AN's: This one's gonna be a bit long, y'all! Hope you like it :D
Chapter 19: Two Households, Both Alike in Dignity
The head of the Aburame and his son quietly stepped into the large meeting room, immediately greeted by the site of an intricate tapestry of their clan symbol—a single beetle within a circle—hanging on the furthest wall.
Organized in a crescent before the tapestry were five Aburame elders kneeling as they quietly spoke amongst themselves on the large tatami mat. The Aburame meeting hall had hardly changed over the last few decades with its dark—almost foreboding—green walls and noticeable lack of windows, perfectly maintained to honor their ancestors. It looked like the most prominent elders were already in attendance, and now that their renowned leader and crowned prince were present, the informal meeting could formally begin.
"Shibi-sama, Shino-sama," a warm voice greeted. "Aren't you two a sight for sore eyes? Sit, sit."
The two kneeled before the five, bowing politely.
"Hello, Sachihiro-san," Shino replied back, glad to see one of his favored elders again.
Shibi nodded to the friendly elder in acknowledgement. Addressing the room in general, he commented, "We saw that Tatsuma was in charge of guarding the entrance to the meeting this time around."
One elder made a displeased grunt. He waved a flippant hand. "Bah, better Tatsuma than that grandson of yours, Sachihiro."
"Shunji is Shunji," Sachihiro replied with an unbothered tone. "He received that spark from his dear mother. I'm quite glad he retains that inner fire in her memory; had my son Fukashi been alive today, he would be more than pleased."
After a brief moment of silence, one elder let out a raspy chuckle. "You're so quick to judge, Genpachi. Displeased with any young adult today, even your own grandchild."
"Genji is far too soft-hearted, Junpei," Genpachi said coarsely, pointing a finger towards his fellow elder.
Sachihiro let out a soft chuckle. "Surely being kind is nothing to shame one for."
"Being kind is not what wins battles," Genpachi stated, drawing slight nods of agreement from the other elders. "It certainly wasn't kindness that led us to defeat the bee heathens all those years ago, or have you all forgotten?"
"No one has forgotten, Genpachi," another elder interjected, a hint of irritation in his words. "If we had, we wouldn't be gathered here right now. The... Kamizuru—"
Shino didn't fail to notice the barb as Kouji—a more level-headed and slightly aloof clan elder—said the name of their bee handling rivals.
"—Were weak and overconfident. Perhaps our victory is not a reflection of strength on our side, but weakness on theirs." That controversial statement earned a few under-the-breath grumbles.
"Of course they were weak!" Genpachi nearly shouted across the room. "Their clan was run by women." A few chuckles resounded around the room.
Shino's face flashed for a brief moment, a simmer collecting in his stomach. Shibi discreetly placed a hand on his son's thigh.
"This is what we must deal with. Don't make a spectacle of yourself, son."
"Enough of this talk, it's far too early," Sachihiro chimed in, always the kind one. He focused his attention back on the two younger Aburames in the room. "Now we must be cordial. Not only is Shibi-sama present, but also his son."
Shino bowed. "Thank you all for the opportunity to allow me to be here."
"It's been a long time coming," Junpei said with a reserved smile, watching as the clan heir lifted up his head. "Although we did have our doubts that you would be able to complete all the essential requirements in becoming the next head of the Aburame, Shibi managed to convince us."
Kouji leaned forward. "How is working at the Academy?"
"It has its ups and downs, just as with any other occupation. However, I find my work fulfilling nonetheless."
"An Aburame as an instructor," the last elder in the room Koushiro said with a light chuckle. "In all my 81 years of life, I never thought I'd live long enough to see that! Do you enjoy the attention, Shino-kun?"
The next clan heir pondered the elder's words for a brief moment. "... After teaching for so long, I've become rather accustomed to presenting in front of my students. The question lies if they are listening or not."
That drew a few chuckles from the room.
"And attention from coworkers? Any relationships we should be aware of?"
Shino shuffled in his spot. This meeting was basically like an extended dinner with his father, but five times as judgmental.
"... Not at the moment," he replied quietly. This earned a few whispers among the elders.
"Although the method is rather antiquated," Kouji began, not skipping a beat, "Should you become too old, we would be able to form an arrangement—"
"—No," Shino interjected, surprising himself at his own audacity.
"You'd be wise to hold your tongue when an elder is speaking, boy." Genpachi let out a grumble.
Shino bowed his head in reverence. "I apologize for my rude interruption. However, I don't particularly enjoy the idea of an arranged marriage."
He would rather relinquish the right to be the head of the clan than force someone to marry him against their own desires.
A choir of whispers and a few noises of aghast resounded around the room at the young Aburame's finality.
