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holicanth · 3 years

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Hanging on to Threads

@shinoweek 2021 Prompt 1 - Solitude

Words: 2.7k

Genre: Angst. Horror. Suspense. Crime(?) Implied Shinohina

Warnings: Implied murder.

Author’s Note: This is part 1 of my Shinoweek 2021 series!! The whole series would be 4-5 parts and possibly have each prompt (chapter) released in chronological order.

Summary:

" A shinobi must constantly suppress their emotions, follow a strict set of rules that they decide among themselves, and avoid extraneous conflict. "

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

To his classmates, the grand tales of Konoha's history sounds like a distant, outdated fairytale, but Shino likes to think that there are things to learn from everything.

Tobirama Senjuu was renowned for his pragmatic approach to things, whether it be national or international. A model shinobi whose discipline has shaped the lives of generations after, and Shino revered him greatly.

Shino had thought, that if every shinobi were to follow the the Second's ninja way then surely Konoha would be much stable as a country, and considerably stronger against their rivals. If every ninja had kept their emotions on bay, then surely everyone would resolve conflict peacefully and level-headedly.

Even Shino himself takes pride in his ability to control his emotions. He was sure that nothing in the world could ever shake his roots.

That is, until his own brother was taken from him.

(Shino thinks he can picture the scene. A sunset. A lake. The dry voice of a man. And his brother. A serene yet glutted scenario.)

His father came that day, with a crooked man on his tails.

Unpleasant.

Something spiked in his heart when Shino heard the man demand for him.

His bugs had sensed that his father was just as perplexed.

"He is your son. He must be exceptionally talented."

Shino could've sworn that the man was plotting something behind his back. There was no way that he would've had any use of him. He was just a young boy, barely ten. Shino had thought of a million reasons why he in particular was selected until--

"Why don't you take me instead?"

Torune jumped off the tree and stood in front of Shino.

"I'm the son of Shikuro Aburame, after all."

And soon after, the man had sealed his brother's fate. Torune was to go with him the following morning. Forever.

And there was nothing that Shino could do to persuade him otherwise.

Torune had sacrificed himself. So that Shino could have relationships with others. So that Shino could have a significant bond with his friends. The relationship between the two could be said as distant, but Shino had considered him as a brother, while Torune had thought of himself as a burden.

The morning comes and goes too fast and Shino was unable to stop him from leaving. He spent the whole night thinking, creating a heartfelt speech that would have swayed his brother, making up excuses so that he won't leave. All of that crushed by the thought that he wouldn't be able to come up with a better solution. Shino knew that negotiating with Danzo was going to end up with himself being taken away. A cold morning and a silent goodbye was the only thing Shino had to bear with.

But even after years has passed, nothing about that day made sense for Shino. He didn’t know why, and ultimately he was banned from speaking of that day even with his own family. He had felt, with great intensity, a feeling that he can't quite describe with anything but he word "unpleasant" Was he angry? scared? anxious that he'll be next? All he knew was that his chest tightened every time he thinks about it, an unnamed sense of wary washing over his five senses.

The thought always haunts his mind—the fact that a human being can be forgotten out of existence. To be killed by proxy, as if their life had no meaning in the first place.

Therefore Shino tries to honor his brother. He set a list of rules for himself. Followed it thoroughly. He tries to emulate his brother’s strength. And in the process, make comrades on the way, just like his brother requested.

(The years pace faster than usual. Shino has yet made any meaningful connections outside of his teammates.)

Yet when he's matured his powers enough to protect lives, he found himself falling out of the map all the while. Flimsy friendships with the bare minimal civilities. No one recognized his potential (nor his face) and there was active attempts of isolation from Konoha itself.

Shino was alone yet again.

He's heard the word from his father. That something internal was stirring up inside Konoha, messing the clan hierarchy, opening doors to clan discrimination. He's seen the Uchiha fall bait to it already, what are the odds that his clan wouldn't be next?

(By proxy, Hinata should also be subject to such mistreatment, seeing how The Hyuuga themselves are a noble clan involved in the scuffle. The Konoha elders seem to think otherwise. The Hyuuga are valuable.)

Hostilities or not, Shino knows enough about the Second's manifesto to figure the Uchiha massacre, but this time, all clues fall cold.

There was no talks about the Aburames. What would Konoha do with them, and how they would dispose of them. Outsiders dig up lies from spread rumors, but clansmen know the source of those rumors are none other than those they pay subservience to.

(Shino had thought that his newly found ability should be shared, but his family were in massive disagreement.)

Shino had always been aware of the Aburame's dojutsu. A technique that allows one to link their vision to an insect, granting them the candid ability to spy with the littlest trace of chakra. One so undetectable that the Yamanakas haven't noticed that the pests that ruins their flowers aren't merely parasites.

This dojutsu—The Senrigan—is regarded as superior in range to the Byakugan, which cannot reach intercontinental levels and are visible when activated. You wouldn't notice an Aburame using the Senrigan, what with their dark shades and stoic expression. Even within the clan, the ability is rare. It requires the finest chakra control and level headedness to connect to one bug, and years more to connect to a whole swarm.

