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Shino's POV (East Forest of Irminsul - Terra)
Hinata, Shino, and the ants journeyed through the forest in relative silence. Shino's beetles and the ants uniquely communicated through chakra and chemicals, a conversation that their host, Shino, was privy to. The ants and his beetles inherently got along, as social creatures with a high level of intelligence and hive social structure gave them much to relate to. Their apparent lack of points of conflict likely aided such. Even the Aburame rarely were able to make multiple hives get along, with only his father being known to achieve such. So this willing interaction was both odd and unique; Shino had never heard of the Aburame clan Kikaichu beetles communicating with anything other than members, and it was certainly intriguing, perhaps even beneficial. He was looking for ways to change his skillset a bit…
The exams had been an utter disappointment to Shino. His defeat by a teammate had been unfortunate and frustrating, simply due to Shino's inability to use some of his best tricks. They were merely too lethal… and others simply not all that useful in the match up. So his loss had been annoying, although Shino was not childish enough to be jealous; he had even been promoted, and by proxy should be thankful; yet being so thoroughly outshined hurt his pride. Shino was determined to be more effective. To not merely be a background character.
Though Shino could scarcely afford to be distracted, they were quickly approaching the threat the ants had seeked for them to quell. It was clear from the increasing volume and strength of vibrations they heard they drew close. And from the scale of the cacophony of sound it was clear their foe would be an impressive one.
As a trained and well-conditioned shinobi, Hinata could travel at speeds the average human could scarcely comprehend. Yet, as he and Hinata rode separate ants along the hunting pack. Shino was sure they traversed the heavily forested area with ease even a shinobi would struggle with. They seemed innately aware of obstacles and the landscape as they traveled, climbing over, around, or even through obstacles with machine-like proficiency. Never stopping or even hesitating, there was no need. They knew where they were and everything that lay there. Something Shino had to admit was quite impressive. Only further fueling his earlier thoughts. However…
Despite the ants' potential usefulness and apparent allied nature, Shino found himself somewhat suspicious. They knew the Okama clan, but if they were truly native to the land, surely such knowledge would be commonplace. They had offered aid as a trade as opposed to charity, which Shino could understand. But they had given scarcely any details of the threat they faced. It also suggested that the ants were not above manipulation. Suggesting perhaps what they had told them, wasn't necessarily the truth. It also seemed strange to Shino, considering their large numbers and size, Shino needed clarification about what could possibly be such a threat to them. So much of one, even their absurd level of numbers made them hesitant to involve themselves…
All members of the Aburame Clan were considered the authority of the world of Entomology. As such, he was well aware of how ants operated, especially when it concerned how they dealt with threats. Ants weren't like humans and would gladly face death for the good of the unit. So, even if a danger was too deadly or costly, they normally would face it fearlessly. They said it would be too costly, but Shino was aware ants respawned absurdly quickly. Unlike what a single human mother could do, an ant queen was capable of much more. A mere month would allow them potentially thousands of troops. All of which would be grown by the end of the year. Furthermore, their naming style seemed less subjective and more objective. Suggesting they weren't the personal type, likely much more dedicated to hive like living than most intelligent creatures to bare. So if they saw themselves as so insignificant, why did their queen hesitate. Surely the threat was worth the risk… Without any more context, the two of them could very well be among the culprits of the kidnapping. And if so Shino would ensure they paid the price…
Shino had shared his concerns with Hinata, who agreed the situation was odd, but she seemed much more optimistic about the ants' "trustworthiness". She also pointed out that even if they should attempt a betrayal, the two of them should be able to repel it with ease. Shino disagreed with her optimism, but with the two of them being as powerful and skilled as they were, he supposed they would be fine regardless of their intent. Besides, they had no other leads to follow anyway. So Shino continued their journey, content to see how things went. But was well on guard, his more pessimistic mind ensuring this endeavor would not be so simple.
Soon, his questions regarding the threat being real were at least assuaged. Which of course suggested the ants were somewhat truthful thus far. However thunderous crashes sounded throughout the forest, some ferocious roars sounding off between each one. So powerful were the echoes that the ground and trees shook and swayed, respectively. Making it clear to him this would not be a trifling battle. With each crash, the ants seemed to become more and more anxious, flinching at the impacts and antennas twitching ferociously. Some of their party even fled as they drew close.
Hinata and Shino exchanged looks as suddenly the party stopped. Some sort of cacophony of crashes was heard just short of their resting place. A thick wall of forest cut them off from a preview of what awaited. The majority of the ants had now fled, but only the leader and one Hinata had ridden stayed for now.
"It is worse than we had feared." The ant spoke in its strange voice. "The threat has now escalated too risky for our nest. It would be too costly to get involved. The Queen 3 would not approve of such."
"As you wish, sir ant, but if I may ask, what do you mean by that?" Hinata interjected politely. Shino allowed it; he was not a social or political butterfly, and Hinata happened to be both. Hopefully that would be useful here, perhaps even win them aid…
"It seems the wolves have left only for one of you to become a threat." The ant seemed to answer with indignant fury. "We will not risk ourselves for your mess. However, I will keep to our word and offer aid should you correct such."
Or not, a shame but not one Shino truly minded. Best not to risk team combat with strange creatures such as these, until they were sure of their authenticness.
Hinata seemed stunned by this, but Shino merely nodded. He had already planted beetles onto the ants to track them and frankly recognized their logic. If they did betray them it would be easy to seek them out again, if such was even necessary. Besides, it seemed clear now that they had been earnest, and this could be related to their friends or the captors who had taken them. The two ants marched off as Hinata and listened to the continued madness momentarily. Both were preparing for what would likely be life-or-death combat.
"Unfortunately, it seems we may have found two of our allies. This is excellent considering our mission and seems timely considering their words. However, the words of the ants suggested they may be in danger… or even the danger themselves?" Shino spoke out, and Hinata hesitantly nodded.
"They mentioned one of us becoming the problem…" Hinata said worriedly. She stared at the thick walls of trees that obscured whatever was happening ahead of them.
"Very confounding," Shino admitted. "However, it is best to see the problem ourselves." Hinata once again nodded, now looking determined.
Shino released his hands from his pocket, his left gloved and right bare. As he did so, several of his various insects flew off into the surrounding area, quickly offering the Aburame an area of control. No one would come close or leave without his knowledge. It wasn't a perfect recon field, given more time and security Shino could make a much more secure and even defensive one. But this would work for now, his allies were crafty and would also set out to set several traps for any foes, all the better to ensure this went smoothly. The traps wouldn't kill immediately but would, over time, drain the victims of all their chakra. They were now as safe as they could be to engage in battle…
As he did so, Hinata activated her Byakugan, only to gasp in shock and suddenly race off toward the situation.
'Hinata is a shy type who rarely takes risks or initiatives unless fully motivated. For her to be shocked and race off suggests our allies may truly need help.' Shino thought as he cursed and followed after her. He would ensure the situation went as they willed.