. A picture of what was formerly known as Team Eight.
His voice cracked as he softly whispered into the dying night.
"I did it, my friends…"