"There is little to nothing that I would do for the Aburame," Shino continued carefully. "However, an arranged marriage to someone I don't know... is where I cross the line. That's because I wish to marry someone for love, rather than for upholding tradition."
To his surprise, Sachihiro chuckled and turned his attention towards his father. "You should have told us your son was such a romantic, Shibi-sama!"
"And how are we supposed to accept your wishes if you aren't actively looking," Genpachi followed with a frown. "We don't exactly have another option for the next clan heir."
Shino remained silent.
"Of course, we've heard our fair share of rumors," Koushiro interjected with a snicker. "That Inuzuka friend of yours isn't very discreet. However, should you find yourself in a serious relationship, Shino-kun, it is your duty to inform us of her background, family status, etc."
Kouji nodded. "And we must not show leniency in regards to time. You are 33, nearing 34. We need assurance of an heir before you are 40, preferably."
Well, this certainly didn't aid Shino's panic over his older age. He focused on Shibi through the corner of his eye, noting the slightest curve of his father's lips.
Shino's eyebrows furrowed. Did he find this entertaining?
Before the Aburame heir could reply, Junpei interjected with a thoughtful finger on his chin. "What about the younger Hyuuga girl? Hiashi's daughter? I believe she isn't married yet."
Seeming to have heard enough, Shibi interrupted. "I will ensure Shino becomes more serious in his search for a partner, rest assured," he said to the elders. Shino didn't miss the slight lilt in his father's tone.
Sachihiro clapped his hands once. "Good! That's all we can truly hope for. Now... I believe our food shall be arriving here at any minute. I hope you both are hungry."
"You aren't eating much," his father quietly pointed out next to him. In the background, the five elders happily (somewhat) conversed amongst themselves, reveling in the nostalgia of the past. Thankfully, they hadn't included Shino too much in their conversations like earlier.
The heir glanced down at his small proportions. "I'm not that hungry."
"You're not still upset about the dating situation, are you?"
He remained silent.
"You are," Shibi answered with a quiet sigh. "Look, son. You've been hearing it from me for quite sometime now; I'm sure you expected to hear it from our elders at some point tonight."
Shino sighed, loosely nodding in acknowledgment.
"And from what I've heard from your cousins, perhaps there is a certain someone on the horizon."
"Perhaps this isn't the best place to talk about it," Shino retorted. "Father."
Shibi smirked beneath his tall collar. "Oh, don't look so serious, I'm only teasing. However, we will finish this conversation at some point, son."
Before Shino could say anything more, the loud boom of Genpachi's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Our younger Aburame are losing touch with their traditional roots! They see our clan as a group of introverted oddities, rather than a proud family deserving of respect!"
"There you go again, Genpachi..."
"Don't you take that tone with me, Sachihiro! We are noblemen! We sacrificed more to earn that title than they would ever realize," he said pointedly, effectively drawing Shino and Shibi's full attention. "Why shouldn't we be proud of what we've accomplished?"
"Practically annihilating a fellow insect-handling clan—"
"—That was gunning for Konohagakure itself! We are taking light of the Kamizuru now that they are no more, but at one point in history, they were our greatest rivals. If they were still around today, we would still be rivals!"
"Please, as if they could contend with our numbers now," Kouji dismissed. "Even a Genin Aburame at the ripe age of 13 was capable of outsmarting three of their remaining numbers, including one of their women."
"Do you not remember how long it took for our members—including Shinta I might add— to take down that infernal leader of theirs?"
"Kirabachi," Koushiro said with a sigh of remembrance. "Well, she certainly did a number on our Shinta-sama, didn't she? But he still prevailed. We all prevailed."
Shino's face reflected pure neutrality at the mention of that name despite his spiked interest. It was a strange thing, hearing the name of your girlfriend's grandmother be mentioned in such a context.
Sachihiro let out a chuckle. "Ah, she had such a lovely face, that old leader of theirs. Had she not been trying to drive our clan into the ground, a naive Sachihiro could have fallen in love."
Shino looked at the elder with surprise. The older Aburame snorted at the look.
"Don't look so surprised, Shino-sama," Sachihiro said with a glint behind his dark sunglasses. "You've probably never heard in explicit detail of our formal rivals, but the Kamizuru women were quite the picture."
Shibi let out a noise of curiosity. "Were they, Sachihiro-san?"
"Yes, that's right. You never encountered a full-blooded Kamizuru woman in that final battle did you, Shibi-sama?"
"Only the men," Shibi said with a reserved nod. "It wasn't a fully planned attack on their end when I fought all those years ago."
