Start From Naruto: Shino the Dominator

The morning sun cast its golden rays over the towering walls of Konoha, enveloping the bustling village in a warm embrace.

Silhouetted against the shadows of the Hokage building, Shibi Aburame, his father with his trademark sunglasses and Aburame outfit, waited with an air of quiet confidence.

"Shino, I'm glad you made it," Shibi greeted his son, a rare warmth glimmering in his usually reserved eyes. "I have a mission of... utmost importance. Since you've attracted that man's interest, its best for you to avoid the wind for a bit."

A knowing glint shimmered in Shino's eyes as he nodded, not too surprised. "What kind of mission, father?"

Shibi motioned for Shino to follow him. "I will explain everything on the way. But first, we must report to Hokage-sama and request a leave of absence."

Together, father and son ascended the stairs, their footsteps as silent as their mouths.

When they entered the mission brief room, they coincidentally intruded on an intriguing event.

Shikamaru Nara, the lazy genius, stood before Tsunade, surrounded by the Chunin exam proctors. The room buzzed with ceremonial mood, for it seemed that Shikamaru was about to be promoted to Chunin.

Shikamaru's eyes widened when he spotted Shino and Shibi. "Oh, Shino! You're here? I almost for- And I thought you would find it too troublesome to come."

Shino wore a neutral expression, his voice laced with no emotion. "Mission."

"Mission? What a drag," Shikamaru scratched his head, perplexed. "But shouldn't you be here with me? I mean, you've also been recommended. Oh, is it after?"

Shino's gaze shifted to the ground, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's not about becoming a Chunin, Shikamaru, because…"

No verbal conclusion was necessary, for the essence of his statement lingered in the air, and within the depths of his mind, Shino believed Shikamaru could effortlessly unraveled the unspoken truth concealed within his words.

"Not Chunin?" Shikamaru's brows furrowed, his analytical mind working overtime. "I see…what a drag... Well, good luck with your mission, Shino. I know you'll do great."

Hearing the exchange between the two, Tsunade's eyes sharpened.

"It seems there is something I was not informed about." Tsunade demanded, her voice sharp as a kunai. "Shizune!"

"Hai, Tsunade-sama," Shizune hurriedly sifted through a stack of documents, "Shino Aburame, participated in the previous Chunin exam, proceeded to the final round and performed outstandingly, displaying abilities beyond a genin, Sandaime praised his unique variant of insects that was suitable for a special task force, and his voluntary contribution to the village was praiseworthy…"

Shizune's gaze traversed the document once more, her eyes tracing every line, searching for special notes, until a subtle shake of her head betrayed the results. "But there is no mention of his promotion, Tsunade-sama. No one should have passed this time, so maybe there is no mistake?"

Just as the words left Shizune's lips, Tsunade slammed her fist on the table- Bam!

Her emerald eyes burned with a mix of anger and frustration, seemingly not believing this to be the case. "What is going on here?"

The startled Chunin exam proctors exchanged glances in confusion.

Behind Tsunade, Kotetsu and Isuzo shuffled nervously, exchanging glances. One of them stepped forward, hesitantly whispering into Tsunade's ear...

The news struck her like a lightning bolt, her anger fading into a mix of disbelief and regret.

In the end, she leaked a sigh. "I knew it. Those old farts... They've messed with things in the background again. Unfortunately, it's not my place to have any opinion on the matter right now. Tch."

"Ah, what a drag… the old man guessed it right after all," Amidst a mumbled utterance slipping through Shikamaru's lips, he deftly retreated, fading into the shadows as he sought to diminish his very presence.

Shino was his friend, but with his mere chunin status, he was powerless to intervene in this particular affair… it's definitely not because he found it troublesome.

Well, things are only troublesome when he hears about them, and he certainly didn't hear anything!

Shino and Shibi exchanged silent glances.

Tsunade rose from her seat, her frustration evident on her face.

She took a deep breath, regaining her composure before addressing Shino directly. "Shino... right? Do not take this to heart. Originally, no one should pass this time around, and Shikamaru is an exception. Likewise, your skills and contribution have been recognized. It's unfortunate because the advisors rejected the proposal. They believe that you still need a year or two more of… tempering."

Shino met Tsunade's gaze, internally contemplating the possibility that the newly appointed Hokage's outward demeanor might be a facade.

After all, if this renowned Sannin was truly angry, the table would find itself swiftly requiring a replacement...

