#sound nin four

[crystalskiesandcherrywine]

The sound of the waves collide // Part Three

Now we are getting somewhere... smutty. Given the nature of our favourite Giedi Prime bad boy, you can think of some possible tw.

And now I need to lay back on the couch and listen to NIN "Closer" on repeat...

Na Baron Feyd Rautha x Atreides!Reader

FXM

All feedback is welcome <3

Part One // Part Two // Part Four

1.264 words

Reverend Mother summons you. In the grandeur of the Emperor's library, amidst the tranquil silence and the books that whisper of forgotten tales, you stand before her. Kaitain, the residence of the Emperor, has a mild climate and seems comparatively softer than the weather in your Atreides home. It makes me wonder how the harsh surroundings of Giedi Prime affect its people and the ruling House of Corrino. You think this might be the last time you can enjoy your linen gowns, airy and light, with the fabric flowing down to your feet.

„How was your meeting?“ She says while reading a message scroll without looking up. 

"We were officially introduced and I already sense a degree of ownership in him." Lying to her would be futile. 

"And what about your second meeting?" Although her tone remains unchanged, your body stiffens. 

"Unexpected" is all you can muster. Reverend Mother lifts her veil and says, 

„He seems to destabilise you with surprising ease. Remember your mission: you are the one in control, not him. So much hangs in the balance, and you should know the consequences of not following through.“

The remainder of Lady Jessica's insubordination stings, but you bite your tongue. 

"I heard that Na Baron takes great pride in his cobat skills. He should be in the training halls at the moment." With the veil being placed back in front of her face and the sound of the message scroll being closed, you are dismissed. 

Guided by servants, you arrive at the training grounds. Your brother isn't there, having skipped his routine to spend time with his wife after their wedding. A few servants stay on the perimeter, while Gurney and a couple of other familiar faces of the Atreides guard are visible in the ring. The Na Baron is in the middle of his training with other Harkonnens and doesn’t realize he is being watched. You appreciate the unobstructed view. Sweat is running down his chest, along his abs, into the waistband of his trousers. His skin seems to be made of porcelain, yet he is as flexible as a clear mountain spring, a stream of energy moving through him, a testament to his relentlessness.

Gurney notices you and you signal your desire with a small gesture of your hand to challenge him. Gurney raises an eyebrow but is too intrigued to decline. 

He approaches Feyd Rautha with confidence. 

"Your skills are well-known. Would you indulge in a sparring session? I believe we are a match for each other." 

The Na-Baron agrees. "With pleasure. It has been a while since I had such a formidable opponent as yourself.“ 

Their shields snap back into place, veiling them both in a slightly blue shimmer.

Although their combat is just training, both are instantly focused. With power and grace, they exchange knife jabs, and suddenly, with a swift motion, Gurney lands Na Baron on his back. Feyd retaliates with a knock of his head and now both are on the ground, interlocked but not willing to give up. Your eyes are on Feyds smooth, powerful movements. The thought of his grace extending beyond the realm of physical combat sends a shiver down your spine, igniting a fire within that you struggle to contain.

The sound of your clapping makes them both raise their heads towards you. 

„You are both well-seasoned warriors!“ you say, gathering the attention of the men. Feyd Rautha's gaze is filled with a mix that begins to seem familiar: adrenaline, lust, and something else that one could describe as malice. Both get up and bow their heads. 

„Do you enjoy the view?" he asks. 

"I certainly did," In reaction to your praise he raises the blade to his tongue and flicks it along the tip. Without further interaction, you turn away, leaving him panting and wanting more of you. 

You are on the way back to guest wing, seeking company of your parents. With only a few hours left together, you want to use all the remaining time to speak, to listen, and to keep your betrothed waiting. 

You are seated next to Paul and Irulan at dinner and their happiness serves as a calming ray of light in the mix of your emotions. Having changed into a dark green halter neck gown you feel like a shadow next to the happy couple. Seeing them like this strengthens your resolve to adhere to the plan and keep your desire for Feyd under lock and key. When you excuse yourself to retreat for the night's rest, Feyd Rautha appears suddenly next to you. 

„I would be honoured to escort you, Princess.“ His voice seems to conceal a sardonic, dark energy beneath a veneer of politeness.

Your parents do not object, so you take his arm and leave the crowded room. Not even five minutes later, he leads you down a different corridor, one that does not lead to your quarters. As you try to object, your back is against the wall, his knees nudging your thighs apart, and his mouth is claiming yours. You feel the impact of his methodical and measured actions instantly. It appears something is simmering within him, waiting to break the surface. After what feels like an eternity, he releases your lips and gazes down at you with his stunning blue eyes. Your urge to kiss him back instantly almost overpowers you, the embers of carnal desire taking up more and more space within you.

Your hands reach out to his torso, feeling his muscles through the leather vest.He responds by closing his eyes and almost hissing. His lips descend on your neck like a hawk, his tongue dancing around the halter of your dress. The light material that was so comfortable only minutes earlier now irritates you. You want to be rid of it, rid of his attire and feel his skin against yours. Before you know it, you are facing the wall, feeling his body pressed against yours, his arousal evident. You are so close to giving in and then he makes a mistake.

„You will be a most exquisite addition to my collection, pet“ is objectifying and disrespectful.

 An instant wave of humiliation and anger washes over you. 

„Let me go!“ you growl, your voice full of indignation. 

'Are you sure? It doesn’t seem like it, yet again’“ He clearly toys with you. 

„Let me go“

He releases you instantly and you almost fall. In his eyes, you see the confusion everyone experiences when being subjected to the voice for the first time. 

„You are using your witch powers on me?“

 „How dare you mix me up with your so-called pets? I am a Princess of the House Atreides . If you even think of enjoying your pets and then laying your hands on me, you are mistaken!“ 

He doesn’t move but looks at you menacing, a vicious predator coming to the surface. 

"Is the Princess jealous now?" 

You stare at him angrily in return. The embers of desire are turned into a white glow of fury now.

 „I will return to my quarters alone.“

Without a word, he seems to turn around, then thinks better of it and presses you against the wall again. This time, his hand reaches right for your core, and the humiliation of being soaking wet is written on your face. His fingers circle your clit, making you whimper and as they crawl closer to your entrance, he abruptly stops. He seems to enjoy himself, sucking his fingers clean. As his steps disappear into the distance, you compose yourself and make your way. 

[louis--wifey]

WTTT Incorrect Quotes but it's just things that people in my real life have said

It's so long I'm so sorry 😭😭

~~~~

Illinois, cleaning his shoes: Last time I wore these shoes I got apple butter on them..

Ohio: I remember that song. *singing* Apple butter shoes, boots with the fur.

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Florida: *yapping*

New York, who forgot his phone in the car: I'm going to get my phone so I can ignore you for a minute.

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South Carolina: Georgia and I are dressing at Waylon and Willie for Halloween!

North Carolina: I could be Johnny Cash and just lay there in a coffin... *To the tune of Hurt by NIN covered by Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash impression.* I hurt myself, today

~~~~

Washington, helping Nevada with his math homework: Let's break it down

Nevada: I'll break it down *gets off of his chair and starts break dancing*

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Kansas: That sounded like a car commercial...

Oklahoma: I can write car commercials all day long.

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Maryland: Nothing says hot like harmonica!

(I have no context for this btw. My professor said it a couple weeks ago and I tuned into the conversation as soon as he said it and I have no idea what was happening before hand)

~~~~

Michigan: Hey, Ohi-

Ohio: And all of the sudden I heard an irritating, grading voice. And it was yours.

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Illinois: My grandma has chickens, and she's obsessed with chickens.

Minnesota: Tell your grandma to call me.

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Arizona: If you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go lock myself in the cooler.

Utah: Bang on the door if you need anything.

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Florida: *lands on go to jail in Monopoly* Noooo in jail again!?

Gov: That's something we need to talk about. If you keep driving so fast you're going to end up in jail.

Florida: Oh I thought this was gonna be about me puking in the county jail parking lot...

~~~~

California: What three characters have omniscience?

Florida: Your mom

California: What four characters have omniscience?

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Colorado: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Wisconsin: FOOD TRUCK!

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Missouri: Guess what my dream car is

Indiana: A Lamborghini

Missouri: No

Indiana: A Kia Soul

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Washington: New York with the leadership skills!

New York: I just know where I'm going -_-

Washington: Say "I'm New York and I'm a baddie"

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Texas: Can you count change? *Looks down at the change California gave him* You can!

California: I'm great at counting change, I used to do it for fun when I was little. Because I didn't have any friends.

Texas: Pfff-

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Oregon: A Monster a day keeps the straightness away.

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Nevada: You look like a clown.

California: Am I a pretty clown?

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Gov, to Louisiana and Florida: I would stop whining so much if you two stopped drinking alcohol.

California: Sometimes your whining makes me wish I liked alcohol.

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Florida: Gov, I'm helping!

Alabama: By... Making it harder?

Florida: Yep!

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Florida, singing: Everybody was kung fu fighting

New Jersey, to the tune Kung Fu Fighting: Everybody should shut the fuck up

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Washington's cat: *killing a bug.*

Washington: "Rip in half! Rip in half! Rip in half! When I say "beat" you say "that ass" Beat! *Long pause, points to Oregkn* Fill in for him!

Oregon: *slowly turns around in his spinny chair*

Washington: Aw, come on! You can say donkey instead. Beat!

*silence*

Oregon: No.

