#btb Hiashi

[okamirayne]

Old Hyūga vs Nara throwback (gods what a time ago!) whilst cranking out this next damned HHU chapter… 💪🏼

Hiashi’s POV + sad music = ❤️‍🩹👌🏼#hitmehardfeels

[okamirayne]

Hiashhhiiiiii 😭 Innnoooo 😭

I feel you, Anon. 😢

[okamirayne]

BtB Throwback… Stirring the old feels as I plod along with chapter 9 of HHU…these Hyūgas….💔

[okamirayne]

Do the clan elders harbor any resentment toward Hiashi for his 'confliction' with Neji, and Hiashi's "inability' to produce a male heir? Neji's talent is undeniable,& as Hizashi's and not Hiashi's son it makes me wonder if the elders think the wrong son was cursed? Since Neji has been around Hiashi more than Hizashi now, does Shikaku's words about him being his father figure cross his mind at all anymore in present day? Especially with Neji's death does he feel he failed Neji more or Hizashi?

Hey there Anon!

Great question - and kind of serendipitous considering I'm writing from Hiashi's POV at the moment in the upcoming chapter.

Do the clan elders harbor any resentment toward Hiashi for his 'confliction' with Neji

They most certainly do. Some individuals more than others.

Neji's talent is undeniable,& as Hizashi's and not Hiashi's son it makes me wonder if the elders think the wrong son was cursed

Bull's eye! Indeed, this is absolutely one of Hiashi's deep and abiding conflicts/wounds and one of the main reasons he privately struggles with (yet still meticulously upholds) his position in the clan...even though it's cost him so much. 😭 Hyuga Hitaro also needles this wound whenever he can.

Since Neji has been around Hiashi more than Hizashi now, does Shikaku's words about him being his father figure cross his mind at all anymore in present day?

Yes, they absolutely do. I hope this will reflect in HHU. There's a lot Hiashi has to contend with regarding Neji's death, considering his clan's politics/expectations...especially his Father's (Hyuga Hijikata in BtB)

Especially with Neji's death does he feel he failed Neji more or Hizashi?

Potential spoiler territory ahead.

I hope you'll forgive me sidestepping this for the sake of upcoming chapters! Thank you for the excellent ASKS - again, I find it so uncanny as I'm deep in Hiashi's headspace atm, so it came at the perfect time! Thanks, Anon! 💜💜

[okamirayne]

(got cut off) the thought of hinata feeling guilty is now occupying my brain, and hanabi? I was actually a little surprised she agreed to drop food for naruto, but that gives me hope that from the events in UTS they are still in a good place but, Im still scared that neji's death has put a major strain on them. The hyuga clan must be a mess of emotions right now *cries*

Hey there Anon! 💜

Damn that sudden word restriction on anon ASKS 😑 how dare it eat this part of your message.

Ah, Hinata 😔 — yes, Neji’s death has definitely had an impact on her and Naruto. Though the Hyūga sisters have found some solidarity.

As for the clan itself…Oh indeed, there is much afoot in the Hyūga household…especially with their most severe lord and leader…

😬 Here there be a very pissed off white-eyed ‘Godfather’ 🫣🫢

Not a Happy Head Honcho at all.

[okamirayne]

Hey there! I apologize if this has been asked before, but in the BtB universe do most of the characters know/suspect the relationship between ShikaNeji, or have they been really successful in concealing it? Are there any characters that have their suspicions other than the characters said to have known (Hiashi/Shukaku?) Dumb question, but I have my own little headcanons about this haha.

Hey there @idreamofflight 😊 Thanks for dropping in with your ASK, luv! It is not a dumb question at all!

[…] in the BtB universe do most of the characters know/suspect the relationship between ShikaNeji, or have they been really successful in concealing it?

I can confirm that they had been very successful at concealing it, although by the time Heaven Hold Us starts (post War), these surviving characters know for certain:

Plus my ANBU OC, Tsuno

Are there any characters that have their suspicions other than the characters said to have known (Hiashi/Shikaku?)

These characters had/have their suspicions:

Ino & Chōji for sure, though they never pushed Shikamaru on this (well…maybe Ino…just a little bit 🤏 )

Kiba suspected/suspects on a deeply subconscious level — an animal instinct feeling but he never let(s) that instinct bubble up consciously, namely because he and Neji clash so much and it’s not something he would’ve been able to logically square in his head. He was/is still hung up on Shikamaru’s adventures in Suna with those lady twins 😉

😅 Now, all that said, bear in mind I am sometimes surprised by a certain revelation a character can come up with whilst writing. So there may be one or two more with lurking suspicions that haven’t come to mind just yet.

