#And despite the various feuds with Lightning

[silendastral]

Thanks for the game! I hope someone else will join it!

1. I became a part of the fandom relatively recently - sometime in late summer or early autumn of this year.

I could have joined the general fun back in 2021, when I remembered this wonderful movie again, but I was ashamed that I would seem silly and was just afraid to interact with foreigners who are more active in the fandom than my ru-segment.

I became a fan of live vehicles as a child - I am 4-5 years old, when I am already able to walk on my own, read and turn on a TV. The funny thing is that when I was little, I didn't care about the plot, I liked Cars THESE ARE LIVING CARS AND THEY INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER IN A FUNNY WAY, AND SO ON WOOOOOOO

And as I grew up, it became easier for me to understand the plot, trace various patterns, look for allegories and compare them. It's hard to be an under-psychologist to fictional characters. And well, thanks to pixar cars for trauma in the form of Frank(

2. In 2021 - maybe I was sorting through the discs on the shelf at that time and found my old disc "Cars: Mater-National Championship". I decided to remember my childhood and play the game, and after that I started drawing cars, but mostly like ponies.

In 2023, I find myself in the fandom because, strange as it may sound, in Spooky Month fandom where was a roffle about Bob Velseb who loves Cars and McQueen was his favorite character + I've checking my 2021 artwork. We combine two factors - boom, I am here with you now.

3. Chick damn Hicks. In short, so that you don't read the nonsense of the one who went: - He and I are similar, which makes it seem to me that I'm just his gender-bender, but who knows how to keep his mouth shut when necessary; - he is quite a well-written versatile character. It's clear from him what came from what, what makes him the way we see him; - In the first and third films, you can see how Chick has changed. That he became less twitchy and obviously happier in the role of the presenter.

Extended version: When I was a little girl, I liked him only because he has the features of my father's appearance (Brown eyes, mustache), and because he is green.

I'm growing up. I return to the work again, in fact, and to Mr. Hicks too, deciding out of interest to find out information from the wiki and materials provided by Tumblr users. And what can I say? - I really like Chips as a character, because he feels human, imperfect, but at the same time attractive. Because of his father's influence in the past and resentment after many years of racing, they do their job, from which we get a toxic man who does not know how to live for his own pleasure, so he also hinders others because of envy. He's just broken af inside like a porcelain vase, and now take the tape in your hands and try to glue it back together, provided that the fragments run away from you.

(Many thanks to @kaderp for the comics materials!) Chick, if you look at all his behavior, is well suited as an example for the phrase "To seem, not to be." He just seems like a tough guy. He behaves pompously, just so that no one thinks that he has problems with self-esteem: He will resent being called a loser; show his disregard to all those who, in his opinion, are "unworthy".

It's unpleasant to be overshadowed by someone else, isn't it? Before Lightning's appearance in racing, Chick has his own 'I', without "admixture". But as soon as the rookie appears on the sports scene, our green goblin, afraid of being forgotten by the public, takes over other people's things: - catchphrase, - shiny sticker - in the third film, the banter is in a similar manner as the Rust-eze racer (in the 1st film McQueen's "You know 'cuz thunder always comes after lightning." - in the 3rd film Chick's "Ka-chow, or more like ka-booze, 'cuz his always in a back").

WOC Question game!

Let's get to know everyone in the fandom better!

Rules of the game: I'll post some Cars/Planes questions. Reblog with your answer. Create a new post with new questions directed at the fandom.

Include the tag "wocquestiongame" in your responses and be sure to tag the cars fandom. Let's see where this goes.

My questions:

How long have you been a part of the fandom?

How did you get involved in the fandom?

Who is your favorite character and why?

My responses

1 and 2: I've been a fan of Cars since 2006, when I saw it in the theater. Only within the last year have I gone balls-to-the wall with hyperfixating posting WOC art online, writing fanfiction, and generally interacting with the fandom...so I guess I'm pretty new to the things, here. I'm not super active online because of my work schedule (I'm a groundskeepee for a local zoo), but I try the best I can with the time/energy I have at the end of the day.

3. Doc Hudson, hands-down. When I first saw the movie, I liked Doc...but thought he was being rude and unfair to Lightning. Fast forward a while to when I got my dream job, teaching college geology. After three years, I realized that the admins didn't give a shit about education and that they seemed to be doing everything in their power to shut down anything that myself, or other professors, tried to do for the student body. I quickly became disillusioned by the apathy and lack of support...and I had to resign because the stress was literally killing me. I know now that this is a common theme in higher ed...but all I wanted to do was teach. To see that flame of understanding kindled in the eyes of my students...

To lose that, was like having my soul pureed in a blender, and I...havent been able to teach since.

Every time I hear Doc's line "there was a lot left in me, and I never got the chance to show 'em"...I tear up. He's still reeling from an apathy that ended his career ..and I understand how hard that feeling can be to rebound from, how you can lock everything in a garage and hide behind a new personality... because your old life is too painful to think about.

[orojuice]

Paradox Bandit: Alternate Take

A comic by me and Sha-Y. Part of our NMH3: Alternate Struggles series.

Paradox Bandit was probably the alien “superhero” I was least interested in when FU’s crew was revealed way back in “The Return”.

Some noted his resemblance to He-Man, which I only recognized after it was pointed out. This comparison was strengthened during the Rankings comicbook intro that called him the “Master of Explosion”, a possible riff on “Masters of the Universe”.

Even with 2021 being an odd year for the Champion of Eternia, I wasn’t very inspired to do an “alternate take” comic with him like I did with Vanishing Point, Sniping Lee, or Black Night Direction.

Then Travis unveiled his skeletal “Full Green” armor mode and everything just sort of clicked, and a backstory for Paradox Bandit as fallen superhuman barbarian hero of a far-off planet/dimension whose Yuga-esque cyclic exploits are broadcasted on Earth ala Robert A. Heinlein’s “World as Myth” concept i.e. all “fiction” is “real” somewhere out there in the multiverse.

A quick two-punch, two-page comic script reminiscent of Travis’ confrontation with Electro Triple Star in TSA came to mind. One that satirizes the quick AND painful way writers try to shake up long-running fictional franchises, as well as the feuds that follow. We’ve seen it with He-Man, with Marvel’s Thor (whose washed-up Endgame iteration Paradox Bandit also resembles) with Star Wars, with The Greatest American Hero, the list goes on. In the stories these shifts typically occur in, the current is powerless to challenge the coming, the past is to be killed with no sincere purpose, but in the chaotic framework of No More Heroes, that needn’t be so as anything can happen.

Thus, the dismissed, diminished, and discarded demigod is given the chance to “fight back” in a raw and direct fashion that some of the archetype’s bereaved fans secretly wish they would, resulting in a metaphorical sequence rife with genuine pain, visceral delight, and undeniable horror. 

Choking Hazard: 3 years of age and under.

Rather than a straw supporter of the new guard or an upright acolyte taking a former idol to task, Travis would be an interesting opponent as he’s clearly not the ideal result of the pop culture strata Paradox Bandit is supposed to represent. Despite being a fan of heroic fiction as seen in the likes of Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and presumably 80s action cartoons (Travis was born during 1981 or 1982), he’s grown up into a thoroughly unpleasant and dysfunctional individual, calling into question just how effective the old way of doing things was in providing actable and legitimate inspirations for audiences. He is, in short, exactly what Paradox Bandit accuses him of being, the awkward contrarian who would like the Skeletor and Orko stand-ins over him.

That in mind, perhaps a change is needed. Although pre and post-fight, Travis tacitly argues for a method that ties in for his love of tokusatsu (see the names for the various Death Glove Chips), sequel stories that explore new themes, ideas, and characters but truly respect the virtues and spirit of the mythology’s bedrock rather than treading upon them to form a distinct platform: succession rather than supplanting (you can see that in how MotU progressed from simple toy comic tie-ins to all its much loved animated iterations, graphic novels, etc). Which is more diplomatic and preferable than Paradox Bandit’s wish to take the reins of his next cycle and lock it in a status quo where he will remain secure at the cost of stagnancy.

For his battle, Travis fights Paradox Bandit in his Full Green mode much like he does against Midori, more out of symbolism and to have at least one other Full Green boss fight on the roster. In contrast to Midori’s area control/denial battle style, Paradox Bandit fights in a much more aggressive and direct manner: causing tremors, stomping up boulders to kick towards Travis, calling down lightning, throwing his axe and calling it back, doing melee combos reminiscent of the Captain Treatments, summoning his version of Battle Cat that Travis needs to use missiles or his Tiger Attack to knock him off of, and of course, doling out EXPLOSIONS.

The fight ends with Paradox Bandit managing to badly damage the Full Green armor (to the point that it can only be used in short bursts, explaining why Travis didn’t pull it out during a crucial moment during the final boss sequence), but this gives Travis a chance to wrest his axe away from him. Screaming “By the Potence of ZweiNull! I have the Potence!” (which does nothing), he swings it down and critically wounds Paradox Bandit. As he lies dying, he expresses fear at what’s going to happen to him come his next incarnation, if one happens at all, and laments over his failures as both a hero and villain.

Travis assures him that despite how screwed up he himself is, he still lives by some of the lessons Paradox Bandit doled out as De-Max in his original show: He recycles, he looks both ways before he crosses the street, etc, which he’s passed on to his own kids. Paradox Bandit asks him if he’ll share MASTERS OF EXPLOSION with Hunter and Jeane, but Travis shrugs and says they’re not really into the kind of entertainment he likes, but if the new CG MoE show on Notflix is good, he’ll probably buy a couple of the toys if they’re of acceptable quality.

This gives Paradox Bandit some measure of peace, who says that he’s once again feeling very, very sleepy, as his body suddenly disintegrates. His axe then flies out of Travis hands and up into space, presumably to reboot MASTERS OF EXPLOSION.

I’ve actually watched the CG He-Man show. It’s actually pretty good. Radically different in lots of ways, but the essence and ideals of the Masters of the Universe remain. It also comes packaged with shockingly good humor, character dynamics, and action scenes. So check that out if you like.

Travis’ shirt is part of the logo of Forgotton Anne, a beautiful and fully-voiced indie puzzle platforming game that’s also about lost things…and lost people.

[pinky-the-elephant-room]

Heiwa Anthologies

Synopsis:  The Heiwa clan was engulfed in exaggerated rumors of being man eaters. But as years passed and the women continued to steal men from various clans, they were risking war. The Fire Daimyo stepped in to establish the rules for the clan. If they wanted a husband from a rival clan, they had to duel and win. These are the stories of the men that were challenged and of the women who were brave enough to do it. Thanks to @pinkbegonias​ for editing this for me <3.

Warning: Contains Original female characters, Explicit Smut, and pregnancy sex. Read at your discretion. DONT send hate for writing OCs I will not entertain it and I swear you will get blocked.

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In Fire Country, there were a variety of clans. First, there were the noble clans that were given land by the Fire Daimyo himself that included the Uchiha, Akimichi, Hyuuga, and of course the Senju. Everyone else was a minor clan that occupied the land, some of the those were exceptionally gifted and had their bloodlines that didn’t include a dojutsu like the Nara and the Hatake clan with their white chakra. But none of them were as strange as the Heiwa clan. They say that the clan came from a minor island from the oceans of the Country of Water. The rumors state they were wicked mermaids who became humans and had a thirst for human meat that’s why they settled in Fire country when their meat source became rare on their isolated island.

Tobirama didn’t know the truth behind these speculations, but what he did care about was the facts. The facts were the Heiwa clan was a clan of women. Nobody knew where they resided exactly, and their exact location was a mystery for decades. They didn’t have notable bloodline or any dojutsu that made them fearsome. No, what gained them notoriety was their habit of stealing men. Which is exactly what it sounds like. A hundred years ago the tales first spread like fire throughout the country about a ruthless kunoichi who had stolen away a member of a clan. And they never saw him again. Many had dismissed the claims because if a shinobi could get kidnapped by a woman of all things then he wasn’t a man from the start. But that was just the start. Men were kidnapped throughout the years, married, engaged, or spoken for it didn’t matter. If you were a man of marrying age you were a prime target. It caused strife throughout the regions, marriages that were formed for political connections lost their main source of reconciliation.