Washington: Fine. *dances out of the room* K-I-C-K-Y-O-A-S-S Oh yeeessss!

~~~~

Maryland: *playing a cheap toy recorder on a make-shift stage*

Massachusetts: MORE COWBELL!!

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California: I just love feeling like a menopausal woman.

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Oregon, sick: The crystal ladies said if you got sick after the eclipse, it's your ancestors banishing evil from your body.

Idaho: They're praying the gay away

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South Dakota: Wish me luck in war

Minnesota: You're not going to war, you're asking for a box

South Dakota: It's the same thing, damn it!

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Alaska: Penny for your thoughts?

Hawaii: I don't have any pennies.

Alaska: I don't have any thoughts!

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Louisiana: We can bring the baguette to and beat California with it...

Florida: Or Utah.

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Gov: If you could make any crime legal what would it be?

New York, Florida and Louisiana at the same time: Arson!

Gov: *mortified expression*

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Iowa, about chicken: Are you a thigh person?

Nebraska: I like legs... ThEy TrIeD tO pUt Me On ThE cOvEr Of VoGuE bUt My LeGs WeRe ToO LONGGGGG!

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Colorado: I need a stick!

California: I need a boyfriend, your point?

Colorado: ...Not that kind of stick.

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Oregkn: In high school my favorite past time was kissing boys.

Washington: *turns to California* Is that your favorite past time too?

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Texas: Why aren't bananas called yellows?

Florida: Because then Gwen Stefani couldn't use it in her song.

Louisiana: She'd just have to spell it different: This shit is yellows! Y-E-L-L-O-W-S!

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California: He's gay and he committed suicide.

New York: He's you... Don't commit suicide, please.

California: I WILL BECOME A MUSICAL!

New York: NOOO DO NOT BECOME A MUSICAL!

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North Carolina: I seriously hate you sometimes.

South Carolina Aww I love you too!

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Vermont: You wanna know the biggest dingus I know?

New Hampshire: You?

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Wisconsin: You're a yeasty beer

Illinois: You're a zesty beer

Wisconsin: Yeah well, your light in the loafers!

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Arizona: *says something dumb*

Nevada: Shaking my as- shaking my head.

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New York: *takes a drink of my pumpkin spice latte* Oh, that's delightful!

California: Look who's a white woman now?!

[later]

California: You basic white woman!

New York: I don't wanna talk about it...

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Louisiana: *throws a packet of French dressing at Florida, in a French accent* French

Florida: AAAAA IT'S FRENCH!!!

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Florida: Oh, I thought you were committing arson without me

Gov: If I ever decide to commit arson, I'll call you

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Florida: Ah yes, my favorite crime, trespassing. I'm joking... it's not my favorite crime

Georgia: What is your favorite crime?

Florida: Arson!

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Arizona: Finally a good song

New Mexico: Then why do you keep playing bad ones?

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*Either someone brought up Pedro Pascal*

California: He's the daddiest of daddies.

Texas: Don't say that ever again.

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Maine: There are more animals on the planet than humans and just think you could have been born a crab, but you were born a human"

Maryland: I wish I was a crab, then I could be crabby all day long

Maine: I'm all ready crabby all day long

Maryland: Yeah but if you were a crab you could crawl around and pinch people *walks away sideways with hands held like pinchers*

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Alaska: Why are you getting cologne

Hawaii: I want to smell like a masc lesbian.

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California: I've had morning sickness for the past five years

Florida: Are you pregnant-

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Washington: You can choose what you eat, whether it's vegetables, meat, or ass.

Nevada: *dying laughing* That threw me off guard.

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New York: PA, your turn to tell a word that means something bad

Pennsylvania: Would you consider emotional manipulation bad?

New Jersey: Yeah, I mean no, it turns me on

Pennsylvania: I guess my mom will really turn you on then

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Tennessee: Don't panic but there's a spider on your-

Kentucky: *Proceeds to scream bloody murder*

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Virginia: *sniffs bread.*

Virginia: "It's sourdough."

~~~~

New York: You know I'm insane, right?

California: I'm aware, but I don't care. It's one of your redeeming qualities.

[mixelation]

reborn au thinking outloud

so i'm thinking for oto

*the ame trio prevents the 3rd shinobi war from using rain as their stomping ground. this means there's a lot more fighting in sound than the original timeline. also i nearly typed the phrase "konan spanks a young minato over it" so you're welcome for that image

*sound has several ninja clans that are not affiliated in a village, and none of them declare war, but they'll fight foreign shinobi trying to take resources/occupy land/enter towns the shinobi protect/etc. because of this there's a lot of tension and village ninja will usually attack on sight or even occasionally actively hunt down sound shinobi. plus they're facing massive supply problems

*orochimaru comes in with gifts and promises of protection and all the clans jump on this. he's able to make oto as a village by uniting the clans several years earlier than in plasticity

*orochimaru uses the war to kill off most of the adult with any sort of power pretty quickly. but he does implement a lot of things that make the daily life of children and noncombatants better. they have more and better food. their shelters have electricity. he starts up more formalized training for all the kids.

*tori is very like "ummm but i'm special and better :)" and she's not a standout in like 90% of ninja things but she IS an adult competing against kids. it's not hard to convince him she's intelligent, and then she worms her way into the research side of the labs

*i was playing with the idea of orochimaru implementing a ranking system for the "students." so there's like a board somewhere central where everyone is ranked based on completely arbitrary factors. if you're at the top, you get special privileges and orochimaru will be nice to you. if you're at the bottom, you get shittier food and worse chores and orochimaru just ignores you. a rumor starts that defeating a kid at the top gets you moved up, so the top-ranked kids are constantly be targeted by increasingly vicious sneak attacks

*most kids still WANT to be at the top, becauee they're kids. tori is one of of like four who realize the game is to stay very firmly in the middle.

*i think being into research (and, like, good at it) gets tori a lot of one-on-one time with orochimaru regardless of her current ranking, and also she's really good at playing the oto-nin game so he like. likes her. and that's horrible for her. <3 he'll just arbitrarily change her rank to see what she does. he puts her at the bottom and refuses to talk to her for a month and she eats nothing but plain rice and pretends very hard she's not upset he's ignoring her. he puts her at the top to see what happens when someone tries to ambush her in her sleep. it's fun (for him)!!!!!

*i think it would also be pretty IC for him to make her do upsetting lab things and then she has to play a horrible game of acting upset for him but not TOO upset. rough

*i had a super clear idea of what the catalyst for tori jumping ship would be and it seems i have. forgotten LMAO

*NO WAIT. she catches wind he has her on his shortlist for the cursed seal :)

[bridgetotheskyyy]

chapter four.

masterlist

Chapter summary: Gaara shares his past, there's a cactus, and you get a letter . . .

Chapter warnings: sexual content, 18+, psychoactive elements, angst, drama

Word count: 13k

A/N: I’m not completely satisfied with the pacing of this one, So, I hope y’all are okay with this being the chapter where Everything Happens lmfaooo. Once again, please forgive any errors you might see. I was slightly less hawkish with this chapter to get it out. Thank you and hope you enjoy!

Read on ao3 here

“Ah, I see.” Baki’s voice dipped with disappointment.

Gaara and Temari had returned to brief Baki on everything, though Temari did most of the heavy-lifting in explaining. Kankuro was absent, though; the moment they had returned, he had taken it upon himself to continue his sub-Kazekage duties and, two days into their return to Sunagakure, they hadn’t seen much of him since.

“There was always a risk,” Baki said. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad Lord Kazekage and Lady (Y/n) were able to enjoy their time, short though it was. And …” Baki set a sheet of paper aside, brows drawn together in thought. “that Lady (Y/n) was able to return relatively unscathed.”

Gaara shared in Baki’s discreet concern; you had said so little to him during the trip back, and after being checked thoroughly by medical nin, you were sent to bed for vital rest. Your accoster had no assailants they needed to worry about. They even had a sea-side town ready to assist them if they needed anything as a payoff. From a perspective that was coldly shinobi, it wasn’t a bad deal. 

But Gaara continued to replay the scene in his head — his sand wrapped around the man who’d assaulted you, his rage, your pleading, your voice so small, so helpless.

I frightened her.

It had been long since Gaara had felt a guilt quite like this — since he’d felt an anger like that. And now the shame, like the anger, threatened to drown him. It weighed his every step.

You, someone he came to see more and more as his future wife.

“In the meantime, we’ll tighten security,” Temari told Gaara. “No more trips or lavish shopping sprees until the news of this has died down. Hell,” Temari shrugged, “maybe even until after the wedding.”

Gaara felt Temari’s stare but did not take the bait.

“Lord Kazekage …?” Baki began measuredly. “Is there something you’d like to add?”

It was a moment before Gaara answered, grimacing. “I was a fool … and rash.”

“Gaara,” Temari cooed, placing a hand on his shoulder. “No …”

Your pleading lived in his mind, and your voice resurrected ghosts. All the ones he had killed, all the blood shed in the name of his bloodlust, his soullessness … Hundreds, maybe thousands. Gaara chafed against the memory of his old self.

Gaara, please … don’t.

“I feel …” Gaara gripped hard at the arms he had crossed, “as though I’ve … relapsed.”

“Lord …” Baki sounded stricken.

“Gaara, no,” Temari said firmly. 

Gaara thought of the desert, of you sleeping beside him. Your trembling breath easing as you fell into slumber beside him was the only peace he had enjoyed that night or since. He’d been so relieved you had come to see him at all. What a miracle. 

But he could still smell fear on you. An image spiked in his mind, thorny and awful, of you, eyes wide as you recoiled. Desperate to get away. Gaara squirmed with the thought. 

“Anyone would have done the same,” Baki said. “You were only trying to protect Lady (Y/n).”

“Baki’s right,” Temari murmured. “It’s only natural to want to protect the ones you lo —“

Temari paused, touched fingers to her lips, surprised by her own near choice of words.

Love.

Did he love you? How would he know? Maybe not, but … You were becoming precious to him. And yet … 

Love is the heart’s desire to serve those precious to us. 

If you weren’t someone he loved, you were someone he was coming to love. 

Had he ruined things? 

He’d been driven by a desire to protect you, true, but it felt a lie to pretend his feelings were strictly heroic, like the liquid hot desire to strangle the man’s neck hadn’t lived beside the need to save you. Gaara stood; Temari’s hand slipped from his shoulder. 

“I know what I have to do,” he said.

Gaara knew Temari understood, though she pretended not to. “What …?”

Gaara clenched his fist. 

“I have to tell her the truth. About my past.”

You were all right. Physically, at least. 

You cradled yourself in bed with a sickened groan as another wave of anxiety set your chest aflame. You pressed a hand to your sternum; the ache there restricted your breathing. Your head was weighed with cotton. You had eaten little, spoken to no one. 

You ached for the obliviousness of sleep, where Hideo awaited to make you laugh, where he and you sat under cloudless skies on uneventful days, where he let you rest your head on his leg and drift off to the sound of his voice, where you were anything but who you were. 

Your head whirled; your options spider-webbed, each one worse than the last. What could you do now? If you told them about your father’s nefarious plans, would they believe you? Would they understand you had changed and had no intention of hurting Gaara? But you had just such intentions in the tent, determined as you were to let it all end. Only Temari had found you, and Gaara’s waking was the only thing that staved off her suspicions. 

I am a fool. You had incriminated yourself by going to his bedside. Your hands wouldn’t be clean because you exposed your father; if anything, it would only look like you were simply trying to cover all your bases.

If you wanted to hurt him, however, you had been given ample opportunities to do so. But —

But but but.

Your webs tangled and knotted. You were selfish. You didn’t want any harm to come to Gaara or his loved ones, but you also didn’t want to sacrifice … whatever this was. This play at a family. This ruse. Despite the panic you suppressed, you had never been so happy.

