Chapter 19: Chūnin Exams, Shino's Core!
The thirty second countdown started.
Kotetsu unlocked the gate labeled number 16 with a grinning smile. When the clock struck twelve in the afternoon, he pushed the gate open while verbally wishing team 8 good luck. Twenty-two other teams started out in a similar manner, but from different gates.
Team 8 entered the Forest of Death at a speed that would make someone believe some sort of race had begun. After all, it was important to cover as much ground as possible before sundown. But that wasn't without a reason. The Forest of Death had trees the size of a 40-story building and the trunks and branches were proportional to its height. And the species living inside there were just as proportional to its environment. Giant bugs, snakes, tigers, over-sized critters were residents of said forest.
Despite the irking abnormality that was the Forest of Death, Kiba eagerly spoke words of confidence while he led his team through uncertainty. Shino remained quiet and stoic and Hinata's Byakugan was awaiting command; because having it on for long periods of time depleted her genin-level chakra.
It hadn't been more than twenty minutes inside the Forest of Death when Akamaru let out an all-too-familiar growl to warn them. Kiba lifted a hand, and signaled his team to stop.
This had been Hinata's cue. Veins appeared around her eyes-a sight her teammates were still mystified by-and she picked up three enemies approaching less than a kilometer away.
She communicated this information with her team.
To Kiba, the air suddenly stunk of foreign enemies. He could hear his teammate's hearts beating abnormally fast. This would be their official first fight.
"So it finally begins." Kiba said, turning with a smug smile to face the direction of the upcoming enemies. "It doesn't seem like they're Leaf-Nins." Kiba informed them, as if to quiet their concerns.
"Once they get closer, I'll use the flying leeches of the Hidden Leaf to decimate them." Shino announced. But he never made a mention of how most enemies were having their chakra being siphoned as they speak. He figured Kiba probably heard the short exchange he had with Shikamaru about Ibiki's twisted lesson on cheating.
"Someone sounds eager for once." Kiba commented almost as to mock Shino's calmness and lack of interest. Normally Kiba would've loved to be the first one to start the battle. But he heeded Shikamaru's words because Kiba-just like team seven-was taught to look beneath the underneath.
And beneath the underneath, Shikamaru asked him to keep Hinata away from unnecessary danger. And Since Shino worked great at long range assaults-due to his control over insects-Kiba gave the plan a stamp of approval.
Kiba reached inside the pouch where he kept his trap wires. He pulled out a decent length enough to set up traps on the ground. Kiba chose to set up traps in certain locations after making calculations of where the enemy might come from.
When the enemy arrived, nothing much stirred.
"They're right above us. And they have the scroll that we n-need." Hinata whispered so that only her teammates could hear her. Just like during the written exam, Hinata lowered her head-her hair providing a curtain-as she hid her Byakugan from sight so that the enemies don't become alert.
"Thanks Hinata." Kiba said, almost like a praise. "I hear their conversation. These punks are mocking us while trying to figure out how to ambush us. Shino, this is your chance to strike those punks."
Shino commenced the battle with a single command which got communicated to his army of insects in waiting.
Then a lot happened at once.
Flock of birds flew away after sensing a disturbance. From the sky rained big-sized bugs which were known as the flying leeches of the Hidden Leaf. Screams cut through the stillness of things, causing a stir inside the thick dense forest. The leeches of the Hidden Leaf were vampires in their ways as they lived to suck blood. These breed were only found within the Forest of Death.
The three-man enemy team fought off and killed as many bugs out of self-defense. But the insect-massacre angered Shino. His fist clenched inside his coat pocket. But his army wasn't sacrificed in vain. One by one, the enemies fainted for a brief amount of time. Loud thuds were heard when they hit the ground. And the sounds of pain Hinata heard made her stomach feel sick.
The three enemies landed near Kiba's trap. One of them reached out to retrieve a weapon that was nearby-a last attempt to fight back-But his incoherent decision led to one of Kiba's trap spring into action.
Having never moved from his spot, Kiba's expression portrayed complete smugness upon witnessing the net trap scoop the enemies up. It was similar to how a fish gets scooped up by a fishing net during a festival game.
The three enemies hung from a tree while inside the net trap. The scene reminded team 8 of a swinging piñata. The trap rocked back and forth until the movement diminished. Grunts of pain were heard, as the enemy feared and anticipated their demise; since killing was allowed during the survival exam-and Leaf ninjas hated them.
Shino scanned the aftermath of the battle.
