#also nin*’s friendship with the girls as well

[thesaintcomes]

[𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙚]

– Platinum FLASH Vol. 16 (2021) –

[𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬]

- It's well-known that you two are good friends, but since when did you become close?

Mayu: I think it was when we played in "Nogizaka46's Version: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" ....

Seira: No, we had been close even before that. I talked to everyone in the 4th generation. It's just the difference in the bar of "friendship", isn't it?

Mayu: Yeah, it wasn't "friendship" for me back then (LOL). When I first joined, I thought, "She's flexible and good at dancing."

Seira: I remembered her as the girl with #1 audition number. When we first joined the group, the Tokyo team and rural team had different schedules, so we couldn't talk much. Her hair was light-colored, so I thought of her like, "Yankee!?" (LOL).

Mayu: I DON'T have the yankee in me! I used to think of Seira like, "She's a beautiful person, but her personality seemed to be tough (LOL)."

Seira: HOLD UP.

Mayu: But I do think we did become friends through Sailor Moon.

Seira: Yeah, we spent a lot of time together, so it came out naturally.

Mayu: Yhere was a scene where we were both in so we started talking about how we felt. That's how I came to know her. She was like ... an auntie from Osaka.

Seira: WHICH PART!?

Mayu: HEY, I'm not done talking yet! I mean you have an elegant side, but you're also flirty. I just wanted to say I started seeing many sides of you!

Seira: Or you just really wanted to call me "auntie".

Mayu: It's not like that! Basically Seira has beautiful manners. Such as the way she walks. But she just called me "yankee" earlier.

Seira: (LOL) I did. Well, through Sailor Moon we did become close enough to consult with each other about our activities. I'd say, "Hey, listen!" to her. It's not always like I ask for advice, though. But she still manages to be a good listener, so when I tell her about small things in my daily life she would smile and listen.

Mayu: Did you even ask me for advice? I don't think so ... I forget things easily (LOL).

Seira: Please DON'T forget!

Mayu: The reason why I consult with Seira is because she wouldn't just say, "It will be fine," but she would tell me about things clearly. She gives her honest opinions, so I can understand what I have to do. I'm always helped by that.

- Is there any memory of just the two of you?

Mayu: Yeah. There was a time when I kept saying, "I'll do my best." I did that too much on my regular program that I started to sound like a painful girl. I cried out to Seira as hard as I could.

Seira: Hey, I'm younger than you, you know (LOL).

Mayu: I dont think I've had an interesting life so I didn't know how to give good responses. Even so, I could continue to do my works and it's thanks to Seira.

Seira: Mayutan and I are among the older members of the 4th generation, so the staff often ask us to take care of the younger girls. We're on the same boat, so I know what she's thinking. When Mayutan was firstly appointed as the center for the song "Nekojita Chamomile Tea", I couldn't help but call her. I was really glad I could know her problems.

Mayu: I was really worried about being a center while the 4th generation was gaining momentum, but I was relieved when Seira called me.

- When was the moment you felt the bond with all the 4th generation?

Seira: It was the stage play "3-nin no Principal" two years ago for me. We competed on the condition that only three members could perform in the second act, but no matter who was chosen, it was a stage to celebrate.

Mayu: For me it was the first live performance we were able to do after the 16 of us had joined the 4th generation. During rehearsals, it was difficult for the 16 of us to keep in step, so we discussed and confirmed the choreography so many times. After the live, the staff told us, "You are now properly Nogizaka," and I cried with Seira (LOL).

Seira: I felt that the 16 of us had made it through. The fans were warm, everyone danced in the center, and I think everyone shined.

Mayu: Another unforgettable moment was when we climb up the mountain to pray for the hit campaign! Some of the members including myself had to retire halfway up the mountain, but I was happy to see them climb to the top holding on to their trekking poles.

- What are you looking ahead to in the future?

Seira: This is the first time for me to be a member of the senbatsu, and I'm spending my time feeling once again how great my seniors are. It has been announced that junior members will be joining the group in the future, and I would like to be a person who can support my juniors just as I was supported by my seniors.

Mayu: I want to plan a project that will help all the 16 of us get to know each other better. There are too many of us (LOL). I want to go to Kansai. Oh, right, we got some members whose family live in Kansai. I would like to stay at the Hayakawa and Yumiki families!

Seira: Our house is not big enough to accommodate such a large group!

[𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙚]

1. Something you're addicted to recently?

→ Cooking, running, and Asadora.

2. Your speciality?

→ Moving my toes freely, ballet.

3. Something you're proud of?

 → Love.

4. Your personality in one sentence?

→ Sociable but thinks negatively.

5. What song do you often sing in karaoke?

→ "Naminori Johnny".

6. People you respect?

→ Mom, grandma.

7. Your motto?

→ Don't regret even if you fail.

8. Favorite season?

→ Early summer.

9. You suddenly have a day off. What will you do?

→ I will go out anyway, meeting friends.

10. The item that you'd feel uneasy if you don't have?

→ Towel* (たーちゃん: taa-chan) which is necessary for sleeping.

[*T/N: probably a blanket but she said タオルのたーちゃん (taachan the towel)]

11. The menu that would make you happy when you are told you're going have for dinner?

→ Japanese food.

12. What will you do if you get 1 million yen?

→ Save it for traveling in the future. I want to travel!!

13. What do you do for health and body treatment?

→ I can eat rice, but I try not to consume snacks. Running, cooking by myself, eating more vegetables, stretching.

14. Places you want to go to?

→ Hawaii, Europe.

15. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

→ Drinking water and Chinese medicine. ♡

16. The great person in history that you want to meet?

→ Mother Teresa.

17. If you can only have one kind of superpower, what do you want it to be?

→ The superpower that can make me go to the past and the future.

18. What do you do when you are nervous?

→ Take a deep breath, talk to people.

19. What kind of photos do you like in your phone's gallery now?

→ Cute photos of my cousin.

20. Most favorite manga or anime?

→ "Shingeki no Kyojin" (Attack on Titan).

21. Most favorite movie?

→ "Kokuriko-zaka Kara" (From Up on Poppy Hill).

22. What do you want the most now?

→ Time.

23. The most extravagant thing you have done recently?

→ I bought a piece of shabu-shabu meat for 500 yen and ate it.

24. The moment you feel the happiest?

→ When the fans say "thank you" to me.

25. Where do you feel relieved the most?

→ At home.

26. Charm point you want others to notice the most?

→ Beautiful nose.

27. What do you think you are lacking at now?

→ Positive thinking.

28. Message to yourself in 10 years from now?

→ Have you found a new goal? The only person who can believe in yourself is yourself, so treat yourself well.

29. What do you want to challenge in private?

→ I want to ride a bicycle around Yamanote-sen.

30. The member whom you are closest with among the 4th generation?

→ Mayutan. ♡

31. Who do you want to be your girlfriend among the 4th generation?

→ Everyone!!!

32. What do you want to do with the 4th generation in private?

→ Shoot the MVs of the 4th generation's songs which haven't gotten MV yet.

33. What activity do you want to do with the 4th generation?

→ I want to go around the country!

34. Words from your genmate that made you happiest?

→ Kaki Haruka-chan told me, "Seeing Seira do her best makes me want to do my best as well."

35. The secret of the 4th generation member that you think is cute?

→ Yuna-chan called me and said, "Help me fight the bugs!" She was crying and it was cute.

36. What do you like about the 4th generation?

→ Everyone respects each other.

37. Summarize the 4th generation in one sentence?

→ A group of children.

38. Among the songs and MVs of Nogizaka46, which one is your most favorite?

→ "I see...".

39. Most favorite choreography of Nogizaka46's song?

→ "Synchronicity".

40. Your role model or someone you long for among the seniors of Nogizaka46?

→ Ikuta Erika-san.

41. Whose meet and greet you'd like to participate in?

→ Yamashita Mizuki-san.

42. The happiest activity you have participated in so far?

→ The MV shooting of "I see...".

43. The most difficult activity you have participated in so far?

→ The 4th generation's Omitatekai.

44. What has changed the most in yourself ever since you joined?

→ Becoming able to feel grateful and happy from small things.

45. The hardest thing to do now?

→ Catching up with the seniors.

46. What are your dreams and goals in the future?

→ Making more contributions to Nogizaka46 which was created by the seniors, becoming a reliable senior for the younger generations.

[favroitecrime]

how am i supposed to enjoy this show knowing one of my favorite characters is about to permanently leave :/

[thefairyletters]

aaaAAAHH, when you wrote abt sasusaku and reverse pining like YESSS. I couldnt exactly put it into words before reading your post, but I wholeheartedly agree. it would pose a more interesting narrative for the development of their relationship if the roles were reversed and entertaining to read sasuke going out of his comfort zone

Oh yes, Sasuke trying and fighting to get back what he had initially denied is everything that characterizes a canonically healthy SS romance.

Let's also look back to Sasuke getting welcomed back into Konoha. Now, personally I find it strange that people, especially civilians and several shinobi who didn't know Sasuke even existed within village or just knew him in the passing, didn't react to his presence back in the village. He is one of the most notorious S-class missing nins, is he not? Someone who helped instigating the war in the first place, even though he did help in ending it too? Someone who left behind his village before he even knew what his village actually did to his clan?

He is one of the luckiest characters with one of the most tragic backstories on his back.

Inspite of his long list of crimes, Sasuke was allowed to get away unscathed, something that would have gotten any other person slaughtered without a second thought. Alright, so village values his bloodline and is willing to turn blind eye to every atrocities he's committed against all five villages and whatnot. Understandable, because it's politics.

What's not understandable is the extent of sacrifice Team 7 makes for Sasuke. Particularly, Sakura who was turned into some kind of homecoming gift to Sasuke. He came, poked her forehead (voluntarily!) and left (again!), it doesn't help this pair that the forehead poke doesn't have a very positive intonation to begin with. That means, he also got the girl (broodmare) in the end; the same girl he knocked out and left behind alone on a cold bench in the middle of the night.

I wouldn't deny that Sasuke may have always harboured special feelings for Sakura, but Sakura hardly ever saw him after he left and when she did, it's always an attempt on her life by him. It should be enough to make her question if her Sasuke will ever be back.

I can understand that she never stopped loving him because she fell in love with the boy who was her teammate, not the one who made attempts on her life, so she may have always kept loving him. But after everything – the war, and their angsty moments – she more or less should have just settled with focusing on bringing him back and not on her feelings for him.

If it wasn't for Kishimoto, she would have done just that – not caring for Sasuke's feelings for her and only wishing him to return home to them, instead of getting reduced to blushing mess everytime Sasuke is in her presence. Like life had always been so peaceful and pink. Like Sakura and Naruto hadn't survived a war which probably killed many people and left many more without family. Like Sakura didn't know firsthand how death can affect people. Like Sasuke almost hadn't tried to get them all killed.

Reverse pining should have been important in SS because Sasuke easily leaves everything behind and he gets everything back just as easily. There's no effort from his side – he wants to revive his clan and he gets a willing broodmare who happens to be the same girl he had left behind, he wants his Konoha citizenship back which he recieves handily and then proceeds to leave the village the next day, with only "until next time".

I personally would have preferred Sakura to keep her feelings locked behind a polite smile and only present herself in a very cordial manner to Sasuke. I would have preferred her avoiding Sasuke, if only because she doesn't know where she stands with him and is traumatised by his attempts on her life. This, if he really loved her and wanted to let her in, would have confused him, then worried him and then finally forced him to work his way to build his relationship with Sakura, starting with a tentative friendship. Even a word between them on how they should start over would have done wonders on SS relationship.

I can't stress enough how much I hate Naruto for everything that Kishimoto/SP messed up spectacularly. Sasuke and Sakura are duo embodiments of hypocrisy. In their attempts to make Sasuke look cool and attract sympathy towards his character, Sasuke ended up looking really foolish and withdrawn to the point that he could pass for a toy broken beyond repair.

I would even approve the idea of Sakura accepting Sasuke's hand in marriage only because it is expected of her. After years of pining for Sasuke and then pretend-pining (because change will raise questions), it will be well within her character to forgo her personal feelings and do what everyone expected of her. Featuring Sakura being unconditional in giving him a home, though with sad eyes and warm company, and Sasuke understanding her sadness, acknowledging how kind she was to him even after everything he had her go through, and then trying to win her love by reciprocating the love he had always denied her. That way, it would become a story of love in an arranged marriage. This arrangement would go well in Boruto considering the gratitude that Sasuke shows Sakura from time to time.

The whole idea of reverse pining would have put Sasuke's insights of their relationship into perspective and also given us an idea about his mindset during the times that involved him trying killing her. I personally think between Sasuke and Sakura, Sasuke is the more emotional person. Uchihas are particularly passionate and volatile, but all under the wraps. Sakura is expressive and wears her emotions on her sleeves but is considerably calmer of the two where it counts. Comic relief don't count.

Shippuden either shouldn't have ended without another season expanding upon the reunion of Team 7, or it shouldn't have hinted on any pairings – least of all, SS, which is easily the most complex pair I've come across.

SS is one ship that deserved its own movie than any other. period

Am I clear?

[juana-the-iguana]

Headcanons about Sakura:

- Her parents were not ninjas. Maybe they went to the academy, but if they did, they never passed the genin exams. No halfway decent ninja would let their daughter diet, let alone the night before a crucial, physically taxing exam.

- Her family leaves much to be desired. It's one thing to say, "I'm better than blank, because my family is better," but it's another thing to say "I'm better because I have a family." And the haughty way she spoke too seemed a bit like she was overcompensating. I don't think she was abused, but I think there was something seriously dysfunctional. To elaborate:

-Her father was either distant, disapproving or even left her family at some point. I don't think there is anything atypical about her feelings toward Sasuke in their full progression. I also don't think that her desire to stand back-to-back with her teammates is unusual. Still. She values her relationship with them to the same degree, if not more, than the ones she has with the women in her life who had been there for her for longer, and more consistently (her mother, Ino, Tsunade, etc.) Part of this is because Naruto is a very sexist society and Kishimoto does not know how to write women whose lives don't revolve around men, but part of this is because she lacked male approval growing up and seeks validation from men to compensate. (Yes, this is a very cliche explanation for why girls go for "bad boys," but it works in my head.)

- She trained a lot before the Forest of Death. She exited the Forest bloodied, beaten and traumatized, yet still able to keep up with Ino—one of the best ninjas in their academy class, who also improved a lot since the Academy—and tie with her in a fight. She also had fine enough chakra control to channel chakra into her fists. Those skills didn't appear after her fight with the Sound nin.