Now, this was an issue for minor clans or civilian nobles, but as far as he knew the women of Heiwa never tried to steal a member from one of the noble shinobi clans. Which is why he suspected they were able to get away for so long without repercussions. And then fifty years ago, a Daimyo declared that the women of Heiwa had a right to challenge any man for their hand. And if they won then the man was obligated to the mercy of the Heiwa clan. Many were shocked at the new ruling and many gossiped that this anonymous heir who became the new lord was actually one of the sons from the women of Heiwa. Why else would he rule in favor of such a bizarre clan?

Tobirama had to admit that if the previous Daimyo’s rumored origins were true then the Heiwa had pulled off a political scheme like no other. The Senjus didn’t really gamble amongst the nobles despite being nobles themselves. They were more warriors than anything, but even he realized that they solved their legitimacy issues without spilling any blood. If only the solutions were as simple for their ongoing war against the Uchiha. However, this ingenious law came with a price, no longer were the women allowed to steal any men they liked. First, they had to be unattached, of age, and any man with prior commitments was to be returned to their original clan.

Still, it was no loss to the clan, their reputation grew even more curious. There were tales of women having multiple male concubines along with their legal husbands. A village where only women ruled and no strange men were welcomed unless they were stolen. Again, he didn’t know if it was true and honestly, he didn’t care. They were just another clan in the country as long as they didn’t side with the Uchiha, he had no animosity against them.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the opinion of every other male. Recently the sightings of the women whispered about their exotic and out worldly beauty. It seemed like they didn’t just have women from the Fire Country, it appeared their clan was a melting pot. There were darker-skinned women like from the Country of Clouds but sported a Heiwa banner. It was a curious symbol involving a water lily, nothing that inspired fear. But then again with a name like Heiwa (peace) it wasn’t their intention in the first place. But back to the women, they gained a reputation of lewdness and beauty that gave them an aura of unattainableness. And so, among the men, it became a symbol of your worth to be challenged. And even better win and live to tell the tale. Last he heard a man from the Hatake clan that won became an overnight sensation. Whereas before he was just a foot soldier among his people, now nobles and clans from across countries were trying to build alliances with him. Regrettably, for him, the woman he defeated was so angry with him for entertaining the proposals she poisoned him and dragged his half-conscious body back to her clan. The Hatake clan still didn’t know whether their clansman was even alive.

Even among the Senju, there were quite a few teenage boys who would entertain the notions of being challenged. It was a romantic notion amongst a period that was filled with tragic losses and bloodstains. Tobirama didn’t want to burst their bubbles, he thought it was highly unlikely that the women would challenge any of the clans feuding right now. There were no records of Uchiha men or Senju men being confronted. Though, there was an Akimichi boy who had been recently reclaimed by his clan who stated he was permitted to seek out his father’s clan if he so chose. The Hyuuga on the other hand publicly denounced the Heiwa, calling them a clan of “whores”. Well, they didn’t exactly call them “whores” they were too sophisticated to stoop to such a level, but it was what they implied.

In Tobirama’s opinion, it was just a plot to dissuade any of the women from challenging Hyuuga men, they probably didn’t want the Byakugan in another clan’s hand. It worked because none of the Hyuuga men were challenged either.

As for himself, he liked the idea of being challenged. The thought that someone would entertain a duel with him without any consequences resulting in war was quite a revelation to him. But the thought of being married to a woman, well he didn’t know what to think of it honestly. Many of the Senju women described him as a Tundra wolf. He was beautiful and wild, but none wanted to get close fearing his temperament. Thus, he had limited experiences with women despite being of age for several years now. He didn’t entertain such thoughts either too busy trying to survive the war and protecting his people. Hell, due to his lack of interaction he couldn’t even safely say he liked women at all. The only women he constantly interacted with were Toka and Mito. And none of them were available to him. One was promised to one of his distant cousins and the other was infatuated with his anija.

So, in all except for the facts and reports he read of the Heiwa clan, Tobirama’s mind was occupied by things that took far more precedence than a clan he probably wouldn’t interact with.

But in hindsight, Tobirama really should have done his proper research. Because if he did, he probably wouldn’t be in this predicament right now.

It was a bright afternoon and the field was filled with wildflowers, not the type of setting you would have thought of that involved a bloody battlefield. But in a few hours, Uchiha and Senju alike surrounded the area, ready to fight to the death. Tobirama cut through his enemy, slaughtering Uchihas one by one. Until he happened upon his sworn enemy, Uchiha Izuna. It was a battle that felt like hours rather minutes. Both desperately trying to outmaneuver the other before Tobirama was finally able to get the jump on him.

“Water release! Water Severing Wave!” he called out as an enormous wave crashed down on the battlefield. The water’s collateral damage was headed towards the field were many Uchihas were fighting.

Tobirama looked around before he found a slouched Izuna on the ground, he quickly pulled out his sword to rush him. With adrenaline pumping, he didn’t hesitate to put an end to the collapsed man. However, just as he was finally about to make his move, out of sheer instincts he was able to dodge the jutsu aimed in his direction. Tobirama backflipped away, a few hundred feet away just as a bolt of lightning crashed down on the ground where he stood a minute ago. Since there was water everywhere, it acted as a perfect conductor for the lightning jutsu. Where the few men who survived his water jutsu stood, they now collapsed as they dealt with the voltage.

Tobirama watched with suspicious as a woman darted out from the forest and stood directly in front of him and Izuna. Was she here to protect him? She didn’t look like an Uchiha, what with her periwinkle hair though her dark eyes did resemble the enemy.

She pulled out a scroll and unfurled it. He felt his eyes widen when he recognized the clan symbol.

“Senju Tobirama, I Heiwa Daitan challenge you to a duel for your hand. Refuse and face the consequences of my clan and as well as the esteemed Daimyo,” she boldly called out her eyes blazing as if she dared him to deny her request.

Tobirama stood there more stupefied than he had ever been in all his 20 years of life. Vaguely, he heard the sounds of battle get quieter and quieter until he could only hear the sounds of his heavy breathing.

He took a few seconds to settle his labored breaths before he responded.

“Indeed. But can’t it wait? I was in the middle of an imperative battle,” he replied as he couldn’t help the tiny bit of sarcasm that seeped through.

The minuscule amount was enough to be apparent to the woman because her face grimaced with annoyance before she settled into a neutral expression.

“No. The contract states you have to honor my challenge anywhere and anytime. Unless you’re a person with no honor, Senju-sama?”

Tobirama narrowed his amber eyes at her. Of course, he had to oblige her now, she called his honor into question. He straightened his back and sheathed his sword.

“Fine, but we can’t fight here. Too much distraction, follow me.” He started swiftly running, not waiting to see if she was following or keeping up. In his opinion, she wasn’t worth the challenge if she couldn’t do as something as simple as adjusting to his pace.

As Tobirama left the field, he could see the astonished looks on both his clansmen and Uchiha alike. He scowled heavily when he heard his anija saying something moronic as usual.

“Woohoo! My ototo’s getting married!” Hashirama’s voice echoed throughout. He scoffed at that sentence, that’s only if the girl managed to beat him. Which he highly doubted she could.

Tobirama stopped a few miles away from their battlefield, another open grassland. Perfect for his overwhelming water jutsus that she’s can’t jump onto trees to get away from. He settled into a taijutsu stance and she pulled out a sword that covered itself in white chakra.

His eyebrows rose at the technique. Was she related to the Hatake clan? Perhaps the man who was stolen so long ago had lived long enough to father children. It seems like the battle will be harder than he thought, and he pulled out his sword. They waited for the other to make a move before they rushed at each other. Both traded blows in equal strength where Tobirama thought she would be overwhelmed by his strength. But it seemed the chakra surrounding the blade acted as a cushion and doubled her sword’s strength each time it met his katana.

They sparred for a couple of minutes; he could tell she was talented in kenjutsu enough to rival him. Growing tired of getting nowhere, Tobirama backed up and sheathed his katana. Pulling out a few shurikens, he tossed them her away to get some distance between the two.

Tobirama immediately flew through hand signs as he summoned a dragon. “Water Style! Water Dragon Jutsu!” The missile-shaped dragon raced to the woman as she quickly ran away to avoid its direct hit.

The fight continued as the girl feinted and continued to dodge his jutsus one after another. It occurred to him after the fourth time that she was avoiding him on purpose. Like how a stoat chases after a rabbit until the rabbit overcome with exhaustion collapses allowing the stoat to strike.

‘She purposely challenged me during a battle.’ He thought reluctantly.

The girl was cleverer than he previously imagined. She waited until the battle was almost finished as he was about to land the crucial hit on Izuna only to interrupt him and take advantage of the timing. How long had she been watching him fight before she pounced? Not only that she seemed to know the exact range of his attacks and predicted them perfectly before dodging them.

Tobirama smirked, that plan would have worked on anyone but him. Still, she did excellent preparing for an opponent she was outmatched by. Perhaps there was no need for severe injuries on either party, she had earned his respect and he would be merciful to her. He would allow her to escape before rejoining his brother on the battlefield.

Tobirama rummaged through his armor before finding the side pocket on his pants. He pulled out a brown pellet and swallowed it whole. He grimaced at the awful sour taste. The pellet worked as his body regained its lost energy and chakra. The pellet was a work in progress that he developed along with Toka, it was supposed to be medicine to instantly stimulate the body and its chakra pathway. So far it worked but not without repercussions. But hopefully, he would be far away from the Heiwa girl before it started so she wouldn’t take advantage.

He quickly gathered his chakra and let it flood his body. The sheer pressure from his chakra depth pushed out a shockwave throughout the field. The girl stopped to watch him in astonishment and only blinked before he crossed the distance between them in a second. He sent a punch her way which she dodged but was unable to do so with the leg sweep he followed with. She quickly rolled away before he could kick her and righted herself. The girl took out a kunai and rushed at him. He quickly took out his own and clashed with hers.

He looked into her dark eyes and jolted with realization as to how pretty she actually was despite the sweat and her upheaval hair. He scowled at his own thoughts. That was not what he should be thinking about and that distraction was enough for her to take advantage. She dislodged his kunai from his hand and with a fury of punches and a kick had him laid down on the ground.

He gave a short gasp at the kick on his midsection and just as he was about to get up, he pushed down to the ground again with her top of him with her sword to his neck.

“So, Senju-sama. Listen whatever you just ate gave your chakra back at 100%. And really, it’s not fair for me or anyone that crosses your way. So, I have to cut this short, but don’t worry I’ll be back to issue another challenge,” she said with a flirtatious smile.

She leaned forward in his face. “Don’t miss me too much while I’m gone. There will be plenty of battles with me on and off the field.”

The girl planted a quick kiss to his lips that he barely registered with how fast she pulled away. She got off him but still held the sword in a defensive position.

“And also, you can get rid of this wave. No need to threaten a person who’s on her way out,” she said pointing to a wave a few meters behind her.

Tobirama sat up and diminished his jutsu as the water fell and seeped into the field. He could only watch with a heated face as the girl with a water lily symbol on her back rushed away.

He sat there for a few minutes, trying to regain his composure. Pretty sure his ears and cheeks were red and not from overexerting himself on the battlefield either. His damned fair skin always managed to expose his true feelings whether from embarrassment or anger despite his well-maintained stoic image.

Eventually he made his way back to his clan and realized that the battle was over. Many of the Uchiha had already collected their dead or injured and had rushed back to their stronghold. It was hard to know who had had won this one exactly, but he knew that either way both suffered loses. There would always be a family who would lose someone each time the bitter enemies met.

He spotted Hashirama still standing around along with a few of his brethren. They brightened up seeing him and Hashirama actually looked a bit put out.

“Anija, is the battle over?” he asked as he greeted his older brother.

