Start From Naruto: Shino the Dominator

The midday sun bathed Oujisama City in a warm golden glow.

Shino, Hinata, and Kiba stood at the grand entrance, their eyes wide with awe. They took in the bustling streets and ornate buildings that surrounded them, a testament to the prosperity and grandeur of the Land of Fire.

Making their way through the crowded streets, the trio couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. This was a place where power and privilege resided, and as small-time ninjas, they felt out of place.

They had been summoned to meet the commissioner of the mission, a noble from the capital, but...

They found themselves standing before a grand mansion, guarded by stoic attendants in formal attire. The noble? Nowhere in sight.

Instead, one of the attendants approached them, his voice tinged with politeness but also a hint of condescension. "Welcome to Oujisama City. I am the attendant of the noble whom has requested your presence. Please follow me."

Without giving them the chance to refute, the attendant led them through the sprawling mansion.

Looking at the lavish halls adorned with fine art and vases, Kiba couldn't help but whisper, "Yo, even Hinata's clan isn't so fancy... I bet a vase here is probably worth more than our mission's pay, right Akamaru?"

"Arf."

Soon, they entered a study, where the noble's presence was symbolized by a large portrait that hung prominently on the wall. The attendant gestured for them to take a seat, and they obliged.

"I apologize for the absence of the noble," the attendant began. "He is preoccupied with... matters of state. However, he has entrusted me to convey his wishes and provide you with the necessary information for your mission."

Hinata politely bowed, displaying the exemplary manners learned in the Hyuga clan's training. "We appreciate your assistance. Could you please enlighten us about the nature of the mission and the recent serial murders?"

The attendant nodded, his gaze fixed on Hinata. "Certainly. We have been plagued by a series of gruesome murders in Oujisama City. The victims all share a common trait – they were members under... the city's elite, the influential figures that shape the fate of this very nation. It is imperative that we put an end to these heinous acts and restore a sense of security to the city."

Hinata's white eyes innocently quivered. "Members of the elites of society? Why would someone target them specifically?"

The attendant bowed his head, obscuring his countenance, "That is precisely what we hope you can uncover."

At this moment, Kiba butted in, "Got any leads? At least some clues for us to work with?"

The attendant dug through the scrolls on the desk, spreading one of them onto the table, "Through many sacrifices, we have compiled a list of the murder sites for your investigation. We have reason to believe the murderer has to do with a mysterious new… group. Their area of activity has been marked on the map. You are to gather any information you can and report back to us when the problem is solved. It would be ideal if you could solve the case within a week."

Kiba looked at the map, immediately sniffing something wrong. "Yo? Why are all the murder sites concentrated in this outer area of the city? Shouldn't the elites be in the inner area?"

The attendant's face tightened, a shadow of discomfort crossing his features. "That... the members under the elites perform their respectable jobs and missions there."

"Yo, so they were murdered when they went to work? What a strange place to start." Kiba grinned, staring at the attendant, trying to see through his shenanigans.

The attendant stared back, a neutral smile on his face. "Yes. And a fair warning. It's best to not dig too deeply into the inner workings of their jobs. Some nobles wouldn't be too happy if you learn their… confidential hobbies. It's best to focus on solving the problem, the murderers."

Kiba and Hinata silently exchanged glances, clearly noticing something suspicious. However, Kurenai sensei had taught them not to be nosy.

Meanwhile, Shino stood silently in the background, adjusting his glasses that were glinting with interest, his mind already connecting the clues. Well, this mission was interesting, very interesting...

With the briefing concluded, the attendant handed them the list of murder sites and bid them farewell, his parting words carrying a hint of urgency. "Please, bring an end to this darkness. The future of Oujisama City rests in your hands."

...

"Yo, I understand we are a team meant for tracking, but really, why do we always end up with search and destroy missions like these?" Kiba grumbled as he led the way forward, checking the map from time to time.

Hinata poked her fingers together, replying in a soft voice, "Kiba-kun, it's what we are good at..."

"Yeah, I know, I know, but... serial killers. I thought we could go wild for once, but now we're told to go play X marks the spot. What a disappointment, right Akamaru?" "Arf!"

