#btb kiba

[okamirayne]

(༎ຶ︿༎ຶ) Rayne...Ino and Kiba...you're breaking my heart. I need a whole InoKiba playlist to cope. You sold me on these 2. Do you have a favorite song for them? Excuse me why I go craiii like a bitch (༎ຶ︿༎ຶ) (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞

Aww, Anon! 💖 Music is always the cure. I do love those two. I actually do have a top song for them atm given the events in HHU. It's a remix: Eminem ft. Pink - I'm Sorry (Lyrics) (youtube.com)

The rap is Kiba's POV and it fits perfectly 💔❤️‍🩹. As for crying like a she-dog? Imma listen to this song and come cry with you, my dear.

[okamirayne]

Hiiii, so I'm hijacking that super Btb ask from December 2018 about were the others supportive/accepting of ShikaNeji, given their rocky past together? (Like, Kiba, for instance)... Could you maybe, possibly expand a bit on your answer there that his reaction holds big one-shot potential? :D I would love to hear some details and any tidbits you'd be willing to share regarding this! I just love being immersed in your Naruto-verse, as it basically my headcanon now. Wishing you peace and rest! <3

Hey there, @inarvm! 🩷

Hope my response finds you well, luv. Cheers for dropping in on yours truly with this ASK ^_^

Ah yes, the potential reactions from the rest of the shinobi crew to the ShikaNeji ship they didn't even know was sailing.

Could you maybe, possibly expand a bit on your answer there that his [Kiba] reaction holds big one-shot potential? I would love to hear some details and any tidbits you'd be willing to share regarding this!

I can most certainly try...

Well, given Kiba and Neji's whole 'will-they-won't-they' throw-down (and not in the let me love you kinda way) the ShikaNeji reveal makes for an interesting wtf-revelation for our dog-nin. Though it's less of a shock than a dawning realisation for Kiba. He clocks on, shall we say.

He considers Shikamaru his friend, his buddy, his childhood compadre, whereas Neji is mostly relegated to the comrades-I'd-like-to-KO-but-can’t category. I mean sure, Neji gained some serious clout with Kiba for saving Shikamaru's bacon, and the ongoing game of 'defrosting Mr Cold Shoulder' sometimes amuses Kiba, but he usually always clashes with Neji — and that isn't something that really changes, even in the lead up to the Hyuuga's death.

All that considered, you can imagine Kiba’s confusion over Shikamaru choosing to hang his heart on a Hyuuga that isn't Hinata lol. There's also the Temari equation which hasn't been solved for the dog-nin.

So you've got a few things going on here:

Protectiveness towards Shikamaru

Wariness of Neji

Confusion over Temari

His one-sided enemy o' mine drama

...Possibly other crap that hasn't yet been disclosed to me and may come out whilst writing Kiba.

I hope that gives a little bit of insight into Kiba's potential response — always hard to fully say for certain until I'm writing the scene, but these are the strong impressions that come up, given how he feels or thinks about Neji.

I just love being immersed in your Naruto-verse, as it basically my headcanon now. Wishing you peace and rest! <3

That's so kind and supportive of you to say — and it's hugely appreciated. 💜 Thank you, sweetheart 💜

[okamirayne]

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

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

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

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

Plus my ANBU OC, Tsuno

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

These characters had/have their suspicions:

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

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

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

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

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

[okamirayne]

Hello Hello!

Just a random ask.. do you have any inconsequential or random hc’s for characters that have almost no relevance in their overall lives? I’ll go first — I’ve always imagined that Neji developed a mild disgust/phobia of spiders ever since his fight with Kidomaru

Heya Anon! 💜

Just a random ask.. do you have any inconsequential or random hc’s for characters that have almost no relevance in their overall lives? I’ll go first — I’ve always imagined that Neji developed a mild disgust/phobia of spiders ever since his fight with Kidomaru

Oooh, that's a great question! And your example is solid. Wouldn't blame Neji thumbing his nose at the Eight Legged Freaks after his ordeal.

Hmm...I might need some liquid inspiration to answer this...