Sasuke, for example, could presently rate in both the knows about Shikamaru and Neji and/or the suspects category at this point. I’ll know for certain when writing his interaction with Shikamaru. 👍🏼

Thanks for the ASK, luv! Though it may be subject to change, this is where it presently stands. 🧡

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayn, I love spending time in the BTB world and have really enjoyed your style of writing through the years, and I'm so curious if we will see more of the Hyuga clan in the future should you return to this space. I loved Hitaro in all of his nastiness and love how you added meat to the Hyugas. Will we get a glimpse into more of the hyuga household or neji's experience in it while alive then when he returns *hiding* if thats more spoilery would love to hear thoughts on hyuga dynamic generally

Heya @virginhawks💜

Aww, luv, thank you for this lovely message. I'm so happy to hear that you've enjoyed the BtB-verse throughout the years. To know it's something you've given time to makes me a very happy and humbled storyteller. 🥰

The Hyuga clan! Well how could I resist if returning to that world? They're a fascinating political entity as well as a family community, what with their hardline traditions and customs.

I loved Hitaro in all of his nastiness and love how you added meat to the Hyugas.

Oh awesome! Thank you 🥰 I'm really chuffed to hear that, as you never quite know how OCs will hit. Hitaro was fun and interesting to write. I'd certainly enjoy revisiting his presence post-UtS. I'm really pleased you felt the Hyugas were fleshed out a bit. Again, like the Uchiha, Kishimoto drew them a pretty complex portrait...I do love filling in the details as they play out in my crazy noggin, and I'm delighted that brings you entertainment and enjoyment.

Will we get a glimpse into more of the hyuga household or neji's experience in it while alive then when he returns *hiding* if thats more spoilery would love to hear thoughts on hyuga dynamic generally

Oh, if I were to return to the BtB-world then I would certainly like to say I'd be keen to explore that. Both via Neji and through some of the other Hyuga members. Don't worry, it's not spoilery per se as a lot of stuff tends to unfold organically as I write it, unless I have very set plot points that I know for certain need to happen. Specific conversations etc. between certain characters.

Regarding my own thoughts on the Hyuga dynamics, generally speaking? Hmn. That's tough, as there are lots of different players involved. And a lot of emotions...especially post War. I mean heck...this happened..

So there'd be no shortage of perspectives to explore - in light of all that ugliness and tragedy. From the old-school elders, to Hiashi and Hitaro's generation, then of course Neji and the Hyuga sisters. In the background of those immediate choices, I would be tempted to look at the Hyuga mothers belonging to both castes, Branch and Main House. The pain those women would go through? Ouch. The impact that would leave on Hinata and Hanabi regarding having kids of their own? Double ouch. Yeah, it's a big fat angsty abscess wanting to be popped. Gross, sorry.

Thank you again for your message, luv. For bolstering my spirits and reminding me why I love storytelling and why I so deeply appreciate the kindness of readers such as yourself. 🥰😘

[okamirayne]

I finished the entire BtB series (and HHU) about a week ago and it hasn't left my mind even once.

I'm not quite sure how to put my thanks into words: You managed to make me feel so obsessed with reading like when I was a kid. I stayed up until 4 am, had to literally force myself to sleep because I was (am!) so incredibly invested. No other piece of literature has done that since like... 6 years? I cried, screamed, laughed, gasped, blushed at so many scenes - the heartache was genuinely so beautiful.

I know the first part of BtB is quite old and your writing has improved a lot since then but all the parts read incredibly seamlessly.

I could *hear* the characters voices in my head while reading, picture the scenes like a movie in my head. The attention to detail and the accuracy of the characters makes me so incredibly happy. Usually when reading, I notice every single distraction going on around me and it's so rare that something pulls me in to the point I just zero in on the story.

There's a lot of scenes that stuck in my mind and to my surprise, I resonated most with your characterisation of Genma. I went in a die-hard Neji fan (and still am) and came out with a deep appreciation for Shikamaru and Genma. (That being said, I also really love then way you portray the other characters, especially Hiashi and Ibiki who I really didn't like before.)

