Orange, Spirals and Everything Nice

Twenty-Five: Shino's Emotions

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or the setting of the story. They all exclusively belong to Mr. Masashi Kishimoto in all its rights.

Hinata let out a deep sigh as she slowly dipped her achingly exhausted body in one of the Komorebi clan's onsen, located at the far-end corners of the estate. The bath is located at a secluded area, surrounded by tall bamboo walls for privacy.

Team Eight had been helping the Komorebi clan for the last five days, searching for infected victims and saving everyone they could with the antidote in their chakra-fueled insects. Hinata had been fascinated by the natural magic that the clan were born with, and they really are kind and peace-loving people. And she could see the desperation in them about eliminating the parasitic insects and free Chiha's brother's soul from the Bakuhatsu clan. 

Lord Yuuri had mentioned on their first meeting, that after the current Bakuhatsu clan leader's daughter had earned the poisoned insects, they immediately imprisoned all the clan members and fed their chakras to the butterflies. This was how the current breeding farm for the poisoned butterflies began. And by now, only a couple of the Bakuhatsus remain, but they are all powerful and ruthless.

"You're oddly quiet, Chiha-san. Are you missing Shino-kun already?" Hinata attempted to tease the butterfly girl in the same warm pool as her. 

The last few days were exhausting for Team Eight but they knew it was more taxing for the Komorebi clan. Seeing their pained expressions from healing random, innocent victims infected by their own weapons was proof enough of how much they want to end things soon. 

That's why the team had been tirelessly working hard, battling with a few Bakuhatsu members and endlessly searching for the breeding farm in order to destroy it. 

Chiha let out a soft laugh at Hinata's comment but there was a knowing smile on her pretty face. 

"Nah, I was just thinking of my brother." the insect-user replied sadly and stared up at the night sky. "I hope he's not blaming himself with any of this." she sighed. "I know it sounds absurd but I think I can feel him sometimes, and he's struggling every time I dream about him."

"Chiha-san," Hinata consoled. "I'm sorry. It must be difficult for you." she paused and also gazed up at the stars. "But I completely understand because I also lost a brother during the war. He was very special to me and I dearly miss him, but I know that he's always there, guiding me as always."

"Yeah." Chiha agreed. "Shino told me about it. Maybe because I kept asking if he likes you or something because he cares a lot about you." 

Hinata wasn't even surprised at that since Chiha wasn't the first person to wonder about the same thing. 

Nor the fact that Shino and Chiha had been opening up to each other quite comfortably during the mission. Hinata isn't complaining at all, though. Because she liked how their usually unemotional friend would casually smile, chuckle or grin around Chiha or frown in her absence. 

"But honestly," Chiha prompted. "I really like how you treat your team as a family. I'm very lucky I met you guys." the girl commented with a hint of strain in her voice. There was something about Chiha's expression now that Hinata can't quite read.