#genkai gives advice.

[gallusrostromegalus]

i'm crying laughing about genkai kenpachi but also i am now dying to know if any other characters of yuyu hakusho fame managed to sneak their way into aeiwam, even if only in the worldbuilding

Yusuke Urameshi has for real burnt through his psychic abilites no for real not even a tingle in his fingers he swears, but he does run the late-night Curry shop the Karakura Kids sometimes end up at. Keigo and Mizuiro spend the most time there, and the craic is terrific, but he's got a soft spot for that Ichigo kid who comes in sometimes, late at night when he's been out chasing ghosts or had another fight with his dad. He reminds Yusuke of Hiei in a way- Ichigo swaggers and growls like a delinquent, but nothing pisses him off quite like bullies who pick on people who can't fight back.

Ichigo likes him too- He can tell that Urameshi guy all about the weird ghosts and fucked up monsters and how ANGRY he gets with his father sometimes, and the guy just nods and sometimes has good advice about where to lose his pursuers if he's being chased, or odd places where lost spirits end up. Urameshi grew up constantly getting in fights and seeing shit he shouldn't too, and always gives him free drinks.

They like each other well enough, but aren't much more than acquaintances.

Kazuma Kuwabara is one of the interns on the verge of becoming a resident at Karakura Hospital, NO, He's NOT going to be replacement Spirit Detective, I'M A DOCTOR, but sometimes he does hang out in the cafeteria with the kid of his attending physician- Uryuu reminds him of Kurama- intelligent, articulate, a bit of a prettyboy and Kuwabara is sure that the kid is secretly armed. He's easy to get along with- Kuwabara just asks him what he's working one, and then shuts up so he can learn something new.

Uryuu hates waiting in the hospital for his dad to get off shift to drive him home. His father's inner ear has been damaged when he lost his Quincy powers and he was still prone to sudden-onset vertigo, it's not severe enough to get fired from the hospital, but enough that the DMV won't issue him a driver's license, and so most days Uryuu drives him to and from work. But sometimes Kazuma is in the cafeteria, and he's going to make a terrific pediatrician or emergency room doctor someday. The big guy always manages to be in a cheerful and contagious mood, and actually listens to him. Uryuu estimates that Dr. Kuwabara has a better knowledge of what he's been studying, who his friends are, his latest fashion designs and his life in general than his actual father does.

They like each other well enough, but aren't much more than acquaintances.

[holly-natnicole]

It woulda been so awesome if Sakura had fought Rokku in the Chūnin Selection Exams she participated in during the timeskip between Parts I & II!! 14-year-old Sakura would be advanced at taijutsu, but not quite as awesome as in Part II yet; which would mean 15-year-old Rokku still is better than her at it. But she does know chakra-enhanced strength thus hitting harder & thanks to Tsunade's evasion lessons improved her speed, so Sakura at least would give Rokku a good battle and – even if she loses (Sakura is smart, so she might figure out a brilliant strategy that lets her win) – she'd do better against him than her tie with Ino when the girls were 13 years old. And, after the fight scene, they could hang out as friends (maybe Rokku gets over his crush on Sakura quickly in the months after they 1st met during canon when Sakura was age 12-13 and Rokku age 13-14) and talk to each other 'bout how both of them have grown as ninja through working hard (others do too, but these 2 have no ninja clan to give 'em advice and/or a kekkei genkai; they only have Tsunade & Shizune and Gai respectively).

Maybe, a year later, Rokku calls out Sakura for her self-sacrificial tendencies coz his canon character growth included learning that he shouldn't harm himself for the sake of proving his worth to make his insecurity shut up (Sakura is insecure in herself, fearing her skills won't ever be good enough). And then another year later she after the 4th Ninja World War apologises to him, coz she had ignored his advice from after her & Chiyo's fight with Sasori to rush recklessly towards Madara for the sake of providing a distraction so that Naruto & Sasuke could attack him. Then they hug, happy the other survived the war.

...I just think they coulda been good friends simply with a couple more scenes added to the manga. It woulda been nice to see!!

[oddmawd]

big thanks to The Youkai Cafe discord for the fun questions about our OCs, with this question coming from @jadebrightwind...thought it might be fun to share my answers on tumblr!

ANSWER #1: Rei travels back in time to her own childhood

Rei lost her parents at a young age. Her aunt (her only living family) was supposed to take her in, but she declined, leaving Rei adrift. If Rei went back in time to an era in which they were all alive, perhaps back to Rei's childhood, I can absolutely see her befriending her aunt and parents with three goals in mind.

The first goal is to say goodbye to her parents. To spend time with them, really bask in their presence, because she doesn't have a chance in her current timeline.

The second goal is to understand her aunt better, in hopes of soothing some of the hurt still lingering from her aunt's betrayal/abandonment. She'd befriend her aunt and try to get to know her. Maybe even change her mind about why she abandoned Rei. But time is fixed, supposedly, so Rei has little hope of pulling that off.

The third goal (and perhaps the most important one) is to tell her younger self that everything will be OK. She wants to give her younger self the advice she'll need to make it through the next few years--the advice Rei was never given but could have used in a crucial formative moment.

ANSWER #2: Rei travels to Himiko's time period (AKA the Yayoi Period)

As we've learned in The Sight Unseen, Rei has an ancestor who was an ancient warrior queen, shaman, and psychic. This woman (Himiko, whose soul is currently sealed inside an ancient mirror) is the supernatural source from whom Rei draws her powers.

If Rei got sent back in time to Himiko's time period, I can absolutely see her tracking down her ancestor, kicking in the palace doors, and demanding A TRAINING ARC.

"Hey Grandma, you would not B E L I E V E the bullshit I'm going through in a few thousand years, so BUCKLE THE FUCK UP, you're my sensei until this time travel bullshit resolves itself! Eye of the tiger, lady! Let's fuckin' goooo!"

Cue the training montage set to a backdrop of shakuhachi flute and shamisen music. Let it be known Himiko would make Genkai's training camp look like a preschool.

ANSWER #3: The Roaring 20s

Because the first answer was so goddamn depressing, here's another "fun" answer to lighten the mood of this post: Rei would head to 1920s America so she could attend a bunch of parties and learn the period-accurate dance moves (and also make out with a few mobsters just for the fun of it).

THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! As always, you can read The Sight Unseen on AO3. Click Here!

[sleetsong]

This enemy was far too strong, although it was thanks to an old bout with Toguro that inspired an idea in Yusuke. He needed to sacrifice himself to give his friends the rush in power that they needed to take this man down..at least then this world would be safe. Safe for his mother who loves him, Genkai that save him direction, Keiko for her kindness and friendship and then Ami..someone that surprised him more than anyone, a friendship that he truly wanted to see if it would turn into something more. Before Sensui delivered the final blow against him his eyes found Ami's as they arrived in time to see Yusuke be struck down. His lifeless body was on the floor, breathless and completely silent.

                                   SHE HAD TO HURRY! How could he rush off alone! Ami was willing to handle & deal with alot when it came to Yusuke. The fight against HUMANS & YOKAI alike, having to witness the CARNAGE that was the Dark Tournament & somehow, someway keeping hold of her own mental sanity & becoming a cheerleader for Yusuke & all of team Urameshi as whole; helping whenever she could after fights with her own medical knowledge for the humans of the group while also going over strategies for fights given the fact that in her own group, she was the TACTITIAN. She never pushed her ideas, only gave advice while helping to keep both Kuwabara & Yusuke walking. Services was offered to both Kurama & Hiei as well, but only Kurama took the senshi up on it when needed. 

                                     & when she finally had to CONFESS to the other senshi who couldn't understand why Ami was spending so much time with someone who was the opposite of her, just WHY & how they were interconnected with the Yokai, with even some of them having dark moons on their heads, the consensus was clear. If NEEDED they too will answer the call. Hence why all five of them ran through that cave with Ami at the helm having a read on the large amounts of spiritual energy. 

             ALMOST THERE--WE'RE COMING! HANG ON!

                                    Being just close was not enough. The girls tried, they really did & had their own run in with Yokai instructed to keep out anymore intruders. They were SCRAPPED, BLOODIED, TIRED YET STILL PRESSED ON. The light from where they needed to be got closer & closer with the sounds of battle to accompany it. Her heart paced faster than her feet just knowing they were closing in & then, they did. They got there....just in time to watch him die. Their eyes locked as if a non-verbal apology between them was said.

                                   𝑰'𝑴 𝑺𝑶𝑹𝑹𝒀.

                                   Her eyes were wide. The world stopped. Everything was muted. All she could see with the LIFE ENDING WOUND in his body & eyes that held such a fire in them...go out. They were out. Blank. Knowing what they both do the topic of death came up between them many a time & Ami always found herself unable to keep up with the MORBID conversation.

                       '𝑊𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜 𝑖𝑓 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑑?'

                                        Ami could never answer him for the question would cause her to CONFRONT how she felt for him. It force to her to ADMIT there was more than friendship there & the FEAR of acknowledging that was too much. She could never answer. & now, here it was, in front of her, & she had to answer. 'What would you do if I died?' Her being stiffed. Her tears feel. The sign of mercury BLAZED on her forehead & the soilder had her answer.

                              SHATTER.

                            ❝ 𝒀𝑼𝑺𝑼𝑲𝑬  !   !  !  !  !  !  !  !  ❞

[thuganomxcs]

🎁hmm pre! 3 year skip?

yusuke's thought on your presents / accepting

"You'd definitely be the type who'd get gifts from everyone..but I think you might like mine more than theirs, see the gift I'd give you one of those traditional japanese combs." He remembered Genkai telling him that a gift like that specifically is a personal gift, and a comb is also something she would be using daily so it's also practical. He could only hope the advice she gave him winds up to be usefull.

