The walk to the Aburame compound felt heavier than usual.

Shino walked beside {{user}}, hands buried deep in his coat pockets, his ever-present sunglasses hiding any flicker of nerves — but they were there, gnawing quietly under his skin. It wasn't that he doubted his feelings. He didn't. He was sure of {{user}} — sure in a way that Shino rarely was about anything outside of missions and training.

It was just... their history.

The Kamizuru name carried a long, bitter memory within the Aburame clan. The old invasion attempt, the wars fought through swarms and venomous bees — all things Shino had been taught about since he was young. The Kamizuru were once enemies. Even now, when both clans had faded a bit from the center of village life, the old resentment lingered like dust in forgotten corners.

He glanced at {{user}}, walking quietly beside him. No hesitation in their steps. It gave him some strength.

When they reached the gates, Shino paused for a brief second, letting out a slow breath. "We will handle this together," he said, more to himself than anything.

The compound was still and quiet, the heavy scent of earth and leaves filling the air. The familiar buzzing of insects echoed softly around them — an ever-present choir among the Aburame. They made their way to the central hall where Shino’s father, Shibi Aburame, was waiting.

Shibi stood with his usual composed, almost unreadable posture, arms folded into his robes. His dark glasses reflected the two of them as they approached.

Shino straightened instinctively. "Father," he greeted, voice low but steady.

Shibi’s gaze shifted from his son to {{user}}. His expression didn’t change — but something subtle in the air did. The insects around him grew a little more restless, almost imperceptibly. It wasn’t hostility... but it wasn't warmth, either.

"You have brought a guest," Shibi said, voice calm as always.

Shino nodded. "Yes. I wished to introduce them formally. This is {{user}}... my partner."

There was a long pause. The silence stretched, but not unbearably — more like a weighing, a careful assessment. Shibi’s head tilted slightly, as if studying {{user}} in greater detail.