The Senrigan requires exceptionally high amounts of concentration and will. A single mistake has Shino bedridden for days with migraine, and it requires Shino to be absolutely still in the process, akin to the Yamanaka's mind transfer jutsu.

Training comes easy to Shino, who has decided that it was his second priority (the first being his brother's promise) to do all his endeavors perfectly. He is diligent, and determined to awaken the Senrigan as soon as possible. Shino is aware that the situation in Konoha is brewing bad news; there is nothing but suspense and disarray in the air

But even after obtaining such power, his problems were still far from finished.

Konoha knows Shibi Aburame as a smart individual. Tactical, cold, and precise.

And Konoha’s intention was clear as day. Leaving Shibi from many clan meetings was downright disrespectful. And having the ANBU on lookout near the Aburame compound was just the beginning of Konoha’s hostility. Shibi has seen the Uchiha massacre, and there was no way he will let the same happen to his family

Therefore just like Torune, Shino was isolated to his house immediately after his Chuunin promotion. Cultivating chakra and beetles, preparing for a battle that might not happen.

(The Aburames were being faced with open discrimination. It was always known that their relationship with Konoha was shaky even before the peace treaty)

And that is where his doubts are all confirmed.

He tested the Senrigan on his friends. Once. Then twice. Then it becomes a routine as he claims that it was all for "practice"

(Shino was foolishly hopeless, but even a fool should stay optimistic and dumb.

He had hoped that the Senrigan failed him. That he heard wrong. That he had tailed the wrong ninja.)

There was no one that noticed him gone, no one that searched for him. Not even his teammates.

Not even the pretentious Naruto

It has been two years since the Chuunin exams. Shino has been missing (protected) since then, and no one bats an eye towards it. No one questions it. Even the Hokage seems eager to wipe the Aburames out of Konoha

Shino knows by heart that the Nara and Yamanaka heads have told their heirs to not speak a word about this. The Inuzuka and the Akimichi would be left out of the discussion completely, while the Hyuuga are given the splendid task of periodical supervising, along with the ANBU.

(Of course, he knows that a civil war is on its way to hit them, but to think that Hinata had not asked about him either! His migraine hurts him just a little more.)

In the next few bedridden days, Shino's thoughts linger to an old friend. One whose face he wouldn't forget, and one who wouldn't forget Shino's name either.

Uchiha Sasuke.

Perhaps he had felt the same loneliness—to live in a village that sees your family name first before your own person

Shino's mind was spiraling, swirling, filled to the brim with outrageous whispers and his fading sense of clarity. How could he have been forgotten just like that? Like he was never an important comrade. Like he never existed in the first place. But at the same time his voice of reason yells at him to shut up. Stop thinking. There is nothing he could do but wait for a decree from the Hokage, or an official statement from the Konoha elders.

But then an equally terrifying thought caught his attention.

What if Konoha had seriously intended to wipe off the Aburames?

To eliminate, and sweep the whole incident under the rug.

Would his father--the clan representative—be able to coax their way back? To assert that the Aburames were still useful?

(He scoffs. Begging Konoha to spare mercy on the Aburames would be such a pitiful sight. He can't imagine his father bowing down to them, nor can he foresee a favorable negotiation for his clan's future. Shino knows better than anyone that Konoha doesn't keep records of the Aburame's achievements. It was going to be a methodical, efficient depletion.)

It was all so horrible. The way his friends leave him out of the picture. The way they rejoiced over Naruto's return. The fact that something wrong was happening and his teammates were either in full acknowledgement or were turning a blind eye.

(He sees the way Team 8 functions without him. Kurenai has become more hands-on and active. She doesn't come to class drunk anymore, and actually teaches the other two justsus. Kiba and Hinata both steadily improve under her lead. And somewhere in his heart, he feels a clawing, steep anger whenever Kiba acts differently around Hinata. The three of them act like a perfect happy family. Perfectly ignorant to the missing participant)

Was it sweat that rolled down his face? Fatigue and stress had burned him down, thrown him off balance and hit him with a reality he wishes he could just sleep off. Every morning comes to slap the brutal truth on his face, and the fact that his father had been more and more cornered by the Konoha elders had him irked.

He holds his breath and recalls the man he loathes. The same one who took his brother.

A daring idea comes to haunt Shino's mind. If Danzo Shimura adores the Aburame's abilities (having appointed many from his family to be his consultants), then perhaps Shino could lobby him into making the situation better for his clan.

But Shino? The boy was barely old enough to wager a significant deal with Danzo.

Unless of course. If he'd exchange his dojutsu for his clan safety.

(To jump into the lion's den.

There was a revengeful, spite-filled excitement that came with it.)

A shinobi must constantly suppress their emotions, follow a strict set of rules that they decide among themselves, and avoid extraneous conflict.

