Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 73: Hidden Moon I - Sundown

Notes:

A/N: As of the posting of this chapter, it's officially been one whole year since I started writing Naruto Karyuden. I want to thank everyone who's read a year's worth of sloppy fanfiction! I hope you've enjoyed it so far and will continue to enjoy it as I hopefully improve as a writer. :D

HIDDEN MOON I - SUNDOWN

A week ago

Aburame household

With Team Five having received their mission parameters, they've each gone home to prepare for their departure first thing in the morning.

Shino is currently sitting by a napping Shichi's crib, quietly looking at his son.

When Shiho eventually walks past, she jumps in her spot from the surprise presence in Shichi's room and lets out a quiet squeak. She just barely manages to hold onto the book she's holding.

"Shino, you're back." She takes deep breaths. "I thought you went on a mission."

Shino nods and speaks in a hushed tone. "I received it, but we leave tomorrow." He looks back to his wife. "I didn't mean to startle you, I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine, I just... wasn't expecting you back."

Shino stands up and walks out of the room to not disturb the sleeping babe. The two proud parents take one last peek before they close the door.

Shiho lifts herself up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. "So what's your mission?"

The two of them walk to the room right next to Shichi's, which also happens to be Shiho's office.

"A diplomatic one. We're to go to the Hidden Moon Village and negotiate on behalf of the Shinobi Union."

Shiho raises a brow. "But you're not a diplomat. I mean, I think you'd be a good one, but it's not your job, is it?"

She sits down on a couch in the corner and places her book on the table. He takes a seat next to her.

"Perhaps not usually, but the purpose is to showcase the best and brightest we have, the ones who will eventually come to lead the Shinobi Union. My Team Five just happens to be that." Shino states matter-of-factly.

Shiho chuckles. "Such confidence in yourself."

"Not in myself." Shino shakes his head. "In them. Although they may not realize how important they'll be to the Hidden Leaf's future, that's because... They still have their childhoods to live out."

"You think they'll actually get to that point?"

"It's my responsibility to ensure they do. Оr, at the very least, ensure they have that path before them. Whether they take it is entirely up to them. Kashiwama and Genzai have sense of duty instilled in them from being the sons of their clans' heads and while Jiriki may not have that, he still has a lot of faith put in him by the Hyūga."

"You've even said he's compared to that Neji Hyūga."

"He is, but he still has a way to go. He's smart and capable like Neji was at his age but I think he still lacks the same driving force that Neji had."

"Not that Neji's driving force was from a good place." Shiho winces. "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't speak ill of the dead."

"No, you're correct. He may not have started with good intentions, but he turned it around. If I can help him find that something, besides his rivalry with Team Nine's Shoto Teshin..."