You touched your lips and remembered the kiss Gaara had left there. 

You raised from bed, the sheets pooling around your abdomen. You couldn’t stay here and drive yourself crazy. And … you were sure Gaara and his siblings were worried, along with Baki. But the absence of people had been refreshing. You were alone and thus had no need to perform.

It’s enough. You’ll just go mad. 

You dressed appropriately: a simple shirt — your beloved fishnet underneath; it made you look and feel stronger —  and pants and heeled sandals. Simple but still pretty. You inspected yourself in the mirror. You combed your hair, combined it again, three times for good measure. You straightened your clothes, eliminating every wrinkle. You wanted to look nice. You liked looking nice, but today it was essential to you. You couldn’t give away your inner turmoil. You wanted Gaara to think you looked nice, too, and, after minutes of excessive grooming, you thought you did. You looked every bit the normal girl you wanted to be. If anyone saw you now, they would see an ordinary villager in Sunagakure. 

 The necklace gave you away.

What you wouldn’t give to be a normal, ordinary girl. A normal father, a normal family. Hideo was the closest thing you ever had to a normal family bond. Protective and kind. And gone. And you didn’t know how or why.

Or who.

Stop pitying yourself and just go. You twisted the doorknob to exit your room. 

“Kankuro? Kankuro! Are you even listening to me?”

Kankuro stamped document after document with automated precision. Only when Temari’s hand came over his own did he pause.

He sighed. “Temari, unless it’s important, please let me get back to work.”

“Look at me.”

Kankuro raised his head, where Temari’s concerned gaze waited for him. 

There she goes, being all motherly again …

“How are Gaara and (Y/n)?” he asked, feeling defeated.

Temari withdrew her hand. “We haven’t seen (Y/n) in a while, but the nurses say she’s well. And Gaara, well …” Temari grimaced. “Kankuro, I can’t help but feel like something bad is going to happen.”

Kankuro shot her an exasperated look. “This again? We’ve been over this —“

“No,” Temari intercepted. “Not about (Y/n), just … in general.”

“This sixth sense of yours would’ve been a little more helpful at the beach, y’know.”

The dig was below the belt and Kankuro knew it, instantly regretted it, but Temari seemed not to mind. “Hey, if I wasn’t busy helping you swindle greasy septuagenarians so you could win fancy pirate coins, I probably would’ve been more helpful.”

Kankuro shuffled sheets of paper to find the one demanding attention.

“I know,” he said solemnly.

“Like I said, we all slipped up.” Temari crossed her arms. “I don’t hold it against you. I thought I could talk to you, is all.”

“You can talk to me, Temari.”

Temari cast her gaze to the floor. “I’m worried about Gaara. He’s beating himself up over that rogue ninja … He thinks he relapsed, Kankuro.”

“Relapsed?” Kankuro parroted. 

“His word, not mine,” Temari said. “It’s been a long time since he’s been that angry and almost killed someone and enjoyed the prospect of it.” Temari fidgeted. “He says he’s going to tell her everything.”

Kankuro’s eyes widened. “Everything?”

“Yep.” Temari sunk into a nearby chair. 

“Well,” Kankuro began. “That’s his business.”

“I can’t help thinking we should interfere. Help him, somehow.”

“No,” Kankuro gave her a pointed look. “If they’re going to get married, there can’t be any secrets. Especially not ones that big. Gaara knows that. His past is one hell of a thing to keep from his fiancé. She deserves to know what she’s getting into.”

Temari faced him. “But his past would be hard to swallow even if she was a ninja. What if she doesn’t understand? If she can’t handle it? And he really likes her … He really likes her.” She paused with this realization, as though it had caught up to her at last. “I can see that. After all, I almost …”

Temari’s sentence died away.

“Only more reason to tell her the truth,” Kankuro said. “If she can’t handle it, then she’s not the one.”

Temari met his eye, the turquoise of hers reminding him so much of their mother. “… What if she leaves him?”

Kankuro’s emotions were tugged by the sorrow in Temari’s voice. Gaara. His little brother, who had lost so, so much, had lived such a harrowing life. Could he take another disappointment? You running away, as the villagers had? Relapse. What a choice of words.

“I trust Gaara,” Kankuro muttered. “He’s stronger than any of us could have imagined, in more ways than one. He knows the risk better than us, too, and what he can handle. The truth has to prevail. After all, what is love based on?”

Temari stared at him crookedly. “When’d you get so smart?”

Kankuro shrugged, secretly thankful for the sudden levity. “When you weren’t looking.” Another shrug. “By watching the two of you.”

“What did you ever do with that medallion, by the way?”

Kankuro dismissed this with a wave of a hand. “Gave it away, like you said.”

Temari doubled back. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Kankuro tossed a sheet of paper. “You were right; anything worth that much should go to the village. In the end, I was happy to be rid of it. Least I could do.”

Temari eyed him as he resumed his stamping. “You’ve really stepped up, Lord Kazekage. I’m proud of you.”

“Yeah, well.” Kankuro chuckled. “Let’s just be grateful it won’t be permanent.”

You forced yourself to eat a balanced meal in the dining hall. You enjoyed the quiet meal and afterward set your mind to finding Gaara and the others — but it turned out you didn’t need to; a servant found you doodling in the hallway who promised to take you to Gaara.

Gaara had sent for you. 

He brought you to the roof of the Kazekage’s office. He spoke little; the tension the quiet heightened increased the anxiety already latent in you.

You looked toward him; Gaara’s back was to you, the day’s breeze rustling his hair and the long hem of his crimson coat. 

“Gaara …?”

Gaara turned to you. “(Y/n) …” He grimaced, as though the words sitting on his tongue were too bitter for his taste.

You approached him. You had no desire to rush him to speak. Your anxiety spiked a thought — Is he going to confess? — and you drew in a sharp breath. You placed a hand on the railing to steady you, the sandstone stable beneath your palm. You looked out into his village. Cliffs swallowed the village, dramatizing the shadows beginning to creep as the day dwindled. 

“We haven’t spoken for a while,” Gaara said. “How’re you feeling?”

“Oh.” Your shrug coincided with a sheepish smile. “Fine … I haven’t been sleeping too well, but otherwise …”

“Perhaps … it’s because we’re not sleeping together anymore,” Gaara said.

Your head shot up, cheeks red. His shy smile dawned realization in you: he’s joking.

“Oh, har-har,” You said. “When did you become so witty?”

“I’ve learned a thing or two from Kankuro, you could say,” Gaara said. 

You laughed to yourself. A silence fell, though it was not as awkward as you imagined it might be.

“I am sorry I have spoken to you …”

“It’s all right,” You said. “I’ve been …” You struggled, drumming your hands on the railing. “I mean. Gaara, I’ve —”

That night,” Gaara began. “I’m glad you came to me. That … you haven’t come to fear me. I’m sure you must’ve been afraid — in general, if not … of me.”

“Of course,” You said. You had done a lot of thinking about that. Gaara had been driven to rage to save you. It had been horrible, but it was because the rogue ninja had tried to hurt you. And worse; he had been intending to hold you hostage, to drive your father to action. A tradeoff. And the gods only know what he had planned on doing with you in the space between the beginning of your capture and its end. “You did come to save me — twice, actually. From drowning and from him.”

“I wouldn’t have let either happen.”

You nodded, held his gaze. The comment, though obvious, still sent a warm sense of protection through you. One you had never felt at home. If the rogue had succeeded, would your father have spent a dime to ensure your return? Would you have been worth it? Would it have been out of love or to save himself the embarrassment? You didn’t know. You didn’t know.

 Another pause. Gaara broke eye contact first, lowering his gaze to his hand on the railing.

“I’ve been a coward,” Gaara said. “I’ve been … putting off telling you the truth about some things. Allow me an opportunity to share my history with you.”

You blinked before acquiescing with a nod, shifty-eyed though you were.

“Okay,” You said. “But don’t call yourself that; you’re not a coward in the slightest.”

If anything, I’m the coward.

“Reserve your judgment; you may feel differently once I’ve told you everything.”

The sunset colors complimented Gaara so well as he eyed the horizon, seemingly lost in the past.

“Before my birth, the Sand suffered from cuts to our budget from the Wind Daimyo,” Gaara began. “That put the village at a vast disadvantage. The Fourth Kazekage — my father — felt it best to create an ultimate weapon that could heighten the village’s reputation and render us formidable to our rivals. He decided that one of his children would come to house a demon and become that ultimate weapon.”

You froze. A demon. In the sky bound journey to the beach, hand on your hip, Gaara had called it a spirit. Gaara turned to you, appraised your reaction to such a word. Years of practice aided in keeping your expression neutral, and he went on:

“Neither Temari or Kankuro could coexist with this demon, so my father decided I would be the weapon he so desired. By the time I was born, it was already done. It cost me my mother.” Gaara paused. “I was sheltered, like you. My father taught me shinobi arts privately, and I was cared for by my uncle, my mother’s brother, Yashamaru.”

You recognized the name in the madness of the story you were sure was only just beginning. 

“The villagers feared me because of what I was, but I kept trying to reach out … I couldn’t understand why I hurt people when I didn’t want to, why I couldn’t be normal.”

You swallowed. A normal girl.

“My father decided that this sentimentality was an impediment to my development as his tool, and so instructed my uncle to kill me —“

“What?” You placed a hand over your heart. 

Gaara’s lips quirked in an almost-smile, as though your horror was flattering in some way. “My uncle told me my mother had never loved me, and neither had he, before killing himself … I came to believe my life was the only one that mattered — that the sand that rose to protect me at all costs did so without fail. I believed my reason for existing was to kill others and preserve only myself.”

A self-sharpening tool.

“It was deceit,” Gaara said, facing you now. “My father only wanted me to believe all of this so I could be a proper tool for him. He had tried many times to kill me, but eventually stopped when he realized I could be of use once I had my powers under control. He sent me on missions to terrorize his enemies, and surely I killed many of the ninja from your village as well.”

Your village. Hideo. And yet you could not shave off the sympathy you had for Gaara.

“This is all so morbid,” You said. “How could a father be so cruel …”

And yet here you were, your father’s tool, sent to commit atrocities and seed divisions between your two villages. What if the idea had come to your father’s head and not Rasa’s? It scared you, how easily you could have been used in the exact same fashion. How you already were. Of all the things to have in common with Gaara, it had to be this.

“He wished to protect his village at all costs,” Gaara said hastily. “I understand his choice, though it has caused me great pain.”

You stared in disbelief. How? How could he forgive the Fourth for being so depraved? But you remained silent, sensing Gaara was not done.