- Kakashi never trained her, but she never held it against him. He was surprised by her progress in the preliminary matches and seeing as she improved drastically since the Academy, that's a hard thing to miss. Also, the only time we see him praise her is to use her success as a way to goad her teammates on, and he specifically mentions the fact that she is a girl (before Shippuden at least; during the time skip they did not keep in contact at all).

Kakashi was a young, traumatized man in his mid-twenties who was suddenly and put in charge of an emotionally unstable Sharingan user and an equally emotionally unstable (but in other ways) jinchuuriki, both of whom showed tremendous amounts of potential. Kakashi didn't know what he was doing, but he knew that Sasuke and Naruto needed a lot of attention. Combine that with a dose of casual sexism and Sakura got pushed aside. She understood this and never held it against him.

- She never thought about being from a civilian family until the Chuunin Exams. In the Academy, she was so focused on passing her classes and competing with Ino that it she never gave any thought to the that. Once she was placed on Team 7, she was with: the last Uchiha, so she had no reason to believe that his skills were anything but a result of practice and innate talent; Naruto, who was believed to be clanless/Uzumaki was not a well known clan among their generation; and Kakashi who also has an elusive family history. She didn't even know about the Sharingan and the Byakugon until witnessing them firsthand, despite the fact that she is one of the most well-read ninjas in her generation.

Then, during the exam, it became clear in the test portion that so many of the successful ninjas relied heavily on kekkai genkai or clan jutsus (the latter of which she fell victim to), in the Forest of Death Orochimaru was hunting Sasuke for his Sharingan, and during the preliminary matches, every single clan-kid relied heavily on their clan techniques/blood limits. Of the four (in her mind) ninjas who did not have clan techniques—her, Naruto, Lee and Tenten—only one of them advanced to the next round, despite the fact that they were all very capable ninjas. Ninja clans went from a thing she had no reason to pay attention to, to one of the most determining factors in which ninjas progressed in their careers.

- She wouldn't have actually abandoned the village for Sasuke. I think she loved him and was saying anything she thought would make him stay, but I don't think she would have followed through on that spur-of-the-moment comment.

- Inner Sakura existed to cope with her frustration toward her teammates, because she felt like she couldn't be angry at them. She stopped caring about childhood bullies after she joined Team 7, but her anger from being overlooked, condescended, abandoned and, in general, not being able to keep up with her team kept Inner alive. She could never take these emotions out on her teammates (except in small bursts) because she understood that they were dealing with bigger things and didn't hold their actions against them, so she bottled them up.

- She trained a lot in genjutsu. No one's "immune" to genjutsu. She progresses from falling for a simple genjutsu during the Bell Test to brushing off s-ranked genjutsus like they're nothing for the majority of the series.

- She was good friends with Hinata and Shikamaru. There is a photo of her, Naruto and Hinata as kids in the Uzumaki mantle in Boruto (I know, I know), which leads me to believe that Hinata and her were good friends, because we all know that Sakura would have been the one to arrange a hang out between those three. As for Shikamaru, after Sakura rekindled her friendship with Ino and began spending time training with Team 10 before the Chuunin Exams, Shikamaru became a regular figure in her life. They're vibed with each other, because they're both smart and analytical.

- Sasuke only had so many photos and he really wanted to hold onto that photo with Team Taka, which is why Sakura put it in the family portrait frame and kept it intact. There has to be a reason.

[redvoid-40]

Chapter 11: Overcoming the Second Phase

Hello everyone! I know I’m obsessing almost exclusively over the Tales of Arcadia fandom, but I haven’t forgotten this fic yet. Although I do wonder: is anyone still reading/interested in this? Should I keep posting new chapters?

Fanfic title: ??? Word count: 2837 Fandom: Naruto Pairing: eventual Gaara x OC, cannon pairings Genre: Friendship, Adventure, Hurt/Comfort Warnings: None

Previous chapter / Next chapter

It was well into nighttime when Team Rashu found themselves in a secluded spot to rest. The three Genin settled on taking shifts for sleeping, so there would always be someone awake in case of an ambush. After being scolded and throttled by Aoni, Shin was quick to offer to take the first one.

“You sure about this, Shin-chan?” Hajii asked, already lying down, left hand clutching his sister’s.

“Yeah. I have a hard time falling asleep, anyway. You two rest up.”

“Wake me in a couple of hours, okay?” Aoni spoke, lying down by her brother’s side. 

Shin smiled. 

“Okay.”

---

It was still dark, but birds were already chirping when Shin woke Aoni up, gently shaking her shoulder.

“Aoni-chan-” She whispered. “-I’m sorry to wake you, but I’m drifting off now. Would you keep watch?”

Aoni sat up and glared at her. “Shin-chan! It’s almost morning!” She whispered. “You should’ve woken me hours ago.”

“Ahh, I wasn’t sleepy before. I couldn’t stop thinking about that guy… Also, I figured it would be best if Hajii slept through the night. I know how much he hates the dark.”

Aoni glanced at her brother, eyes softening at finding him still fast asleep. “Still, you should’ve woken me earlier. We could’ve split the time evenly between the two of us.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m used to a couple of all-nighters now and then. I only woke you up because I feel my attention is starting to drop now. It wouldn’t be safe for me to keep watch in this state.”

“Of course. Get some shut eye already. We leave for the Tower in an hour.”

---

Morning came, and with it Team Rashu started moving towards the Tower. From branch to branch they jumped as fast as possible while Shin kept reaching out with her chakra, ready to find anyone before they could find them.

“Guys! Wait!” She called, causing the trio to stop. “I can feel some chakras up ahead.”

“How many and how far? Should we take a detour?” Hajii asked.

“They’re a couple dozen meters in front of us. We can avoid them if we want. But…”

“Yes?” He asked.

“There are many chakras there. Over ten.” Shin began, index finger twirling around her hair. “And… my friends are there too.”

Hajii sighed in exasperation. “Not again.”

“Sorry! But couldn’t we just… check on them?” She asked, voice trembling. “We could approach carefully, just to see if they’re okay. They don’t even need to know we’re there!”

“What if they’re in danger?” Hajii asked, one eyebrow raised. “Can you promise you won’t do anything stupid?”

Shin blushed and averted her eyes. Of course she couldn’t promise that. “Hajii, please.”

“Shin-“

“We should go.” Aoni said, causing Shin and Hajii to turn to her with wide eyes. The girl stared back at her brother with serious eyes. “This is not some random guy who attacked us. These are her friends, Hajii.” Aoni pointed out. “Shin wouldn’t hesitate in helping us if it was Kotarou who was in danger.”

Shin’s eyes widened even further. It was uncommon for either sibling to mention their former teammate; his leaving the team was still a sensitive topic. Hajii sighed, kinda shaking, kinda nodding his head.

“Two against one isn’t fair…” He said. “Ugh, fine. Let’s just get this over with. I don’t want to spend another night in this horrible place.”

“Thank you, Hajii-chan!” Shin beamed. “We’ll be done with this real quick, you’ll see. I’m sure they have everything under control!”

---

When they arrived at the scene, Team Seven had things under control. But not in the way Shin had expected at all.

S-Sasuke-kun? From her hiding place at a treetop, Shin watched in shock as Sasuke held down one of the Otogakure Ninjas. His smile was crooked, his body was covered by dark, strange markings. And his chakra- That’s not his chakra. 

Shin swallowed and exchanged a look with her equally surprised teammates. They nodded at her, and the trio jumped to the ground while Shin’s brown eyes took in everything around her. Naruto was on the floor, unconscious, and so was Rock Lee. The other two members of Lee’s team - Shin couldn’t remember their names - were atop a tree branch, with their gazes trained on the leader of the Oto-Nins. Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji were there too, taking cover in a bush a few feet away. And Sakura...

“Shin!”

At the call of her name, Shin at last fixed her gaze on her. The girl was badly hurt, with cuts all over her body and one eye threatening to swallow shut. And her long pink hair...

“Are you alright, Sakura?” Shin asked, running towards her so she could gently comb her pink hair away from her face to examine her bruises. “What happened to you all? What’s wrong with... Sasuke?”

Sakura shook her head, tears in her eyes. “I-I don’t know. It was a man named Orochimaru. He bit Sasuke-kun yesterday and now…” Sakura’s voice trailed off as both girls looked to the boy. He was smiling wickedly down at his foe, pulling both of his arms back at an unnatural angle. Despite the Oto-Nin’s screams, he continued to pull and pull and pull.

The sound of the Ninja’s arms popping out of their sockets made bile rise in Shin’s throat.

That’s not Sasuke…

“Stop!”

Shocked, Shin watched Sakura leap to her feet and run towards the boy to embrace him tightly, as if trying to physically reign in that terrible bloodlust he was emanating. When Sasuke looked back at Sakura, Shin leaped to her feet, fearing he’d hurt her. To her - and everyone’s - relief, Sasuke seemed to come back to his senses. His markings receded and his chakra eased into the controlled thrumming Shin had grown used to.

“You have some pretty interesting friends, Shin-chan.” 

Shin glanced at Hajii and Aoni. Both were staring at Sasuke with wide eyes, muscles tense and weapons in hand. When she looked down at herself, Shin found her right hand wrapped tightly around her kunai as well.

---

After all was said and done and the Oto-Nins took their leave, the remaining Genin savoured a few moments of reprieve and gathered their bearings. There was safety in numbers and at the moment there were twelve of them together; it was a rare chance for all to gather information and tend to any injuries with tranquillity. After waking up Naruto and convincing Hajii to do some first aid on him, Sasuke and Rock Lee, Shin sat down with Sakura and Ino, as the blonde cut the first’s hair. In-between the two’s usual bickering, Sakura explained to them what had happened yesterday and how it all seemed to come back to just one name.

“Orochimaru…” Shin let the syllables roll off her tongue, as her eyes narrowed. “So he’s responsible for all of this. We need to find out who he is and prepare. I doubt this will be the last we hear of him.”

Sakura and Ino gave her a surprised stare, but before either could say anything Hajii had approached them with a first aid satchel and an improvised wooden bowl filled with water in in his hands.

“I patched up that fashion atrocity, Shin-chan-” he said.

Shin pouted. “Don’t talk about Lee-senpai like that Hajii-chan...”

Hearing that, Lee called out to Shin with a big smile on his face and two thumbs up. “Thank you, Shin-kun! I knew I could count on you to understand the fire in my spirit!” 

Hajii looked back at the green-clad boy before turning back to Shin with an eyebrow raised. He didn’t say anything, but that look spoke everything.

Shin chuckled. “You can’t deny his energy is very uplifting.”

Hajii scoffed. “Whatever. Just come so I can look at your arm. I was going to take a second look at it once we got to the Tower, but since we’re all taking a little break, we can get it done now. Come on.”

With a parting smile to the girls, Shin followed Hajii to a more secluded spot in the clearing so he could look at her wound in peace. Shin swallowed as the boy untied the bandages around her shoulder. They were stained with old blood and as the pressure let out, her wound immediately oozed out fresh blood and even a bit of pus, making Shin scowl in distaste. And when Hajii touched the skin surrounding the wound, she couldn’t help but let out a little whine.

Hajii clicked his tongue. “It doesn’t look good. Shin-chan, it might be best if you lay down for this.”

“What are you going to do?” The girl’s voice trembled as she asked, but she followed his orders.

Hajii kneeled close to her left shoulder and pulled out a pair of silicone gloves from his first aid satchel and some antiseptic solution and gauze. “I need to clean the wound well, scrub all the pus and dead tissue out before wrapping it with gauze again. First, I’m going to wash it with water and then with the solution. Unfortunately, I don’t know any healing Ninjutsu, so this will have to do until we get to the Tower.”

Shin was about to say something when Naruto approached them and plopped down at her right side. “Ew! This look terrible, Shin-chan. Believe it!”

“Thank you, Naruto-chan. That’s just what I needed to hear.” Shin said, face pale.

“Hehehe, Sorry.” The boy spoke, rubbing the back of his head. “Want me to hold your hand?”

“... Yes.”

Naruto smiled brightly and grabbed her right hand. “Just focus on me, Shin-chan! I’ll tell you all about how I kicked ass yesterday do you won’t even feel anything, believe it!”

Naruto’s gesture and words were well-intentioned, but the moment Hajii inserted a gloved finger to debride any dead tissue inside her wound, he fainted. Shin was too busy holding back her groans of pain and doing her best to keep still to do anything more than push him away so he didn’t fall on top of her.

“I really hope we have some proper medical attention there.” Hajii commented as he held her wound open and poured water into it. “Or else I’ll have to clean it again and then stitch it.”

At that, Shin whimpered like a kicked dog.

---

It was before noon when Team Rashu arrived at the Tower. After a warm greeting from Iruka, the three Genin made their way inside the Tower, eyes darting back and forth as they looked for the Infirmary.

“Iruka-sensei said it should be just around here.” Shin mused. 

“I hope this doesn’t take too long. I’m dying for a shower.” Aoni spoke, running a hand through her oily hair.

“Ah! Why don’t you guys explore the place while I look for the Infirmary?” Shin suggested. “Maybe find out if there are any rooms for us and get cleaned up?”

The twins exchanged a look, tempted by the offer. “You sure about this, Shin-chan?”

“Of course! There’s no reason for you guys to waste time just waiting for me when you could be resting. I’ll find you once I’m done here.”

“We don’t mind waiting, Shin-chan.” Aoni said.

Shin smiled at her friends and waved them off. “Just go, you two.”

---

“You’re the first to come here looking for medical attention, you know? I’m surprised.” The Medic-Nin at the Infirmary told her. “And there are two teams here already.”

Shin blushed at that comment and looked down as she continued to heal her shoulder. So, not only there were teams who had finished the Second Phase before them, they were also in better shape.

“No need to be embarrassed. You did well in coming here. This cut was pretty deep and without proper care it could give you a lot of trouble.” The Medic-Nin reassured and gave her a smile. "This healing session should be enough, but there’s still a chance of infection, so I need you to pay attention to any signs of inflammation. If you get a fever, notice any exaggerated swelling, pain or drainage, come back for me to take a second look, alright?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

---

Once her shoulder was nice and healed, Shin wandered around the Tower’s hallways, looking for a shower and a bed. Her hour-long nap earlier that morning had fulfilled its mission and got her through the second day in the Forest of Death, but now she needed proper sleep. But just as she reached the first flight of stairs there was a bark behind her.