[kankuroplease]

That latest ask ( who would Katsura be happiest with) got me thinking about who you prefer Yuuta with, Hanabi or TenTen?

I have no true preference for Yuuta. Why? It’s simple, he wasn’t made with shipping in mind.

The traumatic experience of his first loves death shaped him into a person that pushes others away when they get too close, but also seeks the company of others because he can’t stand to be alone with his thoughts. Ultimately leaving him feeling hollow still.

Then you throw in the fact that he’s half Kaguya and his mother didn’t report that to the village. Passing him off as his dad’s (adoptive father’s) and even attempted to hide that from Yuuta himself. He’s having to live a secret + being told to hold back just in case he has the Kaguya kekkei genkai. It’s not easy for him to trust others because of the “what if’s” and his own self hatred.

So yeah, no preference. Both of those ships would make Yuuta experience emotions he never thought he would feel again after his boyfriend’s death and have him feeling closer to someone other than Ino. Even though Ino would still have to give him relationship advice/tell him not to seek Mihana out in the middle of the night as newborn just to visit her and Sai.

[rhaenyraslaena]

A Song of Mist and Blood

Chapter II: Adjustments

Available Here: AO3

Haku’s touch of the fresh, cooling waters that make up the lake of the small, nearly insignificant island is nearly tender – as if they would bring harm to the environment that is around them. Thick pines, dominating cedars, and a collection of seemingly endless trees provide protection enough from the world outside – shades of dark verdant and forest greens give shade to the clearing around the lake. Though in the midst of this brightly clouded day and the thickly wooded forest, the pale light of the sun peeks through any gap that there may be.

He has long worked in the darkness of the night – this is light enough even with the development of new techniques in the utilization of his kekkei genkai.

His dark hued eyes gaze over the scroll that Zabuza had pressed into his hands with his curt instructions to follow the advice that Fuurin had written into the scroll, as he would hunt for their meal for their final night upon this island. It is time enough that has been spent upon Kumori Island, for very soon it would be necessary for them to make their way to the so-called mainland of the Five Great Shinobi Countries – where they would be traveling beyond the borders of the peninsula into the southernmost area of the Land of Fire.

[kazimakuwabara]

The Right Path

Summary: Kuwabara thinks about his choices and path in life in Genkai’s forest.

****

He had never thought himself a spiritual wandering type, yet here he was.

In the middle of Genkai’s forest... “seeking guidance”... he supposed.

“Oh this is stupid... this is so stupid. What am I looking for?” Kuwabara muttered to himself wiping some sweat from his brow.

His friends had left him--well not really left him. But they weren’t here. On the human realm. At this time.... and Kuwabara was here... alone.

Kuwabara groaned as his mind began to take a pity-spiral, and he stopped walking, allowing himself a break. He really didn’t know what he was doing here or even where he was going anyway. 

Sitting against a thick tree, that seemed purple in hue and radiated with a strange power, Kuwabara looked around. Years ago, he and Urameshi had run through here, Kuwabara using his spiritual awareness to guide him safely out. Yusuke had gotten stuck where he had to fight some crazy Man-bat. Baltok. Borvok. Baldok. Ballsack... something like that.

When Yusuke came out of the forest, the pair had hugged, before breaking apart embarrassed at their own actions. When they parted after Yusuke won the tournament, it was with an unsaid understanding that the pair were for real, and for true friends.

Strangely, Kuwabara felt it all started for him here, which wasn’t true. And yet... for Kuwabara, running through this forest felt like it had been choosing to run down a path that would lead him to follow Yusuke. Which would lead him to Botan. Which then lead to Kurama and Hiei. Then Yukina. And then all the rest, all tumbling after each other.

All the friends, enemies, and people that were important in his life, Kuwabara met them by deciding to run through this forest. And why had he done that? 

Because Yusuke Urameshi did it, and he took Yusuke doing it as a challenge.

Where would he be if he had taken Yusuke’s advice and left the shrine that day? If he had tried to seek Genkai another day to help him with his budding spiritual powers... well...

“Well, I wouldn’t be back here years later, brooding because I miss my friends!” Kuwabara snorted aloud, chuckling momentarily to himself.

And that was true. He wouldn’t be here now. Who knows where he would be now. Hell, who knows where his friends would be. Maybe Rando would have won the tournament, and Yusuke would be...

Kuwabara shook his head, no he didn’t like that chain of thought.

���What am I doing?” Kuwabara muttered, sighing loudly.

“I was hoping you’d tell me that Kazuma,” a familiar voice startled Kuwabara.

His head snapped up, and he looked up seeing Genkai about a yard away, slowly approaching him with a lantern in her hand. She smiled, just a little bit at Kuwabara, a withered brow arched into her graying hairline, “You’ve already conquered this place, so why are you back?”

Kuwabara smiled, “I conquered it?”

“You managed through it... and look. You even sit in the center, your own abilities making the things that haunt this forest too afraid to approach you. The scariest thing in this forest right now is you Kuwabara,” Genkai said, standing in front of Kuwabara.

“Huh. Is that why nothing has jumped out at me?” Kuwabara mused, puffing a strand of hair out of his face as he looked around.

“Not even this tree, which has the ability to crush those in its vines, has dared to even reach out for you. You’re too strong,” Genkai said.

“But not enough,” Kuwabara sighed, cringing at his own bitter tone.

“Is this about your friends leaving?” Genkai asked sitting down across from Kuwabara, groaning as her bones ached, “Or is this about you choosing to go on to school?”

“...A little of both I think,” Kuwabara sighed shrugging, not quite able to meet Genkai’s eye. “Even if... if Yusuke or the others had taken me to the Makai... I don’t think... I don’t think I fight like them.”

“In what way do you mean?” Genkai asked, her voice remaining level and calm.

“I don’t think... we keep having close calls. And... meeting people...” Kuwabara fumbled for the words. He slowly stopped, and then sighed long and slow. “We keep meeting people who... are fighting for their lives. Fighting to end something or start something... I miss the days when... when I just fought because I wanted to. Fought because it was fun. I miss... Urameshi’s arrogant laugh and smile. Things have changed since the Dark Tournament. Since Sensui. And will change again when they get back I imagine. I don’t know if I like how... serious fighting has become.”

“Kazuma Kuwabara, the warrior with a heart of gold,” Genkai said, voice full of affection and gentle understanding. “You’ve gone from an innocent young man to one who has seen many things. Not all good... not all bad. How can someone not be changed by that? Do you regret your changes?”

Kuwabara shrugged, “No... maybe. Maybe I regret that I’m... not moving forward with them. I’m here. They’re fighting in a fight that has nothing to do with me, but even if I could help... I don’t know if I would anymore. I don’t want to fight, and it feel like a struggle for my life or someone else’s life... I want fighting to be... fun again.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that being your truth Kuwabara,” Genkai said honestly, “When I was younger the Dark Tournament changed me. I lost my friends, my lover... and I came here to... figure out where I stood again. You are not the first or the last person who finds themselves diverting from a path they had once loved.”

“I’d like to enjoy fighting again,” Kuwabara muttered quietly, his brow furrowing, “I... this is dumb. But I thought coming back here... I would find a way to enjoy it again.”

“I think in time you will,” Genkai said, her voice earnest and knowing, “I think when your friends are back, you’ll find fighting for them and with them, and this is what makes you happy. Running off headlong into suffering and life and death situations... sure you are willing to help, but that’s not for you. And there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ve done a lot Kazuma... there is no need to do more. Do what you can.”

Kuwabara remained silent his face full of uncertainties.

“I know another way for you to help heal your restless heart, and wandering spirit... but it will take time,” Genkai said voice stern.

“Yeah?”

“Yes. Help this old woman up, and let’s go back to the Shrine. I’ll make some teas and snacks... and we can talk about how you’re feeling emotion-NOW! Don’t make that face!” Genkai’s warmth faded quickly into scolding as Kuwabara began to scowl.

She waved at Kuwabara, “Come on now. Talking it out is good for you. Good for anyone. We need to help you compartmentalize. And you can keep this old lonely woman company. I have no one to pick on without Yusuke’s constant visits.”

Kuwabara sighed, a scowl still on his face, but he got up and gently helped Genkai to her feet. She took his offered arm as she righted herself, and then with a firm hand on his bicep, held Kuwabara still until he looked her in the eyes.

“There is nothing wrong with being kind Kazuma, you can be brave, noble, and good... all without seeing a fight. You’re a good young man Kazuma... please don’t forget that.” Genkai said, gently patting Kuwabara’s face.

He smiled, the effort of it a touched force, but a little more sincere. 

Gently she tugged Kuwabara, back towards her shrine, gently asking questions about his classes, and how he was doing. Hoping that she, with all her experiences, could help put Kuwabara back on the path he wanted.