Junpei cleared his throat, pitching in. "Yes, well... the women were the more cunning tacticians in their family. I believe their clan was a long-established matriarchy if memory serves me right."
"Correct," Sachihiro replied with a nod. "My, when I say they were as lovely as they were deadly..."
Kouji snorted. "Careful with your words, Sachihiro. Imagine an Aburame being so foolish as to fall in love with a Kamizuru."
Shino cleared his throat, his voice slightly raising. "Would it really be so unimaginable? Falling in love with a member of the Kamizuru?"
"It's unthinkable!" Genpachi answered immediately. "Completely abhorrent and out of the question!"
"Even now?"
"If there were any more," Genpachi bit out sharply. Shino just knew his eyes were narrowed behind his sunglasses. "We would still be rivals, even now. We must not waver with that sentiment. The Kamizuru used underhanded tactics back in the day to get an edge over us, but our ninjutsu and insect-wielding was always superior over theirs."
"Marriage between two beetle-handlers isn't all that uncommon, Shino-kun," Koushiro added, sure the heir would understand how marriages within the family work. "But between two different insect handling types?"
Genpachi snorted. "It's never been conceived of! Even our old legends destined for the Aburame and Kamizuru to remain rivals. While the Kamizuru are no more, we shall remain rivals in spirit," he concluded. "And that's that."
Shino lifted a curious brow. "Legends?"
"The tales passed down to us by our ancestors," Shibi answered next to him. "The legends of the ancestral kikaichu? You might have been too young to remember, but I used to tell them to you as bedtime stories, Shino."
The younger Aburame's face flashed with realization.
He remembered it now. The story of the ancient kikaichu.
A heaping goliath of an insect several times larger than the modern kikai, sometimes described as being a harbinger of destruction. His father used to describe how the ancient kikai would roam faraway lands in the dark of the night, tearing down old forests to bring forth new life, rarely ever being seen by the eyes of man.
It was said that any forest chosen by the kikai as their home would be blessed with vitality, strength, and an abundance of life forever.
The legend also goes that in one enchanted forest, a small colony of humans moved in search of a home and eventually befriended the kikai, living side by side with them in a unique form of symbiosis.
The humans would protect the insects from loud outsiders hoping to take over and maintained the quiet peace of the forests, honoring their godlike companions with small offerings and prayers, while the ancient kikai would bless their crops and provide safety for the humans and their descendants.
This was thought to be the way the Aburame were eventually born into the world, having an innate ability to connect to insects and the natural environment around them.
The Aburame heir nodded. "The ancient kikai. According to the legend, the humans that lived side by side with them in the forests were our ancestors."
"That's correct," Sachihiro replied, glad that the heir was knowledgeable on the legends of their clan. "But did your father also tell you that our ancestors were once originally a part of a larger colony of humans at one point in history?"
"I don't see why he needs to know that part of the legend," Genpachi grumbled moreso to himself.
"Hush," Sachihiro said to the other man before continuing. He gestured emphatically with his hands. "Now, our ancestors were essentially the first humans to befriend and communicate with the ancestral kikai. That you know. But they had originally split off from their original group to live in the ancient forests, while the others went their own separate ways."
"In a more romantic... or tragic version of the tale," Sachihiro continued after a small pause. "The first man that originally led the small colony of humans into the forest had a lover. While the man found living in the forest the best way to secure safety for their people, his lover strongly disagreed, wishing instead to lead them into the outer meadows of the mountains."
Shino leaned forward in interest as the elder told his story.
"With heavy hearts, the two lovers eventually parted, leading their respective followers to the lands that they saw fit. The man would become the first to make contact with and befriend the kikai, becoming known as 'the Lord of the Forest.'"
Shino's eyebrows raised, recognizing the name. When his father used to regale him with bed time stories of their history, 'the Lord of the Forest' pseudonym was used interchangeably with…
"The Father of Aburame,'" Shino said, withholding a gasp of surprise. He had never heard of this rendition of the ancient tale. A part of him felt like a child again, paying such apt attention to the small details of these old fables.
It seemed his father was just as interested as he leaned forward to inquire about what happened to the lover.
Sachihiro sighed. "His lover would eventually contact the residential honeymakers of the outer meadows, where she and the rest of her followers would come to worship them. She would become 'the Lady of the Flowers,' forever destined to be separated from her lover as the years ticked by and the flowers bloomed and the forests between them thickened."
"So that's the origin of the Kamizuru clan then," Shino commented in a hush. "... That's actually quite tragic."
"Isn't it? Tragic, yet beautiful."
"Sachihiro forgets a crucial part of the legend," Genpachi added with a huff. "As the forest and the meadows expanded over the years, the two clans would become at odds with each other. The people of the forest would usurp those of the meadows, creating a longstanding rivalry between their people. From love blossoms hatred."
