Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Calorimetry
Energy (Joules) = mass of water (g) x 4.2(J/g◦c) x temperature increase (◦c)
Food is energy. But only once it has been consumed and broken down. To discover how much energy a specific food source contains, combustion can be used. The amount of energy is calculated from the level of heat released from the food and measured based on how that release of heat can increase the temperature of water. However, calorimetry is not without error. Specifically, when heat may be lost to the surrounding environment instead of heating the water.
Back arched, feet off the ground, I flipped over a swarm of beetles. At a mid-range distance, Shino redirected his bugs to try and catch me before I could regain my footing. His forehead wrinkled in concentration as sweat dribbled down his temple.
Focusing on my chakra, I pushed. Imagining I was a turtle and my chakra was my shell, I kept the swarm from reaching me. This was just training. Training I've been participating in all week. Once Shino guilt-tripped me into it. So, I knew I didn't have to worry about being poisoned. If Shino was willing to go that far it would have happened days ago. But that didn't mean I wanted to spend the afternoon scratching at bug bites.
My feet and legs curved over my torso as I completed the rotation and landed. Shino's bugs followed. Sticking to my chakra like bees to honey. "Gross" I complained; not daring to disperse my chakra. What would the bugs do if I tried? It was a question I asked often during this past week. But one I wasn't in a hurry to answer.
"Shino", Shibi called from the sidelines. "Call them back". The order was soft-spoken. Though Shino and I had no problem hearing him. As early as it was, we were the only ones occupying this training field. The only things to listen to were Shibi's instructions and our own breathing.
When Shino asked me to train with him, he hadn't told me Shibi would be directing our efforts. Shino knew me well enough to know I might not have shown up if I'd known. However; between the comments made by Jiraiya, my lack of progress with the chakra manipulation thing, and Shino's insistence that he needed my help, I stuck around longer than I would have in most circumstances.
The fingers on Shino's outstretched hand twitched. Becoming more and more agitated the longer it took his beetles to respond. But they eventually did; flying back to Shino and disappearing as they buried themselves inside Shino's body.
Only then do I let my chakra disperse. Less than half came back to me. A sign Shino's beetles had a good meal before returning home. Panting from a sudden onset of fatigue, I watched as Shino stared disappointedly at his hand. "I still don't get why you think I'm the best opponent for Shino", I said as Shibi adjusted his glasses as he approached. "He's a long-range fighter. We know puppet boy is too. And I'm a close-range to mid-range fighter". Which was something I wasn't thrilled about. "Wouldn't it be better to train with someone closer to what Kankuro can do?"
"No", Shino disagreed as he lowered his hand. Though the aggravated lines between his eyes remained. "Why? Because your chakra technique is similar to my opponent's. And there is no harm in you learning what I plan as you are not competing".
I stared at my brother; trying to see things as he did. If we were any other family, the intense staring would probably be uncomfortable. The second part made sense. I had no intention of ever fighting Shino. But the first bit… How were basic ninjutsu and kunai anything like Kankuro's puppets?
Still moist from the early morning dew, the grass was noiseless as Shibi drew closer and closer. His hands relaxed at his sides as he regarded us like this was just a normal Sunday morning at home. "A puppeteer solidifies their chakra to form flexible threads to control their puppets from their fingertips", Shibi explained. I did my best to pretend I didn't already know. After all, I've never 'seen' Kankuro fight. Not in the preliminaries or anywhere else. "While you project your chakra as a solid force from different parts of your body".
I blinked; letting that new information roll around in my head. Was that what I doing? I mean, my chakra would have to be solid to push people and things away from me. But… How was I doing that? I thought through the sparring Shino and I had done these last couple of days. Not only did I learn that I could push chakra out of my body from any point (Not just from my hands and feet). But I could also hold it; not just push. Making it more like a sort of force field than a chakra manipulation… thing. Though holding it came at a cost. It depleted my reserves quicker than just pushing and releasing. And my stamina was worse when up against Shino. Why? Because his beetles liked to snack on my chakra.