“Yes, the battle was pretty much over as soon as you got challenged. Everyone was kind of distracted to continue. This has to be weirdest way to end a battle, but I’m not complaining,” Hashirama said with a beaming smile.

“How are the loses?” Tobirama asked again as he looked around for any casualties.

“Not too severe. 5 dead and 20 injured,” Toka replied.

Any dead is of course awful news, but when lately each battle was getting dead in the double digits this was a considerable reprieve.

Tobirama turned around to face his older brother when he grabbed him and pulled him close.

“Tell me, ototo. Are you getting married? Shall we make this a double wedding between mine and yours? How does the Heiwa clan even get married?” he asked gushing with excitement. “Oh, what does it matter? I’m so happy for you! I always thought you would just end up being a lone wolf.”

Tobirama gave an insufferable sigh at his sibling and just brushed him off.

“There will be no wedding. No one won and I walked from the challenge still a single man.”

Hashirama pouted and a dark aura surrounded him as he began to grow mushrooms in the background.

Toka ignoring the clan leader said, “was she impressive? She had to be considering she’s one of the first to challenge our clan and not just anyone but one of our strongest shinobi.”

Tobirama allowed a small smirk to appear on his face before his face became stoic once more. He didn’t offer a Toka an answer, but his cousin could sense the mood he was in and guessed that the kunoichi had his respect. Especially since she’s only seen her wayward cousin in such a mood after a productive research session or a spar with his older brother.

She watched him walk away with a soft smile and decided that whatever was his destiny she hoped he get the happiness he sorely deserved just like Hashirama.

The next couple of days was torture to Tobirama, not because he was injured or someone precious to him died. Nope. It seemed after being challenge many decided to come to stare at him like he hadn’t been in the Senju compound since he was born. It was like they were seeing him for the first time. Luckily, his impatient glares kept everyone at bay, but it didn’t completely stop his kindred. The women would stare at him more than they usually do. Sure, before some would stare at him and quickly turned away when he noticed them, but now they were blatantly staring with desire and admiration. He was so unused to this type of attention that he had taken to researching jutsus in his room rather than sparing outside with everyone else.

Tobirama scowled at his brother as he continued to laugh so hard that tears had gathered in his eyes.

Finally, unable to deal with his clan and the oppressive air, he begged well not beg more like politely inquire his brother about a quick mission.

His brother decided this moment was the perfect time to use his observation skills whereas he was clueless about most social situations beforehand. His anija took one look at his miserable composure and burst out laughing.

“Oh, ototo. Forgive me. It’s just this is so funny. I never thought you would be so popular.”

He continued to scowl before he grew tired of Hashirama’s moronic laughter and snapped.

“Quiet, anija! Do you have a mission or not? Or should I take leave without informing anyone?”

Hashirama pouted at his brother’s incensed rebuke and threw him a mission scroll.

“Here, it’s a simple message delivery, but if you take your time traveling it should take a week before you return.”

Tobirama read over the details and thanked his brother with a bow. As he left, he didn’t see Hashirama smile amusingly at his lone surviving sibling. The leader of the Senju then pulled out a scroll and with a dopey grin, wrote to his betrothed about Tobirama’s plight. No doubt she would see the humor in the situation too.

The rain poured so heavily throughout the days as he headed out to his destination that he had to frequently wipe his face to be able to see clearly. Still, Tobirama was one of the few Senju that were in their element in water. While others would have been annoyed and perhaps even freezing by now, Tobirama was right at home as the wind and rain blasted wave after wave on him. As he reached his destination the rain cleared up and he saw a castle of the local Lord that paid patronage to the Daimyo. He was here to deliver a crucial letter from the Daimyo to the local lord.

Tobirama was let in at the gates without hesitation, no doubt his recognizable features gave them a clue as to his identity. He was allowed entry into the esteemed home and waited a few minutes before a man appeared, his fancy, rich kimono giving away his status as the owner of the home. They exchanged a few words and he handed over the message. The lord extended his courtesies and asked if he would like to stay and rest for a while. Tobirama graciously declined as he preferred to rest and sleep in places with the people he recognized. There were far too many casualties that occurred when an enemy decided to breach a resting place away from home. Besides, he could rest a few hours on the road while a kage bushin kept watch. So, with that, he left the castle and began his journey to return home. Hopefully, by then everyone would have settled down and moved onto the next piece of gossip. Though he wasn’t confident if worst came to worst at least the newest showdown between the Uchiha would always be the topic that the clan preoccupied themselves with.

Tobirama stopped at a clearing in the forest and leaned against a tree for a short break. He pulled out a scroll that he unsealed and grab a skin flask filled with water. He also grabbed an onigiri with salmon fillings (his favorite) and took a generous bite while taking a sip of water. Just as he finished up and drank another sip, multiple shurikens lodged themselves into the tree trunk.

He shoved everything in his scroll and sealed it back up while taking out his sword. The same Heiwa woman dropped onto the tree and smirked. He couldn’t help but visibly relax a bit before taking guard once more.

“Hey there, told you we would meet again. So, you ready for that rematch?”

He raised his eyebrow at her challenge. “How long have you been following me? How did you know I was here?”

The woman tsked at him. “I can’t tell you all my secrets. That would be cheating besides I know how much of an accomplished sensor you are. If I told you I would lose my advantage for the next time!”

The two would-be enemies eyed each other warily as they circled each other. Well, as much as they could move around on a tree.

“So, you already know you would lose this battle. And you’re prepared to return for the next one? Tell me is intelligence not a requirement of kunoichi from your clan?”

Tobirama watched instead of getting angry at his insult, the girl smiled widely, and the entirety of her face lit up as she chuckled.

“What can I say? I’m stubborn and when I want something. I will go any lengths to get it even if it means badgering my future husband with a hundred challenges to get it. Besides, no one has ever married a Senju in my clan. I would like to be the first,” she said between her giggles.

He narrowed his eyes at her. So, it wasn’t him she wanted, rather a Senju. He knew his clan was reputed as strong warriors, but he had hoped in a way that the girl would want him as Tobirama and for his accomplishments. He felt disappointed though he wasn’t sure why.

“A presumptuous husband don’t you think? I was being generous letting you go the first time. But if you insist on wasting my time I have no problem taking you out even for a woman like you,” he said as his chakra flow increased and the pressure surrounding them became suffocating.

The Heiwa’s body visibly shook yet she didn’t crumble as she bravely stared back at him.

“You’re angry why? Are challenges that bothersome to you? Most men would consider it an honor.”

Tobirama considered disregarding her questions and just attacking her. But she wasn’t mocking him rather she was genuinely confused, and curious despite being affected by him.

“You would be asking me to abandon my clan while we are fighting a war. Though why you’re challenging me out of all the Senju men when you just want a Senju man, seems curious. You’re outmatched but insist on fighting me despite knowing the danger. There are plenty of other men in my clan that are easier to challenge and would likely and happily accept your challenge. So, why me?” he asked as he settled his chakra that allowed her to relax.

She stared curiously for a minute before something flickered in her eyes.

“Because I’ve seen you on the battlefield. The Uchiha are your enemies, they killed your brethren and many of your family I assume, but still, I’ve seen you offer the little ones mercy. Each time you met a child on the battlefield you’ve either knocked them out or quickly ended their suffering without pain. You’re a man of honor, Tobirama. There’s no one else I would rather challenge.”

His heart clenched at the sound of his given name pass through her lovely lips.

“You know there’s a chance that you might never win, right? There’s a chance you might be fruitlessly fighting me,” he hoarsely replied through the lump that seemed to form in his throat.

“Well, you’ve never met a woman like me before. Besides, I just have to win. It doesn’t say how after all. I’ve got a lot of tricks up my sleeve, you know,” she said with a wink.

He watched confusingly when she relaxed her position and started getting closer to him.

“What are you doing?”

She just cheekily smiled back at him and got even closer. The grip on his sword loosened until the weapon dropped from his hand and he stared warily at her.

“I think there’s no need for a battle today don’t you think so?” she murmured before tugging the fur outlining his armor and planting her lips on him.

Tobirama immediately stiffened feeling her soft lips, he stood there for several seconds unable to respond.

She slowly smoothed her hands over his shoulders before intertwining her fingers through his wild, white tresses. Her blunt nails scratching his scalp relaxed him immensely and when she leisurely started to coax his mouth to respond, he didn’t think twice before following her movements. It didn’t take long before Tobirama got the hang of kissing after all he was considered a prodigy. He tugged her closer to his body and tilted her head up to be fully in control. She let out a whimper when he gently bit her lip and started dictating their dance. The taste of her overwhelmed his senses and the control he worked so hard to maintain crumbled.

He had always judged shinobis harshly who abandoned their duties because of a woman. He didn’t understand what was so enticing about the opposite sex that caused them to lose all their sense of propriety. But now as he slammed this woman against the tree trunk and ravaged her mouth while touching all the skin, he was able to reach, he could vaguely understand their feelings.

Daitan broke their kiss when air became necessary and she panted harshly as he started leaving minuscule bites on her fair neck. She let out a moan when he clutched her behind firmly and bit her hard one last time before straightening up to look her.

“Ha, you know I always thought you would be an intense lover. I see the dedication you have for the things you are passionate for and I couldn’t help but wonder what would it be like to have all that focus on me? It seems like I was right,” she mused as she rubbed her swollen lips.

That sentence snapped Tobirama snapped him out of the haze he had found himself and he instantly let her go and stepped back a respectable distance between them.

Daitan could watch in amusement at the stupefied look on his face, his eyes had widened, and he stared incredulously back at her.

Tobirama looked around before finding his sword and he sheathed it. He looked at her one last time before hightailing out of the forest at top speed lest he once again loses his senses again and starts groping a woman who he wasn’t technically betrothed to.

Daitan pouted as she watched the shinobi run away like he had just seen an entire platoon of Uchiha. She could honestly say that had never happened to her before. But it wasn’t like she was never going to see him again, Daitan let out a chuckle and looked at the strange sight one last time before she left the scene.

Tobirama sincerely wished that was the last time he had seen her, but luck was not on his side. Because she kept appearing during his missions or his battles again and again. As an accomplished sensor, he was able to see the locations of his enemies for miles. Yet, he couldn’t predict where she was going to pop up. Her chakra felt like water from a warm hot spring so really, he should be able to distinguish her amongst thousands, but she somehow managed to sneak up on him with her damned scroll to challenge him always. It got to the point where Hashirama just shook his head at him during one battle’s preparation and told him to instead get ready for his future sister-in-law’s visit. And it wasn’t even like he spent that time fighting her to the death either, they always started as a battle too. But in the middle of it, he would get distracted by something (her eyes, lips, and her body), only to corner her somewhere and paw at her like a dog in heat.

It was so unlike him! He was a proud Senju shinobi, not a boy who just barely started puberty. People were counting on him to protect them and yet here he was distracted by a pretty face.

So, during another challenge, he grabbed her before she could even begin with her intoxicating touch.

“Listen. Can you cease challenging me during my missions and on the battlefield? You’re a distraction.”

Daitain instead only smiled coyly at his request. “Oh, so I am a distraction, huh?”

He frowned at her before replying, “I’m serious. I have a job to do and you can’t continue to interfere and make a mockery out of everything.”

“The missions I get, but the battles? Do you even know what you’re fighting for anymore?” She asked with a scowl.

The grip on her tightened and he responded to her scowl with a fierce scowl of his own.

“They killed my brothers and several of my clan members!”

“And you killed hundreds of theirs! So, what you will keep fighting until both of your clans are wiped out? When your son kills one of theirs? —”

Tobirama got momentarily distracted with an image of a boy with his hair and her eyes along with her smile. He focused once again back at what Daitan was telling him.

“Or when their grandson kills your grandson? This is exactly why my clan refuses to wage in pointless wars. We deal with our problems without bloodshed.”

“It isn’t as simple as you think it is,” he began but he was interrupted.

” So, will you slaughter every single member of their clan? Will you burn down their villages, kill their children, and slice open pregnant women so that the Uchiha will be no more?” She implored with desperation in her eyes.