Junpei nudged the grumpy elder next to him. "Always such a spoilsport, aren't you? You couldn't have just left it as a tragic love story?"
"If we are to be sharing stories," Genpachi said with a point. "Then we should share the full story. Let this be an answer to your question then, young Aburame."
The elder looked towards Shino without falter, sharpened eyes hidden beneath dark sunglasses.
"Sacrifice for the sake of one's people was the reason the people of the forest were able to grow and become powerful," he emphasized. "The man forwent his love to provide for his people. And till this day, his people still remain the victors."
A few murmurs across the room agreed in a hush.
Shino stared up at the elder, challenging him. It was as though coals in his stomach had ignited, heating his core. "If hatred can grow from love, why can't it be the same in reverse? Is there really any point holding onto this hatred for the Kamizuru besides our pride?"
The room seemed to erupt in a chorus of whispers at his words. Through the corner of his eye, Shino saw his father give his son an almost incredulous stare. As though he were appalled and impressed with his words at the same time.
Genpachi snorted at the naivety. "If the Kamizuru were still around today and groveled at our feet, perhaps then peace would be achievable. But they aren't, are they? They're long gone. You and your little teammates from all those years ago saw to that. Is there any point in forgiving ghosts?"
"Genpachi is right, Shino-kun," Koushiro added with a nod. "It cannot be helped."
His father tried to place a hand on his shoulder to calm his son. He had never seen Shino so adamant on a matter like this before. What was with the sudden change?
"—Shino, you must be calm," Shibi tried to say. "The Kamizuru are dead—"
"—What if they are still alive," Shino retorted immediately, struggling to keep his words even. "I met one member in Soraku a long time ago, years after the Bikochu incident. Perhaps there is still a chance—"
The hushed whispers grew around them with Shino's helpless plea for peace, the sound of numerous agitated kikai beginning to echo about in addition to the overlapping conversations.
What the heir was suggesting was unheard of!
"—Enough!" Sachihiro eventually boomed out, effectively halting the noise. "These conversations of hatred and 'what-ifs' are only disturbing the peace."
The usually kind elder stared at the Aburame heir seriously, making Shino want to shrink underneath his gaze.
"I say this with only your best interest, Shino-sama, but Genpachi-san is right. I described to you the full legend so you may have a bigger picture of the extent of the history we share with that clan. But simply put, the ire felt towards the Kamizuru is simply a natural part of Aburame history. Even with your best intentions, it can't be re-written, nor can it be fixed. Please try to understand that."
Closing his eyes and releasing a breath, Shino unclenched his fists at his sides and relented. He bowed to his elders.
"... I apologize for my questions," he said quietly.
The noise in the room quieted as the four other elders accepted the apology with hushed whispers and nods of understanding. Genpachi took the heir's apology with a satisfied huff, feeling a twinge of pride in his old heart that the normally infuriating elder Sachihiro—always so passively stubborn—finally stated outright that he was correct.
Sachihiro paused to observe the young heir, seeing something within him that no one else seemed to see. He moved forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Shino raised his head. Pulling away, he was lightly surprised at the strange expression on the elder's features. The gleam behind dark sunglasses seemed almost... playful? As though he knew something Shino didn't.
The elder clapped his hands. "Well! That certainly was an exciting dinner, wasn't it? The most exciting anniversary we've had in years, I believe. I think I might just call it a night."
A few murmurs around the room agreed as the older Aburame members began shuffling about. Shino didn't miss the small grumbles erupting from a few elders along the lines of 'the younger generation is far too optimistic,' or even more worrying 'with the way he speaks about the bee handlers, one might think he loves one.'
Shino sighed at the words centered around him, waiting for the clan elders to exit the room with their dirty plates. The room became even more quiet when he and his father were left, but Shibi maintained his peace. There was an unreadable expression on his face as the two of them cleaned up the areas where they sat.
Shino swallowed, remembering the way Shibi told him how proud he was of him earlier. Not so proud anymore, was he?
"Well," Shibi said, breaking the terse silence. There was no happiness or anger in his voice. "That certainly was an interesting anniversary."
Shino could only voice his opinions with a sigh.
The sliding door quietly opened to reveal the five clan elders. Though the topics of earlier were still fresh on their minds, the older men remained cordial and bidded the clan head and his son a good evening, even Genpachi did so, to the younger Aburame's surprise.
As they parted ways, Shino couldn't help but notice the slight gleam in Sachihiro's eyes as he said his goodbye.