...argh, what's so annoying is that I tend to discover my hc's as I write the characters - does that make sense? It's really bizarre. You'd think that I'd have a tonne of head cannons just filed away, but what tends to happen is they drop into my headspace as I'm writing, rather than me actively thinking about them...I think maybe because 98% of my brain is engaged in plot most of the time (given how long BtB is), the character aspect (my favourite part, oddly enough) churns out based purely on organic in-the-moment writing and inspiration/instinct...which is probably why I love it so much, it's more intuitive than intellectual and way more fun.

Sorry, that in no way answers your question...

I'm thinking but....

Seriously...zilch...on demand, nada...

And yet, undoubtedly, I'm going to discover those head canons as I write. Some random examples below (some which obviously have significance), most of which have been disclosed already and discovered whilst writing, but give some good cases of BtB-verse HCs...if some could be called that?

how gift giving is one of Ino's biggest love languages

how Hiashi prefers Go to Shogi

how Raidō is a stickler for rules and enjoys sudoku

how Shikaku got his scars (Shuken)

how Kiba is ridiculously loyal once romantically attached despite his flirtatious and rascal-like behaviour

how Kakashi treasures his Team 7 mug decorated by his students before Sasuke defected

how Kakashi suffered from migraines due to the Sharingan

how Ino's old eating disorder issues were related to a critical and image-obsessed mother, and to Sakura rejecting her friendship as a kid because of Sasuke (leading Ino to believe she was always going to be in competition with other women and that female friendships are fragile)

how Sakura hates how much she loves Sasuke

Chōji allowing Ino to decorate him like a Christmas tree whenever she drags him into shopping sprees (she feeds him for it, which is a win-win)

Shikamaru requiring Chōji to do the thinking and the legwork when it comes to purchasing gifts for Ino

Asuma's cigarette brand is hard to get hold of

Genma is a whole head canon in himself - Halloween is important to him and not just because of pumpkin soup

Genma's issues with care homes - hints of his past as a kid

The significance to Neji of the words "every time" when he speaks them to Shikamaru

The importance of the words "I hear you" between Shikamaru and Asuma, and generally when Shikamaru says this, regardless of who he's speaking to

Neji's blind spot being an erogenous zone

Shikamaru being an utter sucker for head massages

Shikamaru loving Niji's coffee (second to none)

Genma being attracted to Kurenai (much to his supreme annoyance)

Inoichi having a wicked sweet-tooth, leading to him sneaking off to indulge in various confectionary (usually at the Akimichi household) so his wife didn't lose her shit (which led to her believing he might be having affairs)

Yoshino being incredibly sensitive to Shikamaru's security whilst in the home - the only control she feels she has over his safety given his life as a shinobi

Orochimaru's severely messed up behaviour with Sasuke and the oddness of his rules surrounding it (not sure you'd call this a head canon, as it's not something I enjoy entertaining - not that all head canon's are fun)

Kakashi somatising his emotions and his body carrying most of his pain

Kakashi preferring to live in a complex with older veteran shinobi rather than his peers (quieter, less intrusive)

Shiba (Kakashi's ninken) suffering bouts of claustrophobia

Ino, Inoichi, and Naoki's habit of cracking their thumbs

Ibiki's arthritis in his hands (worse now due to chakra sickness)

Kiba's nostalgic love/hate for silky thread grass

Shikaku's involvement with the Hyūga during his youth

Inoichi being a pretty-boy when younger and having to infiltrate a geisha house (where he met Sayuri, his wife)

Shikamaru harbouring mild paranoia of losing anything Ino buys him (the risk of ballistic head injury is very real)

The playful battle of Ino keeping a mental score of "you owe me" vs Shikamaru keeping a mental score of "I'll remember this"

Tenten messing with Neji by adding spice to his food

Argh, there are loads more; but those are the ones that just randomly came to mind whilst trying to kick my marbles around. There will undoubtedly be more to come, especially with characters such as Naruto and Sasuke, but also Neji, Shikakmaru and the rest.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I can't always predict what they'll be so I apologise for not being able to reciprocate properly, Anon! But thank you for this ASK, it was fun to recall these. 💜🫶🏼💜

[okamirayne]

I’m one of the people who have gotten really bad at commenting on fics I read. In the case or BtB it’s mostly because I can’t figure out how to comment in the FF.net app 🙈 (In other cases I’ve been scared off by being told my reactions and interpretations were wrong, both by writers and other commenters) However, that doesn’t excuse not commenting or writing you here, so I am sorry for my negligence.

