#hyuuga *throws up*

[mo-ok]

I wanted to become a warrior with Hyuuga. I could work as hard as I did because Hyuuga encouraged me.

[kikiwiwiz]

This was supposed to be only for my banner but AUUUGHHH HE İS SO CUTE!

[itischeese]

Expanding on the Obito-is-smart-actually-he's-just-stupid-around-Kakashi AU from here, because it haunts me and I have many thoughts about it. (Note: while most of that can be interpreted as headcanon, and is an explanation of canon events, this post goes into an actual AU version, where canon events aren't followed, because I am gay and sad and cannot take it anymore.)

Normal Obito has an Actual Plan of things he wants to do when he becomes Hokage, including making sure no one clan can be discriminated against in law, building trade relations with other shinobi nations to create actual lasting alliances not built on war (like Kakashi post-canon lol), and actually doing something about the Hyuuga hierarchy stuff, with the help of Hiashi and Hizashi, who he's already created a sort-of-alliance with.

Obito-around-Kakashi is completely unable to articulate this, and instead ends up blurting out things like "fancy hat" and "people will like me," and looking like an indecisive fool who doesn't know what he's doing. Everyone who's interacted with Obito outside of Kakashi believes he can do it, and would do a good job. Unfortunately, Obito spends A Lot of time around Kakashi, including interacting with Most People, so the number who believe he'd make a good Hokage is... distressingly small.

One would think that, given he was able to function and activate a two-tomoe sharingan when Kakashi wasn't looking, he would be able to dodge the boulder fine while Kakashi was knocked out. Unfortunately, he'd just grabbed Kakashi to throw him out of the way, and without Protecting Kakashi being a direct motivator, holding Kakashi in his arms, even just to throw him out of the way, is enough to make Obito's brain stall completely for long enough to get canon'd.

Rin survives becoming a jinchuuriki because Obito trips and crashes wildly into the clearing when he sees Kakashi, and incidentally he ends up crashing into Rin just before she can jump in front of chidori. Unfortunately, Kakashi sees Obito and gets distracted long enough for an enemy to land a blow, and Obito, intelligence fully impaired by proximity to Kakashi, thinks Kakashi is dead. Mangekyo-activation and nigh-instantaneous death of every enemy shinobi in the vicinity ensues. And then Rin heals Kakashi. Because he's Not Dead.

The combination of passed-out Kakashi and Must-Protect-Precious-People allows Obito to tell Rin that Kushina's a jinchuuriki too (he got suspicious bc of the floating hair, and Kushina humored him when he asked), and her and Minato should be able to do something about the seal of the Sanbi. Needless to say, she's rather happy to stay alive and not have to horrifically traumatize one of her precious people.

[oh-no-its-bird]

Im listening to revolting children from Matilda on loop for the like 10th time in a row. Got me thinking thoughts.

No one asked me the specifics of how this would work, but like:

AU where the childen of Konoha just fucking revolt. Just straight up say "nah fuck this" and revolt against the entire shinobi system. Tear it down from the ground up by simply refusing to participate, leaving Konoha stranded without an entire generation of soldiers to command

Iruka Mrs.Honey,,,,,,,,

Again: do not ask me the specifics of how this would work or how they'd get there. Maybe in this AU we really lean into the bleak, child soldier side of Konoha? Like, they fucked up by not making the lessons child-friendly enough to keep them distracted w the sparkles and coolness of the shinobi world. Used too firm a hand on their kids, was a pile of explosives just waiting for a matchstick

This somehow gets in the way of the Uchiha massacre bc ofc it does (which also means Itachi gets to join the revolting children let's go)

Make it funnier and bigger, their revolts somehow spread to the other villages. The entire fucking shinobi village system is suddenly facing a major crisis: their children don't want to follow orders anymore.

Make it a "Hey let's unionize the jinchuriki" au too, they're backing up the kids let's go (plus there are quite a few who are children themselves, so that works out nicely)

Lean into like the education differences of (big) clan kids vs (small) clan kids vs civilian kids and the countless restrictions on each class, in and out of home.

You have these like, super repressed clan kids who have never known anything but the blind obedience they've been taught (could especially have fun w the Hyuuga here) but you also have these clan kids who've potentially been told and taught to keep their head down, but like, at home yk they may or may not get to be a real kid— but suddenly they can't be that anymore, bc they have to be a shinobi. And just the clashing educations and spirits of all the different upbringing between them, etc. And how they might rub off on eachother in the worst ways possible (for the adults)

Just. The kids of Konoha throwing a collective tantrum. It'd be funny!

[stickyricewithmangosauce]

idk if i sound pessimistic when i say this but there are also lots of charcters in naruto that have no purpose right 😭 the many female charcters of kishimoto who had a lot of potential but who cares right it's your typical shounen shitshow. i get mad whenever i think of kurenai or anko like yeah we get it kishi you don't want women unless its for fanservice

I don't think it's pessimistic at all, just realistic. I mean, Ibiki? In theory he should have such an important role in Konoha, but he's unimportant after the Chunin exam. Or the entire ninja population in war? Why raise an army and create big scenes with it when Jesus Naruto saves everyone's ass?

And the women in Naruto… If you want to piss me off in less than five words, all you have to do is remind me of the treatment of female characters in Naruto and Shounen in general. I hate the excuse But Shounen is for boys, they don't need female characters! Even if Shounen was only for boys, that doesn't mean you should throw out all female characters except, as you said, for fan service. God forbid, if boys learn early on that women can be just as complex as men. A nightmare!

Kurenai's genjutsu should basically be on par with Itachi's(as was stated before in Naruto OG)! And instead of a cool fight, she gets that one scene with Itachi and then becomes a mother. She's just as much a Jonin as Asuma or Kakashi or Gai and each of them had fantastic moments, but Kurenai. She's the mother of Asuma's child, that's her biggest role. Especially in the middle/end of Shippuden it would have been so cool to see Genjutsu, which comes up right away with the Sharingan. Just to make the Uchiha not completly almitghy, because why even bother if your fate is decided by birth(oh hi neji...)?

Or Anko, who was cast out as Orochimaru's student, but just keeps doing her shit. Who brings grown men to tears as an afternoon hobby. And now imagine an Ino, who specializes in mind technique, is trained by someone as ruthless like Anko.

Or a Hinata who isn't particularly good at fighting, but understands politics and all the more important politicians because of her background. A Hinata who is always underestimated, but perfekt as a diplomat of Konoha and always gets the best deal. Who, together with Neji, overthrows the Hyuuga system before the main branch even notices it.

A Tsunade who is supposed to be just as strong as Jiraiya and Orochimaru, as has been mentioned several times, but crouches on the ground in despair when Pain attacks the village? How about a Tsunade who fought in the second Shinobi war, who turned the entire war against Suna in her favor just through her intellect. Who is seen as having experience in battle and in her decisions as Hokage.

Or Sakura, who is supposed to be the best Konoichi of her year and the second smartest person of the Konoha 12. Right after Shikamaru. No joke, according to canon she is smarter than Sasuke, Neji, Shino, Ino. She is said to have an IQ of 174. So, in our world, she has a higher IQ than Stephen Hawking and is estimated to be on a similar level to Albert Einstein. She could have been an inventor like Tobirama Senju, but instead her entire character is designed to look after the boys and men in the series. Like almost all other female characters in Naruto, Sakura's entire world revolves around the male characters in her life and how she can somehow be like them.

I love Naruto, but as a woman I find it's getting harder and harder to ignore. Naruto in general has the problem of caring too much about Naruto and Sasuke and ignoring everything else, it's just that it's most evident in the female characters.

As much as I like Naruto, as woman it tends to get frustrating to watch when you have all that potential in front of you, but it is just not getting used.

[matchstixx]

The People We Think We Know

Chapter 4

Pairing: Tobirama x fem!Reader

WC: 3,143

CW: Death, mildly graphic description of violence/gore and sickness, child endangerment

Author's Note at the end

Read on Ao3

[Series Master List]

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Information is your sword and shield. You figure that out quickly when it becomes obvious to Tajima and Yoko that you have little skill with weapons and no visible elemental affinity. Yoko is particularly curious about the state of your chakra, or lack thereof. It’s one of the few times where the tilt of your head in confusion isn’t just an act. Yoko has other sensors in the clan confirm her own conclusions. You stay up that night with your ear pressed to the door as the group chatters possible theories with her in the office. And later, you have to calm your racing heart when Tajima comes to bicker with her about your worth to the clan.

You turn to the clan’s library first, doubling down on your studies and asking your tutors more questions than ever. It takes a couple weeks of begging to get Yoko to let you come to the weekly planning and tactics meetings. The elders are less than thrilled, but tolerate your presence as you remain quiet and hold your questions until the end. Elder Amane ends up taking a particular shine to you, praising your maturity and good behavior while patiently answering any and all of your thoughts. She declares herself as your new mentor to Tajima, who only nods disinterestedly.