“Yoohoo! Look who’s here!”

Shin turned around, smiling widely at finding Team Ten standing right in front of her.

“Hinata-chan, Kiba-kun and Shino-kun!” Shin called excitedly. “You guys made it, congratulations!”

Hinata smiled shyly. “Y-You too, Shin-san. Congratulations.”

“Guess you did well in ditching those losers for a new team, huh, Shin?” Kiba teased. “I bet they lost their scroll already.”

“They are not losers, and I didn’t ditch anyone. We made an arrangement so all of us could take part in the Exams.” Shin pouted. “And I’ve met with them less than an hour ago. They’re still going strong. I bet they’ll be here in no time.”

“Heh! If you say so.” Kiba said, with a smirk.

“More importantly…” Shin began, lowering her gaze to the little pup tucked into Kiba’s coat. “Akamaru seems to be shaking. Is he okay?”

The whole Team Ten tensed at her words and Kiba’s smile dropped as he raised a hand to pet Akamaru’s head comfortingly. “It’s not his fault. We met-”

“Oh, great. That brat is here too.”

As one, Team Ten froze in front of her and Shin could almost taste the fear surrounding them. Slowly, she turned around, following their gaze to find none other than the Sand-Nins walking towards them. The girl was smiling confidently, Kankuro had a half-smirk, half-snarl on his lips and Gaara-

Akamaru whimpered behind her and Shin understood immediately who had terrified him so.

-Gaara had the same detached expression on his face as he stared at her.

“Congratulations to you three.” Shin spoke, politely bowing her head. “I can’t say I’m surprised at finding you here already.”

“Well, I am in seeing you here at all.” Kankuro replied. “I didn’t expect a little brat like you to make the cut. Although I see that annoying orange friend of yours isn’t here, so there’s that.”

“There’s still time. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” Shin chuckled awkwardly, letting her gaze wander over the three Genin before settling on Gaara.

The redhead didn’t have a single scratch or speck of dust on him. Shin knew he was strong - much stronger than she could comprehend - but it still took her by surprise by how unmarred he was. Despite her own team not meeting any others on their way here, there was a slight altercation between them and a giant boar, and even Aoni got herself a few bruises and cuts.

“You look like this was a walk in the park.” Shin commented, raising her brown eyes to Gaara’s sea-foam gaze.

The boy scoffed and everyone - including his teammates - seemed to freeze at his response. Their reaction alone was almost enough to make the girl apologise for her words, fearing they might be seen as some provocation.

“This is nothing.” The boy spoke, lips curling in distaste. “The real deal will come later, when all the weak ones are disposed of, and only the strong remain. That’s when… I’ll prove my existence.”

Shin’s polite smile fell as something dark and unhinged tainted the boy’s chakra. His eyes were blown wide, and he stared at her as if she was some long-awaited event, a main course of sorts, to be carved into and consumed until there was not one bone left that wasn’t licked clean.

“W-We should be going!” The blonde Sand-Nin announced suddenly. “Right, Kankuro?”

“R-Right.” Kankuro answered, a slight tremble in his word. “We should take some time to polish our weapons and check our inventory. Right, Gaara?”

The redhead didn’t respond and Shin was incapable of breaking eye-contact with him. She was terrified of him. And yet- This chakra… what is this? It’s almost like that time at the bridge in the Land of Waves when Naruto’s chakra changed. So much chakra… so powerful. So… mouth-watering. Pupils blown wide, Shin took in a deep breath. Maybe, if she was careful, she could reach out with her own energy, just to brush it against his. If she could just-

“We should get going too!” Kiba spoke loudly, pulling on her shoulder. “Come on, Shin!”

Spell broken, Shin’s chakra contracted back to herself as she suddenly faced Kiba and Akamaru. She blinked and nodded once before following Team Eight up the stairs. When she looked back over her shoulder, she found Gaara staring at her with bloodlust overflowing from his eyes. Mixed with it, she thought she saw some curiosity.

Shin didn’t know which scared, and which excited her most.

[shhhlikeme]

Nin’s Matchup!

(SFW + NSFW)

Matchup Profile: Sfw+nsfw matchup pretty pls! (1/5) Name: Nin>Female>5’4>Film & sfx/theatrical makeup freelancer>V athletic in MS-HS: ballet, was in volley ball, soccer &Basketball teams>Miss my prime days>Scared to start workout again b/c I’ll get lightheaded>If sum1 helps push me through initial fear, I’ll keep growing from there> Likes chilling in ballet stretch poses>paints, photographs&draws as hobby>draws a pic a day (mostly portraits)>writing a comic atm >Always plan contingencies.🦄

(2/5) >embarrassed of my loud laugh(it’s like Kuroo’s)>introvert>not afraid to lead a team tho> V shy & quiet most times>8/10 times, feels awk in public,like idk what i’m saying, but others told me I seem social>Once I’m comfy w/ u, i joke a lot(occasional mum jokes 2 annoy+Sassy dirty ones w/ S/O)>hides behind ppl who likes 2 talk, but not when they’re 2 loud>laughs @ mistakes/when embarrassed>Will stop mistreatment, even if I get in trouble>values communication&genuine discussions🦄

(3/5) Sings when home alone>competes @ Street Fighter tournaments, trains everyday 4 it>Sings “Hit Me W/ Your Best Shot” when fighting bosses in game&swears melodically when i lose>eats chips w/ chopsticks >make hats out of my cat fur when bored>Workahokic night🦉>likes 2 teach >full convos w/ my 🐱>LIVES in oversized hoodies & flip flops, regardless of weather>no pants@home!>Feels incompetent sometimes, but keep practicing 2 improve>Analytical fast learner>idk why ppl think i look innocent🦄

(4/5)>Forgets 2 speak eng when tired (Thai 1st lang.)>Headrubs 4 s/o every night b4 bed>will miss u but is bad@texting>yelps like puppy when I’m surprised>Unconventionally resourceful: Wire hangers’s fixes everything! >stress bakes & will gets pouty if it didn’t turn out well.>overwhelmed to water my 50+ 🌱 >Doodles on smt (always have a pen on me)when i feel socially anxious> 2 dance sober @ clubs> Wants a stable relationship where we work tgt like a team to bring out the best in one another🦄

(5/5) I like a s/o who is lovable, kind, genuine, mature, independent and caring, but can also joke & be silly with like best friends. NSFW: open 2 try new things>❤️restraints, blindfolds & sensual tickle sex (as lee+ler) but had always been too shy to share it with any1>occasionally self conscious of food baby+stretchmarks>🥰edging/teasing >has a thing 4 height differences (likes to feel smol lol!) & primal play.>Is a switch. I’m so sorry if it’s too much info! Thank you for doing this!🦄

————————————

A/N: HI LOVE @crushzone !!!! I SMILE WHEN I SEE YOU IN MY NOTIFS GIRL I WORKED HARD ON YOURS OF COURSE💖 But no matter whaaaat I’m going to be very authentic in my matchups bc they’re based on compatibility and therefore, without further ado, lemme introduce you to your NEW BAE:

————————————

KŌTARŌ BOKUTO 🦉

SFW:

so you’re a theatrical makeup artist.

Aight.

Mind if I offer you a word of advice? :

RUN

“DUDE THAT’S AMAZING IT LOOKS SO SICK!”

Startled by someone’s loud booming voice, you smudged the eyeliner you were applying to your actor’s face all over their forehead. Whipping around to see who had disrupted your work you were faced with a beautiful black and grey haired owl. A rather tall... and very attractive ‘beautiful black and grey haired owl.’

He started walking around the dressing room like he owned the place, touching everything.

“Excuse me, you don’t have a badge. You can’t be backstage—!”

“Pretty obvious don’t you think, Miss ________?”

You didn’t take his bait, refusing to give this stranger your name. Bokuto shrugged.

“Well since I don’t know your name I shall label thee—Miss HOT GIRL of the 9 Kingdoms!” He nudged the knight actor who was sitting in your makeup chair with his elbow. “Did I sound 15th century ish or what??” The owl turned to you expecting to be praised. “I had to meet the person who made the medieval vampire look so scary in the last act. But that guy with the lights didn’t tell me anything about you being so hot.”

You were speechless because he was hot too

But he shouldn’t be back here so you tried to shoo him out anyway

He allowed you to try to shove him out but he was way bigger than you so nice try sis

When he yawned while you panted because you weren’t able to budge him an inch....

Bokuto wagered that he would leave if you agreed to make him look like the Hulk with your makeup skills for a Halloween party he had to go to

You didn’t really want to because you were a professional and you had no idea who this owl was but because you had 15 minutes until the second act and you needed peace and quiet if you were going to finish your job!!! ....

( This boy was not peace NOR quiet )

You agreed.... but because you answered so fast Bokuto kicked it up one notch

Prince of pushing his luck (king is reserved for Shōyo‘s extra ass)

He pretended to allow you to push him out of the makeup room a few steps but before you closed the door he stuck his foot between the door so it couldn’t close.

Smiling, he peered back in, looking down at you:

“AND...... you have to agree to go on a date with me. Tomorrow night?”

“Ugh FINE!”

Bo removed his foot and let himself out with a bounce in his step.

SERIOUSLY WHO LET THIS MAN BACKSTAGE......

Needless to say, after a few dates, mans won you over like he wins EVERYONE over

It surprised you how comfortable you became with him but he just has that affect on people

***

In terms of your athletic relationship Bokuto does many things:

He pushes you to go to the gym with him for one

He signs the two of you up for impromptu Beginner 30-day challenges that you both must stick to

So every morning for 30-days straight he jumps on you in bed to wake you up:

“NIN BABY TIME TO HIT THE GYM. BABY NIN TIME TO GET IN SOME SEXY GYM SHORTS. MON BÉBÉ NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNN—“

“Kōtarō, please shut up.”

he doesn’t

He drags you there and eventually you get back into the swing of things.. killing it in the weight room with your supportive man cheering on your every rep!

You don’t even need him to wake you up during the second challenge!

Your volleyball player boyfriend also signs you up (without permission) for the neighborhood soccer team that Akaashi’s girlfriend is already on

You hated it at first because it was uncomfortable going back after not playing for so long but you soon realized that all the girls there were ex-athletes too and not stars

You formed amazing new girl friendships (especially with Akaashi’s gf) and double dates with them were one of your favourite nights of the week!

You owed that happiness in your life all to your Owl 🦉🥰

He and Akaashi came to every soccer game y’all had and you and the three of you went to all of Bokuto’s games, obviously

Btw you all were FITTTTTT OML

***

In addition...

You already know that your man finds your artistic talents insanely fascinating

On your first anniversary together Bokuto gifted you with a new paint set and new French stand:

Because he admires you Bokuto also tries to draw and paint seriously just like you

You stand over his shoulder and give him corrections and baby owl learns so fast it’s amazing

You two make ‘paint night’ a thing when you move in together and it’s always the most fun event!!!!

Bokuto CONSTANTLY and I mean CONSTANTLY asks for you to add him to the comic you’re writing but you say no because he wouldn’t fit in

He sulks but one day you surprise him by showing him that you drew a cute soaring black and gray owl in the background of almost every outdoor scene in your comic,

you pointed out that it was him

BOKUTOOOO WAS SOOOOO HAPPY

HE WAS SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOPS

He called Akaashi right away and almost cried tears of joy hahahahaha

***

Your contingent based lifestyle has saved your reckless boyfriend’s life and career many-a-times

It’s one of the things he loves most about you.

Also, it is important to mention that he is in LOVE with your laugh

Bby owl does anything to hear it and showers your face with kisses when you laugh to draw it out

He loves you so freaking much

When you don’t make sense and speak gibberish in public because your awkward side randomly comes out......your boyfriend loves to make fun of you:

“Huh? Nin, that wasn’t Japanese, that wasn’t Thai and that definitely wasn’t English. What planet is my adorable baby girl from, again? And how do I return her in exchange for a floating space car instead?!”

suh cute

All of Bokuto’s teammates really like you because you work in conjunction with Akaashi which means you actually have the magic ability to get Bokuto out of emo mode even faster than his best friend 🤯🤯🤯

When he’s at an away game in emo mode his teammates will literally FaceTime you and point their phone in his general direction

“Hey, Kōtarō!!!! Look, Nin’s on the phoneeee!”

Bby owl turns around slowly when he was sulking in the corner and when he sees you on the screen he’s running and jumping on whoever is holding your phone.”

“Kōtarō baby. You’re going to stop this emo mode right now. If not I won’t let you paint me nude like we discussed.”

mans was like: 😨😨😨😨🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

YEP the next second you see him hitting his best practice spikes and his teammate thanks you profusely

You do this several times until Kōtarō just knows to not go into emo mode anymore because you won’t be happy

A year into his professional volleyball career The Black Jackal’s coach sent a surprise fruit bouquet to your work one time:

With a note that read:

To Nin,

Thanks.

Thanks a lot.

Love,

The Team

***

I know you don’t really like people who are considered “too loud” and Bokuto is like...... “MEGA LOUD 🎙 “ but you and Akaashi work together to quiet your boy down as he gets older

He’s perfect

And you love him

***

OKAY THIS IS THE FUNNIEST day THING:

You know how you like standing up for people (even strangers) and stuff?

Well one day, you and Bokuto get caught on a show called WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Where the two of you cussed out this cat-abusing actor on the show in a convincing scenario!

It was PRICELESS

Bokuto literally tells everyone that y’all are movie stars because of it 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

***

More in the relationship:

Bo is always singing with you 💞 when y’all make breakfast it becomes a national sport to sing at the top of your lungs!!

And when he sees you eat chips with chopsticks he’s pulling a Hinata “🤩🤩🤩” face .

He begs you to teach him how

So you try

......and try

..................and try

He can’t do it bruv 😞

You see bby Owl’s emo mode return for the first time in like a year when the chip shatters between his sticks again

This time, you have to enlist Akaashi as the FaceTime saviour and Keiji just tells him:

“Bokuto. You should prefer eating chips with your hands anyway. It gets to your mouth faster.”

cue Bo’s 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 face

........And all is well again

There’s more:

So you’re a workaholic?

