NARUTO: Starting with Hinata

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"Treat them as they treat you. It's a simple principle." Shiki said.

Neji pondered this advice, his expression becoming resolute as he found his answer.

"Are you really only six years old?" Neji asked, glancing at Shiki as he picked out a small rabbit from a vendor.

"Of course." Shiki replied with a grin, "I'll take this one." He told the vendor, holding up the little white rabbit.

"Why buy a rabbit?" Neji asked, "Are you planning to eat it?"

"Yep." Shiki replied casually, "Could you immobilize it with your Gentle Fist?"

He planned to test the Nine-Leaf Vitality Grass's healing properties on the rabbit. He initially considered doing it himself, but a Gentle Fist strike would minimize blood.

"...?"

Neji eyed him warily, wondering about Shiki's unusual request.

"It's for practicing medical ninjutsu." Shiki explained with a ready excuse.

"Got it." Neji complied, giving the rabbit a soft strike, causing it to faint.

"Thanks." Shiki said, "I'll take you to our secret base."

Neji's curiosity piqued. Shiki's actions always seemed full of mystery, and he anticipated this "base" would be equally intriguing.

When they arrived, however, Neji was surprised. It was simply a wooden hut.

Shiki glanced at a nearby training area. Sasuke hadn't shown up today—he was likely mulling over Shiki's recent advice.

Returning his focus, Shiki entered the cabin, where the fainted rabbit had begun stirring weakly. He tore off a leaf from the Nine-Leaf Vitality Grass and held it to the rabbit's mouth. It instinctively nibbled on it.

Moments later, a remarkable transformation took place. The rabbit regained vitality and began moving around, its injuries healed.

"Perfect." Shiki nodded, satisfied with the results.

Then, a new thought crossed his mind: he needed to test this on different body types.

"Neji."

Shiki looked at Neji, who was practicing in the courtyard, and asked, "Want to have an exciting duel?"

"That's not necessary."

Neji sensed Shiki's mischievous intent and was wary.

Besides, there's no point in fighting if the result is inevitable defeat. Why go through unnecessary pain?

"All right."

Shiki felt a bit disappointed.

It seems the opportunity to test the effects of the Nine-Leaf Vitality Grass would have to wait until Uchiha Sasuke.

For the first time, he actually hoped that Sasuke would pick a fight with him.

"Can you handle spicy food?"

Shiki asked again.

"I can."

Neji nodded.

Shiki turned around and picked up the little white rabbit that had just been revived.

Looks like it'll be spicy rabbit tonight.

Without Hinata, the portion should be perfect for the two of them—they might even struggle to finish it.

Half an hour later, Neji walked into the cabin, already catching the mouth-watering aroma.

"Spicy Rabbit."

Shiki handed him a pair of chopsticks.

Neji looked at the dish, overflowing with bright red peppers, and fell silent.

When he said he can eat spicy food, he didn't mean *this* spicy.

He hesitantly picked up a piece of rabbit meat, and as he put it in his mouth, his face muscles twitched instantly.

"How is it?"

Shiki asked casually.

"It's… it's fine."

Neji said, his face turning red.

After saying that, he quickly took two big mouthfuls of rice to cool down.

Shiki blinked, genuinely not expecting that reaction.

After dinner, they hadn't eaten much of the dish itself but had finished several bowls of rice.

Neji wiped the sweat from his forehead and sat back, questioning his life choices.

Especially since Shiki seemed unaffected.

How does this guy's stomach work?

He thought about Hinata. Now that she wasn't hiding it, he knew she had a big appetite too.

These two are strange when it comes to food.

"Regarding soul-related ninjutsu, what plans do you have?"

Neji took a sip of water and asked.

"Ino, for now."

Shiki replied while clearing the table.

"Is she up to it?"

Neji frowned, recalling Shiki's usual confidence in his own abilities.

"Your standards are too high." Shiki said, pausing, "Besides, we still have plenty of time."

"I'll keep an eye on it."

Neji nodded.

Shiki didn't argue; finding someone suitable wasn't easy.

"See you tomorrow."

After Shiki finished washing the dishes, he bid Neji goodnight and returned to the Senju's old house.

The real training in medical ninjutsu was only just beginning.

---

The Aburame Clan.

With a loud bang, a deep crater formed in the ground.

Shiki caught Shino's shoulder just in time and stepped back, dodging the explosion's aftermath.

In the pit, the parasites had vanished.

"A pity. We were so close."

Shino sighed.

"Failure is just part of life." Shiki said nonchalantly.

Shino paused, slightly surprised.

Where did he learn all these motivational lines?

But somehow, they were comforting.

"Take a break."

Shiki then asked, "Does our clan have any business in the Fire Nation's metropolis?"

Thinking it over, he realized he had been overlooking something. Not every clan member becomes a ninja; many run businesses to support the family.

Rather than screening customers himself, he could ask them for help.

"Yes." Shino nodded, "I believe Uncle Kyohei works in the Fire Nation's metropolis."

"What's his business?"

Shiki tried to remember but couldn't recall.

"Something to do with pest control." Shino thought out loud.

Pest control?

This was perfect. If you can control insects, it only makes sense you'd know how to eliminate them too.

Shiki suddenly had an idea.

Why are Aburame members even ninjas? They'd make fantastic farmers, ensuring great harvests and steady income.

"Do you know the exact address?"

Shiki asked, "I'm going to the metropolis tomorrow; I can stop by."

"You'll need to ask Dad for that."

Shino shook his head.

"Got it."

Shiki glanced at the crater; the intense aura had faded, "Let's resume the experiment."

---

The night grew deeper.

"What are you two doing?"

As soon as Shibi came home, he heard the loud noise and rushed over, alarmed by the deep craters everywhere.

"Are you two trying to tear down the house?"

"Just training." Shiki replied, glancing at Shino.

With the experiment a failure, there was no point in sharing it for now.

When it succeeds, it can be a surprise.

Seeing this, Shino nodded.

"Dad, can I ask you something?"

After getting the details about Kyohei from his father, Shiki left the Aburame compound.

---

A new day, Saturday.

Early in the morning, Shiki spotted Tsunade full of energy.

Usually, after waking up, she'd laze around until food was served. Only gambling and drinking truly energized her.

"Kid, fetch my coat from the sofa."

Tsunade walked to the door, bending down slightly and steadying herself against the wall as she slipped on her shoes.

From behind, Shiki could see her graceful back and her figure in perfect outline.

It must feel…

Shiki cleared his throat and handed her the coat.

Tsunade tossed it on, and as her hands flicked, the character for "gamble" on the back flapped.

With the right music, this could be a scene straight out of *God of Gamblers*.

Though maybe not, considering Tsunade's record at gambling was far from godly.

"We're ready to go whenever you are, Lady Tsunade."