The months are busy with various meetings with allied clans. The conversation with the Hatake about crop production and trade is dry. However, you stick by Amane’s side as she introduces you to the clan head and his son. The boy hides behind his father’s legs at your intense expression as the older man simply chuckles at the action. The Hyuuga are difficult to crack with your earnest act, sneering at you with disdain towards your ‘low-born qualities’. A man from the main branch family with the Caged Bird seal, however, gives you some information when you beat him at a game of cards. You learn that they are somewhat dependent on the Haruno to produce chakra resistant cloth for their unique fighting style. The Uchiha also buy their cloth from the Haruno for the same qualities.

(The amount of emergency fires from the training grounds is frequent enough that kids are taught drills about it and bystanders react with an amusing amount of calmness when putting out the flames. Certainly, clothes that can resist the Uchihas’ fire techniques are detrimental for daily life.)

It’s fascinating to learn all of these intricate details about clan politics and alliance dynamics. This time period was never really fleshed out in the manga, unfortunately.

When all of the meetings are done, Elder Amane leans in to you with a gleam in her eyes. “For people like you and I, our power lies in knowledge. Anything and everything that you can absorb into your brain.”

You stare at her curiously as she straightens back up with an impish look as you reply, “The pen is not mightier than the sword. Swords cannot write poetry and pens cannot win battles.”

“Ah, astute of one so young. Well then, mighty is the hand that knows when to brandish the sword or wield the pen,” she says, hobbling away on her cane. “Although, I thought you to be more clever than to think that ‘the sword’ only refers to blades and weapons.”

So you dig. Latching onto any rumors or gossip, affairs and treachery, anything that spills from the lips of the common folk and high-borns alike. Charm, sway, deceive, just another bout of skills you’ve added to your repertoire as you compile information from wherever you can. You confirm some, throw out others, sink your claws into new leads. You take bentos to the guard towers, clean the sheets and clothes in the medical halls, clean and peel veggies with the mothers, sew and mend with the grandmothers. Every in-group is invaded and prodded from behind your childish appearance. Knowledge pours out of them like water, disregarding the little ears in the room that hides an awareness and cunning that they never would have expected.

Then, slowly, you let the knowledge drip like kerosene; intricate, intentional paths that lead open flames to the dry straw houses claimed to be spun from gold by those you deem stepping stones or obstacles in this life of yours.

(“Yoko-sama.”

“Yoko-san.”

“Hm. Yoko-san. What are bry-bes?”

The clatter of plates stops as she turns to look at you, “Do you mean ‘bribes’?” You nod, chin bouncing up and down childishly. “Where did you hear that word?”

“Giichi-san and Elder Takuma-san!” You smile up at her innocently.

She frowns at the mention of her cousin-in-law having discussions with an elder, brushing her hands dry on her apron as she gives her husband a look that he returns seriously. “Is that so?”

“Don’t worry about its meaning for now, [Name],” Tajima calls from the table. “But tell us if you hear that word again.”

You nod and bow, “Yes, Tajima-dono.”

Giichi and Takuma are publicly punished a couple of days later when they are investigated and found to be colluding to embezzle clan funds. They never really liked you all that much. The feeling is mutual.

Tajima invites you to his office for a game of shogi that night. While you lose, he is intrigued by the advanced strategies to try to employ from the books you poured over. He increases your lessons and makes you permanently attend the clan leadership meetings. Tajima appears further pleased when your presence cajoles Madara into taking more of an interest in the goings-on of the talks.)

—

Kou is dead.

He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s DEAD. HE’S DEAD. HE’S DEAD. HE’S DEAD. HE’S DEAD.

Kou is dead.

It was supposed to be a normal walk around the compound. It was supposed to be like any other raid. It was supposed to be handled as easily as any other one on a normal day. But then they just kept coming, they were getting in somehow and your mind draws back to wood pikes split open by rot.

You can vaguely hear a five-year-old Izuna screaming in your arms. It all feels like sludge.

Izuna is pulling at the front of your clothes as the enemy shinobi turns away from the nine-year-old boy (Kou, his name is Kou) slain at his feet to grin at the two of you. You’ve seen people die, helped the people in your old village pile the sick-infested corpses into the burning pits. Why is this different? (Because, it’s Kou.). It’s just another body (No. It’s. Kou.).

And now, you’re going to die, again.

It’s weird. There’s no terror or fear as you watch the sword raise into the air above you. Izuna’s screaming feels muffled from where you’ve tucked him under you. There is some kind of…acceptance to what is about to happen.

Everything just feels…muted. Meaningless.

The entire feeling shatters as a woman comes bursting out of the home to your right, a heavy pan brandished high and brought down on the shinobi’s head with a sickening thud and crunching of bone. It’s…Kiyoko, you help her get groceries from the market because of her bad knee.

Izuna’s screaming has petered out into sobs. Guilt seeps in as you gather the five-year-old into your arms and start sprinting away with little regard of what happens to that woman (Kiyoko.). You don’t look back at the cooling body of a dead child, you don’t look back as you hear a woman’s screaming fade to gurgling and then silence.

You feel bile collect at the back of your throat as you run past bloodied bodies. (Akari. Hiroji. Chikao. Fusako. Hasumi. Daiki.) The smell of iron and the sound of miserable moans of agony fill the air of those not quite dead yet. Guilt seeps in as you run past pleading, outstretched hands.

Your shoulder aches as you skid around a corner and into one of the wooden beams of some random house. Your legs are sore, functional even with the kunai sticking out of your thigh only because of adrenaline. The cuts on your arms ooze, soaking your hands and weakening your grip. The sound of trampling feet follow, kicking aside the obstacles you’re throwing in their path. Another enemy shinobi stepping around a corner with a smug sneer of a grin sends you sliding, switching direction and shoving through a sliding door out into the garden.

Guilt seeps in when you look down to little five-year-old Izuna, face hidden in your shoulder, as shinobi stalk in from all sides. Their jeering is a scathing backdrop to your harsh breathing as your heart chokes on the words your desperate mind pushes forward. (Take him, but please let me live!). They feel like acid where they’re stuck in your throat, slowly bubbling up.

You are not the main character. You are not a good person. You are not a hero.

One shinobi gurgles, grasping the gaping wound that suddenly splits open his throat. The others pause as they watch him choke on his blood before turning tail to run as Tajima descends into the garden from the rooftops with the scouting unit that wasn’t supposed to return till tomorrow. They make quick work, the sounds of the enemy dying fills the space as the clan head turns to you with furrowed brow. His eyes flicker over Izuna first, Sharingan tracing over the minimal scratches on his form.

Second, he asks, “Where is Kou?”

Your mouth gapes open and closed as you sink to your knees. As the adrenaline starts to wind down as you let go of Izuna to turn and retch into the grass, your entire body wracked with shivers.

Something about it must be answer enough as the man closes his eyes, jaw tight.

—

Yoko is eerily silent throughout the aftermath and funeral. You had expected the dramatic screaming and sobbing that you’d seen in movies and tv shows, maybe a pouring rain as she screamed up towards the sky with sorrow. Somehow, her silence is more heartbreaking. A mother who’s prepared herself for the very real eventuality that she will outlive her children. War drums are often made from the skin of children.

Togakushi is left supervised by medical staff in his room after having taken a few fatal injuries that leaves him primarily incapacitated. The medics don’t have much hope that he’ll make it in the long run and prepare his room to be as comfortable as possible. Kuro will sometimes drag you into the room to tell them a story as he lays down next to his unconscious brother. Those nights are hard, watching the stalwart child curl up next to his unresponsive little brother. Each time, you cover him with a blanket once he falls asleep, only to return to your room to lay wide awake for the rest of the night.

The elders decide that it would be best to indefinitely postpone Madara’s introduction to the battlefield now that the second-son is dead. He ends up storming off in a grief and outrage fueled fury. A scouting group brings him back practically the moment he sets foot outside the compound, a heavy lockdown and patrol in place now. He shuts himself in his room.

Tajima and Yoko both thank you for protecting Izuna and it feels like ash on your tongue. They wouldn’t be thanking you, wouldn’t want you, would probably kill you if they knew what you were about to do. The matriarch takes to keeping her youngest with her nearly at all times. Her smiles are wane and thin when Izuna shows her the newest thing that has fascinated him. Kuro becomes a lot quieter, somber. His days are busy now with having to take on more lessons to prepare him for the duties and responsibilities that used to be Kou’s.

The house feels too small. Everytime you pass Kou’s room you expect to hear the slide of brush on paper; working on his latest piece. His skills had improved exponentially since you arrived 2 years ago. Enough so, that the portrait he made for you now sits in a closed drawer instead of on your desk.

—

“What are we going to do about the raid, Tajima-dono? The Land of Floods must be taught that the Uchiha believe in absolute reciprocity!” Elder Kakeru shouts, fist slamming on the table loud enough to echo through the room.

The other elders start to bicker and chatter over each other as Tajima closes his eyes with a heavy sigh. He casts a quick glance at the empty spot to his right where Madara should be sitting, who has been sneaking out to the Naka River under the guise of locking himself in his room. The clan head casts his eyes to you on his other side as your gaze sweeps across the map rolled out on the table.

Tajima raises a hand, casting the room into silence. “What are your thoughts, [Name]-chan.”

“Tajima-dono, I don’t think–”

He casts a sharp look at the elder, “Your name is not [Name], I believe.” Tajima turns back to you, a small nod urging you to speak your mind.