“Then make it! You and your brother with your limitless chakra have the power to end this war. Tobirama, please the more you keep fighting the more innocents will die.”

He let out a disgusted scoff and shoved her back gently.

Tobirama didn’t answer her right away and refused to meet her eyes.

“I see. I think I got my answer.”

He watched as she gathered her composure and turned her back to him. She left without a backward glance at him.

The upcoming battles he didn’t see Daitan nor was he interrupted in the middle of it. He was able to bring victory along with his brother to his clan. But why didn’t that make him happy? Instead, he felt more hollow than usual, it was like the importance of the victory was lost amongst the dead that littered the grounds. He watched as both his clan and his enemies carried their loved ones with grief and sorrow. It seemed like both clans shared those particular feelings regarding the endless war.

Each time he prepared himself for battle and secured his outer armor, it felt like he was being forced onto the field instead of that duty-bound readiness that he usually wore. It was even worse when a young Uchiha child shivering and crying braced himself for his death when he saw him on the battlefield. Instead, Tobirama refused to meet his eyes and pretended like he didn’t see the child and marched far away from him.

When he got home, his nights were filled with flashes of her. The smell and touch of her soft skin haunted him; his need pressed against him each morning. He should have been happy; she was finally gone like he wanted. He never wanted her, nor did he want to get married. But misery hung on him like a forlorn lover.

Finally, the choice of peace was taken out of his hands when those same hands were drenched in the blood of his enemy. As Uchiha Izuna laid dying on the field, those desperate eyes of Madara would haunt him forever. Hashirama pleaded for peace as Madara rushed to get help for his injured brother. When Tobirama returned to the battlefield once more, it was only to hear the news of the death of Uchiha Izuna. His death brought him no joy and once again the emptiness became a chasm in his heart. The only positive that came out of the ordeal was the ceasefire agreed on by both clans. Hopefully, it would last for a while before the clans came to a legitimate treaty.

He only saw Daitan once more at a local hot spring that the village he was visiting for a mission contained. Tobirama grabbed her hand and tugged her inside the room of the Inn he was staying at temporarily.

“You were right,” he whispered in her hair as he hugged her close.

Daitan ignored the slight trembling she felt as she soothed his fears. That night he ignored all decorum as he kept her close in his futon and slept away a tranquil night for the first time in months.

The pair continued to meet throughout several weeks, not to fight but just to enjoy each other’s companies. The need to win and best each other was gone, all that was left was a longing to hold her in his arms and caress her soft lips with his own.

Tobirama grabbing some chopsticks calmly chewed despite the sweat collecting on his forehead. When he grabbed the bowl and downed all the soup, he looked up to see a bewildered Daitain looking back at him.

“Sit by me,” Daitain cajoled him to get closer as they picnicked one day near a stream. Several of the curious dishes prepared by her were quite spicy and nothing he had ever tasted.

She pointed out what looked like noodles in a fiery soup. “Here, this one you will like. I know you have a taste for savory foods. I asked one of the clan sisters about some of the dishes from Wind Country where they are very generous with using hot chili peppers.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Y-you! You ate all of that without asking for water once?! Are you even human? And you even finished it! I can barely take two bites without dying!” she squawked out.

He rolled his eyes and grabbed some water to wash his meal down.

They took a stroll through the woods when they finished their meal and packed up. When Tobirama found a secluded and secure spot in the dense forest, he rested his forehead against her. Trying to convey the feelings and loneliness he felt from her absence that he couldn’t say verbally.

She reached up and stroked his cheeks tenderly before kissing him. He thought he knew what it meant to have passion in your life, fighting to the death to protect your loved ones was a passion for him a long time ago. Studying and learning Suiton techniques was a passion for him. He thought passion meant devoting yourself, but he never realized what it meant to be passionate for someone else. The whimpers she let out and the way she looked at him when he lowered her on the soft grass. It was like she knew he would protect and love her to his dying days without ever opening his mouth.

Oh, the sounds she made for him when he trailed his hungry mouth across her naked chest for the first time. It was enough to drive a man insane. The way she sunk in her sharp nails in his shoulders when he sucked those lovely glistening peaked nipples made him dizzy with desire. The need to be proper and to follow decorum seemed so insignificant when he could have died without the war ever ending. Would she have found someone else? The thought of Daitan being with anyone else made him lose focus and when she moaned his name, he looked down to see his hands digging into her hips. He smirked, of course, his little hellion liked a little pain with her pleasure.

He mapped her body with the same intensity he does when learning a difficult and dangerous jutsu. She was worth putting in the effort to memorize all the ways he could make her wild, he wanted to do that for the rest of his life. And when he shed his clothes to add to the growing pile, she looked at him awed. Her precious hands that probably didn’t see as much as death as his, lovingly traced over his scars and faults. She looked at him like he was irreplaceable. No one ever thought that of him. He was the second son, the spare. The stoic Senju that couldn’t measure up to his excitable sunshine of a brother. But she wanted him since the beginning, she wanted Tobirama and no one else.

His breath hitched when he finally slid inside her wet slit, their hands interlocked on that warm sunny afternoon. She looked beautiful with her hair wild and spread out amongst the wildflowers, her body arched each time he hit that spot that made her cry out deliriously. Maybe he should have been ashamed for having her without marrying her first like a proper nobleman would. But the way she pleaded for him to give what she wanted and how his name spilled out from her throat, all needy with desperation in her face; made him not give a damn. And when she finally came like the merciful goddess she was, she took him along with her. With a moan and fervent whispers of her name against her shoulder, he spilled into her wet heat. Tobirama so desperately wanted to prolong his pleasure so he continued rutting, trying to keep his seed from escaping. When he finally grew limp, he withdrew and tugged her into his embrace.

It felt forever when he finally recovered stamina but it was too soon for her.

“You want to go again? Give me time at- “

He didn’t let her finish before spreading her legs and setting a fast rhythm that satisfied him but overwhelmed her to the point she begged and pleaded for him to slow down. He only let out a low chuckle when instead of heeding her he only got rougher and made her squeal as she came again and again on his cock.

“You ass.” Daitan declared in between her heaving pants. She tried to hit him, but her hand flopped uselessly missing her highly satisfied target.

“Sorry I couldn’t hear you over your screams of pleasure,” he rumbled as he kissed her sweaty hair.

“Oh, so sex is all it takes for your humor to come out. I see and here I thought you were devoid of any expressions except mild disapproval and that cute face you make every time I flirt with you.”

“I do not have a cute face.”

“Yes, you do. Your face and ears get all r-mrrphhh,” she got interrupted by another kiss and another. Anything to keep her distracted. His face was not cute.

They continued to meet several times, but their meetings now included illicit affairs that usually ending with him between her legs and his hand on her mouth to silence her moans. He was now impatiently awaiting her letters from messenger birds on their next location as he hurried off to meet her while Hashirama watched him depart with an amused look in his eyes.

While one thing was going right, the war on the other hand resumed just after Izuna’s death until Hashirama was ready to kill himself at Madara’s suggestion. Tobirama seethed with rage as his brother stopped him from killing Madara to end the conflict. But apparently, his moronic anija’s antics were good for something as Madara stopped Hashirama before he could go through with his sacrifice and finally agreed on a treaty. The treaty itself was lengthy and included a joint endeavor between both clans to create a village. Most of the housing was planned out by Hashirama and his mokuton jutsu. The entire ordeal was exhausting but rewarding as several clans joined in the effort to create a peaceful environment for the future.

All of the bureaucratic nonsense kept him busy and from going out searching for Daitan. He hadn’t seen her in two months. They were meeting regularly until one day her letters stopped asking him to meet her. Nothing indicated that she was unhappy, and she still responded to him often. Yet, each time he asked her to meet him somewhere she always had a convenient excuse. Tobirama was flabbergasted to the point he even asked his clueless anija as to what this all meant. He just received a lecture on how mysterious women are and how it’s probably nothing. Which didn’t explain why Daitan was purposely avoiding him to meet in person.

Tobirama was about to ask Hashirama for a small break for him to leave the village when he got a missive from the Heiwa clan. The white-water lily was unmistakable, and he stared at the unopened seal for a couple of minutes before snapping out of it when Hashirama and Madara came back from strolling around the village.

“Ototo, what do you have there?” His anija asked before his face brightened. “Is it from Mito? Has she finally decided to elope like I asked her?”

Tobirama shook his head. “No, I think it’s another clan wanting to join the village.”

He didn’t think his brother’s smile could get even wider, but now his smile stretched from ear to ear as the older man chuckled wholeheartedly.

“Oh wow! Which one is it? Is it the Yamanakas? They were acting coy, but I knew my charms worked on them.”

Tobirama looked at the two men, one looked expectedly back at him and the other with wild black hair looked bored.

“No, it’s the Heiwa clan.”

Complete silence filled the office. “Ototo, you don’t have to hide your love letters as missives, you know? Everyone knows about your affair by now.”

He glared at the man and tossed the scroll his way. “See for yourself if you don’t believe me.”

Hashirama grew serious as he read the contents and quietly closed the scroll.

“Well, it seems like the Heiwa clan would like to join. But honestly, I’m intimidated I’m not good with confident, beautiful women. I mean I was a disaster with Mito. So, can you go talk to them instead, Madara?”

Madara didn’t even bother looking at his best friend and instead looked out the window.

“I have better things to do, Hashirama. I don’t want to entertain them. You know people don’t like me.”

“Oh, come on! You know that’s only true for little children. The women like you just fine.”

Tobirama thought for a second, Daitan was their clan member maybe they could provide some updates on her.

“Anija, I could greet them when they arrive.”

The two friends stopped their bickering to look at him. Hashirama looked skeptical and Madara had his eyebrow raised at him.

“Are you sure? Those are your in-laws and you want to make a good first impression on them. I know how grumpy you get dealing with all the politics.”

He fought the urge to roll his eyes at his sibling. “I’m not married for the last time and they’re not my in-laws.”

“Alright fine. You can deal with them when they get here and then send my way for the final negotiations if everything goes well. However, Madara will come to check up on you occasionally just in case.”

Tobirama frowned at the mention of Madara, he was not a child to keep an eye on. He could perfectly negotiate terms between people, he wasn’t that incapable well at least in comparison to the Uchiha. Who seemed overly smug at the moment and smirked when they made eye contact. He shot a nasty look at the older man before leaving the office to head to the training grounds.

The news of the Heiwa clan arriving spread like wildfire throughout Konoha and it seemed like many of the men appeared elated and jovial. Some people appeared to be concerned with the clan’s traditions of stealing men which in essence meant the Uchiha but overall, the response was rather pleasant. At least there weren’t any outright protests to the clan.

When the time came to meet the representatives sent by the clan, he headed to the gates in his standard blue armor. When Tobirama saw who exactly was approaching his home, he realized he should have at least dressed for the occasion. He saw Daitan and another young woman with sea-green hair making their way slowly to the gate. The sea green-haired woman was in a beautiful kimono with a slit at the end showing off her legs, she was equipped with weapons. No doubt a competent kunoichi with the way her observant eyes was surveying the area. His attention finally turned towards Daitain only to frown. She was just in a plain summer yukata with a sword on her side. But that wasn’t what worried him, she looked like she hadn’t slept in a while and lost weight since the last time he saw her.

When they came closer, he bowed to them and they bowed in return.

“Greetings, I’m Senju Tobirama. Welcome to Konoha,” he simply stated while trying not to be obvious in his observations of Daitan.

She sent him a warm smile that slightly calmed his inner worries. They continued inside the village where he led them on a tour, showing off the newly built markets. The green-haired woman had introduced herself as Heiwa Nariko and the name fit as she was courteous and calm throughout the tour. Nothing like Daitan, he kind of expected all of her clan to be vivacious and full of life like her. But apparently, he was wrong as Nariko displayed the qualities of a well-bred noblewoman. With all the attention on them as they went from one district to another, it was hard for him to get in a private word with Daitan. Until Madara showed up just like Hashirama asked him to.

The two ladies bowed to the leader of the Uchiha as he simply introduced himself as “Madara.”