Genma's story just... God it has my heartstrings in a death grip. His never-ending jack-assery and dirty jokes and the way Raido sees right through it.

The fact he held onto items important to him and related to the people he loved most...

The way he handled Shikamaru and Asuma and Kurenai's baby while still insisting he doesn't do well with children.

The way he made Kakashi say what he feels near the end of UtS in an ass-backwards way but a way that didn't allow for deception and empty words.

But, I think the moment that made me sob and laugh and feel the most was when he said "You ruined it" - that fucking killed me right then and there.

When I first met Genma in your story I was really sceptical and suspicious of him, thinking he was somehow the bad guy. And then I grew to love him and hurt for him. That was so extremely well done.

I also have to get off my chest that I love, love, love the way you described his drug trips (and Kakashi's little endeavor with medicines) as well as dreams and flashbacks. I find that these things are mostly feelings and oh so confused and confusing that it's hard to put into words but you genuinely excel at it.

I also love the transitions of dreams back to reality. Keyword here being "back". God, nothing hurt me more than reading that word in HHU. I think you know which scene I mean.

I also read through old asks and found out more about Naoki and Karibi. I love these two so much as well. Karibi struck me as very interesting and I'm glad I got to find out how she lived and died. Especially because HHU kind of alluded to her commiting or attempting suicide.

Naoki... My heart hurts for him. This poor, poor man. I'm so fucking glad he didn't have to die alone. He was so strong for Genma though, building him up, putting him on the right path and giving him a verbal slap for being an addict, giving Kakashi and him his blessings eventhough he used to be so possessive and protective of Genma.

His story really is tragically beautiful and incredibly complex. I really wanted him to live but realistically I knew it wasn't going to happen.

How old were Karibi, Naoki and Genma when they joined Team Yokai? When Inoichi saw Genma and Naoki kiss and Genma talks about his Senbon hitting certain nerves (hehe), they're said to be about 17 and I remember it being mentioned that Naoki took a while to "bottom" in bed due to his childhood trauma.

Also can we talk about the Tsubomi poem? That is so *beautiful*. Did it come easy to you or was it hard to write? It fits so incredibly perfectly to Naoki and Ino.

One thing that confuses me about the storyline is the epilogue of Requiem, where Genma has a flashback(?) about Shuken holding Naoki hostage and making him reveal his name. Could you explain to a confused-maybe-stupid-me when that takes place and how Genma and Naoki escape from that situation?

I can't stop gushing about your story so i won't:

Shuken's character is also so well written. When we first meet him in Shikamarus flashbacks, I was also oddly intrigued eventhough I had an idea about what sort of fucked up things he'd done to Shikamaru. You wrote his seductiveness really well. And then he reveals his age and I got *deeply* disturbed and as we learn more I just got more and more disturbed. The progression was so well done, I felt like I was sort of experiencing what Shikamaru was going through. The use of "Shika" sent cold shivers down my spine.

I also really loved your wheels within wheels and walls within walls metaphor for the ANBU. It creates such an amazing mental image that can be played around with so creatively.

Aaa. Okay. I think I got most of my thoughts down so far. I'm sure I'll come back to gush some more, maybe ask some more.

Thank you so much for this amazing story and all the work and hours you put into it. I can't wait to read more from you 💙

My dear @sunlightrays 💙💙 Thank you so much for both your patience with me as I finally secure the time to respond, and of course, for the phenomenal feedback you've given me. As expressed in my private DM. It impacted me immensely...and I am still moved and altered by it -- thank you. I will endeavour in this reply to answer your Qs to the best of my ability, given that I do tend to revert back into a blob of incoherent feels every time I revisit this message...💙

I know the first part of BtB is quite old and your writing has improved a lot since then but all the parts read incredibly seamlessly.

Oh dear lord...that first installment....*cringes* oh the temptation to rewrite it, luv...THE TEMPTATION....(aww, thank you though, I appreciate that you felt it all flowed together).

There's a lot of scenes that stuck in my mind and to my surprise, I resonated most with your characterisation of Genma. [...] Genma's story just... God it has my heartstrings in a death grip. His never-ending jack-assery and dirty jokes and the way Raido sees right through it.

Oh, luv, I do so love writing Genma and his respective relationships, whether platonic or romantic.

