One month.
Aburame Shiki, Hyūga Yo, and Inuzuka Aoi had already become familiar with one another—at least enough to communicate through subtle gestures and private signals during missions. Shiki had also come to understand their personalities fairly well.
Inuzuka Aoi was easy to read: open-hearted, warm, seemingly carefree, yet surprisingly attentive when it mattered.Hyūga Yo, though quieter and usually withdrawn, did not shy away from forming bonds. Shiki could sense it clearly. And whenever Yo listened to birdsong, a deep longing flashed in her pale eyes. Perhaps it wasn't the birds she loved… but the freedom they represented.
Shiki and Aoi both noticed this, of course. But because Yo was from the Hyūga clan, neither of them spoke of it. Everyone understood the truth that hung over every Branch Family member.
The Hyūga clan's structure—Main House and Branch House—was unshakeable. The Main House inherited the Byakugan's authority, while the Branch House existed solely to protect them, even at the cost of their lives.
Although the direct bloodline of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and even the Clan on the Moon had faded into near-extinction, the Hyūga endured and even grew stronger. The Caged Bird Seal played an essential role in that.
Because of the seal, the Main House held absolute control. The Branch House had no room to resist.And Konoha could not easily interfere. If they pressured the Hyūga, the other clans would panic; if they tried to change the Hyūga from within, it was impossible.So the village simply endured this system, even though it conflicted with the Will of Fire.
Fortunately, the clan obeyed Konoha's rules—at least on the surface.
Perhaps, long ago, relations between the Main and Branch Houses were gentler. But total power corrupts quickly. Now, the Main House treated the Branch House as little more than servants—dumping all danger and hardship onto them, reaping comfort in return.
Hyūga Yo was not a bad person. But the Caged Bird Seal, and the Main House that controlled it, had beaten all dreams of freedom deep into her heart. So she kept them buried beneath silence.
In the meantime, Yo and Aoi found comfort in their peaceful routine.After missions, the three teammates often gathered to eat barbecue together, creating warm, quiet moments.Aburame Shidan was genuinely pleased by this. As their team leader, he wanted them to be harmonious.
But soon, it was time for real danger. Shidan could not keep assigning easy tasks forever.
At ten in the morning, the team gathered at Konoha's main gate.Not long after, Aburame Shidan arrived, speaking in a relaxed tone:
"I just came from Hokage-sama. I've accepted an A-rank mission. I'll do my best to control the risks, but if you slip up… casualties are possible."
None of the three Genin were shocked. Gathering at the village gate today had already told them something serious was coming.
"Let's go."
Seeing that Shiki and the others showed neither fear nor surprise—just quiet acceptance—Shidan nodded with approval and vanished from sight. The three Genin immediately followed.
"Sensei," Shiki asked first, "what's the mission?"
Shidan didn't hide anything.
"Lately, more and more rogue shinobi have been entering the Land of Fire. Your task is to locate all enemy ninja within the territory—and eliminate every last one."
Aoi raised her hand slightly."Are we the only team on this?"
"There will also be an Anbu squad assisting with eliminations."
These infiltrators weren't necessarily spies from the Five Great Nations. The ninja world had become restless as each village regained strength. The atmosphere of instability made many shinobi choose the road of rebellion.
A rogue ninja had freedom. They no longer risked their lives as disposable tools for small missions. Instead, they preyed on wealthy merchants, traveling beyond the reach of any village or daimyo.
Strangely enough, in a twisted way, rogue shinobi had liberated themselves.
And naturally, they migrated to the Land of Fire: vast forests, rich lands, wealthy travelers, and endless places to hide.
After two days, Shidan's small team finally approached the edge of their mission area.
"The next stretch is dangerous," Shidan warned. "Stay alert."
He glanced at Yo."Hyūga Yo, keep your Byakugan active."
Yo activated her Byakugan immediately, scanning the distance.
"There are seven chakra signatures inside a cave. Three kilometers ahead, at two o'clock."
Shidan's pace quickened. Soon, they arrived before the cave Yo had identified.
"Sensei Shidan, there may be traps—"
Aoi hadn't even finished her sentence when Shidan formed a seal.
"Secret Technique: Insect Decoy."
Inside the cave, panicked voices erupted:
"No—enemy attack!"
"What—what is this?!"
"Run!"
"The entrance is blocked—bugs! Everywhere—!"
The entire cave floor turned into a living sea of writhing insects. In moments, all seven rogue shinobi were devoured without even the chance to scream.
"Sensei Shidan is incredible," Shiki whispered with genuine admiration.
Even though Shiki was already powerful, the gap between him and a true veteran insect master was immense. Aburame Shidan could wipe out a group of enemies as casually as brushing dust from his sleeve.
Under Shidan's guidance, the reconnaissance mission proceeded smoothly.A week passed. Shiki, Yo, and Aoi gradually became familiar with the rhythm of reconnaissance operations.
Hyūga Yo's Byakugan was invaluable, spotting enemies kilometers away.Thanks to Yo's constant updates, Shidan's team successfully hunted down rogue shinobi with remarkable efficiency.
Each member contributed uniquely:
Aburame Shiki — unparalleled in stealth tracking with his insects.
Inuzuka Aoi — expert in scent detection and rapid tracking.
Hyūga Yo — powerful long-range detection with the Byakugan.
And of course, they fought as well. Shidan often left weaker enemies intentionally to sharpen their combat coordination.Shiki, Yo, and Aoi performed flawlessly, eliminating their targets with precision.
That night, the four sat around a small fire, eating the dry rations they had brought. After the meal, as they prepared to rest, Shidan spoke:
"You've all performed well these past few days. No major mistakes. Keep this pace."
He continued,
"Shiki and I will take the first watch. Yo and Aoi, you take the second."
Yo and Aoi nodded and headed into their tent to rest.
Only Aburame Shiki and Aburame Shidan remained by the campfire.
Under the pale night sky, the two cloaked figures—faces shadowed and wrapped—looked almost eerie in the flickering firelight.