“I went on killing, caring for no one but myself,” Gaara said. “My siblings were terrified of me. They hated me. Baki, too. The Sand plotted to attack the Leaf, as you know. We succeeded, partially, but then …”

“But then you met Naruto Uzumaki,” You finished for him. The pieces were beginning to click together.

“Yes,” Gaara said. “He was strong because he had those he loved. I didn’t understand it. I couldn’t understand it. Not at first. But he didn’t come to hate me. He saved me from the emptiness. I had someone who understood me … He changed me.” The dying light was gentle on him as he continued. “I returned to the village, determined to win them over, and show everyone I was sincere in my efforts to live differently and protect them. I discovered my father’s ploys: I really was loved by my mother and Yashamaru, and it only encouraged me to continue on.”

Gaara went on sharing more with you, and when you asked for clarifications, he gave them to you. It was all so much — for you were not a shinobi, but even if you were, it would still be much to swallow — but you tried to remain as silent as you could so as not to interrupt his story.

“I will never truly make up for the mistakes of my past,” Gaara said sorrowfully. “Those like Joseki have made that clear. But I can do what I can to improve.”

Your father hadn’t shared any of this with you. Gaara had been a child. But, you supposed, none of this would have mattered to Father. Your eyes fell over him, admiration flooding you. How could one person be so strong? What an anticlimactic, nihilistic end your mission would have been for Gaara. All that work to change, to do better, all to be murdered in his bed by some harlot …

You resumed your finger-drumming. Gaara raised his head expectantly.

“I am sure this is much to take in,” Gaara said, the edges of his voice tinged with nerves, though he tried to hide it. “But … it was wrong of me to not tell you the moment you arrived in my village. I am sorry.”

“No.” Your eyes stung as you shook your head. “It’s — It’s okay.”

Gaara nodded curtly. He averted his eyes.

“I understand,” You blurted out. 

His head shot up. “You do?”

“As much as I can,” You said. “I don’t hold this — any of this — against you, Gaara.” You came forward, felt him flinch as you caressed his cheek. “If men were half as forgiving, half as strong as you, the world would be a better place.”

He held the hand holding him. “Thank you, (Y/n),” Gaara said with all the softness of a feather.

This is it. You swallowed. Tell him now. Your lips parted to speak but not words were forthcoming. Do it! Your vision blurred; warm tears ran tracks down your face. You cried for him — and for yourself. For all you were too weak to say. 

If only I could be as strong as you, Gaara …

“No.” Gaara gently thumbed your tears away. “Please, don’t …”

You sniffled, hanging your head low. “M’sorry …”

“I didn’t tell you all of this to upset you.” Gaara inched closer. “Let me be the one to cheer you up after all that. There’s something in the greenhouse I’d like to show you.”

“O — Okay.” You tried a smile. “Anything you say.”

Gaara headed toward the door leading away from the roof. And, besotted, you followed him.

It seemed a simple cactus to you, though Gaara insisted it was different. 

“Kankuro gave it to me a day or so after the party,” he explained. “He meant for me to take it with us on our beach trip, but I’m sorry to say I forgot it along the way.”

You evaluated the little desert plant. It was cute. Its rounded leaves raised in a patty-cake like fashion, squat and tiny in its cinnamon-colored pot.

“Probably because I couldn’t understand why it was needed in the first place.” Gaara tilted his head as he inspected the plant further. “I’ve never read about it.”

“It’s not as nice as the one I got you,” You joked, poking the cactus’s leaf, aware of your present-cactus sitting beside on Gaara’s table.

You moved aside when Gaara the botanist came to touch its fat petals. “Kankuro said to drink the water inside.”

Gaara took a small knife from his table and cut into one of the leaves with precision. He took the two little glasses on the table and allowed the water within to leak into them before handing you one.

“Are … Are you sure this is safe?” You asked.

“Kankuro gave it to me.” Gaara picked up the note beside the cactus as you sniffed your glass. “He gave me a note with it that said ‘have fun!’ I don’t know why he wrote that, but I figured this would help lighten the mood and cheer you up after everything I revealed to you.”

“That’s nice.” You glanced at the note before sipping from your glass. You doubled, taken aback by the bittersweet taste. Tart. Like lemon juice. “Wo —Wow.”

Gaara sipped after you. “I see …”

Another sip. You giggled. Relief spread through your veins as the melodrama of the day … fell away … like vapor … for some reason. 

Gaara sipped again. “Hm.” His cheeks pinkened. 

“I think we should” — You stumbled, placed a hand on the table — “sit down …”

Gaara took your advice. The two of you settled on the floor of one of the greenhouse aisles, admiring the succulents hidden away behind glass displays. Gaara’s gourd sat abandoned by the wall.

Another sip. You giggled some more, hugging yourself. Gaara’s face grew pinker with every sip.

“You’re much prettier than the girls in the Icha Icha novels,” he said.

You cackled and the sound was ugly, witchy almost, in your throat, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. “Ohh, I love those books.”

“They’re very strange.” Gaara tilted his head as though to reconsider. “But very well-written.”

“You only say they’re strange because you don’t understand them.” You nudged Gaara. 

“I suppose you’re right about that …” Gaara’s arm brushed yours as he swayed beside you. “Sometimes, one chapter comes back to me in particular. The one where the woman catches her husband with the vacuum cleaner?”

You guffawed. “Oh, that chapter was bitchin’.”

“Yes …” Gaara was blinking a lot. “That’s the word.”

“You’ll come to understand when you have more experience.” You shot your arm in the air. “Time for another lesson —!” You caught yourself about to fall. “Whoa … Hehe!”

Gaara helped to steady you with a ginger touch to your shoulder. “Be careful …”

You faced him, your head lolling against the back drawers. He was so beautiful. A desert hottie. Ha, hot. You pounced on him, fastening a leg over his own to straddle him. Gaara held your hips as you slithered hands under his collar.

“You have nice skin for someone who lives in the desert,” You said. 

“Likewise,” he quipped.

You pecked Gaara on the nose before brushing it with your own with a purr.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I want to help you understand the books better,” You sat on him properly, “and why the characters do what they do.”

Gaara held you tight to him. A blink and he was on top of you. 

“You’re strong!” You kneaded the muscles of his arms underneath his sleeves.

Gaara bent down to plant a kiss to your neck — before giving you several. 

“Mmm …” You turned your head to allow him access to more skin. “Gaara …”

“One of the men in the books does this to the woman before kissing her some more,” Gaara said. “I understand this.”

Your fingers threaded in his hair, keeping him close. “You do?” You murmured.

“Yes,” Gaara whispered. “And when I imagine you in her place, I understand it even more …”

You ran your tongue over the shell of Gaara’s ear as he kissed the junction of your neck and jaw. He shivered under your hands. “You think I’m as pretty as her?”

“Prettier.” He nibbled into the dip at your jaw’s end. “Much prettier.”

Gaara’s lips trailed up your jaw until he kissed your mouth, pulling back only to run his tongue over your lips. 

“He did that to her, too.”

You pulled Gaara’s face forward, your lips crashing to his. Your arms wrapped around his neck, hands buried in his hair as he reciprocated. You nipped and flicked your tongue against his lower lip, yearning your message to be understood. Success; Gaara opened his mouth and your tongues met, running over one another. Gaara’s hands pawed at your breasts; your nipples came to life under his kneading.

“This isn’t — ah — the first time we’ve done this,” You murmured. “Not to me. I’ve had dreams …”

“I’m flattered.” Gaara’s low baritone rumbled on your lips. 

“Mmm.” You arched your back as Gaara pinched your nipples. “Aha!”

He bucked into you and you felt the unmistakable stab of his erection. He returned to your neck to bite and lick there. 

“We need to be nude, so we can do everything the characters do in the books,” Gaara said, voice husky. “Like — mm — the scene where the man puts his penis in the woman’s mouth …”

You sighed as Gaara tugged on your earlobe. “Okay …” Gaara’s cock in your mouth. Mmmm … Wouldn’t be the first time you’d imagined it …

“Show me,” he ordered.

You rolled him over and heard the fallaway sound of a pot crashing onto the floor, but paid no mind to it as you lifted your shirt and the fishnet with it from your body and tossed both.

“Absolutely, I will.” You guided Gaara’s hands to your bra cups, sighed as he kneaded the soft flesh. “I’d do anything for you, Gaara …”

You were so preoccupied with the buttons of his trench coat you did not hear the door open.

“Gaara?!” 

“Lady (Y/n)?!”

You raised your head toward the entrance. Temari and Baki stood in the threshold, mouths agape and blue-faced.

“Hi, guys!” You waved to them.

“You know,” the nurse began, “for someone who doesn’t like to drink, Lord Kazekage sure is under the influence a lot …”

Kankuro looked over his shoulder, murder in his eyes. “’Fuck you say about my brother?”

The nurses jumped. 

“Nothing, nothing!  My — My — My apologies, Lord Kankuro …!” He said.

They scurried away to continue caring for Gaara and you. The two of you were laid on separate beds, stars in your eyes and surely hallucinating, if the nonsense the two of you spouting was anything to go by.

“Let me get this straight.” Temari pinched the space between her eyebrows. “You gave our brother a psychoactive cactus and planned on getting him high during our beach trip?” 

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Kankuro cried. “I totally forgot about it and — and we got back and there was all the paperwork that needed to be done —”

“Why is Kankuro’s skin purple?” You asked dreamily, head lolling from side to side. You pointed at him. “That’s way too much makeup, sir!” 

Baki sighed against the wall as a wreath of stars spun around your head. Chuuyou stared at you with news eyes — Kankuro doubted your guardian had ever seen you like this — and seemingly at a loss for what to do. 

Baki hadn’t said a word since he helped Temari carry the two of you to the infirmary. He asked one of the nurses, “Are they going to be all right?”

“Certainly, Lord Baki,” a nurse said. “They will be fine.”

“(Y/n),” Gaara said. “Shukaku is speaking to me … He’s telling me about a great skin regimen!”

“The sand demon?” You gasped. “Tell me!”

Baki blinked at the nurse.

“Uh, the psychoactive elements of the purple pandemonium cactus will run their course,” he said, “then, they will be fine.”

“Purpl —? This is such a mess.” Temari facepalmed. “I should be kicking your ass, Kankuro —“

“Don’t,” Gaara urged dreamily. “Peace must prevail …”

“I can’t believe you thought this” — Temari gestured to the two of them — “would be funny.”

“At least they didn’t …” Baki stalled, blanching, “ … go too far.”

