Original subtitles

[breathing]

[sneezing]

What is that..? A bug..?

What are ya doing here? Long way from home, you must be the adventurous type. You headed for the

Land of Lightning, too?

Oh hey, speaking of bugs, why does this remind me of someone?

Lemme see... who was it?

Hey. Is it true what they say about a war starting?

Yeah. My Dad was telling me all about it. Says we're gonna pulverize the Akatsuki.

It's true. We face a conflict that will decide the future of the shinobi world.

Will you be going into battle too, Shino Sensei?

Yes.

Oh man, aren't you scared, Sensei?

You dummy. Our sensei isn't scared of anything!

No. You're wrong.

[gasping]

For real? You're really scared?

No way...

But I'm confident that I will come back alive.

How come?

It's because I have friends. People I trust.

If I can block both hands...

So you two were just the decoy's for his attack, huh? Sorry.

Fire Style! Fireball Jutsu!

Ninja who specialize in long distance jutsu tend to be deficient in close combat..!

[grunting]

[grunting]

So weak... But what do you expect from an Insect User?

[grunting]

Shino!

Are you all right, Shino?!

[whining]

So weak... But what do you expect from an Insect User?

I see. So he got away, did he?

We really screwed up.

Don't beat yourself up about it.

Anyway. We received more intel after your encounter with him.

Turns out, he's a rogue Jonin from the Hidden Waterfall who's stooped to banditry.

It's not your fault you weren't a match for him-what else could you have done?

I'll make the report to Lady Hokage.

We're terribly sorry.

And don't blame Shino either, he did what he could.

We would never do that. But try telling that to him-he's shut himself up inside his of house.

That guy has so much pride it's ridiculous.

Well, that's a problem...

Listen. I want you two to help Shino get back on his feet.

[gasping]

How are we supposed to do that? He's never listened to us before,

don't know how we'd get him to start now.

Maybe so. But this is an order.

I want you to head over to the hot springs on the south side of the village.

Help Shino unwind a little.

Uhh---

What do you want?

Man, you're on to us.

Shino? How is your wound?

Nothing to worry about. What is it?

Ah come on, what's wrong with us just coming to visit? I mean, aren't we all on Squad 8?

Chill, will ya? There's no shame in getting your butt handed to you now and then.

And anyway, look, that guy was a Jonin. Of course he came out on

top, we're not even Chunin.

It was practically a forgone conclusion.

Buuut, then again, I know you've always rated your own skills pretty

highly and all, so maybe it came as a bit of a shock to you.

Kiba..!

There isn't some other reason you've been moping around, is there?

Don't tell me you still let it get to you that Naruto's always forgetting your name?

Ah whatever, just shrug it off. Not everyone can be as keenly attuned to people's feelings as we are.

No wait, I've got it! You're bummed out 'cause you're the only one who didn't get

tapped for the mission to bring back Sasuke, am I right?

[grunting]

Sure, it stunk, but hey, you were already assigned to another mission-I mean what are they supposed to do, Shino?

Will you get lost!

'Fraid I can't do that. But I was thinkin'. Maybe we could head over to the hotsprings south of the village.

Why?

Oh, it will be great, Shino, just think how much faster your wound will heal!

I'm not going.

Yeah, I kind of figured you were gonna say that. Unfortunately, you're coming whether you want

to or not. It's Kurenai's orders, old buddy.

Unbelievable. He's so freakin' hard to be around. Hasn't spoken

a single word to us since we set out.

You can be just as difficult as he can, Kiba.

Well! We made it!

Time for some rest and relaxation!

Yep!

Alright! Let's go have a little soak, Akamaru!

Arf!

Yahoooo!

[yipping]

Oh, hey. You decide to come in, too?

Is that a problem?

Uh, no!

Oh, wait a second, when he's naked, he's not gonna be covered in bugs, is he?! Gross!

[gagging]

Aren't you coming in?

Well I guess seeing is believing.

Of course I am!

Seems normal enough.

Uhh-- been in here too long.

[exhaling]

[sighing]

[screaming] What the hell?!

Huh!

Hey, Shino! Do you mind if we train with you?

What're ya doing, anyway?

Nothing.

Oh come on, Shino, why are you giving us the run around?

There's no reason to hide it, you're practicing Taijutsu, right?

Hey, what if the three of us trained together! I mean, it is part of the

reason we came out here, isn't it?

What's your angle here?

We're all gonna train out here and make sure you get stronger.

Look the truth is, we all know that losing to that guy bruised your pride.

Maybe this'll get you back on your feet.

And hey, if we can get some training in, and get you feeling closer to

normal, we'll be killing two birds with one stone.

You're concerned you'll be forced into close combat while manipulating your insects, right? So

you want to hone your taijutsu skills. We understand.

You want to be ready for hand-to-hand situations, in case any enemy zeros in on you.

That's correct.

So why don't you let us help you then, Shino! Taijutsu training is always more effective

when you have a partner to work off of.

I know that my Taijutsu skills might not be the best compared to some,

but all the same, I still think it would be a help!

I think the first thing we work on is speed. If you can overwhelm your opponent with a constant

barrage of strikes, then you can prevent them from ever weaving any hand signs.

No objections here.

OK, let's begin.

[grunting]

Alright then, time to pick up the pace!

Whoa, Hinata's not messing around!

Ah come on, man, she's wiping the floor with you-that doesn't bother you at all?!

Of course not..! It's because it's not my place to judge anyone!

Uch! He even takes the fun out of razzing him.

Shino! I want you to imagine that you're fighting that bandit shinobi again!

[gasping]

So weak. But what do you expect from an insect user?

You're starting to get the hang of it!