I'm so freaking happy you took a shine to his portrayal in BtB! The feedback you have given me with WHY and WHAT you loved about Genma's portrayal and story was just...I can't even begin to describe how nourishing that was to my writer's soul. If every writer were to receive this kind of feedback, I can see their proverbial cups running over with gratitude and inspiration. Thank you so, so much.

I also love the transitions of dreams back to reality. Keyword here being "back". God, nothing hurt me more than reading that word in HHU. I think you know which scene I mean.

Ah god damn, but you hit me hard with the love you showed my OCs. Thank you so, so much for that and for sharing what it was that drew you in -- especially with Naoki. 💗💗💗 (Even Shuken, dare I say)

How old were Karibi, Naoki and Genma when they joined Team Yokai?

13 to 14 years old. Naoki joined when he was 13, Karibi and Genma at 14. By the time they were assigned to Team Yokai, they were all 16.

When Inoichi saw Genma and Naoki kiss and Genma talks about his Senbon hitting certain nerves (hehe), they're said to be about 17 and I remember it being mentioned that Naoki took a while to "bottom" in bed due to his childhood trauma.

Correct! They'd have been 17/18 years old at that time. Age 19 is when Naoki tragically accepted Danzo's offer and was listed as KIA after his 'fake death'.

Re: intimacy issues. Right you are. Due to his childhood abuse, Naoki refused to "bottom" for the longest time. It took a hell of a lot for Genma to work through that with him. Karibi helped with this too.

Also can we talk about the Tsubomi poem? That is so *beautiful*. Did it come easy to you or was it hard to write? It fits so incredibly perfectly to Naoki and Ino.

Aww....I'm so touched you felt that way about Naoki's poem for Ino. It's such a tough question to answer. Anything that is deeply personal or painful for the characters always twinges my heartstrings when writing...but for Naoki, his guarded emotions came out in his seldom seen/heard creativity / art, so writing it was easy in the sense that it flowed into my head easily from the character, but it was hard in the sense that it reflected so much of Naoki's pain as well as his love.

One thing that confuses me about the storyline is the epilogue of Requiem, where Genma has a flashback(?) about Shuken holding Naoki hostage and making him reveal his name. Could you explain to a confused-maybe-stupid-me when that takes place and how Genma and Naoki escape from that situation?

Oh my dearest, YOU are in no way the confused-maybe-stupid party in this. In fact, "I" am the idiot who cut a LOT of scenes surrounding Naoki's torture at Shuken's hands and the escape situation *epic facepalm* In hindsight, I would love to go back and edit that by re-writing/editing and INCLUDING those scenes. I can see the holes there from the reader's perspective, and if I hadn't been operating like a runaway train at the time, I'd have slowed down to correct that error.

So, that scene where Genma has the nightmare flashback of Shuken holding Naoki hostage. Let me do a breakdown chronology as it's the easiest way my fucked-up spiderweb mind-map can be translated into a linear sequence....

Naoki gets stabby-happy with Shuken (plunges that needle into his neck) and fucks up his ROOT mission, but prioritises saving Shikamaru

Naoki needs Genma to "buy him time" while he tries to fix the trauma and everything coming undone in Shikamaru's head

So Genma goes happy-hunting on the Freak Show as Naoki deep dives into Shikamaru's brainpan

(DELETED SCENE) Naoki stablisies Shuken so the natural energy doesn't kill him. Then Naoki deep-dives into Shikamaru's brainpan and meets with some complications because of the natural energy swimming around inside him.

(cont. DELETED SCENE) Naoki tries to stabilise Shikamaru too, but gets interrupted mid-brain-and-body-fix by more Freak Show cross-breeds looking for bossman Shuken. Naoki can't complete what he's doing with Shikamaru and needs more time. He hides Shikamaru and takes out the opponents interrupting him before rushing to assist Genma

He assists Genma lol -- ends up getting injured (takes a nasty blow to his hip, if I recall)

He tells Genma he needs more time with Shikamaru to fix the kid

Genma is too busy freaking out about Naoki stabbing his mark/Shuken in the neck and the consequences of this action

They get interrupted by more Freak Show mutants, which sabotages Naoki's plan to regroup with Shikamaru and use the Nagu blood vial to get them the hell out

Naoki opts to stay behind to distract the Freak Show and give Genma time to get Shikamaru out, so he kisses Genma in a heated moment to shut him up and save time by connecting their minds where he " communicated in seconds what would've taken minutes to put into words; why Tenka had killed those children; where he'd hidden Shikamaru; what he'd tried to do to fix him; the secret route he planned to use to get them out; and lastly, what he was asking Genma to do – no, ordering him to do." -UtS

He tells Genma to get Shikamaru out, basically, even though he hasn't finished 'fixing' the kid. Naoki gets caught (DELETED SCENE)

Genma does as he's ordered, only he can't bring himself to leave Naoki behind again so after crossing through the portal so Shuken can't reach the kid, he hides and secures Shikamaru (DELETED SCENE) and returns to go and help Naoki, letting himself get caught in the process

Naoki in the meantime has been at Shuken's mercy (or lack thereof) and is receiving a traitor's punishment (DELETED SCENE) -- it is at this point that Genma's flashback dream comes into play where Shuken is starting to shown signs of transmogrification due to the natural energy in his system (think Sound Four on steroids) and wants to know Genma's name and where he stashed Shikamaru

(LONG DELETED SCENE) Meanwhile, Kurayami is borne in Shikamaru's consciousness and THAT is the person that wakes up when Shikamaru finally comes to. He secures himself some Nagu blood, re-enters the portal and goes on the hunt for Shuken

(HUGE DELETED SCENE - hinted at in Genma's memories when he's talking to Tsunade) Shikamaru/Kurayami finds Shuken. He goes for Shuken like a heat-seeking missile, taking out mutants as he goes, unintentionally freeing Genma in the process, his shadows bringing chaos. He does damage. A lot of it. But in the last minute Naoki comes between Shuken and Shikamaru and gets Shuken's knife in the back. Shuken is out for the count after that. Naoki, knife in back, prioritises clamping his hands to Shikamaru's head, trying to shut down Kurayami and lock the alter away, as the whole building is coming down.

This was Naoki's last bid effort to try to save Shikamaru's mind by sealing off all the alters, knowing he didn't have time to integrate them.

Shocked Genma snaps into Kaika mode and gets his shit together, scooping up unconscious Shikamaru and running like a mo-fo with Naoki in tow

Naoki can't run any further, he falls and is bleeding out, tells Genma to run one last time and get the kid to safety, reminding him that Shikamaru can't be allowed to remember etc. Makes Genma swear an oath to him.

Though it costs him his heart, Genma does as he's told one final time. And it's too late to go back again after getting Shikamaru to safety at last. He believes Naoki is dead.

Phew! Sorry for that LONG list. I hope it clarifies for you those missing/deleted scenes, sweetie? Sorry again for any confusion. I own that as a big mistake on my part; sadly at the time, the mammoth wordcount and my runaway brain steamrolled ahead. In hindsight, I'd absolutely fix those gaps upon revision.

Aaa. Okay. I think I got most of my thoughts down so far. I'm sure I'll come back to gush some more, maybe ask some more.

You are most welcome to, luv. I am delighted and humbled by your interest and your huge support for my fic. Thank you for your patience with my response and thank you again, so, SO much for such an outstanding response to my insane contribution to the Naruto fandom.

I am grateful beyond measure and meant every single word I wrote you in that DM. I repeatedly revisit this review and I shall for as long as I write. 💗💗💗 Thank you.

[okamirayne]

Late night anon here doing my daily rounds in your account. Oh gosh.. That sounded creepy didn't it? Anyways.. yes those zzZzZzz's aint even making the effort to find me too. What is sleep? 😅

Probably not gonna have the chance to have any again tonight especially now that you reminded me. Of course Hiashi had the "talk" with Neji in UtS. In my understanding it was like a "Are you sure about what you're getting into?" kinda talk. ahhh it slipped my mind. As for Shikaku I suddenly remembered back then when I first read BtB my foolish self was, out of respect for Yoshino and the Hyuga wives, trying so hard not to make it a headcanon that there once was a Hizashi-Shikaku-Hiashi dynamic out there. I mean that's just me. BtB didn't really indicated it. Or did it? Implied maybe? *smirk* Haaa.. you already know I have craaaazy thoughts. Also, after finding his son beaten up that night, I imagine Shikaku having thoughts like "OMG! Hyuga love is really though. I should know. " As for Hinata and Ibiki.. well I wouldn't have assumed if you didnt tell me. I mean ahhhhh... I need to think about this real hard. Sorry I didnt intend for this to be an essay. 😅✌️

Ha! Late Night Anon, the struggle is real.

[...] trying so hard not to make it a headcanon that there once was a Hizashi-Shikaku-Hiashi dynamic out there. 

I mean that's just me. BtB didn't really indicated it. Or did it? Implied maybe? *smirk* Haaa.. you already know I have craaaazy thoughts. 

Ha. Crazy is all the rage in my glorified nuthouse, my dear. But seriously, I won’t tease on that. No. In BtB it was strictly platonic regarding Shikaku and the twins. Doesn’t mean a girl can’t daydream...;)

[okamirayne]

Hello! I've come to rattle your noggin with my endless supply of 'what if' questions regarding the much loved series that is Break to Breathe... Coming back to On the Cusp and the scene where Shikamaru was questioning Neji on the cause of his bruised jaw got me thinking - what would Shikamaru's reaction be IF he was ever privy to how Hitaro treated/treats Neji?

Hello there, my luv!

Rattle away!

[...] what would Shikamaru's reaction be IF he was ever privy to how Hitaro treated/treats Neji?

Oh ho!  Well, let’s just say there’s a very solid line between how Shikamaru would FEEL about it and what he would DO about it -- which is precisely nothing, unless he wanted to bring down Neji’s wrath upon his well-intentioned head.

Shikamaru would hate it, absolutely.  He already has strong opinions on the backward system in the Hyuga clan. But he’d grit his teeth and bare it because there is nothing he could do about it unless he wanted to go behind Neji’s back all sneaky like...which sadly, wouldn’t end well for any of them. Case in point being how BtB Shikaku had once attempted to do just that. But interfering in Hyuga affairs cost him Hiashi’s friendship and engendered nothing but mistrust and antipathy between him and the Hyuga Lord. Unlike his father, Shikamaru wouldn’t overstep unless severe urgency  demanded it (such as when Neji was killing himself to stay in control). He’d edge strategically around the topic with Neji, express his thoughts on the matter in the least troublesome way and guard his own emotions surrounding the issue to keep from triggering or insulting Neji.  It’s humiliating and infuriating enough for the Hyuga and Shikamaru would sense and respect this, regardless of how he personally felt about it.

If, later on, Shikamaru was in a position to DO something without toe-stepping (though this would mainly be regarding Neji) or red-tape hopping? Well...heaven help Hitaro.

Thanks for the question, Anon! Argh, but I miss those two crazy kids...</3

[okamirayne]

aaayyy.. Late night Naruto thoughts again. Been searching my mind for an hour already but did anyone know or atleast ended up figuring out about the Shikamaru and Neji thing? I dont remember reading anything about it... maybe implied? did I miss anything like that?

Late Night Anon!  Those zzZZz’s still not finding you? 

[...] did anyone know or atleast ended up figuring out about the Shikamaru and Neji thing?

The long answer is...all has yet to be revealed?? That being said, I’m pretty sure there is a former ASK where this is addressed...I just can’t for the life of me find it at this moment. Also, as is often the case, writing in the BtB-verse often uncovers things I didn’t expect. Yes, other characters do find out. But on the grounds of further spoilers, I’ll leave it hanging until I get the chakra to continue on in HHU. I CAN tell you that Hiashi and Shikaku knew. Hinata too. And Ibiki strongly suspected before Neji’s death. Thanks for the ASK, luv! <3

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne, I was reading through the BTB series for the millionth time especially after your teasers and remembered reading about the chest that Hiashi had commissioned for Hizashi. A minor detail I felt had so much meaning in it, which brings me to my question. After neji's death did Hiashi take it back? did he get to see what kind of things his late nephew held important or did other members simply try to get rid of all his things before Hiashi had a chance to go through them

Hello my lovely!

Apologies for my delayed response to your question. Firstly, thank you for revisiting the BtB series! As for your question..

[I] remembered reading about the chest that Hiashi had commissioned for Hizashi. A minor detail I felt had so much meaning in it, which brings me to my question. After neji's death did Hiashi take it back?

Oh yes. He did indeed take it back.

did he get to see what kind of things his late nephew held important [...]

Ah no, luv. He hasn’t opened it yet and is reluctant to go through Neji’s personal effects. Even four months on from The War, that tansu chest sits untouched in Hiashi’s quarters.

or did other members simply try to get rid of all his things before Hiashi had a chance to go through them 

Good guess. A couple of members tried...let’s say that Hiashi had a red-mist moment...

Woe betide anyone who tried to erase Neji’s presence from the Hyuuga household under Hiashi’s rule; especially given the way that Neji passed. Neji’s death has changed Hiashi. I do hope to explore this in Heaven Hold Us when time and inspiration allow. <3

Big love and thanks for the ASK, luv! I’m so happy you can return to BtB and still enjoy the ride each time around. <3 Stay safe and well!

[okamirayne]

Late night anon reporting! Did you miss me? Cause I did! My sleep cycle has been so messed up lately that Neji and Shikamaru's 4am/stupid o'clock is shaking. Been physically, emotionally and psychologically wrecked and BtB has been a form of escape for me so please bear with my rantings.

Ready to hear my late night thoughts again? hehe Anyways this goes way back in OtC. It's about that Hitaro b*stard. Did Hiashi heard of what he did to Neji that time? I mean Neji was walking around with his work of art on one side of his face to start with. Ahhh Im still fuming thinking about it. Did he even try to confront them to hear both sides of the story or he just turned a blind eye? If that's the case what a waste of Hyuga eye. Im disappointed at him again. Nothing new. 🙄

Also, didnt anyone else see his face? Like Naruto, Sakura, Kiba or even Asuma?

I want to pummel Hitaro so bad and I just want to glomp Neji right now. There's a huge possibility of being taken down by the Gentle Fist in both scenario but I dont care. My poor angel eyed baby. 🤧

Heyo, Late Night Anon!  I’m sorry to hear you’ve been put through the wringer lately.  I’m glad BtB can offer some escape for you.  Though I really hope you manage to catch up on your precious zzzZZz’s!

Ready to hear my late night thoughts again?

It's about that Hitaro b*stard. Did Hiashi heard of what he did to Neji that time?[...] Did he even try to confront them to hear both sides of the story or he just turned a blind eye? [...] Also, didnt anyone else see his face? Like Naruto, Sakura, Kiba or even Asuma?

Great question!  On all counts, all those people would assume the exact answer Neji would’ve given if they’d asked -- that he’d been training.  Bruises and scratches aren’t uncommon, especially with a hard-hitting highflier like Hyuuga Neji. Sadly, it would’ve been written off as an injury sustained during training or a mission. 

Oh yes. Hitaro needs a good ass-whoopin’. Fortunately, Hiashi handed him one in the end. Alpha mode activated! ;)

[okamirayne]

I'm thinking about break to breathe again and have a few questions. When did shikamaru first start crushing on neji? When did he first realize he liked guys, or at least was wondering if he did? Did he ever tell anyone that he was into guys?

Hello, Anon!

Firstly, I’m so happy to learn BtB has been on the brain.

Secondly, thanks for taking the time to drop me a line over here on my tumblr haunt.

When did shikamaru first start crushing on neji?

The night he chased him down.

When did he first realize he liked guys, or at least was wondering if he did?

When he met “Shin” (flashback shows this in Under These Scars) at age 15.

Did he ever tell anyone that he was into guys?             

No. Given that he was equally attracted to women, it wasn’t something he felt the need to share -- however, if he hadn’t gotten involved with Neji two years after “Shin”, he’d perhaps have had to have faced it later down the line when his peers started to couple up and the pressure to disclose his personal life was on...said pressure resulting from the persistence of a certain Yamanaka loudmouth. ;)  That being said, Asuma, Shikaku, Hiashi and Hinata are aware by the last BtB installment...not counting Heaven Hold Us, in which other characters are also aware.

Thanks for the questions, luv! <3

[okamirayne]

Hello! Looong time fan of your BTB series here and had a question that just keeps on bugging me. What's the deal with Shikaku and Hizashi/Hiashi? I get the feeling that Shikaku & Hizashi/Hiashi were 'involved' kind of like Neji & Shikamaru are now? I've re-read the series so many times but this is something that always eludes me! >.< Although there are not many interaction seens with these in it, the subtle nuances between their actions/conversations make me wonder.

Hello there!

Thanks for dropping by with your question.

What's the deal with Shikaku and Hizashi/Hiashi? I get the feeling that Shikaku & Hizashi/Hiashi were 'involved' kind of like Neji & Shikamaru are now? 

.....

Actually, no.

They weren’t.

I just love that gif. XD.

I can understand the subtext though and it can be read that way without knowing for certain. Shikaku had a fascination with the Hyuuga twins during his youth; he felt the keen injustice of their situation and attempted to do for Hizashi what Shikamaru tried to do for Neji.  Sadly, his interference created a greater rift between the Hyuuga twins.  As Chouza said, Shikaku was young and naive in his attempts to try to change old belief systems within the clan.  For a time, there was a platonic closeness between Hizashi and Shikaku. Hizashi also helped Shikaku when he was raging out of control after his incident with Shuken -- a role which Hiashi then stepped into during the events of UtS.  Hiashi never really forgave Shikaku for interfering in his clan’s personal politics -- and his reasons for baring such a long-standing grudge tie in tremendously with his own sense of culpability and guilt regarding his brother’s fate -- a fate Shikaku tried to “fix” for them.

Hope this clears things up, luv!  Thanks so much for the support and for the question! ^_^

[okamirayne]

Hey Rayne! Just want to tell you how much of a fan of yours I am. I read BtB approx. 2 years ago and always go back to re-read my favourite parts. I'm excited for all your future projects, fanfic and original. You have a dedicated reader for life. I have a question about post war BtB. I imagine that with Neji's death Shikamaru goes into himself and changes a lot. I was wondering how different he'd be compared to canon!post war Shikamaru and how that'd effect his relationships in the future.

Hey there, Anon!

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to drop me a line here and leave me such kind feedback.

I imagine that with Neji's death Shikamaru goes into himself and changes a lot.

Right you are. :(

I was wondering how different he'd be compared to canon!post war Shikamaru and how that'd effect his relationships in the future.

Wow. As I’d mentioned in an author’s note...I hadn’t planned to directly tackle Shikamaru’s psyche during the “grieving phase” Post War. I was intending to allude to it or explore it through secondary characters POVs. 

That said, I’ll do my best to answer your question relating to the differences (personally and socially) of canon!post war Shikamaru and the BtB Shikamaru.

For BtB Shikamaru:

Neji’s death impacted. Massively. Monumentally. Meteor striking earth kind of apocalyptic emotional mess. Impacted so much Shikamaru wouldn’t have been able to cope if he hadn’t taken prior measures to guard against total mental meltdown (see #3) . Genma and Hiashi helped with this. Again, don’t want to give too much away in case I explore this in BtB post-war oneshots.

Shikaku’s death also impacted. Differently to Neji’s. It affected Shikamaru’s relationship to his mother as well as his own semi-unresolved issues with his old man. 

He planned for it: Knowing the high fatality risks of the War and knowing his mental instability in the past, Shikamaru ensured he had a plan/strategy in place in case he lost anyone close to him. He created an emergency strategy in case of any event. He prepared himself for Neji’s loss - not emotionally, because who can ever really determine how they’re going to react/cope? (Or NOT cope). He took “damage control” measures beforehand. Again, Genma and Hiashi were involved in this strategy.

Shikamaru is removed from everyone the second he’s off the battle field - it’s done privately, professionally and very, very quickly before the shock wears off and everything hits him, raw and real. All part of the strategy he hoped he’d never need.

Eventually...with help, he puts himself back together. Not the same way. The cracks aren’t clean and the cement job isn’t pretty - but it’s functional for his future obligations and roles.

When he later on chooses Temari and makes the decision to have a child with her, it’s not done out of love. There is respect, care and practicality between them - and she knows the score, however she feels about it.

He becomes more rational, less emotional (not a robot, not without feeling or care - just altered, irrevocably, in order to survive)

And he doesn’t know that all this will change...because....

....I will always stress to any BtB fans that Neji’s story and role in the BtB world, as well as his relationship with Shikamaru (the heart and soul of it) does not end with his death. Because Asuma was bad enough, right? ;) Seriously. In the BtB world, our dear Hyuuga returns - not as a ghost, not in some other-body reincarnation, but with raw flesh and beating heart...Hyuuga-headbutting his way back from what should’ve been a one-way-trip. 

Come hell or high-water, further down the BtB timeline, rest assured that the ShikaNeji ship returns, sailing out of the ghostly waters with one stubborn Hyuuga Neji at the helm.