Returning my eyes to my brother, I ignored Shibi and his patient presence. "So, you think your bugs will be able to eat through Kankuro's chakra strings?" That sounded right, I thought; frowning at the grass as I tried to recall the details of the fight Shino might have during the invasion. Kankuro had been drained of chakra and Shino would've walked away as the winner if he hadn't been poisoned.
"Partially correct", Shino answered; breaking me from my musings. His voice was even as always. Not at all sounding like someone who spent the morning training. "While the Kikachu can consume some foreign chakra, their tolerance is limited".
With birds twittering in the background, I squinted my eyes at Shino. Then why did my chakra become lunch whenever we sparred?
Shino read the question in my expression as Shibi looked on. "Your chakra is more enticing. Why? Because we're family".
As a light breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, Shibi shifted his stance. It was the signal he gave to alert us to his want to speak. "There are genetic properties relating to chakra; reserves and nature. As such, the Aburame clan possesses chakra unique to us. Our nest grows on our chakra and they've evolved to use it as their main source of food. Therefore, Shino's nest can consume more chakra from a family member than from an outsider". Shibi pushed his glasses further up his nose and left his finger pressed against the plastic of his frames. "You would know this, daughter. If you paid attention to the clan's teachings".
Shino adjusted his glasses in agreement as I scowled at the very pointed reminder. Despite keeping to the outskirts. Despite being parasite-free, I wasn't excused from all things clan-related. There were the occasional meetings, lessons about our heritage, showing up when other clan members needed support… paying taxes. Mostly, I was spared. Being genuinely hostile, disinterested, and bugless meant there was little I could contribute to the family name. Though that didn't stop Shino and Shibi from dragging me to as many clan functions as possible when I first joined the family. It became easier to avoid familial obligations when I moved out. As such, I haven't spoken to another Aburame (except for Shino and Shibi) since graduating from the academy.
Shibi stepped back. "Again", he told us. Shino and I sank into offensive and defensive stances respectively. I better get credit for showing up to help Shino after he asked. This had to count for a few clan obligations.
Poison was an issue. One I might be able to warn Shino against. In Shino's fight against Kankuro, he only passed unscathed because Shibi found him afterward and treated the poison. Even if things played out the same, perhaps there was some benefit in giving Shino a heads-up. So, sitting crossed-legged with my back against the fence separating the women's bath from the street, I flipped through the books I could find about puppet masters and poisons from Suna. Given my level of clearance and the fact that this was Konoha, there wasn't much to be found. But I needed something. Something to show Shino that would make any warning sound less omniscient.
"What's this?" Jiraiya taunted; acting the buffoon as he stood in front of me with his arms crossed and chest puffed out. "Not going to challenge me today? Got nothing to say?"
Puppet manipulation was intended for entertainment only. It was much later when Monzaemon Chikamatsu, the creator, researched how puppets could be used in combat.
I turned the page in my book. Jiraiya was easy to ignore when my brain had something to concentrate on. Especially after our exchange on the roof. I didn't want to know why Jiraiya had opinions on my chakra, and what he thought he could gain from having me tag along with him and Naruto. Or, even more distressing, his continued interest in Anzu. Nothing about him made any sense and I was tired of trying to puzzle it together.
Chikamatsu's success led to the creation of the Puppet Brigade. Puppetry became a shinobi art Suna is known for. During the Second Great Shinobi War, the Puppet Brigade was feared for the number of puppets one puppeteer could command and the arsenal of weapons each puppet may possess. The deadliest of their attacks utilized poison.
The natural scent hung heavily in the steam-filled air as the sounds of splashing and giggling acted as ambient noise. Jiraiya slinked closer. "Is that a good book?" His back was to the fence as he peered down at the book lying open in my lap. As long as Jiraiya wasn't trying to peak, I didn't need to do anything. "Do you like to read?" Jiraiya asked when I failed to answer him.
Skimming, I turned to another page. As fascinating as the creation of the Puppet Brigade was, it was poison-specific knowledge I was after. "You know, I'm a published author myself". Feeling impatient, I flipped to the back of the book. Was there an index? That would make this go faster. "I've written best sellers that have touched the hearts of many".
