#if they ever got the proof they were looking for (which naruto now has; in the form of itachi's confirmation of what happened)

[panharmonium]

something about how yamato’s immediate and instinctive first reaction is to call out for itachi when all twelve of these coffins (including the ones containing asuma and hayate) open up at exactly the same time is really hitting me in a certain way right now

[shindidnothingwrong]

I genuinely cant tell whos more useless at this point, Sumire or Code.

If it wasnt obvious this is gonna be an anti Sumire and Code post, you’ve been warned. Manga spoilers too so if your anime only dont read this.

For starters this isnt really anti Sumire as it is the writing, but given the writing for her is shit I have no choice but to work with what they give me.

Lets start with Code, he was talking mad spicy and his limiters being removed have been hyped up since they were first mentioned, and even before the topic of his limiters came up he was portrayed as still being able to rival Naruto and Sasuke.

He says after he gets his limiters off that now he cant lose to anyone, only to get his ass whooped by a child who looks no older than 8

Code is utterly useless, he was given a huge tip on how Daemons powers work and he still got his ass whooped and Daemon himself says hes the strongest out of everyone, a literal child is somehow stronger than unlimited Code, Isshiki, Naruto, and Sasuke combined. Thats a whole other bag of worms to be discussed later but right now we’re just focusing on Code.

This is pathetic, all that hype with zero pay off, all that big talk just to get overpowered by a child, all that planning yet he couldnt see the double cross anyone with even the slightest bit of common sense would’ve saw coming a mile away. The fact that everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE including Bug has called him useless is a testament to just how BAD he is at everything he tries to do.

Now lets move on to Sumire, self appointed ‘sherlock holmes’, remember all this?

We really should’ve saw this coming when Amado said this, he was right on the money because thats exactly what she is, stupid.

From the very beginning shes been suspicious of him, thats her whole reason for becoming his ‘assistant’, to keep an eye on him and of course to ask Kawaki about Boruto but thats a separate topic. She appointed HERSELF as a spy because SHE was suspicious of him, thats why shes there working with him. Amado even calls her a genius and claims she was such a ‘oh so big’ help to him during the process of recreating and reattaching Kawakis arm, which is an important detail for what Im about to say next.

EXCUSE ME? IRRATIONAL GROUNDLESS FEAR? NO PROOF?

HE TOLD YOU HE COULD RE-IMPLANT KARMA ON KAWAKI WHICH HE DIDNT TELL ANYONE ELSE

HE TOLD YOU HE HAD A HIDDEN AGENDA FOR KAWAKI THAT HES PURPOSEFULLY NOT TELLING YOU OR ANYONE ELSE WHAT IT IS

HES ACTED SUSPICIOUS MULTIPLE TIMES WITH HIS UNUSUAL CONCERN FOR KAWAKI THATS CLEARLY MOTIVATED BY HIS OWN SELF INTEREST

SO HOW TF IS HER SUSPICIONS GROUNDLESS AND HOW TF DOES SHE NOT HAVE ANY PROOF? HES LITERALLY TOLD HER EVERYTHING TO HER FACE!!!!

Now how does this make her useless you ask? glad you asked

Amado put Karma back on Kawaki right under her nose, keep in mind, the whole reason she became his assistant was because she was suspicious of him and wanted to keep an eye on him, AMADO HIMSELF says that she was VERY much involved with the reattaching of Kawakis arm, he says he COULDNT have done it without her.

Now this implies 1 of 2 things

1 Amado was lyin his ass off and Sumire really didnt do much of anything, he just said that to make it seem like she did something

2 Sumire is fkin useless and didnt pay attention to what he was doing like she was supposed to

But lets give her the benefit of the doubt and say maybe the Karma implantation was something unnoticeable, lets just go ahead and say thats true

Explain this then

He not only re-implanted Karma right under Sumire’s nose, but he also put an emergency shut down function right infront of her too that now gives Amado and Ada/Daemon all the leverage that should’ve been prevented.

YOU. HAD. ONE. FKING. JOB. AND. YOU. BLEW. IT.

I dont wanna hear Sumire stans ever talk about her being a genius, her having this grand plan, her being sherlock holmes which the fkin audacity to even put them in the same sentence when THIS is her detective work, I dont wanna hear none of it.

All that true heroine, important role, genius, super spy nonsense is all out the fkin window now, this is absolutely indefensible no matter how much you stan her shes a danm DISGRACE.

Keep in mind to put in an emergency shut down function that’ll effect his entire body he has to put SOMETHING in him, something that’d have to look suspicious for just reattaching his arm and you want me to believe she just DIDNT question it? and if she did and he gave a half assed answer she just went along with it? she didnt tell nobody?

Fucking USELESS.

But hey dont get me wrong, Im not blaming everything on Sumire because lets be real, none of this would’ve happened if the grown ass men in charge actually PUT Amado under tight surveillance by Jonin like Sai and Hibiki who specialize in spying, interrogation, and intelligence work, hell to be extra thorough assign a Yamanaka there as well to probe his brain if they sense he not bein totally honest with them. 

Why was he constantly left alone with a danm child as the only person watching him and that was by her own CHOICE not cuz anyone was suspicious and asked her to spy on him no, she CHOSE to spy on him from her own suspicions, which means if she HADNT been suspicious then Amado would’ve been operating on Kawaki totally unsupervised!!!!

So please dont get it twisted and think this is me putting it all on Sumire nah, there are plenty of other ppl just as much at fault here if not more so, Naruto and Shikamaru being the biggest ones at fault for whats happening because of their complete and total incompetence.

Regardless that doesnt excuse Sumire from any of the blame, EVERYBODY should be held accountable for their role in this happening and that includes her, because she was the only one watchin him, she heard from his own mouth of his ulterior motives and alerted NO ONE, she watched and helped him work on Kawaki and she noticed NOTHING and if she did she clearly still let it happen without telling anyone what she saw to demand an explanation. She kept questioning Amado HERSELF and getting zero answers as if he has any reason to respond to some kid askin questions instead of going and getting ppl higher up who CAN make him talk like the mf Hokage or his advisor or hell even Sai who was RIGHT THERE WITH HER and she STILL kept her mouth shut.

THERE. IS. NO. DEFENDING. THIS.

Sumire and Code are the two most useless characters in this sequel thus far which is a feat I didnt think anyone could ever share with Code but this chapter just proved it can. I genuine feel bad for how Code has been utterly disrespected beyond repair and I feel bad for Sumire and how shit shes been written, be that as it may I dont feel too bad because we’ve been saying this was gonna happen for the longest now but stans kept claiming what a big important role she was gonna have and how she has this grand plan that not only was her role unimportant and simply to point out Amado was sus which everyone already knew, but she also had no plan and she herself admits she wasnt even confident in her own suspicions which is why she carelessly allowed all of this to happen right under her watch. Its a bad time to be a Sumire fan for manga readers right now.

And before you say it, its a bad time to be a Sarada and Mitsuki fan too, practically no one is safe from poor writing in this manga. Its just that as of right now Sumire and Code have it the worst.

[captnjacksparrow]

hey! first of all your blog is my favorite naruto blog and second of all i had a question (idk if you’ve answered this already if so i’m sorry). so my question is why did “the last” retcon so many things? i mean it’s obvious as hell they only did so naruhina would somewhat work lol but i can’t get over the fact they really made naruto be this oblivious to what love is/means. literally the entire point of the anime was to show that naruto is the one who understands not through hate but through love so how the heck couldn’t he know what love looks like??? and it irks my soul to see that SO many naruto fans think that way… they really believe that naruto not having parents is why he doesn’t know what love is but the anime/manga established so many times that naruto DOES IN FACT KNOW what love is????? he has iruka, he has sasuke, he met his parents and realized that their sacrifice was out of LOVE so how tf couldn’t he know what love means? i’m sorry but this makes me so damn upset because i used to be somewhat okay with naruhina but now they’re getting on my nerves and especially their obnoxious fans who think naruhina is all that and is the epitome of true love LMFAOO. like shut the hell up. if that’s love then i don’t fucking want it man. their ship is so damn rushed, forced and tries sooooo hard to be sns. it’s funny to me how so many sns elements were pushed onto the narrative of naruhina (like hinata apparently being the first one to accept naruto 🤣🤣). even if someone were to ship naruhina they WOULD HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE that their ship is the result of fucking fan service cause it literally makes no sense. it makes no sense narrative wise (naruto manga/anime) + not even within their shitty lame ass the last movie. suddenly naruto can be put in a genjutsu? um since when? god this ships makes me so mad cause it just sucks in sooo many ways and it’s also so damn overrated 😭💀i mean everyone can ship whatever they want but i just don’t get or see what’s so special about naruhina??? leaving aside the fact that they have soo little screen time they just are so awkward together and that’s mainly cause hinata is weird as hell. i also dont get why so many people wish to have a love like naruhina or a partner like hinata LMFAO. hinata doesn’t do SHIT. she’s just standing there, being passive, watching and not acting on that EVER. how and why would anyone want a partner like that? truly blows my mind. sorry for the rant but i just dislike naruhina lmao.

LOL.... What a funny ride to read this🤭

[[Sakura stans who hate Hinata.... Do not Interact.]]

What’s so special about naruh**a??? I also don’t get why so many people wish to have a love like naruh**a or a partner like hinata LMFAO. 

Majority of People like NH and wish to have a partner like Hinata because she offers Servitude and Sex which boosts their Male Ego, Narcissism and their Sexual Fantasy. That's why Dudebros love this ship. Guys love Hinata purely because of her prospects... My asshole friend is the proof of that and I’ll attach another shit by the end of this post...

Self-Centered Girls who thinks that their PURE  feelings (Whatever the fuck that is!) for a Man and some Crocodile tears (a Damsel in Distress) are all enough to get what they want rather than doing a real Ground Work finds NH to be serving their fantasy. 🤷🏻‍♀️. Because all you have to do is to Cry (fakely) and Think about that person constantly. Poof!! You got that ‘Trophy’.

A Sexist & A Dominant Man with A Damsel in Distress. [[50 shades of Grey, Twilight kind of shits]]

Unfortunately people who like this dynamics are in the Majority.

Sakura and Hinata fits all the above mentioned criteria and that's precisely why Sasuke and Naruto never liked them and was very indifferent towards them, apart from the fact that both the boys already love each other. 

Sasuke and Naruto, both likes/admires people who are Selfless and Strong.

Here, Naruto was very much impressed with Sakura’s skills when she removed the Poison from Kankuro. [[Oh!! Please refrain from calling this as Romantic just because he was blushing... He blushed for Gaara too]]. It’s for this exact reason, Naruto, in his Monologue, confessed that 

“Truth was, I just wanted to be like you... You were the person I admired a lot”

Naruto couldn't reach out Sasuke because he felt inferior to Sasuke in terms of Strength.

Sasuke was seen impressed with Sakura's skills when she destroyed Juubi Clones.

But, this idiot Sakura instead of keeping up the momentum, she becomes that stupid Docile, Crying, Damsel in Distress in front of Sasuke.... hoping that Sasuke would like her... But it’s totally opposite. He likes people who are Strong and has some strong conviction. Like Naruto, Karin, Juugo, Suigetsu. 

N and S don’t cater to Dudebros’ and Damsel in Distress’ fantasies. Neither does the Author and that’s why he relentlessly mocked these girls till the very end.

[[It’s not surprising that the Ships Kishi got it right in his Manga were consisting of Strong Women who has some strong persona.... Like DanTsunade, ShikaTema, YahiKonan, MinaKushi.....]]

The Last movie is the complete opposite of what Naruto & the Author wanted... It’s a movie about what those Dudebros and Damsel in Distress’ wanted... Since they are the majority... We feel like NH is being loved by many.

It’s like you said... A FANSERVICE.

I can’t get over the fact they really made Naruto be this oblivious to what love is/means.

Actually... The Love they mean here is ‘Romantic Love’. 

Romantic love generally involves a mix of emotional and sexual desire, as opposed to platonic love. 

(I picked this definition from Google).

So, Last movie was all about teaching Naruto how to make him emotionally invested in Hinata and also to make him to get under the bedsheets with her. 

Anyone with 1/2 a Braincell would know that ‘Any type of Love can’t be taught.... It was always felt’.... Even if a child is an Orphan, and if that Child was allowed to grow in a peaceful atmosphere... It will realize the love automatically as it grows. 

This is Naruto seeing A Father and A Son who was talking about their Home.

And this poor child was yearning for that kind of Love. How can Naruto yearn for a ‘Love’ unless he feels it????

It’s the same for Romantic Love as well....

This dude has been doing Sexy Jutsu from Chapter 1 & Harem no Jutsu from Chapter 2 and in Chapter 91 he was seen peeking into Women’s bath as a prank. Well, Since Naruto was just 12... It’s all fine... [[Still, Guys usually mature during this age.... Whatever...]]

“Do you really Love me?? I’ll prove it when Darkness falls.... Come to my place, and Once, Just one time I’ll do anything you want your Hormones are...”

LMAO....These are the contents of Jiraiya’s Smut Novel..... 

All Guys of his age (15, 16) would pay any money to read these kind of racy stuffs, you know.... But Naruto seems to be finding it ‘Boring as Hell’..... Not to mention that this fact was referenced twice in the Manga.

A Boy who wasn’t affected by Naked Ladies and Smut Novels but was feeling uncomfortable and nervous in front of Naked Yamato and Sai in the Onsen Bath. And he kept on deflecting his feelings for Sasuke by fakely asking for Dates with Sakura.... Plus he asked his Mom that, “How did you fell in love with Dad” which is an implication that he knows the difference between Parental Love & Romantic Love...

And you are telling me that he needs a movie to ‘Awaken his Romantic Desire’????

Naruto is not Sai, For Shit Sake!!! Just Give me a Break!!!

Naruto knows all kinds of Love and he just doesn’t feel anything for Hinata despite she having all the ‘prospects’, a typical DudeBro would want.... It doesn’t mean that Naruto was Oblivious about such things, though. Otherwise he wouldn't be deflecting the nature of his own feelings for Sasuke.

How and why would anyone want a partner like that?

Ughhh!!! My eyes!!!! Cringe!!!! A meme from Dudebros...

Isn’t it self-explanatory???. They wanted something, they found it in Hinata and that’s why they want a partner like her.

@carmenserenity123456  ..... You sent me an ask asking Why Kishimoto said ‘like that’ in that interview regarding Hinata's b**bs... I almost finished writing answer to that ask with a better explanation... But Look at this meme.... This is why Kishi mocked that person for liking Hinata out of all the Strong Characters he created. Doesn't an author know about his own readers about what they like/hate about his own character???

[[Even in his Manga, he never sexualized her.]]

And that’s why these following panels are my favourites....

Look at that innocent and angelic face of Hinata..... “A Meal prepared for you especially by a Loved one....”

LOL.... Hinata preparing a meal with Love for her beloved Naruto-Kun... But Naruto’s thoughts immediately went back to Sasuke. 

Inner Me: What happened to that shit Last Movie, Naruto???? Why are you not thinking about Hinata???

It seems not only you, anon.... The Author also dislikes NH... VERY STRONGLY.

[bunny-hoodlum]

Asynchronous With You: Chapter 3

ship: naruhina

rating: teen (this chapter is a little ecchi, but I think it's still T)

tags: Modern Day AU, Foster Siblings, Family, Angst, Unrequited Love, Poor Communication

summary: An awkward journey full of self-denial and missed moments between two foster siblings. Perhaps their love will find the right timing someday.

She didn't know what she was expecting when Kurenai announced that another child would be joining them soon.

He showed up a little smaller than her, with wary blue eyes and uncombed blond hair. He didn't carry anything with him.

The idea of having a forever playmate intrigued her, but after a few weeks it became clear he had no interest in playing, only fighting.

During those times when she managed to get away, she laid down on her bedroom floor curled around a picture book, and thought deeply about magical forests and open meadows. Away from stupid boys and their stupid ways.

And then suddenly he wanted to get rid of Neji. He thought she wanted to be rid of Neji, too. He was going to tattle on Neji really bad and that would be that.

Who taught him that the only way to fix things was to destroy them?

She told him she didn't mind Neji bossing her around. Maybe it's like what she's heard the adults say, that all she needs is structure. Plus, he was the only blood she had. Neji was part of her old normal and she wasn't going to give that up.

She didn't think he would listen. He seemed pretty sure about what he was talking about. But then he didn't tattle after all, and yet the fights seemed even more vigorous.

She found a volume inside herself that she didn't know she had, and it had scared her into her room. Her own ears had boomed. It reminded her of all the yellings she used to receive before Kurenai, and her instincts to hide kicked in.

It wasn't Neji who came after her, but Naruto.

He felt bad about his behavior. But he wanted something in exchange. He couldn't just have nothing after this.

She wasn't sure what 'bugging her' was going to be like, but she's been wanting to get along with him since day one. All because he didn't like Neji, she thought that would never happen.

'Sure,' she told him, and the following afternoon he pinched her arm.

_______________________________

Hinata laid down curled on her bedroom floor just like she used to when she was little.

She shouldn't be here, listening to the sounds coming through the half-inch diameter hole in the wall, his guttural teenage lust spilling over into her sanctum, the exaggerated moans of the other girl stabbing her heart.

He thinks she isn't home right now.

She wants to keep it that way.

Because no matter what he means to her, no matter how much she wants him, it can never happen.

She closes her eyes and pictures herself in the other girl's place. Girl no. 49 she calls her.

She doesn't have the courage to watch, but some twisted part of her wants the torture.

She wants to see a part of Naruto that she'll never have.

_______________________________

After the first girl, some drama had started up at school for Naruto.

She had seen Hinata's shoes in the genkan when she left, but had no idea who they belonged to.

She accused Naruto of sneaking away to invite a different girl to come over.

Now half of the female student body hated him, while the other half wanted to get some for themselves.

Hinata was disappointed to find that he relished in his new reputation as a player, that he would take whatever infamy he got if it gave him what he wanted in this world.

Some timid part of her that remained said, Good for him. After all, he deserved to be happy and enjoy his life.

And yet some shadowy part of her felt she was as good a stranger to him than a sister, seeing as how there could be no room for her as either a sister, a friend or love interest.

She thought to both test him and sabotage him after the fourth girl. Two terribly petty things she thought she would never do.

He knows when she leaves something of hers in his room, it means she wants him to come over.

So she left a pair of panties atop his bed in hopes Girl no. 5 would realize his promiscuity and go home.

