Sono Tori Ken Sono Konchuu

Chapter 7: Past

Mizuki was nervous to say the least. The young Aburame was far from happy and she was smart enough to know that she should stay away from his rage. She had followed him all the way to an abandoned part of the training facility located in the forest. They stood there in silence for a few moments before Mizuki broke the silence. "What do you want from me, Aburame-san?" She was met with his hard gaze from behind his dark goggles.

He walked toward her but stopped when she quickly backed up. His frown deepened.

Shino paused to look at Mizuki before he spoke. She was coated with a thin layer of salt from her dried sweat and her hair was loose from the ribbon. He also observed that her shirt was slung low on her shoulders as well. "Which village did you grow up in?" He demanded coldly.

"A small village just outside the village. Why?" Mizuki was just a little worried. She didn't know how much she should tell him. She felt like she could trust him, but she needed to be careful.

Shino turned his head as if listening for a noise that wasn't there. "I've already talked with Kakashi and I know you're not his cousin. I believe that I deserve an explanation." She couldn't lie with him about that but she still didn't feel a hundred percent safe telling him everything. She took a deep breath. She would only tell him a shortened version that was heavily edited.

"My village was of no consequence to anyone or anything. It is true that there were a few ninja, but they only protected the village from the occasional band of thieves and the like. I was taught by my mother and grandmother, though, it was my father who brought ninjutsu to the village. Hatake-san knew him, but he died when I was very young." Mizuki paused.

Shino acted like he was going to say something but didn't he waited for her to continue. "We lived in relative harmony until the day my village was destroyed by some unknown ninja. That's it. The only reason I'm using Hatake-san's name is because Tsunade-sama thought that it would be helpful if I had a connection to the village." Mizuki watched for his reation.

Shino stood there for a moment contemplating her words. "You do not appear to be lying. Yet, I do not believe that you are telling me the whole story." Mizuki had the decency to appear shocked. He was not swayed by her attempt. "I would have hoped you would trust me more than this. Kakashi did." He added. She did not meet his gaze, could not.

He was right, she did not trust him entirely. Anyone who had that much sway over her was dangerous. "I assure you that what I tell you is complete and truthful. There are things that I must do now, if you will excuse me." He made no move to stop here as she walked past.

Shino's hands were clutched at his sides. He knew not whether he was joyful she trusted him as much as she did or if he was angered that she did not trust him entirely. He would speak with Kakashi. Hopefully, he could obtain information from him that he had not from her.

Ultimately he decided to return home. He had been away for too long and need to check up on his stock of rare insects. He greeted the gate keeper for the Aburame compound and moved on towards his insect conservatory. Inside the cavernous area it was warm, dark and moist. Each species was allowed to roam the area provided that it was not aggressive or cannibalistic. Those that could not be allowed loose were kept in large containers along the wall. Small plants and grassy areas were placed throughout and there were even a few small trees. Shino had worked very hard on his conservatory and it filled him with pride to know that he had one of the finest in the clan. His father's was the best by far seeing as it had a man-made waterfall and a small forest inside it.

He quickly lost himself in his work and paid no mind to the flood of light that poured in as a someone entered into his secluded workspace. He was thinking of much more important things.

Mizuki wandered around the village for awhile after talking with Shino. She was frustrated, confused, and a little depressed after talking about the destruction of her village. She didn't notice when she walked up the steps to the hospital or even when she bumped into a kind pink haired nurse.

"Sorry," Mizuki mumbled quickly. The nurse smiled, her green eyes sparkling.

"It's not a big deal. I get distracted all of the time. I'm glad you seem to be doing well enough. When Shino brought you in, you looked pretty beat up." Mizuki's eye snapped open and she stared intensely at the nurse. She the realized that this had to be Sakura. Mizuki then relaxed and smiled back at her.

"Yeah, I was very lucky. Thank-you for taking care of me.

"It was no problem. Anyway, I'm heading out. Don't have much time for breaks and the time I have is very precious." Mizuki nodded and stepped aside. I need a break as well. She decided to practice her archery for a while to clear her head.

"Did you want something, Father?" Shino asked the older man as he finally looked up from his growing larvae. Shibi moved closer but remained silent.

"I came to tell you that you will be leaving on another mission in the morning." Shino was slightly surprised by this. He was usually never sent on missions so close together.

"Do you know who I will be going with, or is this another solo mission?" Shibi shook his head.

"It's not a solo mission. I believe Mizuki is leaving in the morning as well. I believe she is aware of your partner. You may ask her when she returns." They stood in silence for a moment. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to." Shibi took his leave while Shino stood there staring holes into the developing insects.

He did not enjoy the possibility of being on a mission with her. Irritated he quickly finished working and left his solitary haven. Shino was a very patient shinobi, but as it was, not when Mizuki was involved. He was bent on finding her now.

Mizuki was coated in a fresh layer of sweat by the time Shino found her. He watched as she knocked an arrow and pulled it taut. Mizuki inhaled suddenly and let loose the arrow into the target a hundred feet away. She exhaled as Shino entered the clearing.

"You are well trained." He commented. She looked at him and shook her head.

"No one taught me. I did it myself. This is my father's bow." She announced tightening her grip on the treasured possession. Shino took this in but quickly remembered why he was there.

"You are assigned a mission for tomorrow." It was not a question but Mizuki answered it anyway.

"Yes, that is correct."

"Who is your partner?" Mizuki stared straight at him. She felt his gaze now more than ever.

"You." She replied breathlessly. She watch as he became as taut as her own bowstring. "Is it such a bad thing? Surely you had a suspicion that it would be me since you came here instead of Tsunade-sama's office." She walked over to the makeshift target she set up and retrieved her arrows. "If you will excuse me, I am going now." He made no move to stop her.

At dinner Mizuki was surprised to find that Shino would not be dining with Shibi and herself. Shibi said something about eating with his teammates. Shibi also told her not to worry about it so they enjoyed a quiet dinner before Mizuki retired for the night.

Shino knocked on the door heavily. Kakashi answered after a prolonged silence. "Yo, Shino, is something wrong?" The silver haired ninja asked. Shino shook his head.

"At least, not yet. I need to discuss things with you. It's about Mizuki." Kakashi's bored look turned serious.

-To Be Continued-

Okay, sorry for the cliff hanger! I have my finals soon so I am studying and working on that now. But summer is coming up so hopefully I can do more then. I am also taking college classes during the summer so…..yeah. I'll try!!!