More like the hearts of the depraved, I thought as I returned to my page. The search for an index came up empty. As I continued to read, Jiraiya rattled on about his artistry as a writer. The constant prattling reminded me of a fly buzzing around your ears that just refused to go elsewhere.
Though I knew the moment Jiraiya forgot who his audience was when his voice changed. It went from proud and boastful to dopey and aroused. Signing in annoyance, I slipped a hand into my back pouch. "Describing lush and beautiful women. With hips like this. And a silhouette like that". Jiraiya paired his sentences with hand gestures. Drool dribbled from the corner of his mouth as he turned to face the fence; squatting to find a peephole.
But he didn't get much further. Whatever fantasy was playing out in his mind was cut short when I attempted to stab a senbon into his eye. Unfortunately, his hand caught my wrist before I could make contact. "Ohohoho", Jiraiya started chortling as he used his free hand to wipe away his drool. "So, you were listening".
Muttering offensive things under my breath, I turned away from my book and made eye contact with Jiraiya. Only to come to the startling realization that our faces were uncomfortably close together. "Why are you still here?" I snarled; trying to rip my wrist free. But Jiraiya's grip was too strong. "Naruto usually runs you off by now".
Grip unrelenting, Jiraiya waved his free hand in front of his face. "I gave the pipsqueak the day off. He needed to get his affairs in order before undergoing the ultimate training". Great, I thought as I tugged my arm away from him and Jiraiya tugged it back. Guess that means there will be a giant toad hopping around the village outskirts tomorrow. "Which means you get the great Jiraiya all to yourself. Lucky girl".
I gagged and tried, again, to free my wrist. But the great perve didn't budge. "It's not luck. Cursed would be a better description". Jiraiya's hold didn't waver as he snorted in amusement. In any other circumstance, I would have solidified my chakra and forced him away by now. But training with Shino had tired me out and I was finding it difficult to build chakra at the moment. Try and force it, and I'd probably suffer chakra exhaustion.
"Naruto was looking forward to you training with us. He was disappointed when you never showed up. What have you been doing these last few days?" As Jiraiya talked, he prevented every attempt I made at inserting the senbon somewhere in his person.
I knew he was lying. Naruto ate dinner most nights with Anzu and me. Meaning, if Jiraiya had told Naruto about inviting me for training, Naruto would've talked my ear off about it until I relented for the sole purpose of saving my sanity.
"You know", Jiraiya kept going. "Pushing your chakra like you do isn't going to accomplish much if you don't-"
"Rion" a welcomed and familiar voice interrupted.
Looking away from Jiraiya, I locked eyes with Shino… Or I assumed I did. Sometimes the sunglasses really make it difficult to tell. "Shino", I returned in kind. "Thanks for meeting me. But..." My eyes drifted over the uninvited person who had accompanied Shino. "Why is he here?"
I tried yanking my wrist free again. "Daughter", Shibi greeted. He adjusted his glasses; making the lens glint in a way that told me he wasn't pleased.
"Shibi", I returned as my wrist unexpectedly slipped free. A sideways glance revealed a gaping Jiraiya who seemed to have momentarily lost control of his body. "Why are you here?" I asked; putting the senbon back into my pouch as I stood up. "I only asked Shino to meet me". I took my books with me as I stepped away from the fence and Jiraiya; leaving the great buffoon to sort himself out.
Shibi's eyes weren't on me as he answered. "We have not shared a meal in a while. Therefore, we will have dinner at a restaurant. You may choose".
Now standing in front of Shino and Shibi; ignoring the gawking fool behind me, I glowered. "I've trained with you every day this week. Isn't that enough?" Though I wasn't complaining too loudly. Not when Shibi's plan for family bonding included free food and a way to get away from Jiraiya.
Shibi raised his chin so his mouth was visible over his jacket collar. The corners of his mouth were turned down in warning. But it wasn't directed at me. "A consequence of training frequently is needing more calories. I will assure your body is getting what it needs".