[the-masked-ram]

False Immunity- Part Two

CW: Fem Reader, sfw ---

The first time Hiei met you wasn’t exactly a ‘demon meets potential mate’ experience. He could say it could have gone better, especially since it had included him saving your life from particularly vicious demonic parasite. Yusuke had brought you to Genkai’s temple, practically falling over himself from fear of Keiko’s hand. Hiei had to admit he appreciated the detective’s woman currently. The fire demon had been trying to force himself to give you space after the fox had found out about his fixation. At least Kurama merely offered quiet advice, though he always had a smug smirk at the same time. Currently, Hiei was certain if he had stayed with you, it would never have gotten this bad. Your lips had lost all color, tinged now a pale blue, and your breathing was a harsh, shallow gasp. The creature wrapped around your torso, sinking its teeth deep withing your annoyingly fragile human chest, was something that wouldn’t normally enrage him this much, but he honestly could barely hold back from slicing it in two. The only reason he hesitated was because he knew the lore of this demon, he knew how it fed and that if he killed it when it was attached to you it would pump you full of toxins. His entire body thrummed with anger, “How did this happen!? How could you let this happen?!” He was a snarling savage beast, something he hadn’t been since too young to know any better. His desire to punch the detective square in the nose was rising and he felt his fingers curling into a fist at his side. “Hiei, please, now is not the time,” Kurama said, leaning over your prone form with help from the old woman. The fire apparition gnashed his teeth, but instead forced himself to relax his hand and pace instead as he cast furtive glances at you. “What’s his issue?” Yusuke asked, the ever-oblivious idiot. “Hiei is somewhat attached to your friend,” Kurama murmured thoughtlessly, focused entirely on task at hand. “Fox, I swear,” Hiei hissed. “It would come out eventually,” Kurama said, sparing him a momentary glance before he walked towards the hallway. “I need to borrow a book, Genkai.” She nodded, “Of course.” “You?” Yusuke said incredulously, finally seeming to understand what Kurama had said after thinking it over for a few seconds. “You like…?” He looked over at you, where you gasped and fought for your life, he winced and seemed to realize the new revelation was not as important as he seemed to think it was. Keiko had been hovering until Genkai asked her to make some tea. She eagerly jumped to the task, seeming relieved to have something to do. “Idiot,” Hiei growled, and immediately moved to the empty spot at your side, his impossibly red eyes flicking over every inch of you until he reached out hesitantly and touched your hand. He hated how cold it was. This wasn’t how your first meeting was supposed to go. He wasn’t even sure how he wanted it to happen, but he definitely wanted to touch you for the first time when you were awake, when you could smile and turn those bright eyes on him, and when your hand was warm and full of life.

[rayshippouuchiha]

Back to the Botan vs Danzo thing. Danzo knows that Botan is on to him, paper ninja are the WORST but also TOO good, so he tries to quietly assassinate Botan but through a comedy of errors Danzo gives up bc nothing can land a hit on this paper ninja. It's so frustrating that he considers a kekkai genkai but it's not, it's just absurd luck. Stepping out of the way or bending over to pick something up at the right moment, someone knocking over a poisoned drink/food, plus since this guy was a student of Orochimaru he has immunity to any poison that hits him. Danzo had to quit bc he felt like only a full frontal assault would kill Botan.

I also feel like Iruka is passively friends with them, mainly bc Iruka always seems to be at the tower when not at the academy. Iruka, who is passive-aggressive king, sees Kakashi fail at wooing and never tells Botan. Until it's just SUPER OBVIOUS, then it's painful and he has to (reluctantly) give Kakashi advice.

Thoughts?

Double if it just seems like absurd luck but in reality it's just Botan's much more skilled than Danzo's giving them credit for. They are, after all, a student of Orochimaru. They know all about subtle assassination attempts. But evidence takes time to gather so they'll just have to deal with it all.

Iruka and Botan have know each other in passing for a long time but don't become outright friends until after Botan's infamous chewing out of Kakashi. Then they're good casual friends right up until they both realize they adore Naruto and that helps them bond even more.

And Iruka's living his best life watching Kakashi flounder.

[nejibaby]

Memories

Pairing: Neji x Fem!Uchiha Reader

Summary: There are a lot of terrible things that have happened to you as an Uchiha that you wanted to forget. But with Neji’s help, you’re able to move on and move along. Things have started getting better for you, however, once the Fourth Shinobi War was declared, time seemed to start running out.

Word Count: 2.1k

Memories - Part 1 | Deja Vu - Part 2

A/N: I didn’t exactly follow the plot and somehow it turned so angsty 🙈 Please let me know your thoughts~

There are memories you hold so dear that you refuse to have them tainted no matter what. Most of those memories are of the times you spent playing or training with your brother Shishui, his best friend Itachi, and Itachi’s brother Sasuke. Those times were the golden days for you; the best of the best, if you may.

Conversely, there are also memories that you just wish would disappear. They’re the memories of incidents you wish didn’t happen at all. They’re the type of memories that you push at the back of your mind, because you believe that if you think about it or even spare a single second for it, then it’ll be more real. Because you’re in denial. You’re in denial not only about the death of Shisui, but also of the Uchiha clan.

But then there’s a single memory you have that always stands out. It’s a memory that you both want to forget and remember.

The tragedy of the Uchiha clan had changed the only survivors — you and Sasuke. You had already started changing a little because you had to deal with your brother’s death, but seeing the horrible scene in the clan’s district had been the icing on top.

Your drastic change had been evident on the day you came back to the Academy after you were discharged at the hospital. What once was a girl full of life had become an empty shell.

The moment you sat down entered the room, people had started talking. Mostly it’s just about asking someone else if you were an Uchiha or if they know about the clan’s misfortune. They were meaningless chatters so you easily drowned them out.

But there was a comment that had reached your ears. “Why is it such a big deal? People die anyway, it just so happened her clan died on the same day.”

The comment kept ringing inside your head but then someone beside you spoke up, “Don’t you have anything else better to do than talk about someone else’s life?”

He was met with silence so he continued saying, “People die everyday, it’s a fact. Some die because of illnesses, some because of old age, some because of poverty, accidents, or murder. As shinobi, we can die in the line of duty. But that doesn’t make death any less painful to the one left behind.

“If your family is alive, then good, but maybe use that brain of yours because logic says not everyone gets to be as lucky as you.”

Naturally, you want to forget about the unsolicited comment of your classmate, but you want to remember that among the students inside the room, one boy had stood up for you. Quite frankly, you needed his saving that day. Otherwise, you would’ve beaten yourself up for mourning too long.

And when you realized who that boy was, his words weighed even more. Because Hyuga Neji was a boy notoriously known for thinking that everyone’s fate is predetermined from birth and that luck plays absolutely no part in it.

“Not everyone gets to be as lucky as you.”

And for a hot minute he had abandoned his belief as he stood up for you.

It sounds hypocritical if you think about it.

But maybe just as he had saved you, you had opened his eyes just a little bit and helped him see that his beliefs were skewed too. In a way, you had helped each other, at least you hoped.

It’s because of that day, that memory, that you find yourself gravitating towards Neji.

It isn’t attraction at all at first, more like genuine curiosity about him and his life. But you didn’t get to know him further until the Chunin exams where he had disclosed the way of their clan. It’s at that time where you understood why he acts the way he acts.

You can’t help but wonder about how two clans with almost similar circumstances— both with kekkei genkai, both living in Konoha, both considered to be one of the strongest clans in the shinobi world— could have completely different ways of living. One clan is almost completely annihilated, while the other has slaves of their own blood. And if you’re being completely honest, you aren’t exactly sure which is better.

You have gotten the urge to talk to him after hearing his story, although you really didn’t know what to say. But then the chance never came up because of the chaos orchestrated by Orochimaru.

After the Chunin exams and the attack of Orochimaru, you hadn’t heard of Neji for a while since you’ve been tasked to help with the repairs of the village. And when you did hear about him, it was terrible, terrible news.

Sasuke left the village to seek power from the very person who just wrecked havoc in Konoha. His leaving alone left you in despair. What Itachi was to Shisui is exactly what Sasuke means to you, and him doing such a thing without even letting you know makes you feel like a failure both as a friend and as a family.

The news didn’t end there, however. Apparently the squad that Shikamaru had led to retrieve Sasuke had been severely injured and were on the brink of death — one of them being Neji.

You remember feeling guilt and regret burning your skin. You remember the shame of not being able to save Sasuke from the darkness and not being able to help the retrieval squad in any way. You blame yourself for the horrible things that happened.

Since then, you have made it a point to visit the squad in the hospital every day, making sure you apologize and thank them for their service. But admittedly, it’s Neji that you always stay with longer.

It’s not that you aren’t comfortable with the others, they’re really nice and easy to get along with. But they always have other visitors with them, mostly their team members and relatives. Neji, on the other hand, didn’t get as many visits since his other teammate, Rock Lee, was also injured because of his fight with Gaara. So Tenten and Guy sensei would switch visits between the two every other day.

Besides that, his clan members rarely ever visited. And you didn’t want him to be alone in such trying moments, especially when you didn’t get to do anything to prevent this from happening.

As closed off as Neji is, because of your constant visits, you have found a way to worm yourself into the walls he put up. And by the time he’s discharged from the hospital, you somehow became close friends.

From that moment on, you find yourself coming to Neji on times that you’re in despair and in doubt. You trust him enough to tell him your stories, worries, and fears because he doesn’t judge you. And he does the same with you.

Neji listens when you want him to listen, and talks when you need him to talk. He’s quite level headed and very much rational, and because of that he gives the best advice.

With him, you find yourself healing and growing. With you, he finds himself learning to forgive.

Neji easily makes you see things in a different way; a different light; a different perspective, and helps you become a better shinobi and a better person in general.

For you, Neji has such a comforting aura. While he’s sometimes cold and stoic around others, with you, he softens up. With you, he’s gentle; careful even. And it’s because of this that you find yourself admiring him more and more.

But before anything could happen — before you could even confess — the Fourth Shinobi War was declared.

Just like that, time seemed to start running out. And you have lost all hopes of being together with Neji as a lover rather than a friend.