It didn't work. Instead it excited Girl no. 5. Her expectations of his skill has risen with the proof that he had a revolving door of hot girls coming in and out of here and they went at it louder and rougher than the first four.

Hinata made sure to disappear before they found out she'd been home. When the coast seemed clear and Hinata feigned nonchalance as she came home, with a weak 'Tadaima' to the only other person home, she did not get the usual greeting.

She crept towards her bedroom, somehow not expecting Naruto to answer her invitation.

He sat at her low table in the middle of her room, the pair she had left behind now sitting atop her comforter.

He couldn't look her in the eyes.

He didn't seem mad, rather dumbfounded.

What a thing to give him when wanting to chat, is probably what was going through his head. Like, maybe she had an ulterior motive she was trying to express to him.

Well, she did, perhaps. This wasn't her ideal way to flirt with him, nor was it how she'd choose to shoot her shot.

She doubted her panties excited him, in the first place.

With a soft sigh, Hinata nodded to herself. She crossed her room without a word, hanging her school bag on the back of her desk chair. Then she approached her bed and picked up her underwear, telling him "Thank you for finding them," before placing them back inside her underwear drawer.

She was rooted to that spot, her hands gripping the trim of her double dresser.

From the corner of her eye, she could see him scratch at his cheek, the way he does when a reply feels too weird to say.

He stood up, and just before reaching the door he mumbled, "Just don't lose them again, okay?"

The door closed behind him, and Hinata's shoulders lowered along the length of her exhale, her stress leaving her like dropping water levels.

Then on a Sunday, when Hinata was invited to a dessert buffet with Sakura and Ino, she found out her favorite linen top with the frilly button trim had shrunk in the dryer.

While uncomfortably snug, she could still button every one but the two across her chest.

Ino loved keyhole cuts, but this would not pass social decency.

She tugged and tugged but still the buttons wouldn't reach their homes. Her eyes burned as a flurry of despair hit her in quick succession.

She was getting older. She was growing up. She was getting bigger. Like, inelegantly bigger. She loved this top. She didn't want to say goodbye to it. She didn't want to say goodbye to a lot of things.

Like choosing where to go for High School.

Something possessed her to walk out of her room and find him. She would play up her little sister role in utter defiance.

"Hinata?" Naruto shot up from the sofa and ran to her side.

"Did you dry my clothes?" More accusation than question, her voice was keened wetly with every consonant. "I can't wear this anymore."

Naruto stood there, sputtering, hands uselessly gesticulating at her ample cleavage.

She's never seen his face so red.

Did he look like this when he was thrusting into his rotation of harem girls?

"U-Uh, maybe it's still okay?" He reached out and gripped the fabric of her shirt, his rough fingers ghosting across her skin. A tingle ran up her spine. His eyes became wild for a second. As if to cover up his embarrassment, he became even more determined to prove he didn't ruin her clothes, but doing so made it worse for the both of them.

The forceful tugging made her breasts bounce in a way he was all too familiar with, but none had ever been as big as hers.

As if catching his dirty thoughts, Naruto released her and ran out of the living room, shouting spastically "I'msorryI'llreplaceit!"

Hinata had placed a hand over her exposed skin, right where he had touched her, and she couldn't fight down a smile, however pained and wistful.

This was probably all she was ever going to get.

She decided to play up the risks today, and forwent a bra, using a velvet cropped jacket to hide her nipples.

She received a lot of compliments that Sunday.

Things like this had happened between her and the object of her adoration and frustration, but nothing ever really changed.

He still brought girls over when he thought she wasn't home.

And she still snuck in to try and be a part of it, to learn more about him, to indulge is some form of masochism she didn't know she had.

It wasn't good for her heart.

And when she and Naruto decided individually that they'd stay with everyone else and go to Konoha Normal High, Hinata decided it was time to get serious about her life.

Her renewed late night phone calls with Neji gave her back her structure.

She started her own club. Called it the Volunteers Association. Basically all they did every Sunday was clean up trash in a pre-chosen location from the crack of dawn until lunch time. Beautifying their hometown was a lesson in gratitude and pride.

She also joined the Public Morals Committee, because it would look good on her resume, not because she’d developed an interest in policing others. It also helped her overcome her fear response to raised voices.

But when she did police others, she learned more and more about other people in a way she never thought she would.

For example, the majority of the porn magazines they confiscated were of G-cup models, with M-cup and C-cup ranking in second and A-cup ranking in last. This told her the preferences of the male student body. How important that information was to her? Well, it kind of helped know which boys to be leery of. She had grown to be a little more realistic about herself: She had curves.

Another example was how many students came to school in a hurry and for what reasons. Most of it was due to oversleeping, which were the result of late-night gaming (like someone else she knows), or excessive studying, or part-time jobs. Few others showed up looking like they had taken a detour to the baseball supply closet to fool around (also like the same someone else she knows).

Running in the halls ensued due to prankish behavior.

Failure to advertise for upcoming club events due to limp commitment or a loss of interest.

When the time came for bag checks, where a teacher would confiscate candy and make-up, that’s where Hinata drew the line. She knew her classmates needed sugar to make it through the day. She advised the pretty girls, the gyaru, even the ones she knew had been in Naruto’s bed, that they could still cheat the system if they were clear lip gloss and neutral colors. That really turned their impression of her around on its head.

To sum it up, everyone was going with the flow, chasing one promise of excitement after another, the future too intangible for them to grasp. Their Springtime of Youth was not over.

The amount of blank career sheets cemented her point.

_______________________________

Hinata collapsed onto a bench as the physical and mental exertion caught up to her.

The school was bustling with a multitude of craft projects as they prepared for their annual School Festival.

As a committee member and Volunteer Associate, she was running herself ragged from classroom to classroom, club to club, helping to ensure that everyone's efforts were going smoothly.

A smooth chill touched her cheek. She opened her eyes. Ino held out a cold water bottle against her heated skin, and Hinata smiled.

"Thank you," Hinata accepted the bottle and held it to her neck. Ino sat down next to her. A series of violent thumps met their ears as an irritated Kiba chased down a gloating Naruto, with Kiba's club materials in his hands. Hinata's voice cracked once she opened her mouth, but Ino's voice rang out in her stead.

"NO RUNNING IN THE HALLS!"

Hinata thanked her again as she sank against the wall and relished in the soothing sensation of her water bottle. She didn't realize she had overworked her voice already, too.

"That one's going nowhere," Ino tsked quietly.

"Who?"

"Naruto-baka. He thinks he can live this way forever. Life'll stop being so funny when he's working behind a convenience store register."

"Cashiers serve an important purpose."

"So you agree he's going to end up a cashier," Ino smirked with a wink.

Hinata opened her mouth to complain, but her will instantly deflated inside of her. Ino laughed at the sequence of emotions that played out across Hinata's face, and the latter simply resumed being exhausted human jello that needed more time to restore her shape.

"A cashier baby daddy with five children, each from a different mom," Ino added.

Hinata tried to blink away the haze steadily overtaking her. "No."

Her chest twisted at the thought.

If that really came to pass, he would take responsibility. He would never leave his own children behind, even if he had to go it alone.

Hinata pressed her free palm against her eyes, her lips trembled even as they tightly pressed into a thin line.

"Hinata?" Came Ino's panicked voice.

"It's just a headache," she lied.

"When was the last time you ate?" Ino barely waited for a response. "I'll go grab some food from the cafeteria and be right back with pain relievers. Just stay right there. And no more shouting. You're done for the day!"

Ino ran off to complete her mission and Hinata couldn't be sure if she was grateful for her absence or even more afraid of it.

Just thinking about Naruto...

She doesn't understand how she still feels about him.

His entire existence hurts her, and she can't name all the ways that he does.

She wants to go back to work.

_______________________________

Hinata never thought her world could turn upside a third time. She never thought her structures could be kicked out from under her.

But then on the opening day of the School Festival, when the school gates are only open for family members, an elementary-aged girl with long, dark brown hair and sharp, lavender eyes came along by herself. A single strand dangled between those discerning eyes as they swept around her surroundings.

Hinata was managing the line outside the maid café, greeting customers in a lilac outfit, when the girl showed up.

Their eyes met.

Hers widened. With surprise. With recognition. With curiosity.

Hinata's eyes were only horrified.

The little girl bounced up to meet her.

Hinata's heart hammered in her ears, it swell to the point of choking. Her vision doubled and smeared. She tried to catch her breath, but nothing, nothing was going in. She tried to breathe faster. They call this air hunger. Her body was cold, prickly.

No. She didn't want to hear it. Didn't want to know.

The little girl eyed her from head to toe, then smirked.

"You really do like mom. But you're a little chubbier than I expected."

AN: Apologies if the third scene's timeline is written in an unclear way. It's supposed to be stuff that happened in sequence prior to the second scene.

Hm! I totally forgot how good it feels to write fanfiction. I literally had a head high the whole time. 😂

I hope you like this chapter! And let me know if I'm doing better at hooks and/or cliffhangers! I haven't looked at any of my activity since the last chapter, so I'm going to respond now if there is anything to respond to, that is.

[animeyanderelover]

Can I ask for Yandere!Gaara headcanons in a Soulmate AU? I was thinking about the "you can't hurt your soulmate" AU specifically with maybe they first encountering each other during the chunin exams and then meeting again some time after Gaara became the Kazekage.

Gaara! This panda boy!

Tw: Yandere themes, possessiveness, paranoia, manipulation, bribing, kidnapping

Soulmate Hc’s

🐼You are lucky as hell that he’s your soulmate or else he would have crushed you during the chunin exams. You first met him in the forest of death and let’s say that he wasn’t the most stable, crushing your teammates instantly before sending his sand to kill you as well. You honestly thought that you would die in that moment.

🐼But then something interesting happened. It was like an invisible shield was protecting you. The sand was suddenly sent back, not being able to reach you. And Gaara was confused as well as enraged, trying his hardest to somehow get you, but whenever the sand came too close to you he just stopped as if there was a wall in front of you. You used this chance to escape as quickly as possible, not before giving the redhead a terrified look. And Gaara didn’t understand it back then, but when he finally took a closer look at you and saw your horrified face he felt a certain kind of pain in his chest. It felt like something invisible was pulling his mind and body towards you, but at that time he tried to not mind it too much.

🐼After Naruto had helped Gaara to realize that he didn’t have to live in the darkness, Gaara’s dream became it to be the Kazekage of the village and he worked his ass off to reach that goal, but you always seeped in his mind and Gaara just couldn’t forget the way you had looked at him back then. As if he had been some kind of monster. He had received this look many times before, but he couldn’t remember that he had ever felt that desperate to change someone’s mind. He wasn’t any longer this monster!

🐼He also couldn’t understand why he hadn’t been able to kill you back then. Don’t get him wrong, he was thankful for whatever had stopped him from hurting you, but he just wanted to know what it was. So he started doing some research until he found the answer in a book about soulmates.

🐼What are soulmates? Soulmates are persons who were destined to be together the moment they were born. Not every person has a soulmate. Only a very few are chosen to have a soulmate. Soulmates are said to be perfect together. Now how can you find out that you have a soulmate? There are many ways. The most common ones were the body switch, seeing everything through your soulmates eyes, being born with the same tattoo on your body, having the first sentence your soulmate will ever say to you from birth on on your skin engraved, the first sentence your soulmate will say to you will be engraved on your skin the moment they speak to you, dreaming about your soulmate or about the place where you’ll first meet them, sharing the same wounds your soulmate suffers and much more. This was all of course very interesting for him, but didn’t have him the answer to his question. That was at least until he read another common sign that you might have a soulmate. It was described as not being able to hurt your soulmate, meaning if you try to harm your soulmate it will be like an invisible force will protect them. That’s when Gaara understood what had happened back then. You were his soulmate!

🐼He had messed up! He had made you feel scared of him and he knew that you most likely wouldn’t be able to forgive him for killing your teammates. What to do now?! You were his soulmate!

🐼Gaara tried his hardest to concentrate on becoming a Kazekage first, knowing that it would maybe be easier for you to listen to him when he had proofed that he had changed.

🐼Nearly three years had passed by when he saw you finally again. By now he had also told his sibling about you and Temari was absolutely enraged by how stupid he had been, scolding him heavily.

🐼But when you walked one day into his office together with some other leaf shinobis Gaara nearly lost all his cool. He instantly felt this pull again he had felt the first time he had seen you. During the whole time you were in his office you didn’t dare to look him in his eyes, obviously still not having been able to forgot what had happened years ago. And Gaara couldn’t really blame you, but that didn’t change the fact that he was still hurt that you ignored him. He asked himself if you felt this pull he felt towards you as well. Did you know that the both of you were soulmates?

🐼When your team was about to leave he suddenly called you back, wanting to talk to you. You were very nervous, but didn’t dare to go against him since he was the Kazekage. At first an awkward silence engulfed the both of you before Gaara started apologizing to you. You told him awkwardly that it was fine, trying to leave as fast as possible before Gaara asked you the question that made you freeze in your movements. Did you know that the both of you were soulmates?

🐼You hadn’t. Of course you knew what soulmates were, but yo find out that you were the soulmate of the Kazekage himself?! That was hard to digest.

🐼Gaara got in contact with Lady Tsunade, asking her if it would be okay if you would stay a bit longer in the Sand Village. At first she was confused, but when Gaara explained the situation she agreed, knowing well how much a soulmate can suffer when not near his significant other.

🐼You were clearly awkward with Gaara and he knew that, but you were his soulmate so it was important for him that you would warm up to him. The problem was that he himself was very shy around you, not knowing what to say or how to approach you. But for what do you have older siblings? Kankuro and Temari were definitely there to help their little brother and often literally pushed him towards you. He was a stuttering mess when talking to you, blushing heavily and you actually found it kind of amusing how shy he was for someone who was the Kazekage.

🐼Gaara probably didn’t even realize when exactly his feelings started to turn more sinister, but he only knew that he wouldn’t let you leave him under any means necessary. You were his soulmate, chosen for him and him alone! At one point he started to feel jealous whenever you talked to someone else, but to his luck most of the villagers knew that you were his soulmate so they knew to stay in line. But he was also scared that someone would target you because of your special connection to him.

🐼And sadly one day his fears became true when he heard news that you had been attacked by a few people who weren’t satisfied with him being Kazekage. That’s when he killed for the first time in years, letting Shukaku getting the better of him and crushing that person with his sand coffin.

🐼After that day Gaara started to get paranoid and as soon as you were out of the hospital he made sure to lock you up in his house, wanting to keep you safe from any harm. But his worries didn’t stop there. You were a shinobi! What if you would die on a mission whilst he wasn’t there to protect you?! What if you would get hurt by something and he wouldn’t be able to safe you? That’s when he snapped. He couldn’t lose you!

🐼The fact that you were his soulmate made this situation so much easier for him to convince Tsunade into letting you stay with him permanently because keeping soulmates away from each other was just cruel. But that meant that now you were a shinobi of the Sand Village and now Gaara was able to control which missions you went on and he made sure that they weren’t too dangerous and that you were always accompanied by his siblings. But it wasn’t like he let you doing missions very often, being too paranoid that you would get hurt. To always keep a close eye on you he made sure that you were always watched by someone from the Anbu when he wasn’t there with you.

🐼Gaara really tries to keep you away from any danger and snaps whenever someone hurts you. He is honestly too blinded by his love for you to realize that even though the both of you are soulmates his feelings are wrong. If you catch on to his behavior and will try to leave him good luck with that because he has the whole village on his side. Trying to tell someone about his strange behavior won’t be from any use either because many people will just say to you that he’s just protective over his soulmate. No one will believe you. You would just make a lot of people angry with you if you refuse him because who refuses their soulmate?!

[bushcloverprincess]

Let me explain Sai and Ino's love life to everyone who is still saying "I don't know how they ended up together": 💜

People really be jumping to Boruto series without knowing what has happened in the Naruto series after the war arc. So here is Sai and Ino's relationship throughout the entire Naruto canon timeline.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN MANGA

First and foremost, Sai and Ino met in the very early episodes of Naruto Shippuden. Ino immediately had a crush on him because he was handsome, also noting that he looked like Sasuke. That is basically Ino, the flirty girl as we know. Having a crush and falling in love are two very different things.

Sai was introduced as a character with no emotions and feelings whatsoever. The reason why he thought Ino is "ugly" in their first interaction was because he didn't know what a real beauty is. He had no emotions/feelings, how do u expect him to understand beauty? Ironically, despite this, he called the opposite of what he thought at her, "Mrs. Beautiful" - building the foundation of SaiIno (Also Ino being the only person who didnt get insulted by Sai's nicknames.)

So, here Sai thought Ino was ugly and Ino had a crush on Sai solely because he was handsome. Two flaws, alright. Most of the fans know their relationship up to here. But that's not even close to the end of Sai and Ino's relationship before their marriage.

Moving on. As Sai and Ino are both side characters, they had almost no interactions on-screen afterwards in the manga, until the Fourth Shinobi War Arc. In the war, both Ino and Sai had each other in their Infinite Tsukyomi dreams. Ino dreamed of Sasuke and Sai fighting over her and Sai dreamed of Ino, along with his other close friends acknowledging his smile. (Sai's dream was in anime-only).

This proves that both have had interactions off-screen to the point that they were already very close friends before the war began. Morever, their Inifinte Tsukuyomi dreams reveal that by the war arc, Ino likes Sai as much as Sasuke (as she did not choose Sasuke over Sai in her ideal life/dream), and Sai likes Ino complimenting him.

During the long timeskip after the war Ino and Sai eventually starts dating. This was revealed in a spin-off manga chapter written in Akamaru's point of view by Kishimoto, where he spotted Sai and Ino together on a date and described them as "A couple totally on fire".

Around a decade later, in the very last chapter of the Naruto Shippuden manga (Chapter 700), they were shown married with a son together.

That's the end of Naruto manga contents for Sai and Ino's relationship, as expected not much because Naruto manga is NOT a romance manga.

BLANK PERIOD

Now, for those who wanted to know more about Sai and Ino's romance and the ship's further build up during the timeskip between the end of war and Boruto (Blank Period), there was a Novel series called Hiden. (Note: All Blank Period Hiden Novels are approved canon, illustrated and proof-read by Masashi Kishimoto, the author of the Manga himself). The Blank period is a part of the official canon timeline.

As mentioned above Novels are the stories of all the important events that took place during this blank period, including the romance between the characters. Get ready to hear one of the cutest love stories of Naruto series.