The three of them stood in an awkward pause. Apparently, you had been found shirtless while riding his poor brother like a pony. Kankuro, already considering you more of a sister than anything, cringed at the mental image. You were so dignified, all without being the snob he had anticipated when he first met you. You would be horrified once the cactus water wore off and you returned to your senses. He sighed; even when he tried to fix his problems, he caused more of them. 

“I’m sorry,” Kankuro pressed. “This is all my fault. I’m not denying it. But we’ve got bigger problems now; neither of them can be seen like this — and what if they were seen? It’s not like those greenhouse windows are tinted.”

“One problem at a time, Kankuro,” Baki insisted, exasperated. 

“For the time being, at least they’re all right,” Temari said. She turned to Kankuro and sighed. “I’m … starting to think maybe you’re right.”

Kankuro raised his brows in surprise. “Do my ears deceive me?”

Temari looked back to Gaara, limp on the bed as nurses minded his vitals. “I think I do have a mommy problem. I saw them in the greenhouse getting all … Y’know, and I was horrified — but not for the right reasons. I was thinking about Gaara’s … innocence. Not his political career. And then I wondered: why? Gaara’s a grown man. He can make his own decisions.”

“Lord Kazekage!” one of the nurses tried to hold Gaara down. “You must stay put —!”

“But the sun looks like Naruto Uzumaki!” Gaara insisted. “We have to go outside; he wants to tell us how to make ramen to honor the gods!” 

“Maybe he shouldn’t be making his own decisions right now,” Kankuro quipped.

Temari managed a weak laugh as the nurses relaxed her brother. “I shouldn’t have an opinion on his sex life. I’m just so used to protecting the two of you. I’ve done it all my life. But, I need to let go …” She looked up at Kankuro. “Do you think he told her?”

“Uh.” Kankuro scratched his head. “She knows who Shukaku is? So, uh-huh. I’m guessing it went well.”

“Too well.” Temari blinked. “All joking aside, you’re right; this can’t get out. It would cause a scandal and put Gaara at a disadvantage. His role as Kazekage would be in question.”

“We’ll do some reconnaissance,” Baki said. You started singing to yourself, waving your arms in the air, attending some invisible concert, and he sighed. “Do you know how long the effects last, Kankuro?”

“Erm,” Kankuro said. “Let’s just say they’ve got a long night ahead of them.”

You cracked eyes open — only to be met with the headache to end all headaches.

You moaned, shifted to your side. Your vision was blurry as you pressed one side of your face into the pillow, the other eye focused enough to see Baki in a chair beside you.

“What happened?” You croaked at him.

“It’s all right.” The creak of a chair, a hand caressing your back that must have been Baki’s. “There was an … incident.” 

“Oh, good, she’s awake!” a feminine voice said, definitely Temari’s.

“My head …” You lay on your back, frowning at the throb in your head. Baki placed a hand on your forehead. 

“The headache must come from being dehydrated,” he said. “Temari, get the nurses.”

“What?” You groaned as Temari left to obey Baki. “What are you talking about? What incident —?” 

You froze. Your eyes grew wide. Reality nudged — then crashed and burned beside you.

Each new memory unlocked compounded your horror. The cactus, the sluttiness — oh, not to mention the night before where you and Gaara bumbled all night long, reduced to toddlers the nurses had to work overtime to care for.

“Oh gods.” You curled into a ball, burning with shame. Gaara! You propped up, turned to see Gaara on the bed beside you, quiet but awake and averting your eyes. You laid flat on your back, the ceiling light blinking at you. Baki moved to turn it off so as to not aggravate your headache, your only light now filtering in through the window. “Baki, I’m a disgrace.”

“No, you’re not,” Baki assured you.

How can he say that? If father hears about this, he’ll murder me. That was the best case scenario. You rubbed your sore throat. What if someone learned of the poison in your necklace …

The necklace. You caressed your bare neck. The necklace that was gone.

It was gone .

You shot up, headache be damned. Temari had returned with nurses, a hand maneuvering the necklace to place a glass of water closer to you.

“Give that back!” You cried. “Right now!”

Heads turned to you. Temari froze.

You caught yourself. “Sorry, I … I’m sorry. Thank you,” You added as a nurse carried a food tray to you. “It’s just — that’s precious to me, and —”

“It’s all right.” Temari chuckled as she offered you the necklace. “I know you have questions and it’s a long story, but basically it’s all Kankuro’s fault. So, don’t worry.”

You nodded, head thumping; your previous outburst had done nothing to assuage it. 

“Drink the water first,” Baki instructed. 

You did as he asked, sipping the glass of water. You fastened your necklace around your neck miserably before addressing the tray of food. You didn’t want to look at food, but — 

“(Y/n) …”

Gaara had abandoned his bed and came to yours. He stood before you. You blinked as he bowed.

“I’m sorry for all of this,” he said. “Truly. I should have been more careful.”

“Oh, Gaara,” You cooed. “No …”

“I haven’t been a good host. My behavior in the greenhouse was … perverted.”

“We weren’t in control of our actions,” You pressed. I can’t say I regret it entirely, either …

Gaara looked away. “I know women like to wait until they’re married for … that sort of thing.”

“It couldn’t be helped, I think,” You assured him with a nervous laugh.

“Both of you should eat,” a nurse said gently as a second dropped another tray off at the foot of Gaara’s bed. “The psychoactive properties of the cactus have clearly worn off quite a bit, but we shouldn’t get too cocky. Light meals will help.”

Gaara nodded to the nurse.

“So, (Y/n),” Temari said. “Is my brother a good kisser or what?”

You spluttered. Baki nearly dropped the tray he was adjusting for you.

“Te — Temari!” You couldn’t breathe.

Temari snickered. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

It was another day and countless glasses of water later before your symptoms eroded completely. You were sure your vision would forever be tinted purple before that, too, cleared up. The nurses cleared you from the infirmary and you thanked them a thousand times over for their help, and apologized they had to work so hard. 

But you were pleased. You were free and you could eat solids again! You were nearly at the end of your second week in Sunagakure, and it had felt like an eternity.

Gaara was avoiding you; he had been allowed to leave the infirmary before you and had not returned to visit you. You couldn’t find him anywhere. Maybe it was for the best, you thought, strolling around the sand palace. Memories of the greenhouse blared more vivid than ever. The kisses, Gaara’s hands on your skin, what you had said to each other. Your face grew hot to recall it. Would you ever be able to face him again?

You groaned as you turned a corner. And just when we had made so much progress. Gaara had opened up to you and, though you hadn’t afforded him the same courtesy out of fear, you had been overjoyed to earn his vulnerability. Your shoulders dipped in disappointment when you came across a door you hadn’t seen before. It was arched with a golden knob. Movement from within. You did the polite thing and knocked.

“Come in.” It was Kankuro’s voice.

With that, you pushed the door open and looked around — it was a museum of puppets. Some sitting on the floor while others hung from the ceiling. It all would’ve been rather creepy, if not for Kankuro in the center, Crow in his lap like a baby while his father polished his arm. 

“Oh,” Kankuro’s voice depressed. “Hey. How are you feeling?”

“Better than ever. I haven’t seen you in days.” You closed the door. “What’ve you been up to?”

“Oh …” Kankuro smiled faintly. “Yeah, sorry about that … I finished up paperwork early today, so decided to get back to my old hobby.” He lifted Crow’s arm to indicate his old hobby. “I’m sorry about the whole cactus thing. I haven’t been able to formally apologize; no time …”

“It’s okay, really!” You said. 

“It’s really not,” Kankuro said. “What if we had needed Gaara to be, y’know, lucid?”

“We didn’t need to dive right into it the way we did. We could’ve inspected it some more.” 

“You weren’t as cautious because you trusted me,” Kankuro said. He sighed. “Don’t try to make me feel better. I deserve to feel like shit.”

You leaned against his table. “Where did you even get it? Where’d you hear about it?”

“Read about it,” Kankuro said. “It was in one of the books I had sent to the office while I was doing research on …” He paused. “Other stuff … I thought it’d be funny.”

A beat. “It was kind of funny,” You said.

“Maybe.” Kankuro lowered Crow’s arm to face you. “But, it was irresponsible, really, with everything going on.”

You couldn’t refute that, but you didn’t want Kankuro feeling bad, either. You liked him happy.

You tried to throw Kankuro a bone. “It could’ve been worse.” 

“What if you and Gaara had gotten like that when that rogue had attacked you? What if it had a violent effect on Gaara and he hurt you or went on a rampage? What if it had killed you both?”

All horrific scenarios. All totally possible. The bone plunged into the abyss. “Huh … May — Maybe don’t think about those things?”

“The truth is …” Kankuro began. “It was fun to be able to relate to Gaara as a brother first and the Kazekage second, like old times. I was thrilled about having a new edition to our family. Nervous at first, obviously, but then I met you, and you were so …” Kankuro motioned toward you. “You. The last few years have been so bloody. The Fourth Ninja War and everything. Madara — you don’t need to know who that is, honestly, count yourself lucky. It was nice to have things be so lighthearted … But, I got carried away. I truly am sorry.”

You said nothing, soaking in the indirect flattery. You watched as Kankuro cradled Crow in his lap. “You really love Gaara, don’t you?”

Kankuro, satisfied with his job, set Crow aside. “I do. After everything he’s been through — after everything Rasa put him through … He’s really come far. Far beyond what anyone would have expected of him. He’s gained the respect of our whole village. I hate that I might’ve jeopardized that.”

“He told me,” You said. “About his past.”

Kankuro waited expectantly. “And …?”

“It changes nothing about the way I’ve come to feel about him,” You said. “Besides deepening my respect. I wish there was some way I could excise the pain he’s suffered from all he’s come to learn from it.”

Kankuro appeared stunned. “That’s … I feel the exact same way.”

He’s so much like Hideo. You tilted your head, and it was like seeing a reflection in water. You found your brother’s face in Kankuro’s.

“Don’t worry about anything.” Hideo’s smile replaced the sun. “No matter what, I’ll always be there for you.”

Kankuro stared. “Hey. (Y/n)?”

“… Yes?”

He stared. “Promise me, no matter what, you’ll take care of Gaara. Be a good wife to him? He deserves that.”

Your heart lurched, but you remained still.

“I will,” You whispered. “I promise.”

You couldn’t bear Kankuro’s presence anymore and so promised to see him at dinner. You stalked the halls like a ghost before venturing toward the hall leading to your room. 

You retired to your room, tired from nothing. 

A hawk waited for you.

Panic seized your heart and wet your palms. The hawk flapped its wing in hello as your stomach spun and spun and spun.

Oh, gods. You could see your father’s wrath seeping from the letter. You wanted to hole up in the corner and die, but your hands worked to undo the letter from the hawk’s latch.

