#kurenai yuuhi

[leiandroid]

kurenai yuhi 🥀

[jacksgreysays]

screaming at how kareru learns his poker face from KIBA because that's not the first person to pop into your mind when you think poker face, is it? but no it's PERFECT of course kiba is hard to read if you don't know him well?? insouciant devil may care little shit with a taste for gossip... it's so easy to dismiss him as little more than a loud annoyance. which is interesting, bc he laughed at the thought of shikamaru being dangerous post-forest of death right? wonder if he saw more even then..

:D thanks, anon!

KIBA having the best poker face out of his generation is very inspired by Kaitou Kid from Detective Conan and how his notorious Poker Face is him smiling to the point that his signature looks like this

But also, Kiba is incredibly earnest when he needs to be. When it suits the situation. I like to think that of Team Eight, Kiba learned the most from Kurenai, if not literal genjutsu, then the subtlety of projecting to people what they expect to see in order to get what you need done.

So, obviously exegetically its because the artists were like "gotta make the women sexy because how else do you know they're women," but if you join me in the teeth gritting diagetic space of... okay... disregard the obvious WHAT IS SHE WEARING? HOW DOES THAT OUTFIT MAKE SENSE? WHERE ARE HER PANTS? HOW DOES SHE FIGHT WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT HER ENTIRE CROTCH BEING EXPOSED? and just kinda... hrmph, very teeth gritting, maybe she wore it because people expect female genjutsu specialists to be a certain way and dress a certain way and, yes, maybe there's a lot of honeypot sort of missions where this is part of the reputation (although, tbh, I would HOPE the shinobi sent on honeypot missions are more subtle about their seduction strategies)

ANYWAY I'm getting distracted. What I'm saying is, yes exegetically it's because Kishimoto couldn't be bothered, but diagetically it's like: hey, what does anyone know about Kurenai except that she is a female genjutsu specialist? NOTHING. Because that's all she lets you see. And in the meantime you forget that, hey, she's a full ass JOUNIN. And you can't really get to JOUNIN rank based on genjutsu alone.

People look at Kiba: they see his grin, his Inuzuka tattoos, and Akamaru. They don't see anything else. And that's exactly what the Poker Face is for :D

[shadowwolflady]

Asuma’s Death

Part 3

Rai dressed in her black funeral clothes. A black three quarter sleeve shirt and black knee length skort. The slits in the side of her skort went up to mid thigh on each side for ease of movement. There was a bouquet of flowers on the counter she would bring for the funeral. She grabbed them on the way out.

The sky started to drizzle as she walked to the cemetery. Many others made their way along through the tori and down the steps. Rai was one of them.

It hurt for her to see her friend up there by herself. How she wanted to go and comfort her. Rai stood her ground, staying in the back as usual.

The rain continued to downpour.

One by one, people turned and began to leave. Yet Kurenai still stood in front of his grave.

Years from now. That would be her. Standing at the grave of her husband. By herself.

Everyone, save several people, left. Standing there in a daze, Rai lost track of time. Cold shivers raced her body. How long had she been standing there? Her clothes were soaked.

Taking a deep breath, she took a step forward towards Kurenai. She stopped next to her friend. Bending down, she placed the bouquet near the one Kurenai placed during the ceremony. Standing back up, she took a small step back. Something brushed Rai's arm. Brown eyes looked down. It was Kurenai's hand. She had reached for Rai. Her hand now held Rai's forearm.

Rai sat on the edge of her bed, sopping wet from the rain. The image of Kurenai standing up there alone haunted her. The foreshadow of the future for her. That would be her one day.

Rai had witnessed her friend crying over the past couple of days. The pain was excruciating to watch. She could only just imagine how it felt. True to her word, Rai tried her best to be there for Kurenai. Anko, Shizune, and herself took turns staying overnight with her to keep watch and keep her company. Kurenai leaned into Rai for support.

The day that would happen, she would be up there. All alone. Few people attended to support her. More attending to mourn someone they knew. Would anyone be alive then? Probably some of his students. What about her friends? Would Kurenai be there like she was for her? Or Anko? Or Shizune? Would she be forced to go through everything alone? No one to comfort her and watch over her while she would navigate this foreign path.

The Okami would be there, to help ground and guide her. But. All Rai could think about was how she would be up there. Alone.

This was the curse of being a demon in a human world. Demons out lived humans. This was the pain that she was warned about. Until she died, she would continue to be alone.

Rai found herself playing with her ring on her left hand. It was an attempt to soothe her and remind her of the love she had for her husband.

After a warm shower, Rai laid in her bed. The image of her standing alone at the grave of Kakashi burned into her conscience.

As Rai feared, Kakashi left with Shikamaru and a team of ninja the moment they caught wind of where Hidan and Kakuzu were.

That was her future.

Rai hugged him as he went to leave. This stopped him from opening his apartment door. "Please be careful." Kakashi turned around and embraced Rai.

"I will." Kakashi told her. He closed his eye and took in her scent.

Rai leaned back and quickly slipped his mask down and placed a passionate kiss on his lips. He kissed her back. Pulling back, Rai looked at his handsome face, cupping it in her hands. "I'll be waiting."

Kakashi closed his eye and rested his forehead against hers. The cold metal plate pressed into her warm skin. "I love you, Rai."

"I love you, too, Kashi." She said his nickname. He had to peel himself away and pull his mask back on. Pulling himself from her arms was the hardest thing he has ever had to do. Shikamaru was waiting for him. Rai saw him off with his group.

Days passed, Rai had a knock on her door, it was Anko telling her that they were back and Kakashi was fine, and headed for the hospital to get checked out. They were back! Rai left her apartment in a hurry to the hospital and found his room. She raced down the halls, getting yelled at by staff.

Rai grasped her wedding ring that was looped on a string around her neck. She prayed to Kami that Kakashi would be alright and make it home to her.

“Rai?” Her name from his mouth barely left his lips before she leapt into Kakashi's tired arms as he sat on the cot. “Wha- Ow!”

“Sorry,” She said. She was just so happy to see him. He didn't have the strength to fight or complain too much, so he just let her.

He checked out fine and was given a clean bill of health, except for chakra exhaustion.

Of course. Tsunade always did this to her. Maybe she should petition the council and elders to allow her the full bereavement period.

The moment Kakashi was discharged, a shinobi came in and handed Rai a scroll. Rai's heart dropped. Kakashi hadn't even gotten up off the cot yet and the discharge nurse was still talking to him.

Kakashi knew all too well what was going on. He encouraged her to go, that the Hokage wouldn't call for her unless it was absolutely necessary. Rai nodded, taking the scroll. She turned and gave him a small peck on his forehead before turning to leave.

Previous Chapter //

[kiljoius-writes]

Small Love - Chapter 18

Ao3 | First Chapter Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Clan Education

“While I’m gone, I want you three to visit each other’s homes and educate one another on your clans.”

This was the instruction left to them by Kurenai as she was due to embark on an A-rank mission with Asuma and Guy. They had been on a team together for about four weeks now, and Kurenai was disappointed to find they hadn’t bonded as well as she had hoped. Kiba was still adverse to Shino’s beetles, Shino was still adverse to Akamaru, and Hinata was adverse to speaking louder than a whisper. This was an exercise her sensei had given to her team so many years ago, and she remembered it was the first time she entered Lord Thirds personal home to learn about Asuma and his family. She smiled, remembering how nervous it had made her.

They begun with Kiba, who volunteered himself to go first. It was clear the boy had a lot of pride in his clan.

“Alrighty.” Kiba marched through the Inuzuka properties, where for every Inuzuka, there was at least one dog in tow. Hinata looked in awe at the sheer amount of pups around her. She had never seen so many at once, and she found herself itching to pet them, but knew enough about the clan to know you should never interrupt a working Inuzuka dog. Shino was doing his best to keep an emotionless expression, but couldn’t stop himself from wincing occasionally as pups pushed past him.

“So here-“ Kiba stopped in front of an open field with many different obstacles “-this is where we train directly with our pups!” He pointed at an older Inuzuka who was weaving hand signs and Hinata audibly gasped when they turned into a fairly large two headed wolf. “Nice one Hiraku!” Kiba called before ushering them away. Soon, he stopped again to point out the veterinarian clinic that Hana worked at, though it took more than just pups. Once more to show off the nursery, to which Hinata squealed at the sheer number of puppies. “You can pet these ones, if you want, Hinata.”

“May I?” She asked softly, reaching out her hand. He nodded with a grin as she bent down, only to be enveloped by varying shades of puppies and falling to the ground. Her giggle pierced through the room and Kiba couldn’t resist hopping in as well, while Shino stood as far in a corner as possible. He looked on as his teammates became precariously close to one another as puppies crawled over them, licking and nipping. He felt his cheeks burn up slightly when he saw their arms cross one another and felt something dangerously close to jealousy. With a sigh, he looked down at a pup that had targeted him specifically, and finally gave in, crouching down to pet the pup.