Because I am still here, I’m still reading BtB like a religious text, and I still adore every last word. I, much to my own surprise, loved reading from Hiashi’s pov in a previous chapter; I’m so here for the whole mess that’s Sasuke and the SasuNaru…maelstrom; I desperately want to see where Kiba and Ino end up, how they solve their current situation (if they solve their current situation), and how they heal, individually and potentially together.

Even more desperately: I want Shikamaru’s grief. I cannot describe how much I love reading these dreamscape flashbacks. Getting these small insights into the hidden life they got to live for a little while, it’s incredible. Even more so because we know how it ended. For now, hopefully. Shikamaru watching Naruto, but refusing to see who Naruto was holding… He knows, of course he knows, but like he said in an earlier chapter: they won’t let him grieve. I want his grief, every last ugly heartbreaking bit of it! If you were to write out the scene when Neji’s death caught up to him (cause I’m not sure the moment he died would necessarily be it), my god… I’d pay good money to read that, for real.

And, finally, Genma. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I don’t know how he’s still standing. I want to read when Kakashi first walked away. And I want to read every last letter of them, hopefully, finding their way back to each other. Genma deserved his eight times up. I at least want to see him get his ninth time realised.

Hey sweetie! 💜💖

Thank you so much for carving out the time to leave this message. I'll always reiterate how much it means to receive feedback. I appreciate you doing so. 💖

[...] In other cases I’ve been scared off by being told my reactions and interpretations were wrong, both by writers and other commenters

I'm sorry to hear you felt scared off by responses to your feedback, but I'd definitely encourage you to ignore that. Christ, some of the stuff I've been told about my writing, the tropes I use, the themes I explore...🤦🏻‍♀️ Not everyone's cuppa chai. Even if interpretations were 'wrong' so to speak, the fact that you're engaging with that storyline and the characters is fantastic. I'm sorry if your engagement hasn't been warmly received by writers in the past - I find that baffling and not representative of writers on the whole, who are invariably hungry for engagement and grateful to receive it unless it's a troll comment or angry flame. Gently guiding a reader who may have misunderstood something is different to completely blasting them out the water and if that's been the case for you, then that's rubbish and I hope that me telling you how much your feedback matters will encourage you to share your thoughts with writers you read. You matter. Your engagement matters. What you love matters, as it's invariably what we love too. I'm so grateful you're still here, luv. And I thank you for showing up for me.🫶🏼 💖

I, much to my own surprise, loved reading from Hiashi’s pov in a previous chapter; I’m so here for the whole mess that’s Sasuke and the SasuNaru…maelstrom; I desperately want to see where Kiba and Ino end up, how they solve their current situation (if they solve their current situation), and how they heal, individually and potentially together.

So lovely to know you enjoyed reading from Hiashi's POV. I feel that there's room for a lot of nuance where Hiashi is concerned, rather than him being portrayed as a black-and-white, cold-hearted dinosaur for not changing the Hyūga clan. Digging into his brain (and chest cavity) was a must.

Kiba and Ino 🫶🏼😔

SasuNaru: Watch this space 😏

Even more desperately: I want Shikamaru’s grief. I cannot describe how much I love reading these dreamscape flashbacks. Getting these small insights into the hidden life they got to live for a little while, it’s incredible. Even more so because we know how it ended. For now, hopefully. Shikamaru watching Naruto, but refusing to see who Naruto was holding… He knows, of course he knows, but like he said in an earlier chapter: they won’t let him grieve. I want his grief, every last ugly heartbreaking bit of it!

Oddly enough, Shikamaru wants his grief too. And I'm on what emotional whumpster ride with you. *grabs medicinal liquids*

Funny how HHU began as another of my failed attempts to write a series of one-shots (BtB flashfowards/flashbacks) that just ended up as a timeline skip continuation of the BtB series....my point being the little flashbacks are good fun to write, and might've originally been posted as one-shots (if I wasn't so shit at them). I'm glad you're enjoying these memories.

If you were to write out the scene when Neji’s death caught up to him (cause I’m not sure the moment he died would necessarily be it), my god… I’d pay good money to read that, for real.

