Start From Naruto: Shino the Dominator

Shino didn't know if his teacher will regret her decision, but he knew that the impending events would be disturbing, unsettling, and dark.

If this was a story, Shino would warn the readers to not proceed further to avoid being triggered over the violent and dark content.

Even with this warning, perhaps many would still jump head first into the pit of darkness. Who would go to hell if not me, right?

Okay, jokes aside, this may be a bit wordy, but important warnings still must be mentioned twice: For those with a faint heart, bugger off before it's too late. You still have a choice.

Alas, unlike some who still had a choice, this was reality for Shino, and the truth: the tendrils of cruelty could never truly be evaded… but at least it wasn't directed at him this time. Heh.

Blissfully unaware of the darkness that laid ahead, Hinata walked side by side with Shino, their steps synchronized as they ventured deeper into the heart of the slums.

The narrow, winding streets were shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the faint flickering of dim streetlights that struggled to pierce through the thick haze of despair that permeated the air.

The oppressive atmosphere seemed to cling to the very walls of the dilapidated buildings, as if it had seeped into the bricks and mortar, infecting every inch of this forgotten corner of the village.

Dilapidated houses with makeshift roofs, children huddled around meager fires for warmth, and weary adults going about their daily routines with a quiet determination. The harsh reality of poverty etched itself onto every corner and crevice, making it impossible to ignore.

Shino's bugs flitted around, gathering information from the shadows.

On the other hand, Hinata kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, her Byakugan activated full-time out of vigilance.

Pressing forward, Shino's keen senses detected the subtle movements and whispers around them. The pair was being watched, observed from hidden corners and dark alleyways.

Eyes peered out from the shadows, glinting with a mixture of greed and hostiliy. However, no one dared to confront them.

It wasn't their youthful appearance that deterred those who lingered in the darkness, but rather the unmistakable Konoha forehead protector worn on their forehead and neck.

Most of the people who made their living in the underbelly of society knew better than to meddle with shinobi. They understood that ninjas were an entirely different breed, capable of unleashing swift and deadly retaliation.

Without any hindrance, their investigation led them to a rundown warehouse on the outskirts of the slums, its decaying walls holding whispers of being one of the possible sources of the disappearances that plagued the area.

This place certainly reeked of two words: not safe.

Shino's bugs confirmed this thoughts, alerting him to a group of suspicious-looking individuals huddled within the dark alleys flanking the building and even the rooftops of the nearby buildings.

However, there was no need to mention them because they were irrelevant to their investigation. Even their numbers were inconsequential in the face of the tempestuous might of ninjas. Hinata also knew this.

They only needed to maintain their basic vigilance.

The duo cautiously approached the entrance of the warehouse, which had been sealed off.

Hinata's gaze fell upon the chain obstructing sealing the door, her palm chopping out, snapping the chain off with an audible crack.

After a single push, the door to the warehouse groaned in reluctant compliance, creaking open to allow the vigilant duo's entry.

Hinata's pale eyes scanned the area, taking in the dirty surroundings. It felt eerily empty, devoid of any signs of the gruesome murder that was said to have occurred here.

There was no trace of blood, no lingering scent of violence. It was as if the very essence of death had been eradicated from this place.

Confused, Hinata's voice finally broke the silence. "Shino-kun, something doesn't feel right. The places doesn't look like there is anyone cleaning it, but there are certain spots cleaner than the rest. There should have been some evidence of a murder here, at least some traces of blood. Where could it have gone?"

Shino already had some speculations regarding the truth of the incident, but he didn't divulge it.

Instead, he wore an inscrutable expression and remained silent, his dark eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for clues.

After a moment, Shino finally spoke, his voice low and measured. "You're correct, Hinata. The absence of blood suggests that there may be more to this situation than meets the eye. We must proceed with caution."

It was an answer that basically said nothing.

Needless to say, their investigation of the warehouse yielded no answers, only more questions… at least for the innocent Hinata.

"Shino-kun, let's move on to the next location and see if we can find any clues there. Then... let's go meet up with Kiba-kun afterwards to see if he found anything."

Shino nodded in acquiescence, and the duo turned to leave.

When they exited the desolate building, the duo was met with a cacophony of desperate cries.

"No- No- Please don't! Help! Someone help!"

A woman's voice pierced through the air, accompanied by the chilling sound of ripping fabric and the lecherous laughter of rough men.

The source of the commotion emanated from the nearby alley, shrouded in darkness thanks to the tall, decaying structures that flanked it.

Hinata's wide white eyes fixated on the alley, her mind torn between the urge to help and the knowledge of the dangers that lurked within.

Heart wrenched with empathy, Hinata took a step forward, ready to intervene, to be the compassionate shinobi she had always strive to be.

But just after a single step, Shino's firm hand rested on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks.

"Are you sure, Hinata?" Shino's concerned voice reached her ears, staring at her with eyes veiled behind darkness. "Kurenai sensei has taught us, being nosy could expose you to unknown risks. We must consider the larger picture."

Hinata's heart wavered, her resolve tested by the anguished cries that continued to echo out from the darkness.

She felt a swell of frustration, knowing that she possessed the strength to aid those in need, yet held in place by the weight of responsibility that came with her role as a shinobi.

But only after hesitating for a moment, Hinata met Shino's gaze, her expression filled with conviction, "I can't stand by and let this continue, Shino-kun. She needs my help. I'll face whatever risks may come."

Shino's grip on her shoulder tightened momentarily before releasing its hold. "Very well, Hinata. I'll take care of the ones hidden around us."

"Thank you Shino-kun. I'll make it quick."

Thus, Shino watched the insatiable maw of the dark alley devouring Hinata's vulnerable form.

Yet, he didn't move to clear the area as he promised. Instead, he seemed to be suspended in a bewildering trance, as if his consciousness had left to engage in a cryptic communication with someone elsewhere...

Underground Base. Lounge.

Karina relinquished her control over the clone projected within the flickering holographic display, sliding the screen aside to get a clear view of the action in the other live broadcasts.

With her body bouncing with fervor, she avidly observed the live-feed, her face flushed with excitement over Hinata's soon-to-be-perilous encounter, "Shino, are you sure you want to let Hinata experience this? Isn't this too… cruel?"

Reclining upon the couch, Shino's fingers idly caressed the smooth surface of the firm white cushions, meeting the inquiry with a cunning grin playing upon his lips, "Some things, she must experience herself to understand. Let's treat this as a small punishment for her ignorance."

Detecting the brewing tension woven within the fabric of Hinata's circumstances, Shino's smile betrayed a glimmer of his scheming dark side, "Plus, only in despair can we gain her true gratitude."