“Thank you, Tajima-dono,” you bow your head and gather your thoughts. “Starting with the facts. We have political alliances with the Haruno and Hyuuga, and a marriage alliance with the Kurama because of Yoko-sama.”

The elders’ focus traces over each of the clan territories on the map with an air of disinterest. Elder Amane gives you a small nod of encouragement that has you swallowing around the building quiver in your voice to continue.

“There’s the trade alliance with the Hatake, but they have similar alliances with other clans and are pretty much neutral in all of their stances. We have an unfavorable southern border with the Nara which, while not openly hostile to us, are still the sister clan to the Senju along our eastern front.

“Currently, the main, largest threat to us is the Senju. They are insulated along their eastern line, so they can direct their focus on us while the Shimura and Sarutobi clans act as rearguard. If we were to engage with them, the compound would be left open to attacks to our west from the Land of Rivers, the Land of Floods, and the Land of Fields.”

Elder Yuma clears her throat sharply, “And what does this have to do with the raid from shinobi of the Land of Floods? You are stating facts that everyone here is already aware of and not offering any tangible solutions.”

You grit your teeth with anger, wanting nothing more than to go off on the old bat whose face looks like a pug, but you suck it up, your ‘innocent child’ image is too valuable to give up. “Apologies, Elder Yuma-san–”

“My, I hope you are not expecting a nine-year-old to do your job for you Yuma-chan,” Amane laughs at the other woman’s scowl. “Tajima-dono only asked for her thoughts, not a solution to end war and famine. I think her commentary is already quite advanced for her age, I’m interested to see what else she has to say.” She gives you a big mischievous smile and a wink. “Please continue, child.”

“R-Rumors about the raid will probably disseminate quickly,” the steadying breath you take feels like it rattles your entire body. “It was a…successfully devastating attack and the Senju could try to take advantage of it while we are busy rebuilding and turning attention to our overwhelmed western front.”

The books in the library were dusty and brittle, but had a notable amount of information and reports about clan skirmishes, alliances, and agreements. It all coalesces with the vague details that you can recall from spoilers that would drop through your social feed whenever you scrolled through the Naruto tags.

“The Hagoromo are currently unaffiliated with any other clan; they’ve been mainly focused on their dispute with the Shimura. If we could ally with them, we could not only apply more pressure on the Senju’s north-west side, but also instigate skirmishes with the Shimura to direct the Senju’s attention northward to assist them. Additionally, the Kaguya are also unaffiliated with anyone at the moment–”

Multiple gasps arise from the group at this. Each elder begins to talk over each other as they berate you for suggesting that they operate with ‘such a barbaric clan’. Elder Amane sips at her cup of tea idly, a pleasant grin on her face.

“ENOUGH!” Tajima’s voice cuts over everyone. “[Name], I can understand the Hagoromo, they are a powerful clan in both ability and reputation, but the Kaguya are warmongers. It is an absurdity that you would even begin to suggest them.”

Your head bows in deference, bring your hands to flatten on the ground in front of your knees, “I understand, Tajima-dono. Your concerns are, of course, correct and warranted. However, I do have reason to suggest them, if I may explain.”

“Out with it,” he huffs, settling back into his seat heavily.

“As you said, the Kaguya are warmongers. They enjoy fighting, the death and chaos that comes of it, as well. The Aburame share an uneasy border with them, mainly monitoring them as they have focused much of their rage at the Land of Water. We don’t necessarily need to officially ally ourselves with them, but if we…’give them a push’ to progress north into Aburame and Inuzuka territories, it would split the Senju focus between their northern and southern allied clans.”

The silence stretches, the barest of mumbling through the elders underlining the thudding of your heartbeat.

“It could also draw the attention of the Triad clans, what with the Akimichi having a border down there as well,” Elder Natsuo begins slowly. The murmuring boils back into chattering as the theory is scrutinized.

“While the Kaguya are quite uncivilized, they are a formidable group with their kekkei genkai.”

“The Hagoromo and Shimura have hated each other for years, too. Starting a fight between the two would be like lighting dry brush.”

“We could set scouts along the eastern border for an early warning of a Senju attack while focusing our main forces west.”

Tajima’s eyes flicker across the map with thought before they slide back to you. You swallow harshly and avert your eyes to your hands in front of you, forcing back the urge to fidget under his gaze.

“You seem to have a knack for strategy,” he says, tone eerily flat. The room goes silent again when he sets his hand on top of your head with a small pat. “This is a good start. Keep at your studies and you may yet turn out to be a good advisor to my heir.”

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A/N:

If it wasn’t obvious, I am intentionally making the Reader a little bit manipulative and self-serving, so if you were thinking that, then congrats, you’re absolutely on point. There was also a lot more world building in this one, but I'm going to try to keep it fairly minimal so it doesn't overtake the plot. There is also a phrase I used that primarily comes from a lyric in ‘Eat Your Young’ by Hozier. The song slaps and the lyrics hit with a level of truth that kind of curdles the soul. Finally, ‘Land of Floods’ is in reference to the country where Amegakure is located, the country was never originally named and I didn’t know if Amegakure had been founded yet before Konohagakure was founded. I also made my own map that I’m referring to, let me know if you’re interested in looking at it (it’s kinda a mess tbh). This is also the end of my pre-made chapters, so updates may slow down a bit. However, I did actually make a plot outline diagram for this story (the first time I've ever done it in fact), so I know how I want the story to progress, just need to words to text. I'm between jobs right now (job markets sucks at the moment), so I can't promise any specific update timings. Thank you for all of the support so far and I hope you can bear with the slow updates with me!

[tamelee]

Hi tamelee ❤️ can you do an analysis/review of Kishimoto's recent popularity poll art? I saw a hashimada shipper comment on how Kishimoto drew Madara and Hashirama on exact opposite sides of each other + his love for symmetry and I was wondering if you noticed anything interesting in the illustration (just general observations, doesn't have to be about shipping 😊)

Hi Nonee, sure 🧡!

Long post - Image heavy:

Well, first my eye was drawn to the brightest part of the drawing. Promptly in the middle, big, foreshortening technique used on Minato's arm leading you to his face secondly where the colors gradually get darker and more saturated. As are the colors surrounding the NinJutsu to make it stand out more. Every line on this drawing illustrates Kishimoto's experience, talent and hard work regarding his knowledge on composition.

Then..

Sakura is holding the same type of axe-weapon she was also holding in an illustration for Chapter 15.

Naruto has a slightly different one on Volume Cover 33 too. (I'm obsessed tbh- LOOK AT THE KURAMA-TEETH ON THE SCROLL)

As you pointed out Madara and Hashirama are on opposites of the illustration, almost as if they're battling each other! But also look at how Kurama's tails embrace them, how that enhances the movement and expression of their battle-intent + the Rasengan twirls!! 😱 AND the weaponry that both come from behind their heads at the same spot. (Omg I love Kishimoto so much.)

(Of course on these sides too!)

Naruto and Sasuke are paralleled on either side of the illustration too! (And so are Kurama and Shukaku 🤭..)

Speaking of Shukaku, Gaara is holding what looks like the "Tea Kettle" he was sealed in. The former Jinchuuriki 'Bunpuku' and the beast were inspired by a Japanese folktale 'Bunbuku Chagama' where the creature in the tale is a raccoon dog, like Shukaku.

I think that's a really nice addition. (Especially since I saw this legendary creature used as a toy by this mini-Hinata look-a-like gremlin in 'Boruto'.. what's up with that anyway..)

I think Kakashi's weapon is kind of like the Kamui Shuriken he used when they fought Kaguya?

Furthermore:

I'm glad Kakashi and Sakumo are together on this.. also, Obito's goggles have made a comeback ;-;🥹! It's funny to me that Kishimoto started to draw Naruto with goggles (a way to cover himself and hide as he did in Chapter 1)

..but then said in a later interview that it was too much work. (I tried a few panels drawing them and I totally get it...) Anyway I digress-

We can also see Shisui wielding a sword/drill that looks like it was designed with his supposed(?) Susanoo in mind. This was seen in Ninja Storm the game.

NOW I'M NOT SURE ABOUT ITACHI'S SWORD... BUT:

It loooooooooks like a masamune sword, but I'm not sure.

I'm no expert on weapons. If anyone recognizes it...

Long-ass Indra's arrow-bow.. in physical form.. legendary!!! So fine 🤌 I also love how Kurama's tail frames him in the background. Orange looks good on you Sasuke.

The way the Rasengan swirl pulls your attention on him (and the characters in general) + the Chakra/energy sparks are all placed so nicely *-*! It really communicates more movement and liveliness into the illustration.

Neji is holding what looks like Chakram/Chalikar weaponry? These are throwing knives used for.. well throwing AND close combat. At least that's what I thought at first but then I was thinking about it more and the Hyuuga's "gentle fist" is based on "Baguazhang". This is a martial art style which uses a lot of rotation style techniques. (Hence.. "eight trigram palm" is real because that's what it literally means.)

There are special Baguazhang Crescent Moon knives/Deer horn knives that look like this:

I think that's what these are, which are perfect for rotation-based combat.

In the same category, Baguazhang in practice used a double-edged sword called 'Jian'. It was known as the "gentleman of weapons" in Chinese Folklore. Early Japanese swords known as 'Ken' or 'Tsurugi' are often based on 'Jian'.