For a long moment, I stared at Shibi as Shino stared at me. Shibi was doing the same. But his gaze remained fixated on the person behind me. As the background sounds of splashing and giggling continued, I thought through my options. Did I want to spend more time playing happy families? No. Did I want to eat free food at Shibi's expense? Yes. Besides, I wasn't getting the impression I had much of a choice. And unfortunately, Shibi was right… about the food thing. Using my chakra as I had been meant burning more energy than usual. To replace it, my body needed to make more ATP. Which meant eating more.
Instead of admitting defeat, I turned towards Shino. "Here". I held out the books for him to take. "This is why I wanted to meet. A lot of puppeteers use poison. So, you better be prepared".
Shino took the books from me. He ran a finger over the titles printed on the covers. We ignored the ongoing staring contest between the two adults present. Once finished, Shino looked up from the books and adjusted his glasses.
"You're welcome", I said in response. "There wasn't much. My level of clearance didn't get me very far". Feeling the relief of having one thing taken off my plate, my shoulders slumped and I rested my hands in my pockets. Now, I just had to make sure Anzu knew the route to the shelters, figure out what I'd be doing during the invasion, stay out of the way of any foreign ninja, keep Jiraiya from terrorizing the bathhouse, and… Could I somehow prep Shikamaru for what's ahead?
"Are you ready for dinner?" Shibi asked.
"Sure", I answered with a shrug as I twisted my neck to peer over my shoulder. "If the old geezer's done being a menace for the day. I guess I could quit early".
Jiraiya was still squatting by the fence; his jaw slack. Though he seemed to come back to himself when Shibi bowed at the waist. "Jiraiya-Sama, will you allow my daughter this respite?" It was overly formal. Even for Shibi. And especially with the added context of his unhappy staring.
"Your daughter?" Jiraiya questioned. As if he couldn't believe his ears.
Shino straightened and aggressively pushed up his glasses as Shino inched closer to the both of us. "Yes", Shibi confirmed; leaving no room for interpretation.
"But that would mean you slept with…" Jiraiya's brain caught up with his mouth as conflict marred his expression. "… her mom".
In any other situation, the stupidity of that statement would have made me mock the idiot who said it. But since that idiot was Jiraiya, I was forced to recall that unplanned conversation on the roof. He had mentioned my mom then too. That paired with his interest in Anzu… I think I'm going to be sick.
As he had done many times before, Shibi placed a hand on top of my head. Except this time, it felt heavier; unyielding. Like a claim. "While I'm remorseful of my choices leading up to Rion's conception, I'm not ashamed of my child". And now I felt sick for an entirely different reason.
There was a hard edge in Shibi's voice. Contrasting to his normal tone which could only be described as monotone. It made me wonder how often Shibi had to say something similar. Shibi's hand fell from my head as decorum dictated that he bow a second time. "Excuse us, Jiraiya-Sama". And Shibi turned away; expecting Shino and I to follow and not caring whether Jiraiya excused us or not.
Unaware and uncaring of what Jiraiya was doing behind me, I tried to exchange looks with Shino. That was different. Shibi was usually the epitome of patience and manners. I mean, he's never once yelled at me and only tried his hand at parenting when he felt I was being too rude. But that whole interaction with Jiraiya felt like Shibi finally reached the end of his tolerance. Something I've been trying to figure out about him for years.
If Shino was having similar thoughts, I couldn't tell from just looking at him. It didn't help that he wasn't returning the look. His focus was on Jiraiya; expression hidden by his sunglasses and collar. And he didn't move until I did; making sure to put himself between me and Jiraiya.
Following Shibi, my hands curled into fists inside my pockets as I scowled at the ground. Whatever this was, it felt unnecessary considering what was head of the village. Not that my male relatives were aware of it… Maybe Shibi was. My talk with Anko hadn't told me much. But that just made this worse! Jiraiya is just a waste of time. Shibi shouldn't… I shouldn't… Sigh. I don't understand Jiraiya's interest. And I don't want to.