Ah damn, I'd need my Angsta guns locked and loaded for that. Ha! Aw. I'd also happily receive said good money to write it too, if only that were legal. 🤣

And, finally, Genma. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I don’t know how he’s still standing. I want to read when Kakashi first walked away. And I want to read every last letter of them, hopefully, finding their way back to each other. Genma deserved his eight times up. I at least want to see him get his ninth time realised.

Ah, Dearly Tortured Genma. 🥹💖 He's been through the absolute wringer. Kakashi walking away was a serious KO to his heart. Damn right you are, Genma definitely deserved his eight times up and I adore that you are invested in him having his "ninth time realised" (love that). I fully support this sentiment. Thankfully so does Raido, or else Genma might've been alone in the fallout...but credit where it's due, he's a tough bastard.

Thank you again, my lovely, for this wonderful feedback! It matters and it impacts. 💖🫶🏼💖

[okamirayne]

Oh wow you've done it again... I was never that interested in naruto, always rooting for shikamaru and neji in the manga, and now, after reading your povs, I'm on the edge of my seat. Writing the kurama-naruto dynamic so raw and real is not an easy feat but you've done it. I cannot wait for sasuke and naruto to meet, their worlds to collide again. I just know naruto has to get through to sasuke. But how? (Part 1 of 2, because I am being silenced by tumblr's word restricitions (I feel you, kiba))

Hey there @missingtheyear 💖!

My huge thanks for your messages, luv! I'm chuffed you're enjoying the Naruto-Kurama dynamic. Never would have thought BtB would lead me into Naruto's shared headspace.

I cannot wait for sasuke and naruto to meet, their worlds to collide again. I just know naruto has to get through to Sasuke. But how?

😅...how indeed.

[okamirayne]

Hiiii!!

I’m on a BtB binge after the last chapter ripped my heart out and stomped on it and I just wanted to tell you that you have such an amazing talent for sending your readers on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. The angst goes without saying, your ability to smash my feels into pieces is something i’m sure all of your fans can attest to, but god, my BtB re-read is making me remember how damn funny your writing can be! I genuinely never laugh out loud when I read, and yet Im smiling from ear to ear at Kiba and Naruto’s antics, and Shikamaru’s deadpan sarcasm is so my type of humor.

It’s such a crazy experience to be giggling my goofy butt off one minute only to have the rug completely ripped under me straight into the angst abyss, but man does it make it all the more powerful. I just have such an admiration for your writing ability (and i sure as hell feel lucky that you happened to corner the tiny but mighty shikaneji market). Thx for being u!!

Hiya Anon! 🥰 So, so happy to hear from you - thanks for reaching out to me here on Tumblr! 🫶🏼💖

I’m on a BtB binge after the last chapter ripped my heart out and stomped on it and I just wanted to tell you that you have such an amazing talent for sending your readers on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster.

😅😅😅 Aw, luv...what can I say? If I go down the angsty rabbit hole, I'm taking you guys with me *insert manic laughter* Seriously though, thank you so much for investing in the ride despite the rollercoaster - it's a joy to write for your pleasure and torture.

The angst goes without saying, your ability to smash my feels into pieces is something i’m sure all of your fans can attest to, but god, my BtB re-read is making me remember how damn funny your writing can be! I genuinely never laugh out loud when I read, and yet Im smiling from ear to ear at Kiba and Naruto’s antics, and Shikamaru’s deadpan sarcasm is so my type of humor.

That's so awesome to hear, Anon! We gotta have the humour in there to balance out the angst, right? It would be way too intense otherwise. I'm so chuffed you enjoy the banter and rapport between the characters! That's always good fun to write and I fist bump you on the deadpan sarcasm kinda humour. Love it. I'm so happy to know it's given you the giggles and smiles.

It’s such a crazy experience to be giggling my goofy butt off one minute only to have the rug completely ripped under me straight into the angst abyss, but man does it make it all the more powerful. I just have such an admiration for your writing ability (and i sure as hell feel lucky that you happened to corner the tiny but mighty shikaneji market). Thx for being u!!

Aw, heck.💖 I am so grateful for your support, Anon...I honestly to god am running out of ways to express my appreciation....maybe some interpretive dance? 😅

Seriously though....