It does seem a bit unusual since most of them don't have a guard like that, but they exist as Changjian, or longsword.

What she has could be a Tsurugi though not sure.

Regardless, it seems pretty heavy for her 😁?

Naruto and Jiraiya both stand very wide, using an open, boisterous body-language that Kishimoto often uses for the both of them in many of his previous art. This over-the-top, theatrical design and visual representation is based on 'Kabuki' which is a traditional form of Japanese theatre, dramatic performance/dance. The umbrella is called a 'wagasa', often used in these plays/ceremonies.

I'm happy these two made it!:

A sword made from the tail of Sasori's puppet, Hiruko? That goes so hard!! It kinda reminds me of Renji's (character from Bleach) sword. I always thought that design was so cool, but this one also has that poison..

Not sure how those clay mask bombs work wrapped around a string, but you gotta admit, they're pretty artful! Perhaps it's like wire binding infused with Chakra.. Or what if, once he has put them on you, your head explodes or something..

Additionally:

I love how Kishimoto just added Guy (and Kurama) because he wanted to but also because having Lee and Guy together on the illustration just seems right.

Shikamaru with Asuma's Chakra blades of course~ (He uses them for his Shadows Imitation Shuriken techniques... but I read he gave them away to Mirai?)

I might be missing many things but..

The more I look at it, the more nods to earlier work I see, tbh I could go on and on. I really appreciate it.

Oh and.. no there is no shipping-intent and hints/clue's at all that's also not what this is made for.

Don't let anyone fool you. Naruto is looking up to the banner he's holding lol. It's a shame that the first thing people look for is things like that and then discard the entire thing when it is made with passion, love and hard work..

Anyway thankyou for this ask, this was so fun 🥰

[riversimmone]

Three's A Crowd - Chapter 7

RiverOfTheSand

Summary:

SasuSaku. He didn't mean to kill that man. He had simply reacted to being attacked. And now Konoha is forced to hunt down the rogue members of Team 7, or risk open war. Eventual NaruHina.

XXX

Read from the beginning. This is a work in progress story you can find on tumblr and AO3 and completed on FF.NET.

[All tumblr posts will be tagged ‘Three’s A Crowd’ with their corresponding chapter for quick and easy access.]

Enjoy. :)

Chapter Seven: Unknown Assassin.

Sasuke Uchiha was good with genjutsu. His Sharingan allowed him to manipulate an area into looking empty when it wasn't (as he'd done previously, to avoid Team Guy back when they were still in the land of rice paddies), or throw up ghost images that made the battlefield look more chaotic than it really was. These abilities expended a sizable amount of his chakra, and in having to remain motionless in order to keep the smokescreen up, it left him vulnerable to attack. As a result, he'd grudgingly agreed to stay out of the more physical aspects of this fight… for now.

And of course, this was his first opportunity to see if it could fool even the Byakugan.

Sakura Haruno's genjutsu however, was of little use here. She was better at altering memories, an ability she'd perfected after a particularly nasty fight over a scroll a few years back. It had been very informative. She moved away from Sasuke slowly and carefully, her eyes on the teams in front of them. This assassin was tough, and had knocked back the Chunins in the Kumo team quickly and easily. Tenten was keeping her distance, the weapons mistress making full use of her seemingly endless supply of summoned kunai.

Closer to their target, Neji's lightning fast moves were extremely impressive, but the assassin seemed to have a fondness for using multiple shadow clones. Naruto Uzumaki was only a foot away from Sakura, and seeing that he had this in common with the assassin both annoyed him and presented an opportunity. He'd been a little concerned over his part of this fight, but it was a moot point now. Rock Lee, Maito Gai, and the Kumo Jounin, Himunari Akatachi, were on the other side of the assassin and the blonde lost track of them for a minute. He was gobsmacked, watching the fluid movements of the Hyuuga, impressed. He'd gotten much better since their fight at the Chunin exams.

Naruto was aching to test himself, and once he'd moved into position, shared a knowing look with Sakura. They couldn't see Sasuke anymore, but that was fine, considering he wasn't doing this next part with them anyway.

Soundlessly, Naruto created several clones and then transformed them into the unknown assassin. This was too easy, at least on that part. He sent the clones in, keeping himself out of the way as he too transformed. Sasuke's ghost images appeared suddenly –they were literally like shadows that had been cast against a solid wall, except they seemed to move with a mind of their own. He knew they held no physical mass, so they Naruto out. Knowing about the blonde's fear, Sasuke had deliberately nicknamed them "chakra ghosts".

They darted in between the combatants as Naruto's transformed clones attacked everyone but the assassin. It was chaos, and the real Naruto waited impatiently as they were whittled down (he couldn't attack the assassin yet, considering that would give their plan away, but he was looking as confused as Team Guy).

Meanwhile, Sakura and Naruto were both throwing kunai toward the assassin, much like the rain ninja had done to them during the Chunin exams, in the forest of death.

Finally however, the dissipation of the transformed shadow clones showed that the assassin was the only one left standing and Sasuke felt gratified – Neji's Byakugan had not seen through the façade. Kitsúne charged into the fight now, but Sakura kept her distance, keeping up the thrown kunai routine as Naruto and Sasuke attacked the already tired ninja trained assassin.

The assassin swung his sword in an arc toward Naruto; up close, the blonde noted the blade was beautifully engraved, like it had once belonged to a noble, or prince. On instinct, he reached out a hand toward it, his grip fastening on the hilt, and pulled. The assassin was thrown off balance by this move, stopping his advance and pivoting too slowly to avoid Naruto's grab for his sword.

'I'll probably have to fight teme for the damn thing next,' he thought glumly.

Sasuke took the distraction as an advantage and came charging toward the assassin, slamming into the ugly brute, allowing Naruto to snatch the sword before the ugly brute could get a better hold of it. The assassin's build was larger than expected, but he inevitably fell to the relentless assault on his person. This battle was over. Sakura jumped forward, checking to make sure their friends and the Kumo ninja weren't in any immediate danger.

"Idiot," she snapped at Naruto, after checking on their quarry. "You weren't supposed to kill him."

He poked tongue at her. "The reward said 'dead or alive', Sa-ku-ra!"

"Well, you're still an idiot, Na-ru-to!"

Leaning heavily on his new sword from overusing his chakra, Naruto decided not to anger the temperamental Kunoichi while he was in such a delicate position and instead pointed a finger toward Neji. "Kicks ass, doesn't he? He took out all of my clones by himself."

"They've all improved," Sakura said wistfully.

Naruto groaned. "Do you think you should alter their memories Sakura?"

"No, I wouldn't even try. They're elite ninja Naruto," she snapped when he looked ready to debate this, "and if they break the genjutsu, which is more likely to happen than not, it'll only draw more suspicion to us."

"She's right," Sasuke said absentmindedly. "But we should at least make sure no enemy ninja will accidentally happen upon their unconscious forms, otherwise they're dead anyway."

He stared at the sword in Naruto's hand as he spoke and the blonde now held it protectively to his chest. "Out of it teme, I snatched it, so it's mine."

"And what are you going to do with an ōdachi?" Sakura asked. "It's a difficult sword to maintain for a knucklehead."

Naruto stared down at the beautiful creation. Now that he wasn't fighting to snatch it away from the now dead assassin, he took the time to really admire the filigree on the hilt and the blade itself (not to mention the religious inscriptions). His eyes flickered over the edge of the blade, remembering that the only time he'd seen an ōdachi this decorative, it had merely been a ceremonial sword.

In battle, an ōdachi was typically used on horseback, due to its length not being appropriate for in close combat, but ninja were trained with multiple weapons, and they were taught that a longer sword actually had an advantage if against an opponent with a shorter blade. Naruto wasn't very good with swords, only shorter blades like kunai, tanto, kodachi…

He sighed. "Fine, but I get the next weapon."

He glanced at Sakura, who shook her head to show she didn't want it, and then tossed the ōdachi to Sasuke, who caught it easily. The Uchiha was mesmerised by the blade; he'd always liked the idea of carrying around a sword and this blade was definitely interesting enough to warrant his attention. Swords were his favourite weapon.

X X X

The dust was settling when Neji Hyuuga roused. He was the first to open his eyes without any clue as to the time that had passed. It couldn't have been more than a few minutes, but there were also no signs of anything in the immediate vicinity other than himself, his team, and the Kumo ninja. Slowly, they joined him in the realm of the conscious, all looking puzzled at the strange events that had befallen them. Neji's Byakugan had seen through it however, even if he hadn't understood what he was seeing. It had been a genjutsu, but he hadn't seen the assassin cast it.

He looked around: their quarry had completely disappeared.

The Kumo Chunin were hurt, the Jounin bore a few scratches, and when the two teams went their separate ways, it was only the Hyuuga who thought over what had just happened, not feeling remotely like he'd done anything wrong. Lee and Guy were lamenting that the power of youth had failed them, and the assassin had gotten away, and with no sign as to his destination. He wouldn't fall for the same tricks again, so for now, this mission was over. And while Tenten looked quietly downcast at their apparent failure, Neji knew better.