He noticed with a cringe a spark of interest from Madara as he eyed Nariko before it went away. Likewise, the lady made her attraction evident before she averted her eyes.

“Ah, Madara-sama I heard quite praise about the architecture of the Uchiha district. Do you mind showing me the way? I would love to hear from the leader himself,” Nariko requested as she looked over her fan that was covering her face. It made her look demure and shy which was exactly the image she was going for without looking too forward.

“As Heiwa-san wishes,” he replied as he beckoned her to follow him.

As the two left, Nariko turned around and cheekily held a thumbs up to them before hurrying after Madara.

“Madara-sama, you don’t have to call me by my last name. You can call me Nariko-san.” That was the last thing both heard before they disappeared from their view.

“Wow, that was the leader of the Uchiha huh? He has no experience with women I can tell. Nariko’s going to eat him alive,” Daitan giggled.

Not wanting to waste time, he quickly gathered Daitan in his arms before using shunshin to get away from peering eyes. He hopped roof to roof until he got to his own private home that was built for him when the date of his anija’s marriage was decided.

He let her down on the tatami floor of his living room and went to grab some tea for her.

Daitan was looking around his quarters and commented, “hmm, so this is your house. I like it, it’s kind of bare but it suits you.”

When he came back, he offered her a seat and some tea before getting to the point.

“Why haven’t you let me see you lately? What’s going on?”

“So, you missed me? That’s so sweet. Before you used to tell me to stop bothering you, it’s ironic how things turn out.”

He looked at her deadpan, knowing that she was purposely trying to skirt around the issue.

Daitan let out a chuckle at the sight of his face and kissed him.

“You” kiss “are” another kiss “so cute!”

He tugged her close until she was on his lap and kissed her harshly. Letting out a growl against her lips, he sucked on her bottom lip before gaining control of the situation.

“I’m not cute. You know I don’t like it when you call me that.”

Tobirama hoisted her around as she wrapped her legs around his waist, and he carried her to his room. As he laid her out on his futon, he realized this was the first time they were going to make love inside instead of out in the open. His attention was once again riveted to her as she slowly unveiled her yukata to show her bare body to him. He did the same to his clothes and covered her. Their cores connected and he felt her shudder against him. He dipped and started kissing down her body.

“My love, I need you to be gentle, ok?”

He looked up in surprise, she never asked for that. She always loved whatever he could dish out.

“Daitan, tell me what’s going on. Something’s off. You’ve lost weight and you’ve been avoiding the subject.”

She touched his face softly and her face glowed with happiness.

“It’s not a bad thing. Hopefully, for you, it’s not a bad thing. Because I’ve never been so happy.”

Daitan grabbed his hands and placed it firmly against her stomach. It was a bit swollen and tight. His eyes widened and he was speechless for several moments

“I’m with child, I couldn’t meet you for months because I was bedridden with sickness. I could barely eat without vomiting. But I came now because the morning sickness has subsided and I’m finally feeling better. The clan leaders know who the father is and that’s why they asked me to accompany Nariko.”

Tobirama was shocked to his core. Though, honestly, he should have seen it coming, did they even discuss preventions before having sex? No, they went at it like two touch starved idiots in love. Well, that described him, Daitan was far more composed but was content to follow his lead. He didn’t regret it at all despite the life growing inside her. Sure, he’d have to marry her sooner than later to prevent gossip before she grew too large to hide her pregnancy from outsiders. Now that he thought about it, things were happening faster than he intended but the situation worked out. Daitan was going to be his wife and she was going to carry his heir eventually. It just happened in a different order than he intended.

“Are you happy?” she asked bringing his attention back to her.

Instead of answering her, he decided to show her by settling in between her thighs and tenderly kissing the growing bump. He cupped her breasts but was smacked away by Daitan when she hissed.

“Careful, they’re sensitive.”

He let out a grunt and continue to lick and kiss across her upper body. Her body’s changes he noted with reverence, her breasts were slightly bigger along with her hips being wider than before. He was mesmerized. Her moans were growing with a fever pitch and what he brought his member closer to her cunt, he could already feel its wetness and heat. He rutted against her, spreading her juices over his member. Her chest was heaving erratically, and her pink buds caught his scrutiny. Bending over to latch onto it with his lips, the sensations was too much for her as her body arched and shook. With a jolt, he realized how sensitive her body was now.

Her slick tunnel made it easy for him to slide inside and he watched captivated as his member entered with no obstructions to slow him. Usually, it would take a slow pace for her to adjust to his size without hurting. She immediately wrapped her legs around and crossed her ankles to take him deeper. He shuddered and tried to slow down the pace as she provoked him to take her. Finally losing his temper, he slammed her hands above her head and kept them there.

“Slow down. I’m not going anywhere,” he growled out.

Despite the ease, he still set a torturously slow pace and withdrew when he felt her walls flutter and clench around him. If he gave her what she wanted immediately, she wouldn’t be satisfied with the underwhelming climax.

“Tobirama, please. J-just..” She couldn’t finish that sentence as an unfiltered moan broke out when he slammed back into her and jerked her body.

“Is that what you want? Didn’t I tell you to wait?” It seemed like she just too wound up to listen to his earlier warnings and with a scream spilled over creating a filthy squelching sound when his cock thrusted over and over again. His unsteady breath hitched when he felt her walls squeeze tightly so much so he could barely pull out and shove himself back in as he helped her ride out her pleasure. Just as she was finally settling down, he allowed himself to let go and fill her with his essence. He collapsed on the side of her, murmuring unintelligible tidbits before curling her body against him.

When the fiery desire succumbed Daitan couldn’t help but remark, “you’re quite chatty when you’re making love.”

She heard an exasperated exhale. “And your talkative for someone who’s been screaming out her lungs, onna.” Daitan felt her cheeks heat up and let the matter go, choosing to instead lay her head on his chest and feel the rhythmic rise of his breaths.

The rest of the day was spent inside his home as they made themselves familiar with each other bodies and the various surfaces around the house. When Tobirama woke up the next day, he heard someone pounding on his door. With bleary eyes, he opened up to his older brother standing outside with a frantic look.

“Ototo, did you escort Heiwa-san back to the inn? Her clan member hasn’t seen her since yesterday!”

Tobirama just glared at his anija, he couldn’t believe that he woke up for this. He barely got any sleep last night.

“She’s with me. Oh, and by the way anija you’re going to be an uncle in a couple of months.” With that, he slammed the door on his sibling ignoring the jaw dropped look from Hashirama. The girlish squeal that erupted out of the Shodaime was something he would deny to his dying days.

------------------

* Daitan = Daring and Nariko = Humble child

[unpack-my-heart]

I Have Crossed Oceans Of Time To Find You - Chapter Two

@constantreaderfool​ @xandertheundead​ @tinyarmedtrex​ @violetreddie​ @moonlightrichie​ @appojoos​ @eds-trashmouth​ @toziesque​ @stellarbisexual​ @sunshines-fabulous-legs​ @perrytheplatypus4president​ @qwertsod​ @rainbow-reddie​ @pulitzerandhearst​ @mad-h-w​

Read Chapter One on AO3 HERE

PREVIEW:

The rain hammered against the window with the force of a thousand raging fists but all Edward could do was sigh. The bedroom was oppressively warm. It was always so, even in the darkest depths of winter, the sort of stifling heat that made your back sweat and your brain ache with fatigue. The sound of the crackling fire mixed with the downpour outside created a heady mixture of noise that had become as normal to Edward as the sound of his own breathing. Any moment now, his mother would bustle in clutching a vial of swampy green liquid that – after pinning him down with her strong, meaty arms – she’d drip-drop onto his tongue, at the behest of her physician. Edward had never spoken to this physician, he hadn’t even seen him, and yet this man charged his mother a hefty sum for his time and sent her scuttling off to the best apothecary in the region for various foul tinctures. Edward was not sick. He knew that, because his heart didn’t hurt, his gut sat passively, and his head was clear. His mother, however, with her shrill tea-kettle voice, insisted that he was sick, that he had always been sick, and that he would continue to be sick for the rest of his days.

Francis Kaspbrak, baron of Krov and close ally of the King, had been felled like an aged oak in a civil feud between two warring factions that ended abruptly when Francis sank to his knees, headless. Despite having met the man only twice in his lifetime, Edward had wept for him, wept for the man he barely knew, wept at the command of his mother who loomed over him like an unforgiving God. What could be recovered of his father had been buried in a grave marked ‘God have mercy upon mine soul’ and Edward had stared at the words for a very long time.

It was after his father had died, after the feud had died down to a gentle simmer, that the first people began to disappear. A child here, a young man here, a woman snatched from her bed in the dead of night by an preternatural hand, never to be seen again.  Edward listened to the gossiping servants as they rushed around the mansion, whispering in hushed, frantic tones.

“The Andrei boy went missing last night”

“Three more people have disappeared over the last month!”

“Something must be taking them”

“Someone must be taking them”

“Lock your doors”

“Lock your doors”

“Lock your doors”

After the tenth child went missing, the door of Edward’s small bedroom was locked behind him for good. Those four walls, decorated in elaborate tapestries of battles of yore, became Edward’s entire world. His mother, frantic with an anxiety that gnawed at her bones, locked him in his bedroom on a blustery Tuesday morning and Edward, naïve and eight years old, did not challenge her. The only company he had was the piano that sat in the corner of the room, that sung for him when he asked with careful fingers. Six days and seven nights Edward remained in the torrid bedroom until, after enough pleading and a promise that he would never ever leave the mansion, Edward’s territory was expanded to include the other rooms of the mansion. The door leading to the sprawling mansion grounds remained bolted shut, leaving Edward to pace back and forth in front of it, a caged jaguar craving the feeling of the sun on his back. He managed to strike up friendly, but entirely superficial, relationships with the servants, and they told him tales of the end-of-summer blackberries hanging on the bushes, bloated and plump, and how the air smelt after an autumn downpour. Try as he might, however, the door remained locked tight, only opening when his mother was sure Edward was asleep, allowing supplies to be snuck into the mansion in the dead of night.

“It’s too dangerous, Eddie. Far too dangerous for you, a young, fragile thing. A precious thing, my precious thing. You must remain behind these doors where I can protect you,” she’d insist, wringing her hands.

“But mother! I –”

“No! No buts, no ifs, no questions. You remain here, where you belong”

It was no use. Regardless of how often he’d mither, how often he’d plead or beg, the answer was always the same.

“It’s not safe, it’s not safe, it’s not safe"

Edward remained under lock and key for over a decade, but on his nineteenth summer, eleven years after he’d last felt the summer breeze wick the sweat off his sun-scorched brow, he escaped. The day he chose was entirely unremarkable in every way, apart from the fact he’d woken up with a curious feeling in the deepest depths of his gut. It wasn’t so much an ache as it was a bizarre tugging sensation, hunger but not quite, nausea but not really. It felt like craving, like he couldn’t be, would never be, satisfied until he’d greedily consumed something, but the something remained hazy and masked, and he couldn’t quite place it. Despite his tender belly, Edward blindly made the decision that today would be the day he would feel the soil of the town crunch under his boots for the first time in many, many years.

Sonia Kaspbrak was a very, very heavy sleeper. Her guttural snores echoed nosily throughout the mansion, drowning out the peaceful silence, but, fortunately for Edward, they blanketed his careful movements, to such an extent that he managed to move through the entire mansion practically soundlessly.

Earlier that day, Edward had snatched the key from underneath his mother’s nose. She had been fussing over him, inspecting the whites of his eyes for any signs of pestilence when he’d stuck a hand out, lightning fast, and snatched the key from where it hung around her neck on a thin piece of thread. She hadn’t noticed, and he’d disguised his jerky movement as a sneeze. With the key clasped between his thumb and forefinger, freedom felt leaden to Edward, but he pushed on, willing his trembling feet forward, forward, forward. He reached the door, wrenched the bolts back as quietly as humanly possible, and then, with a shaking hand, thrust the key into the lock, and turned it.

The door swung open.