He commanded a few bugs to eat other fallen comrades so that there wasn't any evidence to tie an Aburame to this fight. Such scene prompted one of the genins to pass out; the thought of being eaten alive by an insect was too much for him to bare.
In that instant, Hinata's judgment about Shino was altered after witnessing him outside the training grounds, and in actual battle.
What Shino was capable of...left her wordless. He was an Aburame, and he fought the same way the rumors said; Aburames were visually ruthless, mysterious and lethal. Hinata shivered and peeled her eyes away from the insects feasting, and the enemies screaming. On one side, Hinata felt guilty over feeling relief that the difficulty of the battle was easy as it had been over in just five minutes. On the other side, she was worried that the foreigners might die.
But her sigh was misunderstood by Shino; whom was somehow convinced that Hinata was sad that she didn't get to participate in the action.
His belief probably sprung from the knowledge that Hinata puts extra hours into her training. At the time, he hadn't known about her family situation and how she strives to become strong so that her father may teach her the secret techniques of the gentle fist. Thus, Shino believed she trained only out of pure interest of getting stronger. So he mistakenly concluded that she probably loved to fight.
"Hinata, these opponents weren't worth your gentle fist. You'll make your debut next time." Shino said.
Her lack of response was misunderstood as brooding.
Hinata walked over to the defeated opponents and searched their bags for their scroll. Team 8 were in luck since they found the Earth scroll. She tossed the scroll over to Kiba, and continued to loot the weapons around the perimeter.
When Hinata picked up the last weapon from the ground, they watched her slid her index finger through the small circular ring at the end of the kunai to spin it in rotations. The enemy caught inside the net saw this, and mistook her nervous fidgeting for hostility; because visually she looked like an angel of death.
"Alright, woohoo! Man, we're just too good." Kiba said excitedly as he shoved the earth scroll inside his bag. "Now we just gotta guard our scrolls and make our way to the tower." He noticed that Hinata didn't seem thrilled as he was. "What's with that look? Put the weapon down and stop pouting. If you're that upset maybe you should learn some cool long range move so you don't feel left out."
Hinata stopped spinning the kunai and sheathed it into her ninja pouch.
"I can't deny that I wish I was more useful, b-but that's not what's bothering me right now." Hinata replied as she purposely kept her eyes from looking at the helpless foreigners trapped inside the net.
Kiba sighed.
"There you go again talking down about yourself. You're super useful!" He said while frowning. Kiba didn't like hearing words of negativity.
"What's weighting you down?" Shino asked Hinata.
"Um…I'm just worried about what's going to happen to them-are they going to die?" Hinata pointed towards the three enemies inside the net trap. One of them was still passed out from the stress an Aburame put him through, while the remaining two looked like they were about to pass out due to the amount of blood they lost.
When Shino moved, his teammates watched in anticipation as he approached the enemies.
Shino lacked understanding when it came to Hinata's point of view. Why does she hesitate to take a life? It was basically implied in their job description that killing was part of it. But what Shino saw as a job, perhaps she viewed as a burden.
"You're out of resources and out of weapons. In five minutes your blood will be completely drained by the vampire bugs attached to each of you. It's not hard imagine what will happen once your blood gets drained." Shino said, calmly. "But I am curious to see how far you will go to survive."
Shino pulled out a weapon from his pouch and slowly approached the struggling enemies caught in the net.
"Shino what are you doing?!" Hinata asked, alarmed over what she was seeing. But Kiba's hand wrapped around Hinata's wrist to stop her from intervening. Kiba's mom once told him something about being able to see a person's core while in battle. Thus, he was interested to see what kind of ninja Shino was in actual battle.
"P-Please! Don't kill us!" One male voice, close to their age, said. It was evident that he felt terrified. Through his point of view, Shino was no different than an S-class missing Nin. The fact that Shino wore sunglasses added to the heartless depiction the enemy had of him.
"I'm not the one killing you." Shino said as if having the need to clarify things. "You have four minutes left until you meet your end." He waved the kunai in front of the two conscious enemies. "I'm leaving this weapon here in case one of you manages to escape from the trap. This weapon can stop the leeches on your backs from draining your lives."
Shino slowly placed the kunai on the ground. Then stood up and shoved his hands inside the coat of his pocket, and turned on his heel to join to the rest of his team whom seemed to be stunned.
The three enemies were ignored for the next few moments by Shino. Their groans, complaints and pleads for mercy became nothing but background noise. Almost like the buzzing of a fly which one tries to ignore.