Bokuto is fine with that. He just makes you promise that he gets to take you out on your lunch breaks a few times a week or whenever he can

He’s so sweet and your coworkers are BIG jealous of your relationship

Your man BEGSSSSS you to teach him Thai but you find it too hard so when he’s travelling on a long flight he spends the time learning the language on YouTube (and actually get decent at it) so that he can understand you when you’re sleepy😴🥺💕

When Bokuto surprises you by wishing you goodnight in Thai before he falls asleep (while you’re giving him head rubs), your heart explodes BECAUSE why is he the cutest thing in the world ?!?!?!

RELATIONSHIP COMMUNICATION:

You don’t text/you’re bad at texting? That’s fine, mainly because bby owl is so busy with volleyball anyway, but if you don’t text him back when he is feeling needy the boy will call you 20 times in a row

When you finally pick up, your heart is beating like thinking it’s an emergency

But he will answer saying:

“Oh, no emergency. I just want booty pics. Please, Nin babyyyyy?”

you’re like: 😑

ANOTHER CUTE THING YOUR MAN DOES?????

AIGHT:

It’s cringey but.......

When you’re at work all day doing makeup and he’s home he will send you pics throughout the day of him taking care of your plants like they are y’alls newborn children:

His text:

Baby look!!! Ollie the Orchid grew to 7 inches today!!! Yesterday he was 6.8 inches!!!!! They grow up so fast 😭😭😭”

Your reply:

Not quite as long as your dick, Bo

His reply:

I hate when you get me horny when I’m trying to take care of the kiiiids 😭😭😭😭

Dkm

Of all the factors you look for in a man, Bokuto has all of them

Like I said he becomes much more mature when you and Akaashi are his closest compadres

What people don’t know is that Kōtarō is actually very mature he is just a hardcore optomist (besides emo mode lmao) so people often mistake him as immature or dumb

But He’s far from it and you see that everyday

It’s why you fell for him

When dealing with serious issues that life has to handle, you see a different side of Bokuto, a real side, the side he shows in every tough volleyball game when he makes you metaphorically step behind him so he can deal with any problem that comes your way

He would literally withstand all your battles if that meant you’d remain happy forever

We stan a relationship like yours💞

NSFW:

okay so you know how you chill in ballet 🩰 stretches sometimes?

THAT DRIVES KŌTARŌ WILD.

It turns him on so much and he is constantly testing how flexible you are in the bedroom

When you keep meeting his expectations he is POUNDING you cause he is so turned on

He fucking loves it

It also turns him on when you’ll be acting shy and stuff but then randomly you’ll lead your neighbourhood soccer team like a BAD BITCH

When he sees that he’s already asking Akaashi how long until the game ends because he’s horny:

Akaashi deadpans. “Too much information. And the game just started 3 minutes ago. Get a water and calm yourself.”

Bo is sad but it makes for one hell of a I’m-proud-of-you sexscape when you get home from your game!!

Your dirty jokes also turn Bokuto on.

A lot.

A lot a lot:

“Bo.....I was joking.”

“I know but if I hear the word ‘dick’ coming out of your mouth I automatically think of you blowing me so now I want us to go home.” He whines.

You sigh. He’s lucky he’s so fucking hot.

When you’re playing street fighter every night this boy will not leave you alone until you cockwarm him

“Nin can you pleaseeeeee warm my cock while you train? I miss you.”

Your concentration turns him on so he has to ask nicely 😊

You love his dick so of course you oblige

Bby owl is so happy just sitting there being in your company and in your warmth but sometimes or every time he ends up thrusting into you

Sometimes while he’s giving you deep slow thrusts he orders you to keep playing or he won’t get you off

Damn 🤤

Let’s not forget also that you drive your man wild by walking around the house in hoodies all the time and nothing else

Every day, another hoodie will be found in various RANDOM places in the house because Bo flings it off you before he makes love to you wherever, and they go missing

Finally, when you get all sad and pouty because one of your baker trials goes to shit (ruined chocolate brownies this time, boo 💔), your boyfriend is taking your hand gently in an instant, leading you to the bedroom:

“Don’t be sad my beautiful girl, you know how much I hate seeing you sad. It makes me sad.! Here, come in the room and sit on my face—I promise I’ll make you feel better.”

WELL DAMN—😳💦

Maybe you should screw up brownie recipes more often.

————————————

A/N: do you know the show what would you do??? Watch it on YouTube if you haven’t haha I couldn’t stop thinking about you and Bokuto being on it after reading your matchup profile!!!! I hope you liked it bb! Give me all your reactions, I want all the smoke 💞💞💞

[fourangers]

Kakashi’s exposé

Dedicated to @rivaille-plisetsky that suggested the prompt: 

Post-War shenanigans with Kakashi being the only one with knowledge of their relationship

So here it is! I hope you’ll like it. SNS, with a tiny bit one-sided Sakura --> Sasuke, and sex insinuations. Comedy and it’s a lil to the side of crack.

AO3 link

==.==.==

Somehow, some way, it just clicked. Maybe it was due to exhaustion, or Sakura's confession still fresh in his mind but Kakashi witnessed the way Sasuke was looking at his best friend/rival/nemesis, how affection warmed his black eyes mixed with longing and burning intensity and it was just…oh. Oh. OoooooOooH.

Everything made sense now. It's no wonder he was so desperate to cut off his bonds with Naruto and why it brought him so much pain to do so. 

Kakashi just stood mildly shocked as his eyes followed his previous students' behavior, from Sakura's relieved smile, Naruto's wide beam and Sasuke's gaze constantly trained towards the blond nin. 

Ah…to be young and naive.

⏤.⏤ 

Kakashi had a hard time feigning surprise when he saw both boys tucked together, blissfully sleeping on the small bed at the hospital. Sakura, on the other hand, was so happy about Sasuke's return that she didn't connect the dots yet.

The next few months was a cumbersome process of finding solid proofs about the Uchiha's massacre tying with Konoha's higher office corruption, since the elders were eager to throw Sasuke in jail while he was still recuperating from his wounds. Fortunately Naruto called Shikamaru for help as they searched in the archives with Tsunade's permission. 

Soon enough all the guilty were charged for conspiracy in ethnic cleansing and thrown behind bars. Sasuke also spent some time in jail for multiple attempts of murder against the 5 kages, but thankfully due to his contributions in ending the latest ninja war and Naruto’s constant nagging with Tsunade, he was set free.

Naruto and Kakashi both expected that Sasuke would bolt out of Konoha the second he was unchained. However, much to their puzzled astonishment, the last Uchiha had decided to settle down. He even took the chuunin exams with Naruto as some sort of proof that he desired to get back being a Konoha citizen. As if there was something(someone) that rooted him to the ground.

When Sasuke reached 18 years old, Kakashi gifted him a special Icha Icha book with prim pride.

Sasuke glanced at the title, glared his ex-teacher with his face bright red, and promptly hid when they noticed Naruto’s chakra close by. Several comrades joined in afterwards, some were part of the rookie nine, other were Sasuke’s current teammates, all gathered to celebrate his birthday.

Through the course of that night, wherever Sasuke would go, Ino and Sakura were on his toes once again, vying for his attention. It was a confusing realization for Kakashi, that even if Sakura was now an accomplished medic-nin and jounin, she would revert to her pre-teen self once Sasuke was around. Kakashi simply observed in between sips of sake while Sakura fussed over Sasuke with her doe-eyed expression, and Sasuke tolerated her presence with the smallest furrow on his handsome face. Black eyes flickered towards Naruto’s back, before he exhaled a heavy sigh, calling Sakura much to Ino’s annoyance.

On the next day, the news about Sasuke and Sakura dating was the talk of the whole town. Or rather, how Sakura was running behind her beloved wherever they go, emerald eyes glimmering like a little girl winning the affection of her idolized popular boy.

This is bizarre; Kakashi concluded watching the one-sided interactions. Those youngsters were just too much for him sometimes.

Naruto swore that he welcomed this new development with open arms, really, like…really. He’d accept no one else but Sasuke, if he was going to lose Sakura’s hand to another man. But Kakashi could notice the tightness of his grins whenever team 7 would reunite, but whether he was jealous over Sakura or Sasuke, no one would ever know.

Months have passed and Sasuke was slowly entering a dangerous territory, returning to his personal darkness that few could reach. Maybe it was due to Sakura’s impatience that their relationship got stuck since day one, or how she finally broke the illusion that her idol was just a regular man, so she was currently much more content spending her time with Ino nowadays. Maybe it was because his friendship with Naruto was becoming strained over the days. Maybe the Hyuuga’s heiress bold approach towards his best friend was grating Sasuke’s nerves.

Kakashi sighed. They were so much cuter back when they were little genins.

But Kakashi was; he hoped, wiser now. The accumulated experience he built up all over those years brought him a wider scope about how he should handle human emotions and its complexities. He wouldn't make the same mistake he had done before, unlike last time when he failed talking some sense to pre-teen Sasuke. 

He stood up, hopping on the direction towards Naruto’s house.

⏤.⏤ 

One year later… 

Konohamaru cleared his throat, knocking on the door. He heard grumbles, quiet steps and then the door was pried open with a pair of glaring eyes.

He gulped. “Good morning. Is Naruto-niichan nearby?” 

Sasuke thinned his lips, turning around. “Cooking breakfast.”

Konohamaru gave a brisk nod, striding towards the kitchen and being greeted by Naruto’s wide gin.

“Hey Konohamaru! ‘Sup?”

“Naruto-niichan! It’s your first day in the Hokage’s apprenticeship, are you excited?”

“Sure am! Man, can’t believe that Tsunade-baachan is going to pass the torch to me, I thought for sure they were going to choose Kakashi-sensei that⏤”

“Oh? Talking about me?”

Konohamaru and Naruto shrieked when they heard Kakashi’s sudden chime, Sasuke stood leaning on the wall unimpressed. 

The older man said. “Ah, here I was coming here to congratulate my former protegée, and all I hear is Naruto-kun talking behind my back. You’re hurting my fragile heart.”

“Can’t you knock on the door like a regular person? You almost gave me a heart attack dammit.” Naruto complained, rubbing his chest. 

“Another reason why I’m questioning Konoha’s decision to make you the next Hokage. I assumed the prerequisite for such an important job was to master basic moves like noticing someone’s chakra when they are close by, dumbass.” Sasuke scoffed.

“Say what, you asshole⏤”

“As much as I’d love to get down the memory lane watching you boys bicker, I’m here to give you a gift, Naruto.” Kakashi placed several books on the table. “My entire Icha Icha collection. All signed by Jiraiya-sama.”

Naruto stared wide-eyed once the information sank in, picking up one book as if it was the most precious thing in the world. He leafed through pages, smiling fondly when he read Jiraiya’s message. They let Naruto take his time browsing through the books, even Sasuke curbed his usual teasing barb too.

The Uchiha nin seemed to realize something, coughing. “Well, since Kakashi already gave you his present, I suppose I should also give you mine.”

Naruto’s eyes were narrowed and suspicious. “And what exactly you’re gonna give me, bastard?”

Sasuke smirked, throwing his arm around Naruto’s shoulder and directing to their bedroom. “You’ll enjoy it, for sure.” 

Konohamaru and Kakashi watched as Naruto was dragged by Sasuke. Konohamaru muttered. “Well, I guess I’ll wait here until they are done. I was also gonna give Naruto-niichan my gift.”

Oh. “Ooooh, there’s no need for you to wait this long Konohamaru-kun. You can give him once we’re in Konoha’s headquarters.”

“What? I can wait a little, I mean⏤”

Kakashi patted the younger nin’s shoulder as he hurried them to the exit. “I have a feeling they are going to take a while, so we better go.”

Several months had passed and Naruto was beginning to get used to the hectic schedule of being Tsunade’s apprentice. The assistants were also smoothly adapting with his working style too, most comfortable with his friendliness.

The rare exceptions were when Naruto’s best friend would go to a long term mission, and the sunny personality will cloud to a petulant pout. 

“Naruto.” Everyone jumped startled from the familiar baritone voice, swiveling their heads to see Sasuke perched on the window.

Naruto instantly brightened up, turning back to face their assistants as he declared. “Hey guys! Sasuke is here so I’m gonna go ok, ‘s gonna be really quick I swear. Be right back, be right back!” Both Naruto and Sasuke disappeared in a cloud of poof.

The assistants shrugged, some even rolled his eyes while they resumed their work. 

⏤.⏤ 

How odd it was that whenever Sasuke was around though, Naruto would always blink out of their eyes. For someone who wore neon orange outfit and had bright golden hair in midst of an ocean of dark heads, Naruto could disappear without an effort. 

Saeko rubbed her shoulders while she searched the aforementioned blond nin, seeking his signature. She’s way past her prime to be able to find a strong shinobi like Naruto-kun. 

Fortunately for her, she spotted Kakashi from afar, calling him. “Kakashi-kun!”

Kakashi acknowledged her with a nod.

“Have you seen Naruto-kun? I really need his signature to authorize a new mission.” She sighed.

Kakashi chuckled. “Well…in case you can’t see him, I guess you could look around and try to find Sasuke instead.”

“Ah right…Uchiha-kun right.” Saeko shook her head. “They are almost attached to the hip.”

“Right.” 

“Such a beautiful friendship between those two boys, right?”

Kakashi stared the old lady before settled with a hum.

“They need to settle down and find a good ladies in their lives though.” She quipped with chiding tone. “Why are they taking so long to get married, I wonder. Youngsters those days are in no hurry to build a family, they are exactly like that Yamanaka girl; living with her best friend Haruno-chan.”

Kakashi hummed absentmindedly once again.

Almost as if he was reading their minds, Sasuke exited the toilet in front of them, licking his lips as his finger wiped his mouth.

“Ah, Uchiha-kun!” Saeko tightened her steps, approaching him. “Have you seen Naruto-kun anywhere?”

Sasuke glanced at her back, then gazed Kakashi’s amused eyes, shrugging. “Behind me.”

“Behind y⏤?” Lo and behold, the future Hokage opened the door a little breathless and disheveled, hand combing through his golden hair. 

His cheeks were tinged red but he soon recomposed himself when he saw the old lady. “Oh hey, Saeko-san, Kakashi-sensei! Why are you⏤”

“Naruto-kun, you’re going to be the death of this old woman, I swear!” Saeko interrupted him, shoving the papers on his face. “I know that Uchiha-kun is your best friend but do you really need to have him next to you 24/7?”

“I’m sure that Naruto-kun would happily perform his tasks as the Hokage apprentice, normally…” Kakashi muttered. “But I guess Sasuke just missed him too much.”