💖💜 I am so GRATEFUL for your feedback and your kindness in engaging with the story and giving me this incredible response. I am bubbling with gratitude and feels right now...🫶🏼💜

🫠🥰

Thank You, so much...!💜💜

[okamirayne]

Redownloading tumblr to find 2 new chapters from the god of shikaneji — I am truly blessed

As a long-time Hiashi hater, I did not expect to feel for him so hard this latest chapter. And the scene where little Hiashi finds his father in a.. precarious situation while looking for his SICK mother — oof, poor kid!

Also I have a bit of an obsession with Tokuma Hyuga so I was so excited to see him sprinkled throughout the chapter. Not sure how much, if at all, his character will be utilized in your universe, but if he is going to be recurring I am so interested to see what you do with him — i eat up my crumbs wherever i can get them

I am waiting with bated breath to see what comes of all the characters, but there’s one handsome little guy in particular that I cannot get out of my mind — Akamaru! I hope my favorite doggy is doing ok in all of this mess, though with Kiba in the state he’s in, I assume all is not well.

One thing I cannot stress enough is how much your mental health matters to readers like me. I really appreciate you taking the time you need in between and outside writing, as well as sharing your experiences with burnout!

The BtB-verse has truly been such a gift and something I will never stop coming back to — even after the last update (whenever that may be, scary thought).

Hope all is well on your end!

@rosebudddyy 😍 AW! So awesome to hear from you! I'm absolutely thrilled to get your kind feedback and thoughts! 🙏🏼

As a long-time Hiashi hater, I did not expect to feel for him so hard this latest chapter. And the scene where little Hiashi finds his father in a.. precarious situation while looking for his SICK mother — oof, poor kid!

That scene was tough to envision. Getting into Hiashi's headspace is always interesting and intense territory, to say nothing of his heartspace...💔

Also I have a bit of an obsession with Tokuma Hyuga so I was so excited to see him sprinkled throughout the chapter. Not sure how much, if at all, his character will be utilized in your universe, but if he is going to be recurring I am so interested to see what you do with him — i eat up my crumbs wherever i can get them

Oh awesome! Tokuma! I'm glad you enjoyed his mention. I honestly have no idea sometimes which characters are going to make a cameo appearance, or whether they will occupy a bigger part of the stage - so its possible? I never say never now.

I am waiting with bated breath to see what comes of all the characters, but there’s one handsome little guy in particular that I cannot get out of my mind — Akamaru! I hope my favorite doggy is doing ok in all of this mess, though with Kiba in the state he’s in, I assume all is not well.

😢Argh, yes...Akamaru. That was a hella messy fight. Hopefully he'll make an appearance soon!

One thing I cannot stress enough is how much your mental health matters to readers like me. I really appreciate you taking the time you need in between and outside writing, as well as sharing your experiences with burnout!

That's incredibly kind of you, sweetheart. Thank you. 💖🥹 I hope my two cents of the burnout experience can help others who might be going through it. The world seems to have gone to hell in a handbasket at the moment and a lot of people are in overwhelm and running off fumes.

The BtB-verse has truly been such a gift and something I will never stop coming back to — even after the last update (whenever that may be, scary thought).

I'm so grateful to hear this and so thankful that BtB-verse is something that you revisit. That's why I'm doubtly thankful and so damned appreciative of the readers who take the time to connect with me and share their thoughts/feels/feedback etc. Given the burnout, that's the only motivation I've got to keep going with this. It's thanks to the kind reviewers and commentors such as yourself that the sense of community and connection (and the reader-writer-feedback-loop) remains and sustains my ability to 'keep on keeping on' with HHU, otherwise I'll lose steam. You're amazing and throughly appreciated. 🥰

I hope you're well, sweetie. 🫶🏼 A thousand thanks again!

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne! 😘 This is a no-pressure ASK so don’t worry if you don’t want to answer! Also please don’t see this as pressure for you to write (and appease this lurker lol) but only as interest 🧡. Even if you never write more for BtB/HHU, when u said u had the plot worked out I had to ask b/coz I have no self control (ha ADHD FTW!) and my btb headcanons are screaming for info. Was so psyched about Naru & Sas, any more new / POV characters u had planned on appearing/writing? Mwah! 💋 Lovings!