Shortly after, Shino and his father left the meeting hall. Tatsuma, still at the entrance, gave a respectful nod to the both of them before locking up the building and closing the gate after them.
The moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating the forest and the simple homes around the head Aburame and his son.
"Were you genuinely serious," Shibi began quietly. "When you expressed your want for peace, son?"
Shino put his hands in his pockets, suddenly being drawn back to his days as a Chuunin with the action. "I wouldn't have said anything if I wasn't, dad."
"Why the sudden change? You've never been so vocal about such an ancient historical dispute before. And you had no issue dispatching the last Kamizuru you encountered all those years ago."
The younger Aburame took a few moments to formulate his answer. Before he knew it, the two of them were taking a casual stroll throughout the complex.
"... I've grown older, dad. I've seen how detrimental harboring hatred can be, how unnecessary," Shino replied, hoping not to come across as too emotional. "I simply want to become the next head of a family that doesn't retain such pain in their hearts. I believe hatred is a rather heavy burden."
Shibi let out a light chuckle, so soft Shino could barely register his father had even made a noise. "... Well, I have my reservations on the matter. I've spent quite a long time trying to do as you want to do and make things right. At one point in my life, I simply grew too old and learned to accept things as they are and as they've always been. Perhaps it might save you time and energy to do the same, Shino."
The two paused in front of the gate of Shibi's home. Shino allowed himself to take a deep breath, childhood memories rushing into him as he stroked the aged wood of the front gate.
Shibi's last words of the night struck Shino like a jolt of electricity, as though he now knew what he must accomplish before he were to become the next head of his beloved Aburame family.
His own Herculean task.
Shibi smiled lightly and placed a hand on his son's shoulder, not saying anything more before he slowly stepped inside of the large home behind him.
The lone figure, clothed in fine silks of black and yellow, quietly stepped into the large tent. She paused at the entrance, hardened steel grey eyes slowly roving around the space.
It had been quite some time since she's been here.
Scattered about were old relics of the past resting next to long mahogany tables that sat low on the ground. Upon the worn wood were decorative glass vases filled with sweet wildflowers tied together with ribbons. Fuzzy pollinators flew about the open space, long-accustomed to the environment they were currently in.
The largest, and most eye-catching item within the large tent however, hung on its wall.
A large tapestry of a single bee encircled in a hexagon.
Before the tapestry, two older women sat dressed in simple white kimonos. The small, low-hanging table before them held a tea tray, various assortments of plucked flowers, and a worn kit for pressing them.
"Ah, there comes our lovely Ashinagabachi," one called out to the figure, not looking up from her work. "We didn't think you would actually come." Her tone had the slightest tinge of sass to it.
"A busy bee, our Ashinagabachi is," the other woman said with a light hum. She placed her flowers down, gesturing for their honored guest to take a seat. "Sit, sit! Take a moment to breathe, dear. You look exhausted."
The regal woman sat down gratefully, but not before bowing to her two clan elders.
"Apologies for coming so late," Ashinaga murmured as she made herself comfortable on the old tatami mat. For the first time this week, the esteemed leader of the Kamizuru clan felt as though she could take a breath and relax, even if it was just for a moment.
"We're surprised you came at all," the first elder replied with a humph. She gave the clan head a pointed look.
"Kinbachi-san," Ashinaga addressed, a slight lilt in her words. "This is an important date, isn't it? I wouldn't miss our annual meeting for tea for anything."
"The tea's long since gone cold," came the short reply.
"Oh, don't listen to her." The other elder laughed beneath a long sleeve, already pouring a small cup of tea for their clan leader despite her bitter companion. "She always gets so unbearably sour this day of the year. We're very happy you managed to rework your busy schedule and spend some time with your elders, Ashinaga."
"Thank you, Midoribachi-san," Ashinaga said with a sigh of relief, as though the tea were a sip of alcohol after a long day.
"Tch. I don't see why you aren't in worser moods with what this day is a reminder of, Ashinaga-sama," the grumpier elder retorted. "I'll bet the scoundrels are celebrating our demise as we speak."
The head of the Kamizuru's eyes briefly darkened at the mention of them before her shoulders dropped. She waved a dismissive hand in the air but the tension remained.
Ashinaga sighed. "Perhaps I am too exhausted to hate properly. If I allow the Aburame—"
"—I curse the word—"
"—To consume my every thought, it's as though they still win over us in the end. I have other matters that plague my mind."
"Ah, the issue with the Tsuchikage," Midori answered with a hum. "Has she contacted you at all since she paid our little shop a visit?"
Ashinaga shook her head. "Something in that village is amiss. There's clearly another element at play here, and I have an inclination that Kurotsuchi is wandering in the dark regarding these matters of old."