Sasuke glared, rolling his eyes. “I’ll see you soon Naruto.”  

Saeko concluded that their friendship is really one of a kind, watching Uchiha-kun’s back as Naruto was signing her papers. Gossip around town said that a female shinobi might disrupt such cozy relationship, even though Sasuke kept turning down every date request. There was a bet about which man would find a girlfriend first, however, Kakashi almost zeroed his bank account with the belief that his former students wouldn’t find any girl whatsoever.

Every female shinobi dedicated their time to seduce either the last Uchiha or the future of Hokage of Konoha. This also meant that they were thinning Sasuke’s very limited patience, their constant pestering wouldn’t give them some time for themselves.

⏤.⏤ 

“Naruto-niichan! Wow, you lucky dog!” Konohamaru chirped when he spotted his friend in the corridor, punching the tanned arm playfully. “I can’t believe this⏤!”

“Believe what, Konohamaru?” Naruto questioned. 

“Haven’t you heard? Tomoko Saiyuri, the most gorgeous woman of all Konoha is actually going to ask you on a date!”

“He’s not interested.” Sasuke grunted.

“Oh, c’mon Sasuke-niichan, I know you might be sore because she chose Naruto-niichan instead of you, but there’s no way Naruto-niichan wouldn’t be interested because⏤”

“But he’s not interested, he’s not available, he won’t do anything with her.” Sasuke hissed.

“Uh, yeah…Konohamaru, why would I be interested?” Naruto squinted his eyes puzzled. “I’m honored, honestly, but where did you get the idea I would⏤”

“You know that this is your fault right.” Sasuke snapped towards Naruto. 

“What?” Naruto grumbled.

“You give too many openings, people are still thinking you’re available.”

“Uh…wait, Naruto-niichan, does that mean you’re actually seeing someone⏤?”

“Wait, don’t put the blame on me, asshole. Where in the hell did I show that I’m available?”  

“Well, you’re such an oblivious dumbass, that you wouldn’t realize yours and anyone’s feelings even if it’s right under your nose.” Sasuke muttered under his breath. “Maybe this is the reason why everyone is also blind about us.”

Naruto stared for a while with his jaw slacked, before blurting out. “We live together, I thought everyone knew.”

“Most think we’re just roommates, some still believe that you’re guarding me while I’m on house arrest.”

“What? We share a bed.”

“They think we didn’t find a good house with two bedrooms.”

Konohamaru interjected tentatively. “Um, Naruto-niichan, what exactly are you talking about⏤?”

Naruto however, couldn’t listen to him, blue eyes still trained towards Sasuke. “I don’t get it, we haven’t seen anyone else so far ever since we decided to live together, I thought⏤”

Sasuke sighed. “They think we’re just taking our time to find a girl to settle down.”

Naruto nodded numbly, scratching his head. “Oh. Is that why Momiji-san wanted to cook me some obento?”

Sasuke grunted, his glare darkening. “And you almost fell for it, hook line and sinker.”

Naruto gazed back, studying the Uchiha’s activated Sharingan. Everyone was staring with growing confusion until Naruto snorted. “Are you jealous Sasuke-chan?” He laughed.

“No, absolutely not.” Sasuke promptly defended himself, raising his chin. “I’m staking my claim, that is all, since someone else is not making any effort over this relationship.”

“Awwww⏤you’re really jealous!” Naruto grinned.

“I’m not jealous, usuratonkachi, I just feel like you should have made everything clear to everyone so I can avoid all those troublesome harpies and⏤” When Sasuke saw the determined blue eyes, he tensed but all of a sudden, Naruto grabbed him and hoisted over his shoulder.  "Naruto, what the hell are you doing, I swear I'm going to fry your sorry ass if you⏤Naruto⏤!" The door slammed shut.

Then, silence. All ninjas on the vicinity didn’t know whether they should intervene whatever skirmish because Naruto was going to be the Hokage, but still, since he’s the future Hokage, he didn’t need anyone to defend him, right?

Their thought process was interrupted when he heard a moan. But not any moan, it was specifically Sasuke’s moan. Every face was colored red. As the moans and groans were increasing in speed and volume, the shade of their blushes were darkening, and everyone froze on the spot. 

A constant thumping noise joined in, eliminating whatever doubt they might had out of the window, in concern with the activity they were doing in the Hokage’s office. The banging grew faster and louder, that at this point everyone in the building could hear it out.

A guttural scream ripped from Naruto’s voice, that made all women fan to themselves and all men shuffle uncomfortably. Another pregnant silence reigned in the building, until Naruto opened the door beaming ear to ear, holding Sasuke’s hand while the latter was scowling, limping his steps.

“So!” Naruto proclaimed cheerfully. “As you can see, Sasuke and I are unavailable for any possible dates at the present and future moment. We’re pretty busy screwing each other, after all.”

“I am screwing you next time, usuratonkachi.” Sasuke grumbled darkly.

Naruto chortled, unaffected by his threat. “He’s so sweet right. I can’t ask for any better boyfriend.”

Sasuke kicked his legs. Naruto retaliated by slapping hard his back. As their skirmish was growing more violent, everyone scurried away from the couple.

Those two are insane.

(Kakashi later appeared in Konoha’s headquarters, ready to collect his money from the bet. It’s more than enough to secure a very nice retirement. The news about Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship reached to Tsunade’s ears but she was wholly unimpressed. She did punch her protegée to seven foot below ground for soiling her office though.)

[britpop-ism]

get to know me

thanks to @kjaereste for the tag!

1. nickname: uh. uuuhh. call me what you want. i’m not fussy

2. star sign: Sagittarius. The archer. Scared of clowns. Sigh

3. height: just hit 6′ lads feels good feels great

4. time: 19:11. spooky

5. birthday: 9th of December. 

6. favourite bands: Blur, Radiohead, Animal Collective, Sonic Youth, The Breeders, Pavement, Modest Mouse, The Cure, The Postal Service, GY!BE, Boards of Canada, QOTSA, early Interpol, Supergrass, Massive Attack, Slowdive, MBV, blah blah blah forever and ever. Changes daily tho, link to my spotify here

7. favourite solo artists: Machine Girl, Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, Jeffery Lewis, Grimes, Mac Demarco but ofc big respect to his band, Liz Phair, Sufjan Stevens, Simple Kid, Nujabes, Kaki King, Kate Bush, Beck, NIN bc it’s basically the Trent Reznor Show

8.  song stuck in my head: it’s been Impossible Germany by Wilco all day heck

9.  last movie I watched: I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore. Netflix original, great female lead with Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood playing one of my favourite roles of his. About being depressed and angry at the world and i loved it, would recommend!

10. last show i watched: Trigun bc it’s on Netflix now. Fuckin awesome show. Smartass insect dude with a revolver. Got that 90′s anime vibe in spades, for fans of stuff like Cowboy Bebop i guess

11. when did i create my blog: Christ, I must have been like 13??? I was dyeitblack back then. Jesus christ. I don’t know if the site was better or worse. Best not to think about it

12. what do i do: Just started a music course cause i’m fuckin done with sixthform. i do music stuff casually as well, check out my clippy covers and originals here

13. last thing i googled: the name of the movie i last watched to make sure i didn’t fuck up the title and make a damn fool of myself on the internet, the WORsT fate that can befall any careless soul

14. do you have any other blogs: Yeah I got a music review blog i don’t fucking use because no one submits their shit to it anymore ((((submit ur music to me let me expose u pls gotta get that writing portfolio))) and i have a private blog for me to shit my feelings into a void that no one will ever see unless they ask me nicely 

15. do you get asks: not unless it’s from @anarchypancake sending me the latest daddy’s cummies cringe memepasta thing. it’s a great friendship we have

16. why did you choose your url: cause i was fuckin balls deep in my britpop phase and all the good relevant ones were taken and now here i am. a hyphen in my url. suffering

17. following: So! Many! People! All of them are beautiful 

18. followers: yes i do have followers that is correct. all of them also being beautiful

19. favourite colours: forest green! vibrant blues! The Whole Colour Palette of Akira and Also Overwatch! 

20. average hours of sleep: wildly inconsistent, what do you take me for, a functioning human being? not on my watch i have drawn on in purple crayon, sonny jim

21. lucky number: this one. it pays off. big time.

22. instrument: guitar, acoustic and electric, and a fender vi so i guess bass also kinda. i also just bought a melodica so?? that’s gonna be fantastic

23. what im wearing: Dodger shirt, like Dodger as in dexbonus dodger, and some new button jeans, and socks with yellow spots on the bottom and block yellow on the heels and toes. And my glasses! And headphones. Bonus: got underwear on as well. I am overdressed 

24. how many blankets: 1 really good one. i got a radiohead blanket at the manchester show. was the last one. i love it. you can’t have it, but i can

25. dream job: Writer, or musician, or something like that. Or both. A real renaissance ‘man’. a renaissance fraud. a real pretentious dick i wanna be one of those but with just a fucking ass dickload of money 

26. dream trip: coffee shop in town thanks i don’t like travelling v much

27. favourite food: dick. uuuuh idk i like a lot of food. the chinese in heworth do great pork batter balls. i just call em pig balls tho. cause i’m a huge child

28. nationality: oi m8 i’m british innit ladd

29. favourite song right now: LCD Soundsystem - Losing My Edge. Gettin me hella pumped for their new record

aight that’s that, i’ll tag fuckinnnn uuuhhhhh @qluq @buddyonacloud @talaesman @nintendovoreboy and any other gosh darn mcdude who wants in on this big old sharing circle of love and respect yo

[chaoussu]

Name: Hatake Inori Age: Part II: 18-20. Birthdate: 14th February (Aquarius) Nickname(s): KSX094. (Orochimaru) Inori-senpai. (Team Hana while undercover in the group). Inori-san. (Mo-Chiyome Performance group and customers/fools). Sensei. (Sakiko). Blood Type: O- Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan, Rinnegan. Occupation: Shinobi, Rank Jōnin Commander. Regular Envoy. Mercenary (former). Performer (former). Bounty Hunter (former). Experiment (former). Affiliation/Organizations: Konohagakure. Allied Shinobi Forces. Mo-Chiyome performance group (former). KSX Operation (former). Team: Fifth Division. Mo-Chiyome performance group (former). KSX Operation (former). Birthplace: Konohagakure. Familial Background: She possesses the blood and DNA of both the Senju and Uchiha, due to Orochimaru having taken the samples from Madara Uchiha’s and Hashirama Senju’s corpses. This was due to trying to make her obtain both the Sharingan and the Wood Style. She also possesses the DNA of Tsunade and Kakashi Hatake, so she could obtain talent in both ninjutsu and medical abilities, as well as become a prodigy. Due to being a synthetic human made by Orochimaru, she is somewhat Mitsuki’s older sister. She however read that a child is composed of the DNA of their mother and father, and thus sees Tsunade as her mother and Kakashi as her father. She sees Orochimaru as the equivalent of a doctor at a hospital, while Madara and Hashirama are great grandfathers, due to their age and the fact that Hashirama is Tsunade’s grandfather. Character Background: She was an experiment made by Orochimaru. While there were many subjects, she was one of five that survived and the only one that managed to obtain the rinnegan, after killing her own “siblings”. She was trained much like a root ninja, but after running out of books and scrolls to study with, she began stealing some during her missions. However some of them contained ordinary human knowledge like family, friendship and fictions with morals. From them she began to study about, what it meant to be “human”. Later on she met Itachi, who shared her wonder about what war, life and humanity was. The two got acquainted by training and discuss together. This became her first somewhat close relation to any human. Once on a mission to Suna, she was supposed to seal and steal Shukaku. She however chose to act as a child, and got close to the young and lonely Gaara that tried to make friends. All due to the sand defense he possessed. She originally tried to make him turn into Shukaku, however as time passed, she eventually truly held him dear and found him as a friend. She changed her view, the moment Gaara gave her a truly happy smile, with no ulterior motive or any negative thoughts and ideas. She ultimately chose to fail the mission and was forced back by Orochimaru. She was discovered, when Orochimaru became a missing-nin, and the place she was training at got found. She had full knowledge about the KSX operation, due to reading her own files and was given a pardon, on all the missions’ she had received from Orochimaru, in exchange of telling them about everything she knew. Additionally due to Kakashi’s mood after the death of Minato, as well as, her possessing his DNA, she was introduced to Kakashi, as a distant relative, and he was told to help her, get used to Konoha. However Danzou, who had heard the secret about her, send the Anbu after her, which led to her running away and never returning to Konoha, before the middle of the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Height: 166 cm. Weight: 45 kg. Tattoos/Birthmarks/Scars: She has “KSX094” tattooed on the back of her neck. Jewelry/Accessories: She wears two belts for her scrolls. A red one where they are visible, and a dark blue one with pockets for her other scrolls. The belts also carry the holster for her tantō. She wears a shuriken holder on her right leg. She also wears a bracelet, she was given as a birthday present. She wears her forehead protector on her left upper arm. Voice: Mimori Suzuko – (Momozono Nanami Kamisama Hajimemashita)

About the Character:

Personality:  She is open-minded and talks truthfully to people, believing that being dishonest and keeping you to yourself would only create a cliff. She is active and social, which is why she likes travelling. Additionally she just likes to have fun and great times, having great interest in new things. This can cause her to sometimes be rather childish and she is so friendly towards people that she doesn’t show so much respect as she carelessly treats people, however she wants, and does whatever she wants. She however understand social statuses and titles, so despite not truly caring, she uses her acting, to act respectful and responsible in front of people with said titles (unless they’re on friendly terms, yet again if they’re working).

She can be rather optimistic and forgiving, capable of even forgiving people, who once were after her life, claiming she might’ve deserved it, due to her past, thinking it was their duty, or because she doesn’t want to cause a circle of hatred. She has a lot of patience due to Kakashi being her family. She is also very independent and even goes on some missions alone, due to being good enough to take care of it herself. She can also be very stubborn, not backing down, but is also very obedient towards orders due to her past. She is also mentioned to be crazy, creative for her ideas and plans. She is encouraging, caring and tends to help out people and put others before herself. She has been mentioned as motherly for her ability to take care of housework, needlework and children. She emits warmth now, but can revert back to her coldness during missions or when pissed.

(Most of her personality traits originate from her acting. Just like Kabuto and Itachi, who lost themselves, Inori lost herself too. However instead of struggling with herself, she chose to adopt the persona, she felt most comfortable with, which later became her true self.)

