Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
On the 11th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... eleven pipers pipping.
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DAY ELEVEN: SHINO
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"That is enough."
Shino nodded toward the head of his clan, acknowledging the older man's statement. Pulling his Kikaichū back, the young Aburame retreated from the training field where he and his father had been practicing since early in the morning hours. Truthfully, he would have preferred to continue training, but he had other commitments to fulfill that evening.
"Have you decided upon what gift you will be giving the kazekage?" his father asked.
Days earlier, his friends had all pulled names from a hat, to determine who they would be giving a secret gift to during the party at the Hyuga compound. Shino had selected Gaara's name out of the hat.
On the first day of the preparations, the bug-wielder had spent most of his day off with Tenten and Lee, deciding on what music to provide for the party. Shino had selected a quartet of pipers, while the bun-haired girl had chosen a percussion group. The spandex-clad shinobi had suggested a polka band, however that was quickly vetoed by the two others in the group.
On the second day, they had already finished with the musical arrangements, and thus had had time to go out and buy their gifts or take care of other personal errands. Shino had had a big of the struggle wondering what it was he would give to the red-headed kage, but in the end, he was confident that his selection was both rank and age appropriate, while at the same time being uniquely special.
Now, the day of the party had finally arrived, and there really was nothing left to do.
"I believe I have," Shino replied to his father as he called in the last of his bugs.
He could feel them buzzing around inside of him, excited about the party later that afternoon. Though if that was actually the reason, their master wasn't quite certain. Perhaps it was that he actually was excited about the festivities since, for once, he had been invited to take part in the actual preparations.
He liked being involved. Why it was his friends rarely asked for his assistance, thinking he had no interest in participating, he'd never understand. Though he was quiet and reserved most of the time, on the inside Shino was much more sociable and caring than people gave him credit for.
"Is there something else on your mind, son?"
Turning to face his father, Shino wondered how it was the older man knew there was unease in his heart. The buzzing inside of him answered that question, as the younger Aburame recalled that his Kikaichū had been birthed by those inside of his father. It seemed only logical that the two sets would be able to understand and communicate well with one another. Perhaps that was the reason he and his father were so similar in nature and understood one another so well.
"I am sure it is nothing," Shino replied, though the buzzing inside of him said different.
There was an excitement inside of him, as if he could feel something big was coming. Perhaps it was the party, or the fact that he had been privileged to play an important role in preparing for it. Or maybe it was the fact that his two teammates had seemed unusually anxious within the last few days. Whatever the reason, one thing Shino was certain of, this 'Christmas' celebration that Ino had invited them all to celebrate in, would certainly be a night to remember; he could feel it.
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TBC...
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