He stared out over the woods around them, following his team mates as they found the path that would lead them out of the land of frost. It wasn't something he'd have expected to happen, but it had happened nonetheless. Neji stopped walking.

"Neji?" Tenten asked immediately. "Are you okay?"

He shook his head slowly. "Tenten, I…"

She smiled knowingly, her hand resting on his upper arm. "I know: I feel the same way too. I could've sworn we did everything right and–"

"We did," he said defensively.

Guy and Lee stared at him, infuriatingly silent.

"What do you mean?" His brunette Kunoichi team mate asked, worried by the strange look on Neji's face.

"The Kumo ninjas missed it because they didn't have the Byakugan, but…" he trailed off thoughtfully. Neji knew they were alone, so he felt confident that they wouldn't be overheard.

"What are you saying, Neji?" Guy asked.

Neji glanced at Tenten's worried expression before answering. "There's only one explanation I can think of, and that's that there was someone else there during that fight. They were the ones who made off with the assassin."

X X X

[fallen-in-dreams]

Title: Special Delivery

Pairing: Hyuuga Hinata/Uchiha Sasuke

Rating: Teen

Summary: Hinata always had problems dealing with conflict. She avoided it at all costs. But when *he* catches her eye, she decides to throw caution to the wind and say “hi”.

Author’s note:  Hiya. Long time no read, I guess. It’s been five months since I posted anything, wip or not. Over a year since my last one-shot, and one month more than that since the last SasuHina. Time flies. ❤️ I’ve been trying to write what comes out. Exorcise my fanfiction burnout, so to speak. This one-shot is just a short rambly thing I wrote up so it’s only edited to the bare minimum and definitely not well thought out. Just a few low-key feels that I didn’t realise until it was done that I’d projected into it, introspectively. So yeah, Hinata’s my conduit and exorcism is a bitch. But, let’s hope it goes well. 😂 With all that said, enjoy. :)

Warnings/tags: Anxiety.

Mr Kurota has been her delivery man for a month now, since Yukina-san left the company.

Hinata had never known a man more forward with his affections . Raised in the Hyuuga household, she’d been subjected to many comments from older people on her appearance. Most of which were misogynistic in nature. It took her over a decade to process it all enough to come to that conclusion. To realise she’d bottled up hate against them. Something she still had trouble letting go.

But this man? She shuddered. He was a pervert, pure and simple. No skirting around it to pretend he was just concerned for her welfare. No backhanded compliments. Just straight, vile and depraved comments.

No, don’t think about that.

Hinata pressed her back against the wall of her apartment, her eyes on the door as the man knocked again.

Go away.

She took a deep breath and held it. 

Just leave the package outside like you normally do and go .

She was beginning to think Ino was right. She should switch delivery companies. Or at least stop ordering from places that used them. Easier said than done, since she hated change almost as much as she despised confrontation.

She closed her eyes and waited. Normally he would call her name before grumbling and leaving the parcel in front of her door. He was currently standing outside the door, silently. She just wanted him to go .

Hinata never put her last name on the delivery note. The company asked for given and family names but she just put Hina for her first name and H. for the last name. The guy had her address but didn’t know her full name and her public persona was all set to private. And her apartment building had an excellent security force. High paid. Well trained. And there were cameras on every level. Her father would not have let her leave home without all the safety measures.

I’m fine.

No, she wasn’t fine. The anxiety built up in her body and she had to slap a hand on her mouth to keep from making any sound. It reached inside her and tore her throat out. Dread. Fear. Foreboding. She clasped her free hand around her own throat as the man knocked again.

Hinata tried not to hum, like she usually did. No weird noises of discomfort. She tried to be quiet . Draw no attention to herself.

Go away, go away. Please.

She couldn’t stand the feeling any longer. But a moment later, she heard the sound of his footsteps moving away from the door. The vignette of black splotches at the edge of her vision began to disappear and she inhaled a shaky breath. She gave herself a few minutes to calm down before moving her feet.

Hinata peered through her peephole.

He was definitely gone.

A hand on her heart as her accelerated pulse finally started to subside, Hinata opened the door to collect her package. She looked down, eyes going wide.

No.

He didn’t leave it by the door. Only a note to come collect it at the collection point.

Shit.

About an hour later she got a text telling her she could pick up her parcel the next day.

Hinata was in the middle of her online study when it came through. She put down her stylus pen and peered at her mobile phone, then let out a sigh of relief. The respite lasted for all of five seconds before she remembered this meant she was going to have to go down to the company, in person.

What if he’s there?

What if people look at her funny for not answering her door? Or worse yet, mention it ? Gods.

She tried to focus on her studies. She even went out with Ino for drinks that night to calm her nerves. But the hangover wasn’t worth it and by the time the next morning came, Hinata was still a wreck. She had no choice. There was no way to get them to try delivering again .

So she raised her chin in a faux show of confidence and marched down to the office.

Hinata cringed as the bell above the door chimed when she opened it. There were several other people in the office but none looked over at her. She sighed and took a deep breath.

“Hang on, darling!”

She cringed again, but the comment hadn’t been directed at her.

Still standing by the door, Hinata fumbled with her bag, uncertain. This delivery company only had two drivers: a middle-aged woman who could lift more weights than Hercules and the pervert . But when the man nearby who bore the Konoha Shipping Service insignia on the back of his shirt stepped up to reception, Hinata realised she’d never seen him before.

It wasn’t Mr Kurota.

It… wasn’t him .

Hinata blinked owlishly at the man. With dark hair and nonchalant posture, he was about her age, lean and very attractive. Aristocratic bone structure. The kind that would have her mother swooning and looking for a way to invite him over to Sunday brunch. Hinata could see him as someone her parents would try to foist on her.

This set the fire of her anxiety racing.

Hinata quickly stepped behind one of those tall potted plants as the man turned towards her and away from the receptionist. A very leafy Rubber Plant. She had to duck a bit but he didn’t see her. Hinata peered through the leaves and saw that he wasn’t even looking in her direction.

The receptionist was ogling him but he wasn’t leaning in. Wasn’t flirting back. His eyes on the clipboard in his hands, he seemed unconcerned about her attention. His brows furrowed, he seemed annoyed by something on his roster. A minute later, he was done brooding and strode out, not looking back.

Hinata waited for a breath after he left, chastising herself, before heading to the reception.

“Hi, honey,” the woman cooed. She was about the age of Hinata’s mother. All smiles. Very forward as she scrutinised the shy woman in front of her. “Here to pick up a parcel?”

Hinata nodded and handed over the appropriate document, her thoughts still stuck on the handsome stranger.

“Well it’s bad luck for you that you weren’t home to pick it up,” the receptionist was saying. Musabi, her name tag said. “The new driver is a sight better looking than the last.”

Hinata nodded politely even as she internally screamed for the woman to hurry up.

“The other one’s out with the flu,” Musabi continued, “and we finally got rid of the old man, so we’ve just had the one driver this week. He’s such a looker!” She gushed. “If I were only fifty years younger!”

So this meant her panic attack was for nothing? Hinata fought the frown pushing its way onto her face. No. She’d have panicked anyway. Just in a very different way.

“Here you go, dear.”

Hinata bowed respectfully and took her parcel without a word. It might have been rude but she’d used up her quota for the day. As she left, she considered going to that Sushi and Ramen Drive Thru nearby before heading home.

And still, the mysterious stranger lingered on her mind. She suddenly wished she hadn’t hidden behind that plant, but it was a non-issue. It was done. At least she could finally relax.

Besides, what was she supposed to say, “sorry I missed you at my home but I was hiding behind the door and wishing for you to leave, thinking you were someone else, but now I see you’re hot so let’s get coffee”?

She smiled at the silliness of it all. But maybe I can answer the door next time .

Maybe.

Hinata didn’t have much time to think about that delivery guy in the following week. She was bogged down in her online art studies and distracted by her friends who were the only things pushing her to go out these days. Other than work.

Ah, work. Her five days a week, three hour shifts data entry job. She was very good at it. But it bored her to tears. Her father would be disappointed.

She didn’t shop much, but it was always online where she could make it work. It was almost two weeks after her waste-of-a-time anxiety attack when Hinata’s next package was due. And this was a little more important than her matcha tea and a few beauty products.

She waited for delivery like a nervous hen.

Because no matter what her cousin Neji said, she wasn’t interested in being a coward. (Though he’d worded it more politely than that.) She wanted something… more.

She just wanted to say hi.

Hinata read and reread the text on her phone saying the parcel was being dropped off that morning. But this time, despite the nerves fluttering up in her chest, she was feeling okay. Focused on her course assessment, she only allowed herself a light smile as she worked.

It was an hour before the knock startled her out of her immersion.

And panic set in.

Shaking, she set her stylus again and tried to remember it wasn’t the pervert this time. He’d been fired, from the sounds of it. And the middle-aged weight lifting woman wasn’t a bother, even if a bit loud. But she was hoping the handsome stranger had picked up the delivery route of Mr Kurota.

Hinata had no explanation for her weird expectations. She just wanted to say hi?

Why?

To prove she could? Or because she was hoping for something else? The last man she liked on sight had turned out to be a bit more on the loud and obnoxious side. She’d persevered through the relationship but it had left her battered and exhausted most of the time. It hadn’t been his fault she’d had to let him go.