After a few moments, Kiba hoisted Hinata up with him and joined Shino, who seemed to grow fond of the solitary pup. “I think that’s Yukamaru. She likes you! One of our calmer pups.” Kiba grinned, slapping Shino on the back. Shino crinkled his nose and simply nodded in response. Kiba ushered them back to his home, where they were met with a yelling match between Tsume and Hana. Kiba was wasn't phased as he kicked off his sandals and threw his pack to the side. He glanced at Hinata, who was wide eyed, and Shino, who’s eyebrows furrowed, and he smirked.

“It’s nothin’ serious, c’mon.” He waved them in, and they both took off their sandals and carefully laid them next to the door. “MA!” They both cringed away from his yelling.

“What?!” Tsume’s booming voice stilled the two as Kiba outstretched his arms.

“Meet team 8!” He grinned, gesturing to his teammates. Suddenly, both Tsume and Hana calmed, as if on cue.

“Well!” Tsume barked, a beaming smile overtaking her face as she approached them. “And who might you two be? Come, sit-“ she placed both hands on their backs, pushing them forward, “I’m just finishing up dinner.”

“What’re you arguing about anyway?” Kiba’s voice was light, as if this scenario was no big deal, but his teammates were clearly on edge.

“Your sister seems to think I added too little salt.” Tsume shot a glare Hana’s way, and she returned with an eyeroll. “Perhaps my son’s teammates should be the judge, huh? Stay for dinner!” Kiba chuckled as he joined his teammates at the table, they reluctantly taking their seats. Tsume resumed her place in front of the stove, and without a glance, continued, “and didn’t I ask your names? Out with it!”

Shino straightened immediately, and Kiba snickered. “I am Shino Aburame.”

“No shit?” Tsume whipped around, scanning the boy. His eyebrows raised at her cavalier demeanor. “Shibi’s boy, then?”

“I-indeed.” Shino uncharacteristically stuttered, face forward. Tsume grinned.

“Always liked Shibi. A little stiff, but good man.” Tsume nodded, turning back to the food in progress. “And you, you’re a Hyūga of course. Could it be my son is on the same team as the byakugan princess?”

“O-oh-“ Hinata choked out, eyes dropping to the surface of the table in front of her. “Please, uhm- Ms. Inuzuka, I am Hinata Hyūga, my father’s eldest.”

“So he is!” She grinned, giving a light laugh as she tapped the wooden spoon against the edge of the pot. “You didn’t tell me, dear son.” She eyed him, a frown flashing over her face for the briefest second before returning to a taut smile. The two observed him as he audibly gulped, turning from her gaze. “Well, go entertain your team until I call, alright then?” 

“Right!” Kiba nodded, guiding them to the living room. The day finished with Kiba talking proudly about some of their clan’s history, noting that while the clan had been started by a man, it quickly fell into the control of the women. Hinata admired the lack of bitterness in his voice, instead it sounded something like pride. He spoke carefully about the ninken as to not reveal too much, a common theme in most clans that possess special clan techniques. Tsume and Hana offered yelled input from the kitchen when they thought he didn’t elaborate enough or was saying something wrong. Finally, he finished up by telling the story of when he got Akamaru, an event Shino and Hinata both remembered from the early days of the academy. The sheer amount of squealing from all the girls in their class when he first appeared with a brand new pup atop his head was hard to forget.

The next day, Shino and Kiba with Akamaru met one another in front of the gates of the Hyūga compound. They stood in awkward silence for a time before Kiba finally spoke up. “Hey, uh-Yukamaru really liked you, huh?” Shino raised his eyebrows and reluctantly nodded. “You ever wanna visit, just come on by—pups like being social!”

Shino was spared from having to respond when the gates opened to reveal Hinata and a taller, older Hyūga. She gave a bright smile as she waved her hands inward, signaling for them to proceed. “Thank you for coming.” She bowed to them. Shino returned the bow, but Kiba folded his arms, tilting his head down at her. “Th-this is Kō, my guardian. He’ll be joining us.” Kō tentatively bowed very shortly to the pair, eyeing the pup above Kiba’s head.

“Kiba, and Akamaru.” Kiba gruffed, looking up towards his forehead.

“Shino Aburame. Pleasure, Kō.” Shino bowed, earning a small smile from Ko.

“Please, follow me.” Hinata’s little voice beckoned. She explained that she couldn’t reveal too much to her teammates, but would do her best to educate them on the clan. They first stopped in front of a training ground of sorts, like Kiba did, and she explained that it was where Hyūga trained exclusively with one another. She proceeded to the gardens, and pride finally entered her voice as she pointed out the various plants she had been nurturing over the years. Kiba did his best to look interested, though he had trouble doing so. Shino, though stoic as ever, did take interest.

“Is this a carnation?” Shino asked, gesturing to the flower near him. Hinata beamed with a nod. “Don’t they usually bloom in the Spring?”

“W-well, in this garden, we are able to bloom flowers at any time of the year, i-if they’re fully grown.” Hinata explained, still with a sweet smile on her face. “Th-the greenhouse mimics nature in that way.”

“Ah.” Shino said, simply, and Kiba raised his eyebrows at the two. He wanted to tell them this was boring, but bit his tongue, thinking back to his mother lecturing him after they left yesterday to be respectful, especially at the Hyūga property.

Hinata continued to usher them around with Kō quite close, describing some of the paintings and statues that dotted the property. Both Kiba and Shino were quite aware of some of the glares they were receiving from the members of the clan, suspicion on their faces evident. Hinata seemed to not notice, just as Kiba hadn’t noticed their discomfort on his own clan’s property. Kiba couldn’t help but pause as he watched two younger Hyūga spar quite violently in another training room, not realizing he was watching Hanabi and a branch member. He crinkled his nose at the “x” marking on the branch members forehead.

“How’d that guy get that scar?” Kiba asked, looking towards Hinata. She drew a shaky breath as she looked back at him, a look of worry on her face. Kō stepped in for her.

“That is the caged bird seal.” He proceeded to explain in the simplest terms possible what that meant, and Kiba’s curious expression turned to one of disgust. When Kō finished the lecture, Kiba looked ready to talk back, but was nudged by Shino elbow to silence him while Hinata quickly changed the subject, ushering them further into the compound, placating him. Seemed the team had grown to know each other to some extent after all as the two immediately picked up on Kiba’s desire to speak his mind.

She stopped in front of a very large door with her clan’s symbol on it and turned to look at them, seeming nervous. “A-and this is my immediate f-family’s part of the compound…we cannot enter, as my father is busy, but that’s alright!” She attempted a smile as Kō set a light hand on her shoulder.

The final destination was a grand hall of sorts, and Kiba and Akamaru immediately bolted towards the long table with a huge spread of food. Hinata giggled gently. “Kō insisted on having a meal prepared. Please.” The boys had never seen so much food in their lives. All took a seat and shared their gratitude for the food before digging in. Conversation at the dinner table was not nearly as lively as it was in Kiba’s home, but all seemed content by the end of it. Hinata saw them off before sunset, with a promise to meet with Kiba and Akamaru in front of Shino’s home.

The Aburame estates were noticeably quieter than the Hyūga and Inuzuka. The Inuzuka tended to be loud as part of their nature, constant yelling and arguing and celebrating, while the Hyūga compound was mildly loud with constant training efforts. Kiba, Akamaru, and Hinata met in front of the precise location Shino had shared with them the day prior. When Kiba gave a wave and a boisterous “HEY HINATA!” Hinata immediately waved her hands and put a finger to her lips to quiet him. Kiba recoiled from her panicked demeanor and glanced around.

“Aburame require quiet for their insect training.” Hinata whispered just as Shino approached Kiba from behind, causing him to jump before turning around once he picked up his scent.

“That is correct, Hinata.” Shino nodded with a lightness to his voice that they rarely heard. He tilted his head to gesture for them to follow.

“Great…gonna be another boring day…” Kiba frowned, throwing his hands behind his head.

Shino’s tour was quite straightforward. He brought them to the area where infant Aburame are infused with chakra insects. Neither teammate showed any outward sign of disgust, but even Hinata had to admit she was a little perturbed by the act, while Kiba didn’t have to say anything for them to know he disapproved. Then another building, where insects were bred and kept captive until a new Aburame is born, also functioning as a place to replenish in case an Aburame is depleted of insects from battle.

Hinata blinked up at a door that had a hazardous symbol on it, indicating authorized personnel only. Shino noticed her curious glance and elaborated. “Poisonous insects to even some of the most skilled Aburame. Very few of our clan can control these insects without succumbing to their venom.”