You waited a beat or two before unfurling it. The hawk abandoned your window, leaving you alone with your father’s words. You exhaled through chattering teeth and braced the moment you saw the black ink. 

Dearest (Y/n), Forgive me. 

“What?” You gawked, sinking to the foot of your bed. 

My sweet girl, my precious star come from heaven to grace my earth, will you forgive an old man of his foibles? I have spent these last few days deep in thought. I have been horrible to you. My only daughter. It is only natural you come to despise me. How Hideo would despise me as well, if he knew. However, only the gods could comprehend how much I’ve missed you. By the time you receive this letter, I will be on my way to Sunagakure —

“What?!”  You slipped to the floor.

— to help with the wedding preparations. I long to meet my future son-in-law. Please let everyone know I mean to arrive in a matter of days. Yours truly, Father.

You set the letter aside. 

Your father was coming here.

And no word about the mission you had been sent on. He only desired to meet Gaara. Hope brightened inside of you. Maybe he meant it …? Hell, after the weeks you’d had, you were ready to believe anything. Only one clue suggested Father’s change of heart might be real:

He never left the Oasis village. In all your life, he had been too paranoid to step one foot away from his home. And why, if you were already here? If he was sincere …

If he was sincere … You were free. 

You would never have to reveal your mission — or even better, maybe your father would reveal it all and ask for forgiveness? The future — always so bleak — vivified, star-bright inside you. The dream became more of a reality to you. You could marry Gaara and put this all behind you …

Or it was all a trick, and the old man plotted to strangle you in your sleep. That was possible, too.

You had only one option: wait until you could speak to your father in person. If you tried to go forth with his wishes or expose the plan, what if you ruined everything forever? If he was coming, a confrontation with him would either confirm or deny your wishes. 

You wouldn’t get in your own way. You would wait for him to come and reveal his true colors.

You went to bed with a letter you left intact.

You twirled your fork at the breakfast table, eyes on the door. Everyone else was present — Kankuro, Temari, even Baki, who joined for breakfast occasionally. Gaara was the missing link. Apparently, he had resumed his place in the office for the morning. But the truth was glaring: Gaara was still avoiding you.

You slammed your fork down after a ten minute grace period. “This is just silly! He can’t still be thinking about the greenhouse!”

“He can,” Baki said, arms crossed. “Speaking of, from what we gathered, neither of you were seen. And there’s been no gossip our shinobi have picked up on the streets —”

“That’s all important, but that’s not what I meant,” You dismissed with a sigh. “He’s still ashamed personally. I don’t see why, though; I took it as a compliment.”

Baki cleared his throat as Temari and Kankuro snickered, the former rotating her plate for no reason at all.

“I’ve already forgiven him and it wasn’t his fault! He’s a man,” You continued to rant. For once, you could enjoy his company without the mission hanging over your head, and today he chose to be absent? “He has urges, and so what? So do I —“

“Perhaps something came up.” Baki hastened to change the subject. “Gaara’s not known to be late.”

“He’s been avoiding me for days,” You pressed. With a pout, you added, “I was hoping we could discuss something …”

You hadn’t dropped the news of your father’s coming yet.

Kankuro shrugged. “Maybe he doesn’t know how to speak to you after all that.”

“You stay out of this,” Temari teased.

“Speaking of matters to discuss,” Baki said. “I choose to join you all today because many shinobi from Oasis and Suna will be at this wedding,” Baki turned to you. “We’ll, of course, need to combine the traditions of both villages so as not to aggravate either. I wanted to know if there were any specific traditions we need to keep in mind.”

“Well, actually,” You began. “I think we should wait a little longer to talk about this. My f —“

A ninja poofed into the dining room, crouched in a bow. 

“What’s happening?” Temari set her food aside, alert.

“Lord Kazekage has requested an audience with you all,” the ninja said. “It is of the utmost importance.”

The four of you piled into the Kazekage’s office and were greeted with the sounds of crying. Gaara’s back was turned to you all as he looked out the window. A girl was kneeling on the floor, sobbing.

“What’s going on here?” Baki shut the door. “What’s the meaning of this?”

Temari appraised the girl — she gawked. “Matsuri?”

Matsuri’s sob wracked her body.

“Why is she crying?” Kankuro asked. “Gaara?”

Gaara turned to face the group, looking crestfallen. He raised his hand and a letter appeared.

The ninja who had brought you all stepped forward. “Matsuri was caught conversing with some gossip columnist about what she saw in the greenhouse a few days ago.”

The room erupted in cries of confusion. 

“What?” Kankuro said.

“You can’t be serious!” Temari cried out.

Your gaze remained on Gaara, but he wouldn’t look at you.

“It wasn’t me!” Matsuri was hysterical, waving her hand out. “It wasn’t! It was forged!”

“She was seen by some personnel. She was leaving the ‘office,’” the ninja was heavy on air quotes, “of the columnist only a few hours ago.”

“No!” Matsuri howled. “I’d never do that!”

“You might, if you thought it would send (Y/n) home.” You could hear the sharp disappointment in Temari’s voice as she approached Matsuri. “Remember how sad you were at the party? You even asked me if Gaara had to marry, if there was some way he could reconsider.”

Matsuri stammered as heads turned to her. 

“I even had to step away to console you,” Temari added. She sighed, and with a voice fit for scolding a child: “Do you have … any idea what this could do to Gaara’s reputation?”

You backed away until you hit a wall, anxiety squeezing breath out of your lungs and refusing to let new oxygen in.

“Please, I didn’t do it!” Matsuri cried. “Please, please —”

“This is bad,” Baki hissed. “What if the council learns of this?” 

“They may already know if she’s” — Kankuro shot a finger in Matsuri’s direction — “been unloading our dirty laundry everywhere. You know how quickly rumors spread— and the old geezers like to pretend they’re above it all. They’ll be the first to get the scope.”

Oh gods. Not this. Not now. Having this all happen privately was one thing, but now the village could know? 

And your father, who was coming to the village? Father would know.

No. No. If he had new plans, would this ruin those, too? You couldn’t breathe; there would be no surviving his rage. Slut, whore, harlot. He would disown you.

No, keep it down. You can’t panic now. No. No.

“It wasn’t me …” Matsuri sobbed miserably. “Please …”

“Matsuri,” Gaara said, the first word he had spoken since you had all arrived. “Stand up. Please.”

Matsuri obeyed, standing slowly to meet her maker. She wrung hands in her tear-stained shirt.

“We all believe in second chances here,” Gaara said.

“Not all of us,” Kankuro hissed. 

“And the truth has yet to be revealed to its full capacity.” Gaara ignored his brother. “They’ll be a hearing for you. Understand?”

Matsuri sniffed, knowing better than to argue with her Kazekage, and nodded. Gaara gestured something you did not understand and more ninja appeared, kneeling before him.

“Send her away,” Gaara told them. “Keep eyes on her, but do not harm her.”

They did so, dragging Matsuri out the door, one of her arms in one of theirs.

“What an idiot!” Kankuro slammed a hand against the desk. “Just when we thought she finally got over her little crush on you — but no, she just had to double down!” He threw his hands up. “This is ridiculous! How can she say she loves you and then go and —”

“This is all your fault!” Temari rounded on him. “You and your fucking purple pandemonium —“

“We have to think of the future now,” Baki said. “We must work to mitigate the damage Matsuri might have caused.”

“I knew this was going to come to bite us in the ass somehow.” Temari moaned into her hand. “It can’t get any worse …”

“It can.” You were about to shatter to pieces. You stood outside of yourself, seeing words leave your mouth. “I received a letter from my father last night. He’s on his way.”

…

The room erupted.

“Thanks for jinxing it, Temari!” Kankuro shouted.

“What?” Temari cried. “He’s coming here? He can’t!”

“He can,” Gaara said calmly. “That’s good news, isn’t it? I finally get to meet my future father-in-law.”

“Lord Kazekage,” Baki said. “Read the room.”

“He can’t come now!” Temari picked at her ponytails. “We have nothing prepared for him! We haven’t even started preparing for the wedding yet!”

“He’d like to help with preparations, actually,” You said, desperate to cling to something to keep yourself grounded. “H — How, I have no idea —” 

“He cannot learn of this, most of all,” Baki said. 

Finally, Gaara’s eyes found you. He studied you as the others argued. He stepped away from his desk and came to you.

“Who wants to bet with our luck he already knows,” Kankuro threw up his hands.

“We can’t think the worst,” Baki said.

“All because of a stupid plant!” Temari cried.

“Everyone calm down,” Gaara said above the chaos. 

Heads turned to him. His attention was on you, however; he took your hand in his. His calm pulse, thrumming through his palm, soothed your own.

“The villagers are not nearly as fickle as all that,” he muttered. “They will understand (Y/n) and I are young and soon to be married.”

It was a few seconds before Kankuro shrugged. “You know, he’s got a point.” 

“That may be true, Lord Kazekage,” Baki began. “But you will have detractors who will take this misstep to create division.”

“Certainly,” Gaara said without a beat passed. “The next few days will be essential. Without a doubt, the council will want a word with me. We will handle that as a team. We can also address Matsuri,” Gaara paused; the hurt darkened his face. “and prepare for Lord Boutoku’s arrival.

No one spoke, but you could feel the spirits in the room lifting. 

Gaara smiled faintly. “Even if we must spend all day working out these issues, it will get done.”

“All right, Gaara. You win.” Kankuro sighed and turned to Baki. “Mind splitting that migraine medication with me?”

“I second that,” Temari said. 

By the time preparations were ironed out, it was sundown. 

“Sheesh,” Kankuro said. “I’ve never wanted to rest so bad.” He held the door open for all of you. “You coming?”

“I’ll be a moment,” Gaara said. “I would like to speak to (Y/n) for a while.”

With no objections, Kankuro, Temari, and Baki exited, leaving you alone with your fiancé. 

The moment they were gone, you collapsed into a chair. Despite your fatigue, though, you were blown away by Gaara’s strength. Nothing threw him off. And despite your spiraling — and the spiraling of everyone else — he had simply taken control. You could see why he was the Kazekage.

It was so attractive.

“(Y/n),” Gaara said, coming to the front of the desk with arms crossed. “I noticed you earlier. Your breathing was rapid, and you looked ill. Are you all right?”

The panic inside of you then was the panic inside of you now. You had only numbed it with Gaara’s help, but it had manifested in other ways, like the exhaustion gnawing at your bones now. 

“… No,” You said. 

Gaara knelt. “It’s all right not to be.”

