Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Research Design

A research design is a thought-out plan of how one will go about testing their hypothesis. It contains; rules, methodologies, equipment, and techniques for how data will be collected and analyzed. Research designs are particularly crucial for identifying and addressing problems that may affect the scientific process before they occur. Not having one can lead to hours and hours of wasted effort.

In interrogation room one, the civilian one, a table was between me and Ibiki. Each of us bore an unamused stare; completely focused on the other. Or, we were trying for it to be that way. The vein above Ibiki's left eye throbbed as I sat in my chair with my arms crossed and trying to not let my slumped posture read as more than it actually was. Ibiki and I were aiming for a combative seriousness that Anko, currently resembling a hyena, was making rather difficult.

"You-" Anko kept cutting herself off as laughter brewed and took up her air supply. "You-" She stopped again. This time to bang her fist thrice on the tabletop. "The first mission you leave the village for-" Ibiki looked visibly pained as Anko let out a particularly loud bark of humor. "Ends up being an A-rank". Anko purse her lips together; attempting to keep one bought in. She failed miserably. "You adopted an S-ranked rouge, defeated a crime boss-"

"We know what happened Anko", Ibiki tried to interrupt. Tried being the keyword.

"And-and… And-" Anko sounded like she was having difficulty breathing. If only that were true. "And somehow convinced your pet rogue to start a ninja village of his own!" Anko clutched at her abdomen, and rocked in her chair as she stamped her feet; howling. I started to feel more like a comedian than a soldier the way she carried on.

"That didn't happen", I denied. Based on Anko's further laughing and Ibiki's dissatisfied expression, they didn't believe me. Typical. "Why are we even discussing this?" I changed tactics. "The Hokage made the Land of Waves mission classified. How do you know about it?"

Ibiki sighed as if his patience was running low. Neither Anko nor I were affected. Ibiki has been running out of patience for as long as I've known him. Probably ever since he met Anko. "As you're a genin and I am your Jounin supervisor-"

"My sensei, yes", I confirmed for the mere purpose of taking pleasure from the throbbing vein above his eye.

Ibiki raised a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. Besides him, Anko took deep and ragged breaths as she attempted to calm herself; wiping tears from her eyes that weren't there. Practice allowed Ibiki and me to ignore her. "I was informed of the ongoings of your mission because it is my responsibility to instruct you". Ibiki paused so he can waste a few seconds glaring at Anko. Anko, who was no longer laughing and instead looked too pleased with herself. "Anko knows because she was eavesdropping on a private conversation".

I gave Anko a once-over. Finding myself impressed and scared by her at the same time. "You got away with that?"

Anko shrugged. "If you don't get caught, you deserve to know what people are saying".

Snorting, I tried to disagree but couldn't. There were so many ways I could use that. Ibiki pinned me with a look before I could go too far. "Don't get any ideas". Hmm… Ibiki might be just as scary as Anko. Or maybe it was the other way round and Ibiki was as scared of her as I was.

Lowering his hand, Ibiki moved on. Wanting to be done with us, probably. "Hatake had a lot to say about your contributions to the mission".

70% of the time, people maintain eye contact when lying. So, I made sure to glance to my left. "All I did was do what I could to not die. There shouldn't be much to say".

From his scowl, Ibiki clearly disagreed. "You interrogated two enemy ninja in the field".

"That is what you're training me for".

"I didn't teach you how to insert senbon under someone's fingernails", Ibiki retorted. It was a statement that made Anko perk up and grin at me in pride.

"No, you didn't", I agreed; leaning forward ever so slightly. "Shinobu did".

If Ibiki disapproved, he didn't express it. "Explain", he ordered.

I knew he didn't mean about Shinobu's teachings. Letting out a loud huff of air, I uncrossed my arms to do just that. "The first hired thugs we encountered were two rogues from the Mist. Brothers, I think". I know. "Kakashi-Sensei and Sasuke incapacitated them. We needed information. I volunteered". Both Anko and Ibiki remained silent. A nonverbal cue to continue. Shifting in annoyance, I did so. "To get them to talk, I told them the one who shared the best info would get to live. They refused at first. So, I used the senbon. Once one started talking, the other couldn't squeal fast enough".