READ THE REST ON AO3 HERE

[tiltnclick]

New Japan Pro Wrestling - New Japan Cup 2020 Predictions

New Japan Pro Wrestling will start putting on shows this month following the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the Together Project Special on the 15th June, it’s back to business as usual with the New Japan Cup.

The opening brackets already promise some incredible matches, with callbacks to various feuds from several years past. Whether the lack of crowd will have an impact on the wrestlers is yet to be seen but if it doesn’t, NJPW will come back into the limelight in style.

Hit Read More to see my predictions for the opening bracket matches.

Togi Makabe vs Yota Tsuji

Makabe makes his 13th entry into the New Japan Cup against the Young Lion Tsuji, who has talked a big game about beating his former mentor. A reliable ring hand, Makebe can afford a loss here against his prodigy. Tsuji has a bright future ahead of him and while it’s likely he’ll fall at the next hurdle a first round win is a push in the right direction. Winner: Yota Tsuji.

Tomohiro Ishii vs El Desperado

A tough one to call. Ishii, like Makabe, is a grizzled veteran who doesn’t necessarily need the win, but after making it to the semi-finals last year it seems unlikely he’d crash out in the first round. I’m expecting some stiff back and forth between the two, before El Desperado takes things up a gear and runs circles around the Stone Pitbull for much of the match. Still, this is likely Ishii’s night. Winner: Tomohiro Ishii.

Toru Yano vs Jado

These two have a long history together and this will likely put an end to Yano’s antics early. Jado will benefit from interference from his Bullet Club companions and head into the second round, where his run will end. Winner: Jado.

Tomoaki Honma vs Hiromu Takahashi

This is an easy. Takahashi is once again the Junior Heavyweight Champion after his return from a broken neck and has his eyes set on Los Ingobernables de Japon leader Tetsuya Naito. There is no way NJPW will slow his momentum. While Honma will put in a good showing, it’ll be his shoulders on the mat for the three count. Winner: Hiromu Takahashi.

Kazuchika Okada vs Gedo

This prediction is based on the practicality of no-crowd shows. Gedo’s betrayal of Okada was one of the most shocking moments in NJPW history and if he went over Okada for the second time, he would have volcanic heat. Unfortunately, no crowd means a more muted reaction and Gedo undoubtedly knows this, so this will short and sweet, with the Rainmaker standing tall. Winner: Kazuchika Okada.

Yuji Nagata vs Minoru Suzuki

There’ll be nothing pretty about this match. Two mean-spirited legends with nasty intentions, working stiff in an effort to put the other down for good. Neither man has anything to prove in New Japan (although Suzuki’s lack of main event gold is bitter pill to swallow) but Nagata has toppled the New Japan Cup twice before so I think the leader of Suzuki-Gun will get the win here. Winner: Minoru Suzuki.

Yuya Uemura vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru

This match is closely linked to the Nagata-Suzuki match. Uemura was trained by the former and has had no shortage of issues with the latter, so it make sense to give the Young Lion a push and potentially set him up against Suzuki later in the tournament. It won’t be an easy win though, probably ending in a flash pinfall over Suzuki-Gun’s tag team general. Winner: Yuya Uemura.

Gabriel Kidd vs Taiji Ishimori

The last match in the left bracket of the New Japan Cup pits Brit wrestling technician Gabriel Kidd against Bullet Club’s lightning fast Bone Soldier. Honestly, it would be a surprise to see Kidd go over in this one. Ishimori has the speed advantage, incredible strength for his stature and momentum in New Japan. It will be a close match, but Bullet Club will notch up another win here. Winner: Taiji Ishimori.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Taichi

It’s hard to bet against the Ace. While Taichi had a stellar 2019 and is more accustomed to his role as a heavyweight, Tanahashi has to be the odds on favourite in this match. The Black Saint will look in defeat though, with several near falls to keep his momentum going. Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Kota Ibushi vs Zack Sabre Jr

This is probably the cruelest first round match because these two truly deserve a shot at going all the way, despite both having a New Japan Cup win. This will be one of the standouts of the tournament. Ibushi and Sabre have incredible chemistry and their clash of styles really shines in these big matches. Ibushi has so far had Sabre’s number, winning four of their six matches, but I think the Suzuki-Gun second-in-command will steal it here. Winner: Zack Sabre Jr.

Ryusuke Taguchi vs SANADA

While Taguchi cannot be underestimated, SANADA has gradually been building a groundswell of support, taking some of the top stars to their limits and looking like main event material. This will feature plenty of back and forth, and Cold Skull will be on the ropes for some of it, but he’ll be standing tall at the end. Winner: SANADA.

Shingo Takagi vs SHO

Bad blood between these two has building since Takagi first entered the Junior Heavyweight division. Now a heavyweight, he currently holds the NEVER Open Weight belt and probably has less to lose than SHO, the powerhouse of Rappongi 3K. This will be a lightning fast, innovative bout with plenty of bone-crunching, snug shots and a battered and bruised SHO walking out the victor, setting a future NEVER Open Weight title match and establishing him as a singles star. Winner: SHO.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs YOSHI-HASHI

One of the few truly throwaway matches in the tournament, it honestly doesn’t matter which man wins because there’s no way either will make it past the second round. With nothing on the line, it’s simply a case of going out there and putting on a good match with YOSHI-HASHI probably picking up the win. Winner: YOSHI-HASHI.

YOH vs BUSHI

Again there’s very little riding on this match, unlike the SHO and Takagi bout. BUSHI is a little aimless at the moment, Takahashi is Junior Heavyweight Champion and Takagi has moved up to the heavyweights, leaving him bereft in the tag division, so he should probably take the rub after a decent 50/50 match. Winner: BUSHI.

Satoshi Kojima vs EVIL

Again, the brackets fall apart a little bit with (if I’m honest) all of the potential winners already in. Kojima has nothing to prove and EVIL is desperate for some direction, lacking some of the finesse of his tag partner SANADA. I’m putting EVIL over here in fairly quick fashion, reasserting him as the powerhouse he can be and hopefully jump-starting his momentum a little bit. Winner: EVIL.

Hirooki Goto vs Yujiro Takahashi

The final opening round and another match with little on the line in terms of story. Goto is probably the favourite going, with three New Japan Cups and a tendency to find that showstopper form when placed in a tournament. However, this year’s edition is going to be high on quality but short on surprises so it would be nice to see the underdog Takahashi pick up the win here. Winner: Yukiro Takahashi.

The Tournament Going Forward...

While I’m not going to do match predictions for the whole of the New Japan Cup, I am going to speculate on a few of the possible outcomes.

Firstly, there are plenty of wrestlers in this year’s brackets that do not need the win this year. In fact, Okada and Tanahashi will both go out in the second round if my predictions prove true. This is because they will go up against Minoru Suzuki and Zack Sabre Jr respectively.

Personally, I think the best possible story for the New Japan Cup is Sabre finally taking the reins of Suzuki-Gun. Suzuki may be the best hard-hitting grandad in wrestling but he has done pretty much everything he can do in New Japan (he’s not getting the top title, not now). Sabre, on the other hand, is in his prime and I can’t think of a better way to prove his leadership credentials by proving that he is nastier and more vicious than his mentor in the finals.

If this doesn’t happen, there are two other potential story lines here. Hiromu Takahashi could rise like the phoenix, completing the feel-good arc after his return to action and potentially leading to a one-on-one with Tetsuya Naito (they’re different weight classes but who knows?).

The other option is to provide an up-and-coming star with some white hot momentum. SHO seems like a good option; he has been seriously impressive in the tag team division and has the core strength to go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights. Less likely is Taiji Ishimori, an awesome wrestler but someone who has plenty left to prove in the lower weight classes.

Let me know who you think will win the New Japan Cup.

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Winner’s Curse Ch. 2

Note: Thanks to the spectacular @edream93 for making sure the Huma wasn’t too OOC. Also my own apologies if Gil seems too smart or aware. I tried to dumb him down, but for the purposes of this story I had him know a little bit more of what is happening around him. Warning, there are mentions of sadism.

Gil scanned the ocean, waiting for any tall-tale ripple of the waters that would signal Uma’s arrival into the boundary considered to be “Isle waters,” the place where the barrier formerly stood.

The Isle needed Uma’s leadership desperately since the absence of the barrier.

Six months ago, Maleficent publicly made her return. 

Gil remembered it vividly since it had been 3 weeks after Cotillion and Harry had entered Ursula’s chip shop in a happier mood. 

He had been incredibly unpredictable and irritable since Uma’s absence after the failed Cotillion invasion. None of the crew knew where she had gone, but that day Harry found letter in a bottle from Uma. 

She had settled for one of the abandoned caves in Atlantica and gave Harry specific directions for how to get there when she was ready for part two of her back-up take-over Auradon plan.

After that joyous news, lightning crashed, a storm brewed which was a bit unusual since Isle weather rarely deviate from cloudy and sometimes rainy skies.

Most people went out to see what was happening and there on the terrace of Evil Queen’s tower was Maleficent with Queen Grimhilde.

Everyone stared in shock, no one knew what to do and Maleficent laughed at their faces.

The Evil Queen went on to explain, with Maleficent’s running commentary, that the Anti-Magic barrier surrounding the Isle had been significantly weakened. And with the Coven of 13’s combined strength, it would soon be removed and they all would be freed.

Even though no one understood the Evil Queen’s “Coven of 13” line, everyone cheered at that declaration. 

Gil’s mom even ran up to hug him and give him a rare kiss on the head in public. He had almost been as surprised by that show of affection then by Maleficent’s return. His mom was usually so tired all the time and so very cautious of showing her affection in case Dad decided to hit him to spite her.

But then Maleficent explained who were the Coven of 13. It was made up of only former-magic users, each ruthless to the core, and Maleficent announced that they would be calling the shots and if anyone didn’t like it....

Morgaine burst into the middle of the open lot of Jafar’s shop in a burst of flames and vaporized a man from Captain Hook’s pirate crew.

Gil’s mother hadn’t let him go from his hug at that point, but when she saw the pirate’s dusty form, she gripped Gil in fear and Gil instinctively knew to cower.

It had been a good choice because Morgaine stared straight into his eyes and smiled, saying, “That boy has the right idea. You all must bow down to us. We will have no hesitation to kill you weak, inferior mortals.”

Ever since that proclamation the whole structure of the Isle changed. There were no fights or power struggles, with that one execution, everyone knew it was stupid to risk their necks to challenge the magic users. Especially volatile magic users like Yzma or Maleficent.

Instead everyone began to cater to them. The land where there were no set rulers and everyone fought for the last scrap despite age, size difference or difference in strength, suddenly became ordered.

The Coven of 13 were the undisputed rulers, causing several deaths every other week or so to remind people of their new powers.

Next came Sykes who arranged a squadron of mercenaries for hire that no one ever messed with and who often served the Coven for perks like extra food scraps, sexual favors and better places for shelter. His dad was one of the mercenaries because he was really good at brawling and goblin control, but he wasn’t hired often because several of the Coven ladies didn’t like his attitude at being ordered around by a female.

After that came an assortment of authority figures like Captain Hook and Cruella who had control of certain areas like Hook was in charge of the port and charged anyone who had to go through or wanted to fish. Cruella was the only one anyone on the Isle could go for fashion, Medusa for her small casino, the Queen of Hearts was the judge of the very few trials held on the Isle and so on.

That just left the henchmen, the goblins and the whores as Lady Tremaine often called women like Gil’s mom, females with nothing to contribute but their bodies.

What the adults did, didn’t matter to the VKs, they had been so absent from the lives of their kids no one cared that they switched positions in the feud chain of the Isle. 

The problem was that the pirate crew were now falling prey to this new hierarchy too.

Since they were all children of minor henchmen, the kids of authority figures found power in being able to boss them around.

Lars, son of Prince Hans was a major VK to watch out for. No one on the Isle really trusted him because he had inherited father’s deceptive nature and the fact that he put on airs like Anthony Tremaine. Pretending he was still some sort of noble. 