“Sheesh.” Kiba noticeably shivered along with Akamaru as they passed the door. Eventually, he led them to what seemed like quite normal living quarters, sitting pillows and a low table already prepared with two teas and a water bowl next to one of the pillows. Shino indicated for them to sit. “This water bowl for Akamaru?” Kiba asked as he took the pillow next to the bowl, Hinata joining next to him. Shino nodded shortly before turning and Kiba felt his cheeks redden. “That’s…decent of you.” Akamaru hopped from the top of his head to sit next to his master. Kiba felt a weird sense of appreciation tighten his chest, not used to overt kindness from others, especially Shino.

“Now, I will go over my clans history.” Both looked up in surprise as he dragged out a presentation board complete with fully detailed posters, clearly ready for a full-blown lesson. They exchanged a somewhat exacerbated look as they settled in with the tea, Akamaru choosing to succumb to a nap.

A good hour later was when Shino finally wrapped up his lecture. Akamaru was loudly snoring while Kiba was struggling to hold his head up, but Hinata dutifully nodded along with the lesson, paying full attention even if it strained her a bit to do so. “Any questions?”

“So, the Aburame don’t feel the need to try to breed the Bikochu themselves?” Hinata asked with genuine curiosity. Shino shook his head.

“No, thankfully with our long period of peace, we haven’t needed it. Should we ever require it once more, a search party would be established to find one or more.” Shino spoke matter-of-a-fact-ly. Hinata smiled and nodded with understanding. It would be here that the seed was planted for the idea of using a Bikochu to locate Sasuke, but that was still in the mildly distant future.

“If you have completed your lesson, son, please do invite your team to the table.” All looked up at a deep voice ringing from the room over. Shino bowed quickly, putting up the presentation. He silently motioned the three to follow him, and they were met with two adult figures at a low table, both also donning sunglasses. Kiba scrunched up his eyebrows, realizing this was the first time he was seeing another Aburame that wasn’t Shino. Guess they all wore shades of some kind. The man spoke. “Pleasure, Lady Hinata, Kiba, and Akamaru.” The three exchanged a look at the realization Shino had already taken care to tell the two who seemed to be his parents, about them. “I am Shibi Aburame, and this is my wife, Shiko.”

“Mr. Shibi, Ms. Shiko.” Hinata bowed while Kiba gave an awkward wave.

“What’s up…” Kiba scratched the back of his head nervously, only taking a seat when Shino gestured for them to join him.

“I hope you enjoy soba.” He nodded to the plates in front of them. Kiba sniffed disapprovingly at the lack of meat. The three of them expressed their gratitude regardless before beginning the meal, with Shibi leading the conversation. “I am quite familiar with Tsume and Hiashi.” Both perked their eyebrows up at his declaration. “We often see each other at clan events and handle clan business together. You three have actually met one another before you began in the academy.”

“R-really?” Hinata asked with genuine curiosity, Kiba looking up with surprise as well as he looked over his two teammates. While Shino could recall those times, Hinata and Kiba struggled to remember, but to be fair, it had been nearly 7 years since they started at the academy. He nodded once more.

“Indeed. As you grow older, Hinata, you’ll learn how complex the inner workings of clan issues can become.” He turned to Kiba with a head tilt. “You will also likely become integral to your clan, Kiba, especially when your sister takes over.”

“Tch…” Kiba looked away with embarrassment, though Shino was watching with interest in how his father would interact with his teammates. Shibi clearly knew more about them than he had first realized. “I mean, maybe, I probably won’t have a whole lot to contribute…”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Shiko offered with a small smile.

“Anyway.” Shibi redirected the conversation to inquiring on their missions. As they finished the meal, Shino stepped to aid his parents with clean up, but was told to see his teammates out. As they said their goodbyes, they agreed to meet for training the next day.

Two weeks went by, and the three had become closer over that time. Shino took Kiba up on the offer to visit Yukamaru, Hinata joining to visit with the puppies as well. Shino took interest in Hinata’s garden, and he became the first one to receive a pressed flower from her, as well as becoming acquainted with Hanabi, while Kiba would walk her to her compound after training as it was close to his home. Hinata found the library in Shino’s home to be quite relaxing and even more developed than the one at the Hyūga compound, and Kiba even enjoyed having dinner with Shino’s family and Hinata, finding that he was discovering many different new foods he enjoyed that didn’t involve meat.

So when Kurenai appeared for the first time since she left to their regularly scheduled training, she was pleasantly surprised to find the four of them walking together towards the training grounds. Until now, they had always met from different paths. She smiled as she watched Kiba poke Hinata in the side, eliciting a giggle from the girl while Shino carried Akamaru in his coat.

“Well, I see you four have become well acquainted.” They all looked up in surprise at her voice from the treetops, hopping down to greet them.

“Kurenai-sensei!” Kiba cried with a grin as he bolted towards her. She stumbled, not realizing he was going to go for a hug.

“Oh! Good to see you, too, Kiba-“ she smiled down at the boy, patting the top of his head. “I assume your assignments went well?”

“Sure did!” Kiba nodded enthusiastically, stepping away as Hinata nodded in agreement.

“Anything interesting to share?”

“Shino’s got poisonous bugs at his place!” Kiba boasted, thumbing towards Shino.

“Kiba has a building full of cute puppies.” Hinata giggled, shyly.

“Hinata’s garden is quite remarkable.” Shino added, quietly. Akamaru yipped from Shino’s jacket.

“Akamaru agrees.” He chuckled, reaching out to pat his head.

Kurenai beamed down at her young students and felt an overwhelming sense of relief and pride. It begun to worry her that they didn’t seem to be very friendly with one another, but her old sensei’s assignment did just the trick. She nodded, pleased. “Well, I hope you all enjoyed your break.” She set her hands on her hips, excited to tell her students of the news. “Because Lord Third has assigned us our first C-rank mission!” Kiba immediately yelled out in happy surprise, while Shino and Hinata exchanged a cheerful look. “We’re to investigate an abandoned settlement two days from Konoha. You have one hour to pack.”

The four faced each other for a brief moment before nodding simultaneously, immediately leaping away to pack for their first serious mission. Kurenai let out a thankful sigh, watching her students take off. She glanced across the training grounds towards the 10th, catching Asuma looking exasperated as Ino and Shikamaru seemed locked in an argument, Choji nowhere to be seen. So far, her first genin team was doing quite well, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit smug about it.

[maartslamdunk]

Same. And those good times. 🥹🫡

Search and Destroy

[yamatotallyoffthedeepend]

Never Have I Ever

A kkyam summer camp vignette for the August event at @tenzoscabin, ft. prompts: summer, camping, friends ☺️

[evilkitten3]

shoutout to the twelve (12) naruto women who are confirmed to be jounin and are also not medical ninja! (thanks to @tora-the-cat for compiling the naruto women list with me)

yuuhi kurenai

temari

samui

pakura

ringo ameyuri

kurotsuchi

nii yugito

uchiha mikoto

umino kohari

maki

kazamatsuri moegi

hyuuga hanabi

you did it, ladies! you beat sexism!

[syncro-cyclone]

[trans-duckling]

A Slow and Tender Love: Realization

Words: 6,657 Summary: After the events in the Land of Waves, Kakashi needed to decompress somehow. Normally, sex with Gai would be his first option, but his friend was suddenly 'not interested' anymore. Except. He was apparently fine with going out with other people, looking for a 'slow and tender love'. Something Kakashi believed not being able to give him, since that was not what he wanted... Right?

A week after the incident in the Land of Waves, Kakashi’s mind and body decided to act on their own accord without asking him first. See, he had managed to ditch paperwork and instead train with Gai in one of the empty forests of the village. Of course, the other man had been the one to appear in his office and suggest a challenge, but the Hatake had barely registered a minute before agreeing. He needed it.

His body still felt tense even with his medication and nightmares continued coming at him every time he closed his eyes. Blood. Dead hostages. Gai asking him to let go. Ugh.

At the end, his distraction had costed him ending up pinning on the ground, his friend’s body holding him down. How he managed to have so much strength when one of his legs was basically useless, was a mystery for Kakashi.

What was not a mystery, though, was the warm feeling running through his body to a very specific part of his anatomy due to their position and the fact that Gai’s good knee was almost brushing his crotch. Evidently, then was when his mind and body decided to act by themselves. Just as he had done many other times in which they were in that situation, he thrusted his hips up, looking for contact, and freed one of his hands from Gai’s hold to bring him down in a kiss.

The spark of electricity was immediate, the Hatake feeling alive for the first time since the end of the War. Because —dear Kami-sama—, it had been that long since the last time he got laid. Sure, being Hokage he got a lot of admirers and propositions, but he was also too busy to manage three meals a day, so imagine trying to fit sex in the schedule. He had been lucky to have a few minutes a week to jerk off.

Going back to that wonderful moment… Gai’s response took a little bit longer than usual, just a few seconds, and Kakashi was just about to open his mouth so their tongues could meet when his friend pulled back. Uh, that was a first.

“Erm… I’m sorry, rival, I can’t.”

“You… can’t?”