"Ohnoki—rest his soul—left her with quite the cleanup, didn't he?"
Yes"As long as his granddaughter upholds the treaty, I will keep my peace and aid her however I can," Ashinaga replied, eyes lost in thought as she focused on the brown liquid in her cup. "I've already revealed far more to her about the origins of the honey than I did Ohnoki. Let us hope Kurotsuchi is wise and doesn't act against my words."
"I have far greater trust in a woman that leads over a man," Kin added assuredly, pressing another flower.
The leader of the Kamizuru hummed in thought. "… I worry over the little knowledge she has regarding the honey, that she may end up the pawn in another man's game."
"The best we can do for now is observe, Ashinaga," Midori commented with a reserved tone of rationale. "Hopefully this issue doesn't get blown out of proportion. Regardless of the situation within Iwagakure, we must continue to keep a low profile."
"I understand that well enough, Midori-san," Ashinaga replied with slight bitterness. "Iwagakure was so hasty to utilize our once-powerful clan to do its dirty work once upon a time and just as quick to discard us when we were no longer of use to them. There is no question that I will always prioritize the safety of the Kamizuru first and foremost."
The Kamizuru leader finished the last of her tea and placed the tea cup down, eyes still racked with turmoil.
The more kindly elder smiled. "This situation with Kurotsuchi isn't all that plagues your mind, is it?"
Kinbachi snorted, the tiniest grin on her old features. "Ever the doting mother, aren't you? Even with how much you harden yourself, the weakness of your heart is still visible, Ashinaga-chan."
Steel gray eyes narrowed at the two smiling women before looking away. She sighed wistfully. "... Is it truly such a crime for a mother to worry about her children?"
"Ha! Maru only recently departed to visit his sister, yet you act as though all of the fledglings have already left the nest," Kin said with another snort, briefly forgoing her flower pressing.
"It still boggles my mind as to why Mi-chan would choose Konoha of all places to focus her year abroad on," Midori replied with a slight quiver. "A woman's heart will always be a mystery, no matter what age I suppose."
Ashinaga looked down as thoughts of her only daughter flooded her mind. "My guess is as good as yours. I originally thought it because Konoha has the most abundant plant life among the Five Nations, but perhaps she simply wanted to go somewhere as far away from home as possible…"
The woman's mouth contorted in an obvious pout.
The two elders gave each other knowing glances, simultaneously rolling their eyes. For how serious their leader presented herself, the topic of her children never failed to bring out the softer, more nurturing side of the esteemed Ashinagabachi's personality she had long hidden away.
"You mope just like your mother," Kin pointed out. "Relax! Before you know it, our little Mitsubachi will be back home where she's always belonged and take up the mantle. Maybe that way you can finally catch a break, Ashinaga."
"Mi-chan will need to find a suitable husband, of course," Midori added with a hint of excitement. "I'm sure it won't be too difficult! She's really such a lovely young girl, and no man has ever been able to resist the Kamizuru charm."
Kinbachi rolled her eyes. "She can take her pick of the litter of fools that visit this mountain with stars in their eyes," the elder grumbled with an emphatic gesture of her hand. "Almost every week I hear from my grandchild about some grandiose youngblood that's come to visit in hopes of seeing a fairy or what-have-you."
Ashinagabachi covered her mouth with a sleeve to quietly laugh. "I truly thought it was a joke at first."
Midori smiled in remembrance. "Well, those old rumors inadvertently became the reason my Shirobachi got married all those years ago, so there is some silver lining to misguided curiosity..."
"Honestly," Kin grumbled to herself, continuing her flower pressing. "Women choose to do things outside the realm of a society dominated by men and suddenly we're seen as not being human. It's ridiculous!"
"How is Shiro?" Ashinaga asked Midori, leaning forward. "It's a shame we haven't been able to talk too much since she's left the mountain. She had the best jokes."
"From the last letter she sent, it seems she and her husband are sight-seeing around Kumo."
"Lucky her," Ashinaga commented with a thoughtful nod. "Do you ever miss your children being home, Midori-san?"
"My children have long since left the nest to have their own lives," Midori said with a light shrug. "And that's all a parent could ever really want. But I would be lying if I said I didn't miss my Shiro and Kuro at the dinner table every now and again."
"Well... it's nice that Kurobachi chose to stay with us here," the Kamizuru leader said, leaning back on her arms. "It makes the mountain less lonely."
Midori sighed fondly. "I think my son wanted his daughters to grow up with our culture and traditions. Had Shiro been able to have children of her own, I've no doubt the story would have been the same."
"The twins," Ashinaga said with a nod. "Really such lovely girls, but they can be as different as night and day those two. And what of your dear grandchildren, Kin-san?"