Like a wolf standing over conquered prey, Anko's chest puffed out as her upper lip curled back. "That worked?"

No, it didn't. I thought. Because that's not what happened. But that wasn't anything I could share. "Most people become weak once they feel betrayed".

"Kid's a natural", Anko praised as she jabbed his side with her elbow. "You were worried for no reason, Ibiki".

Ibiki ignored her. "You taunted an S-ranked rogue and helped Hatake turn a fight around when things were about to become ugly".

Damn it, Kakashi-Sensei. I complained in my head. Whatever happened to the old saying, what happens on a mission stays there. "I was annoying and I got underfoot", I argued.

Ibiki's lips twitched. It was the only sign that showed his amusement. "Annoying sounds accurate. However, Hatake would disagree with the other part. I'm told you also showed excellent teamwork, found a creative, yet unorthodox, way to deal with a hostile, experienced your first kill, and survived your first battle. You did good work, kid".

He was making no sense. Anko beaming at his side wasn't helping. And I hoped that it showed on my face. "If I didn't screw up, why the interrogation?"

Ibiki leaned forward; a serious crease in his brow. "Because I never want to hear a report about my student taking unnecessary risks again".

At the reprimanding tone, my shoulders drooped and I fell back into the backrest of the chair. At least Ibiki's ire was something I could understand. "I didn't mean to get separated from the others. It was a mistake. I… It was like the only thing that existed was the next enemy and then the next and the-"

"I'm not talking about the fight on the bridge", Ibiki broke in before I could perseverate. Probably wise. Mohawk's face still had a primary role in my dreams. "He stabbed you". Oh. Understanding sank in. Ibiki was talking about Haku. "Cracked ribs, a broken nose. If he hadn't been persuaded, you would have been killed".

"It worked, didn't it?" So, why hound me about the past? It wouldn't change anything.

Ibiki's gaze was uncomfortably castigating. "Which you couldn't have known when starting that fight". The unspoken statement that Ibiki thought he'd never have to tell me something so obvious was clear. Heavy seconds passed as Ibiki bore his message into me by just staring. I tried not to fidget but only lasted a few seconds.

Anko turned to stony silence. I had never seen her so still and quiet before. I've also never seen her take Ibiki's side before. Ibiki's face softened. If I hadn't been studying his expressions since graduation, I wouldn't have noticed. "You will not take any missions for the next three months".

My left eyelid twitched. It was a stupid punishment. I thought Ibiki knew me better. No missions meant no leaving the village. No combat. No forcing myself to care. Honestly, it was more like a reward for a job well done. There was just one small issue. "At least let me take D-ranks", I protested. Anzu was working now. That helped a bit. But if I wanted spending money, I needed some extra income.

"You won't have time", Ibiki said in a fashion that was almost accusable for ominous. Anko returned to her usual self; smirking like she knew a secret I didn't.

"Why not?" I took the bait; eyeing Anko in my peripherals. It wouldn't be the first time she tried to throw something at me when I wasn't paying attention. This time, I had my guard up.

The corner of Ibiki's lips threatened to pull back in a grimace of a smile… Maybe I could run. "The Chunin Exams-"

"No".

"No what?" Ibiki asked, seeming unhappy about the interruption but not surprised.

"No. I don't want to be a chunin, so I'm not taking the exam".

Anko snickered. I contemplated the consequences of kicking her under the table. Too bad she wore shin guards. "That's good", Ibiki said; however, his wording didn't put me at ease. "Because I'm not recommending you for candidacy". Ibiki gave me a moment to think. Or maybe it was a moment to see if I had anything else to say. Scowling, I refolded my arms and chose silence. "The Chunin Exams are being held in Konoha a month from now. T&I, along with a few other departments in the intelligence division, have been tasked with organizing and proctoring the exams".

