Permission To Seek

“You must take the title and assume the position set before you.” The Elder told him firmly.

“I have no desire for the acknowledgment; it is egotistical to seek such things.” Shino replied. “Please offer it to someone who desires the attention.”

The Elder eyed him intently. This boy is very much like the men of an earlier time; the benefit of the Clan out weighs the desire of the individual. Shino had no desire for public recognition; he would consider the boy virtuous, if he had not witnessed the sadistic side beforehand. The Elder sighed deeply, leaning forward in his chair folding his hands on his desk. “Shino, one born with your talent has not come to the Aburame Clan in decades; perhaps you may be the last for countless generation.” He leaned back in his chair to watch the teen sitting across from him.

Shino sat impassive; he had his own objectives, if it were possible; standing out now would make those dreams impossible, if ever they were. His uncle was demanding he put all else aside and step forward into the light. Everything he had done up to this moment was in the interest of the Clan. Shino had great admiration for the founders; his ancestors began organizing the Clan so that it functioned like a hive. The nucleus would contain the head family who would manage the workers; the workers would ensure that the hive prospers each part working towards the benefit of the whole. The founders did not purport self-interest or individuality those defects reserved for lesser species. Shino had come to question some of old ways during many sleepless nights when his mind was troubled by the changes occurring inside him. Still he fought the idea that the one desire he allowed himself was self-seeking; everyone wanted someone, why should he feel guilt for wanting. Shino felt nauseous, knowing he would not be able to eat again tonight.

“There is no benefit to the Clan.” Shino stated. “I am not nearly as righteous as you presume, I have never sought such things uncle, please do not ask me to do so, it will only bring discourse in the village, they do not enjoy our company as you are well aware.” He stared plainly in the Elders glare.

A chill pass around the office, Shino did not react.

“I do not presume you are righteous,” he scowled darkly, “remember I was there.” He raised his eyebrows dramatically. The Elder thought, ‘Very much like my great grand father, he truly knows how to annoy me. I think he gets some deviant pleasure in doing so.’

“I will not allow you to circumvent this responsibility” he added threateningly, “too long we have existed in the Hidden Leaf as,” he hesitated; the word left a bad taste in his mouth. “As less than what we should be,” he emphasized.

A long silence passed between them, both eyeing the other with every intention to enforce their side; in the end, Shino’s attention to tradition intervened. “Uncle, I have only one thing I have ever felt a desire for outside of the interest of the clan.” He paused. The Elder continued to glare no sign he welcomed what was coming.

“Tell Me,” Shino continued; “would you grant me that desire should I move forward to that purpose you set before me?” he finished, feeling a hot wave of queasiness roll in stomach. Inwardly hoping his uncle would not ask what the desire involved. “Uncle, if you would only say I am allowed to seek that desire would be enough.” He added, feeling a warm heat begin to rise despite the exertion to keep it at bay.

'I see,’ the Elder thought, ‘finally a sign of emotion; must involve someone outside of the Clan otherwise, he would not have made the request. This is not the time to lean toward intimate longings; however, this may explain a lot about the darkness of his.’ The Elder leaned forward again; he wanted to ensure that this ended the topic. “No.” he said flatly.

The boys face was unreadable, it had retuned to its’ normal shade.

“You are a Shinobi of the Aburame Clan,” he continued, “Requesting a benefit at the end of your mission is not tolerable, making such statement prior to a mission, completely unrealistic.” He finished. Wondering with rising anticipation what, will he do now?

Shino stared at his uncle he had expected that response and prepared a retort despite the tone. He rose from the chair pushing his dark glasses up and glared down at his uncle still seated behind his desk. “Understood, I will not be motivated to do more than I am doing now. I have a mission, good day uncle.” He turned to leave the office, before he reached the door, a gold colored Kikai flew in front of him. He stopped, turning to look at his uncle.

“What a temper you have Shino.” He chuckled noting the way the air had vibrated when he rose from the chair. “None of the youth here have that particular edge to them, and the ability to maintain perfect control of their reactions while I antagonize them.” He said fondly, wondering what was going thru the boys’ mind now almost certainly how to wipe the grin off his face. This made him chuckle more.

“….”

“Very well.” he laughed, “You are my favorite nephew after all, anything with in my power I will grant.” He added. “You did say ‘seek’ right?” He went on not waiting for confirmation, “Yes I will allow that much; however, should your efforts prove null, do not linger, your place is here.” The scowl returned, but only half as dark as there were smile lines around his eyes.

“Thank you, uncle.” With that, he left the office closing the door behind him.

The Elder stood and walked to a wall with pictures of all the Head Family Members whom had served on the council. He did this often; the images of his family brought him peace. This time he focused on one of the members, who most resembled him, his brother. “Otouto (younger brother), your boy has grown into an admirable man; and I can happily report, he has not inherited my since of fun, enjoyment, and desire to cause discourse through outrageous laughter. He is as moody as any upstanding citizen of the Aburame Clan can be. I tried my best, but he’s as stubborn as you; he makes missing you so much less painful.” The Elder grinned at his brother who along with the others on the wall had died during a battle to protect the village, all heroes. “Otouto (younger brother) he may even become the next Hokage.” His eyes, beamed at them. "That would be a wonderful thing for the Aburame Clan."