The war is awful. Quite frankly, it overwhelmed you too much, too easily. The bodies lying on the floor with dried out blood reminded you of the massacre of the Uchiha clan. But the only person who’s able to calm you down and help you move along is Neji.

The both of you fight side by side, always nearby Hinata in case she would need help. When the night comes and the enemies cease their attack, it’s your turn to talk Neji into relaxing a bit because he’s started straining his eyes from too much use. And because it’s you who asked and it’s you who’s there with him, he knows he and the rest of the Allied Forces are safe, so he rests.

But somehow chaos ensues and in the middle of it, you both get separated. You’re worried deeply, but you trust his skills and his strength, and you know you’ll be reuniting with him again.

And reunited with him you did. But when you have found him once again, he’s blocking out the Ten Tails’ attack with... his body.

With desperation, you transported to his side as quickly as you can. Summoning your last bits of chakra, you use Susanoo to protect him, Hinata, and Naruto. The last thing you remember is the look of relief on Neji’s face, but before it could morph into worry, you have already blacked out.

By the time you have woken up, you’re in Konoha’s hospital. The first thing you see is Neji resting his head on the side of your bed, peacefully sleeping, looking as angelic as ever.

Your body aches with every breath you take, even more so with little movement. But you didn’t let that deter you from weaving your fingers along the Hyuga’s hair. He stirs almost immediately and then he opens his pretty eyes. He sits up upon seeing you.

“I’m sorry, did I wake you up?” You softly ask.

He doesn’t respond to your question. “You’re awake,” he sighs in relief. “You’re finally awake. Let me go call Lady Tsunade and Sakura.” He stands up.

But before he can even take a step, you grab his wrist. “Stay,” you mumble.

Neji looks at you, reading your face. But then he nods and sits.

“Is it over?” You ask.

“Yes, the war’s over.”

“What happened after?”

“It’s a long story… but tell me, how are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling fine. My body aches, but it’s not a big deal.”

“What do you mean it’s not a big deal?!” Neji looks upset that it takes you by surprise. “Do you remember what happened? Didn’t you know you almost died?! You almost used up all your chakra to use Susanoo! That’s so stupid and reckless!”

His aggressive tone effectively gets you angry. “I did it for you!” You snap. “Of course I remember what happened! Even if I want to forget, the memory is branded in my mind! You fucking wanted to use your body to shield Naruto from that attack, didn’t you? How is that not stupid and reckless? Huh?”

Neji’s chakra flares up as he clenches his jaw. Yet, he doesn’t speak.

You breathe out, trying to calm down. You rarely ever fought with Neji and he’s never really raised his voice to you. With your body still tired and aching from the war, you didn’t want this conversation to escalate further so you try to diffuse the situation before it blows even more out of proportion.

In a low voice, you speak, “I was so scared, Neji. I didn’t want to lose you. I’ve lost everyone I’ve ever loved.”

A tear falls down from your eye and Neji’s heart breaks at your forlorn state. “I don’t want to lose you too. I can’t…” you squeak. “I love you so much, I can’t lose you.”

Neji’s breath hitches at your declaration. He could hear his heart drumming against his chest.

You love him?

He doesn’t know if he heard you right or if his mind is just playing tricks on him. It happened before. He’s loved you for so long… and there have been plenty of days he dreamt of hearing you say you love him too. And right now he isn’t sure if this is the reality or just another one of his dreams.

As if you’ve read his mind — like you always seem to be able to do — you repeat your words. “I love you, Neji.”

It’s the confirmation that he needs. And hearing your words knocked the wind out of him. “I… I…” he starts saying.

But you’ve taken his stuttering and his pale, panic-stricken face as a sign of an incoming rejection, so you look down instantly and say, “It’s fine if you don’t like me the same way. I just hope we can still be friends after—”

“No, I… I love you too,” he breathlessly confesses before you even finish your rambling.

Your head whips up after the words left his lips. You stare at him, unbelieving.

And just as you did a while ago, he repeats his words with conviction, “I love you too.”

A smile makes its way to your face, and when he smiles back, you immediately know this is a memory you won’t ever forget.

[ladykissingfish]

The Akatsuki as Parents

Obito

Was a bit reluctant when he found out he was going to be a daddy ... at first. Not because he didn’t want kids ((he really did)), but because he severely doubted his own ability to be a father. But the second he holds the baby in his arms, he’s hooked. He will be so eagerly helpful and hands-on that during the child’s infancy, the other parent will rarely have to lift a finger. Diapers need changing? Obito’s on it. Baby needs to be fed at 2am? Obito’s already out of bed and warming formula on the stove. Rash? Fever? A cough? Obito is consulting every doctor within a 20 mile radius on what to do. Note that Obito is a hard-core traditionalist and, if he isn’t married to the child’s other parent before he gets them pregnant, he’ll be persistent about doing so before the kid is born. Sobs the first time his child calls him “papa”. As the child grows older, Obito will be a tireless teacher and mentor, and you better believe that the kid will know every facet of what was once the Uchiha clan. Sharingan training is a bit nerve-wracking for Dad, because while he wants his child to grow strong, he knows the power of the eye is a deadly one, and doesn’t like to see his son/daughter get hurt. Is the type to be a bit more strict with his sons than with daughters, in fact being a complete pushover for anything his little girl(s) wants. Very, VERY likely to insist a girl be named Nohara. Also the type to sneak and let his kid eat lots of sweets (like Obito himself does) before meals, much to the other parent’s chagrin. Also involves the other Akatsuki members as uncles/aunt in the kid’s life, especially Itachi and Sasuke as he wants the kid to be exposed to members of the family more often.

Hidan

The literal first words out of his mouth are “pregnant? Why the hell didn’t you make me wear a condom?!” Takes a long time to warm up to the idea of parenthood, but once he does, he’s surprisingly better at it than anyone would anticipate. He tends to be very fast-paced in his body movements and not really used to being careful, so if he’s holding his infant it’s best to make him sit still in a chair first. Once the kid(s) is older, it’s better, because Hidan’s energy levels will match (and overshadow) even the liveliest of children. It will be a big point of contention between Hidan and his co-parent on whether or not to introduce their kid to Jashinism, and Hidan will eventually promise to wait until the child is an adult to start talking about “all that shit”; although Hidan’s idea of adulthood seems to be when the kid is old enough to use a kunai. Puts a startling amount of emphasis on his kid getting a good education, and will be sure to send him or her to the best village school that he possibly can. The reason behind this is because Hidan himself had a poor education growing up, and is in fact barely able to read or do basic math; and he says over and over that his kid “isn’t gonna be some dumbass like his/her father”.

Kakuzu

Nearly faints when told he’s going to be a father. Will immediately get out a calculator and start figuring out expenses like diapers, food, toys, education ... is so preoccupied that he ends up neglecting the person who carries his child, causing them to go off on their own expecting to be a single parent. Oddly, it’s Hidan who sets the old guy straight. He stays on his case and talks to him until the nonagenarian sees the error of his ways, and goes after the person having his baby. Kakuzu will be gentle with a baby, and show a surprising affinity for making up and singing lullabies. As the kid gets older, Kakuzu will be a bit more strict. “Food is expensive; you better eat every bite on your plate.” “A hole in your pants? No give them to me and I’ll mend them; buying new clothes is unnecessary.” His child will grow up knowing how to stretch a buck and budget money better than any other kid their age. Kakuzu isn’t really one for showing much warmth or affection, but there will be a few rare moments in his kid’s life where his father hugs him and tells him how proud he is of him. Kakuzu knows that the life of a shinobi is hard and therefore encourages his kid to pursue other career paths, such as opening up his/her own business.

Konan and Nagato

These two are so closely intertwined that they could only be parental mates to each other. When a baby comes into the picture, Nagato will still maintain his position as leader of the Akatsuki as Pein, but will insist that Konan quit. It’s for a practical purpose rather than a sentimental one; they both lost their collective parents to war, and Nagato always thought that if he had a child, he’d ensure that at least one parent would be around to always take care of him or her. Konan, however, will still keep in touch with all of the Akatsuki members, who will become very enthusiastic uncles to her child. She’s always been a good cook but with a child she’ll level up to professional chef caliber, creating dishes that are fun and healthy. Her child(ren) will be taught all of their mother’s paper jutsus, and Nagato will work to devise a way for the brightest one to get his rinnegan once he passes. The kids will primarily spend time with Nagato through Pein, and only be taken to meet their father when Konan feels they’re ready. Because Konan and Nagato had a childhood devoid of parental love, they’re often at a loss for how to be affectionate or sentimental, instead putting a lot of emphasis on “toughening” their kids up, so that they’re prepared to face the cruelties of the world. But the kids will know that mom and dad love them; it’s obvious in everything they say and do.

Deidara

Will be the fun, loving, yet highly irresponsible father. As soon as his kid is born he anxiously awaits to see if he or she inherits his explosion-release kekkei genkai; and if the kid DOES, he’s ecstatic. “Art is an explosion” won’t just be a saying in his household; it’ll be a way of life. The child will grow up given complete freedom to express his or her artistic tendencies, with Deidara highly praising any and every impact they make on the outside world. Yet despite being for artistic creativity, he’ll be (surprisingly) strongly against the child joining any kind of organization that’s like the Akatsuki; he regrets his own decision to join as he feels it out a horrible damper on his artistic expression and independence. Likes to tell his young children stories every night, which are actually just heavily edited and sanitized versions of his Akatsuki missions. Like Obito, will be a bit more of a pushover for a daughter than a son, and will love spending hours brushing and styling the beautiful long hair that the girl inherits from him. He’ll let any member of the Akatsuki around his kids except for Hidan (because he doesn’t want his foul language around the child).