The elder waved a hand. "Bah! My precious grandchildren are far too noisy for my taste. I know for a fact that the little troublemakers make faces when I'm not looking. You're lucky you only have to deal with two children for now, Ashinaga."
The younger woman sighed longingly.
"Oh, but I would love to have grandchildren."
"Well, Mi-chan is bound to give you a grandchild eventually," Midori said with a pleasant hum. "That was implied with your agreement, wasn't it?"
"Oh, I don't know," Ashinaga replied, lolling her head in thought. "I suppose I could simply choose a man worthy enough of my only daughter, but I want Mitsubachi to be happy. I want her to be in a marriage that doesn't end up... well, that doesn't end up like mine."
Kin rolled her eyes, holding back the rant on her lips about how the Kamizuru heiress could simply learn to love her chosen mate.
"Well, who knows? Maybe Mi-chan has already found someone in Konoha."
"If she has, I certainly hope he's employed," Kin said, her next words said with a tone of disgust. "Imagine the next patriarch of our clan being a deadbeat! Absolutely unacceptable."
Ashinaga snorted as a smile crossed her face. "Well, if my daughter is anything like her mother, he's likely older than her."
"Oh, but you'd want her husband to be at least acceptable looking!"
"But of course," Ashinaga replied in a tone as if to say 'well, duh!' "It would be the perfect scenario if Mitsubachi were to find a handsome, devoted, and accepting husband. However, the sad truth of the matter is that for insect-handlers, finding someone truly accepting of our abilities can be nearly impossible."
Ashinaga continued with a heavy sigh. "Most of the men that visit our corner of the world in hopes of finding an 'ethereal fairy' or 'enchanting floral maiden' could never fully understand the complex isolation we have to face with the masses. They appreciate us for our beauty, but shudder in fear of what lies on a deeper level."
The two elders hummed in agreement. It was a difficult existence at times, but it was to be expected for insect-handlers. Only those that would risk being pricked by the rose's thorns could ever be deserving of their beauty.
"Perhaps Mi-chan will find a nice insect-handler?"
"Ha! Like an Aburame? Don't be ridiculous, Midori," Kin automatically retorted.
The elders laughed quietly until they noticed that their third companion was unsettlingly quiet.
"... Ashinaga?"
The leader of the Kamizuru's eyes were dark, and the two elders shuddered despite themselves. An unshakable wave of pure ire emanated from the younger woman as a threatening buzz from the insects underneath her paper-white skin resounded about the tent.
Though the woman had been too exhausted to share in Kinbachi's distaste for the beetle-using swine of Konohagakure earlier, the very thought of her daughter being tied to one… it filled her with nothing but uncontrollable rage.
The skin of her back and forearms tingled where her insects hid as her emotions poured out, causing the buzzing to resonate louder.
"I absolutely forbid that from ever happening," she whispered with a venomous hiss. "The Aburame are merciless and do nothing but take. I would rather suffer an agonizing death a million times over than watch my own flesh and blood be ruined by one."
Kinbachi smiled nervously, although she agreed with the sentiment nonetheless. "And that will never happen, Ashinaga. Our Mitsubachi would never stoop so low."
Midori looked at their troubled leader gently. "Take deep breaths, dear. Deep breaths."
Eventually, the Kamizuru leader calmed down and the piercing buzz faded into a light hum.
She gave her two elders an apologetic bow before quietly excusing herself for the evening. Millions of thoughts raced through the woman's mind, but one seemed to prevail and nag at her, like the irritating throb of a thorn in one's skin.
It would never happen. While her daughter may not harbor the same, red blooded hatred for the Aburame that she did, Mitsubachi feared them all the same. Mitsubachi was kind and naive, but she knew to stay away. The Aburame were selfish, only acting to benefit themselves and their precious Konoha.
The Lady of the Flowers was abandoned by her self-serving lover and was forced to lead alone. The forest was deadly and suffocated the meadows as it grew more and more powerful.
Once upon a time, Ashinagabachi Kamizuru foolishly believed that perhaps the Aburame could show mercy. Her naive heart wished, prayed that perhaps things could be better between their clans. Her childish self would even go so far as to betray her own family with a single letter if that meant peace.
But she was wrong. She should have never allowed herself to show vulnerability—such humiliating submission—to her enemy.
The Aburame have taken far too much from her. And she would be damned if they ever took her daughter.
The heiress of the Kamizuru clan waltzed about her small apartment with a song on her lips. Her loose nightgown flowed with her swaying movements.