“Well, I can, of course!” the taijutsu master assured, as if wanting to leave that clear. “I’m still very much capable of… You know. I just… I don’t want.”

That was a second first. How many surprises could Gai give him in one day? Normally, by then he would be pressed against a tree while their clothes were left behind.

“I see” he said. Then, because he was not sure of how to continue, added: “I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, rival!” the other man beamed.

To definitely stablish that they wouldn’t go through with what the Hatake had had in mind, the taijutsu master moved to stand up. With the mechanical orthosis attached to his right leg, he was able to more or less walk normally and thus was useful for training, even if he could still kick butts while standing only on one leg.

Smiling, Gai offered him a hand to help him up. Kakashi took it.

“So, this puts me ahead by one point, if I’m not mistaken” his friend said. “You better not stay behind, rival!”

What did he mean with ‘don’t want’? Gai had never not wanted to have sex. They had been at it for years with incredible results so, why would he…?

“Rival?”

Right. Challenges. Points. Not sex. Gai was still his friend.

“Sure” he responded with a shrug. “I won’t hold back the next time.”

“That’s the… WAIT! What do you mean the next time?!”

Too late, Kakashi was already leaving. Of course it, had been a joke. He would never hold back against the other man unless he wanted to get injured, one or two functional legs aside.

Ten days later —no that the Hatake was counting—, he felt betrayed by Gai for the first time in… Well, forever.

Kakashi was on his way to Ichiraku with the intention of having at least one decent meal that week when he saw his friend coming out from a supermarket. He was too far away to understand what he was saying, but the wheelchair and green spandex kind of gave away it was him.

Surprisingly, Gai was not carrying any bag but instead turned his chair to wait outside for whoever he was talking to. Possibly Lee or Tenten, the Hatake thought, maybe even Sakura. But no. The person that came out from the supermarket was a man Kakashi didn’t know. About his height, slender, brunette… He was wearing civilians clothes and, whatever they were talking about, Gai seemed to be very happy about it.

Considering the Hatake’s brain stopped working as he assimilated the information, his feet refused to keep moving as well. Like that, he was only able to see the two men advancing in Gai house’s direction, still chatting and the other man carrying whatever they had bought.

Now, one could call Kakashi a paranoid, but he was also a very skilled shinobi that had worked in seduction missions at ANBU for quite some time. He knew what he was looking at. The slight inclination towards the wheelchair, the movement of his hands, the bright smile… The other man was clearly interested in Gai. And his friend was… Well, he was responding.

So much for not ‘wanting it’ he thought.

It was evident Kakashi needed answers. First, because he was sexually frustrated. And second, because… Because Gai was his friend. His rival. His… His. He had been for years. Whatever had changed between them, he felt as if he deserved an explanation at least, right?

So, he escaped from the office a little sooner that day. Theoretically, he had another meeting to attend and a bunch of papers to sign. Practically, this was way more important in the Hatake’s priority list.

By the time he arrived at Gai’s window, his friend was alone in the apartment. Still, the window was slightly open and that let part of the house’s essence outside and directly into Kakashi’s nostrils. Even if he didn’t recognize the smell of that other man he had seen with Gai, he could still detect it among the others.

“Rival!” the taijutsu master exclaimed upon seeing him at the window. “What are you doing there? Come on in! I have tea prepared.”

“Who is the man that was here before?” he asked, fully ignoring his offering.

The Hatake still entered the house, but stayed next to the window. There was an almost imperceptible change in Gai’s body —almost like a flinch— at his words.

“Oh! His name is Nosuke” he stated with a smile. “He’s an engineer and works at the hospital helping with innovation for handicap people.”

Kakashi’s heart hung at that small bit of information with hope.

“So, he was helping you with your wheelchair?” he asked, trying to sound nonchalant. “I was not aware you had problems with it.”

“No, no, my wheelchair is just fine” Gai assured, patting fondly at it. “Nosuke helped me carry my groceries back home after our date.”

Those words felt like a punch straight to the Hatake’s stomach, but he was trained well-enough to not show any sign of it. Still, he was angry at the whole thing. Gai didn’t need any help carrying bags, they both knew it so, he was… What? Letting that Nosuke guy do it to please him? And that was not even the worst part, no…

“I thought you didn’t want anything at this moment.”

In his mind, Kakashi deserved at least a little bit of honesty. If Gai had simply grown tired of him, he should say it to his face.

“Well, back then I was referring to…” the other man actually sighed. “Rival, we’re not sleeping together.”

It was evident there was a word missing at the end of that sentence.

“Yet” he punctuated.

“Kakashi” his friend grunted, more serious than he had heard in quite some time, “I don’t see how this involves you.”

“You don’t? A week ago you said you were not interested!”

Was he behaving like a little shit because he was sexually frustrated? Probably yes. Did he have a right to a proper explanation? He wanted to believe so.

“Rival! This is not the same!” Gai protested, his tone more tired than angry. “Nosuke actually wants to know me and spend time together.”

Kakashi couldn’t contain a huff.

“I know you already” he said. “And I’m probably the person with whom you have spent more time in your life.”

“It’s not the same, rival.”

“How so?”

The Hatake was equally confused and angry. They had a good thing going. A great thing. It didn’t make sense to suddenly want to break it off just because… What? Because Gai wanted to meet other men?

“What I want right now, Kakashi… Is not what we had” his friend carefully spoke. “After the War and my recovery… I love you, rival, but that’s not enough for me anymore. I don’t want quick meetings and empty promises in bed. I yearn for a slow and tender love, the kind you read so much about. That’s what Nosuke is offering me.”

Kakashi didn’t know how to answer. What was he supposed to say? What did Gai expect him to respond? It was as if clarity had hit him straight on the face, and with it a sense of panic. So, he did what he was used to when feeling overwhelmed: ran away.

He was out of the house in the split of a second and jumping from one roof to another in the next one. By the time he came to an stop, he was in the forest over the Hokage’s Monument. At least his ANBU guards had had the decency to follow his instructions and stop tailing him once he left the office, so he felt safe enough to take off his mask and draw a long breath in.

So that was why Gai had broken things off. It was not that he had grown tired of Kakashi, but worse, he had realized that what he wanted was something the Hatake could not give him. Why? Well, because… Because. What was the point of it, anyways? They were supposed to be always there for each other, what else could Gai need?

A slow and tender love, the kind you read so much about.

Those books were fiction. Shinobi didn’t live happily ever after. They trained. They fought. They prepared for war. Except, at the moment the world was at peace, fighting was unusual and training was dedicated less time to.

Kakashi let out a sigh, repositioned his mask and laid his back against a tree while sliding down onto the ground. What was he supposed to do?

[shadowwolflady]

Asuma's Death

Part 2

It turned to night. It was just Anko, Rai, and Kakashi who remained with Kurenai. Anko was still next to Kurenai, her arm around her friend's shoulder.

It seemed like Kurenai was in a shocked state. She didn't seem to be aware of her surroundings as she stared at the dog tags and hitai-ate.

"I'll stay with her tonight." Anko told them softly, trying to not disturb Kurenai. The purple haired kunoichi turned to look at their friends. Rai gave her a nod. She would have if Anko didn't offer.

"Thank you, Anko." Rai told her.

"Let us know if you need anything." Kakashi offered.

Quietly, Kakashi and Rai left. Rai had a headache from crying. She was still in shock.

Everything felt so surreal, so bizarre. She almost felt like she would disappear or float away if she wasn't holding on to something. Her right hand searched for Kakashi's hand. She firmly interlocked her hand with his. The pressure and his warmth helped to ground her, make her feel alive.

They walked in silence, Kakashi weaving along the streets to her apartment. Whether he was thinking of it, or his subconscious took over, Rai wasn't sure. However, he usually would go to her place for some peace and comfort.

Kakashi went through the motions, opening her door, allowing them in, taking his shoes off after he closed the door and locked it. Their motions seemed numb, mechanical almost.

Rai took off her equipment and headed for the shower. He joined her, mostly holding her as they soaked under the warm water.

They got changed for bed, Kakashi sat on the edge of her bed in sweat pants, ANBU shirt with a mask, and towel around his shoulders to catch the water from his hair. He sat there, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.

Rai had finished drying her hair and came in to see him like this.

"Are you okay?" She asked, carefully stepping into his line of sight, stopping right in front of him. Her hands reached for the towel around his shoulders and began to dry his hair.

"No." His voice croaked. That 'No' broke her heart. She shuffled forward and wrapped her arms around him as she held him close, tears streaming from her eyes. She thought she was done crying. Kakashi's arms slowly wrapped around Rai's form as he leaned his head onto her stomach. He took in a shuddered breath.

They both held each other. It seemed like both needed to be grounded by the other.

What are we gonna do? Kept crossing Rai's mind. The conclusion was that they would be there for Kurenai as best as they could. Rai's fingers gently wove through his hair, trying to soothe her partner.