1- SHIKAMARU HIDEN NOVEL

Ino lost her crush on Sasuke long back and is pretty much not into any relationship. This was until in Shikamaru Hiden events, Ino read a letter which describes Sai's tragic life. Since then Ino wanted to know even more about him than she already does. Ino was sent on a mission with her fellow ninjas to help Shikamaru and save Sai, who has been caught in a very strong enslaving genjutsu by some enemies. Her top priority after reading the letter was nothing but to save Sai.

As they confronted the genjutsu-controlled Sai, for some reason Ino believed that she is the only person who could save Sai. Ino risked her life and used her Mind Transfer Jutsu on Sai, in other words, Ino's soul entered Sai's body. Ino dived deep into his mind but all she could see was darkness. She didn't give up and tried to find his soul by diving even deeper into his mind despite the fact that it could be a threat to her own soul too. Ino finally found Sai's soul crying deep inside, covered with his memories and darkness. Ino learnt about him (in the novel it says "She knew all about him so much that it hurt her"). Ino called out for him and showed his soul the path out of the darkness. Ino cleared his mind hence saving him from the genjutsu, also giving colors to his colorless soul. Ino's soul then hugged Sai's soul with a heartfelt smile ~ A hug between two souls.

This is the point where both of them fell deeply in love. The point Sai achieved his dream, the point where he got his emotions and feelings completely back. This is the first time he felt this much kindness from someone and learned what a true beauty is. When Sai is successfully saved by her, the two wake from Ino's jutsu and Sai finds himself resting on Ino's laps. Sai instinctively reaches for Ino's hands and he expresses his gratefulness to her, as her eyes begin to tear up, by affectionately calling her "Thankyou, Miss Beautiful". This time, he truly meaning this unlike the first time he called her beautiful. "Idiot" - replied Ino. And this time, Ino fell in love with Sai, not because he resembles Sasuke unlike the first time they met. This interaction was the complete opposite of the first time they met. This is how their love story began ladies and gentlemen. *Tears because how beautiful this is*

2- SAKURA HIDEN NOVEL

Later, while Ino and Sakura was on their way to Sand village to participate in an international Medical Ninja Conference, Ino reveals her love for Sai to Sakura after what happened. She was thinking of confessing her love to him properly but was unsure which flower to give him: Flower Dogwood or Lavender. Ino, the botanist explains that in Flower language, Dogwood means "Accept my feelings" while Lavender means "I'm waiting". Sakura tells that Ino was more of Flower Dogwood type, as she wants a direct answer from Sai. Whilst for Sakura herself, Lavender will be the best because she is willing to wait for Sasuke.

When they returned back to Konoha after the conference, Ino finds out Kakashi has sent Sai alone on a dangerous mission. Ino gets worried and questions his safety, and is angry that Kakashi let him go alone. After Sai returned and Sakura got kidnapped, Ino ran to Sai's place to inform him about Sakura's disappearance. When she arrives, she becomes flustered to see Sai only in his underwear, as he was taking a shower right before she came.

Following the crisis, Sai and Ino together goes on a mission alone to save Sakura upon Hokage's orders. They are the only couple besides Sakura and Sasuke who did a mission together alone in canon. Sai and Ino flew on a Choju Giga Bird, and Sai comforted Ino as she was afraid flying and had a difficulty maintaining the balance, causing her to feel a sweet warm sensation well up within her heart. They both together infiltrated a hideout. The Saiino duo's teamwork was amazing and flawless.

After Sakura is saved, they had to fight the enemies. Ino, who has been usually positioned near the back lines during close ranged combat situations was now instead supporting Sai with her taijutsu and healing Sai's injuries with her medical ninjutsu. Sai and Ino confronted a very powerful enemy, Magire who was drugged with Tailed Beast chakra, but their flawless teamwork and bond strength lead to their victory. Sakura, and Sai himself compliments Ino on how well she works together as a duo with Sai, getting Ino blush even more. Later Sakura prompted Ino and Sai to have a date dinner together, where Ino possibly confessed him with flower Dogwood and that is when they started dating.

3- KONOHA HIDEN NOVEL

As usual, Sakura and Ino keeps on fighting and competing, and now Ino takes a lot of pride with her blossoming relationship with Sai, claiming she has better love life than Sakura and that she will get married before her, much to Sakura's infuriation. After some days, Sai and Ino attended Naruto and Hinata's wedding ceremony as a dating couple holding hands, with everyone around them admiring their relationship. (Bonus: SaiIno is the only couple that was featured in The last opening of Naruto, Opening 20 (Karano Koroko).)

4- SASUKE SHINDEN: BOOK OF SUNRISE NOVEL

Later, after Ino was hospitalized due to the injuries she had after stopping an invasion, Sai was with her at the hospital all the time. Shikamaru and Chōji decide to visit Ino at the hospital and find that Sai is watching over her whilst she sleeps as he sketches a flower that Ino's mother brought her. Shikamaru and Chōji asks Sai to come with them for some investigation, but Sai remains, claiming that he will leave as soon as he has completed his drawing, however, Shikamaru notices several of Sai's already near-completed sketches in the trash as he exits. Sai intentionally made many half-complete drawings and discarded them before completion because he doesn't want to leave Ino. Shikamaru and Chōji realize that Sai did not want to leave Ino's side and begin discussing how much he has changed from the emotionless man he used to be after he met Ino.

Ino and Sai then got married, and had a wonderful wedding ceremony where Shikamaru and Choji were both so happy for Ino that they cried and wished their sensei, Asuma was there to see Ino. Sai and Ino's wedding ceremony is the only ceremony to have been mentioned after Hinata and Naruto's wedding. Well, that's the end of their relationship's details in the Blank Period Novels. Sweet, right?

NEW ERA: BORUTO ANIME, MANGA AND NOVELS

Sai, now married to Ino is the only male known to have taken his spouse's surname upon marriage, being now a part of the great Yamanaka Clan, finally having a family of his own. This family confronted gossips and prejudice from the villagers, and Ino's relationship with Sai was not well received by the Yamanaka Clan, all due to Sai's dark past in the currently disbanded Anbu Root. Despite all this, they managed to be as happy as ever. It is when he married to Ino and got to hold Inojin in his arms, Sai finally felt free and got control over his own life after years of being a puppet to Danzo.

As Boruto series is the story of the new generation, it's main focus from the Yamanaka Family is obviously Ino and Sai's son, Inojin Yamanaka. (Trivia: It is believed that Inojin's name is a mixture of Yamanaka Clan's customary name prefix "Ino" and the suffix "jin" is reference to Sai's late brother Shin). Sai has already told his son Inojin how his mother, Ino saved him with her shintenshin and how they fell in love, and Sai uses the same method (a hug or an affection) to calm Ino down when she gets upset or angry now. Boruto notes that Sai's only weakness is when it comes to Aunt Ino. According to Ino, Sai has never forgotten their anniversary throughout more than a decade they have been together. Although Ino remains as boisterous as ever, Sai is the sole person that gets Ino to fluster despite how angry or upset she is since beginning and even now.

According to Kakashi, Sai and Ino is the most beautiful couple he could imagine, and they both are so close that it seems they are glued to each other, noting that they are like a peculiar picture. Sai and Ino also often gets teased by their friends because how close and affectionate they are even in the public. Ino takes pride in Sai's ninja abilities and Sai takes pride and is proud of Ino's abilities. Ino is thankful that she moved on from Sasuke (Her childhood crush), because according to Boruto Manga, Ino now she feels bad for Sakura, whose husband, Sasuke visits her only very rarely, noting that she has been living such a perfect love-life that she cannot even imagine having a husband who is hardly at home. She is thankful for Sai, so is Sai for Ino. In one of the Boruto Novel it is stated about Ino:

"Because her husband was the one she knew was the best in the world" ~ 💜

SO,

I do not think this much of content, especially for a side-couple is less at all. It's more than enough, It's explained perfectly well. Only people who aren't having an idea on Naruto complete series will question or doubt SaiIno's relationship. So "Random couple", "Ino likes Sasuke because he looks like Sasuke", "Sai is a Sasuke rebound", "Ino lost to Sakura in love-life becuase she couldn't marry Sasuke" arguments are all total crap ~ 💕

AND FOR THOSE WHO SAYS SAI AND INO DOESN'T HAVE CHEMISTRY...

Sai was an emotionless and socially awkward boy who worked for the Root Section, meanwhile Ino was an emotional and lively sociable girl who works at a flower Shop, what else do you see other than the raging chemistry between this root and flower? The flower that baths in sunlight and the roots that grow in the dark! It has everything. They perfectly fits into the Yin (Sai) and Yang (Ino) philosophy Kishimoto seems to have considered when making the couples and friendships. As mentioned above Sai is the only man who can make Ino blush since beginning and even now! Ino had no problem with glomping on Sasuke and hugging him, but Sai calling her "Beautiful" makes her blush - See the difference? They both are perfect for each other. Ino gave colours to Sai's black & white life. Ino was a rainbow when Sai was colour blind. Not to mention they both wear crop-tops with exposed midriff. In addition Sai and Ino is the most affectionate couple who has shown most PDA (Public Display of Affection) content and closest moments together so far. I'd argue they have the most chemistry and couple symbolisms.

There, its done.

I hope its clear how they ended up together now 💕 So again, saying SaiIno is forced or random / Calling Sai a Sasuke Rebound / Saying Ino settled for Sai because she didn't get Sasuke as a plan B / Ino lost to Sakura in love life / Sai and Ino don't have chemistry- is making yourself a huge 🤡, actually an entire 🎪

Thankyou 💜

[exe-uzumakii]

sai x reader || nsfw

↳ umm thigh riding, edging, fingering, penetration? idk sjdjdk

➣ bear with me I'm still learning how to write smut 😔 also sorry for any typos I didn't proof read

::

sai had been curious. curious as to why his pants would always tighten up whenever the two of you kissed for a long time. of course he had gotten hard before, puberty was a thing. but it felt different this time, and he could feel his stomach doing flips. he found himself containing noises he didn't know he could make.

he was completely oblivious, or at least he was up until now. holding a book in his hand he found himself feeling his cheeks heat up at what he was reading. would she want to do that? maybe i should read more books just in case.

and that's exactly what he did, completely focused on every word he was reading. he learned a lot too, all about how he could pleasure you and vice versa. of course he didn't expect you to want to do anything, but the thought made him feel light headed. he felt someone tap his shoulder and he flinched, shutting the book immediately.

"I knew you'd be here sai. what're you reading?" you asked, a smile present on your face. you were used to sai telling you right off the bat but this time he hesitated, changing the conversation.

"oh, nothing. what brings you here?"

you noticed how he didn't answer but you didn't think it was a big deal or anything, afterall he wasn't obliged to tell you every single thing about him. "well we have a free day so I just wanted to see if you were busy or not. naruto and sakura are waiting outside, do you want to tag along?"

sai shook his head, usually he would go but given what he was reading, he couldn't bring himself to say yes. you leaned over a kissed him on the cheek. "okay well just in case you change your mind we're going to eat ramen and hang out there for a few hours."

he nodded, waiting until you were out of the library to open up the book again. and he was there for more than an hour, finding all the different ways of stimulation fascinating. and not only for you but on his end too.

he wondered if you knew about all these things. did you ever think about doing any filthy things with him? have you ever touched yourself with him in your mind? he didn't know if asking you was appropriate or not.

he really wanted to try some things out but you were currently with the others so he'd have to wait for a couple of hours.

unfortunately for him it wasn't just a couple hours, you didn't go over to his house until it was night time and you found him asleep. you had been sleeping at his these days since you felt safer with him, especially given everything that was going on.

after doing everything you need to do you laid down because him, you ran your fingers though his hair and smiled, kissing his forehead. "good night sai."

but the moment you heard your name your eyes flew open. you were still sleepy but it was becoming more clear. and as you began to figure it out you felt your cheeks begin to heat up. sai? is he...

movement woke you up, feeling something hard rub against you from behind. you could hear some noises, almost like pants and moans. you were sleepy though, your mind hazy and you couldn't really figure out what was happening.

you slowly turned around turned around, facing him. his eyebrows were furrowed, his hips thrusting up into nothing. surprisingly he was still asleep, you didn't know whether to wake him or not. has he been sexually frustrated lately? he hasn't told me anything.

---------

his body wanted more, but he couldn't get it since you had woken up. slowly he started to open his eyes too, and immediately he felt the uncomfortable yet pleasurable sensation. his eyes met yours, and he could see how flustered you were. "y/n? what happened? are you okay?"

you nodded, not knowing what to say. "uh sai, do you want me to help you with your problem?"

his eyes widened, and he was panicking inside. he looked down and saw his constricted bulge but he tried to keep his composure. he really wanted you, were you offering help? he didn't want to force you into anything, especially if you weren't ready. "I...if you want to."

hesitantly you reached out to cup his erection and he thrusted into your hand, he didn't want to do this if you weren't going to get any pleasure either. after all he wanted to try a lot of things out with you eventually. "wait, I was reading some books about this and there's some stuff I'd like to try out with you. only if you want of course."

you thought back to earlier, he hadn't told you what he was reading. it made sense now but you couldn't believe he had been reading books like that. you had been craving his touch too but you wanted to wait for him since he was usually straight forward with things.

he sat up, waiting for your answer. you averted your eyes to the bed, a bit embarrassed for some reason. "okay, but we have to be quiet or else your neighbors will hear."

he smiled and nodded, pulling you close to him so he could press his lips against yours softly. he then took off his shirt, encouraging you to do the same. you weren't wearing a bra so you felt a bit vulnerable.

you heard him swear under his breath, which was rare since he didn't usually cuss. "you're so beautiful."

he pulled you on top of him to land another kiss on your mouth. but it wasn't what you were used to, usually they were slow and more on the innocent side. but his desperation got the best of him and it was rough, his lips biting down on yours so hard that you knew they would be red afterwards. you couldn't really complain though, knowing that he was so desperate already drove you crazy.

you were confused when he stopped and lifted you up so that you were sitting on one of his thighs. he laughed a bit at how confused you looked, he leaned in, his breath tickling your neck. "ride my thigh."

you didn't have to be told twice, already picking up the pace. the layers of clothes made the friction so much better and rougher, and you were already a mess above him.

he pulled you closer, your knee pressing against his clothed erection with every roll of your hips. just knowing that you could make him feel good made you light headed, and you hid your face in the crook of his neck, hearing him grunt against your ear.

he let his hands roam, and eventually they found your tits. he squeezed them, making you roll your eyes back. his fingers squeezed your nipples, and your body was beginning to slightly shake at all the sensations.

sai started flexing his thigh and it gave just the right amount of friction to your bundle of nerves. you bit his shoulder, muffling your moans and whimpers. he let out a shaky sigh as he felt your movements grow more frantic, your body pressing closer to his when you arched your back.

"s-sai I'm going to-" before you could even finish your sentence he grabbed your hips tightly and stopped you from moving. the needy drawn out whine you let out in response almost made him give in, almost. "why did you do that?"

"I read that 'edging' could make your orgasm more intense. am I wrong?"

you felt your cheeks heat up at his question, not knowing how to reply. "well no...but if I did it to you then I don't think you'd like it."

he thought for a second, imagining if he had been in your position. "fair enough, can you lay down on the bed for me?"

the way he asked everything so innocently especially after not letting you cum was sending you. put nevertheless you did as he said, you knew he didn't have any bad intentions, he just wanted to make you feel good.

once you did as he said he pulled down your shorts and pulled your thighs apart. you felt insecure, how could you not? the man you loved was between your legs, only a layer of clothes away from seeing your most intimate part.

he leaned in and ran his tongue against your clothed slit, able to taste you from how wet you were. you were whining, just wanting him to touch you. "you're such a tease."

"that's considered teasing?" he took your underwear off you and you watched in confusion as he rolled it into a ball like shape. "can I put this in your mouth?"

his question caught you off guard, he wanted you to put your underwear in your mouth? it was almost as if he caught your confusion because he explained himself. "you said the neighbors would hear if we were too loud."