Shino decides this is for the best. He repeats the words endlessly. Sometimes muttering, sometimes coming out only as a sigh. His footsteps are accompanied with his chants, but it stops abrubtly in the middle of the desolate road.

Solemnly he looks upwards. The moon emerged from the clouds as if it were saying goodbye to him. Bathing him in soothing light that calms his nerves. A sight he'd remember.

(And along with that, the moon reflects to him the eyes of a particular girl.

One whose house was just steps away.)

Shino finds himself transfixed. He could stop any moment now, visit a friend, and ask for help from anyone who'd be willing to listen to his problems. Hell, he might even beg Naruto to help him. The brat must've had a shred of empathy left in him.

A string of hope tugged at his heart, trying to assure him that there must be something else that can be done. If he meets Danzo now what would happen to him? What about Torune?

What about his teammates? His friends?

(He leaves that thought adrift, noticing the howling winds and the clank of a familiar wooden cane.)

"Aburame. Explain what business you have prowling around late at night."

Score.

Danzo Shimura emerges with his two bodyguards. A Yamanaka and--

Torune.

Shino had known that Danzo was en route towards the Hyuuga clan. Shino had expected bodyguards to accompany him. Shino had not, however, suspected that one of his entourages would be his brother himself.

Something speaks for itself in the silence that ensues. Bitterness and resolve had taken over Shino, who had turned to look at them with a gait of arrogance. Torune shook his head in disbelief.

"I'll have to assume you're out on an assasination if you don't answer." Danzo sneers, thumping his crane to call attention.

"You lowlives have been hiding something from us, haven't you? Especially you," He points towards Shino.

"The Aburame heir, Shino Aburame."

(Shino analyzed the three in front of him. Whatever words he says, everything will determine how he'll get out of this situation.

Dead or alive)

"Answer him," Torune barks, a choking coil hanging around his throat. "Or you will have to be detained."

(The Yamanaka boy behind them had gestured to his master to use his jutsu, which was promptly denied.)

He took off his hood and grimaced. There was no headband from which the moonlight can reflect itself on. Fists clenched, he was set on negotiating his terms.

"I have no business with the Hyuuga." He says in a practiced tone, "But I have things I need to discuss with you, Danzo Shimura."

Shino made it clear that he will not address him formally.

"You brat. You think you can get away with disrespecting me? You must have a justifiable reason to speak to me like that."

"Speak, runt," He growls "Or it'll be more than your life you'll lose."

Torune flinches at the statement, eyes darting to Shino as if warning him to follow whatever he fucking says. To not fucking disobey Danzo.

Instead Shino finds a rush of tranquility—a childish confidence that doesn't hesitate when he touches the rims of his shades.

"You have an interest in utilizing the Aburames--my clan." His bugs slowly hover around. "And you've made it obvious that our village wants us gone."

(Shino thinks he ordered his bugs to stay. But apparently they respond to the thrumming of his heart instead of his mind.)

"You are afraid of us. You want us under fear and control so that you may use our members as fodder."

His bugs have started buzzing loudly.

"You want to steal the Aburame's secret technique for your own benefit," Shino throws his glasses "And you want to sacrifice our clan for the sake of this lousy, corrupted village."

Despite the moon hiding in the clouds from him, Shino can still see. Even in the darkness. Even when he has shut his eyes. He knows that Torune is panicking. He knows that Yamanaka ninja was pulling out his tantō. He knows that Danzo was unfazed, even though he has begun tapping his finger rather impatiently.

"I've come to offer you a deal, Danzo Shimura," Shino speaks defiantly, "In exchange for the Aburame's secret technique you will oath to protect our clan. This oath shall be a blood contract, and my bugs will bear witness to it shall you ever betray your words."

Shino finally opens his eye. Two green orbs pierce the darkness, suspense filling the air around the compound. His bugs have formed a sort of mist around him, buzzing quietly in his honor.

"I will become your eyes, ears, and guardian until the day you die. That is my offer to you, Danzo Shimura."

(Shino laces his words with deceit. Something he hopes can fool the man into dismissing it as a child's foolish speech.)

A growing laugh bursts from the man. His normally astute image shattered into a cocky countenance. He walks towards Shino, smirk evident in his eyes.

"You Aburames always have the best deals." He replies, zealously.

"I'm more than glad to have you cooperate with me. Come."

Danzo walks past him, a trail of bugs following his feet.

The sight unfolding before Torune could be described as his worst nightmare—the green eyes, the bug manipulation, Danzo and Shino's involvement...

But he looked down, and followed his master instead.

The Senrigan was at full bloom.

There was no way Shino could go back to his previous life.

#Shinoweek #shinoweek2021 #Shino Aburame #Shino #Aburame headcanons #Aburame meta #Naruto headcanons #Naruto meta #Naruto #It's my first time writing and posting fanfiction!! i hope yall like it :D #english isnt my native language #sorry for the weird grammar i guess #shinohina #team 8 #shinoweek 2021

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