Likes: Nature and animals. Dislikes: Needless killing. Favorite Foods: Bento. Least Favorite Foods: Anything pickled. Hobbies/Interests: Learning new things, travelling & crafting.

Phobias/Fears: Her past mistakes and accomplishments. While no longer scared of him, Inori still feels a great discomfort around Guy and screams if he suddenly appears in front of her or gets too close. She also feels this way towards Rock Lee due to reminding her of Guy. Habits:

   -       Appearing out of nowhere and surprising/scaring people by doing so.    -       Being brutally honest and very threatening when pissed.    -       After having killed someone, she tends to pray for them once, when she has the time, and if possible give them a grave.    -       After a fight she tends to brush her hand through the top of her hair and out, which creates the split in the middle or split on the side depending on whether she is                   being relaxed or serious.

Mannerisms: Very friendly and open-minded to others. However also mysterious in the way she never talks about herself, unless asked. She is also very literate in words. For instance she says, she was created not born, due to being created in a lab, much like a product. Additionally she doesn’t regard herself as a human. She also takes honor and pride in being honest, stating she has never lied. She also puts others before herself and greatly suppresses her own sadness and pain, not letting people see her cry. Skills/Talents: Photographic memory and quick-learner. She is also a very skilled actress, capable of fooling anyone with her acting and disguises.

Best Qualities: She is very determined to both fulfilling her missions, but also protect the people dear to her. She values honesty and friendship above all, even missions. Worst Qualities: She is very suicidal, risking and throwing away her life easily. Morality/Ethics: If killing isn’t necessary, then don’t kill. Never abandon your comrades. Goals/Motivations/Dreams: A home. “I wish for a home. One where I can casually visit friends and hang out with them till late, and then go back to my house, where I would say ‘I’m back’ and be greeted with a smile telling me ‘Welcome back’. I may have a house, but it is empty with no one inside, it is lacking the warmth of a true home” – Inori.

10 Facts Trivia:

   -       She wants to fight Itachi and Gaara, both to see where she is placed among the two other children, she once hung out with.    -       She went by “Mochizuki Inori”, while travelling and being a part of the Mo-Chiyome performance group and was in the Maple Theatre group as an actress.    -       She was created in the form of a six-years-old girl, but her body remained in that form for many years, as her body wouldn’t age, before her actual age would catch up.    -       Her eyes and hair changes between serious times to relaxed times.                o   Serious: Her eyes are smaller and sharper. Additionally her hair gets split on the side with two strands on her face and two locks of her hair gets put over her                                          shoulders and onto her chest.                o   Relaxed: Her eyes are bigger, rounder and softer. She also gets her hair split in the middle and all of it remains mainly on her back.    -       The only mission she has ever failed to complete was the one in Suna.

               o   When Shukaku finally appeared, she stopped him and brought him outside of Suna, to seal him, but then Yashamaru told her that if Shukaku was extracted from                        him, he would die. This led her to hesitate and ultimately give up on her mission. When the Kazekage, Rasa, appeared and demanded an explanation, Yashamaru                      covered for her, due to her being Gaara’s friend and the choice she made.

   -       She was given the White Light Chakra Sabre, by Kakashi on the first birthday that was held for her, while the bracelet was given on the last, before she left Konoha.    -       She made “Mr. Cuddles” as a birthday present to Gaara, during her time in Suna.    -       She is expected to die when she reaches her fifties, as she is not a perfect creation. (technically, not physically).    -       She is good at gambling and has a high tolerance against alcohol. Though she is not addicted to either.

(To Tsunade, when she questioned, if they could trust her)“Lies and mistrust will only broaden the cliff between two lands”

(To Itachi when they were kids after being asked for advice about Danzo’s order)“You have two choices. You can choose to betray your heart and fulfill your duty, or you can choose to follow your heart and refuse your duty. If you choose to fulfill it, congratulations you’ve succeeded in being a shinobi, however if you choose to follow your heart, you’ve succeeded in being human”

(To Gaara when they were kids and he got upset, due to her calling him weird all the time)“I like weird people, they’re interesting. They’re not as simple as ordinary people, and their weird features make it more fun to get to know them. I pity those who judge a person for being extraordinary. It prevents them from getting a great friend like you”

Naruto/Naruto Shippuden belongs to Masashi Kishimoto Hatake Inori belongs to me

[naruto-oc-critiques]

be nice 2 me nerds <3

she’d still kinda incomplete, so yeh - Syn

— General —

Name: Mao Fujioka

Meaning: Genuine thread; Wisteria hill

Gender: Female

Birthday: July 6th

Age: Part I: 24-25 Part II: 27-28 

[I didn’t know Mao was a Leo. Run for the damn hills.]

— Characteristics —

Blood type: O

Height: : Part I: 5’5” Part II:  5’5”

Weight: : Part I:133 lbs.  Part II:  136 lbs.

Eyes: She has upturned eyes; almond shaped with a lift up at the outer corners. They’re the same color as burnished copper.

Hair: Layered, slightly curly hair that reaches mid-shoulder blades; she keeps it in a low, semi-messy bun with a senbon stuck through it and has some curled fringe (almost like Spanner from KHR, except looser). Dark brown in color; about the color of dark chocolate, if not just a bit darker.

Skin: Peachy skin tone with smatterings of freckles along her arms and legs.

[Realistic height and weight CHECK. Cute eyes ;) Curly hair in Narutoverse? Me likey. Also senbon is cute because ayyyy Genma is the love interest so it’s foreshadowing. :D]

 — Appearance —

Child: Shorter hair left loose, and was one of the kids that kept more of their baby fat longer so she had chubby cheeks. Simple outfit of shorts, and a t-shirt or long-sleeved top (much to her mother’s chagrin) in simple colors with the typical ninja sandals.

[What a cute kid. I can imagine Mao getting ticked off and pointing stubby baby fingers at people while she pouts with them chubby cheeks.]

Academy: Longer hair in a ponytail, curly fringe. Typically wore a grey hooded vest over a plain black long-sleeved shirt and black shorts with once again black ninja sandals. She wasn’t one to bother with colors or girly things and preferred to keep it simple.

[So much black. Too much black. You do know that blue cloth is all the rage in Konoha right? Even for emo chicken butt head Sasuke? Add one dash of color, even if it’s a small accessory. ples.]

Genin: Began putting her hair into a loose looking bun and wearing wedged ninja sandals; black. Wore a sleeveless wire mesh shirt under a long-sleeved wide-necked forest green shirt, short black fingerless gloves with metal back plates, and black tapered pants with cargo-like pockets. She wears her headband around her left bicep. Mao also began to gain a lankier form at this point.

[I don’t think a genin at the age of 10 should be wearing wedged ninja sandals. At least, if you mean wedge like a wedged heel… Also CARGO PANTS YES LOVE. POCKETS.]

Chuunin: Lost some of her lankiness for a more pear-shaped body, wedged ninja sandals traded in for some wedged boots; black with grey buckles. She still wears the plated fingerless gloves and now has the leaf symbol etched into both, so she doesn’t bother with her headband.  She keeps to the plain colors with a to the body slate-grey and quarter-sleeved mesh-lined shirt, black cargo-esque pants that tuck into her boots, and her flak jacket.

[Oooh, boots. Love. Also, I wouldn’t consider the plated gloves to be her form of identification. She should still need her headband.]

Jonin: The only real change to her outfit is that her cargo-esque pants now have red stitching. This is her answer to Anko’s needling that she “needs more color in her life”.

[Love me some Anko friendship.]

— Ninja information —

Current rank: Tokubetsu jounin [WHAT IS THE SPECIALTY, SYN. HEY.]

-Genin promotion: 10

-Chuunin promotion: 12

-Special jounin promotion: 16

-Jounin promotion: 23

Team: Team Shun (affectionately Team Idiots); Shun Sarutobi, Izumo Kamizuki, Kotetsu Hagane. [YES I LOVE ME SOME IZUMO AND KOTETSU YAS.]

Kekkei Genkai: none

Chakra nature: Earth, Water

Ninjustsu range: midrange

Defensive/Offensive type: A little of both, but more so offensive.

Dominant hand: left

Weapons: senbon and ninja wire are her favorites [wink at Genma because senbon.]

— Summonings —

Species: Tanuki

Where the summoning contract comes from: Matsuyama Forest

Name: Shoukichi

Abilities: Tanuki make near zero sound when walking, as such they are fantastic at stealing things or causing general mischief. Tanuki also have the ability to henge into people or even inanimate objects. Shoukichi is especially bad about stealing things – food is his favorite target.

Mao gains this “light-footedness” as a Tanuki contractor.

Appearance: Shoukichi is a little larger than the average sized raccoon is, and has the signature tanuki fur pattern that leaves him with darkened eyes. His fur is colored with black, varying shades of grey, and white. When he’s contemplating something (often what to steal) his head tilts to the side and the tip of his tongue pokes out.

[Obviously I like the idea of a Tanuki since we talked about it in private and I’m pretty sure I helped you come to the conclusion that Tanuki’s are great as a summons? Gaining a trait from the summons is also cute. But can Shoukichi TALK???? The real question.]

— Abilities —

Strength: Chakra control, traps

Weakness: Hand-to-hand combat. [

Taijutsu: Excellent/Good/Average/Bad/Terrible

Ninjutsu: Excellent/Good/Average/Bad/Terrible

Chakra nature: Earth, Water

Earth Release Jutsu:

Coil of Earth

Headhunter

Mudshot

Mudslide

Water Release:

Kirigakure no Jutsu [protip; just call it hidden mist jutsu. You went for english names for everything except this. Continuity. Also a tiny bit odd that a Konoha shinobi uses this technique as it is a specialty of Kiri ninja. If you really want to use it, I’d suggest having some backstory and have Mao horribly beaten by a Kiri nin who used this jutsu, therefore giving her the determination to learn it herself. Some drawback should be established.]

Water Bullet

Water Prison

Water Dragon Bullet

Also knows Wind Release: Gale Palm [please tell me she incorporates senbon into this. ;)]

Genjutsu: Excellent/Good/Average/Bad/Terrible

Fighting style: Mao’s fighting style is fluid, focusing on dodging and defending more than attacking and preferably done in mid to long range rather than up close. She focuses mostly on ninjutsu, minor seals, and chakra string assisted weaponry. [Chakra strings? Who taught her that?]

— Personal traits —

Personality:

Mao is a subtle antagonist, as she likes to encourage all of the crazy and wild ideas that Anko comes up with, though Mao does on occasion actively participate in mischief. She is witty and often comes off as blasé, which sometimes causes problems to arise when she meets new people. And while she may seem blasé about things, Mao is fiercely protective of all of her friends and family and is quite kindhearted – though she tends to get embarrassed when caught out on said kindhearted, soft moments. [I knew she would be like this. Damn leo’s. Me likey though.]

Once she sets her mind on something it becomes her passion, which sometimes leaves her seeming as if she has a one-track mind. She finds humor the best medicine and cover to all of her more tumultuous emotions, and as humor is part of her default character it can take someone who knows her to tell when she’s just deflecting. [Yes! Character development!]

Likes: All types of food – she loves food more than anything, tending her small her garden, naps in the sun [She must love Akimichi food ;)]

-what she likes to do in her free time: Mao either fiddles around with her chakra strings or takes naps in odd but sunny places. She also likes to read novels.

Dislikes: The period of cooking where you can smell the food come together but can’t eat yet because it’s not done, when Anko or one of the boys cajole her into serious taijutsu practice, missions in rainy humid places because it turns her hair into a monster.

Habbits: When thinking hard about something she goes through the hand signs for the alphabet of standard sign language. When concentrating on a task (a puzzle, something to do with writing or reading) her tongue will poke out of her mouth a little bit. 

Fears: Losing everyone, and to a lesser extent being alone – it makes her progressively anxious.

Ambition: To see her kids (genin) grow up and to have a family of her own one day.

— Relationships —

Parents: Yuri Fujioka and Asada Fujioka

Sibling(s): None

Relative(s): Spinster aunt Junko Fujioka [I hope Junko is truly living up to the spinster title.]

Teammates/Ex-teammates: Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane

Friends: Kurenai Yuhi, Izumo and Kotetsu

Best friend(s): Anko Mitarashi, Ashi Inuzuka and Michi

Crush: Genma Shiranui, eventually (it’s a slow thing that happens over time) [SHIP IT LIKE FEDEX]

Rival: She doesn’t really have it in her to have one, not seriously. Anko might be the closest thing.

— Background & history —

Childhood:

Mao was mostly quiet and to herself; she didn’t go out of her way to speak to people so she often drifted around among groups in the Academy. It was a melancholic truth that she didn’t really have very many friends, and she claimed what she had was enough. Though what she had was a bunch of acquaintances and her childhood friend Ashi Inuzuka and his partner Michi, who were three years ahead of her.

But it was in the academy that Mao befriended Anko – or, rather, Anko injected herself into Mao’s life. When it happened the majority of their classmates were confused at the pairing, often asking how it happened. Mao’s answer?

“Skewers, dirt, and a declaration of undying love.”

How much of that was sarcasm Mao’s classmates didn’t know. (Mao would laugh about their confusion, because all she did was offer Anko a stick of dango after the plum haired girl’s got knocked into the dirt. And after she’d had knocked the person that had wronged her into the dirt.) And it was from this point on that Mao became the so-called “devil on Anko’s shoulder”, as she often enabled the plum haired girl’s wild schemes. [Evil little Leo child.]

Genin days:

The beginning of her genin days were rough, as her team didn’t mesh too well in the beginning. Kotetsu and Izumo often ended up leaving her out without meaning to, which caused a lot of tension. Eventually their sensei, Shun Sarutobi, kicked them to the wilds and made them talk. After that they became a fairly capable team that still had some bumps to smooth over. Izumo was often forced to be team mom as well, as Kotetsu and Mao fed off of each other and caused more problems than not, or just got too off-track. They graduated a few months after the Kannabi Bridge incident, so things were still somewhat stressful.

It was on their first C-Rank that Mao’s unsure outlook on her life went through a change. A few things went wrong and they all ended up hurt in one way or another, thanks to rogue shinobi and bandits still feeling empowered thanks to the previously ended war, and their sensei too was hurt as he did his best to protect them. He himself lost an eye in the conflict. It was a wake-up call and Mao, who had previously been unsure of what she was doing since being a shinobi was just something expected of her, started putting in more effort and time than she ever had to getting stronger. Because if there was one thing she knew, it was that she wanted to protect her friends. [I LOVE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTTTTTTTTTTTTTT YES.]

Chuunin days:

Mao participated in the chuunin exams the same time Anko did, and the two actually ended up fighting in the final round. Anko came out the ultimate victor in their match, but both were promoted in the end along with Izumo and Kotetsu. Apparently a great showing of teamwork during the second phase of their exams, involving transporting an “important document” to Tanzaku Gai without losing it to the “enemies” provided by the chuunin and genin corps helped push forward the promotion of their entire team.

It was after their promotions that, somehow, all members of Team Shun slowly started drifting towards the Intelligence Division. They began running intelligence gathering missions under the guidance of the brand new tokubetsu jounin, Aoba. When not on missions or training together, Team Shun worked on finding their own niche within Intelligence, with Mao initially drifting over to Cryptology a few days a week. It was due to her interest in sealing that initially had her go that way, but after a short period she eventually just drifted back to being a general member of the Intelligence Division. [Sounds plausible. Cute idea for Chuunin exam btw. ;)]

The Kyuubi incident happened about a year after the quartet’s promotions, and Mao didn’t have much of a part in everything besides helping civilians to the shelters and away from the trouble after her initial shock.

The first breakdown Mao had after the initial scare of the mission gone wrong was when Orochimaru defected from Konoha and Anko went missing along with him. Mao nearly had a come apart, with Kotetsu and Izumo having to stop her from barging into the Hokage’s office, emotions blazing. They calmed her down enough that she wouldn’t just burst in anger and Mao practically demanded to be part of a search team, declaring that she knew Anko best.

The Cell she was part of weren’t the ones that found Anko, but they did run into the team that did. Mao stayed by the semi-unconscious and in pain girl the whole way back to Konoha, and once they got back as well. It was after this incident that Anko joined the former Team Shun in the Intelligence Division, quietly at first and then with a bang, much to the chagrin of many. Mao eventually became the one people called whenever Anko became too much for them, and Mao was both amused and a little exasperated by this. [Love this and I want to read this whole ordeal in story format please.]

Around the time Mao was fourteen, she decided to try for a summons. She did this with the guidance of her old sensei and Anko, who had already been long signed onto the Snake contract. Mao’s reverse summoning brought her to Matsuyama Forest where she eventually found her way through the foliage and creatures living there to the master of the forest – the Great Tanuki Chagama-sama. After agreeing to come back to Matsuyama once a year to help with the harvest of food during the peak of the season, Chagama-sama allowed Mao to sign the contract. [What a cute little way to pay back to the Tanuki, oh my goodness, I want to read an omake about her helping harvest please.]

Tokubetsu Jounin/Jounin days:

Once both girls turned sixteen, Mao and Anko (who the Fujiokas had taken in after the Incident) moved into a cheap apartment together after becoming tokubetsu jounin. The only rules? For Anko to keep her mess confined to her room, and for her to never attempt cooking on her own. It was also at this point in time that the two joined the Torture and Interrogation subdivision of the Intelligence Division.

Mao, with the assistance of Anko, annoyed Ibiki into teaching Mao more about the sealing arts. In turn for this Mao was to assist Ibiki whenever he wanted Anko the hell away from him. Mao also eventually became somewhat of a gopher among the Intelligence Division, often being the link between Ibiki and Inoichi when they couldn’t meet with each other. [again in love with these little ideas because uhm yes Inoichi and Ibiki not liking each other???]

It was when Mao was eighteen when she first met Genma Shiranui, and that incident was all thanks to Shoukichi. The tanuki found Genma one day and snatched something of his, which eventually led Genma to Mao. He seemed really surprised when she pulled out her “box of wonders” before pulling his missing item from the pile. [YES A LITTLE EXCERPT? YES.]

(“…I think your friend might have some problems.” He jokingly eyed the creature as it scampered off, probably to snatch something else. “Might need to use some of those employee perks for therapy.”

“Sure. I’ll talk to Inoichi-senpai about some therapy-no-jutsu.” Mao clasped her hands together prettily. “Would you like to be there to voice your concerns and lend your support?”

The senbon in his mouth quirked up as he smirked. “Of course, just give me the time and date, Tanuki-chan.”) [hnnnnnnnnnnnngggggg I need more.]

Later Shoukichi manages to snatch Genma’s lunch, leading the man to come strolling up once again, amused after the initial irritation wore off. Upon hearing the problem she mentioned he must have good taste, and that she owed him a meal, which he did end up taking her up on if only because he was hungry and it meant he didn’t have to pay. Though it became of bit of a normal occurrence, as Shoukichi’s favorite target for theft ended up being the same tokubetsu jounin. It was after a year of these lunches that Mao officially started crushing on the older shinobi – or perhaps that was when she finally realized it, seeing as she never offered to buy anyone else lunch after Shoukichi stole it.

When Mao is twenty-one, she takes that first step into actually making those developing feelings apparent, though it’s not quite of her own free will. Anko drags her, Izumo, Kotetsu, and a few of their coworkers out to celebrate their birthdays and Mao gets more than a little drunk. She ends up kissing Genma, though she wakes up thinking it was some alcohol induced dream. Though it’s at this point Genma starts hanging around a little more – trying to puzzle her out. And months later when it’s his birthday, later that night he kisses her –

“It’s only fair, right? You kissed me for your birthday, so I get to kiss you for mine.”

To this day he reminisces on how utterly red she turned on that day.

But, after that they begin an odd sort of teasing and flirting game that eventually evolves into the same sort of supposedly secret relationship Asuma and Kurenai had by the time Mao is twenty-four and Naruto has graduated from the academy. By this time, Mao is also a full-fledged jounin, having taken the jump the same time as Kurenai. [UHM SECRET RELATIONSHIP YES? CUTE? I SHIP IT LIKE FEDEX?]

During Pain’s attack on the village she’s a key fighter in the battle against one of the Paths. Ultimately, she ends up dead and then resurrected by Nagato - though one of her ninjutsu manages to tear the arm off of the Path that she is fighting before getting killed. [Oooh. Does she have a dramatic death? ;)]

Time skip/Shippuuden:

Mao ends up getting a genin team foisted off on her during the time skip, much to her bewilderment. She’s fairly certain it happened one night when her and Tsunade and a few others got a little too drunk – she figures it was partly Shizune’s revenge for said incident. Said team is composed of Heiwa Inuzuka – the nephew of Ashi – Kaede Yuhi, and an orphan boy named Noboru. And, much to Mao’s amusement, Noburu is supposedly Konohamaru’s rival. She uses this as an excuse to heckle Ebisu, much to his absolute dismay. [You involve so many characters who aren’t completely main and I love it? Teasing Ebisu is great and also like a rivalry about who is the better teacher is also awesome?????? I love this?]

During the time skip Mao and Genma end up getting an apartment together, which Anko still likes to complain about and tease her for all the same. Mao proceeds to pester Kurenai about her and Asuma, which the red-eyed woman takes with a grin. [Wait wait wait when did they become exclusive to all? I need answers and a description of the reactions from friends?]

By the time the chuunin exams Shikamaru was put in charge of roll around it’s been a year since Mao had her team, so she punts them towards the Hokage building without a second thought. [DID THEYSortDO GOOD???? DID THEY MAKE MAMA MAO PROUD?]

War Arc:

Haven’t finished hashing this out completely, so barebones:

The final med screenings before going off to fight find Mao pregnant.

She panics, because she’s not ready and there’s a war

Genma is also panicked, but also relieved as that means she won’t end up on the battlefield.

She spends her free time chatting with Kurenai and cooing over Mirai, as well as heckling Karin to pass the time and keep herself distracted.

Her dream under the genjutsu is getting married to Genma, and having a home constantly visited by her friends and family.

Eventually gives birth to a little boy named Nobu.

They get married some time before Nobu turns three, and Mao ends up pregnant again.

A little girl named Ritsu.

[Sorta cliche to find out she is pregnant before the battle but hey that’s shinobi life for you. And SHE DOESN’T FIGHT IN THE WAR? WHAT. NOPE I DON’T LIKE THIS IDEA ANYMORE I NEED HER FIGHTING AND KICKING ASS. YOU MADE HER SOUND SO AWESOME AND THEN BOOM ANTI-CLIMACTIC END WITH THE WAR AND NOT FIGHTING IN IT? NO SIR-E-BOB. I mean how far along is she pregnant? If she’s under 3 months, I’m pretty sure she can fight? Like if you don’t fight, you may die anyways, so why not fight? Shinobi life? Ninja way? Let’s G-O-O-O-O-O-O-O!]

Epilogue/Chapter 700+:

Genma and Mao are living together happily with their two children, and Nobu’s crush on Mirai provides both of them great amusement. Mao still works in the T&I department, mostly handling paperwork and heckling the newbies. 

[Super relaxed epilogue is super relaxed because everyone who lives to the epilogue of Naruto deserves some damn peace and quiet.]

All in all; I lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ove Mao and I need her story pronto. I really don’t see many flaws with her character. Yeah, the ending was mediocre to me with the war. And yeah why does she know how to use the Hidden Mist Technique if she is a Konoha ninja? And maybe the chakra thread too but hey it’s not that big of a deal.

Final score: 9.7/10. I’m rooting for Mao. I love the small details and after going through it all, it didn’t seem like that long of a submission? But hahahaha it is. Me likey. I want more and want a story written.

Love, Dom.

[fourangers]

Perhaps, in the end, it’s fate

Summary:  With one different tilt of the destiny, many other paths can be unfolded. However between them, there would be always an automatic pull since they share an interchangeable fate.

It's ninjaverse AU, completely different timeline. Teacher!Naruto, father!Sasuke, lil!Sarada with a harmless crush on Nardo. No prior pairings with Sasuke (and Naruto btw) because babies can be created through power of SCIENCE! (or in this case, Orochimaru’s experiments).

Based on February prompt from Sun and Moon Challenge, check it out once you can! SNS, T-rated. Comedy and Romance.

AO3 link | FFnet link

⏤.⏤

Squinting his eyes, he swallowed dryly with fingers crossed. He hoped his future mentor would be wise and kind, his teammates nice and welcoming. If he could stretch a little bit more in this wishing department, maybe Sakura will be part of his team. Well, anything, anyone but Sasuke. It was already humiliating enough losing his first kiss to that bastard, going on missions with him would be. The. Worst.

Iruka cleared his throat, staring the list. "Well, Team 7 will be Haruno Sakura..."

Naruto inhaled sharply, tightening his fists.

"Uchiha Sasuke..." He could hear Sakura's jubilant scream all across the classroom, in midst of other feminine complaints and whining. Naruto groaned too.

"...and Hyuuga Neji."

Huh.

That was...sort of unexpected. Really unexpected.

Naruto frowned, wondering why it felt so out of place that he wouldn't be part of this team.

Iruka continued to recite. "That means that the last team will be Rock Lee, Tenten and Uzumaki Naruto."

He threw a tentative glance towards his future teammates, trying not to get freaked out towards the most humongous eyebrows he had ever met in his life. This boy was also wearing a spandex, a bowl cut haircut style and a goofy smile. His female teammate, on the other hand, simply smiled once she noticed him, waving her hand.

Naruto awkwardly waved back, butterflies squirming in his stomach. A brand new life lied ahead of him and he couldn’t wait to get into his first ninja mission.

His new teacher was a bigger weirdo named Maito Gai. He wore Lee’s same spandex and had even thicker brows, but every qualm was instant quelled once he showed impressive taijutsu skills. He was also unbelievably patient and kind with his protegées, taking notes of their strengths and deficiencies, even teaching basic ninjutsus skills to Naruto that he didn’t manage to learn back in ninja Academy.

Gai had auto-proclaimed rival to Team 7’s leader, some shady guy named Kakashi. They stumbled towards that team on a rather frequent basis while watching Gai’s bravados and weird contests with Kakashi laidback responses. That also meant that Naruto and Lee were busy wooing (or at least trying to) Sakura. Noticing Lee’s unsuccessful attempts to ask her out made him shift for another strategy; concentrating on the other rival ergo Uchiha Sasuke.

(though frankly, while sprawled on the bed after another grueling day of training, Naruto had to admit that what he wanted the most was to check if Sasuke, who is another orphan like him, was doing ok on his own)

Sasuke egged him on, honestly. Calling him a total dumbass, smirking while they bickered, it was refreshing someone acknowledge him aside his teammates.

Sakura was treating him better in comparison to the Academy days, much to his positive surprise. She muttered something about Sasuke giving her a blistering lecture, defending Naruto out, which broke his wall for a second.

Chuunin exams arrived, Lee and Tenten losing in the preliminaries, fueling Naruto to get a victory for the team. His fight against Hyuuga Neji ended with some broken bones, painful conversations, a promise and a new friend. He was looking forward to see Sasuke defeat Gaara to honor Konoha, however, as life was full of unexpected changes, that innocuous exam ended with the Sandaime Hokage murdered and the village being attacked.

The village council convinced Kakashi be a temporary Hokage, everyone gathering around to fix the destruction. Soon they returned to their old routine with the usual genin missions while they went back to train. Naruto kept helping Tenten to conjure better weapons as well as sparring with Lee. He had to admit that while Gai was a good teacher, he wished he could expand even further his skills to something other than taijutsu…

Before he could get back to the idyllic days, out of nowhere, Sasuke disappeared. Rumors spread seeing Sakura’s swollen eyes and Kakashi handling a mission to retrieve him. All genins he knew assembled a team with Shikamaru as the leader and Neji to talk him through.

The mission was a complete utter failure.

“He just didn’t listen to me. I even mentioned you Naruto-kun, how it’s possible for anyone to get out from our personal darkness and conquer fate but still…” Neji shook his head, swallowing a soldier pill to replenish his depleted chakra.

Words of disagreement lodged on his throat but he couldn’t voice it out. Naruto knew, somehow, that if it were him, instead of Neji, maybe…Maybe he’d be able to convince Sasuke, or…

After this incident, he noticed Sakura’s grim expression when she started her medic nin training, as well as Neji’s renewed determination to change the Hyuuga clan. Naruto questioned himself, why he wanted with almost the same intensity to bring Sasuke back to Konoha, despite wondering if he’d make a difference. He’s not even his teammate…

And yet he pondered; was this the reason why he accepted Jiraiya’s tutelage, when Gai mentioned about him when they went to retrieve Tsunade?

