Start From Naruto: Shino the Dominator

Jiraiya's years of experience as an intelligence officer had honed his instincts, and he opted to dig into the mystery surrounding Shino Aburame. He had to determine if Kashira's warning was simply a mistake or...

He sidled up to Kurenai, aiming to extract some information from the jonin. "Kurenai, I must admit that I find the Aburame boy's abilities quite fascinating. Shino, was that his name? The way he controls those bugs, it's unlike anything I've ever seen. But he's still hiding a lot of cards isn't he?"

As a genjutsu master, Kurenai had a deep understanding of the art of deception, but it would be inevitable to leak some small clues when facing a legendary sannin alone.

The original Kurenai might really have done so unknowingly, but this was no longer the original Kurenai. It was Kurenai of the Hive!

With Karina guiding her every move through the zerg network and silently managing the disclosed intel in the background, Kurenai maintained a calm facade with zero errors, carefully deflecting Jiraiya's prying interest in Shino with measured responses.

"Hmm, Shino? Indeed, he does like keeping his thoughts hidden behind a veil, but this is nothing special. How to say it? Reserved and introspective. It runs in their genes."

"Haha, I see, I can see that." Jiraiya's curiosity heightened at Kurenai's words, steering the topic to what he was interested in.

"So, what can you reveal about his insects? Their behavior, their capabilities... anything that may shed light on their true nature. I'm interested in the ways his insects work, especially the one which is every men's dream- ahem- I mean, I'm interested in its applications on intelligence gathering."

Kurenai's eyes flickered for a moment, her mind dancing with thoughts of deception before painting a picture that would capture Jiraiya's imagination without exposing too much secrets.

"I'm sure Jiraiya-sama should know about the Aburame clan's insects. Raised with their own chakra, an extension of their will. Their abilities are multifaceted, adapting to different situations, aiding them in various ways. Shino's bugs aren't much different. He just enjoys finding interesting applications for them. The camouflage bugs are just one of his favorite, which allows him to hide his main body even from the eyes of jonin."

Sensing an elusive quality to Kurenai's words, Jiraiya's interest deepened, and he pressed further. "Oh? And how does Shino control them? Is his main body hidden nearby? But from what I heard... he could control them regardless of distance. Is it through some sort of chakra manipulation or a unique bloodline?"

Kurenai met Jiraiya's gaze with a serene smile, "The method of control is a closely guarded secret, known only to those within the Aburame clan. I'm afraid I cannot divulge the specifics, for it would be a breach of trust."

Jiraiya's brows furrowed, his desire for knowledge battling against the walls Kurenai had erected.

He leaned in, lowering his voice as if wanting to share a forbidden secret. "Kurenai, surely you understand the importance of sharing information with the right people. I can assure you, my intentions are purely for the betterment of our village. The hidden network I possess could help us protect our loved ones. Shino's abilities could be an important asset."

Knowing there might not be an end to this, Kurenai maintained an unyielding expression, redirecting the conversation under Karina's guidance.

"Jiraiya-sama, I understand your concerns, but no clan wants their safeguarded secrets to be leaked out. It is not my place to expose them without their consent. Shino's loyalty to his clan and his village is unwavering, and we must respect that. I can personally guarantee it."

Jiraiya's gaze held a mixture of frustration and admiration for Kurenai's unwavering stance. He understood the depth of her loyalty, the unyielding commitment to not overstep her boundaries.

With a resigned sigh, he conceded to her resolve and changed the direction of his approach. "Very well, Kurenai. I respect your decision, even if it leaves me wanting... But if you discover… issues, please report to the village. I don't doubt your loyalty, and I don't doubt the loyalty of your student, but the Aburame clan…"

Kurenai's arched eyebrow, "Jiraiya-sama, did something happen?"

Donning a solemn expression, Jiraiya's vigilant gaze swept the surroundings like a predator assessing its territory, before speaking out. "The village has received a complaint against the Aburame clan, regarding a recent theft of corpses in many ninja villages. Those old things are already putting their suspicion on the Aburame clan, but the Aburame clan are also ambiguous, refusing to disclose their secrets..."

Kurenai's face had a slight frown.

Honestly, her careful dance with words had aimed to reduce Shino's suspicion in Jiraiya's mind, but they didn't expect the problem to be with the Aburame clan.

Kurenai solemnly nodded, her eyes flicking over to Shino, as if waiting for a command. It wasn't long before she responded.

"No problem, Jiraiya-sama. I'll keep a lookout, but I won't let my student become a pawn in their political games."

Understanding Kurenai's meaning, a weary sigh echoed in Jiraiya's heart. But he can't blame a good teacher wanting to protect her student.

Knowing there won't be progress, the experienced man didn't waste time.

Reluctantly nodding, he beckoned Naruto forward, his mind already plotting his own intel gathering journey that lay ahead. "Naruto, let's go. We don't have all day. I still need to send you to the hospital. Seriously, so much time wasted and it could have been used for other activities."

Naruto's arms crossed defiantly, his gaze fixated on Jiraiya with an expression of suspicion, as if he were a young warrior gauging the reliability of his mentor. "Ah! You just want to go peeking again, don't you, ero-sennin!"

"Ack- Shut up," Jiraiya stumbled as if struck by a critical blow, quickly stabilizing himself and glaring at Naruto, "How many times did I tell you, it's for gathering information and inspiration! Inspiration!"

Crossing his hands behind his forehead, Naruto clearly wore skepticism on his face and scoffed, "Yea, yea, gathering information. Dattebayo."

To deal with the honest kid, Jiraiya could only honestly take extreme measures.

Rushing up to Naruto, Jiraiya picked him up like a sand bag, and hastily walked away, "Naruto! Let's go! If you don't recover, don't expect to learn the new ultimate technique from me!"

"Ah! Wait ero-sennin! Lightly, lighter, I have an injury you know!" Naruto's bundled form squirmed on Jiraiya's back, his movements defying convention as he wormed his way backwards, just to wave farewell. "See you, Kiba, Hinata. When I recover, I will definitely show you my new technique, dattebayo! Oi! Sakura-chan, let's go!"

Sakura bid them a polite farewell, before she trailed behind the duo, her steps laden with a lingering melancholy and a sense of unfolding realization regarding her own uselessness.

Seeing the vulnerable Sakura, Shino's schemes were churning in his mind as usual, "Hm? Sakura should seek out Tsunade soon. Perhaps this can be used? But… is it worth it to go after the love-brain renowned for her uselessness?"

The sun cast long shadows across the Konoha gates when Team 8 disbanded, their recent mission still fresh in their minds.

Shino's gaze shifted imperceptibly towards Kurenai, their eyes locking for a moment in mutual understanding before he turned to walk away.

Watching her students leaving, Kurenai silently stood in place.

She knew it was time for her to report the mission's outcome as their leader and complete her first mission for the hive.