Zetsu

There are people in this world who know for certain that their lives wouldn’t be fulfilled by having children, and Zetsu is one of these individuals. While wanting no offspring of his own, he IS rather a good “uncle” to the children of his fellow Akatsuki members ((although the majority of these kids are too terrified of his physical appearance to want to go anywhere near him until they’re at least teenagers)).

Sasori

A child would be hard-pressed to elicit any kind of emotional reaction from Sasori, as the man cleared himself of most feeling when he underwent his puppet transformation. However, one thing that he could never rid himself of, was his ability to love. Even if he has difficulty showing it, he loves his child and would do literally anything to help or protect them. When the child is a baby, Sasori will spend hours crafting tiny puppet-dolls for the kid to play with. As he grew up with a skilled medic grandmother, he possesses a wide knowledge of herbs and healing, which he will painstakingly pass on to his children. Not one to baby his children by any means, as he lives by the philosophy that the world is tough meaning you have to be tougher; however will offer advice, support, and encouragement on any issues that may be troubling his son/daughter. Early on he expresses a desire for his child to learn to be a master puppeteer like himself; however will be understanding if they choose to pursue a different path. Is very smart and naturally mistrustful of strangers, so will likely choose to educate his kids at home rather than send them to a village school. The type to seem more like a trusted mentor or an interesting uncle than an actual father; also the type to relate to his teen or adult children better than young kids.

Itachi

Itachi never feels like he deserves any of the good things in life, because of what he’s done, and therefore doesn’t know how to handle blessings that are given to him. A baby is the ultimate example of this. Itachi will feel as though any child of his would be better off not knowing him or being “exposed” to the cursed Uchiha bloodline, so at first he’ll make it a point to barely be around his baby ((even though this kills him inside)). Surprisingly, of all people, it’s Deidara who will talk him out of this mindset, telling him how important it is for a child to be around their father “even if he is a damned red-eyed weirdo”. Once Itachi allows himself to fully commit to parenthood, that’s it — he’ll be the best damned father in the universe. He’ll be warm and affectionate, especially liking to pick his kid up (no matter how old they are or how embarrassed it makes them) and squeeze them. He’s not much of a disciplinarian, believing that kids need to be able to make mistakes in order to grow from them. The only time he’ll ever get angry is when the child does something that could have resulted in a serious injury. Itachi’s intelligence has always been off the charts, and he utilizes this to help his kid be a spectacular student. In fact, as the kid gets older, they’ll start bringing his/her friends around the house in order to receive Itachi’s tutoring. Itachi’s brother Sasuke will adore his nephew/niece and come home more often simply to be with them. Also Kisame will come around practically every day, and the kid will grow up learning an impressive arsenal of water jutsus to compliment the traditional Uchiha fire jutsus.

Kisame

The tall, somewhat awkward father that scares all of his kid’s friends with his intimidating physical appearance ... until he opens his mouth and they hear a god-awful dad joke come out. Any child of Kisame’s is going to be part shark, and therefore have some affinity for being in/breathing under the water. Kisame’s favorite pastime will be taking his baby (and yes, I do mean baby, as he tends to start his kid on this when they’re young) out for long swims in the ocean. Kisame has always been self-conscious of his looks, so from the time the child is born he will spend a good deal of time teaching him or her to have self-confidence and love for him/herself. Like many of the others in the Akatsuki, Kisame never received much of a formal education, and therefore puts a lot of emphasis on his child going to a “normal” school and giving it their all when it comes to their studies. When the child proves him or herself physically capable, Kisame will start training with them on how to wield/control samehada, as well as fight with a variety of swords. It goes without saying that Itachi will be in Kisame’s kid’s life from the day they’re born, and be their favorite “uncle”.

[animeyanderelover]

You know what sounds like a interesting dynamic A-chan? Sasuke with a darling who's Orochimaru's Daughter (or more like favored/talented experimental clon baby of some sort XD). It may or may not also involve a platonic/parental!yandere Orochi. I am just really interested in what do you think such dynamic would be like and how it would go down.

That’s...that’s a great idea🤩!!

Tw: Yandere themes, unhealthy mindset, unhealthy relationship, obsessiveness, possessiveness, violence, manipulation

Sasuke’s darling is parental!Orochimaru’s favorite

🐍💙To go up in the ranks that far to make Orochimaru consider you as someone he favors you’ll have to possess either a kekkai genkai or a special jutsu that hardly anyone else can master. In short, you’ll have to be powerful and need to come willingly to him or else it’ll turn out less pleasant.

🐍💙If also possible you should hold some knowledge and also interest in experimenting with many things, maybe even humans because then your usefulness for him would only raise and you’ll be most likely made an assistant for him, similar to Kabuto and he’ll ask you from time to time if you can sort these papers out for him or can help Kabuto or even himself with a potion.

🐍💙The more useful you prove yourself to be, the more “attached” Orochimaru would become to you. And at one point you’ll reach the time where Orochimaru will have made up his mind that losing you would be “quite the problem” because you’ll be “so hard to replace”. Take this as a sign that he likes you and would be highly upset with himself if you should ever die.

🐍💙His behavior that he cares for you more than he did ever for anyone else in his life isn’t very noticeable at first due to him just being a bit too twisted to realize that he cares, in a somewhat twisted way, for you. But if you look closely you’ll eventually pick up the signs. Orochimaru isn’t someone who would stop you from going on dangerous missions. He has trust in your abilities, but it isn’t everyday that he tells someone to be careful, even if his way of telling so is a bit strange. But he’s not very experienced in being nice. That’ll be by the way the biggest way of you noticing that he cares. He’s, in his own way, “nice” to you. He viewed you as a special collection.

🐍💙The moment Sasuke joined this picture Orochimaru needed to introduce the two of you at some point to each other. It was in some sense thrilling for him to introduce you to Sasuke and the other way around because the both of you were for him prized collections.

🐍💙Sasuke needs time to fall for someone in the first place so at the beginning he was just his usual mean self around you, impolite and snarky. Not like you didn’t possess some amount of pride in you, as well as your way of provoking others the same way Orochimaru did, spending so much time with him did teach you something after all. So at the beginning you probably ticked Sasuke a lot off.

🐍💙What brought the both of you closer together was the fact that Orochimaru suggested that the both of you trained together a bit. Sasuke is an Uchiha and most Uchiha are in general faster attracted to power. It’s the fastest way to catch their attention. I can see Sasuke a bit annoyed by the fact that you were strong in the beginning if we go with the assumption that you are on the teasingly and cruel side of joking and provoking someone.

🐍💙But at some point it’ll form into acknowledgment because Sasuke likes a challenge after all. If you’re strong you’ll spark his curiosity at some point, but I believe the thing that’ll fascinate him the most at the end of the day is the fact that, even though more subtle, he can see that Orochimaru likes you. That’ll cause him to quirk an eyebrow at first because he didn’t expect Orochimaru to care for someone. And not because of selfish reasons. He’ll notice the way Orochimaru talks high about you when around him, calling you a “special case”, “important” and “a rare possession”. He’ll also notice the way Kabuto acts very politely around you even though from positions the both are equals. The biggest sign for him that Orochimaru cares for you as someone important for him is that you’re a.) the only person who seems to have a lot freedom, including acting more reckless with Orochimaru himself and him not seeming to mind that much as long as you don’t go overboard, and b.) that Orochimaru expects that people treat you with some respect as well.

🐍💙Even Sasuke won’t be save from Orochimaru’s “overprotectiveness” from time to time. He knows that you can handle a lot, but there are those days where Sasuke just needs to let off some steam and will be very harsh in training, causing more damage to you than normally. And whilst Orochimaru will never be open about it, Sasuke will still be able to hear the subtle threat in his voice when he advices him to get a better grip when training with you. It would be a shame if he would lose someone as valuable as you.

🐍💙Given the fact that his darling is around Sasuke’s age the both of them will end up spending sooner or later a lot of free time together that will be spend with other things besides training. Especially for the darling this will be nice since I don’t want honk they met other people their age who lasted long enough. So Sasuke would be somewhat like their first real friend since joining Orochimaru.

🐍💙Sasuke needs time to form an obsession and at first he most likely only saw the darling as a worthy opponent and companion. I think he would like someone who accepts the fact that he isn’t the most talkative and can just spend time in silence with him and also accepts it when he needs his time alone.

🐍💙Sasuke isn’t someone who has never given the thought of him falling in love too much time. He was focused his whole life on getting stronger and his revenge. So it would take him by surprise when discovering his feelings. He has some pride, but I can see, given the circumstances, that he won’t try to deny his emotions that strongly like he would in a different situation. He knows his s/o and trusts them already very highly since the both of them spend very much time together. Since being a fan of power he has also a easier time viewing them as a worthy partner.

🐍💙And just like Sasuke caught onto Orochimaru’s caring behavior, Orochimaru will also notice quickly Sasuke’s way of acting around the darling. He’s in general someone who’s a keen observer when it comes to his “two precious gems”. The biggest sign was that Sasuke often snapped at Kabuto since that guy worked closely together with the s/o when it came to the topic experimenting. Another thing that didn’t go unnoticed was that Sasuke acted suddenly a lot more friendly around them in comparison to the first time. It was harder to notice, but it was there.