I need to answer the door.

She needed to do this. If for no reason other than she could. The stranger was irrelevant in that context.

Hinata wrapped her hand around the doorknob and paused for a moment. Breathe. In. Out. She turned it, imagining suddenly the look on the man on the other side. Was he surprised? Bored? Uninterested? Kind of annoyed?

As it turned out, he wasn’t even looking at her. He’d dropped his eyes to the parcel in his hands for a moment, like he was double-checking the address. Then he looked up at her and shifted his slouching posture into a more dominant one and bowed lightly. It must be company policy to do so, since she’d seen him blatantly ignore the receptionist, Musabi.

But he was exactly how she remembered him.

The man watched her intensely. A light blush was creeping up his cheeks and she wondered if he’d forgotten how to say hello.

Hinata blinked. And after a few tries, she finally got the word out. “Hi.”

He seemed to relax as he smiled. It wasn’t a huge, wide “let’s be great friends smile”. It was professional and courteous. But the corner of his mouth twisted almost imperceptibly into a hidden smirk.

“Hi,” he said, and she felt a jolt of something shocking but pleasant ripple through her body.

“Hi,” she repeated unthinkingly. Hinata felt her face heat up in embarrassment.

His gaze flickered down over her body quickly then back to her face. Unobtrusive. Observant. But not lingering. And maybe a little calculating.

“Package for Hina?”

“Hinata.”

He quirked an eyebrow and she flushed again. She probably resembled a tomato at this point.

“My-my name’s Hinata.” She had no idea why she was telling him.

“Hinata.” He rolled her name over his tongue and her eyes dropped to the movement as he licked his lips.

Hinata cleared her throat.

He just smiled. This one reached his eyes. He handed the package out to her. “I’m Sasuke.”

She nodded, now looking down at the box in his hand. Their fingers brushed as she grabbed the edge of the parcel. It was her new Touch Tablet. Her current one was over five years old and she’d finally accepted her need to upgrade. It would also make her upcoming assessments a breeze.

Hinata hesitated, catching Sasuke’s eyes as he stared into her soul. She had no idea eyes could do that.

He leaned casually against her door jamb and crossed his arms over his chest. “You busy right now?”

Yes.

She had a tonne of work to do. But Hinata shook her head.

What am I doing?

She was just supposed to prove to herself she could say hi to him, right? He wasn’t the pervert. Her anxiety could take a hike.

Sasuke cocked his head in the direction of the elevators. “There’s a cafe downstairs that I’ve been wanting to try out. Their Okaka comes with tomatoes.”

A light tinge of pink highlighted his face and Hinata blinked heavily, her brain finally working. “Aren’t you working right now?”

He shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. His sudden shyness was cute. She couldn’t help but smile. “I can take a lunch break for an hour. You want to join me? No pressure.”

“Okay?”

He let out a deep breath. “Okay?”

Hinata nodded. “I’ll grab my purse.”

Sasuke smirked. “We’re just going downstairs.”

She felt a rush of confidence. “It’s my treat.”

He argued with her over it as they took the elevators. He’d asked her out. He should pay. Hinata would ultimately let him do it, but it was nice to meet a guy who held true to etiquette.

And just like that, he’d chased her nerves away. For an hour.

Now she had to worry how their next date would go.

But I can do this.

[imagine-knb]

Hiiii! I’m the anon that requested the skin allergy reactions. I was wondering if I could add a few more characters? The way you did them all the first time was very endearing 💕

If you would for Kasamatsu, Mayuzumi, Himuro, Hyuga, Takao, Hanamiya, Kotaro, Nash, and Riko (if you can 😅)

I think the post you're talking about is this one, right anon? If not, let me know which one you are actually talking about and I will rewrite this ask! Admin Neon

Hyuuga: There's a moment where he's on court and he doesn't seem to believe what he's seeing. Is your skin going a bit redder than normal? Removing his glasses, he tries to wipe away whatever might be on the lenses before he takes a better look at you, but the splotchy complexion is still there on your skin.

"Hey," he calls out to you, beckoning you toward him with a wave of his hand. When you get closer and he sees the hives beginning to spread across your arms and legs, his frown deepens and he takes on a more scolding tone. "You don't have to push yourself so hard. Go take a breather on the bench and I'll join you in a second."

Hyuuga gently shoves you in the direction of the sidelines, giving you no room to argue. While you go sit, he goes to find a cool water bottle, thinking that maybe dowsing you in something cold could help sooth your aching skin.

Riko: The shrill sound of her whistle cuts through the air and everyone on the court comes to a complete standstill, knowing that meant she wanted everyone to stop. The second the sound of squeaking sneakers cease, Riko is stomping on court in your direction, her eyes burning you with a glare.

"I told you to tell me when you start getting tired! Did you think I wouldn't notice?!" Her tone may sound angry, but you can see the worried furrow of her brows and distressed teardrops prickling at her eyes.

Riko doesn't give you time to respond as she drags you off the court herself, taking you to where she usually stood on the sidelines. The second you two pass over the court lines, she blows that shrill whistle once more and practice starts right back up without you. You're benched until further notice.

Kasamatsu: "Hey, you need to go take a break." Kasamatsu's voice sounds flat and even as he says this to you, loud enough for it to sound like a command, but quiet enough that the rest of the team can't hear.

While you go to follow his orders, he barks out a few more toward the remaining people on court before following after you. It was a captain's job to make sure his team stayed healthy, after all. And most importantly, he felt it was his job to make sure you stayed healthy too.

He's not much of a fusser, so the most he does is hand you a water bottle and keep an eye on your out of his peripherals. But if you so much as try to step back onto court before your allergies have calmed down, he will attempt to kick you right back onto the benches. Literally.

Takao: You're jogging around on court when Takao suddenly comes up beside you and throws an arm around your shoulder. At first, you think it's just supposed to be a friendly gesture, but he won't let go. Soon, he starts steering you away from the action and toward the bleachers.

"You know, I notice everything on court, right?" he asks, and there's a slight laugh at the end of his sentence. "Like you trying to pull your sleeves down to hide your allergies?"

There's a grin on his face that tells you you're caught. He won't let you get back to the game, even if you had wanted to. Instead, Takao makes sure to sit with you on the sidelines, handing you cold bottle of water after cold bottle of water, until the redness of your skin has subsided.

Himuro: He had been a little too into the game to be paying much attention to you, so by the time Himuro notices that you're struggling, you're already a bit out of breath and itchy. You were already standing on the sidelines on your own when he jogs up to you, expression downturned with worry.

"Allergies?" he asks, reaching a cold hand out to press against your burning cheek. "You should have said something sooner. We could have stopped, I could have helped."

Both you and Himuro know that there actually wasn't much he could do once your allergies flared up however. He tries not to let the guilt eat at him as he stands with you, waiting for your symptoms to calm down. He might even insist that the two of you are done for the day, even if he feels like he could still play for hours more.

Hayama: He's so into the game that somebody else actually has to stop him and point out that you've retired to the bleachers, breathing hard and scratching. Hayama instantly runs off to your side, feeling guilty for not noticing sooner. When you tell him you hadn't wanted to spoil his fun by interrupting, he seems to pout with both annoyance and worry.

"I'd rather you bother me than be sitting here alone!" Then, thinking about his words, he changes his wording. "No, it's not bothering me! I just want to make sure you're okay."

Despite Hayama saying he wants to sit with you until you get better, you can still see his leg bouncing as if he were itching himself to get back onto court. It really is a show of genuine caring from him that he would hold back to really ensure you were safe and healthy.

Mayuzumi: You were already sitting on the sidelines yourself, rubbing at your itching skin, when Mayuzumi came up and sat down on the bleachers with you. You gave him a questioning look before looking back out toward the courts where all the other players were still deep in practice.

"They won't notice me missing for a few minutes," he explained quietly. "And if they do, screw them. I'm taking care of you first before I head back out there."

He's handing you a towel dowsed in cold water, hoping it would be enough to soon your skin. There's a tense moment where someone does notice him missing, but you merely see Mayuzumi give a soft smirk in the team's direction before he looks back over to you.

Hanamiya: "Hey." That's the only warning you get as you look up just in time for Hanamiya to throw a basketball in your direction. It catches you off guard and you miss catching it, the ball hitting you in the side before rolling away. The bump against you has your skin burning and you palm at it to try relieve the itch.

You can hear Hanamiya click his tongue in annoyance as he picks up the basketball. "Go take a break if you need one," he says. His tone sounds harsh, but you know if it had been anyone else, he would have told them to simply suck it up.

Hanamiya joins you on the sidelines a few minutes later and, though he doesn't say much — in fact, he doesn't seem to look at you at all — he always makes sure there's a cold bottle of water nearby at all times.

Nash: You had paused in the middle of a run to scratch at your arm, the sensation had been too strong to ignore. It didn't go unnoticed by anyone on court however and you soon found yourself being directed over to the sidelines.

"You're not gunna be of any use during this practice if you're pausing every ten steps to scratch." Despite the harshness of the words, the fact that Nash wasn't just barking them out proved that he had more care for your wellbeing than initially thought. "Just sit by and relax for a minute, will ya?"