His words uncorked something in you. Pain stabbed your throat, and the heat under your skin disturbed you. “I’m so afraid …”

Gaara came forward and enveloped you in a hug. Once you recovered from the surprise, you hid in the crook of his shoulder. He was steady, an anchor for you to cling to. You hugged him harder.

“I won’t allow for this arrangement to fail,” he said. “I will prove myself worthy of you.”

You laughed in disbelief. “Like you haven’t already?” You leaned back to meet his eye. “You were so strong and composed. I know how much Matsuri means to you, and I’m sorry. Thank you. I … I don’t think I could do any of this without you. I’m so tired.”

Humility hung Gaara’s head. “I am happy to have impressed you. I feel fatigued, as well. And …” He blushed. “If circumstances were different, I would prefer for you to share my bed like before. When we were in my tent …”

Ah, yes. Sleeping … Sleeping with Gaara. Weren’t there other ways to deal with stress?

You withdrew your hands. You did not want to think about sleeping with Gaara. Not now.

Gaara moved away as well. Neither of you spoke in the elastic stretch of time. Your eyes flickered to his lips … You thought of how he had kissed you, licked you in the greenhouse. How ready he was to devour you. Show me. You shivered. What you wouldn’t give for him to top you now, your legs wrapped around him as he laid you onto his desk …

You cleared your throat as you left your chair. You looked away from Gaara’s face before he could notice the hungry expression lingering on yours.

“I know you’re not feeling your best,” Gaara said. “But is there anything I can do to help?”

Please don’t ask me that. There’s so much you could do — do to me.

“No,” You said. “I’m better now, Gaara. Really!” 

Gaara was not convinced. “I don’t like it when you lie about your feelings.”

His bluntness surprised you. 

I lie to you all the time, you just don’t know.

He stepped toward you. He was only a few inches taller than you, but with such a commanding presence, he loomed. “I hope you don’t think I’ve been avoiding you.”

You raised your head, desperately trying to hold your own. “Oh no?”

“It’s the truth.” Gaara’s fingers grazed your own. “Despite leaving the infirmary before you, it took me some time to recover from … all we did.”

You swallowed. Were you supposed to take that as an insult or a compliment?

“I’m not usually touched,” Gaara said. “Nor do I touch others … But sometimes, I still feel you on my skin.” He wrapped fingers around yours. “Please, let me be the one to bring you peace. If you need me to …”

You blushed. What was he saying? You couldn’t talk about this! Not now! And … You couldn’t use him to make yourself feel better.

“Gaara …” You backed away, your fingers falling from his grasp in the process. “I’m so tired. If I seem off, it’s because I need to sleep. Thank you for everything. I mean it. But I really am fine.” You bowed to show your respect for his compassion. “Goodnight.”

Gaara let the moment fall. He studied you still as you inched toward the door, but did nothing to stop you.

“Goodnight,” he muttered to you as you hurried out the door. 

You returned to your room hot for an entirely different reason. You changed into a nightgown before slipping into bed, but the idea of sleep was risible as your skin tortured you with phantom memories of Gaara’s lips at your neck, hands at your breasts, erection pressing into your inner thigh …

What would he have done had the two of you gone uninterrupted? He was clearly inexperienced, but his passion could make up for that …Definitely. You squeezed your legs. You would show him what to do and then, just like before, his fervor would lead the way …

You throbbed.

You couldn’t sleep like this.

You shivered at the memory of Gaara’s baritone in your ear, hot breath on your skin … 

“Gaara …” You breathed into your pillow as your hand snaked past the hem of your nightgown. Your fingertips grazed the fat of your clothed vulva. You gasped; the sharp pleasure sent you squeezing your thighs together. You fidgeted to allow your hand more access, tapped your clit gently. 

Gaara’s weight came over you. His tongue ran across yours, a moan low in his throat as you unclasped the buttons of his trench coat —

“Mm …” You slipped your hand past the elastic of your panties. Your folds, already moist, wet your fingers as you found a rhythm.

“(Y/n) …” Gaara’s erection kneaded into your thigh, poking as his lips sucked against the tender spots of your neck. His hands shadowed your bare breasts as he bucked into you —

“Don’t stop!”  You clung to him as he fucked you, his cock stuffing you. “Just like that, come on, oh, gods —“

You flicked and worked your clit, quickening your pace as you replayed the mental image of engulfing Gaara’s cock, your fingers now his in your reimagining. You rolled on your back and spread your legs for easier access to your clit, your breath tapering into soft pants.

“Come, (Y/n),” Gaara ordered — in that tone, with that voice. “Come for me, come …!”

“Gaara!” Your head fell into the pillow, your fingers frantically circling your clit as your walls clenched around nothing. You held Gaara in your mind as stars exploded behind your eyelids. You settled your back, pained from arching, into the mattress. You rolled your fingers now from pure habit as you rode out your climax.

You pulled your fingers away from your slick folds, overrun with arousal. You should get up, clean yourself, but the exhaustion seduced your eyes to flutter closed, and sleep took you instead.

Members of the Suna council filtered into the room — and froze when they spotted the four of you already seated.

You corrected your posture, forced a poker face you had come to master. Today, you discarded the casual wear you had become used to and had opted for one of the many kimonos you had brought to Sunagakure. It seemed the right thing to do. You strove to use every tool in your arsenal to appear ladylike and good-natured. Especially after your … eventful night. 

“Elders.” Gaara greeted them with a respectful nod, though he remained seated.

“Wha —“ Joseki stammered. “How —?”

“It seems,” Ebizo began, studying Gaara as he found a seat, “our Lord Kazekage has beaten us to the punch.”

You eyed the group but could find no female. “Where is Ikanago?”

“If you must know,” Ebizo grunted as he lowered into his seat, “Lady Ikanago was so excited to hear about this … greenhouse fiasco, she had an accident at home and now nurses a broken hip. She will be absent for our meetings until further notice.”

“I’m …” You struggled as Kankuro snickered from across you, “sorry to hear about that.”

“If the Kazekage insists, then we will get to the point,” Joseki said. He still stood as his contemporaries sat, ready to round on Gaara. “What is this we’ve been hearing about drugs and — and orgies?”

“Pardon?” Temari said.

Oh no. You resisted a facepalm; it sounded like the rumors were doing what all rumors did: bifurcate, multiply, mutate. So the story now was that you and Gaara were throwing orgies while getting high? This was what you had to deal with? For the first time since worries about rumors began, you felt a surge of resentment for Matsuri. 

Thanks a lot .

“Nothing but mendacious chatter, I assure you,” Gaara’s voice was placid, ever composed. He sat with you on his right, siblings on his left, his fingers knitted together on the table. “Please, Elder, sit down.”

“Reckless, My Lord, reckless — even if the rumors are exaggerated!” Goza leaned forward. “Under the influence, again? My Lord, we warned you about a second time.”

“And I abided by the warning,” Gaara retorted. “I was simply caught unawares.”

“Lord Kazekage,” Ryusa said, already exasperated. “It is only a matter of time before this information travels outside of the village. We will be a laughing stock!”

“And what of your student? This Matsuri?” Sajo said. “She’s awaiting a hearing! Who will attend it?”

The council room flared with so much chatter it was hard to decipher who was saying what where. 

“So disgraceful —”

“If she’s proven guilty —?”

“We cannot afford what this gossip will cost us —!”

You glanced at Joseki, who was silent. And why wouldn’t he be? All he had to do was allow the council to speak for him. This is what he’s always wanted: for the council to turn against Gaara …

“Lord Kazekage,” Ebizo spoke above the rest, compelling the others to silence, “understands his role as Kage. I highly doubt anything that has been said today hasn’t been considered by himself a thousand times over.”

“We can only wonder, now, can’t we?” Sajo shot a finger toward you. “And what do you have to say for yourself?” 

You shot him your coldest noblewoman stare in return. “I do not tremble at the prospect of foul rumors and neither does my fiancé; only the shallow entertain them.”

“Perhaps you should,” Sajo replied. “You are to be married to Lord Kazekage in a month’s time. You are meant to be a lady and yet you run around like a — ”

“Enough.”

Despite the council’s attempts to intimidate him, Gaara’s title and gravitas forced them quiet. Heads turned to him expectantly, but for seconds more he built anticipation.

Oh, boy, here it comes …

“For years, I have suffered the cold harangues of this council,” Gaara began. “You have given me orders. You have insulted my family. Yet, I have taken it all in stride for the good of the village and those of you who purport to love it and hold it in high esteem.”  

“Lo —Lord Kazekage.” Sajo gaped at his Kazekage. “Do you accuse us of simple lip service?”

“Sajo is right,” Ryusa said. “You can’t expect —?”

“I expect you to advise me.” Gaara stood and pressed palms flat on the table. “So, advise me. If you love this village as much as you say, you will rally behind me. You will help to alleviate the chaos this incident might have caused. So far, I have received aid only from my siblings, future wife, and former sensei. This is what they have come up with.” Gaara motioned to Temari. “My sister, Lady Temari, will take to the streets to answer questions. My brother, Lord Kankuro, will carry the brunt of this incident and admit it was caused by his prank. Though, I doubt the people of the Sand will be so quick to throw me away on simple gossip as my council.”

“I agree with Lord Kazekage,” Baki said. “I think his role in defeating Madara Uchiha will have certainly solidified their love for him.” 

Kankuro held up defensive hands. “Just our opinion, however.”

“Regardless,” Gaara went on as if neither Baki or Kankuro had spoken, “whether or not we succeed in containing and curtailing this mishap will be on your hands as well as mine.”

No one spoke. It was a tall order; something told you the urge to critique the young Kage while feeling no responsibility to guide him was a tantalizing one. But if his failure was theirs? Less so.

You thought of how timid Gaara was with you upon your first meeting, how even a hand hold had seemed promiscuous. He was a gentleman always, and the insinuation he would rope you into group sex — and it would be easy for many to believe — was not funny to you. Your boiling blood challenged your poker face. Do they really have so little faith in him? After everything he’s done?

Ebizo was first to break the silence. “My sister, Lady Chiyo, had faith in our Lord Kazekage. As do I. He is a strong man, one of conviction.” Ebizo gazed at you consolingly. “And Lady (Y/n), though I know little of her, shows bravery in facing these rumors head on. Their mistakes are ones any one of us would have made in our youth. These are peaceful times, fit for celebration. Perhaps these two got carried away with their feelings. I agree with Lord Kazekage’s assessment of the situation.”

You mouthed a thank you to Ebizo and caught his imperceptible nod your way.

“As do I.”

Your lips parted in astonishment as the attention went to Joseki. 