🐍💙Sasuke wouldn’t really know what to feel. Not because he fell for the darling, but more because he doesn’t know what to think about the relationship between them and Orochimaru. Orochimaru would feel similar. He never really cared that much for others and I can see him to some degree even fascinated and amused by the fact that Sasuke likes the darling. But there are also some unsure thoughts inside of him. He cares for the s/o, his worries would show themselves in thoughts of asking himself whether this will have a negative effect on their development or if it’ll cause their priorities to shift somewhere else. And maybe he’s the tiniest bit of a “shotgun” parental Yandere, meaning he doesn’t really like the thought of his darling being in a relationship with someone.

🐍💙As weird as it may sound, this situation would be the perfect one for the darling if Sasuke is Yandere for them. Because I can see both of them becoming a semi-normal couple in such a situation. Because Sasuke has in this situation not the most upper hand. The darling is strong, savage and also under Orochimaru’s watch so no too serious harm that could endanger their life comes near them. Not only that, but since they’re always with Orochimaru, there’s no need for Sasuke to kidnap them and he built during his time with Orochimaru a strong relationship with them. So instead of confessing to his darling by kidnapping them he’ll actually, after jumping over his arrogance, confess in a normal way as good as he’s able too. And there’s a good chance that his darling will accept that. If not then there isn’t too much that Sasuke can do. They’re strong and have Orochimaru watching over them.

🐍💙No way that they can hide this from Orochimaru. Here again, mixed feelings about this. Orochimaru isn’t necessarily against this, but he also isn’t a real supporter of this. He won’t do anything for now, choosing to see how this develops. If it does influence the darling’s or Sasuke’s development in a negative way no question that he would step in. But if it doesn’t? He might be the tiniest bit unhappy with it, but if it helps the both of them becoming stronger he’ll accept it. There will be moments where his more “parental” side slip through, but he’ll give the both of them their peace.

🐍💙Overall the best situation you could ask for. You live under psychos and see nasty shit, sure. But in here a, for the most part, normal relationship with Sasuke will establish due to the faith he has in You and you most likely also in him. He has his mood swings, of course, but you know in such a scenario when to step back and what to do. That’s a huge advantage because like this the chances that he’ll snap at you are lower as if he kidnapped you and you would need to face this blindly. But due to the time spent before with him you know how to act accordingly. Sasuke himself will be much more pleasant to be with and sees you as a worthy partner. He might even be a bit more open with his feelings due to feeling so comfortable around you. Overall, a win-win situation for the both of you. And Orochimaru because the both of you will for sure spur the other on in terms of getting stronger. And let me just emphasize this, if the both of you fight together then there’s no chance that Sasuke will let anyone hurt you too badly. He knows firsthand that you’re strong, but if someone should manage to do this then they should be prepared to witness what happens if Sasuke loses his temper and starts seeing red.

[idontblushsrry]

Yusuke Urameshi||SFW Alphabet

A/N: Writing for one of my favorite protagonists of all time? Don’t mind if I do. Slightest hint of spoilers for the end of the series and s3 but they’re really minor and and mostly non-specific.

Word Count: 1929

A: Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Yusuke is affectionate in a kinda subtle way, like he’ll put his hand in your pocket (in your back pocket if you let him) or vice versa, he just likes touching you and being close to you. The clingiest he’ll get is wrapping his arm around your shoulder or waist and pulling you closer so he can kiss you. Aside from that, Yusuke’s go to with affection is teasing, like if he isn’t messing with you or yall aren’t bickering, he’s probably really upset.

B: Best Friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

As a best friend, Yusuke is super rowdy. He’s always getting into some form of trouble or antics, and while this does calm down after the demon world tournament, he’s still always got that mischievous air about him. Your friendship probably started with you and Yusuke bumming around the same spots, namely the arcade, and you showing him how to beat one of the games.

C: Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Yusuke’s cuddles are very lax, he tends to just throw an arm around your waist and call it a day. He prefers being the big spoon but he doesn’t really like spooning all that much to begin with.

D: Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Yusuke is actually pretty good at cooking and cleaning. Atsuko left him home alone a lot with nothing more than a will and a way (maybe a microwave meal when he was younger). So while Yusuke isn’t the best cook, he won’t go hungry, and he’s more than content to empty the cabinet before going back to the store. As for cleaning, he’s pretty good at that once he has a direction to go in. He doesn’t always know what all needs to be taken care of but give him something to do and he’ll do it.

E: Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Yusuke definitely breaks up with you in person. No matters the conditions of your break up, you mean a lot to him; even in breaking up, he feels it’s best that he tell you face to face.

F: Fiance(e) (How would they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Yusuke is a committed person who’s very casual about marriage. He’s not pushy when it comes to getting married, he already knows he wants to be with you as long as possible. It’s all really up to what you’d want, maybe he’d get married for the sake of being able to say he’s married but otherwise, he doesn’t feel one way or the other.

G: Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Yusuke isn’t really gentle, at least that’s the way he wants to come off, but he really has a heart of gold. Yusuke is gentle with you in a way that he is with no one else. He speaks to you in such a gentle tone of voice, one that sets all your nerves at ease. The way he holds isn’t gentle, but firm, like he’s giving you the promise of safety and security without even using words.

H: Hugs( Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?

Yusuke doesn’t hug all that often. When he does hug you, it’s usually out of excitement, like he’s so overjoyed that he can’t help hugging you.

I: I love you (How fast do they say the L-word)

Yusuke just says it one day randomly and late as all hell. Like you and him could be together for a year before he just randomly goes “you know I love you, right?”

J: Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous)

You can’t take jealous Yusuke anywhere. He will act a damn fool and try and puff his chest out to try and intimidate the person he’s jealous of. The worst part is if Puu’s there, he’ll be copying Yusuke but trying to get your attention onto him instead. Together, the both of them are menaces.

K: Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Yusuke’s kisses are like a burst of sun after being inside all day, invigorating, exciting, and warm. The both of you have smiled into your fair share of kisses and often times Yusuke’s kisses leave you giddy and walking on air.

L: Little ones (How are they around children)

Yusuke is actually surprisingly good with kids. He knows how to look out for them since he’s used to taking care of others, plus his whole tough guy with a heart of gold shtick really endears him to little kids.

M: Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Mornings with Yusuke kind of depend; if he wants to open his ramen cart early, and you’re awake, it’s mostly the two of you getting ready and prepping food for the ramen cart. If he wants to open a little later, Yusuke buries his head into your neck, leaving lazy kisses along your neck and jaw while the both of you just hold each other sleepily.

N: Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Yusuke usually cooks dinner for the both of you, he makes a whole show of it too. He says he does it selflessly but he always wears his kiss the cook apron “coincidentally” whenever he makes dinner. Afterwards, when the both of you head to bed, you’ll both spend the night giving each other slow kisses until the both of you fall asleep.

O: Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

Admittedly, it does take Yusuke some time to truly open up to you. All his life pretty much, he’s been told he was useless and that he’d never achieve anything beyond being a delinquent monster, so it takes him some time to be vulnerable with you due to fear of rejection. He’s especially slow to reveal information about his true heritage. But once Yusuke trusts you enough to reveal his insecurities, he’s in love with you. 

P: Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Yusuke, while having absolutely zero patience with anyone, is very patient with you. Sure you go back and forth with him but even then, he never raises his voice.

Q: Quizzes (How much would they remember about you?  Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Yusuke comes off as not caring or remembering details about you, but if anyone knows you, it’s Yusuke. He knows you better than you know yourself, and it’s mainly because of his attention to minor details, ones that you might not even notice about yourself.

R: Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

His favorite part in your relationship was when you went to the beach with the gang and you and him teamed up to prank Kuwabara. It was honestly the most fun he’d had in a while up to that point and the delight in your expression from being so devious made his heart skip a metaphorical beat or two.

S: Security (How protective are they? How would they like to be protected?)

Yusuke’s super protective of you, the boy’s got a lot of enemies. While he doesn’t really think any of his demon ones would step out of line, he’s got plenty of human ones who’d be willing to mess with you to get to him. Not to mention you could just plain get robbed or attacked in general, Yusuke trusts you but he definitely shields you from any danger. As observant as he strangely is though, he is still a bit dumb when it comes to the fact that you’re looking out for him just as much as he’s looking out for you

T: Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Yusuke puts a decent amount of effort into your dates, it wasn’t always this way. Initially, Yusuke and you would just have dates that consisted of going to malls/arcades/bowling/etc. and it was all good, neither of you had a problem with it. However for the first birthday of yours that you’d both be spending together, he was just planning for the both of you to go to a park, something small, when Kuwabara and Keiko found out, they gave him an earful. Now, he still does “simple” dates, but he always tries to do something fun or unexpected for your anniversaries or special events 

U: Ugly (What are some bad habits of theirs? (I’m gonna add arguments here because they aren’t on the prompt list I found))

Yusuke doesn’t have bad habits as he has gross habits. Like this man will probably burp in your face at least once (on accident) and it’s kinda just up to you to deal with that. As for fights, post-end of the series, you don’t really argue about much, you and Yusuke just bicker, but hey it works for you. During the series though, your heavy fights consist of you getting upset at the way Yusuke is always so ready to sacrifice his life (he does this a looooot)

V: Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Not to be fooled, Yusuke is extremely concerned with his looks. No one who purposefully slicks their hair back with gel almost everyday from the age of 14 isn’t. He tries not to take too long, but if he can’t get the coif right, you’re going to be waiting for a long time.

W: Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

It isn’t so much as he feels incomplete without you, he just doesn’t feel worthy of being with you. He spends as much time as you’ll allow proving you didn’t waste your time on him (despite the fact that he literally doesn’t need to do that)

X: (E)xes (Any previous relationship experience. How does that factor into your current relationship?)

