Start From Naruto: Shino the Dominator

Underground Main Base.

Shino reclined on his comfy bed, enjoying the moment of triumph while watching the holographic projection of Kiba's distressed face.

A sly smile couldn't help but be roused on his face when he heard his teammate's complaints.

"Of course I bugged him," Shino openly admitted, yet a hint of amusement colored his voice. "But he'll have to wait a while if he wants to be saved because... we are experiencing interruption in the signal and can't locate him yet. Heh."

Oh, this was only a small punishment.

Laying in Shino's arm, Karina's fingers danced lazily on Shino's chest, suggesting in a voice dripping with playful venom, "Every dog has its dog days. Why bother saving the dog? He deserves a taste of his own medicine."

"Karina, as much as I'd like to agree with you..." Shino shook his head, his expression growing more serious. "It's not the right time yet. If Kiba goes missing, it will draw attention from the Inuzuka clan, and in turn, Konoha, which can potentially expose my next plan."

Hearing this, Karina grumbled, "Ha... next plan, isn't it just expanding your harem?"

"Ah, that's just one part of it, not all," Shino leaned in closer, having a taste of the vinegar, "Speaking of this, how is the progress of Kurenai's assimilation?"

Karina rolled her eyes, but still diligently pulled up the 3D model of the experimental subject.

"To reduce the risk of destroying her mind, it's slower than expected, but the experiment should be completed within a couple of days. Unlike us in the first echelon, her assimilation won't undergo a full optimization to transform into a zerg lifeform. Until she undergoes our experimental rebirth program, she won't have an immortal zerg body. Due to time constraints, this is temporarily placed on hold."

"In the meantime, she will retain her current physical body. My dear can decide which stage of her life to lock her in. Of course, it can even be now because I'm sure her current mature form will certainly satisfy you, my dear."

Absorbing the breakdown, Shino's lips curled into a wry smile. The notion of instant gratification held a certain allure, yet a promise of greater pleasure and benefits is waiting to be realized.

"No matter. I shall wait patiently for her completed zerg form. Instead, what I'm worried about is something else."

Concern flickered across Shino's features as he dug deeper into the details. "Is there a risk of loss of control? Will Kurenai pose a threat?"

With eyes gleaming with a wicked glint, Karina assured him, "Rest assured, my dear. Genetic locks had been installed within key nodes of her body as prevention. Without our permission, she can't rebel, leak intel, or even commit suicide. If by any chance those gene locks fail, know that your essence had already assimilated her soul, binding it to the hive. While she doesn't possess a complete zerg physique, her assimilated soul will forever remain loyal to the hive. She will always seek to benefit the hive and obey all of your commands."

Well, if she says so, then his mind was at ease. As long as Kurenai wouldn't become a liability to his plans, he didn't mind letting her go free for a while.

But soon, the pieces of their puzzle will fall into place, resulting in a picture of dominance and control.

Laying there and embracing the darkness in his hidden stronghold, Shino's mind raced with the secrets he held close, his ambition burning brighter than ever.

The stage was set, and soon, the shadows would give birth to a new era - one where the hive reigned supreme and their enemies trembled in fear!

Oops- He turned on chuuni mode again. It's best to keep this mode off because it was the idealistic mode third-rate villain has, one of the reasons which contributed to their downfall.

Now, with chuuni mode off, Shino knew... he still had long ways to go, especially with the extra trouble and distractions by his side...

Shino watched Karina's fingers lazily walk downwards, a playful smile worn on her face as she posed a question that seemed innocuous yet carried an air of ambiguity. "My dear, are you excited by the thought of learning from your teacher?"

Shino's eyes narrowed slightly, captivated by the ambiguity of her silky voice. He knew there was more to her words than met the eye, an underlying meaning hidden beneath the surface.

Shino's deep gaze pierced into Karina's eyes. It didn't take a genius to figure out his thoughts on this matter.

Not getting the answer she wanted, Karina's fingers continued to urge for a response.

Up and down, her every motion heated up the ambiguous atmosphere between them, but their moment was shattered abruptly when a notification disrupted their connection.

Hearing the muffled knocks on the door, where the other part of his consciousness resides, Shino knew there were other matters that demanded his attention.

Karina's hand motions came to a halt and she giggled softly, "It seems someone seeks my dear's attention. Ha... time to get busy."

With her upturned eyes never leaving his intense stare, her body slithered downwards... until her lips hovered besides the tea brewer.

With a voice dripping with a coquettish charm, she prepared to serve the guest, "Ha... my dear, why don't you go answer the door, while I... prepare a cup of tea?"

Shino watched her lips get closer and closer...

"Oh... Very good..." Since her mouth has such good persuasive skills, Shino complied to her demands, "I shall attend to our visitor while you work your magic with the tea, my enchanting little goblin."

While he kept tabs on the charming presence brewing tea, his consciousness rose and transferred over to greet the guest.

On the other side in the hotel room...

Shino's clone snapped out of his daze. Floating off the bed, he settled back onto the ground and made his way to the door.

Opening the door, a familiar figure stood before him - Hinata.

"Good evening, Shino-kun," Hinata greeted, before bowing her head, her fingers poking together, "Ano.... I've been thinking about it all day. We couldn't find any trace of Kiba-kun all day. Should we send a message to the village for help?"

Shino's expression remained stoic, soothing her in a calm tone, "Hinata, there's no need to worry so much."

"But! Shino-kun!" Hinata looked up with a firm expression, pressing him for an explanation. "I'm really worried. I have a bad feeling... I think we really should... just in case..."

Oh, it seems this was the extent of the delay his calming presence alone can earn. Well, no matter. There were still tricks up his sleeve.

"Hinata, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

"Um?" Hinata stared at him with innocent eyes.

With a calm face, Shino unveiled a part of the hidden truth, "I'm not sure if you noticed, but Kurenai-sensei has been observing us in secret. When we separated, she followed Kiba. So, there is nothing to worry about. There's a possibility that she gave him another task to complete."

"Ah! Kurenai sensei!" Hinata's eyes widened, looking around before breathing a sigh of relief, "Um, if that's the case, then Kiba should be fine."

Seeing the glimmer of relief in Hinata's eyes, Shino still acted out the full script to leave himself some leeway, "Of course, even if Kurenai sensei is here. We need to prepare for any situation. If neither of them appears within the next couple of days, then we can report to the village. If Kurenai-sensei is unable to handle the situation, there may be little we can do."

"Mm. Mm." Hinata nodded, her worries melting away and replaced by an innocent smile, "If Kurenai sensei is here, then everything will be fine."

Shino nodded, "If there is nothing else, rest early. Don't forget our mission. We still have a long day ahead tomorrow."

"Ah! Mm." Hinata bowed her head, poking her fingers together, "T-Then, Shino-kun, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

After watching the innocent Hinata return to her room next door, Shino shut off the world outside.

Returning to the bed, Shino left the clone in lotus position and his consciousness re-merged with his main body.

Back in the underground base's bedroom...

Deep in thought, Shino's eyes burned with a hidden fire as he contemplated the mission at hand.

Meanwhile, Karina savored the tea she had meticulously brewed, her throat visibly gulping down the oh-so-delicious tea.

Shino felt the deep significance of her every sip, enjoying every moment of the tea session, yet his mind still couldn't help but wander...

Ah... Just a couple more days. Then, another fresh teabag will become his.