So Lars mainly stood in the background, nose in the air without anyone paying attention to him unless it was one of Drizella many daughters or some other fool gullible enough to stay alone with him.

Now, Gil was more aware of why he never trusted him. After the societal shift, Lars had started approaching him more and more often. Gil had been wary but with Uma MIA and Harry sulking about, Gil appreciated the attention of someone new who seem to want to be an ally.

And Lars even seemed genial. They would rough-house like he had seen his half-brothers do and they would hang out at bars.

But a week into this new friendship, Lars invited Gil to the dungeon of Maleficent’s castle.

The foreboding, dank area had been transformed from an empty space into a torture chamber. The walls lined with various weapons. Chained to the ground in small cells and cages were unfortunate goblins or henchmen who had done something to earn Maleficent’s wrath.

Gil started in shock at the torrid display of their bodies in unnatural positions, bile rising when he realized the that some of the pieces that he had thought were broken chains, were actually pieces of bone. Torn out from their limbs and sockets. The stench of blood filled the small room and Gil forced himself to turn away and focus on Lars in hopes of calming his churning stomach. 

Lars’ voice changed when he told Gil that this was no longer Maleficent’s personal dungeon. He seemed like he was trying hard to remain calm but could barely contain his underlying tone of glee.

He explained that for a price, villains could hire a mercenary to execute or interrogate whoever they wanted. Technically adults could choose whichever mercenary they wanted from Shan Yu to Lady Caine. They could even specify how they wanted the punishment doled out. But most chose Lt. Colonel Staquait for a torture session. The former French officer was particularly creative when it came to his displaying his sadism.

When Gil asked how Lars knew of this, Lars smoothly replied that he assisted Staquait.

Gil had stared at Lars. Though many Vks boasted of their wickedness and gruesome threats of physical harm. He had never known any kid who had actually gone through with it.

Lars had caught his shocked look and smiled. His gloved hand lightly brushing a stray hair from Gil’s ear, Lars whispered, “I so do enjoy to hear the crack of when fresh skin breaks.”

Gil barely managed to speak up with some excuse about having to go beat up Gaston Jr. for stealing his boots before he ran out of there. The wicked glint in Lars eyes conveyed all that Gil needed to know. Lars wanted him. Lars wanted to break him.

The memory of Lars’ eyes made him shudder like he had been splashed with an ice water down his spine. 

Lars’ eyes made known that he wanted to hurt Gil, but it was so unlike his father’s eyes when he hit him. 

His father’s eyes were wild, unfocuse with rage. His mind spitting out thousands of ideas of how to crush his bones. Lars’ eyes still showed his quick thoughts of all the ways he wanted to break Gil. Yet they were also utterly focused. Pinned on him and it made Gil feel helpless. 

He was sure Lars would show no mercy as he calculated the precise way to bring him the most pain, and Lars the most pleasure.

Gil had been avoiding him since that day, he had only seen glimpses of him once in a while on the streets, luring others with his most charming smile. 

Gil was safe, but he wondered if he was forgotten from Lars’ mind or if he was merely biding his time. Gil knew he should tell the crew the danger that Lars posed, but since Uma’s absence, the bond among them was disorganized and strained. They needed their leader.

Gil’s mind was brought back to the present when he heard a shout from behind him. Harry came running up to the shore line and dived into the water, the blissful smile in full force as he came to meet with the bubbling tidepool.

Uma’s long blue locks were the first to surface followed by the rest of her body. Gil forced a smile onto his face and rushed out to meet her, wading into the water up to his hips.

“Uma” Harry said reverently, grasping one of her tentacles that brushed past his cheek.

Uma smiled at both of them, her bright, intelligent eyes surveying them caringly. Such a rare look that Uma deigned to show when she always had to be tough and on her guard. But alone, she could lower her guard just a bit.

Gil knew if he was to be convincing that everything was all right, he should smile and nod as his mother did. But he instinctively lowered his eyes upon Uma’s glance at him. When he looked up, Uma locked eyes with him. She knew something was up.

But it had to be saved for later.

Uma turned to her first mate, “Do you have the profiles so we can begin phase 3.”

Gil looked confusedly between them. He knew Harry and Ua had been keeping close correspondence about whatever back up plan Uma had to take over Auradon but he didn’t know they had already began their master plan.

“Wait!” Gil blurted out, surprising even himself with his outburst, “What is this plan? Do you even know what has been going on around here without you? Do you know about the Coven? Or how about the fact that new people are trying to take over your turf as the most evil person on the Isle?”

“I am aware of the problems, Gil.” Uma said with the harsh tone she usually used when he interrupted her plans with a stupid question. “But if you want, we can review what we are about to pull off.”

Gil was about to point out that he hadn’t heard of the plan in the first place but kept his mouth shut. He was going to hear it now and that was what mattered.

“To answer your first question, Harry told me about everything that is going on around here and about this Coven business.”

Uma walked out of the water, transforming back to her human form with ease and settled herself onto the sand. The boys followed.

“I know about how some kids think they can take over my spot on top, but from what I hear, they are barely making themselves noticed.”

Gil considered her statement and he had to admit she was right as usual. Even though Lars scared him, the young man wasn’t making any moves to become “Prince of the Isle” as Mal had been the “Princess.”

The closest any Vk to be the new prince or princess were the children of the Coven like Ginny Gothel or Jade or Zevon and his sister, Yzla. But the usual suspects haven’t been out among the public lately. Just sequestered in the Evil Queen’s castle with their parents.

The children of any authority figures hadn’t reached the same level of fear and power Uma wielded since she had been gone. They were too preoccupied with feuding with each other or targeting fresh meat as servants or punching bags.

Or they were like Lars, keeping to their own private desires. . .

“As for the profiles, Harry show him.” Uma commanded and Harry pulled out a crumpled form that Gil recognized.

It was a Bill Sykes’ Mercenaries For Hire sign with its intimidating logo of a snarling Doberman with two swords crossed above it and Sykes’ office number underneath which was really unnecessary since everyone knew that Sykes’ “office” was just an abandoned shed on Lady Tremaine’s property.

The poster was a familiar sight to Gil since it was stapled on every tavern and shop wall, especially to cover the eyesore that were the “Yay Auradon” posters. He just didn’t get why Harry was showing it to him.

With a roll of his eyes, Harry turned the wrinkled piece of paper around. On the other side in fine type was a list of the mercenaries and their specialties. For once, Gil was glad that his mother had taught him to secretly read. Even though his dad and his brother’s called him a girl for doing such a prissy activity. 

Clayton: Trained as a hunter and guide. Experienced with rifles, guns, machates, poison darts, and extreme jungle environments. Specialty in hunting, poaching, and intimidation.

Lyle Tiberius Rourke: Trained in the American military. Experienced with fire ax, rifles, guns, grenades, poison gas, knife, hand to hand combat, army combat. Specialty in infiltration, grave robbing, treasure hunting, assassination and intimidation.  

*Will not deal with magic, magic curses or lost civilizations

Helga Sinclair: Trained in the American military. Experienced with aikido, tachi dori, tanto dori, hanka manza, knife throwing, katanas, rifles, guns, firearms, and tactile combat. Specialty in espionage, grave robbing, treasure hunting, assassination and intimidation.

*Will not deal with magic, magic curses or lost civilizations

Muviro: Trained as a Waziri soldier. Experienced with bow and arrow, poison darts, bone knife, spears, hand to hand combat, extreme jungle environment. Specialty in hunting, and assassination.  

Lady Caine: Former leader of a pirate crew. Experienced with swords, fans, poisons, sea warfare. Specialty, jailbreaks, infiltration, stealing, hand to hand combat and piracy.

Gaston: Trained in French army. Experienced with guns, hunting knives, bow and arrow, hand to hand combat, brawling. Specialty in hunting and intimidation.

Shan Yu: Former leader of the Hun Army. Experienced with bow and arrow, sword, army combat and survival skills in extreme areas. Specialty in tracking, strategy, intimidation, assassination, and conquering.

Sa’Luk: Formerly part of the Forty Thieves. Experienced with various daggers, claws, knuckle-dusters, street/hand to hand combat. Specialty, stealing, and intimidation.  

Lt. Col. Jean Staquait: Trained in French Foreign Legion. Experienced with whips, swords, lances, guns, army combat. Specialty, torture, intimidation, tracking and interrogation.

Gil sighed, the horrid memory of Lars’ work with Lt. Col. Staquait coming to the forefront of his mind along with the well-known headache emerging in his brain as he tried to figure out what they wanted him to know. Something that was obvious to everyone but him, “So what?”

“The way we are going to turn this whole system upside down, we have to infiltrate it first and that means we should hire a mercenary. And once they are in our service, maybe we can use him or her to turn against the Coven. After all, they are the second most feared group.” Uma said.

“But the Coven has magic.” Gil argued. “Even if the mercenaries are on our side, there swords and whips and bullets would be nothing.”

“Ha, don’t you remember, Maleficent was killed by Prince Phillip’s sword? My mom was impaled by a mast? I think a sword can do the trick.” Uma retorted.

“And with the Coven gone, and the barrier broken, we can lead the rest of the Isle to invade Auradon.” Harry finished the grand explanation.

Gil wanted to point out that there was so much more to consider, but let it go. They were smarter than him, they knew what they were doing.

“So who do you think we should hire?” Uma examined the paper carefully.

“Not Caine.” Harry snorted in disgust. Captain Hook had a fierce rivalry with Lady Caine since she was the only other pirate on the Isle that dared to challenge Captain Hook for his position as head of the dock and the strips of water. Plus she often tried to use her wiles to steal his boat and some of his crew members over the years. Hook had carried on that grudge to his children, so they would do their best to try to humiliate or one up her at every turn in the name of the Hook family.

“Staquait is too selfish, sadistic and won’t listen to us; Sa’Luk is too selfish; Gaston is Gaston. Do you think Shan Yu would listen to us?” Uma asked.

“No. He’s too solitary and I don’t think he would take us seriously.” Harry dismissed the idea.

“Clayton?”

“No. I think he’s given up ever getting off the Isle or changing his fate.” Gil said. He had often seen the older Brit at his dad’s bar. It was always the same scene of Clayton drinking himself into a stupor, muttering about how great he used to be before the white ape came along.

“Muviro could work... but do we really know anything about him? He’s always on his own-no I don’t think we can trust him. He’s off the list.” Uma said definitively.

“That leaves only Rourke and Sinclair.” Gil said, “And those two hate each other.” 

“Well Rourke did betray her and push her off a balloon to be melted in hot lava. So considering Rourke’s backstabbing tendencies, we’ll have to hire Sinclair for something.” Uma said.

Harry glanced down at her specialties, “How about we hire her to take a hit on one of Lady Caine’s crew?” 

“Uh.. let’s not complicate the plan by adding family revenge into this.” Uma cautioned, We can hire to steal some trinket. That way when we steal the bauble, we don’t need to focus all our energy on stealing and maybe get her on our side. That could work.” Uma stood up, crumpling the paper into a ball as she began to picture the victorious future.

The two boys nodded in agreement, standing up by her side as usual. Gil’s stomach relaxed for the first time in days now that he had assurance from his captain that things were going to be okay.

They were going to get rid of the Coven, they were going to get off the Isle, and hopefully with Uma reigning as queen, Lars would forget his quest to break him.

He hoped.

[linabrigette]

Hating On Craig ‘Satoshi’ Wright Has United Crypto

Satoshi or not, it’s been a rough week for Craig Wright.

The man who rose to notoriety in 2015 by boldly claiming he was bitcoin’s creator is under fire from not just some of the industry’s most respected names, but the very people that have most embraced his shaky affirmation. Indeed, despite not offering any evidence to date to prove his claim, the Australian cryptographer and nChain founder had found a home among supporters of bitcoin cash.

From supportive T-shirts to displays of public support, Wright has developed a close association with the cryptocurrency that split from bitcoin and that is valued at $10 billion today.

Recently, though, he’s faced a round of backlash.