But as painful that experience was for everyone involved in, life moved on. Even shadows casting on Team 7’s eyes were blurring out, Sakura mentioning her ex-teammate with a somewhat nostalgia instead of bitterness, and Neji found a closer friendship with Naruto as years passed by.

Naruto questioned himself then, the irrational need to work to the bone 24/7, red iris plaguing his dreams sometimes. He was evolving, he was becoming a stronger ninja and yet he always felt that he didn’t reach his full potential. As if his body was waiting for a worthy rival to inspire him.

Team 7 and Team Gai were celebrating together for gaining their chuunin title, as well as Neji’s jounin promotion. Lee and Sakura used this opportunity to reveal that they were dating, shocking them all. They were a cute couple; Naruto figured, so he approached her to drop a quiet confession.

“You know, it’s funny but I used to have a crush on you.” He muttered, sipping his tea.

Sakura stared with wide eyes, before letting out a short chuckle.

“What!” Naruto yowled. “I mean, don’t sell yourself short, you are cute so a lot of boys liked you and I used to be one of them so⏤”

Sakura shook her head, giggling. "No, no, no, I mean...I thought you used to have a crush on Sasuke.”

His jaw dropped to the ground. “What?!”

“Yes, whenever our teams met, you were busier staring at him and trying to get him to fight you than trying to talk with me. So I thought maybe you were into him? Like the typical boy who pull the girl’s pigtails because he likes her. Well, though you two were boys. Was I wrong?”

Naruto was scarlet red to the tip of his hair, mouth still slack, unable to formulate any complete sentence. Sakura’s smile grew more mischievous so he settled to avoid looking at her, wolfing down his plate.

Sakura pursed her lips, sagging on her seat. “Sasuke huh...he’s coming back, you know.”

For a second, the world stood stock still. “What?”

She shrugged, fingers twirling strands of hair. “You heard that right. He wants to go back to Konoha, claiming that he saw the errors of his way. So he traded important information about Sound Village and Orochimaru to regain his citizenship and ninja status in Konoha.”

A silence fell between them as they both took their time to absorb this bout of information. Sakura cheered up once her boyfriend was back with fresh food, but Naruto was lost thinking about all possibilities.

Few days later, Sasuke arrived at the gates, battered and tired, cradling a cloth wrapping with his arms. He was already the main gossip of the town, then the whispers grew exponentially once they confirmed that he was, indeed, holding a little child.

At a tender age of 18, this young man was already a father.

Naruto hid in some corner of a store, glancing surreptitiously as Sasuke strolled through the streets, uncaring to people gawking and muttering around him. The toddler began shuffling, hiccuping. Those small noises soon turned to loud wails that made him stop at once, cradling her close as he made little bounces though this wasn’t enough to calm her down. People made annoyed faces and had quicken their paces, everyone refused to help him out.

Listening to the cries that increased in volume, he bit his lip, taking a deep breath. He emerged from his spot, walking closer to Sasuke who appeared a little frantic.

“Um.” Naruto scratched the back of his head when Sasuke turned to face him with a glare, hands busy while his daughter kept crying. “Maybe you can try putting her body resting over your upper arm, like a tiger resting on a branch.”

Sasuke stared skeptical, despite obeying his suggestion. Her short yowls decreased, breathing becoming more even till she slept in his arms. Needless to say, Sasuke was rather impressed.

“Uh yeah⏤Iruka-toosan sometimes asks me to help him out taking care of children in the daycare center. I got some of those tips.”

Sasuke grunted back, gazing upon his baby.

“So…” Naruto smacked his lips. “Welcome back? Uh, what’s her name?”

Sasuke huffed, placing her head on his left shoulder. “Sarada.”

Naruto held her tiny hand, smiling with a whisper. “Sarada-chan~welcome to Konoha. You’re gonna love living here, meeting auntie Sakura, uncle Neji, Kakashi, me...how old is she?”

Sasuke scrunched up his face, staring downwards. “9 months. I thought...I’d be fine on my own but in the end, we needed⏤” He thinned his lips. “I said too much.” Before Naruto would ask any further question, Sasuke said. “I should get going. Thank you, Naruto.”

Naruto nodded back, watching the brisk steps moving away from him.

Once Sasuke had settled in the old Uchiha compound, Sakura, Neji and Kakashi visited him. They were welcoming, but absent. After all, Sakura was busy in Konoha’s hospital, Kakashi was going to be officially appointed as Konoha’s Hokage, Neji was helping his cousin changing Hyuuga clan’s laws.

There was a significant chasm between Sasuke and other ninjas of his generation, since he was now a father between young adults, and left Konoha while the Rookie Nine nurtured their relationship over the years. He made no effort to draw the bridge too, cooped in his house taking care of his daughter most of the time. And even when the gang would reunite, he was always the last one to arrive, the first to go.

On some occasions Sakura would succeed in convincing him to bring his daughter whenever team Gai and team 7 would gather in her house. Sasuke however, maintained his distance with the crew, aside some quiet conversation with Neji.  

It was almost like living in an old film reel, rolling all over again. Watching Sasuke as a child from afar, craving to reach his hand and talk to him but never building enough courage to do so. They became mere acquaintances, the occasional nod of recognition when they crossed paths, making small talks while Sasuke was nursing Sarada. Soon Naruto became jounin when Sasuke managed the chuunin title, Lee mentioning he and Sakura took care of Sarada while he was doing the exams.

He stared down the porcelain mask while the townspeople cheered the end of Kakashi’s appointed ceremony. Gai stood next to him, and Naruto smiled from his teacher’s happiness emanating from afar. Long time ago, he remembered desiring conquering such coveted position, but nowadays he was content knowing that Kakashi would make a decent Hokage.

(why did he lose so easily his determination to follow his ambitions?)

Kakashi didn’t waste much time in celebration, throwing mission after mission on him, one longer than the other and in some faraway sketchy places. Most those times Naruto could only hear the faint echoes of their sprinting, casting long shadows on the cavernous walls. He was responsible exploding laboratories while Tenten gathered reports, weird shapes submerged in purpleish water.

How bizarre. Sometimes he could swear some of those shapes had some resemblance with Sasuke.

⏤.⏤

Iruka was like a father to him and he deserved this long vacation after years of tireless tutelage. But still.

Screams. Collisions. Little imps running around all over the place. Those squirmy little brats slithering out of his grasp and making a racket.

Naruto really needed to work in refusing Iruka’s requests, but the older nin was just this damn persuasive.

He spread his clones in every corner of the daycare center, however, it didn’t seem to be enough. The moment the kids understood that his bunshins could pop out with some harder shove, they made their newest game dispelling as many clones as possible.

Yet those kids were old enough to learn basics of ninja skills, so other teachers threw such responsibility on Naruto’s shoulders, considering he had a higher rank. He had a hard time tampering down his strength, why are children such squiggly delicate beings that cried with the littlest wound?

Naruto spent only one day with them and he was already wondering if he would leave this experience unscathed. Nevertheless he summoned every bit of his patience and taught the fundamentals of aiming, giving them the chance to train too.

He heard collective praises and some gasps coming from afar, approaching and noticing the dark haired girl concentrated on her task. Whoa...time surely flies by pretty damn fast. He had forgotten that Sarada was already 5 years old. Naruto snorted when he saw that most shurikens she threw hit the bullseye.

But that wasn’t enough to satisfy her, since she picked all the paper shurikens and threw with renewed zeal. The rest of the kids went away playing on their own, but Sarada remained in training. Heaving tired breaths, she flung another shuriken but this time it flew past the target.

She made a frustrated growl, running to dislodge the weapon that dug deep in the bark of a tree. Naruto heard a concealed hiccup, as Sarada rubbed her eyes with her arm.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, I got this.” Naruto appeared in a blink, quirking a mollifying smile and removed the shuriken with ease. He offered to the young Uchiha, she accepted the weapon with contemplative eyes.

“You’re Lee-san’s friend right?” She realized.

“Sure am! I’m Uzumaki Naruto, it’s nice to see you again Sarada-chan.” Naruto patted her head. “You know, it’s really important to train your skills, but taking a break is also equally as important. Letting your body rest when it’s so tired, so it can grow stronger the next time.”

Sarada pouted, then muttered. “Auntie Sakura told me stories about back when my father was my age. He was a genius, always great with whatever he did, but I’m…”

“Ah yeah your dad...I also remember that he used to train all day and night over and over again. You’ll get as good as him in no time, don’t worry about it.”

“But…” Sarada bit her lower lip, shuffling her feet. “Father once talked to me about the Uchiha clan and how it used to be a very respectable clan and I have to follow their footsteps so⏤”

“Ugh, who cares!” Naruto rolled his eyes. “I think it’s too much that this bastard⏤”

She gasped. “You said a bad word!”

“S-sorry.” He scratched his head. “Anyways, I think it’s unfair to put such heavy duties on your shoulders. Your dad suffered back he was your age, I don’t want you to suffer the same. You should be only Sarada-chan after all right! You’ll make your father proud in your own pace.”  

“You think so?”

“I know so! After all, I’m already proud of you and I’m your teacher, right.” He messed her hair, patting on it.

Sarada stared down her shuriken, thumbs sliding over it. She peeked through her fringes, a rosy blush dusting her cheeks. “Thank you Uzumaki-sensei.”

“Oh, you can call me Naruto.” He grinned.

Her voice pumped with more excitement as she said. “Naruto-sensei!”

On the following days Naruto continued with his ninja classes, juggling between paying attention to all students, focusing on the rowdy ones, teaching those lessons and avoid any kind of catastrophe might ensue. He had found another mounting respect towards Iruka, those kids just can’t be real.

In every class Sarada was the first to complete it with pristine score, dashing next to him with eyes silently asking for his praise.

And praise he did, with words of encouragement and approval, injecting an impressed tone as he ruffled her hair. Every single time this gave her renewed motivation to improve herself. Naruto gazed fondly from afar as Sarada hopped between trees with ease. His entire childhood was consumed by hatred and neglect from adults until he met Iruka, he’d never subject any other kid to such trauma once again.

“Naruto-sensei!” Sarada exclaimed, hugging his arm with a tight grip.

Naruto beamed, patting her hair. He was starting to see the perks of this profession, was this the reason why Iruka continued to be a teacher despite having to take care of these little brats everyday?

A baritone voice chimed from behind. “Ah, I see. Expected nothing less I guess.”

They turned around, facing the familiar piercing dark eyes. Sasuke gazed back in fond amusement.

“So you’re really the Naruto-sensei my daughter kept gushing about all last week.”

Sarada pale cheeks reddened at once. “Father!”

“Alright little one, it’s time to go home.” Sasuke hushed by patting on her back. “Go grab our things ok.” After Sarada obeyed him with a pronounced pout, Sasuke muttered once she was out of the picture. “Long time no see.”

“Yeah…” Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. “You look well I guess.”

“Hn. When Lee told me you’re subbing for Iruka-sensei, I didn’t quite believe at first. I thought you’re a jounin?”

“I am, but Iruka-toosan made me promise that I’d take care of them while he’s on vacation. I thought, well, kids right. I took care of ‘em sometimes, one whole month would be nothing and⏤”

“It’s hell isn’t it?” Sasuke smirked.

Naruto dropped his shoulders at once, a long groan vibrating on his throat. “Totally. I was already dead on the first day.”

Sasuke nodded in agreement. “Sarada thankfully is more helpful than most children. But still, where do they get all this energy?”

“I know right??” Naruto laughed. “They look so small I thought they wouldn’t be much trouble but whoa, did I misjudge on this one.”

Sarada arrived with backpack ready. “I’m back father!”

“Good. Maybe we’ll go eat outside for a change.”

“Oh! You should eat Ichiraku Ramen then, it’s perfect for cold day like today!” Naruto said.

Sasuke shook his head. “You and your Ichiraku Ramen, I remember you used to drag Lee and Tenten to eat at that place.”

“Ichiraku Ramen is the greatest, I was just doing them a favor to acknowledge such fact. There’s no other restaurant that would have such delicious braised pork, a tender yet firm noodles coupled with the rich texture and savory miso broth. It’s the best.”

“If Naruto-sensei said so, maybe we should try it!” Sarada chirped. A lightbulb went off and she added. “Maybe he could go with us!”

Both young men crossed their eyes before deflecting in haste, Naruto cleared his throat as Sasuke thinned his lips. “Naruto-sensei looks pretty tired, maybe we shouldn’t bother him too much Sarada.”

“Oh, she’s not bothering me for sure.” Naruto retorted. “But maybe you want to have some quiet time together with your father, right, Sarada-chan?”

“Father wouldn’t mind if you tag along Naruto-sensei, right?” Sarada pulled out the most pitiful expression she could ever muster, jutting her lower lip. “Right?”

Glancing in between her frantic daughter and the bewildered blue eyes, Sasuke exhaled tiredly. He mumbled under his breath. “Is it ok for you to go with us Naruto?”

“Um, ok. Sure!” He messed with Sarada’s hair when she jumped in joy. “I’m going to ask my favorite Ramen flavor for you Sarada-chan, I’m sure you’re going to love it.”

Despite initial reservations, they maintained a cheerful conversation peppered with Naruto’s booming voice and Sarada’s exclaims while they were walking on the way to the restaurant. This time though, Sasuke appeared to be a more sociable mood, chatting back with occasional grunts, which Naruto didn’t mind with his easy-going nature.

Sasuke insisted paying the bill despite all his protests, explaining that this was a small gesture of gratitude for taking care of his daughter. After waving goodbyes, they went on separate ways, smile playing on both their lips.

“Naruto-sensei is like the sun right!”

Sasuke blinked, head tilted to one side to gawk at her. Sarada linked her fingers together, placing to one side of her cheek as she whispered with a dreamy voice.

“He’s so nice and friendly, full of energy and bright. And when he smiles you just feel happier too, it’s wide and sincere, he makes your mood so much better. I love his hair, it’s golden exactly like the sun and his eyes have such a beautiful shade of blue, I’d never get tired looking at his eyes and⏤” She stopped her diatribe once she noticed her father’s peering eyes. “What?”

Sasuke studied his daughter, before settling with a long sigh.

She wrinkled her nose. “Anyways, as I was saying…”

⏤.⏤

2nd chapter here

⏤.⏤

AN: at first I thought that it’d be a one-shot but it got too much material for only a one-shot. So...lol. It’s gonna be a two-shot.