Hi Anon! Thank you for your ASK and your curiosity🥹 You sweet people who show interest are helping heal the third degree burns on my writer’s spirit from burnout. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏼 Thank you. You’re all just so awesome 🫶🏼

Thank you also for the no-pressure caveat. I truly appreciate that understanding 💜

[…] when u said u had the plot worked out I had to ask b/coz I have no self control (ha ADHD FTW!) and my btb headcanons are screaming for info.

🤣😂 Love this. Well I’ve got it worked out insofar as I usually do (the big plot points) with huge wiggle room for surprises and shifts…I’ve already had a few and that’s only from 8 chapters 😧 Writing certain characters always throws such delightful or disturbing curveballs!

Was so psyched about Naru & Sas,

Ah yay! 😮‍💨 I’m chuffed you’re happy to see Sasuke and Naruto as MCs. Being in their headspace is very interesting, challenging, and humbling. And as always I hope to do them justice 🙏🏼 with narrative license within the BtB world. So thank you for the thumbs up! 👍🏼

any more new / POV characters u had planned on appearing/writing?

Oh, ho, ho! It’s gif time. I have no self-control either in this realm 😆 Not sure if they’ll all be in POV capacity but some may very well be.

Characters lined up:

Possibly others? That’s where the wiggle room comes in. Others may pop up. Or pop in. Not sure these next ones class as new but they’re in there:

Again, possibly more. Other Hyūga members too…ah, and then there’s the OG Konoha 11 chūnin that’ll be popping up 🥰 Unresolved issues abound! Especially for Tenten, Lee, and of course Ino & Kiba…Chōji 😢…Hinata…Sakura (re: Sasuke)…it’s a messy aftermath…

Thanks again, Anon for your interest and your understanding 💜

[okamirayne]

Rayyyyyneee my heart can’t take it💔 HHU FEELS. ShikaNeji, KakaGen and now KibaIno!!! *dead* Aaaah, will Kiba and Ino reconcile!? I love their dynamic, it’s intense in its own way, you know? Will he forgive her!? Aaaa!!! *FEELS*

Aww, luv…💜

[…] Aaaah, will Kiba and Ino reconcile!? I love their dynamic, it’s intense in its own way, you know? Will he forgive her!?

Aiyo, that is indeed the burning question, Anon. Ino has put him through the wringer….

And yet…

…❤️‍🩹

Thank you for all the enthusiasm for this pairing and the other ones too, my lovely!!! 💜

[okamirayne]

I was wondering what the timeline for the BtB series was? I know BtB has a two month time jump between the first chapter and the Hanegakure mission which was four or five (I think) days and the start of OtC was two weeks after Neji left again but I'm kinda unclear about the rest of it and the inbetween.

Hey there, Anon!

Thanks for your patience as I get round to responding to ASKs. 🙏🏼

Let me see if I can try to clarify the timeline. Bear with me, as it was quite a while ago.

Requiem takes place about a couple of weeks after OtC. As the hint of Hidan and Kakuzu’s imminent arrival (and Asuma’s death) is hinted as fast approaching at the end of OtC.

Requiem itself is set 2 days after Hidan and Kakuzu’s defeat.

UtS comes along relatively fast after these events, about a week later.

Then there is a relatively large gap…during this period is where Shikamaru and Neji’s relationship deepened into a sustainable bond. Also Kiba and Ino’s. And Genma and Kakashi’s.

HHU is set post-war. Approximately 4 months later. Lots of crap has gone down since the war. Tsunade is still Hokage, though Kakashi is next in line. Sasuke has not been pardoned. I’ve taken creative liberty by introducing a “chakra sickness” that’s affecting many shinobi after the Infinite Tsukuyomi. In Shikamaru’s case, said sickness has turned into something far more sinister. That’s where it currently stands. I hope this clears up any confusion! 😊

[okamirayne]

I love btb cause yes I live for the ShikaNeji content but, I personally am not a fan of SasuNaru and I sometimes like Sasusaku.

People may agrue that Sasuke tried to kill Sakura but he did the Same to Naruto. I guess sometimes Tumblr ruins some ships for me because I personally used to like Sasunaru before Tumblr. But I also don't like Sasusaku on occasions because of Kishimoto. He made them end up together but made their first date 1 fucking minute and instead of animating Sakura hidden or Sasuke hidden. To give more insight on the couple like shikamaru hidden. He just left it as a book. I swear sometimes i just hear the name kishimoto and I wanna face palm.