The closest he has to prior relationship experience is Keiko. The whole thig with Keiko was initially something of a hurdle due to the fact that they were kind of each other’s first love and they’re still friends, however, you got through it together and now Keiko is a source of advice for you, along with Kurama and Genkai.

Y: Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner)

In general, he doesn’t really like underhanded people. He sees the validity of the strategy, in the sense of outwitting an opponent larger or more powerful than you, but even then the thought of losing to someone or defeating someone in an underhanded way is disgusting to him (see the entirety of dark tournament arc to see why he hates underhandedness)

Z: Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

Yusuke snores. Not all the time, but when he’s really tired, the man sounds like an old car engine. He is LOUD and if you aren’t a heavy sleeper or already asleep, good luck getting any sleep because just when you lay your head down to relax, he snores loud enough to shake the whole of your apartment complex.

[cafeinthemoon]

THe Home I Crave - Chapter 10

Title: The Home I Crave

Genre: Fanfiction

Pairing: Tobirama Senju x reader

Rating: teen and up

Word count: 

Chapter: 10/?

Symbols: ⭕ | ➕ | 💛 | ▶️▶️

Read the previous chapters here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9

Chapter 10 - The Clause

Fortunately for you, Tobirama still had some matters to discuss with the Hokage, so that he saw no problem in staying while Mito accompanied you to your house. None of you had a teleportation jutsu as him, but your houses were not so far from one another and you weren’t feeling so weak that you couldn’t walk, so you just took some minutes to finally reach the front door.

The first thing you did once you were inside was to drink water: it helped you to clear up your senses and to wash away the remaining bitterness in your mouth. After that, you could breathe and talk properly. Then you took a bath and started to prepare your bed.

Mito helped you with what she could; soon everything was settled and you were sure you’d get better in some hours.

However, the conversation you started in her bathroom wasn’t over.

- Y/n-san.

- Yes?

- I told you about how our actions can influence the situation between our clans and such, but I forgot to tell you something. It is more about Tobirama than about our Village and the clans, if I’m being honest.

- Really? And what is it?

You were in your bedroom now; you were on your futon, while she took a sit on a couch you had near it. You crossed your legs on the mattress as if you were about to hear a long story.

- I told many things about him, that’s true, but I didn’t explain why he’s so attached to rules and protocols even for an advisor – she took a deep breath, as someone who had to be careful on how to speak about someone else’s issues – Tobirama might not be as open about his feelings and ideals as Hashirama, but just like his brother he always wanted peace. He grew up as a warrior and the war took two of his brothers from him, as well as many friends and relatives. Of course he was not the only one who suffered with it, but to us it’s clear that he never really moved on, you understand?

That was new to you.

- So... after all these years and with all these alliances, he is still afraid of war?

- Exactly. And this is just one of the things that don’t let him sleep – she united her hands on her lap – I suppose you’ve heard about the rivalry between the Senju and the Uchiha.

- Yes. Of course.

You knew that the creation of Konoha started with the peace treaty signed by the two clans’ current heads, Hashirama and his friend, Madara. The Uchiha was not in the Village by the time you arrived and haven’t returned yet; since your clan didn’t have formal trades with his people, you never met him in person. But you could have news about him at any moment.

- First, let’s just say that him and the Uchiha head, Madara, are not the best friends. Some time before Konoha’s foundation, Tobirama was responsible for the death of Madara’s younger brother, Izuna, when they faced each other in combat. Izuna was the only sibling left for Madara, so naturally he never forgot this. On the other hand, Tobirama’s siblings were killed by Uchiha warriors. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?

You nodded.

- Do you know about the Uchiha’s kekkei genkai, the Sharingan?

- I’ve heard many things about their dojutsu, but never witnessed it in action.

- Indeed, most of its aspects remain a secret even for the wisest ninjas until this day. However, Tobirama has studied the nature and the development of Sharingan and found out its basis before any of us could make a statement. According to what he found out, the Sharingan is a proof that the Uchiha are moved by passion above all, so much that it has to be sealed. Otherwise, it can be quite problematic, as everything can be without discipline.

- I see.

- When the seal that kept the Uchiha’s passion under control is broken, the individual awakens their Sharingan. It is true that having a dojutsu like that is very useful in the battlefield and during missions, but at the same time it represents great levels of unpredictability. To summarize, it turns people unreliable to a certain point.

You finally understood where Mito wanted to go with that.

- And when someone is not reliable, it is harder to make sure they will continue to follow the rules that have been maintaining peace and order, and since the Uchiha are part of Konoha’s base, it represents a constant risk, at least on Tobirama’s eyes.

- You’re really quick to catch things – she smiled, but there was still worry in her eyes – So… In short: Tobirama already has a struggle with passionate individuals to work on. Having one more of them under his roof might be more than he can handle. And you have to admit, y/n-san. You are a passionate and idealistic girl, and you don’t even try to hide it. I’m not saying it is not good thing, but as you can see, it makes things hard.

- As if I am the only one who makes things hard here – you sighed – Guess I don’t even need to tell this to you, Mito-san, but despite not knowing the Uchiha as well as you do, it is obvious that Tobirama will never be totally in peace with them while he’s not in peace with himself. And I just came in the middle of it, I have nothing to do with it and it is not my fault if I am what I am. We all have our issues to deal with, but he can’t just take it out on me like this. I’m trying to make it work, but I can’t do it all by myself. Now, if his resistance towards me is because he finds me similar to the Uchiha as you’re suggesting, this is a poor excuse for his behavior. He cannot forget the fact that my clan always have been in good terms with the Senju, and we never declared support to the Uchiha during the Warring Period. Bringing this back in the form of suspicions is unfair with me and my people. I won’t accept this.

Mito chose her next words with caution.

- I could not agree more. Things are happening too fast for all of us and it’s been hard to keep up with them. But let me tell you that Tobirama knows that there were some renegades from your clan who joined the Uchiha during the Warring Period, fighting beside them as mercenaries. I believe your father told you about this.

Damn it. This man just knows everything?! Yes, you were aware of the existence of renegades who left your clan to fight beside others, including the Uchiha, but the official position of your clan has always been in favor of the Senju. That should be enough, even more now that your marriage has fortified this connection.

- Yes, my father never hid this from us. But Tobirama just can’t use something from the past to make things harder for us now. We are in peace, after all.

- This is exactly what Hashirama is saying to him right now. I could have asked him to do this, but he knows his brother. He’s used to make what’s necessary to calm down the moods in situations like this. At least for now, we don’t have to worry about them.

She sighed in relief for the first time since the conflict started; maybe she was waiting for you two to be alone so that she could have a chance to show how those events were affecting her. You thanked her in silence for this; it made you feel less alone in that house.

You stood in silence for countless minutes. You were the first to speak after that.

- I still remember when you told me that there are things about a man that can only be unveiled by his spouse – she raised her eyes to you and you continued – I’ve been thinking of this since that day, and then when I saw his photograph and in the wedding day. I’ve been seeking for ways to turn this into actions. But a week passed and nothing seemed to change – you looked around the room, too large and too cold for a couple’s private space – We are still strangers to each other. We much effort I can say we are allies. Mito-san…

- Yes? – her tone was lower, sadder.

- I think you gave me a great advice. I really do. But maybe it doesn’t work if a man doesn’t want us to unveil anything.

Mito didn’t hide her deception with what she saw in your face; to her, you were giving up too soon. But what you had to endure to reach this point was something that only you knew. It had nothing to do with her.

- Y/n-san…

- It’s getting late – you stood up and walked toward the room’s door – Hashirama will get worried if you stay out for too long.

The princess didn’t try to argue. Without a word, she left the coach and walked with you to the house’s front door. For one last time, you thanked her for everything she has done for you despite knowing you for so little time.

- You don’t need to thank me – she replied with a sad smile – It is my duty to offer you support. When I first arrived at this Village, I had no one to do this for me. I just don’t want you to face the same as me. This time we can do things differently.

You nodded. You closed the door behind you after she left, your eyes burning with tears you didn’t want to let come out. You agreed with her in each point, each word. You couldn’t be more glad for having found in her a friend who was like a sister. But you already had a sister you left behind in the name of your clan, and now you found out she needed you. You couldn’t turn your back on your own family now that you were aware of the facts; that was not the point of this treaty.

Once you were sure Mito was far from your door, your ran to your room again and found the travel bag you started packing that afternoon, after Tobirama went back to his office and you were left alone to process the bad news and to prepare yourself to dinner at the Hokage’s house. You finished to put in it all the remaining items you would need for a long travel: another change of clothing, more weapons and all the money you brought with you to Konoha – you didn’t know when or how you would come back, but you had to take enough provisions with you so that you wouldn’t depend on your family to pay the expenses of your return. Finally, you went to the kitchen and grabbed some of the things you bought in the marketplace the day before; you already had decided that if you ran out of food, you could find more in a forest or buy something in a tea house.

After drinking a bit more of water, you turned out all the lights and went to the night, disappearing among the trees that grew on the way between Tobirama’s house and the Village’s gates.

***

You didn’t know if the silence in the depths of the forest that surrounded the Village’s territory was a reason for you to be worried or relieved, for it could only mean two things: you didn’t have anyone coming after you, or you had exceptionally trained persecutors tracking your path.