Somewhat unaware of her surroundings, the young woman narrowly missed stubbing her foot against an old wooden crate. She paused in her dance to step in front of the mirror in her living room, giggling at the strange face that reflected back at her.
It never looked normal when she tied her hair up and applied her nightly face-mask, but her skin always had such a nice glow to it after rinsing off the vitamin-rich honey formula.
Moving away from the mirror, Mitsubachi plopped down on the carpeted floor ungracefully, humming to herself as she retrieved her camera. Scrolling through a vast number of photos of her family, flowers, a few of herself, she finally stopped on the picture she wanted to see.
Underneath the faux Hokage Rock of the nature conservatory, a young man had his arm gently wrapped around a young woman as they posed for a photo. Both held smiles on their faces, but the man's was so much more reserved compared to the woman's.
Mitsubachi sighed, her eyes focusing on the photo.
Shino had such a nice smile. A part of the Kamizuru wished the Aburame would smile more, but it made the times that he did feel so much more special and genuine. She didn't need a mirror to know that she was blushing and probably grinning at her camera like a maniac.
She laid down on the floor with a hum of bliss, eyes closed as she brought the camera close to her heart.
In a quiet home not too far away, sheltered underneath the canopy of a peaceful forest, a man meandered through his living room donned in his sleeping clothes. Though a million thoughts raced in his mind from the events of the day, he made sure to take the time to properly tend to one of most beloved presents.
He paused in front of the small mirror in his living room. Carefully, he removed his dark sunglasses to gaze at his full reflection.
Sometimes, Shino forgot what his face looked like without his optics and usual bun. Narrow, dark brown eyes. An angled face with softer cheeks. It struck him that if he went out in public like this, not even Kiba or Hinata would recognize him. Currently, his rather long brown hair was tied into a loose ponytail with a few stray strands tickling the sides of his face, so the man truly looked different from his norm.
Would he consider himself handsome?
… Well, truth be told the Aburame wasn't quite sure.
He didn't think he was ugly. Perhaps not as strikingly attention-grabbing as someone like Sasuke Uchiha, but he wasn't ugly.
The Aburame had always been under the impression that he would never stand out enough to get attention for his natural looks, so it didn't matter if he wore glasses and hid his face away or not. Girls would never flock to his sides in hopes of getting closer to him, and would certainly never fight over him.
But he wasn't shallow. The desire to be fought over because of one's looks was trivial. Physical appearances never mattered much to the Aburame, but his mind secretly hoped that a certain person would find his natural features something to pause and gape at once the time came.
Carefully placing his glasses back on his face, Shino moved towards his window sill to admire the single plant growing happily on it. He reached for the small spray bottle he kept next to it, making sure to keep it moist.
He noticed a few more small white flowers had bloomed and the Aburame felt a twinge of pride in himself that he was able to keep the plant alive. He certainly wasn't going to neglect it considering what it personally symbolized.
A sigh escaped him as he recalled the events of the meeting.
Making an argument for peace certainly wasn't going to be a walk in the park, and it crossed Shino's mind that perhaps all of this may be too much to handle. Breaking a long-lasting chain of hate felt like too much for one man alone.
Perhaps things would be better if he went back to how it was before, when he would do his work and spend his evenings by himself with a cup of tea, dreading the inevitable acts of "kindness" Kiba would bestow onto him by setting him up on blind dates bound to turn sour.
He paused, quietly observing the small plant and the thoughtful design of the pot it was carefully placed in. Before Shino could even register it, a smile was on his face at the memories that the plant brought.
His eyebrows furrowed in determination. Though he didn't look like it, Shino Aburame had a strong will of fire.
He would find a way to create peace between the Aburame and the Kamizuru. He owed to himself, to his father and to Sachihiro, both of whom seemed to place their trust in him.
Most of all, he owed it to the special person that gifted him this little plant in the first place. He owed it to her to at least try. Conflicts and clan complications aside, Shino Aburame could admit without a doubt that in the strange mix of his tucked-away emotions, he cared a great deal about Mitsubachi Kamizuru.
He cared about her enough to want to fight for her, at least.
In the same way he failed to pinpoint the moment he began to smile, the Aburame failed to register that the slightest tinge of red began coloring his cheeks.
AN's: I think I mentioned it in an earlier chapter, but I'm going to try and post chapter 20 sometime this or at the very latest next weekend! Then ya girl's gonna take a small break. I have up to chapter 25 written, but i'm in a bit of a writing rut atm. Such is life. Also sorry if this chapter's grammar might have been a bit off, I was nodding off while I was editing and I always end up missing stuff :/
Thanks to everyone that's followed/faved/reviewed! I always love hearing y'alls thoughts!
WeebReads: Thank you! I'm so glad you like it! :D