After a while, they shifted into her bed, pulling the blankets over them and situating themselves in each other's arms.

The moment they got comfortable, Rai asked, "Did… did you know Kurenai is pregnant?" Rai's voice was so soft.

Kakashi hummed softly in acknowledgment. "Asuma told me after he found out. He was so excited." Kakashi recalled the man beaming with pride as he picked up Kurenai's favorite food and flowers in order to celebrate. He smiled at the memory of his friend, absolutely ecstatic as he got things before rushing back to Kurenai.

"I want to be there for her. As much as I can." Rai told him. Kakashi nuzzled his nose into her crown and gave a small hum in agreement.

The whole night was rough. They would fall into a light doze then wake up. Both were firmly fixed into the other's arms.

"Rai," Kakashi softly called to her. He found his mind wandering and drifting, not being able to sleep.

"Hmm?" Rai hummed.

"If anything ever happens to me. Just know, I love you. So much." Kakashi got sentimental. This had to be said. He had to tell her, to ease both their minds. "And you will be the last thing I think about before I go."

Rai didn't want to hear that. Tears crept from her eyes as she clung to him. No! She was done crying! But she understood. Out of both of them, he was more likely to die from an injury in battle vs her. He was a human after all, and she was a demon. She didn’t want him to die. She couldn’t fathom it. Just the thought of losing him, it crushed her heart and sucked all the breath out of her.

"Just… don't do anything too rash… or stupid." Rai muttered into his chest. She could feel Kakashi smile through his mask resting lightly on her head.

Both were in for a rough night. Neither getting any bit of restful sleep but just lightly dozing.

Rai found herself awake. Thoughts plagued her mind. This was their profession. It was an occupational hazard of the job. It was no secret that death followed the work of a shinobi.

In the morning, Kakashi was lazily running his fingers along her spine in a soothing manner. He had been doing this for hours. It seemed to soothe him as much as it did her.

“Kakashi?” She softly asked, making sure he was up.

A small hum came from him, signifying he was awake and coherent. Rai pushed herself to sit up on her hip. Looking down at him, she felt her chest tighten as tears crowded her waterline. “I want you to promise me,” Her voice cracked. She swallowed the lump in her throat as hot tears raced down her cheeks. “Promise me you will try to make it back home.”

This ripped Kakashi apart, seeing how affected she was by this. Reaching up, he pulled her back into his chest. Soft sobs shook her body. His face pinched itself together in an attempt to stop himself from spilling tears. God damn, Sharingan was leaking.

“I…” Rai’s voice was muffled from her place curled into his chest. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.” Oh, she knew well what would happen. She would die. Her heart and soul would cease to exist. Just an empty shell of a being would be left. Nothing to live for. However, she knew she couldn't stop him from doing his job.

Kakashi curled into her, resting his nose and mouth lightly on her crown. He knew he would die before her, as did she. Both assumed it would be a long ways off. And yet, with the recent events, fears started to surface.

No! He couldn’t have doubts or fears. He needed to go in with a clear mind. Thoughts and worries that bogged the mind caused hesitation. Hesitation got one killed. Taking in a small breath, he let it out through his nose to recenter himself. He knew he wouldn’t be able to promise anything. He wasn’t a psychic that could see the future. But he was damn well sure he would fight his hardest to get back home, back to her.

Rai wasn’t an idiot. She knew she would outlive him; it was inevitable. There were consequences of having a human as a partner, a mate. Other demons told her not to, warned her that she would only receive pain. But, these short years with him by her side would be worth it.

“I promise.” He muttered into her hair.

They laid in her bed, holding each other and soaking up the domestic bliss. Kakashi finally dragged himself out of bed. Rai slowly followed his lead by getting up and dressed.

Rai went to check on Kurenai during the day, she brought some food for her friend. Anko answered the door. Over her shoulder, she saw Kurenai asleep on the couch.

"She fell asleep finally," Anko told her. "Shizune is going to stop by later and stay the night."

Rai left the two. Kurenai needed to sleep.

As she walked through the village, the realization hit Rai that if Kakashi died on the next mission. He would leave her with nothing. Nothing of him. Nothing she could pour her love into.

Maybe, they should revisit the discussion of children.

Rai had half a mind to head over to Inoichi's and see if he knew anything. But another part of her didn't want to find out. While her mind turned, her feet brought her to the intelligence HQ. She was greeted by Shikaku, Inoichi, and Ibiki.

They looked at her as she stopped in the doorway. They knew why she was here.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be here." Rai realized where her feet carried her. She bowed and went to turn around.

"You wanted to know details," Shikaku mentioned, his arms still crossed as he closed his eyes and tilted his head down. "I'm surprised you weren't here earlier."

It was true, she wanted to know who killed her friend. But she knew she couldn't do anything about it.

"Kakashi was already here." Inoichi told her. Rai blinked at her lover's name. "We're surprised you didn't come with him."

"I… I didn't know." Rai was focused on Kurenai. That must have been where Kakashi went this morning.

Inoichi turned to face her, a gesture to invite her into the group conversation. Rai made her way over to the three men.

"The man's name is Hidan." Shikaku stated when he saw Rai look at some of the documents on the table.

"He's part of the Akatsuki." Ibiki mentioned.

"He and Kakuzu were the ones that were responsible for Asuma's death." Shikaku told her.

"Have you heard of them?" Ibiki asked Rai.

Rai shook her head, "Just from the Bingo Book." She recalled those names. Maybe if she looked them up, something may strike her.

Ibiki picked up a book that was on the table and held it out to Rai.

Rai looked at the book, before taking it into her hands. She read the descriptions beneath the photos of the individuals involved.

"It seems like Shikamaru may be planning something," Shikaku mentioned. "He hasn't slept since he's gotten back."

"If there is anything I can do-." Rai went to offer her services.

"I'm afraid it is up to Lady Hokage at the moment," Shikaku shook his head.

Rai squinted in thought at the photos. Anyone who kills a Konoha Shinobi automatically has a bounty placed on their heads and has a warrant out for them.

Why wasn't she aware of this? Perhaps because she was too close to the matter that emotions could get the best of her judgment. As she stared at the book, she didn't like the feeling she got. Why did she think Kakashi was going to be involved with their capture or killing?

"It would be too risky to send you." Inoichi piped up. The mind reader knew her all too well. "Despite you being a demon, if Kakuzu or Hidan manages to trap you like they're doing the Bijuu, we may be in for more than we bargained for." Rai agreed. For once, her demon heritage may be a hindrance to this mission. "Even if they don't know who you are."

Though Rai wasn't a tailed beast, or as strong, she still could pack a significant punch and do some damage if someone managed to get ahold of her and siphon off her chakra for their own use. Best she stay in the village.

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

[albinaaburame]

[95jezzica]

Kakashi Shipping Musings

Tbh I'm pretty neutral/more of a multi-shipper about Kakashi's ships nowadays, but I do think it's interesting to see how many of the ships have the potential to provide different things for Kakashi.

"Jezz, what the hell are you talking about this time?"

Bear with me here, but well, Kakashi has more ships than I can count at this point, SO! Just to mention some examples:

First up we have Gai, who is Kakashi's constant. Kakashi's other side of the coin who never gave up on him. They've known each other since childhood, with all that entails, and I'd argue that Gai is likely the person who (in canon) knows Kakashi the best out of everyone - including past Obito and Rin. Gai has seen and BEEN with Kakashi at his absolute worst, but also seen and been there as Kakashi slowly worked through it all and came out alive on the other side. Gai might call Kakashi his rival, but it's obvious they're best friends, and they completely trusts each other to 120%.

Secondly we have Iruka, who I'd argue is perfect as Kakashi's grounding. The one who takes Kakashi down a peg or two when needed. Iruka has both called Kakashi out on his bullshit in the past and continues to do so as well, but it's still obvious they respect each other a great deal. Naruto is obviously something that connects them, but from the little I've watched the Boruto series it's obvious Kakashi and Iruka are also portrayed them as friends on their own.

(Which is honestly a great foundation of any relationship - start as friends before you see if you also want something else out of it. After all, why choose between getting a friend or a partner when you can get both in the same person?).

My last example is Kurenai. There's something bittersweet there, but I do think she and Kakashi could make a great couple. Something sweet, and in a sense a... calm lull of love? Especially compared to the other ones he's shipped with. Anyway, Kurenai lost her partner and father of their child when Asuma died, and Kakashi lost one of his good friends. But they made it through. They still live. Kurenai also has a bunch of moments where she shows pretty good insight into Kakashi's thoughts, and there's a lot of understanding between the two of them. I guess my bottom-line is that I see some great potential in a relationship between Kakashi and Kurenai. Additional bonus is that the thought of Kakashi accidentally becoming the bonus dad/older uncle-figure to Mirai is kind of funny, because he probably thought he was done with raising children in any capacity after the mess that was Team 7 (which honestly wasn't his fault). Like sure, Kakashi will do it and he loves the child (Mirai), but he sure as heck didn't plan for this. x'D

.