Despite her 'angry' smash, the table was clearly still fine. Well, seems like she wasn't a big cow with no brain that smashes everything like Hulk.

Of course, Shino's stoic demeanor didn't betray his disrespectful thoughts. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama. I am willing to wait because-"

"Good! There's no need to say more! It's enough to know you have an open mind," Tsunade slammed her hands on the table, her face solemn, "It's unfortunate, but let me assure you, once Konoha is stabilized, issues like this won't occur again. I'm willing to bet on-"

"Tsunade-sama!" In an abrupt crescendo of tension, Shizune interrupted Tsunade, fearing the results of her formidable 'betting power'.

Tsunade's lips perked, mumbling to herself, "It's not like a little bet will hurt anyone..."

"Tsu. Na. De. Sama!"

"Okay. Okay. Ahem," Tsunade cleared her throat, a hint of pride shining through her disgruntlement. "Let's see, where were we... Oh, I heard you came for a mission? Shibi?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama, I humbly request a leave of absence for both Shino and myself." Shibi's voice carried a hushed intensity, his words laced with hidden implications, "We have an urgent mission... it's personal matters and I cannot reveal too much regarding its content."

Tsunade's piercing gaze fixed upon Shibi, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Shibi, what kind of mission necessitates such secrecy? And what personal issues are you referring to?"

Shibi hesitated for a moment before letting slip a little detail. "It has to do with the previous Hokage."

"Sandaime?" Tsunade arched a brow.

"No." Shibi adjusted his glasses, "Yondaime."

A thick shroud of silence descended upon the room, intertwining with the exchanged glances of the collectively bewildered occupants.

Realizing the magnitude of the mission, Tsunade's features contorted with a mixture of surprise and consternation, "Is this mission crucial? And you are taking your son along?"

"No, it's just checking on something, a small personal favor from years ago before Yondaime-" Shibi shook his head, his face betraying a hint of disappointment, "As for Shino..."

He placed a hand on Shino's shoulder, donning a solemn face once more. "The one living in the darkness has set his sights on Shino recently. I believe it would be best if I took him out for some special training."

Tsunade's authoritative eyes scrutinized Shibi, her brows furrowing in thought. Alas, she knew that unless they were willing, it would be difficult to pry secrets from the Aburame clan.

"Shibi, the safety of the village is paramount, and I will trust your judgment in this matter." Tsunade finally declared, "I will use my personal authority to grant you the leave of absence. Shino will be assigned a special task to accompany you. As for the other matters, I will handle them. Shizune."

Receiving Tsunade's single cryptic call, an unspoken language of profound understanding passed between the two, triggering a flurry of swiftly scribbled notes by Shizune.

A flicker of relief danced in Shibi's eyes, and he bowed respectfully to the Hokage. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama. Your understanding and support mean more than I can express."

Seeing the father-son duo mirroring each other in respecting her, Tsunade waved her hand to dismiss them, "Dispense the formalities. Go. I wish you two a smooth journey."

With Tsunade's blessing, Shino and Shibi turned to leave the room, their purpose renewed.

While the air crackled with intrigue, Shikamaru stood in the corner with a dull eyes… ah, what a drag. When can he leave?

Meanwhile, Shino and Shibi descended towards the entrance of the Hokage building, ready to embark on their mission.

"Shino, you have always been capable of great things. Remember, titles do not define you; your actions do."

Shino turned to his father, nodding with determination etched on his face. However, it was unknown what emotions were truly hidden under his facade.

"Let's go home, greet your mother and pack some supplies. Also, notify your companions, lest they worry."

It wasn't long before the father and son converged at the village's entrance, one burdened by the weight of a formidable gourd, the other a cryptic box.

With a shared glance laden with secrets yet untold, their journey commenced, propelling them through the dense foliage of the forest in a dance of swift shadows.

When the ethereal glow of twilight finally cast a dusky aura upon the forest, Shino finally couldn't hold back his curiosity, "Father, can you tell me where we are headed to now?"

Landing on a tree branch, Shibi's gaze swept across the scene, his bugs dispersing. Shino followed suit.

After affirming there were no eavesdroppers, Shibi finally uttered, "The Land of Wind..."

With an air of ambiguity shrouding his pause, Shibi's eyes held a glimmer of hidden knowledge as he whispered the name, "Loran."