"oh is that it?" you hesitated a bit, you had never expected this. "okay then." you opened your mouth for him.

once he put it in your mouth he focused his attention back down. he read a lot so he knew where everything was already, all that was left was experience.

he pressed his thumb against your clit, your body jolted up at the sensation. you were already a bit sensitive from last time and you knew that you would probably cum quickly. he rubbed your bundle of nerves in circular motions, pressing harder sometimes to see if it was better for you. he sped up but sometimes he slowed down, relying on your facial expressions and muffled noises to let him now what you liked the most.

once he figured it out he thrusted one of his fingers into your hole. he was suprised at how needy and squirmy you had gotten from only that, and also how tight you were. he could just imagine how good it would feel if you let him fuck you.

as soon as he put in another finger you could feel a knot form in your stomach. and you wanted to cum, you really hoped that he would let you. your mind was hazy, and you mindlessly letting out muffled moans.

he plunged another finger in, enjoying the lewd squelching noises. you thrusted your hips up in sync with his movements, desperate to chase your release. sai tried to keep your hips down with his free hand, "does it really feel that good?"

you pulled on his hair, frustrated since he wasn't letting you get more stimulation. you couldn't say anything or nod though, simply throwing your head back into the pillow and hoping that he would understand.

he took that as a yes, and it took ever ounce of his will to not start grinding against the mattress, he didn't want to cum like that. but it hurt so much, watching your reaction was making him leave a wet spot in his pants.

it felt amazing, and it felt far better than when you touched yourself. his fingers were stretching you out and as soon as his fingers hit your spot you knew your release was close.

he grunted as he felt your walls tighten around his fingers. your thighs were beginning to shake and knowing that you were on the verge of cumming, he stopped, taking his fingers out and leaving you a whining and frustrated mess. you clenched around nothing,

you were desperate at this point, wanting nothing else but your own release. he had already done this twice and all you wanted was for him to let you, you didn't even care how at this point.

you looked at him and he was staring at his fingers in shock. they were soaked and dripping, and as he looked up at you he brought his fingers up to his mouth and sucked them clean. your muffled moan brought his attention back to you.

he reached up to take your underwear out your mouth, and he couldn't take his eyes off you. you were drooling, eyes lidded and eyebrows furrowed with frustration. chest heaving up and down as you panted and your hair messy from all the times you had thrown your head back and moved it from side to side.

you didn't waste any time, whining his name out. "please let me cum, please! I'll do anything sai, just!" you couldn't finish, just wanting him to take you. "just fuck me."

he bit his lower lip, knowing that he wouldn't be able to hold back if he did. and he didn't want to hurt you since he knew that it could be painful for you "are you sure? I don't think I'll be able to control myself."

you nodded desperately, you were so wet that you knew it wouldn't hurt as much. and with that he took the remainder of his clothes off. he had to calm himself down before he did anything, but with your reassuring smile he couldn't resist.

aligning himself, he took a second to admire everything about you. your fucked out expression, your beautiful body, even all the small details. it made him so grateful, he never would've imagine that he'd find someone like you.

he slowly put the tip in, and just from that he threw his head back, so sensitive and untouched. he couldn't wait though, thrusting himself all into you. "you're so tight."

you couldn't even say anything, only able to let out needy whines and moans. you wrapped your legs around him to pull him closer, your nails digging into his back.

it made him go feral, bottoming out before roughly thrusting back in. he felt his back tingle with pain, but the way you were scratching his back just made everything so much better. knowing that you couldn't control yourself because of how good it drove him crazy.

not only was the act itself erotic but the sounds were as well, and it just spurred the two of you on. the headboard banging against the wall accompanied with the bed creaking with every movement. the squelching noises every time his cock met with your cunt. and all the different sounds the both of you made, moans, grunts, pants, groans.

sai could've never imagined this outcome when he was reading the books, he didn't expect it to feel this good. but here he was, overwhelmed by the feeling as he felt you tighten your walls around him. you felt him twitch inside you afterwards and he moaned out your name. "I'm not going to last long, you feel so good."

you wanted to praise him too but all that came out your mouth was a moan. he was literally fucking you senseless and it boosted his ego.

to him it felt like a sin to even look at your face. your eyes were rolled back, mouth gaped open with pleasure, some hair stuck to your forehead because of the sweat and saliva rolling down your chin. "s-sai- I'm going to cum!"

this brought him to the edge and for the first time he let out a whimper and he found it hard to talk. "good girl, let's cum together."

his eyes shut with pleausre, his thrusts growing sloppier as he chased his orgasm. his lips were bruised from biting down on them so hard.

you felt him twitch inside of you one last time before feeling him cum inside of you. your vision went white, and it you came so hard that you forgot your own name. your body had been begging for this sweet release this entire time and now that you had finally gotten it your body didn't know how to react.

at this point you were digging into sai's back so tightly that it would leave marks for many days. he didn't care though, in fact it was better that way. it would remind him of this and he loved it.

after what felt like minutes you opened your eyes, staring up at your lover. you were both a mess and it made you laugh, "we should clean up."

he smiled, a blush present on his face as he got off of you. "it's fine, I'll do it. I woke you up afterall, so get some sleep."

you wanted to say no but he was right and your eyelids were already heavy out of exhaustion. he gave you one final kiss before you drifted off to sleep. "good night."

[liam-cadmus]

Shikamaru squints at the small amount of papers he still needs to do, thumb pressing against his temple as he sighs out. The action doesn’t lessen the throbbing, but it makes him focus somewhat, eyes clearing and sleepiness wavering. 

He stretches his arms above his head, exhaling when the muscles cramped up stretches, smiling when an audible pop sounds from his shoulder blades. His fingers twitch, the feeling of a tab on his finger sounds tempting, but not really healthy, he knows. He just sighs longingly, pushing his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. He could stand a few hours, after all, he only just had one a few hours before.

He turns his gaze back to the stack of papers, the artificial light of the lamp making the white paper appear yellowish. The blankets behind him move, hearing quiet breathing as his lover changes sleeping positions, the sound making him feel oddly domestic. He knows he’s gonna get worried over tomorrow, when Sasuke inevitably finds out that he stayed up late. 

He returns his attention to the last stack, about two to three pages of the contract, just needing his proof reading and signatures. After that, he can finally let sleep drag him over. 

He’s half-way through the last page when he notices the more active movement behind him, making him sense the chakra momentarily. The movement is a bit frantic, thrashing, he realizes, and the previous warm, prickly and soothing chakra is crackling, all over the place and disturbed.

He signs the last line before pushing himself off his desk, socks thudding silently on the carpeted floor as he walks beside the bed.

He gently pulls the blanket off Sasuke, knowing that it restricts his legs, and could possible hurt himself, both of which would make whatever he's remembering about worse. He makes no effort to pin Sasuke down, knowing that it makes him go under a panic attack.

He knows that even if he avoids doing any of that, Sasuke will still wake up screaming, trembling. But that doesn't mean he won't be there to comfort him, doesn't stop him from staying awake until he falls asleep again, never stops him from trying to soothe him even if he's asleep.

He hopes, that even if it doesn't stop Sasuke from waking up terrified, that his presence is enough for Sasuke to know that he's there. That his hand going through the onyx locks dampens the terror Sasuke is experiencing, or that his gentle humming is heard over whatever haunts him.

Sasuke always has been his safe place, the stoic Uchiha warming a place in his heart. He thought he would only ever get an average life when he grows up, but he received exceptionally more.

The Elemental Nations are missing out, he realizes, when they whisper about how arrogant and cold the 'Last Uchiha' or the 'Traitor' is. Sometimes all he wants to do is lash out and rage, wanting to manhandle their heads until they actually look, to see the man underneath it all.

But at the same time he's grateful. That no one else was able to see this side of Sasuke, of his Sasuke, that he was the one trusted by the man enough that he's letting his walls down.

Being around him made him learn that he has a lot of patience, even though he's so very lazy about everything around him. That he could wait until Sasuke seeks him out, that he could- would wait until the other man is comfortable with him.

He found a kind, selfless person underneath all the torment. The gentle, quiet, understanding man that isn't shown to the surface. The boy who's so very guilt ridden, one that strives to be forgiven in the eyes of others. He sees the man who struggled to carry the burden of the world on his shoulders, who just accepts whatever words are thrown at him, the man who thinks whatever they say about him is correct.

The Uchiha that he has seen, is the one who cares ever so deeply for others. The one that would let anyone talk down on him, insult him, but whenever it's done to someone he loves, he'll fight back to prove them wrong. The man who's usually confident but struggles seeing his own self-worth.

The one who cups his cheeks lovingly, ever so gently, like he's fragile, with his scar-ridden, rough hands.

He knows Sasuke. And he loves him so damn much that words cannot even imagine, that a genius like him will struggle to find the words to explain how. The only man that leaves him unable to speak coherent words, makes him a stuttering, flustered mess, sometimes even rendering him speechless.

He pushes his lover's bangs out of his face, thumbs swiping the sweat building up on his forehead, gently coaxing Sasuke awake. He softly calls for his name, his other palm rubbing up and down his arm in comfort.

"Sasuke? It's a nightmare." He says to the quiet of the rooming, listening to the fast intake of breath. He calls for him again, before seeing the tell tales signs of the other waking up.

He removes his hands, when Sasuke's forehead creases, nose twitching upwards in an endearing way before he sits up, scream stuck in his throat.

He stays seated by the edge of the bed, making sure that he's in Sasuke's field of vision, hands not touching him, so that he doesn't get startled.

Sasuke's Rinne-Sharingan looks around the room as he regains his breathing, before his gaze trains on his lover. Shikamaru's gentle murmuring finally registers when the rushing of air in his ears subsides.

"Quite a nightmare you got there, are you okay with touching?" He asks, offering his hands to his frazzled lover. "Mmh." was Sasuke's tired response, ivory hands clasping over tanner ones.

Shikamaru lets himself be moved to position, laughing quietly when his glasses are removed with an annoyed glare, that only looked harmless than threatening. His mouth quirks to a smile, when Sasuke's breathing returns to normal.

Arms tighten around his shoulders as he shuffles, his head pillowed on Sasuke's shoulder, Sasuke tangling their legs together. He listens to Sasuke breathing his hair, making him swat at his chest, annoyed.

"Sorry for waking you up, but I doubt you were asleep in the first place." Sasuke mumbles, but the intent was there. "Hush, you don't need to apologize for having nightmares. How many times have I told you?"

Sasuke mumbles something, the whisper muffled, making him tilt his head up, "What was that?"

"Thank you anyways." Sasuke says quietly, making him huff in amusement.

"What was that again? I didn't hear you." he questions, hoping that his voice doesn't sound too teasing.

Sasuke's deadpan expression makes it obvious that it didn't work, but his lover's lips twitch regardless. "I said thank you, love." he says it clearer, louder, directly staring at his eyes.

"You're always welcome. You can wake me up even if I haven't slept in days and I will never blame you for that, understand?" He receives a nod, before he moves up to kiss him, grazing his lips to the corner before settling back down.

He hears a contented noise rumbling from where his ear is pressed, while Sasuke moves closer to him.

"Anyways, what're you doing up so late?" Sasuke asks, confusion evident in his tone. "You said you'll only be staying up for two hours." the man grumbles to his ear.

"Paperwork." he yawns, waving his concern off. "Shika," Sasuke dragged the word in a worried tone, "You've been tirelessly doing said paperwork for a week now. It's friday," Sasuke reasoned.

"No, actually it's Saturday." he absently gestures to the clock on the bedside table, the 4:56 in a stark red color against the black background. Sasuke sighs, "You overwork yourself. I'd talk to that idiot for giving you too much paperwork."

Shikamaru rolls his eyes, patting his lover's arm, "That was due next week, Naruto didn't force me to do them." he explains, while the Uchiha moves a bit so that his arm settles comfortably.

"Then why did you do it?" The very confused tone would be amusing, if he wasn't so sleepy. He imagines Sasuke slowly blinking his eyes, blushing with a small smile, and decides it was one that he wanted a picture of. "Wanted to spend some more time with you, it's been too long, been too busy." he drowsily answers, eyes drooping after staying up so long.

"I'm sure it was very troublesome, I appreciate you for doing that, dear." Sasuke whispers to his temple, nuzzling his hair. "It was..trouble..some."

Shikamaru wants to stay up, fighting against his consciousness but sleep is pulling him under, warm and secure in Sasuke's embrace.

The last things he hears is, "Sleep, Shi, I'm right here."

"We still have forever to spend time on, just rest for now." Part 2 | Sasuke

[tarithenurse]

Nightingale - 19

Fandom: Naruto Pairing: Hatake Kakashi &/x Fem!OC Contents: Yeah...this gets darker with some violence, a torture-ish situation, angst, sadness. A/N: Gotten to 347 of Shippuuden, btw. What a ride! As usual, ASK or REBLOG for tag!

Ch. 19

Her restraints haven't been altered, so Uguisu sits straight in the chair – the only display of freedom being a leg daintily slung over the other, allowing a foot to tap along in the air to an unheard melody as if she's bored. There is no fear in her face, just mild curiosity as she regards the towering man who has turned to her now. Gloved fingers move nimbly to release the gag.

"How are you feeling, Minami-kun?"

If she's surprised at the question and the (relatively) kind voice, she doesn't show it. "Much better, thank you. I don't believe I've slept this well since I was a teen."

"I suppose not..." Ibiki concedes, "but how come you managed to tonight? I would expect someone with your claimed experiences would have nightmares."

"Normally, yes. I guess I was too exhausted even to dream." The interrogator has begun circling the chair where she sits so her gaze lands on Kakashi instead.

"It can be a relief to finally tell the truth."

She nods. "Might also have helped that establishing the seal burned through all my chakra."

"The seal...yes." Pausing, he lets a hand brush against her shoulder, and while Kakashi holds his breath in anticipation, the woman merely tenses. "Do you feel...different with the seal?"

Uguisu purses her lips slightly as if in deep thought. "Well, apart from the physical effect...I'm not sure. It might be psychological that I feel free...like a looming shadow has been chased away...it probably is...but it's the best metaphor."

"You mentioned a physical effect?"

"It throbs, hurts. Not the worst I've ever felt but enough to be annoying." It’s impossible to tell she’s experiencing any discomfort when looking at her.

"Last night, you told us how the Curse Mark would be triggered if you used too much of your chakra or kekkei genkai." She nods at his words. "Is that the same now?"

"I wouldn't know."

"Why not?"

The little bit Kakashi knows about the woman, he can easily imagine that she's biting a sarcastic comment back rather than the calm reply she gives: "It seemed unwise to do anything without proper approval first...and I'm afraid to try."

"Explain."

"...which part?"

"The latter," Ibiki prompts less patiently but adds, "if you'd be so kind."

"When the mark activates, it's as if Orochimaru takes over mind and body and I...don't...want that."

Kakashi fears for one short moment that the woman will be asked to continue explaining, to retell in gruelling details what exactly she has suffered through at the hands of Konoha's enemy, and maybe that was Ibiki's plan as he bends over her to scrutinize her eyes and face because to the careful observer there's a subtle change in his stance.

He signals Inoichi who brings out a backpack together with a bundle containing the gear she’d carried last night.

“Is this yours?” The man with the long ponytail lifts the backpack.

“It is.”

“What is in it?” He places it on the end of the table that’s free.

A shrug. “I suppose that depends if anything has been added or removed since last I packed it.” Undoubtedly, Uguisu doesn’t trust the men very much. “There should be some tools, weapons, and clothing of mine. You’d also find a book from the Academy’s Library, a necklace, an alarm clock, someone’s favourite cup...washed, I might add...ehm, an also-washed sock, a photograph, and a pretty stone.”

Every item mentioned is procured from the depths of the luggage and lined up on the table.

Morino takes over again: “You have stolen these things, true?”

“Is it still considered stealing if the intention from the beginning is to return them?”

“Then why take them at all?”

A grim smile dances across the woman’s face. “The note explained why I borrowed the book. The rest? Proof that I could’ve killed but chose not to. I’m not the enemy.”

A smile is tugging at Kakashi’s lips behind the black fabric of the collar as he sees the interrogator momentarily at a loss for words – the skills he has honed over the years are telling him the explanation is true or at least not detectable as a lie.

"Then tell me," he recovers, "what you can do with your skill. Why was it so important to Orochimaru?"

"Because it can force people to go against their very nature." Only silence answers her. "One order from me, worded carefully, and the person will have no choice but to follow it to their best of their abilities. They will want to. Like an obsession or addiction nagging their mind until they give in to it because it's the only thing that matters to them. Orochimaru sought to use it to gain access to restricted places or during interrogations if a prisoner refused to tell him what he wanted. At the time, it wasn't necessary for the sake of carrying out murders but I'm certain he considered that as an option too," she sighs, "and probably more."

"Show us."

The onlookers were already silent but the hush that falls in the room makes it feel as though all air has been sucked away – a feeling that's intensified when Uguisu stares at the man with open mouth.

"Show? Are you...you don't mean that," she gasps, "or are...you volunteering?"

"Hm," Kakashi knows something's brewing when the interrogator begins to smile, "not me, no. However I'd recommend you demonstrate your skill on someone who has stated their devotion to you." Yeah, that makes sense. "Kakashi."

Even before Ibiki has finished saying his name, the jōnin in question has pushed to his feet. If Asuma had been there, he’d probably look at the white-haired friend in a way which would mean something along the lines of "told you so". The only Sarutobi, the old Hokage, shifts in his seat but doesn't object, allowing the addition to the people in the arena.

"Order him to follow the first order I give him."

Just do it. Kakashi nods to the woman, hoping to banish the fear from the doe-like eyes as she shifts her attention between the two men. I got nothing to hide.

“I must be able to sign,” she protests.

Without hesitation, the tall man in charge cuts her bonds and even allows her time to rub some life into hands and fingers before he motions towards the test-bunny. Is she hesitating? Just as Kakashi begins to wonder, Uguisu’s hands flies through a series of signs.

"Kakashi..."

Everything changes. The surroundings seem to fade away along with the people in it – even the shadow that once was Ibiki is unable to take form or speak audibly as it leans closer to Uguisu. Uguisu. She's washed out too, but her voice rings clear, somehow guiding him as she speaks again and he just knows that anything she says is important. Follow the order Ibiki gives me. It's a strange thing to say, but if that's what she wants then he'll happily do it and as he nods, the man in question begins to stand out clearer in the blurred world.

"Strangle her until she passes out."

A part of Kakashi tries to object, but his body moves on its own accord until he's leaning over her because this is what she wanted. She told him to follow the order. So he does.

The skin is soft and smooth under his fingers, the little hairs in the neck obediently bend under the pressure and it tickles a memory of having touched the blue strands before but in a different way. Above his hands the usually pretty face is distorted: mouth open, eyes watering and huge. She's afraid? But she wanted me to do this. It doesn't make sense, really, but he clings on to the one thing he knows for sure. Do as told. Her eyes roll backwards and the whites contrast the flushed skin. Almost there. Almost done as you wanted. Something wet lands on her face. Drops of something unimportant. She's resisting a bit now, but it's easy to avoid the instinctual flailing. Almost. And then she stops. The haze of the world lifts as Kakashi's hands fall to his sides and he realizes what he has done.

It takes four seconds to lower her onto the floor.

It takes five before he can hear the heartbeat, sluggish and faint.

It feels like an infinity before she gasps and coughs, each intake of breath shuddering through her body. It nearly breaks his heart to feel Uguisu stiffen as he pulls her into his lap.

"Truth..." Ibiki’s standing with his arms crossed, glaring down at the woman and smiling lazily as he takes in how she reacts even in her ally's arms. "Gotta admit I'm impressed it actually worked...maybe you're not completely useless after all."

"You wanna...see...usefulness?" she wheezes, pushing off of Kakashi and onto her feet. She's shaking, whether from the underlying trauma or the near death experience itself is unclear.

The man who ordered the attack strolls around the arena. "You didn't even try to fight him."

"Why should I...an order cannot be annulled..." Slender fingers tentatively stroke the angry marks left behind on her throat, making Kakashi’s gut tighten.

"Aï...The only thing I've seen so far is a scared woman crying and snivelling."

Something ignites within Kakashi almost as if he had been the target of the insult. But if I butt in...no...He knows the senior well enough to understand that this is part of the tactic, one move of many in an elaborate game of chess between him and the blue-haired girl.

Maybe she knows it too, at least she doesn't hide a tiny smile. "Fight back." Now her smile has grown into a full grin. "Perhaps a duel? Unless it's beneath you to fight a snivelling, scared girl like me? Hmm?"

"No involvement of others."

"Hm," she agrees.

Getting the hint, her white-haired friend retreats to his seat from before, only now realizing that his mask is wet.

Below, Uguisu is equipping the gear she normally wears and meticulously checks the contents of each pouch and sheath. Her hands are shaking. The sound of her breathing still has a slight creaking to it. Maybe for that reason, the scarred man is allowing her to take her time. He wants to see how capable she is.