There's obviously a lot of ships out there for Kakashi (such as with Yamato, Rin and Obito just to mention another 3), but my point is that different ships with Kakashi provides very different vibes of what they'd do and provide for Kakashi. None of them are wrong or better than the other(s), but I find them interesting to keep in mind.

Though Idk. Maybe my 4am musings won't make sense to anyone else. x)

[phlebaswrites]

Suigetsu Sees Sai (Really Sees Him)

Summary:

Suigetsu knows what he's supposed to be doing.

(But water slips through even the smallest of cracks.)

Takes place between 1908 and 1919.

Rating: Mature Fandom: Naruto Relationship: Hōzuki Suigetsu/Sai, background Haruno Sakura/Yamanaka Ino and Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto Word Count: approximately 9000 (Complete and posts one chapter daily)

For @hidendumbassvillage who first gave me the idea that these two could be paired together.

Sai smiles awkwardly, letting the old obaachan pat his shoulder.

This inn is almost too humble to be called a ryokan, but it's the only place in this village where travellers can stay and it thrives on the business brought by several trade routes. The family that owns it has been a good source of gossip about local events and he's sorry to leave them behind, but the offer to marry into their family is definitely a sign that he's stayed too long.

The daughter of the house grimaces as her mother makes one last attempt to push her on him, and Sai knows exactly how she feels. She's perfectly capable of managing the place on her own, but her civilian parents don't seem to understand that and Sai knows it isn't his place to try and change their minds.

Instead, he makes an excuse that any good parent would accept.

"Ah, but what kind of life would she have as the wife of a poor starving artist?" He does his best to look hungry even though they fed him well this morning. "What a hardship that would be! No, no, I will not marry until I'm famous! Only then will I be able to keep a wife properly!"

"Well, if you are sure!" Her father sighs but laughs good-naturedly. "Art is your first love after all, and who can deny the callings of the heart?"

"Exactly! My art is my mistress and I must go where she bids, but she's not so harsh as some might imagine." Sai presses a scroll into their hands and beams as they unroll it. The ink portrait is as detailed as he could make it - their whole family, right down to their little white cat - and they exclaim over it. He's carefully imbued the animal with a hint of chakra, just enough to watch the people around it and report back, but their eyes don't seem to see it.

Exactly the way he intended.

Read the rest on AO3.

[kiljoius-writes]

Small Love - Chapter 15

Ao3 | First Chapter Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Kurenai's Test

“The hell did she go?” Kiba spun around, eyes darting back and forth. Hinata cringed away from his overbearing demeanor while Shino seemed unaffected. The three spent a minute looking around before Shino chimed in.

“She’s likely put us under a genjutsu.” Shino spoke plainly, and Hinata nodded in agreement. He turned his attention to her. “The byakugan can see through genjutsu, can’t it?”

“O-oh-“ Hinata swallowed, eyes darting back and forth between the two boys, “i-it can be resistant to it, b-but not immune…and I’m not really sure if mine has developed e-enough to do so…”

“Can’t you try?” Kiba asked, gruffly. Hinata poked her fingers together for a moment before nodding, activating her byakugan. Both boys couldn’t resist leaning towards her, the first time either was getting the chance to be so close to an activated byakugan. She tried her best to brush off her nervousness and scanned the training grounds. Impatiently, Kiba stepped forward. “Well?”

“I-I’m not picking up her chakra signature…” Hinata said, softly as she strained her eyes to extend.

“She did say she was a master of genjutsu.” Shino let out a sigh, looking away from Hinata. “I should have planted a beetle on her.”

“Ew.” Kiba scrunched his nose. “Well, won’t get anywhere standing around. Let’s look for her.”

Kurenai watched with amusement from a distant tree at the trio. Shino was correct that she had placed a genjutsu over the trio, and she was curious to see if the young Hyūga could see through it yet. Evidently not, despite the weakness of the genjutsu. It was still just the first hour, so she held out hope they would be able to work out a strategy to find her and capture her.

“D-don’t Inuzuka have a s-strong sense of smell?” Hinata asked meekly.

“Well, yeah!” Kiba nodded, inhaling deeply. “But I can’t pick her up at all. You boy?” He raised his eyes to look up at his forehead. Akamaru let out a disappointed whine and Kiba shook his head.

“Genjutsu effects all senses.” Shino whispered, but was cut off by Kiba.

“Wait! I think I picked her up!” Kiba shouted, pointing in the direction of nothing at all. “Yeah, she’s over there!” Just as suddenly, he broke into a bolt towards whatever he was sensing, and Shino and Hinata exchanged a look before taking off after him. They watched in abject horror as Kiba seemed to be battling nothing at all.

“K-Kiba?” Hinata couldn’t get her volume high enough for him to hear over his grunting.

“C’mon, help me out here!” Kiba yelled after them as he seemingly was thrown into the ground. To him, he was battling Kurenai directly with the help of Akamaru. She was quick, dodging and countering his attacks as quickly as they came. The injuries he was sustaining were real.

“Seems she’s placed different genjutsu’s on us…” Shino quietly told Hinata. She watched as he attempted to intervene in Kiba’s fight, stepping in front of the boy. “It’s genjutsu-“

“Out of the way!” Kiba barked, shoving Shino to the side forcefully enough that he crashed on the ground. Hinata gasped, rushing to Shino’s side on the ground. His eyebrows were low now as he readjusted his glasses. “If you’re not gonna help, don’t get in my way!”

“K-K-K-“ Hinata could barely utter his name as she watched with fear as Kiba continued to be pummeled by an illusion.

“Idiot…” Shino muttered, climbing back to his feet. “We have to force him to stop.”

“H-how?” Hinata frowned, looking up at him. He shook his head.

“Hyūga are skilled in taijutsu, correct? Try to force him to fight you while I bound my beetles around him.” Hinata frowned at the idea of battling Kiba but nodded none the less. She knew he was likely the more intelligent of the two of them and was keen to trust him. “Step in front of him as he is about to launch a punch and block it. I’ll ready my beetles.”

“R-right.” Hinata sighed, wiggling her fingers as she focused chakra in her hands. “Byakugan!” She hopped onto a tree branch above the fight Kiba was engaging in with the illusion and scanned his movements for the right time. As he wound his arm, she let out a puff of air, letting herself fall in front of him and jutting out her forearm to take the brunt of the blow. He stumbled with wide eyes at the distraction.

“H-Hinata?!” He choked out, regaining his composure. “The hell? We’re supposed to fighting her, not each other!”

“K-Kiba, i-it’s a genjutsu!” She cried, holding her fists up ready to battle. “A-an illusion! You have to snap out of it!”

“I can smell her! It’s her! Now quit it and help me out, would ya?!” Kiba shouted, causing her to cringe away. He rolled his eyes and tried to hop over her to get to his illusionary enemy, but she swept his leg before his feet could hit the ground, causing him to fumble forward. “Shit!”

“I’m sorry.” She whispered as he looked at her with incredulous eyes that turned to fury.

“You’re not gonna make me fail!” Kiba growled, launching at her, but she was ready for him, chakra focused in her palms as he attempted to launch a barrage of hits on her. She skipped backwards as she blocked each one of them, ducking and returning with palms to his chest. She found his movements to be too clumsy, uncoordinated, unplanned. He didn’t seem to have a real strategy, just hit. It was unpredictable, she supposed, but easy to counter. She was trying her best not to land any critical blows. Suddenly she found her training with her father to be quite helpful. When she landed a blow hard enough to force him to the ground, he let out a painful chuckle. “Alright, you’re pretty good, I’ll give you that. I won’t go so easy, then-“ Kiba tried to raise to his feet only to find his feet bound. His eyebrows raised and eyes went wide as he realized- “what the HELL?! Get these gross things off me!” He shot his head up to Shino as he watched in panic as beetles made their way to his arms, bounding them to his torso.

“I’m sorry…” Hinata repeated, relaxing her hands to drop to her sides and deactivating her byakugan.

“So what, huh?!” Kiba spat as Akamaru whined, paws also tied up now. “You guys think I’m weak, right? So you’re gonna make me fail so you don’t have to be on a team with me?!” His eyes darkened. “Think you’re better than me.”

“N-no!” Hinata gasped, holding her hands out as if to pause him. Shino stayed silent. “K-Kiba, i-it’s not like that at all-“

“Since you’re a princess, you think you’re better than me!” Kiba accused, looking directly at her now. Her mouth dropped open as she took a step back from his heated words. “News flash, you’re not!”

“That’s enough.” Shino finally chimed in, stepping in front of Hinata.

“And you!” Kiba turned his attention to the Aburame. “You think you’re the leader of this team, huh? You’re just as stuck up as her!”

“Where is Kurenai-sensei, Kiba?” Shino asked, eyebrows raised expectantly. Kiba darted his eyes around before grimacing.