I also love the way you write KibaIno because it is just so sweet that it makes my heart melt they way Kiba is so protective over her like so cute. But ShikaNeji just gives me fireworks.

Hey there, Anon!

Thanks for your message! Ah yes, the various ships and where and why they sometimes run aground for us...

Big love for Kishimoto for creating such a wonderful series in its strengths, but yes, I feel you supremely where the weaknesses in character development are concerned -- specifically with the women and the romance (though I appreciate that's not his genre-target -- that said, if you ARE going to do it, please do right by the poor characters...I just want to weep for Hinata sometimes).

I also love the way you write KibaIno because it is just so sweet that it makes my heart melt they way Kiba is so protective over her like so cute.

Daww! Thank you, lovely. They are wonderful to write. Kiba, yes...protective and besotted he is indeed...

...though sometimes he wants to take his stormy wildcat by the throat.

But theirs is a special match.

But ShikaNeji just gives me fireworks.

Well hell, I'll toast to that, Anon. ^_^

[okamirayne]

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to hear my late night thoughts again?

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

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

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

[okamirayne]

Omg so was thinking...what’s Kiba’s reaction to Sasuke likely to be if/when he’s released in BtB!? I mean we know how he feels about Genma right now but zomg, our Uchiha??? Aah!!! Hurt me harder!! Haaa! My brain has so many questions Rayne 😭😭😭!!! TY!!

Hey Anon! 😆

Ooh...great question...well given how uh, feral, Kiba is right now?

Yeah, don’t expect any warm fuzzies from our dog-nin. Sasuke hasn’t got many fans fighting his corner bar Kakashi and his old team.

Hurt me harder!!!

Ha! Oh you saucy thing, you. Don’t get my sadistic muse all riled up now.

My brain has so many questions, Rayne

Mine too, luv. Mine too. That’s the problem...stories never truly end...

[okamirayne]

Hey, two questions: 1) if you do get back into the BtB universe to tackle Neji's return, do you think that would be a longer venture or a oneshot/series of oneshots? 2) Would said venture feature the other pairings you've put forward/maybe would have put forward or would it bend toward what the official pairings are (ex. Ino/Kiba vs Ino/Sai)? Bonus question: Would Hibari/Sakura have been endgame? Also: Your stories are so incredible and I reread them all the time!

Hey there, Anon!

1) if you do get back into the BtB universe to tackle Neji's return, do you think that would be a longer venture or a oneshot/series of oneshots?

That is...so painfully hard to answer...given my tendency towards LONG-ASS stories...and my keen awareness of how much time, blood, sweat and briny tears would be involved if I were to indulge said long-assed-ness....I’d have to really think about that one...

2) Would said venture feature the other pairings you've put forward/maybe would have put forward or would it bend toward what the official pairings are (ex. Ino/Kiba vs Ino/Sai)?

Bonus question: Would Hibari/Sakura have been endgame?

Lastly - Thank You so much for taking the time out to leave these questions and for the sweet support!

[okamirayne]

Hey! I read in one of your posts that some characters in BtB got some of their quirks and stuff from your OCs. Like Genma etc. were there any other little bits that were inspired by your OCs? Hope the original wrks are going well! x

Hey there, Anon!

Thanks for the well-wishes regarding my original works. Slow and steady wins the race…I hope!

[..] were there any other little bits that were inspired by your OCs?

Yes, indeed. Kiba calling Naruto “lovebird” is actually one such example. I have an original character who obnoxiously calls a comrade that. While the context for the “petname/insult” is different, I couldn’t resist the temptation to throw that into BtB in lieu of creating another Hanegakure character.

The Naoki-Karibi-Genma trine is based off three original characters - at least insofar as their dynamic. Naturally when writing BtB I took/take on the existing dimensions of the canon characters by researching as much about them as possible and mostly sticking true to their original form (at least as closely as possible with a lot of leeway for adding layers, changing sexual preferences, developing their character arcs and backstory etc.)

Other than the odd quirks, characters such as Mizugumo, Katsu, the Nagu, Nogusa, Shuken & Kali, the Bankon Council and all Tsubasa characters in BtB etc. are drawn directly from my original works creations - just very watered down and altered to fit the BtB fanfic and not distract too much from the story.

Thanks for the question, luv!