"I got to design the second part!" Anko couldn't keep quiet a moment longer. Showing all her teeth, Anko leaned over the table; eyes flashing with excitement. "There will be leeches, deception, tigers, and betrayal!" She sounded like a kid inviting her best friend to her birthday party. "Watching those genin cry for mercy is going to be a blast". Anko started chuckling; becoming louder and more animated the longer she thought about it. Through his nose, Ibiki took deep breaths. "And you get a front-row seat to all the action. But don't worry mini-me". Anko's voice dipped into a mocking babyish tone that made me want to steal the boxed lunch she had waiting for her in the break room. Shame I needed a favor from her later. "I won't let the mean old Forest of Death get to you like it will with other runts".

Eyeing Anko warily, I made the executive decision to direct all my exam-related questions to Ibiki. "Why would I be in the Forest of Death if I'm not participating?"

"As a member of the T&I division, you will be assisting in the proceedings. During stage one of the exam, you'll be a plant. For stage two, Anko's requested you as an assistant". Ibiki explained; sounding exceptionally distrustful on that last bit.

Gee, I wonder why. Anko looked like she had just offered me the keys to the kingdom and was basking in her own generosity. "Is this about the time I put coffee grinds in your pencil sharpener?"

Gleefully, Anko beamed. "That was you?" She asked as if she hadn't had a clue.

A river runs through a training ground close to the Aburame compound. Shino made it there before I did. "Thanks for meeting me", I yawned as I approached; footsteps softened by the grass. It was a few minutes later than when I had asked him to be there. Ibiki kept me busy from start to finish and Anko liked to send me on round-about errands. Because of those two, I've been running slow by five minutes since starting work on the Chunin exams.

Standing with his back against a tree trunk, Shino adjusted his glasses. Was it a pleased gesture or an annoyed gesture? I was a little too tired to utilize my Shino interpreting skills. "I am here. Why? Because my sister asked to see me. However, Father would prefer if you came home to visit and have dinner".

"Sure". Came my noncommittal reply as I came to stand comfortably in front of him. As much as I loved eating anything that was… properly cooked, Shibi needed to be making a feast for the Gods if he wanted to lure me home through the promise of food. After all, being friends with Chouji meant his mom would feed me for free. "So, why house plants? I mean, Anzu loves them". She only managed to kill one of them so far. Overwatering. "But that's a lot of plants". Sleepily, I rubbed at my eyes which felt a little heavy. It might be a good day for an early bedtime.

"It is rude to visit a home with no offering" was Shino's blunt reply. Even though it didn't answer the question. Was Shino taller? Standing this close, I felt like I have to tip my head up to see him fully. "Your sister", Shino started; the shade of the tree shadowing his face. "She is… kind".

Blinking, I assumed Shino did the same. "… Glad you two got along. Thanks for visiting with her. I-" I don't like leaving Anzu behind. I worry about her even though the red-light district is behind us. Shino shouldn't be solo in his socially-awkward endeavors either… Some things are better left unsaid. "Anzu really likes working at that restaurant. Did you… set that up?"

Next to us, the river babbles against the rocks on the bank. It's relaxing in the afternoon sun. Maybe that's why this was Shino's favorite spot. "No. Why? Because I have no say in the Akimichi Clan's business. I merely could not let your sister consume what she had prepared".

Right… my concern that I owed the Akimichi clan a debt grew. It was one thing for Chouji's mom to feed her son's friend. If she kept offering food, we'd keep coming back. Then she could make sure we weren't terrorizing the village. It was a parenting technique, obviously… But breaking social conventions to uplift Anzu was… a statement. And one that might come with consequences. How do I pay them back? The only thing of value I own are healthy organs. Ones that I'm currently using.

Shino offered further explanation. Funny, how he thought I needed more information regarding this but not why there was an abundance of plants in my apartment. "Eating undercooked potatoes are hard to digest and can cause great discomfort. In large quantities, it can be harmful".

Well, that's… good to know. "I'll tell Anzu when I see her". Shino nodded, evidently appeased. He's a very special person, my brother. Kind of reminds me of an encyclopedia. In the background, crickets started chirping. Had we really been standing here that long? "I didn't ask you here just to say thanks", I moved on; raising a hand to muse the hair on the back of my head. "On the mission, I think I made up a new jutsu and I need help figuring it out".

