Since this seems to be the "official" discussion thread...
Loved this chapter so much!
Specially Shino's observations and points of view had me snickering and covering my face with glee at several moments (like Tenten thumping her forehead against his arm, jejeje). I do seem to notice a not-so-conscious effort that he makes to keep his clinical and critical eye in everything, but the blossoms of attraction are definitely there, so it is very satisfying.
One particular part that had me laughing though I couldn’t understand why, was a bit in his conversation with Naruto about Hinata:
“Like?” Shino asked. “What is not to like? She is a skilled kunoichi with an extremely pleasant demeanor. Her training in medical ninjutsu will make her an extremely valuable comrade to have.”
I could almost hear his babbling. I am curious, how did Shino feel about Naruto’s sudden realization. It has already been stablished that he is not into “fruitless pursuits” as he calls them, meaning he is not jealous and trying to not sound like it. Was he deliberately playing dumb so he could be clear about Naruto’s exact revelation? Was he worried about the probable shift in their dynamics should the revelation have a bad outcome? I would like to know oh Autholord!
Also I love Shino’s interactions with his parents, I wish there was place in the future for an omake in the Aburame household, Shibi and Misato’s relationship seems to be very healthy and I wonder exactly what were their reactions that had Shino thinking about “maternal fertility schedules”, since I only understood that Misato was doing everything in her power to keep Shino interacting with his one other female regular acquaintance that isn’t romantically compromised.
Loved, loved so many things about this, let’s see… I am sure that Team 10 will be relieved once they learn that Asuma has decided not to nominate them for the Chunnin exam, and although I am sure Shikamaru in particular will be pleased to avoid troublesome situations I wonder if he’ll spare a small thought of regret on not seeing a certain Sand kunoichi (doubtful since at this point in the story little interaction has occurred, still, one can only hope).
I too am troubled with Hinata’s last thoughts, she’s come very far but still her self-doubts and low sense of self-worth seem to weight too heavily, I dunno if she’ll ever return to the Hyuga compound but I really want to see how much she’s changed (even if she doesn’t notice herself) through the eyes of young Hanabi, who also seems damaged (if only in a different kind of way).
I apologize in advance for my poor English