Ibiki squares off at one side of the sandy floor. "The opponent must yield."

Again, she hums in agreement, taking her own place opposite of him. "Before we start...you might want to have a look in the book," she sweetly offers, "first page."

"Hah! Such a low trick won't work."

[eleanor-devil]

Boruto: Sacrifices [Remade] | Chap.3 - Naruto’s Decision

Written by: Eleanor-Devil & @mirage-05​​

Prologue | Chap.1 | Chap.2 | Chap.3 - You’re here

A complete silence descended upon the meeting hall for a full minute as everyone stood still, almost too afraid to breathe. Naruto worked to control the shocked expression on his face, but it wasn’t easy. How… how in the world had Sarutobi Kichiro found out about this…? His eyes swept over everyone in the hall briefly, lingering longer on Sarada and Shikadai, who understandably looked dumbfounded. And Konohamaru… Konohamaru just stood there, eyes wide open, looking like he was struck by something… Naruto had absolutely no idea how he was gonna make up for this... And then… the blast happened. A lot of people got on their feet, their expressions outraged and… panicked. “Hokage-sama, what’s the meaning of this?” “Did you really allow a brat of that snake in our village?” “Not good…” Kakashi mumbled next to him. “I don’t know how he learned about the kid but there was a reason he waited until now to reveal it…” The reason was pretty clear. A panicked turmoil had come over the gathered, wild looks in their eyes… an upheaval. Sighing inaudibly, Naruto took a step forward and raised his arms in a placating gesture. “Please. I would like everyone to just give me a moment.”

The roaring of chatter dimmed slightly to a low hum. “My decision to accept Mitsuki into the village was made regardless of his parentage. I intend to keep my view on it.” “And it shouldn’t solely be your decision to begin with,” Kichiro continued above the crowd, dead-pan. “This matter concerns all of the village, with the boy being related to the most heinous criminal this village had created.” “It is not our way in Konoha to judge someone - especially a kid - based on his connections.” Tsunade put in, as calmly as she could, already tired of the views of the elders in Konoha. Sarada was shocked as she could do nothing but watch the mayhem unfold. “What… does that even mean…?” she heard Shikadai speak beside her. “Sarada… did you know this…?” “N-no… I had no idea…” the girl mumbled numbly, shaking her head. “But… I know Orochimaru… and he’s…” she couldn’t exactly complete the sentence. The Nara raised an eyebrow. “Well, I’ve heard of his name a number of times before, but neither my parents nor my uncles go into details…” “I’m surprised, really,” came a voice behind them, and both turned to look at who was speaking. “Your family was one of those who was the worst affected by that snake.” “Sarutobi Ichiro.” Shikadai said wearily. “What do you mean, worst affected?” “Oh boy, you really don’t know.” Ichiro tsk tsked, shaking his head. “Well, I guess families really do like to mollycoddle the younger rather than let them face the truth for their own sake.” One of the girls standing next to him, his teammate, sighed and closed her eyes. “Really Ichiro, can we spend just one day without you going around having beef with someone?” “Oh, I’m not trying to start anything Wasabi,” the teen crossed his arms with a smirk. “But for now, let’s continue to watch how this will unfold. It’s gonna be interesting.” And unfolding it was. The whole room was on its feet now, everyone talking at the same time, trying to get their voices heard. “And how are we supposed to relax when his kid is roaming free in our village?” asked one from the Yamanaka clan. “Do you have any evidence to prove he wasn’t related to the attack at all?” There was a momentary surge of indecision on Naruto’s face, but he was quick to hide it. “Not yet, we don’t. Just as there is no evidence yet to point to his involvement. And this is why I wouldn’t want to be hasty in pointing fingers.” “Hasty? Hardly.” A sneer had formed on Kichiro’s lips. “I believe we have been really rather slow in this matter.” “If I may be so bold…” all the heads in the room turned to the unexpected speaker. Truth being told, Aburame Shino had never been a very vocal man. “I taught that boy during academy and I don’t believe he has the material to betray Konoha. Why? Because he has proven himself many times to be quite loyal.” “And how do we know he wasn’t play-acting, that it was some sort of scheme?” “Because he doesn’t have reasons to,” Shikadai mumbled, still watching the whole exchange with unbelievable eyes. Mitsuki had been what he considered a good friend over the years they got to know each other, and he just couldn’t believe they wouldn’t read a sign if he was planning to betray Konoha. They wouldn’t… would they? Sarada was staring at their sensei, who had kept his silence ever since the bomb was dropped. She could see his blank expression even from this distance. She could only begin to comprehend the shock he was experiencing… but wasn’t he going to say anything? Wasn’t he going to speak up in favor of their teammate…? The girl shivered at the possibility of Team Konohamaru crumbling to pieces… it was a… very scary thought, to say the least… “I believe we can all see where your decision is based on, Lord Seventh. That’s why I will have to ask you to not let your own past cloud your judgement.” “And I believe I am capable of handling that part, thank you very much,” Naruto said with a small squint between his eyes, his tone decidedly colder than before. “I am not bringing personal matters into this discussion. And I would expect everyone to act with the same sensitivity.” “It’s not a personal grudge though, is it?” Someone from the Nara clan interjected. “Who knows with what kind of purpose he was sent to Konoha? We all know what kind of being Orochimaru is…” “Yes, that would be his parent.” Shikamaru called from up front, his eyebrows a little furrowed. “In case you have missed it, the kid’s name is Mitsuki.” “I think we do need to think this matter out of the box,” Mirai spoke up, her arms crossed and a firm expression on her face. “Like it or not, he is still part of Konoha. We can’t just cut his ties with no proof and send him out there. For one thing, that will only create more problems in the future with the other villages too if this is indeed some sort of a scheme.” “Th-this is getting serious,” Sarada said nervously, still in a state of shock. “Will they actually…?” she couldn’t even complete the sentence, the thought was just crushing. “No,” Shikadai tried to comfort her, but his tone lacked the conviction she so desperately needed to hear. “Not when Lord Seventh is here…” “Ha,” came Ichiro’s voice from behind them, which none of them really appreciated. “They can’t ignore when the big clans press for the matter.” “What is your problem?!” Sarada rounded on the teen, already pissed off at his comments. “What did Mitsuki ever do to you?!” Ichiro raised an eyebrow. “Really, Uchiha, are you even paying attention?” “It won’t matter anyway.” The black haired girl felt her friend’s hand on her shoulder, a gentle reminder for her to keep her calm. “Not all of the clans will agree to it. They will have to have a majority to pass such a decision.” “Oh don’t worry, it’s coming there.” A cocky smirk made its way to Ichiro’s lips as he turned his attention back to the front of the room. “Watch and learn. This is what we call politics.” As if to prove his words true, more and more people were standing up to speak in favor of Kichiro’s suggestion. “If anything, this kid is nothing more than a test subject whose intentions we know nothing about.” one of their academy teachers Anko was saying, which was almost like a slap in Sarada’s face. Why… why were they treating Mitsuki like he was a soulless object…? She heard Shikadai sigh. “You know what… I think we can take a little break from here.” “We can?” the girl whispered back. “Well, the chuunins are mostly observants here… although I guess we will hear if they do notice we’re gone among all this mayhem,” the Nara explained, rubbing his neck. “We are not supposed to succumb to our emotions… but honestly, you need to cut yourself some slack, you look ready to collapse any time.” He put his hand on her shoulder again. “Come  on, let’s go.” … Not too long after they were out, though, not even long enough for anyone to notice their absence… people began filing out of the room. “What’s this about…?” Sarada asked her friend, baffled. The boy had no answers to offer to her but it turned out that he didn’t need to, because next thing they knew, Konohamaru was walking towards them. “Konohamaru-sensei…” Shikadai mumbled, although he was hesitant… they wanted to ask what was going on, but they also didn’t want to get scolded. The young man was quicker than them. “They decided to have a voting.” he stated, his tone almost… emotionless… if she were to be honest, making Sarada… scared… “Voting for… what…?” the Nara asked, cautious. “On whether Mitsuki should stay in Konoha,” came a second voice as Moegi, too, joined them. “Bunch of bull if you ask me but well… those are important clans for you…” “Is it possible, though? Do they really have the power to… exile someone from the village…?” Sarutobi Ichiro’s words were still ringing in their ears. “Well, no matter what they say, Nanadaime-sama has the final word. And not just the clans but we would cast our votes, too, so I don’t have a bad feeling about this.” In all this exchange, it didn’t escape Sarada’s attention that her sensei was still unusually quiet. She… had no idea that he didn’t know about Mitsuki’s origins either… so it made sense that he was still trying to take this all in, but… “Sensei,” she mumbled, her voice tiny. “What… will you vote for…?” The question caught the brunet off guard, and he blinked at his student, not knowing how to answer for a moment. He opened and closed his mouth, and the look in the Uchiha’s eyes just got sadder… But just then, Hyuuga Hanabi walked out of the door… Seeing her childhood friend suddenly tense, Moegi sighed. “Konohamaru, you really shouldn’t-” But it was too late, and the man was already walking over to his girlfriend. "Hanabi, stop this." The young woman seemed to regain her composure after the initial moment of being caught off-guard. "Stop what?" she asked in a formal manner. "What you've been saying... That can't be what you truly think!” Konohamaru was obviously trying to keep his voice down, but wasn’t much successful about it. “Just… everything is so messed up right now, we are all confused and people look for a solution, but this can’t be it... you know this is not right deep down in your heart…!" "Konohamaru," Hanabi said, brows furrowed as a serious expression crossed her face. "Please, remember that this is a formal meeting, so there is no place for all these." "Ugh! Just look into my eyes and tell me that is what you truly think!" "That's enough! I made it a point not to involve my personal feelings in village business." That was the last straw, and ice coated Konohamaru’s tone when he next spoke. "I'm sorry, Lady Hanabi. I guess I never realized you didn't have a heart." A fleeting, hurt look crossed the young woman’s eyes before they turned hard as steel. "Well, some of us have to think with their brains, not with their hearts." Despite the seriousness of the situation (and fully aware that they had just witnessed a very private interaction in her sensei’s life), Sarada couldn’t help but exclaim in wonder as she watched Konohamaru walk off. “Oh…” “Well… what he did certainly wasn’t the most conventional method, but… I guess that was his answer to your question.” Moegi’s tone was half exasperated, half proud. The black haired girl couldn’t help the whole-hearted smile that came across her lips, now this was the Konohamaru-sensei she knew and admired. Shortly after, the doors of the meeting room opened once again and they were called back inside. “Come now.” the orange haired jounin said, ushering them inside. “You will be voting too.” … When at last the door was closed behind the last person, Naruto cleared his throat to get attention. "We are going to do it like this," he began. "All of those who are in favor of..." he hesitated before saying the word. "exiling the child..." he continued, emphasizing the last word. "Please take your place on the left side of the room." He waited with bated breath as people started filing to the left. More than half... Naruto felt his heart sink as he looked at the considerably few people left. He was relieved that at least none of his friends agreed with that view, and of course Mitsuki’s chuunin friends stayed firmly on the other side of the room... but it pained him to see all of the Hyuga, led by his sister-in-law, Hanabi, were on the left corner. He sighed. "In the case that some of you wish to remain neutral, those who are against, please move to the right." There were only a few people in the middle of the room. Naruto took a deep breath, feeling all of their eyes on him. "Before I announce my decision, I would like to remind all of you of one thing." he began, and out of the corner of his eyes, saw some on the left stir uncomfortably. "We have been through many hardships. Many wars that cost many lives. Through the years I have served as your Hokage, it has always been my priority to prevent differences turning into marginalization, mistakes turning into grudges... If I was to exile a child for the mistakes of his parent, I would go against everything I believed that would make me a good and fair leader." "A leader should be ready to take action and defend his people. You have indeed gone soft over years of peace." A loud thud cut into Kichiro's rant, and Naruto looked up with fire in his eyes. "That," he snapped through gritted teeth, finally at the end of his patience, "has nothing to do with going soft over peace. I am not going to judge or punish a child for something that is beyond his control!" "If we do not take immediate action, there will be more regrets! Lord Third would never..." That was a low blow, one which made Naruto double-take, and Kichiro actually stopped himself before he said something worse. The Hokage had to pause for a moment before he continued. "It's my final decision." He put in, slowly but firmly. "Mitsuki stays. The meeting is hereby dismissed." There was an uproar of protests, which Naruto mostly tuned out - until the Sarutobi leader's voice once again reached him. "You will see that this was not the right decision to be made. This matter is far from over." Something in his tone made the blond go cold. "Kichiro-san," he called over the rumble. "Do not forget about the decree - no one is allowed to harm the child under any circumstances." The elder was just about to step out of the hall. When he heard him, he turned to look at the younger straight in the eyes. "Don’t you forget this - the decree had already been broken - and not by us."

[yuruse]

inspiration/credit: Lupe Faisco’s song “Superstar” is the song referenced. Taken from my old Naruto blog @foxkage

Background:

He’s Uzumaki Naruto and--- you don’t know who that is? That’s okay because most don’t! You’ll know his name though, one day.

When he achieves his dream, his goal.

Make it to the big league of Major League Baseball. He’s going to be the best player on his fucking team.

Fucking believe it.

He just has get through high school, get noticed by scouts and get his ass drafted. That’s the life plan. Fool proof if he can show them how awesome he is on the field.

If coach would fucking him put him to play. He’s just a freshman, yeah but he’s better than some of the seniors! He can outrun most of them!

Raised by his various foster parents since birth, he’s never known who exactly he is. All his parents left him was a last name: Uzumaki. Though every time he tries to search for a link, he comes up with shit. Even with the age of technology nothing comes up searching his last name. Just this weird horror manga that he hasn’t gotten a chance to look into.

He’s no-one really. Which sucks because he really would like to be someone, yanno? Being invisible isn’t cool. Not to him at least. Attention is amazing and making people laugh and grin is the best feeling ever.

Being liked, wanted, that’s all he’s asking for.

Now that he’s hit high school it’s all going to pull together. This dream of his isn’t a dream anymore. It’s a goal and he’s going to fucking reach it. Soon when he’s on a team and making big bucks that goal will be an achievement. Books will be written about him.

It will be awesome.

Just you wait.

--

-

College isn’t so bad. He never really planned to go, by this time he should have been playing on television. Perhaps won a world-series by now.

Stupid decisions and mistakes were not immune to him. Dream too big and you have a high chance of hitting the ground too hard. Very hard actually.  That’s what his coach told him when the offers were snatched back. College and teams didn’t want him anymore. Hell he didn’t even have time to consider what was being offered. It all got taken so fast and he had nothing to go for.

He was left rubbing his sore ass from the long fall. After that he got lost. Barely graduated and disappeared for a year. Packed up and left town. Most of that year is lost to him honestly. It’s like a very big blur.

He’s fine now though. Bruised and scarred, but he’s still living. Breathing. Of course now he has a hard time looking at the sky. Hesitant to dream again, at least that big again.

Right now he’s unsure where life is planning to lead him now. His life is like this fog of darkness and he’s just following this barely lit path. He’s just in school to follow the motion and do something. It’s not his forte if he’s honest and having to declare a major soon is fast approaching.

Only he has no fucking idea what to choose. He’d wants to decide right and not have to come back.

Somehow, maybe life isn’t so fucked up, he ends up in broadcast journalism and thrives in it man.

It’s insane.

He graduates from college ( surprisingly).

A job offers comes a few months later. A chance to intern at the local radio station. From there, confidence somewhat restored, he beings to climb again.

Just maybe you will find out who Uzuamki Naruto is.

Give it some time.

[kanamesharisenwrites]

kh’s story snippet celebration sendoff, entry #6

God, what do I even say about this piece? It's so old - the timestamp from my FF.net import says 2012 - and I don't remember much about it. I almost left it out of this collection after cringing my way through a re-read of the first paragraph. Then, I made myself reframe the narrative.

This piece needs to be here; it shows how far I've come as a writer.

Don't let anyone tell you that fanfic is a waste of time. Just look at this piece compared to my recent projects! I'm living proof that fanfic is every bit as valid for honing your craft as traditional written media

Fandom: Naruto Pairing: Sai/Sakura Haruno Word Count: 2931 Genre: canon-divergence!AU Rating: T Warnings: canon-typical violence

... [ hypocritical ]

Pain.

The dull throb of injury greeted Sai as his consciousness reluctantly returned to him. This particular circumstance perplexed him greatly. Had he not been merely put to sleep? Sakura's loyalty was steadfast and her medical skills knew no equal but that of their esteemed Hokage, of this much he was certain. Therefore, the probability that this harm was inflicted by her drug, hastily administered though it was, seemed highly unlikely. No, this feeling was not akin to that of being poisoned. Nor did it seem to come from any external wound; a quick scan of his person negated that possibility. Yet, it was still very clear to him that all was not right or as it should be. His throat felt unbelievably tight, the sensation bringing to mind scenes of Naruto shoving complete bowls of ramen down his throat in a singular motion. Sai's heart raced uncontrollably, palpitating to a foreign rhythm, and his insides quaked. There was something wrong with him internally.

Nearby, his companions began to stir. As they also scanned for injuries, all the while cursing Sakura for her heroic stupidity, it became clear to Sai that he alone suffered from any malady. He rose gingerly, taken aback by how easily he could still function in spite of all his present symptoms, and questioned Kiba for his teammate's last known trajectory. The best course of action, for now, would be to find Sakura before his symptoms got worse. With but a nod, he left his temporary workmates and headed out in search of the pink-haired kunoichi.

Sai dashed through the woodland at breakneck speed, something as of yet unnamed urging him on. Something about the whole situation unsettled him. He should have anticipated Sakura's actions and been ready with a countermeasure. Becoming her victim was irresponsible and now his comrade could be engaged in a treacherous encounter with that traitor, possibly without backup; whether or not Kakashi had caught up to her in time remained to be seen. Her tenacity, even with her insane strength, would be no match for the Uchiha prodigy. It was as clear as needing air to breathe. Surely Sakura herself could see that. She had proven time and time again over that her intelligence was more than adequate. Why then would she willingly engage in actions where death was not only possible but the most probable outcome? The shinobi's stomach lurched, forcing him to stall his forward progress in favor of retching in the forest undergrowth. He had no time to waste now, his symptoms now progressing.