Shino used one finger to push his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose. Oh, he wanted me to elaborate. Yeah, that's fair. And so, I did. About how it was accidentally discovered. How I was able to replicate it. How I didn't have a name for it other than the weird chakra manipulation thing. But most importantly, I didn't understand it. Seriously, it was like serendipity for ninjutsu.

"I see" Shino spoke slowly; ducking his chin behind his shirt collar. If he was impressed, surprised, or didn't believe me, he didn't express it. "Show me".

So, I did. We had to move for more open space. While having mastered tree walking and tree travel, water walking wasn't something I wanted a crash course in right now. Shino found some rocks to chuck at my head. I took the choice as trust in my abilities. It was nice. I didn't let that thought linger. Now further apart, I urged my chakra could build. Nodding to Shino once I felt it bubbling in my core. He used an overhand throw to send the rock sailing with perfect accuracy. Raising my right hand, I swiped at the air and pushed my chakra away from me. The rock was forced to change course; plunking into the river instead of pinging against my head.

Adjusting his glasses again, Shino watched the rippling water until no splash was evident. "Any thoughts?" I asked as his attention returned to me.

"Yes", he said after another moment of contemplation. "My nest reacted".

"Reacted?" My nose scrunched up. What did that mean? "How so?"

The sounds of chirping crickets and a running river continued around us under the afternoon sun. "Your chakra, they found it tempting".

My skin crawled as I tried to not let Shino see me shudder. He'd struggle to admit it, but he was sensitive about how others perceived the Aburame Clan's buggy ways. Great. My weird manipulation thingy attracted insects. Just what every girl wants to hear. "Any idea why?"

"Yes".

… "Care to share?"

"No". Shino's monotone answers never changed; giving me flashbacks to the first days I spent in Shibi's house. Before I could speak Aburame.

"Why?"

Shino took his time to answer. Which was my first clue I wasn't going to like it. "Because Father is the one who should help you".

Deadpanned, I stared at Shino as if the mere force of my gaze would be enough to get him to relent. Was this deliberate? Did he have ulterior motives? Or was there a reason for this… this… betrayal? It was too difficult to tell. I couldn't read Shino's face.

Shino and I parted ways in front of the compound. Brother dearest offered food and further company. But I asked for a raincheck; not daring to step foot onto clan land. Just in case Shibi was waiting on the other side of the threshold for the mere purpose of trying to shove father-progeny bonding down my throat.

Instead, I found myself slowly meandering home; scouring my brain for the next steps. Do I keep forging ahead and hope for the best? Or a more appealing option, do I give up? Though it would be nice to be able to deflect incoming forces. Especially considering potential upcoming disasters. Just in case hiding didn't work.

Having walked these streets many times before, I didn't have to focus on where I was going. It barely registered when I entered a more crowded part of the village. The voices of people haggling at produce stalls, or gossiping in the streets were my white noise. As such, it took a very loud and grating exclamation of "Konohamaru!" to pull me out of my thoughts.

Halting, feet even, I looked straight. A ways ahead were a clump of people. Some I had reason to recognize. Others I shouldn't know anything about. Unfortunately for me, I knew all their names. The Hokage's grandson was being hoisted into the air by a one-hand grip on his shirt and scarf. Was it a scarf? That had never been clear to me. The man holding him smiled with his painted face, looking like a bully rather than the tough guy he was trying to portray. "Does this hurt?" He asked as Konohamaru grimaced and struggled.

"Knock it off", his female companion said as she looked on; bored. "You know he won't like this". If her four ponytails didn't give her away, the giant fan strapped to her back did.

With his hands clenched into raised fists, Naruto gritted his teeth and took a step forward. "You better let him go right now!" He yelled. Were foreign ninja arriving today? Had Ibiki said anything? I couldn't remember. As Konohamaru tried to kick at his captor to get free, Naruto charged.

Nope.

I turned around before anyone can notice me; intending to take a longer route home. Wouldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole.

Hurriedly, yet collectedly, I walked in the option direction. With the sole purpose of avoiding bringing attention to myself. Meanwhile, the scuffle continued behind me. The last thing I heard before I was too far away was, "Drop him now or I'll tear your apart!"