“You guys let her get away!”

“She was never here!” Both Hinata and Kiba leaned back in surprise at Shino’s raised voice. They had never heard him speak above an even level. He brought his index and middle finger to the bridge of his nose, pinching, annoyed. “You need to clear your head, Kiba. You’re acting irrationally, and that’s what she expects of you. That’s why she targeted you.” Kiba opened his mouth to interrupt, but Shino continued. “But it was a genjutsu. We need to take some time to analyze our surroundings, and we have to be strategic.”

Kiba finally shut his mouth, contemplating the words. As silence hung over them, Kurenai folded her arms, smiling. Shino had it figured out, it seemed. She did indeed target Kiba intentionally, sensing his hot-blooded temper and tendency to act before thinking. She also had a feeling Shino would be able to come up with a strategy to knock him out of the secondary genjutsu. And based on what she knew of the Hyūga's taijutsu, she figured Hinata would play a role in subduing him. Now she had to wait and see if they could pinpoint her, which is when the real fun would begin. She glanced up to see the sun directly above them, signaling noon.

“Perhaps we should eat before we continue…” Hinata said, quietly as she pulled her pack off her back, setting it down. Both boys raised their eyebrows at her.

“Didn’t bring anything.” Kiba said, roughly, looking away. Shino nodded in agreement. Hinata finally broke into a small smile.

“I brought you two some.” They looked up as she carefully pulled out three bento boxes. She walked up to Shino and shyly offered one, to which the boy reluctantly took it. Then she knelt down next to Kiba, still with his arms bound. He looked at her with suspicion. “Sh-Shino, could you unbound Kiba’s arms?”

Shino stared down at the boy momentarily. Kiba rolled his eyes. “C’mon! I’m not gonna do anything.” Finally, Shino nodded, recalling the beetles around his torso, but leaving the ones around his ankles. Hinata gingerly held out the other bento.

“Th-there’s extra meat in there, for Akamaru.” She smiled at him, and he looked up at her in surprise, then back down.

“Uh-that’s nice of you I guess, but he’s got a specific diet…” He mumbled, pulling open the bento and taking a sniff of the section she seemed to portion for the pup. His look of surprise returned as he didn’t detect anything out of the ordinary from the meat, in fact, it was close to how he himself would prepare for Akamaru. “Well…I mean, I guess…” He glanced back up at her to find her eyes closed with a little smile and he couldn’t help but return it.

“Thank you, Hinata.” Shino sat with his legs crossed next to the pair.

“Yeah, thanks.” Kiba nodded in agreement as Akamaru hopped to the ground between he and she, giving a tiny bark of gratitude before starting his meal.

The team ate quietly as each pondered their next course of action. Hinata found herself disappointed in her abilities, unable to see through the genjutsu like her clansmen could. Logically, she knew it was something that had to be practiced and came with time, but she still couldn’t shake the thought of her father’s disappointment if he found out. When she finished her lunch, she packed away the bento and then reactivated her byakugan to see if she could scan for their sensei.

“Trying again?” Kiba asked as he shoveled food in his mouth. Hinata wordlessly nodded without looking at him. Kiba darted his eyes over to Shino. “Can you let me out now? I think my time out should be over.” He pouted, eyeing the bugs around his ankles warily.

“You should apologize to Hinata.” Shino said, quietly. Kiba rolled his eyes.

“I’m sorry, alright?!” Hinata flinched at his accusatory tone as he turned his attention to her. At her unease, he softened, willing himself to lower his tone, something he would have to get used to doing. “I-I’m sorry, Hinata. I didn’t mean those things.” She finally turned to him and he looked with mild awe at the veins around her eyes. He couldn’t tell if he thought it looked freaky or cool. Maybe both. He cleared his throat. “You don’t seem stuck up. I have…kind of a temper. I’ll work on it.”

“We can help you work on it.” She offered with a small smile. He snickered.

“I dunno, I kind of do think you are stuck up, Shino.” He bounced his eyes back to the stoic boy who turned his head from him, unaffected. “Don’t think you can take the title of leader so easily.”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Shino said, coolly as he recalled the beetles around his ankles. Kiba let out a sigh of relief as he stretched his legs.

“See anything Hinata?” Kiba asked as he lidded the bento, handing it to her. She shook her head gently, deactivating the byakugan.

“I may be able to detect her.” Shino chimed in, and both looked at him. “Kikaichu are immune to genjutsu. If I can focus chakra enough, they may be able to seek her out without being fooled by an illusion.”

“Oh yeah?” Kiba jumped up, hands on his hips. “Why didn’t you do that in the first place, genius?” Shino crinkled his nose at the sarcasm.

“Because I wasn’t sure if it would work, I’ve never had my beetles face genjutsu before. I wanted to try other strategies first.” Shino said. “I do not see you coming up with any other ideas.”

Hinata stood up as well and poked her fingers together. “P-please don’t fight. Could you try it, Shino? Perhaps if they find her, I can attempt to confirm with my byakugan.”

Shino nodded, getting to his feet as well. He closed is eyes as he raised his hands, Kiba flinching at what seemed like hundreds of beetles flowing from underneath his sleeves. Hinata watched with amazement, eyes following their path. She activated her byakugan once more to see the hundreds of tiny, tiny little chakra signatures. Kiba glanced at Hinata’s look of wonder, then at Shino, who was looking at Hinata with a small smile behind his collar. Kiba’s cheeks reddened as he realized Shino was expressing happiness at Hinata’s seeming enjoyment of the beetles. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

“So? They find her?” Kiba asked, hurriedly. Shino didn’t respond, so Hinata responded for him.

“Give it some time, m-maybe? It isn’t likely to be-instant.” Shino nodded, focusing his attention on a certain direction. Kiba huffed impatiently while Akamaru let out a high-pitched growl. He folded his arms and turned his body the same way Shino was facing, tapping his foot.

The trio stood in silence, the only sound between them being the low buzzing of the beetles. Hinata continued to scan with her byakugan, willing herself to extend it’s reach. She made sure to keep an eye on where the signatures of the swarms of beetles were going as well. Kiba focused chakra to his nose as he tried to detect her, but knew it was mostly useless, unfortunately. He was trying to shake off the feeling that he was the loser of the team.

In the trees, Kurenai grinned as she held out the palm of her hand for a beetle to land on it. “Well done, Shino.” She whispered as it settled. She chuckled as she heard Kiba’s boisterous call for them to get going, now that Shino seemed to have a lock on her. “Here they come.”

The four looked on as Kurenai hit the ground in front of them, one knee on the ground and hands planted. Hinata quickly scanned her with the byakugan and the two boys and pup looked at her expectantly. Quickly, she nodded her confirmation that it was indeed Kurenai’s chakra network she was viewing and they begun their attempt at capturing her. Hinata launched first, to become toe to toe with Kurenai, and they engaged in hand to hand. Behind her Shino had hopped backwards and held out his arm for a healthy swarm of beetles to engage. Then, Kiba weaved a quick hand sign to engage in his Four Legs Technique.

Hinata gracefully dodged and blocked Kurenai’s attacks, but found herself struggling to land any hits herself. She gasped when Kiba came barreling down behind Kurenai, looking quite different, more animalistic than she remembered as he came down to strike her. Kurenai seemed ready though, and ducked so that he was face to face with Hinata, about to unleash a blow on her instead. Suddenly, Shino’s beetles formed a protective wall in front of Hinata, taking the brunt of Kiba’s assault.

“Shit!” Kiba shouted, bouncing off of the bugs as if they were springy. He shot his glare from the beetles to Shino’s location, and couldn’t act fast enough when he saw Kurenai appear behind him. “Shino!”

Hinata gasped as Kurenai swiftly struck him in the small of his back, causing him to double over, falling to his hands and knees. Both scrambled to aid him, but once they were with him, she had already quickly weaved another hand sign and vanished.

“Are you okay, Shino?” Hinata dropped to her knees and grabbed his shoulders, gently pulling him up. Shino let out a haggard cough, as he straightened up.

“C’mon, up! We can’t let her get away!” Kiba growled, roughly grabbing Shino’s forearm to yank him up. Hinata held out her palms to steady him, looking at him with concern. He shuddered slightly at all of the physical contact his teammates were giving him, but brushed it off, nodding towards Kiba. The other two nodded resolutely as Hinata scanned for her again. Quickly, she pointed at the treetops and Shino sent his beetles flying that way. Kiba cracked his knuckles, “let’s see if we can draw her towards us, huh?”

“Right.” Shino nodded in agreement as he followed Kiba’s line of logic that because he wasn’t as skilled at hand-to-hand combat, they should stick together and bait her out. His beetles swarmed her, following her as she leapt away. He reached into his right satchel and pulled out several shuriken, readying them. Hinata put a foot forward as Kurenai landed back on the ground, elegantly evading the beetles attempt to encage her. Kiba got back into his Four Leg position, Akamaru at his side as Kurenai suddenly disappeared from their vision. Almost instinctively, the four formed something like a triangle, backs to one another as they carefully scanned for her. All of them shivered simultaneously as something seemingly washed over them, relieving a weight they did not know was there.