Not bad!-But you won't always be facing a single opponent!

Take in your surroundings!

Beast Mimicry Ninja Art! All-Fours Jutsu!

Once you've developed your speed and awareness, we'll focus on visualization.

What do you mean, "visualization"?

Oh, um... well you know, the ability to see through one's opponent.

Like knowing his weaknesses?

And preventing him from obtaining an advantage? Having a

counterstrategy and always keeping it in mind when you fight?

Yes! Exactly!

Oh, now I'm with ya. Once you're in the thick of things and the fists start flying, you

tend to focus only on what's right in front of ya and stuff like that can start to fade a bit.

That's not a problem for me though. When things get hectic I have a whole

other back up brain. Isn't that right, Akamaru?

[whimpering]

[screaming]

What was that?! Should I peek? No! I can't! But I'm worried about the others next door!

Shino is really focused. I can actually see him improving minute by minute..!

Such amazing progress... I've never sparred with Shino before. I never

would have guessed he'd be this good in close combat.

All the same, I won't lose.

Alright. Time for the final test, Akamaru.

[growling]

Fang Over Fang!

What's the big idea?

You dodged that pretty well. That was the final test-good work.

What?

My Fang Over Fang is the fastest ranked ninjutsu they've got on the books at the moment. You

dodging it from your blind spot is pretty damn impressive, Shino. I'd say your training's complete.

You did it, Shino, and that means Team 8 is back on track!

Oh, yeah.

No. I am not interested in being part of this team anymore.

[gasping]

Why the hell not?

Because I have no right to be part of it.

Without a doubt, I've grown stronger, but I have no faith in my ability to watch your backs.

But, Shino--

I'm sorry.

[growling]

Hey! You got a lot of nerve saying that to us! Hinata and I have been doing everything in our power

to get you back on your lousy feet! And this is the thanks we get?!

Believe me, I'm grateful.

Don't give me that!

Stop it, Kiba!

All these years together and I never once thought you were this pitiful!

Arf, arf!

Uh!

You guys, look, this is Kurenai's Sensei's messenger pigeon..!

Hm. Get a load of this.

Hey Shino! That bandit is somewhere in the area!

I'm gonna go after him.

B-but you can't-It says not to engage until Kurenai Sensei gets here!

Yeah I know, alright? But I'm not talking about fighting him.

Tracking is Squad 8's specialty, we can at least find him.

Look, whatever, I'm going, okay? And this time around, I'm not letting him get away!

Fine, then I'm coming with you!

Alright. Guess this is goodbye.

Arf.

Shino, I don't understand. Why didn't you dodge the punch Kiba threw a minute ago?

We both know you're able to, now.

That's because...

I still believe that you can protect us, Shino. I know Squad 8's gonna be safe in your hands.

It's just up ahead.

Byakugan!

Found him!

Remember, we just wanna track him.

Right..!

They're here.

[growling]

I smell it too. Looks like he's onto us.

He knows we're here-I think this might become more than us just tailing him!

Head's up!

Fire Style! Red Spider!

Damn it..! Only way to go is up!

Kiba! Careful!

We're surrounded..!

You guys again, huh? I'd have thought you'd learned your lesson last time.

Blue Joro Spider!

Where do you think you're going?

Fire Style! Flame Hurricane!

[screaming]

Well, that's that.

Huh?

What the? Those are.. insects..!

Shino!

Oh there's the third one..! Blue Joro Spider!

I can't do a thing in here!

I'll start with you first!

Shino!

I already know your weakness, kid! Haaaah!

So weak. But what do you expect from an Insect User..?

What? !

Heh.

Come on, then..!

Impossible..!

I won't lose to you. I'm not the same person you fought before.

If close quarters won't work..!

I can't weave any signs..!

Not yet! Not by a long shot!

[grunting]

How dare you hurt my friends!

[grunting]

How dare you insult my insects!

[groaning]

Whoa! He's strong!

Take this! Iron Tackle!

[grunting]

Hiyah!

Gentle Fist!

[yelling]

You ready, Akamaru!?

Arf!

Then let's finish him!

[yelling]

Hm? Oh, hey!

Kurenai Sensei..!

I guess there's nothing left for me to do here, is there?

Heh! You kidding-of course not!

But let's give credit where it's due-It was mostly Shino's doing..!

Oh uh... Well, yeah.

[playful yipping]

Looks like Squad 8 has made a full recovery.

Sure does. Shino, I don't know what you were worried about. I'd put my life in your hands anytime.

Yeah, so would I..!

Well, I suppose I've gotten stronger.

You don't have to justify anything to us, Shino.

I suppose you're right.

I figured as long as I was all the way out here, I had to take advantage of the hot springs.

It feels wonderful!

Just look at you three, taking care of that guy on your own. You've all gotten so strong.

But I do have to admit, I was about to panic when it was just you and Kiba.

Wait, Kurenai-Sensei, does that mean- does than mean that you were keeping an eye on us the whole time?

What are you talking about?

It's just... How did you know that that rogue shinobi was hiding out near these hot springs?

A coincidence, that's all..!

Mm.

Agghh gross! Will you cut it out Shino?!?!

[barking]

You'll understand one day as well... There is no need to fear battle. Because thankfully...

... our friends always have our backs.

Right! We understand!

Who was it again? For the life of me I can't remember.

[sneezing]

Back during our academy days... all the girls idolized the same woman. She always

seemed so strong and beautiful.

And I'm no different. I decided I wanted to be like Lady Tsunade, the legendary kunoichi.

It's a dream I've never stopped chasing.

Next time on Naruto Shippuden: Ah, My Hero Lady Tsunade!

This is a story from when I was a little girl.