"In any case..." Kiba said as he turned to face the destination of the Tower. He tried not to show that he was disappointed with Shino's ruthlessness. "That's one team down. We've been idled for too long so let's move." He lacked enthusiasm as he leaped upward and landed on a branch.
Shino followed seconds later.
"I'm sorry…" Hinata whispered towards the enemies. She knew these guys probably had families and loved one they cared about. Hinata eventually moved from her spot to join her team which was waiting for her on a gigantic tree branch.
When she reached Shino, she opened her mouth to speak since her concern for her enemies wouldn't subside.
"S-Shino, we need to talk about some r-rules we should have…f-for when it comes to killing or torturing others…" Hinata said.
Kiba trusted Hinata to speak her mind about the serious topic; he kept quiet because he agreed with Hinata.
When Shino looked over at her, she almost flinched as she hated confrontation, but the issue had to be addressed.
It just so happened that Shino had finished meditating for an answer as to why Hinata hesitates to take a life. She was too gentle and kind. Which got him thinking that Hinata was in the wrong field. Perhaps she should've chosen to be a nurse or a doctor. But since he was on the team with her, he felt like in order to avoid problems, he had to ease her mind and indulge her rules which was probably: No killing unless it's absolutely necessary.
"Hinata, I left some instructions with the vampire leeches. They'll stop feeding blood in about one minute so that the enemy won't die." Shino explained.
"T-Thank you." Hinata said, with a sincere smile.
"Aa." Shino acknowledged her gratitude. "Your reaction made me realize that killing them just because it's allowed doesn't make it morally good." Although Shino uttered this statement, it would still be a long way before his words became something he believed in. Because as of now, he didn't think there was anything wrong with killing.
Kiba was unaware of this as he seemed proud over Shino's morality. However, Kiba wasn't sure whether he was able to truly see Shino's core today. Perhaps in order to see a person's core, it would have to happen under tremendous stress, or during a life and death situation.
Hinata also wasn't aware of Shino's thought process. Through her perspective, although Shino seems like a cold-blooded opponent during battle, Hinata believed that he was a good person and a kind Aburame.
"Agree! Plus, we got the scroll that we needed so there's no value earned from murdering those guys-this survival exam isn't to prove that we're killing machines!" Kiba's words was a variation of a quote Iruka-sensei always used to say during his lessons.
The will of fire burns because they're not killing machines.
"Arf! Arf!" Akamaru agreed.
Kiba's answer revealed something big. Based on his answer, Shino realized that if he had chosen to kill, that would've placed a veil of mistrust on their team; which probably would've led to a rift between them.
"K-Kiba, earlier you said I should learn abilities that allows me to attack from a far distance," Hinata said thoughtfully. The distracted look in her eyes hinted that she was considering Kiba's suggestion about learning long range attacks. "That would mean I have to improve my chakra reserves...A-And I'm not good at hand seal memorization-so it will be difficult to learn."
By then, Hinata stopped running and paused on a tree branch while resting her hand against the trunk. She avoided her teammate's gaze who paused and stared at her curiously.
"What am I saying? It's starting to sound like I'm making excuses not to challenge myself…" Hinata thought out loud while sighing.
"That's because it's a lot of work-but it would be totally worth it." Kiba replied.
"I don't mind working hard." Hinata said while giggling.
Kiba merely gave her a knowing look as he grinned sheepishly. His reaction perplexed her as she had no idea what he was grinning about.
Team 8 were still standing around on a giant branch while talking.
"What is it Kiba?" Hinata asked.
"I could only speculate on his behalf but," Shino paused to adjust his sunglasses. "You've been allocating some of your time and spending it with Shikamaru Nara. So it's a question of whether you're becoming complacent of where you are." Shino explained.
Under normal circumstance, Hinata wouldn't have reacted in any particular way. But since she had a few share of embarrassing thoughts revolving Shikamaru, she started to blush.
"W-W-Why are you suddenly bringing S-S-Shikamaru into the conversation?" Hinata asked Shino, but it was Kiba who felt like answering.
"The way I see it, you're the one who always brings him up. And I wouldn't be surprise if he's able to make anyone lazy-I'm just saying." Kiba said to Hinata, while shrugging his shoulder.
"Arf! Arf!" Akamaru said, earning a good laugh out of Kiba.
"Kiba, y-you were the one who asked me who I've been spending my time with after training and studying. T-That's why I told you about Shikamaru..." Hinata said, half complaning. "Being around him makes me f-feel like I want to try harder." It was half of the truth. Hinata enjoyed his company and admired his intellect. So being around Shikamaru made her want to strive to become smarter for the sake of her goal.