He's not one for babysitting, so he doesn't stick around to actually make sure your allergies go away, but ever so often as he plays you can see his gaze travel back over toward you, always making sure you weren't getting worse at least.

[mo-ok]

TokuxSpring Day Five

🐂 favourite animal themed suit 🐂

[oh-no-its-bird]

Hatake Ichigo being forced into the academy would be honestly hilarious. “no NO LET GO OFME FUCK OFF IM NOT GOING TO SCHOOL FUCK YOU FUCK YOUR FAMILY FUCK YOUR ANCESTORS FUCK YOUR COW” and all that. getting dragged by her feet into the classroom because she bit the first person that tried to carry her.

I'm in fucking tears actually, SO accurate.

She is going to set the entire classroom on fire to try to prove a point. She's going to frame several students for theft of other students belongings to try to start a war. She's going to go to the younger, impressionable classes and "inspire" them to "rebel against their homework" via ganging up on and tying up their teacher and locking them in a closet as they trash the classroom. She doesn't wanna be here let her out let her out leT HER OUT LET HER OUT LET HER OUT LET HER OUT (the school doesn't fucking want her either holy shit)

Shes on the floor throwing an actual tantrum like the 11 year old brat she is, high pitched shrieks and all. If you try to touch her she bites to draw blood

In her original timeline she probably never went, the academy being established around when she was entering the field as a shinobi herself (at like 14ish maybe) and it's first class being a very select group of clan kids (aka the only kids they could manage to convince the parents of to join, bc even then the clans were dead set on home schooling their kids, and itd take a while more to convince everyone to make the school the norm)

It's for the best shed never go originally tho, she did/does NOT get along with almost any kids her age. Any classroom with her in it would go to SHIT, she's the trouble maker and the teacher is this 👌 close to actually attempting to harm her

(it's only bc she and the hyuuga heir are so young that they haven't started an actual blood feud w all their fighting, but they are not allowed to be around eachother without supervision for a reason. Them being in the same class would be,,, bad. Very, very bad.)

[toomanyplotbunnies-sendhelp]

Hello and welcome to Day 7 of "Let's Explore My Plot Bunnies"

Sorry for posting this a bit late today, I was busy, and the idea was a bit complicated to put in words. (Don't you love when your brain gives you only vivid images but abandons you when you need to describe them? Yeah, me too)

The fic idea I wanna explore today is actually a collab fanfic between me and my friend @yokomisaki.

This is a Canon Divergence AU for Naruto that both of us came up with around *checks notes* July 13th, 2023. It actually started with me saying that "Shiranui Genma is definitely a motherhen to anybody that he deems in need of motherhening" and that evolved into "Shiranui Genma would make a great Jounin Sensei" before it settled into "Make Shiranui Genma a Jonin Sensei and then throw Naruto at him cause god, does the kid need someone like him in his life".

I came up with a title for this fic, and we already started writing it. I have done a small part of the prologue so far, but we have chapters planned out (just not written out yet).

Title of the fic:

"The late dog always barks at the closed door"

(Yes, it is a jab at Kakashi's habit of being late. Is it mean of me to do this? Yes. Do I care? Not really. I feel he needs a bit of a reality check for that; like, you can be late for your own personal meetings but NOT FOR A FREAKING OFFICIAL MEETING)

Synopsis/Description:

Shiranui Genma is many things, but he is not a teacher. At least not until the Hokage decides that, in the wake of one Jounin Sensei's death, he is to take a team of 3 freshly graduated children under his wing. The good news is that he is not obligated to pass them. The bad news is that he actually likes the brats - despite the fact that he knows only headaches will follow him now.

In the one year he had the brats for a lot changed, including what one of his students wanted to do with her life as a shinobi. Now, Genma is required to get a new Gennin to make up for the student (and she is still his student dammit; no official paper will ever change that) that decided to pursue the career of "not-battle active medic-nin".

When it was time for him to choose, he recognized a certain hyperactive blonde as part of the rooster he could choose from - which is weird since Hatake seems to want him. So then why was not the kid already spoken for?

After some consideration, Genma came up with his answer.

"Hokage-sama, I want to take Uzumaki Naruto as the new member for Team 3."

Some details:

I know Team 3 is supposed to be Might Guy, Neji Hyuuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee; however, I have always believed them to be team 9, so it is really hard for me to correct that belief. Thus, just for the sake of my brain, Genma's team is Team 3, while Guy's team is team 9.

This fic will have (so far) 4 OCs: Kawamura Chizuru (Part of Team 3 - retires from active duty but is still considered part of the team by Genma); Nomura Akira (Part of Team 3); Higashi Kyoka (Part of Team 3); Sakaki Ichirou (the boy that takes Naruto's place in team 7)

Yes, at Naruto's graduation team, because he also got to graduate, there was one person that would have to be put in another team as the numbers wouldn't add up (think instead of 21 kids aka 7 teams of 3, there are 22 kids that graduated)

We have most of the plot for the OG series already thought out; the Shippuden part is more complicated (because of what we do with the pervious part)

Naruto is getting the darn support system that he is in need of in this AU

And I am not overlooking Sasuke either. Without Naruto around to push him, Sasuke will realize that he is pretty much isolated (thank you Konoha Elders and Teacher from the Akademy (Not Iruka), you did a fantastic job *note the sarcasm*). Cause really, the main reason why it didn't look like Sasuke was isolated by others (and instead it showed he chose isolation) is because Naruto is like 10 people in one presence-wise. And because I am taking Naruto away from the picture, I raise you this idea: Get Raidou (or any competent adult) to interact with Sasuke. Sasuke needs more competent adults in his life at this point

Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is getting character development. Even just some characters that appear for a few times. And I am dragging Kakashi from his brooding corner, kicking and screaming if I have to. (And yes, that includes villains, too. *looks at my brain planned storyline* And summons get the same treatment as well)

Another thing: Political Sub-plot. Ya think that with all the importance they put on, not only rank but missions that get you in different countries, this show would have more political talk; but no. So we are bringing Naruto into politics. Inter-village Politics, to be precise. Naruto, prepare your Talk no Jutsu.

Also, Fuuinjutsu Made-Up Theory Stuff. Just because I can and I will (I am in charge of Fuuinjitsu stuff). Genma is making Naruto learn them from scratch.

We are addressing the fact that the Shinobi Academy of Konoha was turned into a "civilian playground" because of the Konoha Elders. (It's way worse than you can think if Genma makes Naruto re-learn stuff from zero) - there is no way any fight will have some bullshit pop-quiz about History or Chakra Theory. How in the world are those kids alive?

We also have Orochimaru Plot™️. A whole ton of it too.

We also get into the "Preparation to Take a Life on the Battlefield" thing. Because people there seem to not do it anymore. Like, get the kids to kill animals in the wild after catching them. Is it hard? Yes. But THEY NEED THE DAMN EXPERIENCE SO THEY DON'T FREEZE UP AS BADLY IN COMBAT.

Get Naruto into the Tactical Thinking. Not because he is Shikamaru Level at it; but because he is good at surprising the enemy. So Naruto's shenanigans + some tactician lessons = Perfect Combo for Ambush.

Naruto and Kurama interact earlier. And, while it won't be that much better than the beginning of their friendship in the anime, we are getting the friendship a lot faster this time.

Finally, Team 3, being trained by Genma, starts to pick up having Senbons on them. It's like their "mark" as Genma's kids. (Genma is so proud)

This is all I have currently (mostly because it's late at night here, and I am losing my thought process). I will also post what I have written from the Prologue after this is posted, so look forward to that.

So, what do you think? Good? Bad?

I will see you guys later. Take care and have a great day/night!

- TooManyPlotBunnies-Send Help

[curried-mermaid]

A Review: The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 1

Author: Natsu Hyuuga Compiler: Itsuki Nanao Illustrator: Nekokurage Publisher: Square Enix Age: Teen Genre: drama mystery romance Type: Manga

Content warnings: death, self-poisoning

Spoilers

Plot

Maomao, a young woman, is an apothecary who’s kidnapped and forced to work as a servant at the inner palace. While there, she solves a curse afflicting the imperial heirs and is whisked away to be a poison tester for the emperor’s favorite concubine. When she’s not doing that she solves mysteries?

Characterization

Maomao is an intriguing protagonist because she doesn’t care for anything except for herbal medicine and poisons. She’s sassy, sarcastic, serious, and sly. She doesn’t fall for Master Jinshi’s looks ( which throws him off). Maomao has a lot to learn about etiquette and life, but picks up on things quickly, except for Jinshi’s intentions. She’s a complex character with clear flaws she can improve upon, which makes her very relatable to the reader.

Master Jinshi’s is an ethereal beauty of a man…too bad he’s a eunuch. He is the overseer of the inner court “garden” where the emperor’ concubines live. He relies on his beauty, and what it can’t do for him, he relies on his cunning and intelligence. He doesn’t understand why his beauty doesn’t affect Maomao, but he enjoys their interactions. He’s an interesting character that has some complexity. I’m looking forward to the author fleshing him out more.

The secondary characters fill the world for Maomao quite well. Each as a specific purpose in her life. She interacts with them more than once. This creates a circle around her much like how we do with our friends and family.

