Start From Naruto: Shino the Dominator

In the bustling commercial area of the capital city...

Shino sat in the dimly lit hotel room. The faint hum of the city's activity outside formed a distant backdrop to the room, but it was the alluring sound of water flowing from the bathroom that commanded his attention.

It was Hinata, who he had saved not long ago, who stood under the cascading streams. Surprisingly, despite her shyness, it was she who had asked him to stay with the pretense of watching out for potential ambushes.

As Shino contemplated the situation, he couldn't help but shake his head at Hinata's innocent little tricks.

Though Shino couldn't deny he was attracted to Hinata, the Hinata that captured his imagination was the Hinata after the time skip, the one who had transformed into a strong and independent woman.

On the other hand, the childish Hinata of the present held no allure for him.

Her current combat strength wasn't that great, to say the least. Plus, her tender appearance right now certainly couldn't hold a candle to other mature beauties.

So, even if Hinata was willing to offer herself up, Shino will feel no urge and could only tell her to wait in line.

After all, if Shino wanted to satisfy his fantasies, he had Karina, and she was a far more attractive option at the moment, both appearance-wise and emotion-wise.

Of course, this was just his senseless rambling. Reality was probably different.

"Perhaps Hinata was really just traumatized and needed my company."

Oh, but he wasn't even that cruel. Shino's thoughts traveled back to the recent events that had led them to this hotel room.

He had seen enough of the world's cruelty and understood the sacrifices necessary to achieve his goals. Shino was not one to shy away from breaking others if it meant accomplishing what he set out to do.

However, as much as he yearned for power and control, Shino knew better than to mess with Hinata.

She was not just any ninja he had encountered along his journey; she was the female protagonist of the story, essentially a child of luck of this world.

Shino had read enough novels to understand the unwritten rules: never confront the protagonist head-on, and never underestimate the uncanny luck that seemed to accompany the protagonist and his lovers.

If he were to let Hinata suffer and blacken completely, he risked gaining an avenger - one who may become his undoing in the future once she embarked on her own path of vengeance.

However, if he were to earn her affection through natural means, he may be blessed by luck or... become a tragic supporting cast like Neji.

It's a gamble, but also part of the process of conquering a world.

While gradually wheedling his corruption into the puzzle pieces of the world, a conqueror had to do his best to avoid the world's retaliation.

For Shino, this time with Hinata was just the small test, and it's unknown if there would be consequences.

Of course, this was all speculation. Cause and effect – it is a mysterious subject his current powers couldn't delve into.

Suddenly, the sound of running water ceased, drawing Shino back to the present.

Hinata emerged from the bathroom, her short damp hair clinging to her delicate frame. Her eyes, a reflection of both innocence and strength, met his gaze. A faint blush arose on her face as she averted her gaze.

Hinata's voice quivered subtly as she gave another apology. "I'm sorry for all the trouble, Shino-kun. It wasn't fair of me to ask you to stay here and watch over me."

Shino's face remained stoic, patting the bed next to him. "No problem, Hinata. Come, sit beside me."

Hinata's face flushed even more, but she still complied, awkwardly making her way to the edge of the bed with her head bowed shyly.

Unfazed by Hinata's temporary emotional fluctuations, Shino remained silent, lost in his own thoughts.

From the corner of her eye, Hinata stole a few glances at Shino, studying his calm demeanor from time to time, curious regarding this thoughts.

However, whenever Shino had the slightest movement, her habit kicked in, promptly bowing her head and fidgeting her fingers.

Silence enveloped the room, broken only by the faint mumbles of the inn's patrons.

Eventually, Hinata's curiosity got the better of her once more, and she risked stealing another glance at Shino, only to find his gaze already upon her. "What is it, Hinata?"

Startled, Hinata stumbled over her words. "Ano, well... I was just wondering... when do you think Kiba-kun will come back? And um... will he be able to find this hotel?"

Shino considered her question for a moment before responding. "Kiba is resourceful, and Akamaru's smell is strong. He'll be able to find us on his own. There's no need to worry."

Shino's words reassured her, but a different sense of unease gnawed at her due to the silence.

On the other hand, Shino had a sly countenance hidden behind his glasses and collar. He knew... Kiba wouldn't be returning anytime soon. Haha.

But, it'll still be a bit annoying to have to keep placating this little lady. Plus, there were places where his mind power could be put to better use.

So, Shino decided to take his leave. "I should go back to my own room now."

At his words, Panic flashed across Hinata's eyes. She quickly looked up, her hand instinctively reaching out to grasp Shino's sleeve, pleading in a soft voice, "Shino-kun, please... Can you stay a little longer? I-I don't want to be alone."

Shino stared at her for a moment. Well, it's just a clone. So, he relented. "Very well. Hinata, I believe you will be strong enough to get through this, and I will accompany you until you do."

With those words, he made his way to the nearby chair, seating himself and closed his eyes.

Hinata watched him, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over her. She had managed to keep him by her side... at least for a little while longer.

Thus, a young lady spent all night with thoughts swirling in a storm of confusion, muttering under her breath, torn between her lingering feelings for Naruto-kun and her teammate who she now saw in a new light.

Of course, Shino didn't know this because his consciousness had already transcended the confines of the hotel room, transferred to another task at hand.

There was an interesting situation that needed his undivided attention... a game in the ninja world of adults.