A mysterious-looking child appeared.
He wore a black robe with wide sleeves, cinched at the waist with a red sash. His short hair framed a black mask that concealed his face, leaving only his white, expressionless eyes visible.
Torune Aburame
Seeing his appearance, Kuro couldn't help but think of that name.
Torune, the son of Shikuro Aburame, had been adopted by Shibi Aburame, Shino's father, after his biological father's death.
He possessed an extremely rare type of insect even within the Aburame clan: the Rinkaichū, also known as venomous nano-insects.
These insects were capable of destroying the cells of their enemies, causing excruciating pain in the process.
If the story had followed its original course, Torune would have ended up joining Root as Danzo's bodyguard alongside Fū Yamanaka.
However, with Danzo's death and Root's destruction, that fate had not come to pass.
Due to the dangerous nature of the insects in his body, Torune could neither attend the Ninja Academy nor participate in activities like the Chūnin Exams. Now, at just ten years old, he lived at Shino's house.
Kuro couldn't help but notice the forging potential someone like Torune's body would have. Without realizing it, his gaze toward him became eager.
Shino frowned, noticing the intensity in Kuro's gaze.
Why is he looking at Torune like that? Wasn't I his target?
Aware of the situation, Torune asked, "The insects in the forest alerted me, so I came. Who is this guy?"
"I don't know, I just know he's been following me," Shino shook his head.
"That's all..."
Torune reflected for a moment before turning to Kuro. Although the band covered his eyes, it seemed as though he could sense the emotions in Kuro's gaze.
"Attacking the Aburame clan in Konoha... who are you?" he asked seriously.
The corner of Kuro's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Do you think I'll tell you?"
Torune let out an ironic laugh, as if he had expected this.
"You're right. I was stupid to ask something like that."
Without saying another word, his eyes hardened as he rushed toward Kuro.
As he ran, he removed his right glove, revealing a hand stained purple.
"Be careful! That guy is so fast I can't even keep up with him," Shino warned from the side, directing his swarm of insects to support Torune.
Torune didn't slow down. He trusted his venomous insects; if he managed even a single touch, the nano-insects would infect the enemy.
Kuro, however, was well aware of Torune's abilities. Seeing him approach, he calmly smiled and formed hand seals.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu"
His chest quickly swelled before he unleashed a massive fireball that shot toward Torune and Shino, radiating intense heat as it advanced.
Both reacted instantly, rolling in opposite directions to avoid the attack.
Boom
The fireball struck a nearby tree, reducing it to ashes. The explosion raised a cloud of dirt and leaves, leaving behind a clear display of its destructive power.
Torune felt a chill at the thought of what would have happened if he hadn't reacted in time.
"Torune, behind you!" Shino suddenly shouted, his expression alarmed.
Dazed, Torune quickly turned, but it was too late. Kuro appeared behind him, grabbing his wrist and twisting it with an aikidō technique to immobilize him.
"Gloves...?" Torune murmured, noticing that Kuro was wearing black gloves that covered his hands.
This guy knows my abilities.
Horrified, Torune stared at Kuro.
"Wh-Who are you?"
Kuro smiled softly.
"It doesn't matter who I am, but I have no ill intentions toward you."
"Who would believe that?!" Torune roared, struggling to break free from his grip.
"Tch, what a troublesome kid."
With a swift motion, Kuro struck Torune on the back of the neck, knocking him unconscious. He then pulled out some of his hair and retreated just as a swarm of insects flooded his position.
Shino, cautious, commanded his insects to protect Torune while watching Kuro distrustfully.
Kuro raised his hands in a nonchalant gesture.
"Relax, I already said I have no ill intentions."
Shino didn't respond, maintaining his vigilance.
"How boring..." Kuro muttered before forming a hand seal. In an instant, he disappeared using the Body Flicker Jutsu.
Shino didn't relax until his insects confirmed that Kuro was far from the area. Even then, he couldn't shake the oppressive feeling left by that stranger's presence and strength.
After gathering his insects and confirming that Torune was unconscious but stable, he let out a sigh of relief.
However, a question lingered in his mind.
Why did that guy come here?
He had followed him from a distance, attacked him in an isolated area, and after defeating both of them, left without causing further harm.
No, he hadn't left without doing anything. He had taken some hair from both him and Torune.
Is it possible that his target is the Aburame clan's DNA?
But the Aburame clan's power lies in their secret techniques. What's special about their bodies?
Unable to find answers, he decided to speak to his parents about it.
...
After leaving the forest, Kuro stopped in a secluded area to carefully check his body.
Are there any traces of insects?
After confirming that he wasn't being tracked, he found a hidden spot and canceled the transformation jutsu.
Calmly, Kuro walked home, even strutting slightly, satisfied with the night's outcome.
Upon reaching the yard, Black, still chained, began barking, wagging his tail enthusiastically to greet him.
Kuro approached the dog and played with him, rubbing his head as the animal tried to lick his hands.
After a few minutes of play, he entered the dojo while Black watched him with some frustration, still chained.
Closing the door behind him, Kuro pulled out the hairs he had collected from Shino and Torune.
Immediately, the system chimed:
[Special material "Insect Hair" detected.
This material allows the forging of the special accessory "Insect Nest."
Would you like to proceed with forging?]
[Special material "Venomous Insect Hair" detected.
This material allows the forging of several special accessories:
"Venomous Crystal"
"Venomous Nest"
"Nano Virus"
Would you like to proceed with forging?]
"Yes."
Kuro's response was quick, and in an instant, four items appeared before him:
A basketball-sized hive with a hook for easy carrying.
A second hive, identical in size but purple in color and also with a hook.
A purple crystal the size of a thumb, shiny and dangerous in appearance.
And a test tube filled with purple liquid, immediately reminding him of the virus containers from Resident Evil.
Kuro observed the items with interest as new descriptions appeared in his mind.
[Special Item "Insect Nest" detected. (Status: Upgradeable)
Effect: Possesses an infinite habitable space, making it an ideal habitat for insects.
Has a strong natural attraction to insects.
Active ability: Can generate a powerful suction to attract insects into it.]
Kuro remained silent at this.
Wouldn't this be the ultimate treasure for any member of the Aburame clan?
________
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