World-Building

World-building happens mainly through the backgrounds of the manga. Another great we;at that Apothecary diaries does this is Maomao’s interactions with secondary and background characters. Her inner observations color the world for us. One such line being:

“The palace and the pleasure district are not all that different” (Vol. 1, p. 7).

Theme

Life is full of surprises.

Observations

Jinshi’s is set-up to become a complex and major player in Maomao’s life and is definitely the romance partner. At the same time, there is the trope of strong female hating the romance partner and then falling for him over time. While this trope is played out, the slow-burn of this piece with the mixture of intrigue and mystery helps move the story without focusing too much on the romance. It’s a great balance.

The mysteries are interesting and engaging. We learn a lot about the world and how it works by Maomao solving them. Maomao has the potential, circumstances, and guidance to improve herself if she can learn to expand her knowledge past herbal medicine and poisons.

Recommendations

For more drama mystery romance:

Raven of the Inner Palace by: Koko Shirakawa

For more drama and romance:

Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion by: Mitch’s

The Remarried Empress by: Herelee

[okamirayne]

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

Hey there, @inarvm! 🩷

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

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

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

I can most certainly try...

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

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

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

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

Protectiveness towards Shikamaru

Wariness of Neji

Confusion over Temari

His one-sided enemy o' mine drama

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

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

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

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

[riversimmone]

Three's A Crowd - Chapter 15

Summary:

SasuSaku. He didn't mean to kill that man. He had simply reacted to being attacked. And now Konoha is forced to hunt down the rogue members of Team 7, or risk open war. Eventual NaruHina.

XXX

Read from the beginning. This is a work in progress story you can find on tumblr and AO3 and completed on FF.NET.

[All tumblr posts will be tagged ‘Three’s A Crowd’ with their corresponding chapter for quick and easy access.]

Enjoy. :)

Hinata Hyuuga was bored and the meeting had been going on for over an hour. The Raikage wasn't happy with the state of affairs – the lightning daimyo wanted to know what was happening to capture Kitsúne, and the fire daimyo kept trying to assure them they were leaving no stone unturned (as regally and pompously as he could without offending them – it was his brother that was assassinated after all). Tsunade however, was rubbing her temples, and clearly bordering on a migraine as she listened to the incessant rabble.

Hinata felt sorry for her, having previously not relished the idea of having to stand politely and wait for the rabble to cease – it would be worse having to actually participate. This way, she occasionally found her mind drifting and her thoughts went to Naruto. She hadn't seen him, Sakura or Sasuke for a few days, and she was looking forward to meeting up with them again. They hadn't wanted to get her involved in their plans but in the end she wore them down – without help, they were sitting ducks for the hunter squads, especially the Kumo Shinobi, who were far more brutal about rogue ninja these days.

Hinata inwardly sighed at this, reminding herself to keep her expression from showing how bored she really was.

Both Kages were flanked by two guards (Darui and C for A, and Hinata and Kakashi for Tsunade), and the feudal lords had brought an entourage each. There was no way anyone outside of those present knew exactly where they were – unlike with normal summits, they'd decided on the location at the last minute – so the chances of someone attacking was slim. If anyone did, it would indicate a mole, and that was a whole other can of worms.

"Okay, that's it," Tsunade snapped, interrupting Hinata's thought process. "I've already agreed to your terms and I demand recompense – yes, the chances of Kitsúne being from Konoha is considerable, but no, that does not make Konoha as guilty as them. Now would you lot please stop bickering and come to some sort of amicable arrangement – you're giving me a headache."

X X X

The path to the summit was clear and they'd been travelling for days. They approached the Valley of the End without being seen, and proceeded on foot toward the prearranged meeting place. They weren't invited of course, being from neither Konohagakure or Kumogakure, but were skilful ninja in their own right. Spying on the summit was easy – at least for him.

"Gaara," Temari nudged him gently. "What do you see?"

"Yeah," Kankuro complained. "We can't see anything."

"You can't see what's right in front of your face," she snapped at him.

He opened his mouth to complain but Gaara cut him off. "Stop bickering."

Temari moved closer to him, barely shifting the tree branch they were perched on. "What do you see?"

"The meeting is still going," Gaara said evenly.

"And?" Kankuro asked

Gaara resisted the urge to throw the idiot out of the tree. "And, it's still going."

"That just means they haven't decided on what to do," Temari said, shifting again to get comfortable. "But it shouldn't take too much longer – they're always arguing over something and it never takes all day to sort it out."

Kankuro snorted. "Konoha's a push over."

"No, they're just easier to manoeuvre around when their interests don't clash."

"Same thing."

"It is not the same thing Kankuro. Being a good ally isn't just about helping yourself to spoils – it's also about knowing when to compromise. Why do you think we're here – why father wants to destroy their alliance with Kumo?"

"Yeah, yeah," he grunted. "I still think the leaf is full of idiots."

Temari sighed and glanced at her youngest brother. "What do you think Gaara?"

"You both talk too much."

She rolled her eyes. "About the summit, I meant."

Gaara thought about that. If this alliance between cloud and leaf was as tenuous as their spies suggested, their mission would be easy – but either way, it needed to be broken. The fourth Kazekage refused to deal with Kumo, and Konoha was the strongest hidden village after all. This rogue group – Kitsúne – was their way in. After the assassination of the brother to the fire daimyo, everyone would be looking to kill these missing-nin, and from all reports, both Kumo and Konoha knew who they were but hadn't issued any public warrants.

Gaara was very interested to find out their identities.

He was about to answer when his Third Eye showed him something. "The summit is over."

A few minutes later, the fire and lightning daimyos had left. The Raikage and Hokage exchanged a few words before A also left. Tsunade spoke in low tones to her two guards – Gaara recognised one as being from the Hyuuga clan, and the other as the famous copy ninja. He wasn't surprised by the fact that it hadn't been ANBU to accompany her or A – they had their preferences.

"Who do we follow?" Temari asked, as the leaf team set off, heading away from the clearing (and therefore south from the Valley of the End).

Gaara didn't answer, instead moving to track the leaf ninja. A normal Shinobi would give themselves away quickly when following one tracker ninja, not to mention two, but Gaara had never been caught out and he wasn't about to start now.

"Why the Konoha team?" Kankuro asked, and followed as Gaara pushed away from the tree they were standing on.

His brother ignored him and he groaned in exasperation.

"Here we go," Temari sighed, and shook her head as she brought up the rear of their line. A few seconds later, she caught up with Kankuro, and whispered to him. "Stop asking stupid questions."

Gaara kept his eyes intent on the path in front of them as his Third Eye maintained visual contact with the team. Most people who knew about it, believed he had to remain stationary while using this technique, but he didn't (he just needed to stay nearby).

Half a day from Konoha, the leaf team finally stopped and the Hyuuga had a quick discussion with her Hokage before leaving the clearing – it was obvious that both Tsunade and the copy ninja knew where she was going.

Temari frowned. "What do you think – is she going to them?"

Gaara nodded. "Stay here," he told his siblings, and followed the Hyuuga.

The girl was darting through the thicket, her face hidden a second later as she pulled up the hood on her jacket. He watched as she came to a clearing half an hour later and narrowed his eyes at the three ninja who greeted her – the grumpy looking one was clearly an Uchiha, the blonde had to be the leaf jinchuriki, and the pinkette their team mate. He'd heard all about the split of Team Seven from Konoha and wasn't surprised that they were Kitsúne – looking back at everything, it made a kind of strange sense.

Gaara followed the Hyuuga girl back to her Hokage fifteen minutes later and his siblings raised their eyebrows at him when he relayed what had happened.

"You know what this means?" Kankuro asked, though the answer was obvious. He did have a penchant for asking stupid questions.

Temari smirked as her brothers gave collected sighs. "The Hokage has no intention on delivering Kitsúne to her own feudal lord, let alone foreign Shinobi."

X X X

Lady Tsunade waved Kakashi and Hinata away as they arrived inside Konoha's gates and headed toward her office. Kakashi didn't seem fazed, flickering away as Hinata glanced at the guards in the check-in station. She offered Kotetsu and Izumo a small smile and headed toward the Hyuuga compound.

The Raikage scared her, especially since, more than once, she'd found his eyes surveying her during that summit. She'd only agreed to accompany Tsunade (the guard positions were volunteer ones, not orders) so that she could be the one to liaise with Kitsúne. The Hokage had been shocked upon Team Kakashi and Team Guy's return, to learn of Hinata aiding Kitsúne. Her theory about their identity was confirmed, but she was stunned that Hinata would take such a risk on her own. She wasn't weak – nowhere near as fragile as she used to think of herself, let alone her father – but had never done anything like that before.

Hinata Hyuuga was not normally so unpredictable.

But it was an opportunity, and Hinata hadn't been reprimanded for it – Kakashi stated that he'd realised what she was up to and silently communicated his assent. It may not have been completely true, but the Hyuuga was grateful for his support.

Hinata sighed in her musings, realising she wasn't alone. Neji was waiting for her. She smiled as he greeted her and used her Byakugan to make sure no-one else was nearby. He raised an elegant eyebrow at this, but didn't comment.

"Cousin," she said pleasantly. "I've asked you to meet me here because I need your help."

X X X