"Ano..." Hinata's eyes scanned the area, suddenly asking in a weak voice, "Kiba-kun, are we going the wrong way?"

"Huh?" Kiba looked down at the map, shaking his head, "No, this is the right way. What's wrong, Hinata?"

"Nothing..."

Seeing Hinata fall silent, Kiba vigilantly looked at Akamaru. "Arf? Arf?"

"Smell?" Kiba sniffed the air, "Well, the air quality is indeed a bit bad..."

Kiba eyed Shino. Seeing his composed companion, he then uttered with some bravado, "Don't worry Hinata, it's just a bad smell. It'll go away."

Alas, he spoke too early.

Following the winding streets, their steps soon became slower and more cautious. It wasn't long until they realized that the marked area on the map led them... straight into the slums.

No matter which world, and no matter how prosperous a country may seem, the slums seem to exist. Even Konoha was no exception, let alone its mortal counterpart.

Many details were left not depicted in the anime, and this was a good thing because... the hidden truth revealed in reality were only more cruel.

Shino adjusted his glasses, his stoic expression not betraying any emotions. He surveyed the area with a keen eye, taking in the sights and sounds of the slums.

The vibrant and prosperous cityscape from before quickly gave way to dilapidated buildings and narrow, garbage-filled alleyways.

The narrow, winding alleys were lined with dilapidated houses, their roofs patched with tattered sheets, their walls adorned with faded graffiti.

The sounds of laughter and music were replaced with the murmurs of desperation and the occasional cry of hungry children and beggars.

To top it off, the air was much heavier with the stench of decay and desperation, a far cry from the fragrant gardens and perfumed corridors of the noble's mansion.

With a tender touch, Kiba comforted the whimpering Akamaru with a rub on its head, "Damn. Akamaru doesn't like the smell of this place, but we can't help it. Our mission seems to be here."

Hinata's heart ached at the gloomy sight. "It's hard to believe that such poverty exists within the same city. These people must face unimaginable hardships every day."

Kiba nodded in agreement, his canine senses picking up on the weariness that seemed to hang in the air. "Yeah, it's a harsh reality, alright. It really doesn't look like elite members from the noble families would work here… But our only clues point to this area. If we want to solve this case, we'll have to dive deep into these slums and uncover the truth, whatever it is."

Hinata's Byakugan swept across the expanse radiating suffocating darkness once more before she lowered her head, her fingers anxiously fidgeting, betraying her torrent of thoughts and emotions.

Suddenly, Kiba turned to his teammates, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yo, Hinata, I've got an idea. Since Shino can handle himself, why don't you and I split up to cover more ground? We'll find those responsible faster that way. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."

Hinata, her white eyes filled with concern, peeked at Shino before bowing her head. "I think it would be better if we stick together, Kiba-kun. This place can be dangerous, and Shino-kun's combat prowess would greatly benefit us. Besides, teamwork has always been our strength."

On cue, Shino simply nodded, his countenance an emotionless mask, concealing the labyrinth of schemes already brewing within his mind.

Not taking the rejection too well, Kiba's face contorted into a scowl, his canine teeth poking out. "Fine, have it your way and stay with Shino. But I'm confident Akamaru and I can handle anything that comes our way. I'll go investigate the site of that mysterious new group. We'll meet back here in two hours. Ja na."

With that, Kiba and Akamaru bounded away, disappearing into the labyrinthine alleys of the slums.

The worried Hinata turned to Shino, her voice filled with concern. "Shino-kun, are you sure it's okay? I-I'm worried about Kiba-kun going off on his own."

Shino placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder, offering her a reassuring pat. "No need to worry, Hinata. Have faith in Kiba, he is strong. For now, focus on our task at hand."

Hinata hesitated for a moment, but nodded, her eyes staring forward as if lost in the distant horizon.

Meanwhile, Shino's eyes followed a concealed figure with a hidden intent, a sly smile curling on his lips. Oh, his intuition had once again proven correct.

Indeed, it appeared that Kurenai sensei's concern would now gravitate towards Kiba, allowing the responsibility of ensuring Hinata's safety to be entrusted to his capable hands.

Alas, will she regret her decision today?