Another half-hour of hurdling over branches did little to ease his discomfort. A cold sweat, unrelated to his current exertions, came over Sai making his hands unnaturally clammy. Barely perceptible, yet uncontrollable shaking started to take a hold of him. His body was starting to go into shock. He would need to find her soon.

Sai lost all track of the distance he had traveled, the trees and thickets becoming but a verdant blur in the peripheral. It was of no consequence anyway. His mind was too clouded to focus on those kinds of details anymore. Instead he focused what was left of his cerebral capacity on what he considered to be his mission objectives: to find and determine the condition of one Sakura Haruno, and to have her administer a thorough health examination on his person. As Sai mentally rallied around these precepts, her chakra signature finally came into range. The worn shinobi redoubled his efforts. His reward finally came into view, accompanied by silver and gold and black, and Sai dropped from the sky with a resounding thud.

"Took you long enough to catch up." A weary, whiskered grin greeted him. "Sakura sure knows how to pack a punch, huh? And not just with her fist."

Sai merely nodded. His exertions had taken a toll on him and for the moment he was finding it hard to catch his breath. Non-verbal means of communication would have to do for the moment. And so his black eyes became intent on catching the attention of a pair of viridian ones. It did not take long.

"Sai? Are you okay?" Sakura gave her blonde teammate her half of their current burden, a half-dead kunoichi, and rushed over to Sai with healing chakra at the ready. "You look awful. My sleeping potion shouldn't have had any adverse effects. Were you attacked?"

The moment she touched his damp forehead, the symptoms began to ease. His heartbeat slowed to a near-normal pace and the tension in his muscles started to give way. "No. I... I don't..."

"I can't find anything wrong with you," the kunoichi replied after letting her chakra probe his entire form, puzzlement showing clearly on her face. "Talk to me, Sai. What's going on?"

"I woke up in pain, but I couldn't locate any wounds. It has to be something internal. I think my body started to go into shock. But..." Though his expression remained stoic, his eyes reflected confusion.

"But what?"

"I do not understand. You haven't treated me, but the symptoms are subsiding."

"Sakura," their tired sensei spoke up. "Check his tongue."

"Okay?" Sakura turned back to her patient. "You heard the man. Open up. Now, what am I looking for?"

"A seal. Danzo placed one on every member of Root. It was supposed to keep them quiet, but I have a feeling it sealed more than just their words."

"Are you sure, Sensei?" The pink head turned towards Kakashi for confirmation. "There's nothing here."

"The seal must have broken when Danzo died." The older man scratched his head. "Normally seals don't work like that. They stay in place even after the one who placed it there gets killed."

"I don't get it." Naruto chimed in. "Then why would Sai's seal be gone?"

"Well, his methods were questionable at best, but he was loyal to the village." Kakashi sighed. "My initial guess is that Sai has some information that Danzo thought may be of use to us in the event of his death. I doubt there's anything wrong with Sai. He's probably just feeling the after-effects of the seal being removed."

"I see. Then it could be possible..." She turned back to Sai, a sudden realization dawning in her eyes. "What were your symptoms? I need all of them in the order in which they appeared."

"Constricted airway, heart palpitations, a dull ache in my abdomen, nausea, shaking and cold sweats."

"Okay. You probably felt your throat, heart, and stomach first, right?" The girl tapped her cheek as she sorted out her theories.

"Yes."

"The nausea came later?" His nod confirmed some suspicions, so she continued with her line of questioning. "What were you doing when it came? Were you thinking about something?"

"I left the others to resume my mission. I..." The words left his mouth slowly, reluctant to be heard. "I was thinking that only a stupid kunoichi would drug her teammates so she could run into a suicide mission alone."

"Sai." His name fell softly from her lips and his eyes became glassy. Her lithe arms lifted to embrace his neck. "I'm sorry I worried you."

The warmth of her body against his was strangely comforting, so Sai chose to mimic her posture. "Did he hurt you?"

"Yes." The word came out as a sob and Sakura squeezed him just a bit tighter. "But I'll be okay."

"Good." Sai closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then detached himself from Sakura. "An injured medic is of no use to her team."

"You stupid..." Sakura paused mid-punch. The faint track of a fallen tear graced his tactless cheek. Breaking his face no longer held any appeal, so she contented herself with a measured thump to his shoulder. "Whatever. Let's just get home."

Chapter 2: reclamation

Running without sparing the slightest moment to turn back, determination and desperation lent their power to her limp limbs. In a maze of ever-growing darkness, she wandered. Alone. The silence filled her soul with dread, its death toll ringing in her ears. How long had she been running, been searching? It felt like countless fathoms of time with the quiet, suffocating loneliness contorting her senses. But onwards she ran just the same, hoping beyond all hope that something, anything would change this state of purgatory in which she found herself. Just what had she been searching for? It had been so long, even she forgot. All that was left was to go on. And though she knew to do so bordered heavily on the side of insanity, on she went. And on. And on. Always running. Always moving forward. She was hurtling herself headlong into her destiny and the outcome, she remembered only as it became too late, was always the same. The electric blade, crackling with some emotion between love and hate, ravaged the recess that once held her heart and ended her struggle. She was caught in the red.

Sakura awoke in a cold sweat, gasping for breath. Her hands came to her chest of their own accord, trying in vain to cover the ache of betrayal that now resided there. It was becoming a morning ritual. It took but a moment to collect her faculties, the shock value of such torturous nightmares dulling with each successive night that they had been endured. It had been ten days since her brush with death at the hands of her most beloved and Sakura was no shrieking violet.

The first night had been the worst. In her panic, she had roused the rest of the team and their prisoner with her struggling. When the spell of the nightmare finally broke, thanks to a sound slap from their venerable sensei, Sakura whispered her fake assurances and rearranged her bedroll. She could feel the knowing eyes of the scarlet prisoner on her for the rest of the night. Contempt for her own weakness, rather than that of his discarded pawn, ran through Sakura's veins under the scrutiny of that gaze. Sleep would continue to elude her.

The next few days were but a blur. Arriving at the village, handing in mission reports, and reporting for duty at the hospital were second nature enough that she could perform these tasks on autopilot. She had joined the ranks of the walking dead. It took a couple of days, but eventually, her friends staged an intervention. It took another bit of friendly violence, this time supplied by an indignant Ino, to set her straight, but it was effective. She went to plotting. After all, one should play to one's strengths and Sakura had always been known to have an intelligent head on her shoulders.

It took a couple more days for her to realize that there were holes, numerous and large ones, in the scheme she was cooking up. Like it or not, Sakura was going to have to call in some back-up. Invitations went out and she lost no time in starting preparations. Time would be of utmost importance; some of the major players could not be counted upon to stay in the village for any length of time.

One by one they arrived, exchanging smiles and civilities before being seated at the kunoichi's small dining table. Sakura did a fair job of hostess duties, pouring tea and filling plates with second and third portions, in between fielding off-color comments between the two younger males attending. When the eating and drinking and carousing seemed to slow, she smiled and began clearing the used dishes.

"It was a pleasant meal, Sakura." The silver-haired shinobi seated at the head of the gathering handed over his empty plate. "But what are we really here for?"

"Observant as always, sensei." The girl added his plate to the pile growing near the sink. "I think it's time we discussed what should be done about Sasuke."

"Sakura." Her name came across Naruto's lips as an impatient growl. "There is nothing to discuss. I already promised you that I would bring him home to you. I don't go back on my promises."

"I'm not asking you to. I'm just asking how we intend on doing it." Sakura spoke carefully, making eye contact with all there as she did so.

"We?" The blonde stood up, knocking the chair out from under him as he did so. "Oh no! I don't think so. You're not going anywhere near him again! It's my responsibility. I'll bring him home."

"We've already discussed this." A sigh came from the direction of their sensei. "Sasuke is my responsibility. He was placed in my care."

"No, sensei. It's me he wants and I'm..."

The table between them splintered, a feminine fist having smashed through it in frustration. "Shut up both of you!" The furious kunoichi bit out. "Have you forgotten what happened the last time one of us tried to take him on by ourselves? Huh?  Huh  ?" Sakura paused to look at them. "Well, I do. I see it every single freakin' night in my nightmares. He was going to kill me. And he was going to enjoy it. Now when I say 'we' that's exactly what I mean. So   we   had better start coming up with a plan so   we  can deal with this once and for all the next time we see that traitorous bastard. Understand?"

"Fine. I get it." Naruto gave his sulky consent.

"You know he's not going to come quietly." The reminder came from Kakashi. "It will be easier to kill him than to capture him."

"But Kakashi-sensei!"

"I know, Naruto, but he might not give us a choice."

"It's fine," Sakura spoke up. "If we have to kill him, it's fine. There's nothing left of our Sasuke in there anyway."

"Sakura?"

"Come on, Naruto. We're deluding ourselves if we think that we'll bring him back and everything will be just fine. He wants to destroy the village and everyone it! If we don't do it, the powers that be will just execute him. If he has to die, I'd rather it be by our hands in the manner we think is best. I only see three choices. We kill him, they kill him or he kills all of us. And if I have to pick one, I pick the one where we get to have the most say." For the first time in days, Sakura gave in to the desire to break down.

"No." A soft, monotone voice cut through the discussion. Three sets of eyes turned his direction in wonder. "You are wrong, hag. There are four choices."

Sakura wiped her wet face with the back of her hands. "Sai, I don't understand. What other choice? Do you actually want to try to save him? Is that the choice you're talking about? Why would you? He's nothing to you."

"Please do not misunderstand me. This is not out of compassion. It is just the opposite actually."

"Yeah, I don't get it either." Naruto scratched his cheek in puzzlement.

"He has rejected the bonds he created with all of you. He has caused you pain. Even now, he makes the hag cry." Sai paused to rub his chest. "He does not deserve death. That is too light a punishment for his transgressions."

"What do you suggest?" Kakashi leaned forward, resting his elbows on what was left of Sakura's table.

"There are things worse than death and we will give those things to Sasuke." The smirk he gave them instead of his usual smile seemed genuine, laced with just a bit of malice. "I have a plan."

The rest of Team Kakashi eyed each other, looking for the unspoken cues as to what each was thinking. Each saw what they felt mirrored back at them, but no one wanted to speak up. No one wanted to be the one to confirm their resolve to do whatever it takes. They were about to change the rules. Sakura would regain her heart by first breaking it. Naruto would leave his childhood behind once and for all. Kakashi would learn to put the needs of the many above his own selfish wishes. They would do what their mentors could not. They would be the ones to break the cycle. They would rain retribution upon one of their own.

"Fine. But if we're going to talk nefarious plans, let's take it to the sofa. I'd rather not get splinters." The kunoichi glanced back at the other half of her team. "Oh, and you two owe me a new table."

"But Sakura..."

"Of course. It's no problem." Kakashi covered the blonde's mouth with a firm hand until the girl turned away. "Don't worry, Naruto. Yamato owes me."

"I can hear you guys, you know."

Darkness invaded her dreams once again. She was running, always running. Desperate and determined. Always moving on. Always moving forward. Again, not a person was in sight, but she did not feel alone. The inky air that enveloped her did not frighten her anymore. It felt... alive. She felt the familiar burn of her overexerted muscles. She knew where she was going. She was meeting her destiny. It was unavoidable. She could hear the lightning closing in, causing the hair on her neck to stand on end. But this time as her destiny hit critical mass, the collision with her heart imminent, the crackle of the electric blade was drowned out by a soft trickling of black liquid. The sound grew and grew until it became palpable, swallowing the chidori in its entirety. The red receded and refused to return.

[onomatophia]

devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes

Notes: i literally know nothing about police procedurals so sorry for any of the inaccurate depiction/info. shoutout to tswift for releasing Lover and giving me new titles to work with

Pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke

Summary: Because that's what Haruno Sakura is, a paradox. An enigma he's been trying to solve since he laid eyes on her. Who knew that hidden behind that innocent, angelic face is the leader of Konoha's largest mob?

In which Haruno Sakura is a mob boss and Uchiha Sasuke is a police detective playing a game of cat and mouse. It's a love hate relationship.

—

 

"Huh," Haruno Sakura muses as her eyes roam about the interrogation room she's in, "I was kind of expecting more of a bare cramped space with nothing but two metal chairs and a flickering lightbulb swinging above while you give me useless threats to provide you with information. You know, like the ones on TV. How very disappointing," she says and gives out mock sigh of disappoinment.

Detective Uchiha Sasuke only continues to look over the folder containing all the information about her, refusing to spare her a glance.

Seated in front of him is temptation incarnate herself. Dressed in nothing but a flashing red suit and black killer heels, Haruno Sakura is a sight to behold. Her skin tight suit is only buttoned on the navel, covering only her stomach and showing off a portion of her black lace bra, giving him a good view of her cleavage that seems to be taunting him everytime he looks up at her. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun, showing off her slender and creamy neck that makes Sasuke clench his fists. She looks like she's straight out of the garden of eden; one look at her and Sasuke feels like he's committing a sin.

He thinks that such glaringly bright color should clash against the pastel pink of her hair but then again, he supposes it's only fitting. Because that's what Haruno Sakura is, a paradox. An enigma he's been trying to solve since he laid eyes on her.

Who knew that hidden behind that innocent, angelic face is the leader of Konoha's largest mob?

Sasuke clears his throat and tries to focus to the task at hand. He has a job to do and being attracted to the fugitive he's been chasing for the last two years is only counterproductive to his work.

"I assume you are aware what you're brought in for, Miss Haruno?"

"Aww, you even used your pet name for me in your workplace. That's very sweet of you, Detective," Sakura says with a saccharine smile.

Sasuke's eye merely twitches at her jibe. "What were you doing in Shimura Danzo's mansion the night he was murdered?"

She leans back in her chair and starts to examine her nails in a bored fashion. "Mr. Shimura was a close friend of Tsunade's, I figured it would be nice to have a chat about the family business with him."

"Family business," Sasuke repeats. "Didn't know that's what you refer to organized crime these days. What kind of business do you have to talk about with the Chief of Konoha's Police Force in the middle of the night, then?"

"I just came for a truce, that's all. The police has been rather meddlesome with my businesses lately." Sakura leans over the table and rests the side of her face on her palm.  "So you brought me in here because you think I murdered Danzo, is that right, Detective?"

"You were the last person he saw before he died. Your location was ten minutes away from his mansion during the time of the murder. He was the one who started the investigation against you, giving you a motive to get rid of him. I could go on and on but I don't want to waste time. Either confess now or we find evidence against you," Sasuke says smugly.

Instead of fear and panic, however, Sasuke can only find amusement dancing in her mesmerising green eyes and something tells him that this woman in front of him is up to no good.

"Why Detective Uchiha, that might be the longest thing you've ever uttered to me in the last two years. Should I go on a murder spree so I can improve the communication issues we've been having in our relationship?" Sakura asks innocently.

Sasuke just grits his teeth, "It would be in your best interest to cooperate, Miss Haruno."

"His mansion is quite far from my place so I decided to spend the rest of my night at nearby motel bar. And last time I checked, I don't have the ability to teleport nor do I have a doppelganger so how can I be in two places at once?"

"And it just so happens that CCTV cameras in that motel bar were broken?" he asks sarcastically.

"Not my fault that the owner wasn't good at maintaining their establishment," she replies with a shrug.

"You failed to show us a receipt as proof that you were down at the bar at the time of murder."

Sakura smirks at him. "With this pretty face, would you really expect me to buy my own drink when I can barely finish all the free drinks a few hotties had been sending my way last night?"

Sasuke clenches his jaw, not liking ugly feeling churning in his stomach. He chalks it up to irritation at her, not at the thought of her being with other men. "So Danzo's not the only one to fall prey to your deceptions last night, then?"

Sakura laughs. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you're jealous, Detective."

"You're delusional."

Instead of being offended, she lets out a chuckle instead. "Don't worry, Detective. I slept alone last night if that's what you're worried about. After all, there's only one particular man I want to take home with me every night but he's always annoyed with me whenever we see each other."

Sasuke could feel her heels sliding up and down his leg and if it weren't for his practiced control, he would've shivered right there and then at the contact. He gives her a warning look. "Careful Miss Haruno, if you don't want me to have to handcuff you."

"Ooh. Kinky," Sakura says with a wink.

Sasuke tries to hold back a growl of frustration wanting to come out from his lips. He refuses to rise to the bait and give her the satisfaction of reacting to her taunts.

This woman really knows how to push his buttons.

She's been held in the interrogation room as the prime suspect for the murder and so far, no one has succeeded in breaking her. Even Ibiki Morino, the famed interrogator in their precinct, tried to make her talk but to no avail. She is a tough shell to crack.

Sasuke is about to ask her another set of questions when the door to the interrogation room suddenly opens, revealing the captain of their precinct, Hatake Kakashi. A woman with long blonde hair tied up in ponytail and dressed in a formal black suit stands behind him, holding a briefcase and Sakura's belongings with her.

"Sorry to interrupt Detective Uchiha," Kakashi says as they both enter and then turns to Sakura with an inscrutable look, "but Miss Haruno here is free to go."

Sasuke abruptly stands up, brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Kakashi gives him a look of resignation. "The killer just voluntarily surrendered himself five minutes ago. Detective Uzumaki is processing his statement right now."

"I take it my client can leave now? You've already held her here for twelve hours and it would be better that she not spend any more minute trapped in this place." The woman interrupts, her blue eyes sharp, daring them to challenge her words. Sasuke has seen her with Sakura often and assumes she must be her lawyer.

"Yes," Kakashi replies. "Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Haruno."

But Sakura was not paying attention to him, she was busy locking gazes with Sasuke who is looking back at her with accusation in his eyes.

He thinks her alibi is much too sloppy and that it's awfully convenient that some random murderer decides to confess his crime when he could easily get away as there are no traces of evidence of the murder. He knows, with such certainty, that the woman in front of him is the one responsible for killing Danzo but with her power over Konoha, catching her would be like finding needles in a haystack.

Sakura smiles knowingly at him and turns on her heels, "See you later, Detective."

—

Sasuke stumbles as he opens the door to his apartment. He usually doesn't drink because he can never hold his liquor but today proved to be a very challenging day so when Naruto asked the whole squad to go to the nearby bar, he didn't hesitate to go with them.

"You're home late."

He doesn't startle when he hears her voice, he knows she'll be here. It's Friday, one of the days she reserves only for him.

She's the one who bought this penthouse apartment for him anyway, she can come in whenever she likes. It's an expensive place with a pretty good location and it gives Naruto something to tease him about. With their meager salary as cops and with his family's modest background, his friend cannot fathom how he could afford such a place and thus comes to the conclusion that Sasuke has a sugar mommy. Sasuke cannot count how many times he has decked Naruto for such an insinuation.