The air among the trees was colder than you expected too, despite the absence of winds or breeze on those parts. The humidity was perceptible, and you couldn’t help comparing it to your own land: Konoha had more rivers and lakes in its surroundings, something that you supposed to be a determining factor in its prosperity. You remembered Mito’s comments about Tobirama being a master of Suiton and thought that it was easy for one to sharp their abilities when the environment favored them. Thanks to the same logic, you and your family developed your talent with Doton to a point when you could be mistaken for shinobi of Iwagakure. You started to deliberate about which points of that land would favor your performance as a ninja and in which ones you would have to work in order to win your weaknesses.

It was true that because of your thoughts, all towards your family and your sister’s conditions, your head was too noisy, but as the distance between you and the Village grew, you started to get truly worried about the silence around you. You haven’t noticed a single sign of movement except the ones coming from yourself; not even the small animals expected to be found in a forest seem to be near your way, though Konoha seemed to be a place so full of life when you arrived. It was like the forest just died at some point after your passage; it had nothing to do with what you first saw when you passed through it for the first time with your parents.

Your eyes would go from one side to another and over your shoulder, but nothing changed. You started feeling you were walking in circles, jumping through the same branches in the high trees. Could it be you were lost? Or…

- Damn it! – you cursed to yourself, your whisper sounding like a scream in that stillness – Is it a genjutsu or am I becoming paranoid?

You stopped so suddenly that even the air around you changed. Your feet, firm on a higher branch out of your path, forced the wood and produced some crackling noises. You stood up on it and with one last look at your surroundings, you jumped on your back, doing a flip toward the ground, where your could find a better use to your abilities.

You landed on the grass on one knee and put your palm over it. You closed your eyes and concentrated your attentions on the smell of the earth, trying to catch up with every information it could bring to you. You took off the glove on your right hand and touched the soil with your fingers, sensing the vibrations that would go through it: if a person, an animal or even a bug crossed your surroundings, you would know. Those were tracking techniques your master taught you when she noticed you didn’t have sensory abilities; they have been very useful specially when you were sent to distant places and there were no sensor shinobi available to join your team.

Unfortunately, the earth and its smells didn’t tell you anything about intruders. But you were still suspicious, so that you felt the need of a second, less subtle measure: an earthquake jutsu you developed for cases like that. That jutsu was going to cost you a precious amount of chakra, that was true, but it should be enough to tell your persecutor – if they were really existed – that you weren’t willing to play.

You made the hand signs and your palm touched the ground, sending a seismic wave in circular form that started around your hand and expanded through the ground around you and further. As the earth was shaken, the brown soil, the grass and worms were spread to all sides, and the trees had part of their roots exposed. The only spot that remained untouched was the one upon which you were kneeling.

The impact must have been sensed in the Village at least by the shinobi. But if this would catch their attention or not, you couldn’t care less: the annoying part was that Tobirama probably have noticed your absence by now; if he was as talented with sensory techniques as Mito told you, he could have already guessed the direction you took, and all you did with your Doton was to give him your exact location. You weren’t sure if he would come after you or not, but whatever he would decide to do, he could have avoided this by not to hiding things from you. Besides, you wanted to make sure you weren’t caught in a genjutsu without having to hurt yourself or to stop your chakra flow when you needed it most.

When the forest went back to its previous silence, you stood up, relieved to confirm you had no company. You adjusted your backpack and looked for the next branch to reach: it was safe to continue your journey through the trees.

You prepared to jump when something sharp, shining at the moonlight, crossed your way with a hiss and buried itself on the trunk of the tree you were were going to climb. You held your breath; you looked closer at it and you identified a kunai. Wrapped around its base, there was a tag marked with a seal.

You cursed when you recognized the Hiraishin’s pattern.

You moved away from it right before he teleported to its side and could do anything to immobilize you. You let the kunai you carried under your sleeve slip to your hand; whatever was going to happen there, you were going to fight and survive to continue your journey: he was not going to take you back to the Village.

When you raised your eyes to him, however, what you saw was confusing: Tobirama was wearing full armor just like you saw him in that portrait, with the blue arm pads and the white fur covering his shoulders as if he was prepared for a mission; on his right hand he carried a bag just like yours. Was he intending to accompany you along the way?

Still, you wanted to hear it from his mouth.

- What are you doing here?!

- Tsc! – he removed the kunai from the wood and hid it in his sleeve – I am the one who should be asking. What are you doing here?

You gasp in your indignation to hear him using your words against you, but you straightened up and hid your blade as well.

- I don’t need to answer this question. My intentions are obvious, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.

Tobirama passed the bag’s strap over his shoulder and crossed his arms, standing his ground. It was clear that if you wanted to go ahead, you would have to pass through him.

- I could say the same – he replied – But I had to come to remind you about a clause in our treaty that you happened to forget after your meeting with my brother. The treaty stated that you should stay in Konoha as your clan’s primary representative until your people arrive. Only then you could make any plans regarding travels outside our Village’s territory. Leaving like this, without warning, will be understood as treason.

- And then I will be left with two choices: to come back with you or to be killed – you crossed your arms too – Yes, I’ve read the clauses and I remember this one very well. But if you came here to try and use it to intimidate me, let me tell you that you’re wasting your time. You know I will not come back until I do what I have to do.

- You do not have to do this when my brother already sent a doctor to take care of your sister. He’s a ninja just like us and is more than used to long and difficult travels. He will reach your compound in half the time a regular ninja would do.

You gasped. Was he really calling you a regular ninja? You ran out of patience, but you decided not to get into this type of discussion: the longer you stayed there, later you would reach your destiny.

- What kind of shinobi just leaves their work for others to do and sit on their house waiting for things to get better, specially when their family is involved? – you shrugged – I know that’s not your style. Neither it is mine.

Tobirama put a hand on his waist as if he was unsatisfied to see that this discussion would take longer than he first expected. You laughed at this internally: it seemed that the man who wasn’t used to have his orders questioned finally found a worthy adversary. He could see you as a brat right now, but you were a determined, honest brat at least.

- You speak as if your sister is completely alone in your family’s house – he argued – Which is not true. Your parents, as well as your other sisters, are there with her, and you have your own doctors working on her case, according to your father’s last letter.

You raised an eyebrow; you tried to ignore your heartbeats that just got faster.

- What are you insinuating?

The Senju didn’t waste time with deliberations, saying to your face what he had in mind:

- I’m afraid you are using this situation as an excuse to run away from the treaty.

This time you couldn’t help let your bitterness out.

- Well, let’s just say that you didn’t give me much reasons to not run away – you noticed the way he tightened his lips and continued before he did anything – But this is not what I’m doing. In my family we don’t break promises, even when we have to face hell to keep them.

- If this is the case, leaving in secret does not speak in your favor, y/n-san – he took one step in your direction, but didn’t seem willing to go any further – How can I be sure you will  respect our treaty and come back to Konoha?

- The same way I can be sure you will not hide anything from me again – you replied with seriousness – What do you have to say about that?

Tobirama sighed, but didn’t lose his temper.

- I know that words will not prove my point. Instead, actions will do. This is why I am coming with you.

You swallowed. So, he was really planning to travel with you? This was the solution he found to keep the treaty untouched, then: instead of killing you or forcing you to come back to the Village with him, he offered himself to go with you as a way to prove his honesty and to be sure of yours at the same time.

You wanted to smile at this: again, he managed to caught you with a surprise. But you didn’t want to give him a taste of victory so soon, so you kept a straight face.

- You don’t have to do this, Advisor. You have no obligation to agree with my decision…

But that man’s will was something as firm as the stones in your land. That caught you off guard as no enemy attack ever did.

- Yes, I do. It is the least I can do – and tightening his grip around the bag’s strap before jumping toward the same branch you once stood – Shall we?

[yyh4ever]

H☆S Award: recipe to make Yoshihiro Togashi (1991) PART 1

In 1991, Togashi drew five 4-koma in the WSJ issues #43 to #47 to give the Hop☆Step Award participants some advice on how to become a mangaka. He talked about his first works and the awards he got, before creating Yu Yu Hakusho.

Since my work schedule has been crazy, I'll be translating these comic strips slowly, starting with Part I of the series: "Cooking a Manga Artist - The Recipe to Make Yoshihiro Togashi".

Don't forget to also check the H☆S Award - Special Advice from Yoshihiro Togashi (1992). That's more five 4-koma he drew in 1992, using the Dark Tournament Teams as plot to give the aspiring manga artists some advice on creating manga.

Source: Weekly Shounen Jump N°43, 1991. The original page in japanese was shared by @katsura_00

T/N:

⋆ On Togashi's hat is written the character "漫". It's the syllable "man" from the word "manga". He is dressed like master Genkai, who has the character "霊" ("rei": spirit) on her hat.

⋆ Tatsuhiko Yamagami is a manga artist, writer and novelist, who became famous for his gag manga during the 70s. One of his most famous works is "Gaki Deka", a gag manga developed by the main character, Komaru-kun, who claims to be Japan's first boy police officer.

⋆ The late Toshimasa Takahashi worked in the editorial department of the Weekly Shounen Jump in the 80s. He was Togashi's first editor and was promoted to editor-in-chief of the magazine in 2001.

⋆ When "Sensee wa Toshishita" was released as an extra in the volume 4 of "Ten de wa Shouwaru Cupid" tankoubon, a rumor began to circulate that this was actually Togashi's first submission to the Hop Step Award. Togashi confirms the rumor. He was one the final candidates for the 20th H☆S Award in 1986. Finalists also win a cash prize. Apparently, he won 26,000 yen.

► Part 2 (Jura no Miduki)

► Part 3 (Buttobi Straight)

► Part 4 (Occult Tanteidan)

► Part 5 (Ookami Nante Kowakunai!!)