“I believe the genjutsu has been released…” Hinata whispered. Kiba perked an eyebrow as he inhaled deeply.

“But I can’t smell her.” Kiba frowned, darting his eyes back and forth. Akamaru growled in agreement.

“And I can’t see her…” Hinata said as well.

“My kaikachu cannot sense her.” Shino’s quiet voice added.

Then, suddenly, she appeared in front of them with a wide smile, causing all four to jump slightly. She held up her hands as a show to have them back down, and all relaxed, albeit confused as they turned to face her. “You three…” she paused at Akamaru’s quiet growl, then added, “-four-pass!”

“What?” Kiba yelled, though Kurenai did not flinch. “We didn’t even capture you!” Hinata nodded tentatively in agreement. Kurenai giggled, setting a light hand on top of his messy hair.

“You wouldn’t be able to if you tried.” Kurenai teased, albeit seriously. “The test was of your ability to strategize and work as a team.”

“Hm.” Shino hummed, tilting his head.

“And you four did wonderfully! You had a rough time at first, but were able to quickly realize where the weaknesses in each other were, and compensated for each other appropriately.” She explained. “By the end of it, you had a solid strategy in place and seemed quite ready to take me on. Now, we will work on improving your strengths, and lessening your weaknesses. You complement each other quite well, even if you do not realize it yet.”

The confusion on Hinata and Kiba’s faces slowly turned to one of happiness, perhaps pride, and though Shino was quite expressionless, a small smile was evident on his features.

“But we won’t worry about that just yet.” Kurenai assured with a smile. “We will start the real work tomorrow. Today, we will have our first meal together as team eight.” Kiba fist pumped at the offer. “Any objections to sushi? My treat.”

The four looked at each other briefly, seemingly taking a moment to let her words sink in. Today was the day team eight would be officially formed under Kurenai. All seemed to feel a sense of pride, completely unaware of what their future would hold, the good and the bad. For now, they were bright eyed and ready to take on whatever challenges they were faced, as a team.

[evilkitten3]

naruto character stats from databooks 1-3, ascending order

taijutsu:

1.0 - sakura (1&2), gaara (1)

1.5 - naruto (1), shino (all), shikamaru (1&2), ino (all), kankurou (1)

2.0 - naruto (2), chouji (1&2), gaara (2&3), shikamaru (3

2.5 - hinata (1), kiba (1&2), tenten (1), sasuke (1&2), temari (all), kankurou (2), kabuto (1)

3.0 - hinata (2), chouji (3), kiba (3), sakura (3), kankurou (3), iruka (1)

3.5 - tenten (2&3), lee (1), neji (1), hinata (3), naruto (3), sasuke (3), iruka (2&3), kabuto (2&3)

4.0 - lee (2), kurenai (all), asuma (1), kakashi (1)

4.5 - neji (2&3), asuma (2&3), kakashi (2&3)

5.0 - lee (3), gai (all)

ninjutsu:

0.5 - lee (all)

1.5 - sakura (1), hinata (1&2), kiba (1)

2.0 - naruto (1), sakura (2)

2.5 - kiba (2), shikamaru (1), ino (1), tenten (1&2), sasuke (1), neji (1)

3.0 - naruto (2), shikamaru (2), ino (2), chouji (1), hinata (3), tenten (3), sakura (3), gaara (1), gai (all), iruka (1)

3.5 - shino (1&2), chouji (2&3), sasuke (2), neji (2), ino (3), kiba (3), shikamaru (3), kurenai (1), iruka (2&3)

4.0 - shino (3), naruto (3), temari (3), kankurou (3), neji (3), kurenai (2&3), kabuto (1)

4.5 - gaara (2), asuma (all), kabuto (2&3)

5.0 - sasuke (3), gaara (3), kakashi (all)

genjutsu:

0.5 - chouji (1&2), kiba (1&2), lee (1&2)

1.0 - naruto (1&2), hinata (1&2), chouji (3), lee (3)

1.5 - ino (1&2), tenten (all), sasuke (1&2), temari (all), kankurou (1)

2.0 - shino (all), neji (all), kiba (2), naruto (3), kankurou (2&3)

2.5 - shikamaru (1), hinata (3), ino (3), gaara (1&2), iruka (all)

3.0 - sakura (1), shikamaru (2&3), gai (all)

3.5 - sakura (2), gaara (3), asuma (all)

4.0 - sasuke (3), kakashi (all)

4.5 - kabuto (all)

5.0 - kurenai (all)

intelligence:

0.5 - chouji (1)

1.0 - naruto (1), kiba (1), chouji (2)

1.5 - naruto (2), kiba (2), lee (1&2)

2.0 - ino (1), tenten (1), sasuke (1), chouji (3), kiba (3), lee (3), kankurou (1)

2.5 - hinata (1), ino (2), tenten (2), sasuke (2), neji (1), temari (1), gaara (1)

3.0 - hinata (2), shino (1), neji (2&3), ino (3), naruto (3), gai (all)

3.5 - sakura (1), shino (2), hinata (3), tenten (3), sasuke (3), temari (2), kankurou (2&3), gaara (2)

4.0 - sakura (2&3), shino (3), temari (3), gaara (3), kurenai (all), asuma (1), iruka (1)

4.5 - asuma (2&3), kakashi (1), iruka (2&3)

5.0 - shikamaru (all), kakashi (2&3), kabuto (all)

strength:

0.5 - sakura (1), ino (1)

1.0 - sakura (2), hinata (1&2), tenten (1&2), gaara (1)

1.5 - shino (all), shikamaru (1), ino (2), hinata (3), tenten (3)

2.0 - naruto (1), shikamaru (2&3), sasuke (1), gaara (2), kurenai (all)

2.5 - kiba (1), neji (all), ino (3), kankurou (1), gaara (3), iruka (all)

3.0 - naruto (2), kiba (2), chouji (1), lee (1), sasuke (1), kiba (3), sakura (3), temari (1), kankurou (2), kabuto (all)

3.5 - chouji (2), lee (2), naruto (3), sasuke (3), temari (2&3), kankurou (3), kakashi (all)

4.0 - asuma (all)

4.5 - chouji (3), lee (3)

5.0 - gai (all)

speed:

1.0 - sakura (1&2), chouji (1&2)

1.5 - shino (1)

2.0 - naruto (1), hinata (1&2), shino (2), shikamaru (1), chouji (3), kankurou (1&2), gaara (1)

2.5 -naruto (2), shikamaru (2&3), ino (1&2), hinata (3), ino (3), temari (1&2), kankurou (3), iruka (all)

3.0 - tenten (1), sasuke (1), neji (1), shino (3), sakura (3), temari (3), gaara (1&2)

3.5 - kiba (1), tenten (2&3), sasuke (2), neji (2), naruto (3), kabuto (all)

4.0 - kiba (2), lee (1&2), kurenai (all), kakashi (1)

4.5 - kiba (3), lee (3), neji (3), sasuke (3), asuma (all), kakashi (2&3)

5.0 - gai (all)

stamina:

1.0 - sakura (1)

1.5 - sakura (2), hinata (1&2), kiba (1), shikamaru (1), tenten (1&2)

2.0 - kiba (2), shino (1), shikamaru (2), ino (1&2), chouji (1), sasuke (1), neji (1), hinata (3), tenten (3), temari (1), kurenai (all)

2.5 - shino (2), chouji (2), neji (2), ino (3), kiba (3), sakura (3), temari (2), kankurou (1)

3.0 - lee (1&2), sasuke (2), shikamaru (3), shino (3), temari (3), kakashi (all), iruka (1), kabuto (all)

3.5 - chouji (3), lee (3), neji (3), sasuke (3), kankurou (2), asuma (all)

4.0 - naruto (1&2), kankurou (3), gaara (1)

5.0 - naruto (3), gaara (2&3), gai (all)

hand seals:

1.0 - naruto (1&2), lee (all), chouji (3)

1.5 - kiba (all), chouji (1&2), naruto (3)

2.0 - hinata (1&2), shino (all), tenten (all), temari (1)

2.5 - shikamaru (1&2), ino (all), gai (all)

3.0 - sasuke (1&2), neji (all), hinata (3), shikamaru (3), temari (2&3)

3.5 - kankurou (1), gaara (1), asuma (all), iruka (1)

4.0 - sakura (all), sasuke (3), kankurou (2&3), gaara (2&3), iruka (2&3)

4.5 - kurenai (all), kabuto (1)

5.0 - kakashi (all), kabuto (2&3)

[yutori-do]

🙌🙌🙌🙌

I wanted to draw my Kurenai redesign again c: