Italics - Thoughts.

Change of scene.

Feels good to wake up in my own bed...

Shino awoke to find his house the way he left it the night before. No surprises today, just good old relax and predict. He had gotten back from a diplomatic mission to the village of Sand. There were a few disputes and a suspected rising rebellion. He still wasn't used to Gaara's eyes, even if he wasn't a murderous being anymore. It was hard to believe that Gaara refused the Kage title for his village, considering his great strength. He could've been the best. Even if Gaara was considered a friend to Shino, he still didn't like being around the guy.

After wrigling in bed for a few lazy minutes, he rolled out of bed with a THUMP on the ground. Somehow, that felt good. He stood up and actually thought about what to wear. I feel like celebrating. I'm gonna wear a T-shirt and leave my sunglasses here. He put on a white T-shirt (though he reminded himself that he should be chastized for wearing such an easily seen shirt) and his regular brown shorts and navy blue sandals. Breakfast sounds good. Cereal!

After closing the door to his house, he was suddenly reminded of the Hyuga mansion. My house isn't even close to that size. Why am I thinking about it anyway? He suddenly remembered he wanted to get some of his "stalking" done before he needed to be at the fifth training ground.

"SASUKE!"

Shino knew that voice. That was the voice of a pink-haired annoyance. Sakura must be looking for Sasuke again... Maybe it's best to stay hidden. He waited until the voice grew distant, then he checked his watch. About an hour left. Plenty of time. He pressed onward.

He came upon Hinata talking with Naruto. Now this is odd. I've seen Hinata blush before, but she hasn't acted like...this...for a long time now. He decided to try to listen in on the conversation.

"...so maybe you could meet with me for ramen sometime?"

"...yes...that would be...nice..."

"Okay!" Naruto said with a thumbs up (that strongly resembled Gai or Lee). "How about tomorrow around six?"

"...o...okay..."

With that, Naruto just grinned and ran off. He remembered his formalities a little late and yelled, "See you then Hinata!"

"Naruto may be a little bull-headed, but he's a good person."

Hinata turned to see Shino sideways on the tree behind her. She looked frightened before taking control of herself and managing a, "Hello Shino..."

Either she's back to being shy, timid Hinata, or I've really embarrassed her. Shino gave a nod, then added, "I'll see you at the fifth training ground." And with that, he climbed back up into the tree and was jumping around again.

What's this? Ten-ten... Shino watched as Ten-ten talked to herself, obviously thinking of what to say to someone. What is she so concerned about? Oh well, I'm sure Neji would know...

 Shino watched as Ten-ten talked to herself, obviously thinking of what to say to someone.
Next person seen was Sasuke. After he pulled out his kunai, though, Shino began to get a bit nervous, so he decided to move on.

Shino stopped on a random tree and checked his watch. Five minutes. I'd better get going then. I bet I could make it in two minutes or less.

"Where is that freakin Shino?" Kiba cried with a mighty voice.

"I...I don't know." Hinata said, remembering her encounter with him about an hour before.

"You seem awfully anxious Kiba." Shino commented a mere two inches behind Kiba.

"Shino! Good to see you again!" Kiba yelled as he crushed Shino with a big bear hug.

"I never realized you were so..." Shino managed to cough out.

"I can't believe it's really been 2 years! I mean, we're 19 now! We can almost drink!" Kiba

exclaimed, letting go of Shino. Shino just looked over at Hinata and nodded. Hinata politely bowed back.

"Well, I'd like to bring an end to this reunion. I have things to do that involve more than just standing around chatting." Shino lied.

"Awww! We need to catch up sometime Shino! You'll have to tell me about all your missions, and about all your romances." Kiba said with a sly smile.

"Perhaps. Not today though." And with that, Shino left.

"I still say something is weird about him!" Kiba barked.

