This chapter finally introduces Kakashi to the mix, and will conclude Shino's part from last time. So the next chapter will conclude Shikamaru, and the one after that will pick up with Kakashi. Again SO sorry for the update time.

Gentle Memento

Chapter 4

Epiphany – Part Two

Shino was getting ready to head home. Hinata was peacefully sleeping away what was left of her illness, so he was no longer needed here. Standing up he felt all of his male insects begin to attract toward something…

And then the feeling came back.

It was just like the fight with Kankuro. Knowing where he was with out seeing. Feeling a pull in a direction, and knowing there is something waiting for you there. Although it had long since been an odd feeling, it was still left Shino's body with a slight tingle afterwards. Acting as if nothing was wrong, he slowly approached the doors leading out her room. Gaining a sense of direction from the males, he made his way toward what they felt.

Now normally being watched within such a clan would be expected, but he had talked to Hiashi with Kurenai-sensei. He had said that no harm would come to his daughter with some hidden passion that Hiashi had picked up on. As such, Hiashi had promised them that while inside the house they would not be watched. So did this mean Hiashi had gone back on his word?

Not likely…

It was probably just someone in the house, acting on his or her own accord. He knew a lot of the main house cared for Hinata (whether Hinata knew or not), but they were under strict order from Hiashi not to pry.

So who are they, and why are they going against Hiashi's order?

Walking out into the training area, Shino came to a halt. 'Yes, here is the perfect spot.' Making his way around toward the female bug would prove to be easy enough. Moving quickly and quietly among the shadows he soon found himself behind a small figure outside, intently watching his figure in the middle of the training area. Upon further notice of where he was it seemed to just be some low bushes a short distance from the house. Looking up he saw himself in the middle of the training area.

If he were one to smirk at his own victories, he would be doing so right now.

Mentally commanding the bug clone to fall apart, he watched the child intently. He heard a slightly audible gasp as the insects scattered on the ground, intent on finding their way back to him. Normally having a child following him would be passed as annoying, but Hiashi had ordered no one to pry.

So why didn't this one listen?

Watching the insect come closer to where he was, he noticed the child begin to back up.

Now he needed only to wait.

Sure enough, the person backed up right into him. Taking a step back, he watched in slight amusement as whoever it was quickly turned to face him. There was a slight amount of shock that passed over the little girls face, but it was quickly covered up. Then in his typical stoic manner he placed his hands in his pocket. His deep, rich voice relaying his question to the child.

"Who are you?"

The girls' eyes narrowed into nothing more than small gray slits. Her distrust for him radiated off her small body. She was wearing a sleeveless black training gi, with what appeared to be a mesh under shirt. Her jet-black hair fell straight down and was separated away from her face. He knew he had seen her before…but where?

"Hanabi?"

He spoke before his mind finalized the thought. Yes, he remembered she was there when they had talked to Hiashi. Hanabi was introduced as Hinata's younger sister. And from what he heard from Hinata, she was quite the prodigy.

Curiosity now drove his insides to tingle quite literally as the bug stirred around. "Hanabi why have you been following me?" Driven by his need for answer's he spoke. He watched as her face scrunched up in distaste.

"Because I do not trust you." She quietly seethed. Apparently still a bit miffed at being found out. She still had much to learn.

Shino tilted his head to the side, as he was known to do when analyzing a situation. "Why do you not trust me when even your father does?" her logic for distrusting must come from somewhere.

"Many people are after our family secrets, my sister being high on their list." Her cold eyes never once left his.

It was slightly unnerving…

Granted he had spent a lot of time with Hinata, she would never look you directly in the eyes for a long period. And if she did it would never harbor hate of any kind. Looking into the white orbs of Hanabi was quite a strange experience. Even without pupils he could clearly see the distrust and anger raging within her. It was like looking into smoke and seeing emotions.

Which was even weird for Shino.

Regardless he stared right back at her from behind his shades. It became apparent that it was not he she distrusted, but everyone outside of the family. Shino had heard about Hinata being kidnapped a few times when she was a child, and he also knew she was a prime target to many. But it was strange…

He had received thoughts that Hanabi might hate her sister. But it seems she cares for her at least a little. He had figured she felt about Hinata in the same way her father did.

He figured he could live with being wrong for once.

Hinata loved her sister; he knew this for a fact. She would practically glow when talking about all of Hanabi's accomplishments like they were her own. No jealously ever evident in her voice or appearance, just pride. It seemed strange to him that Hinata could care so greatly for the one that brought her so much pain. But where she should hold jealousy and malice, she held none.