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It all started earlier this week when ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin took the microphone at a Q&A session at the Deconomy conference in Seoul, South Korea. There, Buterin used the moment to attack Wright’s technical arguments issued onstage, highlighting a criticism levied by anyone and everyone respected in crypto since: that his technical commentary just doesn’t make sense.

“Given that he makes so many nonsensical claims, why is this fraud allowed to speak at this conference?” Buterin told the crowd to tumultuous applause.

Though some in the community have hurried to Wright’s defense, the backlash has only mounted.

“I wrote the lightning network whitepaper and I still didn’t understand your talk,” developer Joseph Poon, co-inventor of the lightning network, later shouted.

Miles away, litecoin creator Charlie Lee couldn’t help but join in.

“Craig S Wright’s talks and papers are filled with illogical technobabble and his Satoshi proof is fraudulent. He’s a fraud. Why give this guy a platform?” he said.

And with that, it seems, Buterin has started something of a movement.

Generally sympathetic to bitcoin cash’s approach to scaling, Cornell computer scientist Emin Gun Sirer perhaps summarized the general sentiment the best.

He said in a tweet:

“Right now, I have bitcoin, bitcoin cash, ethereum and zcash devs in my mentions, all roundly ridiculing Craig Wright’s technobabble. Cryptocurrencies have never been as united.”

Long-standing feud

The particular criticisms would go on to reignite a long-standing battle between Wright and Peter Rizun, a well-known bitcoin cash and aggressive bitcoin scaling advocate who has faced no shortage of criticism in the past for his views.

The technical feud started last summer when Rizun critiqued one of Wright’s white papers wherein he argued (with math) that an attack in bitcoin called “selfish mining” is not actually viable.

Rizun essentially replied, in detail, that his paper doesn’t make sense.

More recently, on March 25, Rizun – much like Vitalik – cornered Wright after a lecture, to argue his technical ideas related to unconfirmed transactions were not feasible. Rizun implied Wright’s ideas would lead to mining attacks.

Rizun and Wright have since taken the argument to Twitter, with Rizun going as far as to call Wright a “proven fraud.”

He’s not the only one. Sirer expanded upon Rizun’s critiques, arguing Wright has “repeatedly failed to grasp” selfish mining. (This is a notable claim since Sirer was one of the first to independently find the attack.)

Sirer went as far as to argue, “He is done. No one takes him seriously as a technical person,” before adding Wright hasn’t yet delivered on last year’s promise to release another bitcoin code.

This weariness of Wright now seems to be spreading to the rest of the community, even on forums that have been historically friendly to ideas he’s championed.

One Reddit user on the forum stated in a post: “I am now downvoting every post with Craig Wright’s face on it.

Inclusive community

Still, it’s worth noting many others in the community have come to Wright’s defense.

A popular argument is that, whether or not he is Satoshi, his high profile and allegedly well-capitalized startup have done a lot for certain cryptocurrencies like bitcoin cash.

“Regardless of whether he’s Satoshi or not, or whether he’s even right or wrong about various technical points, I think [it’s] unfair to accuse him of ‘fraud’ because claiming to be Satoshi (and then not proving) isn’t fraud,” Jonald Fyookball, who’s penned many critical essays for the community, argued.

“Also, giving away tons of money to various bitcoin cash endeavours doesn’t seem like fraud either,” Jonald continued.

His comments to back up Wright were met with a chorus of agreement.

That said, many other key members of the community have been quiet on the issue, or equivocal in whether they have a similar opinion of Wright. Still, with crypto enthusiasts never seeming to shy away from a debate, the comments can’t help but feel unique in context.

As Poon concluded on Twitter, this type of dispute is not normal in the technical community. Whereas fits of rage and public animosity may not exactly be rare (investor Roger Ver accused bitcoin’s developers of “killing babies” at the Seoul event), he argued that among the world’s top developers, respectful disagreements are tactfully embraced.

“The confrontation at the conference should not be seen as a normal response to disagreements in the crypto ecosystem,” he wrote, adding:

“It was an extremely strong response to extreme, intentional deception.”

Wolfie Zhao contributed reporting.

Craig S. Wright image via a BBC interview 

The leader in blockchain news, BTC News Today is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. BTC News Today is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups.

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Sustained Break of $7000 Elusive for Bitcoin, Entrance of the Big Names in Finance: Week in Review Apr. 10

Sustained Break of $7000 Elusive for Bitcoin, Entrance of the Big Names in Finance: Week in Review Apr. 10

In the past seven days, the price of bitcoin trading in a range between $7,500 and $6,500, closing the week effectively unchanged and unable to sustain above $7000. The altcoin market largely moved in tandem with its pioneering predecessor and no major gains or losses were made in leading digital assets.

While the bulls believe that the worst is behind us, the bears consider it a very real possibility that we could see new lows in the coming months before the market turns around again. Experts cite the remaining Mt.Gox BTC/BCH bankruptcy funds that still need to be sold as well as traders cashing out profits to cover upcoming capital gains tax payments as the main reasons for the heavy market in recent weeks.

While price action remains rather muted for crypto standards in the past week, there was enough controversy to keep the community entertained.

It came to light that outspoken entrepreneur John McAfee has been getting paid over $100,000 to promote altcoins on his Twitter account, which has often led to price spikes for small unknown coins.

The past week also saw Vitalik Buterin live-tweeting his thoughts on the heated debate between Roger Ver and Samson Mow during the Deconomy Conference in Seoul, South Korea. The debate itself brought the Bitcoin scaling debate and the Bitcoin versus Bitcoin Cash feud back into the forefront of the community.

Buterin also called out Craig Wright as a fraud during the conference, asking the organizers: “Why is this fraud allowed to speak at this conference?,” a view shared by Lightning Network creator Joseph Poon.

This week’s contributions have been provided by Jamie Holmes, Ogwu Osaemezu Emmanuel, Priyeshu Garg, and Shaurya Malwa.

Coinbase to Launch Venture Fund for Blockchain Startups and Offer Support for Bitcoin Forks

Coinbase is set to launch an early-stage venture fund for crypto and blockchain startups. The fund was made known to CNBC on Thursday, April 5, 2018, by Asiff Hirji, the President and COO of the firm. According to Hirji, the investment fund is already worth $15 million at the start of the initiative, and it is expected to grow. Hirji declared that the investment fund is coming right out of the company’s balance sheets.

The fund will be used to provide seed-stage investments in a number of blockchain and crypto startups starting in the next few days, according to Hirji. Coinbase wishes to provide the necessary funding catalyst that will spark the emergence of viable ideas into potentially profitable blockchain and crypto enterprises that will benefit the industry.

In other Coinbase news, the company recently announced that it would begin to offer withdrawal support for certain bitcoin forks in the coming months. The update was made known via a post on the company’s Medium account on Thursday, April 5, 2018.

Skype is Now Part of the Crypto Action

Online messaging – notably Skype – is facilitating the trade that involves some 20 traders at various houses. Reuters reports that mostly bigger investors try to avoid generating turbulence on the online exchanges and are rather doing business via Skype.

The founder of crypto-focused hedge fund Galois Capital, Kevin Zhou, said that “Generally, you would go trade through an OTC desk when you have a large block trade you want to do without moving the market too much or incurring too much slippage.”

The traders identified all work at visible players in the industry, firms such as financial service provider Circle, Cumberland Mining, a division of the proprietary trading firm DRW Holdings and the Digital Currency Group’s New York broker-dealer Genesis Global Trading. Circle is the Goldman Sachs-backed company that, in spite of the parent company’s supposed aversion, recently acquired the Poloniex exchange.

George Soros Makes U-turn, Set to Trade Cryptocurrency

It appears George Soros has made a U-turn on his stance regarding the crypto market or, at the very least, is prepared to get in on some of the action. This news is based on a report that his family office is set to begin trading in cryptocurrencies. George Soros like a number of prominent figures in the mainstream financial scene once described bitcoin as being a bubble. While people like Warren Buffet appear not to be going near cryptos anytime soon, it seems George Soros has had a change of heart.

According to a recent article on Bloomberg, Adam Fischer, the macro investment manager of the Soros Fund Management firm has been given internal approval to begin trading cryptocurrencies.

The Soros Fund Management firm is reportedly worth $26 billion. Unconfirmed reports also reveal that though Fischer has been given the go-ahead, no trades have been made as of yet and there is no official word on when trading will commence.

Despite his reservations about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general, Soros has indirectly been placing wagers on the market. The Soros Fund Management firm has been able to amass a considerable portion of Overstock.com shares.

India Bans Banks from Dealing With Crypto Businesses, Says it Would Launch its Own Coin

In a startling move, the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) virtually banned cryptocurrencies on April 5, 2018, as they passed a mandate which bars banks and regulated financial institutions from providing services to any individual or business dealing in digital currencies.

As part of its move, the bank gave an ultimatum of three months to all banks in the country to allow them to cut ties with, and stop services for any cryptocurrency businesses including exchanges and wallet providers.

The report acknowledged blockchain technology and said it would promote the decentralized public ledger for use in the country’s financial sector. However, the RBI noted that virtual currencies, also variously referred to as cryptocurrencies and crypto assets, raise concerns of consumer protection, market integrity, and money laundering.

The move was taken after “three warnings” were given to the public against dealing with cryptocurrencies. In a short-sighted statement, the RBI deputy said, “If [cryptocurrencies] grow beyond a critical size they can endanger financial stability.”

Early in February 2018, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stated that the government does not consider cryptocurrencies as legal tender and will take all measures to eliminate payments used to fund nefarious activities in the country.

Japan on the Verge of Legalizing Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

According to reports, a task force backed by the Japanese government has formulated guidelines aimed at regulating and legalizing initial coin offerings (ICOs).

On April 5, 2018, Japan’s Business Research Group drafted a proposal requesting that the government regulate ICOs in a non-draconian way that would protect investors’ interests and encourage the growth of the nascent ICO industry.

As reported by Bloomberg, Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) will take a critical look at the proposal a few weeks from now. If everything works according to plan and the bill gets accepted, it could become law in a few years time – a development that will undoubtedly restore Japan’s lead in the ‘cryptosphere’ and exchanges that have left the nation due to recent regulatory bottlenecks may likely come back.

“ICOs are groundbreaking technology, so if we can implement good principles and rules, they have the potential to become a new way to raise funding,” said Kenji Harashima, a researcher at Mizuho Research Institute.

Monero’s Scheduled Upgrade to Soon Reveal the Extent of ‘Secretive’ ASIC Mining

On April 6, Monero conducted its bi-annual scheduled upgrade, or hard fork, to increase the minimum ring size and alter the Proof of Work to nullify Bitmain’s ASIC miners. As for the success of the move, the next ten days or so will inform us of the effectiveness of the controversial decision by the Monero developers to stamp out ASICs.

The hard fork took place on the morning of April 6 on block number 1,546,000 after a lengthy debate on the desirability of a move to nullify ASIC miners. It is thought that the massive increase in Monero’s hashrate toward the end of 2017 were ASIC miners mining secretively. Bitmain only announced their miners for sale on April 3, after the developers decided to change the Proof of Work algorithm as indicated by a post from February. The tweak does not affect GPU or CPU miners, but only affects ASICs.

Spanish Tax Authority Set for Showdown Over Crypto Tax Evasion

The Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT), more commonly known as the Agencia Tributaria, the tax agency of the Spanish government is set to take a hard-line stance on what it suspects to be tax evasion activities aided and abetted by cryptocurrencies.

According to reports in the local Spanish media, the country’s tax agency has requested for names and trading data pertaining to crypto traders. These requests have been made to a total of 60 finance companies.

Commenting on the development, an unnamed source revealed that the firms that have been asked to turn over crypto buyer information include banks, crypto trading platforms, and even securities firms.

It is reported to be the most significant action ever taken by the government in its quest to prevent cryptocurrency from being used as an avenue for tax evasion and money laundering activities.

The move is reported to have come about as a consequence of an investigation carried out by the National Fraud Investigation Office. The investigative probe examined the bank accounts of foreign-exchange platforms.

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