"Question. What is it about a lazy person that makes you want to try hard?" Shino asked Hinata. "I ask because it doesn't seem to make sense."
"Reversed-laziness-syndrome. I think it's what it's called-where a lazy person somehow motivates others to do their best." Kiba replied to Shino.
"I don't think such term exists." Shino commented.
"Of course it doesn't exist. I was making it up." Kiba said, while Hinata looked amused over their interaction. "Okay, break time's over. Let's start moving guys!"
They picked up the pace again. However, the conversation lingered on Hinata's mind. Kiba had been exaggerating when he said that she talks about Shikamaru a lot. Yet still, her mind drift back to the other half of the truth: Being around Shikamaru made her feel like she was floating over a body of water which moved her to whichever direction it liked; and she just went along with it without a meditated thought. His presence was relaxing to the soul.
She recounted a few memories of him from the past week because his earlier actions left an impression on her.
Hinata remembered the time at the park where he laid his head on her lap. The way he casually moved without permission, as though such action was acceptable in the parameter of their friendship. His soft strands of hair brown hair tickled her bare skin on her thigh as he spoke witty words coated with sarcasm. And every time he scoffed or chuckled she would twitch but hide the fact that it tickled.
It didn't end at the park.
During the week team 8 and team 10 were given time off to train and study for the Chūnin exams, Hinata met up with Shikamaru a few times. They would sit on the grass by the riverbank and talk. Sometimes during those meetings, his hand always ended up reaching for hers. When Hinata asked about his motive, he smirked and claimed that it helped him stay awake. She allowed it, because she wanted Shikamaru to be awake to discuss the things she had read about the night before. When it occurred a second and third time, she didn't question his motive.
Before parting hands, Shikamaru made a comment regarding the texture of her skin. He told her that a Hyuga's hand shouldn't feel that way because the gentle fist is very harsh on their hands. She explained that her family had a secret blend of natural organic concoction made from various herbs and fruits; it helped keep her hands soft.
Shikamaru had rolled his eyes. Then encouraged her to feel his hands in comparison as if to make a point that his hands weren't as soft. But the only thing Hinata came to realize was that, in the future, their hands won't be so similar in size.
Yet an awkwardness stirred when Shikamaru caught her by the waist, earlier today, and didn't let go. But the awkwardness came from the random recognition that his voice was changing, and she liked the sound of his voice. Hinata had pushed him away when her own thoughts made her feel too shy to face him; because that is how it had started with Asuma. It started with his voice. So at the time, Hinata felt bad for betraying their friendship by having such thoughts.
But presently, hiding underneath the veils of sands, were suspicion about Shikamaru's motive and his behavior towards her. She arrived at this conclusion upon comparing all the friendships that she had with Chouji, Shino, Kiba and Naruto. And it made her realize that certain aspect of her friendship with Shikamaru was not typical. She begun to see the absurdity in the things he said to her in the past; to explain the reason why he held her hand each time.
Since Shikamaru wasn't typical to begin with, Hinata wasn't sure what to believe. Like what did holding hands actually mean to him when he's able to do it so casually?
And it's not that Hinata Hyuga never noticed him always looking at her. Because Shikamaru Nara had always looked at her. And when he stared, he didn't bother to hide, nor did he bother to look away. It could always mean something else, since Shikamaru wasn't anything like her other friends. She sighed, and admitted she was looking for a reason to explain why he held her the way he did. And when a person thinks hard enough, it's easy to connect the dots. Maybe she was being delusional or imagining things.
Hinata plagiarized one of his catchphrase before willing the thoughts away, to focus back on the present. Back to the survival exam.
Harrison's Wool: Dear readers, this was originally one chapter. But I broke into two chapters so the next one might be coming up soon, I just have to edit it. In the past, I wrote about team 8's first D-mission, and their boring C-mission of guarding the village's gates. So I followed up with a scene of them winning their first fight to show off the fruits of their training. But Shino took the spotlight because of his abilities.
To Julia: Even though there was no HinaxShika scenes on this chapter, there was progression on this chapter because Shikamaru was on her mind.
To Sumo is: Thank you! I already have an idea of a scene that will change things slightly from canon (I already set up the components on chapter 18). I don't know who will be fighting who during the preliminary though. As for the hug, I feel like something drastic had to happen in order for Hinata to start questioning things.
To Guest: I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters as well!