It's only been a few hours since I woke up, but after talking with Kiba, I need this. Shino rationalized while looking at the water. He quickly scanned the river looking for a rock penetrating the surface. Right in the middle. That's where I like it. He pulled off his shirt, then jumped in. After making sure he was completely submerged, he started swimming towards the rock. Once he got to the rock, he climbed up onto it and sat cross-legged on it for a few minutes gathering his thoughts. After concentrating on nothing for that short period of time, he was ready to proceed with phase two. Ever so lazily, Shino put both hands on the area in front of his legs, then slowly moved his legs back, then up. Pretty soon, he was balancing on his hands. He then lifted one hand and placed it behind his back. Doing this always made him feel at peace. He was in tune with his surroundings. In fact, he could feel the eyes of a spectater watching him from the back ever so closely. Take a good look, I doubt you'll see me again.

 Shino rationalized while looking at the water. He quickly scanned the river looking for a rock penetrating the surface. He pulled off his shirt, then jumped in. After making sure he was completely submerged, he started swimming towards the rock. Once he got to the rock, he climbed up onto it and sat cross-legged on it for a few minutes gathering his thoughts. After concentrating on nothing for that short period of time, he was ready to proceed with phase two. Ever so lazily, Shino put both hands on the area in front of his legs, then slowly moved his legs back, then up. Pretty soon, he was balancing on his hands. He then lifted one hand and placed it behind his back. Doing this always made him feel at peace. He was in tune with his surroundings. In fact, he could feel the eyes of a spectater watching him from the back ever so closely.

Unfortunately, the stare lasted longer than he thought it would. In fact, he had already switched arms before he decided to look at who it was. He spun around and looked, and noticed she looked very familiar. She had reddish hair, he wasn't all that knowledgeable on his red shadings. That was the only thing that stood out to him. I've seen her before, but where? He suddenly realized that she was wearing a forehead protector. She's from sand? I probably saw her during my mission, but when?

Shino pondered long and hard over this. He couldn't come up with an answer, then he realized he was still looking at her. Wait a minute. Why is she in our village? Is she a spy? He suddenly started wondering why this hadn't occurred to him earlier. Probably her looks. At least I thought of it. Why am I not doing anything about it? He opened a hole in his hand, and coaxed his Kakai bugs out through it. They crawled out his unused hand and quickly made their way down his back and then his arm. They got to the water before the thought occurred to him. I don't like this. The water makes my bugs too visible. So, he had the bugs crawl back up his arm and into the hole in his other hand. Shino was hoping his frustration wasn't too visible. He casually brought his feet down and jumped back into the water. He submerged himself and swam towards his shirt on the opposite bank. When he finally came up, she was gone. He put his shirt back on, even though he was wet, and started walking home.

The sun was setting, and Shino was thinking about sleep. Still curious about that girl, but what do I need to do before I sleep? Naruto was walking along in the opposite direction. He turned to Shino and asked, "Have you seen a guy wearing a big, ugly, green coat and sunglasses? He goes by the name of Shino."

Shino tried, but failed to suppress a laugh and said, "I'm Shino."

"WHAAAA?" Naruto yelled with obvious disbelief on his face. Suddenly, he became very serious and said, "If you're Shino, then show me your bugs."

Shino opened some holes in his arms and let the bugs start pouring out. Shino was a bit surprised, and mildly amused at the fact that Naruto seemed to have no reaction to his bugs, but had trouble believing he was Shino at first. "Well, I'd like to set up an appointment with you tomorrow..."

"...before your date with Hinata at six..."

"...how'd you know about that?"

"I know a lot of things."

"Okay then, my place at noon."

"You make it sound like I'm in trouble at school."

"I never knew you made jokes, Shino."

"I don't."

After a long and awkward pause, Naruto continued, "It's a matter of importance, I'm sure you know..."

"...or you wouldn't be calling an Elite Jounin like me to meet you."

"Stop doing that, it's really creepy!" Naruto said backing up a little. "Well, don't forget Shino."

"I won't."

And with that, they bid their farewells, and pressed on to their destinations. Shino didn't know at the time, but this was going to be one very long adventure.