He removes his coat and hangs his keys before turning to Sakura who sits by the kitchen counter, dressed in one of his shirts and leiurely sipping wine.

Sasuke clenches his jaw, still quite angry with her. Angry with her for not letting him in on her plans, angry with her for just sitting there and looking so perfect and making his heart stutter every damn time. He feels his body burn as they held their gazes for a moment and he's sure it's got nothing to do with the alcohol he consumed.

Still, he might be stupid for her but he has pride to maintain so he decides to ignore her and head straight to the bedroom, aware of Sakura following him from behind.

She sighs as she leans against the door. "Come on, we haven't seen each other in a week. Are you really gonna be difficult tonight?"

Sasuke stares at her for a moment before returning to his task of divesting his vest.

Sakura groans out loud and steps into the room to come near him. She bats his hand away and starts to unbutton his shirt herself, refusing to look at him while Sasuke continues to scowl at her.

Silence reigned in the room for what seemed like a long time before Sasuke decides to break his resolve and question her. This has often become a game for them whenever they had a row, see who breaks first. Sakura always loses; she is far too impatient to prolong their guessing game and Sasuke can be an immovable mountain when he wants to.

This time, though, it's Sasuke who breaks the silence. "Why didn't you tell me about Danzo?" he asks without preamble.

Right now they are just in his apartment, not in a cold interrogation room. Right now they are just Sasuke and Sakura, not cop and fugitive. No need for theatrics, they shed their masks the moment they walked through the door of his apartment.

With nothing left to unbutton, Sakura only fiddles with ends of his shirt before she sighs and looks up at him. "He was planning to kill you. He was planning to send you and your squad on a suicide mission so he'd still have his hands clean even as he completed his goal."

Sasuke frowns, "I don't remember doing anything that might've displeased him."

"No, but you reopened an old case that might incriminate him."

He doesn't bother to ask how she knows this. She's Sakura, she owns Konoha and she can do anything she wants. He thinks back to the case he and Naruto had been halfway through solving, a case involving a massacre of some politician's family ten years ago.

Sakura nods to the direction of his bedside table where he sees a stack of folders lay. "You might want to have a look at that. It might help with your case."

Sasuke finds it ironic that he's the cop whose job is to protect people and yet it's a wanted criminal who's been doing all the saving.

"You didn't have to do that," Sasuke says. For me, were the words unsaid.

"Well I can't just let you die, then that's one less cop on my side." Sakura then loops her arms around his neck and smiles at him.

Sasuke only shakes his head. "Bullshit, I don't even do anything for you."

It's true. In the past year they've been meeting up in secret, there were no inside informations exchanged between them that could be of use to Sakura. And while he let himself off on the ongoing investigation against her, he does nothing to get her out of the hook either.

They've both agreed that with their arrangement as complicated as it already is, they should try to keep their jobs out of it as possible. This was the first time she's involved herself in his own matters.

"Fine, if you died then I'd have nobody to warm my bed," Sakura ammends playfully.

"You have men, even women, crawling at your feet," he points out.

She narrows his eyes at him and pinches his chest, "Are you really gonna make me say it?"

They stared each other down for a few seconds before Sakura finally cracks. "You're important to me, okay? I don't—I don't know what I'm gonna do if I ever lose you so I'm gonna do everything in my power to not let it happen, even let this whole city burn if it means you're okay."

She doesn't have to say those three words, it already hangs in the air between them. Sasuke has known for quite some time because even with her cold facade, Sakura wears her heart in her sleeve. He can feel it in her kisses, in every lazy Sunday morning sex, in every tomato flavored dish she tries to cook for him but fails, in that fond smile she reserves only for him, in the different places she brings him to and everytime she gives him a peak inside the walls she so carefully built around herself.

"Sakura," he starts to say before he trails off, unsure what to say and what to do. "I..."

He feels the same way but he's afraid to admit it out loud. They've done such a good job of tiptoeing around each other, ignoring the elephant in the room and pretending what they have is just a casual thing, that there are no feelings involved. He's afraid that if they admit their feelings out loud, whatever fragile thing they have would break.

Sakura takes a deep breath and waves him off before he can say anything. "Danzo's been rather meddlesome lately anyways and I needed a distraction for the upcoming shipments to be unnoticed. It's the"

Her words were cut off when Sasuke suddenly pulls her flush against him, slanting his lips against hers as his hands roam about her body and igniting a fire between them that not even deep kisses can extiguish. Sakura responds immediately, tightening her hold on him and kissing him back with the same fervor. He pulls her even closer, wanting to feel every inch of her as they continue kissing like there's no tomorrow.

"You're mine," she says breathlessly when they pull apart, resting her forehead against his.

"Aa," he agrees because what's the use of denying it?

They were silent for a moment, basking in each other's presence before Sakura decides to break it with the troublesome smirk he knows all too well.

"Now where are those handcuffs you promised to use on me earlier, Detective?"

Sasuke's lips twitches into an exasperated smile as he looks down at her and pushes her back down on his bed. "You are nothing but a pain in my ass, Haruno," he says before climbing on top of her and leaning in to kiss her.

He can't help but feel that something just changed between them and something in him relaxes at the thought that they had just taken the plunge and cemented their relationship as something real, something they both want to fight for.

He knows what they're doing is wrong. He should be putting her behind bars; not caging her in his arms, but he can't find it in himself to care. She's got half the cops of Konoha in her pockets anyway, being the one particular cop inside her pants makes no difference.

 —

this was supposed to be angsty but it turned out soft and fluffy?? lol

just realized that the main theme of my fics is sakura being badass and awesome and wonderful and sasuke on the sidelines being pussywhipped. i love it

[gyakutengagotoku]

GS4 vs AJ:AA - Episode 3, Part 5

At last, I’ve completed this case. I’m not sure how I managed to stretch it out for this long, even when they haven’t been too long of posts. I wasn’t even rewatching the ballad on tape for the umpteenth time, but it sure felt like I was. Then again, I’ve been distracted and busy and...

AVOCADO, NOOOO!

I was so distracted and busy, I just realized yesterday that she’s (yes, it’s a she in my mind, shush), started turning yellow! Aaaaahaagh... It wasn’t because I wasn’t watering her enough, it seems, but the dirt in her tiny pot has been all but sucked dry. I just replaced some of it with a touch of fertilizer, but those roots are deeply entangled in that dry dirt. I hope she can recover...

Ahem. Anyway, let’s finish this episode.

--

> Court Lobby

<???> ‥‥さすが、ぼくが見こんだだけの ことはあるね。 ...I knew you had what it took.

<Trucy> あ‥‥パパ！ Ah... Daddy!

<Apollo> 成歩堂さん！ Mr. Wright!

オレのコト‥‥ 見こんでくれていたんですか！ You... believed in me?

<Phoenix> いや、どうなんだろ。 Not really.

<Apollo> え。 Huh?

<Phoenix> ここは、そう言いながら出てくると いい感じかなと思ってさ。 I just thought that'd make a cooler entrance than, say, "hiya"!

<Apollo> ‥‥聞くんじゃなかった。 ...Why do I even bother hoping?

"...I didn't just hear that."

Kinda reminds me of the "I left my ears back in 2015" meme... which would be all the more hilarious coming from Apollo because Nick started his career in 2016.

> Courtroom

<Judge> わかりました。それでは、 証言していただきましょう。 Yes, it's high time we did. Let's hear your testimony.

まずは‥‥そう。先ほどの証人、 ラミロアさんの証言に対して‥‥ You may begin with your response to Lamiroir's testimony.

あなたの言いぶんを 聞かせてもらえますかな。 If, in fact you have anything to say about it.

<Daryan> ああ。 言いたいコトはヤマほどあるぜ。 Oh I got plenty to say.

歌姫さんの証言は、 デタラメもいいトコだ。 Lying must be a national pastime in Borginia.

アンタのデッチ上げもなァ‥‥ 弁護士クンよ。 ...And wherever you're from, Mr. "Justice". Hah!

In the JP, he simply says Lamiroir's testimony was nonsense and calls Odoroki out as a "cheater" or in another way, a "forger".

But no one at the time expected that Apollo would come to have backstory in a different country altogether down the line. First the Harlem Shake meme and now this! How does the loc team keep predicting stuff in the future!?

> 1st Witness Testimony

> Present igniter then mixing board, or present mixing board then igniter

> If present mixing board first, then present anything but igniter

<Apollo> これこそが、銃声の正体です！ This is your "gunshot"!

<Judge> ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥ それがあなたの答えの正体ですか。 ...That's your answer?

<Klavier> おデコくん。あまり、ぼくを がっかりさせないでくれよ‥‥ And I had such high hopes for you, Herr Forehead...

<Judge> その証拠品が、銃声の正体とは とうてい思えません。 I'm having trouble understanding how that piece of evidence is a gunshot...

<Judge> “幽霊の正体見たり枯れ尾花” ですぞッ！ Next you'll be throwing pie plates in the air and calling them UFOs!

<Apollo> （ううう‥‥） (Even I wouldn't stoop quite that low...)

Heh. In JP, the judge cites an old proverb: "The ghost upon closer look is withered pampas grass," or basically "It's not as scary as it seems."

Pampas grass is seen all over Japan. In any traditional-style Japanese movie, game, anime, etc. featuring the grand countryside, you're bound to see grass just like it. When the winds blow, entire fields sway in motion like a moving painting, and in a way, they can fool weary travelers late at night because of their pale-colored ears.

> 2nd Witness Testimony, press 1st statement

<Apollo> マネージャー‥‥ですか。 でも、レタスさんは‥‥ Her manager, sure, but Mr. LeTouse was...

<Daryan> おっと。すまんね。国際警察の 潜入捜査官だったんだっけ？ Oh, right. Sorry. An Interpol agent, wasn't he?

あのオッサンが捜査官だったなんて、 イメージがわかなくてな。 I just have trouble picturing that big lunk as an undercover cop, you dig?

捜査官のくせに、 すぐ殺されちまったみたいだしよ。 And not a very good one, seeing as how he got wasted.

ハッハッハッハッハッハッハッ！ Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

<Apollo> （‥‥笑いすぎだろ） (That's cold, dawg!)

Wocky sure has been some kind of influence on Apollo; one thing I wish the original JP also did more of, since Apollo never actually goes into Kansai dialect or any Yakuza lingo. (That bit last episode was my bad, sorry!)

> Press 3rd statement

<Daryan> はずかしいハナシなんだけどよ‥‥ オレ、海外行ったことないんだよね。 Yeah. It's a bit of an embarrassment... but I've never been sent overseas.

<Apollo> え！　それはないでしょう！ 国際課なのに！ What!? But you're in International...

<Daryan> オレは、飛行機ってヤツが苦手でね。 シートが、オレにはせますぎるのさ。 See, me and planes got a difference of opinion. We don't like each other much.

<Klavier> おデコくん。残念だけど‥‥ ダイアンの言う通りだよ。 My condolences, Herr Forehead, but he's telling the truth.

たしかに、彼はこの国から一歩も 出た事がない。ぼくが保証するよ。 He's never set foot outside the country. I can guarantee it.

<Daryan> 国内にも、国際課のシゴトは あるんだよな。コレが。 As it turns out, my division has plenty of work to do locally as well.

<Apollo> （そんな‥‥ 　そんなのサギだろ‥‥） (That's... so unfair.)

There was one bit missed in the English script when Daryan was disagreeing with planes: he can't fit in those seats. I can only assume his giant torpedo hair also easily gets caught when people are stuffing their luggage above their seats.

> Press 4th statement

<Apollo> コンサート中にも、 親交はなかったのですか？ So you didn't fraternize with him at all during the concert?

<Daryan> ないね。そういや、ヒトコトも 口をきいてないんじゃないかな。 Fraternize? Hah! I don't think we exchanged a single word.

ダレが好んで、あんなオッサンと 話をするかってーの。 As if anyone would want to talk to that old Eastern "Bloc"-head.

かわいこちゃんなら、ハナシは ベツだけどな。 Now the ladies, that's a different matter altogether.

...He says, as he strokes his massive hairdo.

Though it was clearly established in the JP script that Borginia is in Northeastern Europe, they barely give mention to it beyond how "foreign" it is, but with mysterious fascination rather than any weirdness, and treat the people from there as they would any native Japanese.

And then you have "Eastern Bloc-head" here. Oh, loc team, you lovably cringy people, you.

> Present at 2nd statement

<Apollo> ���判長‥‥ これを、見てください。 Your Honor... Take a look at this.

<Judge> これは‥‥なんですかな？ キャンデーのように見えますが‥‥ What's that? Hmm... Looks like candy.

<Apollo> ああ。ちがいますから ナメないでください。 Er, it's not. Don't lick it, please.

眉月刑事。 ‥‥コイツに見おぼえは？ Detective Crescend. ...Ever seen this?

<Daryan> ‥‥キャンデー、に見えるな。 ...Looks like a piece of candy.

<Apollo> オレをナメないでください。 What it is... is evidence. Don't lick it before you try it.

The line here in JP is: "Please don't take me lightly either", where the verb for "to lick" is the same for "to take lightly" or "to underestimate". Nice job from the loc team to come up with their own using the same word.

> 3rd Witness Testimony, press 4th statement

<Apollo> 逆に、希少価値が高い ということにもなりませんか？ But, wouldn't scarcity drive up prices?

<Daryan> それも、モンダイなんだよ。 Yeah, and attention.

奪い取ろうって危ないヤツが 大量におしよせてきやがる！ Every gangster and his brother would want a piece of that action!

あんたのおデコなんか、 すぐにハチの巣だぜ。 They'd turn your forehead into swiss cheese before you could say, "Objection!"

<Klavier> 前髪も、消えてなくなるだろうね。 Maybe we could get them to cut his hair, too.

<Trucy> ダレだか分からなく なっちゃいますね。 Who's on trial here again?

<Daryan> ようするに‥‥ カンゼンなシロウト考えなんだよ。 Man, you so obviously know nothing about the market!

<Apollo> （‥‥そりゃあ。 　こっちは、シロウトだもんな） (...And that's a bad thing?)

I'm not sure if Trucy's line here may have been mistranslated because it sounds too different from the original line: "Then no one would be able to tell who you are."

You know, 'cause his spiky hair is part of his identity.

> Present newspaper at 3rd statement

> Press 6th statement

<Klavier> たしかに、いささか異常な 厳しさではあったね。 I do recall it being a bit extreme.

コドモたちは、のきなみアメ玉や マシュマロを取り上げられていたよ。 They were even confiscating gumdrops and marshmallows.

<Judge> なるほど‥‥このマユと 見分けがつきませんからな。 Yes... it would be hard to distinguish them.

<Apollo> （そっか。牙琉検事、ボルジニアに 　行ったことがあるんだっけ‥‥） (That's right. Gavin was in Borginia, wasn't he.)

<Klavier> ぼくは、何度も金属探知機が 反応するのがイチバン困ったね。 I remember setting off the metal detectors several times.

反応するものをひとつずつ脱いだら、 最後には、ほとんどハダカさ。 I had to practically strip naked to walk through.

<Apollo> （それは、ジャラジャラしてる 　アンタに問題があるだろ‥‥） (Here's a travel tip for you, Gavin: leave the bling at home, you glimmerous fop.)

Man, I can understand Daryan not taking planes, but how does Klav manage to endure through all that every time he has to fly somewhere for his rock star tours?

Alternatively: "(That's your fault for always jangling everywhere you go.)"

> Present at 8th statement

<Apollo> ひとつだけ‥‥ 方法を知っています。 Actually, there is one way.

<Daryan> なんだと‥‥？ Whaa--!?

<Apollo> ボルジニア共和国から、チェックを 受けずにニモツを持ち出す方法です。 One way to get something out of the country, no checks.

<Judge> そ。それはいったい‥‥？ What is it!?

<Apollo> ‥‥検事になることです。 ...You become a prosecutor.

<Judge> けんじ‥‥？ A prosecutor!

<Klavier> あ‥‥あああああ‥‥ッ！ Ah... Aaaaaaaaaaah!

ま。まさか‥‥ I don't believe it...

<Apollo> そうなんですよ。 ‥‥牙琉検事。 Believe it, Prosecutor Gavin.

Is this a Naruto reference? I think it's a Naruto reference. This game came out in 2008 in the US; Naruto was definitely popular by then and his memes were (still are) everywhere online. I would know, since I was a rabid Naruto fangirl at the time until I was introduced to One Piece.

>

<Judge> そ。それでは‥‥ この発火装置は‥‥ So the igniter...

<Klavier> こうなってみれば‥‥その意味は アキラカ、なんじゃないかな。 ...Was placed in there for a clear reason, it seems.

<Apollo> そう。いわばコイツは “安全装置”だったんだ！ It was a safety precaution!

<Judge> ‥‥あんぜんそうち‥‥ A precaution...?

<Klavier> そうか‥‥おデコくん。 Ahh... Herr Forehead.

すべてがつながったようだね。 今になって‥‥ついに‥‥ At last, it all comes together.

<Apollo> コンサートの日に起こった、 すべての“フシギ”‥‥ Every strange thing that happened that day.

今、もう一度‥‥ たどってみましょうか。 Care to review?

ラミロアさんの歌に乗せて。 Maestro, the gentle sounds of Lamiroir's ballad, if you please.

This may be the first and last time Apollo ever refers to the "Maestro", which I assume to be the bailiff (because who else would it be?), so I'm documenting this for the record. Fyi, the original line is pretty similar; suggesting that they review the case to the sounds of her ballad too.

> Present Machi as accomplice, present proof but it's wrong

<Apollo> コンキョは‥‥ この証拠品です！ The basis for my claim... is this evidence, Your Honor!

<Judge> ‥‥‥‥‥‥これは、 どういうイミですかな？ ...I'm not sure I follow.

<Daryan> ハッ！ ハッタリもいいところだぜ！ Hah! You can't bluff your way out of this one!

<Klavier> その証拠品では被告人がスイッチを 押せたことを証明できないよ。 Nor can you prove anyone pressed the switch with that... "evidence".

<Apollo> （どうやら、 　まちがったみたいだな‥‥） (Maybe... I picked the wrong evidence.)

<Judge> ハッタリには、 バッチリ、ペナルティを与えます！ For every bluff, there is an equal and opposite penalty!

I just love this line. It's so condescendingly snarky yet comfortably assuring coming from the judge.

The original line here is just "That bluff will earn you a perfectly matched penalty!" I notice that "ハッタリ" (hattari), "bluff", and "バッチリ" (bacchiri), "exactly", look kinda similar, though.

> Present mixer, point out section, present witness to prove Daryan's guilt

> Not Guilty, back to Court Lobby

<Lamiroir> 目の手術を‥‥ 受けてみようと思うのです。 I am considering an eye operation.

<Phoenix> ぼくがね。オススメしてみたんだよ。 It was my suggestion, actually.

<Trucy> え‥‥じゃあ。 見えるようになるんですか？ You mean, you'll be able to see again?

<Lamiroir> 今まで‥‥“光”というものが、 怖かったのです。 It's funny. I have always been afraid of the "light".

何もかもをアキラカにしてしまう、 “光”が‥‥ Light seems so harsh, so unforgiving...

Alternatively: "It can make anything and everything clear to see, the 'light'..."

>

<Apollo> （こうして、殺人事件のバラードは 　静かに流れ、そして終わった） (And so, like a ballad, the trial flowed on and on... until it came to the end.)

（この事件のおかげで‥‥） (Thanks to the trial...)

（《恋するギターのセレナード》は 　大ヒット） (..."The Guitar's Serenade" was a huge hit.)

（牙琉検事のハデなアクセサリーが、 　また増えたみたいだ） (Prosecutor Gavin's even more dazzling to look at now.)

（でも‥‥検事さんに 　言っておきたいことがある） (But... there's something I want to say to that guy.)

（今度また、バラードを 　作るときは‥‥） (Next time you write a ballad...)

<Trucy> 歌の最後で、ちゃんとハンニンを つかまえておくこと！ ...Have them catch the killer at the end!

Just a note that he's more "dazzling" because he's gotten even more flashy accessories, and I'm laughing at the image that popped up in mind. Hey, Wocky! You lookin' for a new gangsta icon?

[aion-rsa]

Anime For Beginners: Best Genres and Series to Watch

https://ift.tt/2N0s0pf

The past decade has seen anime’s popularity increase in dramatic ways, whether through a much broader spectrum of series receiving dubs, the growing success of anime feature films in theaters, or the sudden prominence of streaming services. There’s never been a better time to be an anime fan and the medium has become more accessible than ever. There’s a lot of anime out there, but the wealth of new series can often blend together or not be given a fair chance. Additionally, there are definitely certain types of anime that are more prominently showcased outside of Japan. 

Read more

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Upcoming Anime 2021: New and Returning Series to Watch

By Daniel Kurland

For the uninitiated it’s easy to assume that anime consists of giant robots, monsters that battle, and strong fighters and magical girls that transform, but that’s really just a fraction of what the medium has to offer. Words like shonen, shojo, isekai, and even reverse harem are used in reference to anime, which can sometimes feel overwhelming when someone just wants to watch a silly romantic comedy or superhero clone. Here’s a helpful breakdown of all of the major anime genres and where to get started with them all.

Shonen

The shonen genre is by far the most popular brand of anime and the majority of breakout hits and major successes like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and One Piece all fit into the shonen brand. What’s interesting about anime genres is that they’re treated more like demographics and shonen is content that caters to boys with a young male protagonist. Shonen is so accessible because beyond this basic disclaimer, it’s able to cover a wide berth of content and a show like My Hero Academia can be completely different from Yu Yu Hakusho, yet they can still fall back on the same values. 

Shonen anime has largely been generalized to be series that feature lots of fighting and battles, which isn’t always the case, but has become quite representative of the genre. Shonen series are ideal for people that want lots of action and are hungry for a show that has hundreds of episodes to consume.

Notable Series To Watch: Yu Yu Hakusho, Hunter x Hunter, My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Attack On Titan

Shojo

Shojo is the female counterpart to the shonen genre that caters towards an audience of girls rather than boys. The shojo genre isn’t entirely bereft of battles, but it’s a style of anime where relationships and emotional drama is the priority or the source of power. There are many eclectic kinds of shojo series that are content to explore awkward relationship drama where there’s typically some kind of atypical supernatural element afoot. 

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However, the most popular style of shojo that’s largely become emblematic of the genre are “magical girl” series where regular girls transform into powerful warriors. There’s also typically a bright and pastoral aesthetic to shojo series and characters, both female and male, are beautified. Shojo anime is absolutely the place where the power of love will triumph over evil.

Notable Series To Watch: Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Fruits Basket, Vampire Knight, My Love Story!!

Seinen

Seinen is the R-rated evolution of the shonen genre that’s geared towards a more adult male audience that can handle mature storytelling. That’s not to say that shonen series can’t be violent or deal with adult situations, but seinen series often center around antiheroes and adult characters who are disenfranchised as opposed to optimistic youth that want to save the future. 

Some of the most sophisticated and challenging anime series come out of the seinen genre and it’s a great place for people to jump in that are looking for a story that’s not overly drawn out and achieves the same dramatic peaks as prestige television. Seinen once more comes down to the viewers’ preferences and there are science fiction, horror, and fantasy seinen shows that all deconstruct their material in different ways. As a point of comparison, major anime movies like Akira or Ghost in the Shell both fit into the seinen genre.

Notable Series To Watch: Kill La Kill, Berserk, Ping Pong The Animation, Vinland Saga, Dorohedoro

Josei

Josei is the more mature version of shojo content and it’s full of series that are designed for women as opposed to girls. Romance is a big component of josei series, but it’s more concerned about the harsh realities behind relationships than the flirtatious courtship that kicks things off. Josei love stories are messy and full of heartbreak and they’re less romanticized than shojo’s interpretation of love. 

A trashy way of putting it would be to say that Twilight is shojo, but Fifty Shades of Grey is seinen. Matters of the heart don’t always have to fuel josei series and there are also plenty of shows that center around adult women as they negotiate through professional and creative endeavors. It’s a place to find less flowery female-driven stories.

Notable Series To Watch: Chihayafuru, The Gokusen, Honey And Clover, Nana, Princess Jellyfish

Isekai

The isekai genre is perfect for fans of fantasy and this style of anime has become wildly popular over the course of the past decade. Isekai anime is any show where a character gets transported away to a fantastical new world. It’s a classic storytelling idea, but anime has been able to run with it in some creative new ways. There’s an abundance of isekai series that incorporate video game aesthetics and there are now just as many series where characters are trapped in a video game world than some alternate fantasy dimension. 

Isekai can focus on the protagonist’s mission to return home, act as a savior in their new world, or simply kill time and enjoy the vacation. There are even reverse isekai anime where a supernatural character gets stuck on Earth and must acclimate. Arguably the biggest most mainstream example of isekai content is Spirited Away, but even something as foundational as Alice in Wonderland would qualify.

Notable Series To Watch: Overlord, Re: Zero – Starting Life In Another World, That Time I Got Reincarnated Into A Slime, KonoSuba, No Game No Life

Ecchi

Ecchi is that brand of anime that’s generalized to be the oversexed content that’s likely to make someone blush if they were watching it in public. Ecchi is any sort of anime series that prioritizes a certain sexiness and isn’t afraid to showcase its assets and indulge in “fan service.” Ecchi anime usually has a lot of skin on display, but it’s far from empty content and there’s an important distinction between something like this and actual pornography. 

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Ecchi series titillate, but they still are concerned about their story and characters. There’s inevitably going to be some overlap between ecchi and seinen content (Kill La Kill is a series that really tows the line between both), but there’s often more of a gratuitous playfulness that drives ecchi content. Sexualized characters may bring in the audience, but the series are still deep enough to maintain their interests.

Notable Series To Watch: High School DxD, High School Of The Dead, Rosario To Vampire, Strike The Blood, Prison School

Mecha

Mecha anime are widely prominent and the visual of gigantic robots locked in combat as they fly through outer space feels like a tentpole of the anime industry. There’s a large awareness towards mecha series and it’s even entered mainstream live-action content through works like Pacific Rim. However, this visibility also makes mecha content easy to generalize and some may write it off without understanding the versatility of the genre. Mecha anime can be broken down further into real robot and super robot series, each of which apply a different level of realism to these unrealistic creations. 

Real robot series might focus more on the humans that pilot the machines and the politics that surround mecha, whereas super robot content can feature robots that destroy planets with giant lasers. There can be a lot of gratuitous action in mecha series, but the human element in shows like Appleseed and Neon Genesis Evangelion, or how various Mobile Suit Gundam properties are dedicated to the casualties of war, is proof that mecha anime can be a lot more than just giant robot battles.

Notable Series To Watch: Mobile Suit Gundam, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Appleseed, Mobile Police Patlabor, Neon Genesis Evangelion

Harem

Romance is popular in any medium and there’s often exceptional tension that’s created from out of a love triangle. One genre of anime takes that idea and seriously exaggerates it in a way that can sometimes be problematic, but has spawned a popular style of anime all the same. Harem series center around a hapless male protagonist who stumbles into some incredible situation where a large group of girls–all of contrasting personalities–fall head-over-heels in love with him. 

Harem anime can come across as baseless wish fulfillment fantasy, but the broad structure allows many other genres to mix together with it in a productive way. A lot of the time these series will center on the actual characters and the complex relationship dynamics involved and try to say something that may not be explored in a josei or ecchi series. There are also reverse harem series, which take the same idea, but flip the genders where multiple men fawn over a woman.

Notable Series To Watch: Tenchi Muyo!, The World Only God Knows, Nisekoi, To LOVE-Ru, Ouran High School Host Club

Gag

Anime series are able to achieve a lot of things that just can’t be accomplished in other forms of animation or programming. Comedy is something that’s able to connect extremely hard in anime and operate at an absurdist level that uses visuals, timing, and premises that are rare to find elsewhere. Many anime series have a sense of humor or are even specifically designed as comedies, but gag anime are a different breed that operate at an overwhelmingly relentless pace. 

Reality and the fourth wall are just things to break in gag series, which often engage in wild parodies and lampshade anime as a whole. Some gag anime have extended storylines, but they often operate in shorter vignette style sequences that allow the comedy to really pop. Gag anime thrive in pop culture references and some of the hardest times I’ve laughed in my entire life have been at gag series like Mr. Osomatsu and Gintama where comedy is king.

Notable Series To Watch: Gintama, The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K, Pop Team Epic!, Mr. Osomatsu, Excel Saga 

Slice Of Life

Slice of life anime are those endlessly soothing series that don’t try to create major spectacles where the planet is at risk, but instead celebrate the mundanity of life. Slice of life series may center around the staff at a job, a group of friends in a high school club, or just a loner that’s moved to a new community. These are series that elegantly display the tiny moments that make life important and the bonds that create eternal friendships.

The stakes are often more muted in slice of life anime, but that doesn’t mean that they’re without tension or can’t dabble in fantastical material. There are still slice of life anime series that involve magical creatures or are set in unbelievable worlds. It’s sometimes even more humbling to learn that some planet in a far away solar system has a struggling chess club or that a dinosaur can be obsessed with different brands of candy.

Notable Series To Watch: The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya, Toradora!, K-On!, Dagashi Kashi, Clannad

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The post Anime For Beginners: Best Genres and Series to Watch appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[prorevenge]

"I have an A-, so let me steal you art."

I had this friend clear back in junior high. Well, she was more of an acquaintance than a friend. We will call her Miss.

I met Miss in my 8th grade. She had moved to the area during summer. I'm the type of person who tries to include those who aren't being included anywhere else. And, due to the fact that she was a new student who didn't move in part way in the year, she was alone. (When new kids come part way, they are swarmed by students.) Miss and I had a few of the same interests. Anime, especially Naruto, we loved making music, and though she was a tad overweight, she loved to run (which I thought was awesome).

Anyways. Even though we had connected in some places, Miss always made me feel...uneasy. She had this tendency to jump headfirst into something. Sometimes, it equaled out into a grand talent, other times, she had a severe addiction to Sims. But, due to this motivation she wore, her math skills were above and beyond. Miss was a year younger than me and was already in my math class. I was, and still am, terrible at math. It doesn't click for me. It is normal for me to stay in the D range for my math, even after doing all the worksheets, studying many hours every night and taking every test. At least I tried.

Miss refused to tutor me at all. Which was fine. Her choice. I do not think she quite grasped how tough math was for me. There was one day she came in and said, "Aren't you excited to take calculus with me. We should be in it the same time in high school." I just laughed. (I never even made it to pre-cal.) There was a strange thing I noticed though. Miss was absent every single test. I thought it was something that should be addressed. But, I had watched her do assignments and they were a breeze for her. I wouldn't see a reason for her to cheat.

Toward the end of our first semester, Miss had noticed that I drew on a regular basis. I'm an artist. Far more so now than back then. I can't even look at my art from junior high without cringing. She asked for me to draw her something. I was delighted and said yes. Whipping her up something that was similar to other pieces I had done. It was on line paper and wasn't the best thing I had accomplished by that age.

As the semester was coming to a close, I realized the likelihood of me getting a D+ by the end was small. That meant I wouldn't be able to go on the school trip. Which, as you would imagine, devastated me. The last chance I had was an art project my math teacher would do every term. It still involved math, but a creative outlook on it. This one was based on a radius of a circle. So someone could draw a dog with a leash as the radius, and the grass may create a circle around the dog. As long as it had that idea, it counted. And, the art was judged, first and second places received extra credit. Basically, this was salvation for the super artsy students.

There hadn't ever been a term where I didn't get first place. I got first place the year prior as well. This was the only way I had passed. I attempted to think outside the box. (As the dog and leash was used regularly.) I ended up drawing an angel with broken wings, chained at her ankle with a sort of magic suppression circle beneath her.

After the drawings were judged, the teacher would go through all of them and show the class. The last two were shown as 2nd and 1st place. Some people had cute ideas and then he went to 2nd place. I saw my drawing. The one I had turned in. I got 2nd place. That never happened. And then, he lifted up 1st place. I also saw my drawing. Mine. The one I had drawn for Miss. The speed at which I twisted to turn my body toward her must have given her the hint that I wasn't happy. She later came up to me and said, "I'm sorry. I needed the extra credit, I'm at an A-."

I didn't say anything to her at the moment. I was fueled with anger and anything that would have come from my mouth likely would have been nonsense. But it bothered me that she wasn't willing to tutor me for ten minutes, and then proceeded to claim my art as her own while I failed.

I let it go for awhile. I still refused to speak to her, yet, my animosity only grew when I saw her absent for the final test, and, as I saw one of her friends she had made taking pictures of his test.

At the end of class and test taking, I walked up to the teacher with a giant binder of all of my art. I declared that she had stolen my art and displayed him my works in the binder. One of which was extremely similar to what I had drawn for her. My teacher said, "When I saw her piece, I even thought it was similar to your art." I then told the teacher that it seemed strange that Miss was absent every single test. The teacher knitted his brow and pulled out our attendance records and skimmed through it before saying, "AEON, thank you for bringing this to my attention. You may go."

For awhile, I didn't hear if anything had happened to Miss. Semester was about to come to a close, I still had a D- and winter break was on its way. But, one day, I come into class and sit down. Miss comes up behind me and sits in her own. I still hadn't exchanged words to her and then I hear:

"Miss, could you come here?" I glanced at the teacher and he gave me a smile that eased my entire being. Miss made her way to the teacher and I got to eat every bit of the conversation. "Miss, it has come to my attention that you do not deserve the extra credit of coming in first place. A friend of AEON's approached me and showed me proof that it was a gift she had given you. You are aware that even though art may be given as a gift, you can not and should not claim it as your own unless the artist agrees you may?" I heard subtle agreements from Miss. "Good," the teacher continued, "with your understanding of such, I'm sure you understand why I must give AEON not just the extra credit from earning 2nd place, but 1st place as well, giving her 70 points of extra credit." He seemed to say that especially loud. That amount would put me beyond a D+. I was thrilled.

It didn't stop though, the teacher kept going, but quieted his voice as more students filed in. "I have been going over your attendance. I found a glaring inconsistency in your absents. You have been gone every single test." I heard a rustle of papers. "As you can see, there isn't a single test you weren't absent for. Thus, you took them on a later date after school. I have spent the last couple weeks investigating this and have found that another student in this class had been taking pictures of the test and sending it to you. Are you willing to confirm this at this time? Or, would you like to wait until we have a meeting with your parents."

Silence.

Pure, revengeful silence. All those years practicing my art wasn't going to be abused. I figured that she must have known that I was the reason for such knowledge to pop up and I didn't care by this point. I didn't need to say a single thing to her.

Miss finally spoke. "I am good at math, AEON can confirm that." I had to stifle a laugh, because, I honestly could. I watched her math in front of me all the time.

"Meeting it is then. I would like you to know that we have records of the text messages between you and the person who sent the images. He will also be joining the meeting. Whether or not you are good at math won't change the situation. In the end, you may need to retake this course."

Miss gave a brief, "Okay," and sauntered to her desk.

I didn't get to know much after that. As much as I wanted to hear everything, the teacher still needed to uphold a safe environment. That being said, there are some cherries on this cake worth taking note when I saw her again in high school. While I knew we were about to be in the same school again, I had no plans on reaching out. She sought me out though and pulled me aside.

Miss went on to say that I destroyed a lot of her parents' faith in her as well as her teachers'. Her entire school life was dissected and studied. They found further errors where they had figured out where she had been cheating. Any respect teachers found in her had decayed. Her final year in junior high was a mass of redoing classes and taking online classes to catch up and be ready for high school. I had ruined a lot of her life. And then Miss said, "I'm happy you did it while I was in junior high before someone called me out in college. I don't think I would have stopped if I hadn't been taken down. Since then I've been actually trying. I've even lost weight!" (I'm not sure what the weight thing had to do with me ruining her reputation, but, that's what she said.)

I went on to tell her that that's great and I hoped she would continue to prosper in her education and body, but I did let her know that I wouldn't be able to have a relationship with her again. I mentioned that having someone steal my art after I gifted it to them quaked a lot of my trust and I haven't given anyone my artwork since. (I have now after five years being out of high school.) She understood and took it well.

I feel like this is pro-revenge in two ways. One, I gave her her comeuppance, I got my revenge. I received my extra credit plus some. I went on the school trip when she didn't. Everything fell exactly where I wanted it. But, two, I also helped her stop cheating her way through life, inevitably leading to a better future. Who knows, she may have fallen back in her ways, but at the time, everything worked out.

(source) story by (/u/AEONmeteorite)