He mentally shrugged, 'That is just Hinata…'

Finally returning to the matter at hand, he decided to make Hanabi understand he was no threat to her sister. Although talking was something he rarely did, and even when he did it was usually something philosophical or metaphorical. Talking with Hinata and Kiba had helped his so-called 'people' skills quite a bit. So he decided to give it a shot.

"Hanabi, your sister is a very dear friend of mine. I would never wish or let any harm come to her." It was blunt, but it was the best he could do for now.

Apparently his best was not good enough.

She just continued to stare at him in the same way she had been. He realized she could not be swayed with just sugary words, so he opted to open up a bit toward her.

"Do you know of my clan, the Aburame?" he asked gently. He wanted her to understand, even if he would feel a bit of discomfort from doing so. Hinata did mean a lot to him, and he knew how much she cared for her little sister. It seemed reasonable enough to make sure Hanabi saw him as a good guy so that no further discomfort would come to Hinata.

She shook her head slightly 'no', never taking her eyes off him. "We are a solitary clan, meaning we tend to shy away from others. Our gift upsets many people to the point of ridicule, so we hide away only opening up to those we sincerely care about."

He watched her eyes soften a bit as his words started hitting home. "I only have three friends Hanabi, and one happens to be Kurenai-sensei."

She became less tense.

"I would never risk loosing what I have between my teammates, I only wish for you to understand this." readjusting his glasses, Shino never took his eyes off of her. He knew she understood, but he was unprepared for the next question…

"If your clan only opens up to those you sincerely care about, then why open up to me like this?" her eyes began to narrow again. She had a valid point, but he already knew his answer.

Slowly fondling with his glasses once again, he calmly answered, "Hinata cares about you a lot Hanabi." He watched as her eyes scrunched up in confusion.

"But that does not…" she was silence by his hand.

"Because Hinata is such a close friend, I promised myself to protect her and all of which she cares about. In this way she will never have to endure more pain then she already has." A small smile graced his lips as he saw understanding widen her eyes.

"So to answer your question…it seems I am bound by my promise to protect you as well."

His smile faded and his brows furrowed when he noticed her scowl returning. So with a mental sigh he wondered 'what now?' and the insects stirred again.

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Hurry…

He had to hurry…something was amiss. Something was dreadfully wrong, he could not only feel it but also smell it in the air. His legs burned from the forceful use of them after such a strenuous day. Aches and pains all over his body soon erupted in protest to his activity. But they did not matter to him at all. He had been trained to withstand much, much more. Besides, there is something big going down tonight…

And Obito has been missing…

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Kakashi bolted straight up in his bed, eyes starring unfocused about the room. The cold sweat soaked his skin, and chilled him to bone. He had not had a dream in so long, let alone that nightmare. Shaking his head to clear it, he began to take deep breaths to calm his racing heart.

After he had finally calmed down his mind gently asked him 'Why now?' The thought leapt through his mind, running rampant through his memories. Running a hand through his ashen locks he sighed as he looked at the clock.

"I'm late again…"

Bitterness flooded him as he frowned at the pictures on his headrest.

'Late for nothing.'

He was currently on a one-week rest break. Ever since the Sound/Sand attack he had been on constant active duty for months straight. Konoha's forces were still low but they had managed to even themselves out enough so that he could take a small rest. He new he was a very useful tool, and since he had no team to command he was put to very good use elsewhere.

'Since I have no team to command…'

Naruto had come back from his rescue mission looking horrible just like all the others. His eyes had the most defeated look in them as he stumbled back into town. The only thing he said before passing out was, "Sorry Sakura." Sasuke has been gone for quite some time now, and Sakura is slowly wasting away…

His eyes narrowed at the sinking feeling in his heart. He did not need this! Getting up he slowly made his way out into the narrow hallway of his house. Kakashi's house was small, and gods forbid he uses the word 'cozy' but that's just what it was to him. Sure he made an immensely good pay, especially for just one person.

But it still was only one person. And this house was more then adequate enough for him.

Stretching, he began to scratch his chest as he made his way to the bathroom. At his sloth like pace he turned on the hot water and idly watched as the room slowly began to fill with steam. Removing the only garment he typically slept in, his boxers, he made his way into the comforting mist.

He let the flood of warmth cleanse his body, and after waking up like he did gods did it feel good. Wasting an ample amount of time in the shower, he finally managed to drag himself out of La la land long enough to get out. Drying himself off, he rapt a lime green towel around his waist and approached his sink. The slightly warm tiles gave off an odd sensation as he looked at himself in the mirror. Again he caught himself starring at it, at his Sharingan. Sighing he finally began to brush his teeth.

It was going to be one of those days…

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The ending was just so I could jump right into Kakashi's chapter later. As for Shino, we'll find out why Hanabi is so angry at another time =p Next chapter is the continuation of Shikamaru's so stay tuned!