“I, of all of you, have been the most harsh on Lord Kazekage.” Joseki cast his gaze on the table. “We can only hope to earn his forgiveness by dedicating ourselves to his rule.”

The council gazed at one another with surprise and confusion. This time no one spoke for a different reason.

Ikanago’s spoken to him, You theorized with relief. Or maybe it was you, so willing to vacation with Gaara despite his warnings. He hadn’t managed to scare you off. Had that counted for anything?

Gaara motioned to you. “My fiancé has something to announce to you all.”

On cue, you stood, swallowing your nerves along the way. You squared your shoulders as you said, “My father, Lord Boutoku, will be arriving in a matter of days.”

Excited murmurs sounded among the council. 

“A shame Ikanago won't be here for that,” Kankuro said under his breath.

“We will need your help in preparing a warm greeting for him,” You continued. 

The initial chaos of the meeting mellowed into an enthused optimism as it came to a close. The council members sung a completely different tune now, praising Gaara and overjoyed at the prospect of your father’s arrival. Sajo approached you, seemingly to apologize for his almost-comment, but Gaara stepped in front of you, armed with a pointed look, and Sajo hurriedly excused himself from the hall. 

“You did so well, little brother.” Kankuro patted Gaara on the shoulder as the elders left. Only you, Baki, and his siblings were left.

“Excellent, truly, Lord Kazekage,” Baki added. 

“Truly flawless!” Temari said, looking impressed as she crossed her arms.

Gaara pinkened under the praise. The gravitas befitting his station had vanished, leaving only the man you knew. He nodded sheepishly at his siblings but eyed you.

“I don’t think,” You stepped toward him, “anyone could’ve done better.”

Gaara smiled.

“It is too bad about Ikanago’s hip, though,” You added. 

“Not surprising news.” Kankuro gathered up significant papers at the table. “These relics would rather die than retire so those younger than them can come in and actually change things.” He laid a hand over his heart. “I, on the other hand, will retire by the ripe age of thirty — at the latest.”

“We all hope you do,” Temari joked.

Days passed. Preparations for your father’s arrival were laid out, and Gaara, most of all, was happy he wouldn’t be caught by surprise by his future father-in-law. 

Despite your bleak anecdotes, Gaara was excited to meet him. You refused to dull his enthusiasm by sharing anything too intimate, especially since it seemed your father would be on his best behavior anyway. 

Maybe. Oh, gods, you hoped so.

There was still Matsuri to handle, but Gaara told you they would delay her hearing until he had ample time for it.

“It’s so weird seeing you behind that desk now,” You said to Gaara.

Gaara was back to work as Kazekage after his long sabbatical. Kankuro and Temari assisted in ceding him urgent paperwork and documentation. Kankuro told him he could hold down the fort for a little longer, but Gaara had insisted.

“It’s for the best.” Gaara smiled at you. 

“Maybe it is,” Kankuro teased. “We see what happens when our little brother has too much free time on his hands.”

“I’d like to thank you, too, Kankuro,” Gaara said, “for all your hard work.”

“Ah, Gaara …” Kankuro grinned. “What are brothers for?”

Gaara sobered. “I prefer Lord Kazekage.”

Kankuro’s ease tapered. “Oh, I — I —“

Gaara smiled. “Just kidding.”

You and Temari laughed as Kankuro wrapped an arm around Gaara and pulled him in for a side-hug. 

“You got me!” Kankuro said. “I really have grown on you!” 

Temari and Kankuro left Gaara to it. You were alone with him; the silence rang in your ears. You sighed into it. Could it be? Were you actually … relaxed? After the whirlwind, also referred to as the last few days, you were calm. The room had been decluttered of extraneous plants and puppets and now appeared too bare to you. Emptied. You studied the paperwork pile, handed Gaara a sheet of paper stamped with importance. 

Gaara accepted it. “Thank you.” 

You let your hand dangle in the air. “Can you believe it?”

He raised his head. “What?”

“Exactly.” You smiled. “It’s actually quiet. What did we do to deserve it?”

Gaara echoed your joy with a small smile. “You’re right. I’m used to Temari and Kankuro yelling at each other on their way out.”

You giggled. For a moment, you stared at him working, his motions rhythmic. Slip, read, stamp. Slip, read, stamp. Your gaze trailed up his forearms until you noticed the hunch at his shoulders. 

“You still seem a bit tense.” 

“Hm.” Gaara’s attention was on a document. “There’s still much to do and not all of it pleasant.”

You came around the desk, your heels clicking against the floor, until you were behind Gaara. You chuckled with surprise; he seemed not to notice you. Perhaps he thought you were looking out the window? You settled hands on his shoulders from behind.

He paused.  You kneaded his shoulders, unsure if you were doing it right until Gaara’s groan vindicated you. 

Gaara cleared the gravel from his throat. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t want to be the only one relaxed.”

Gaara leaned into your touch. His shoulders fell as he sighed. His hair brushed against your lower stomach. You leaned forward, your arms crisscrossing around his chest, your cheek brushing against his. Gaara met your eye, his heartbeat thrumming against your wrist, a sound thundering in the taut quiet.

His hand slipped past your neck, fingers pressing into the onset of your spine. “Come.”

Don’t use that word, please.

Gaara plucked the hem of your top to beckon you. This was a bad idea … And yet you inclined as he did, his magnetism too great to resist, and your lips met.

“Gaa …” He kissed his name away. Gaara caressed your cheek, deepening the kiss as a consequence. It was neither the timid kiss in the lagoon nor the lustful kiss in the greenhouse. It sat at the nexus of both, familiar and new. Lingering. You craved more. You tried to voice his name again and again you were silenced.

Gaara broke away after a second, sensing your resistance though you did nothing to resist. “I’m sorry … It’s been so long since I kissed you. I’ve been wanting to do it again.”

The warmth in your cheeks alerted you to your blush. You blinked. “We shouldn’t.” Your protest sounded futile. “We can’t. Not after the council, I … We have to behave, I think … I’m sorry — this is my fault, I got too … This is reckless …”  You swayed back, swallowing in a dry mouth. “The door — It isn’t even locked.”

“And if I lock it?”

You met both Gaara’s gaze and challenge with silence. You froze as he stood and strode to the door. It locked it with a clink. You released a broken exhale as he returned, face inches from yours.

“Answer me.”

You licked your lips, tasting the remnants of him there. Your answer should be no, followed with a rapid shake of your head, but the word slipped from your lips to tell the truth:

 “Yes.”

Gaara took your hand, led you forward until you were sinking into him — 

And against his lips again. You cupped Gaara’s face as he embraced you, crushing you to his chest. Your breasts sat plush against his trench-coat, eliciting a soft gasp from your fiancé. Gaara’s lips parted to admit a groan, but you swallowed it before grazing your tongue on his lower lip and inviting yourself into his mouth. Your nail snatched on one of the buttons of his trench-coat. You sighed at the memory of his erection, firmly pressed against you in the greenhouse. You anticipated it now. You adjusted until both of your legs were on either side of him, your backside resting on the desk’s edge. You fisted the fabric of his coat. Gaara swiped at your tongue; you gasped, a throb from below sending you grinding against his abdomen.

“(Y/n) …” Gaara broke away only to kiss a path down your jaw.

You moaned as his teeth grazed the tender neckskin. You bit your lip as his hand crept up the hem of your shirt. The feel of skin on skin wiped your mind blank.

Yes yes yes — 

A knock.

You came up from water. Gaara pulled away; the loss of his counterweight sent you stumbling to your feet. Gaara composed himself, glaring at the surface of his desk before helping you away from it. After a few beats, he said, “Come in.”

The knob turned — and turned.

“Oh!”  You hurried to unlock it. A shinobi awaited you on the other side. 

“Uh, Lady (Y/n).” He nodded Gaara’s way. “Lord Kazekage.”

“What is it?” he asked.

“Well, it’s … Lord Boutoku has arrived.”

[shisuisui]

The Chunin Exams and the attack on the hokage (Kakashi x Reader; past Shisui x Reader)

This scenario is kind of chronological to the anime, I just added some details. Main pairing Kakashi x fem. reader (Sarutobi reader), past Shisui x reader

wc: 5k

tw: character death, blood, etc. angsty with a bit of fluff and action

Age 21

It was time for the Chunin Exams. After watching the Uzumaki and Hyuga boys fight Y/n intently paid attention to Shikamaru´s fight. After all, he is her brother´s student. But from what Asuma had told her she knew that he would be the winner. So, it´s not surprising that she and everyone else were shocked when he gave up. That boy is something. Now it was time for Sasuke´s and Gaara´s match. The latter is Baki´s student with whom she had quite a few bad experiences before the peace treaty. She watched Sasuke concentrate the chakra to his hand and…. the Chidori. Kakashi had taught his student his technique. She still got goosebumps when hearing the chirping sound of this jutsu… and in this moment Sasuke reminded her so much of young Kakashi.

Suddenly she saw white feathers fall in front of her eyes – a genjustu. Hastily releasing herself from it she made eye contact with Gai and Kakashi who stood beside her, all of their eyes immediately going to the Hokage… who was held captive by the kazekage. Y/n watched her fellow Jonin Raido get hit by multiple kunai, and a barrier of ninjutsu formed around the two of them. So the Suna betrayed Konoha. “Gai, Kakashi you two take care of them. I need to find my father.” Both nodded and took over the sounds nin that were in their way while she went to rescue her father. Coming to a halt in front of the barrier she stood beside the Anbu who also couldn´t go in. Tensely she watches the kunai being held at her father´s throat. The both of them make eye contact. He might be an incredibly strong ninja, but he´s also way out of his prime and his health had been declining with age. The kazekage took the kunai away and reached for his face, tearing it down and revealing … Orochimaru. How did he get in? If he´s after Sasuke why is he holding the Hokage hostage? He held the kunai and pushed it into his palm. He let go of her father and turned his back to him. They seemed to be talking about something but there was no way to hear through the barrier. If there only was a way to break through it. She used her ability to visualize chakra and tried to sense an opening, just a small loophole would be enough for her to break through. The time was ticking because if her father and Orochimaru engaged in a fight, she couldn´t confidently say that her father would make it out alive. “This barrier can´t be broken unless it´s from the inside. If Lord Hokage would take out one of those four sound ninjas we could help.” The words of the Anbu next to her only added to her desperation. The whole situation seems so hopeless. She observed the barrier more closely. There has to be a way. The points closest to the enemy nin have a huge amount of chakra, and so do the edges surrounding the barrier that leaves…. The middle. Right in the middle the barrier seems to be slightly weaker. But if she would get closer it would burn her alive. She needs to find a way to break through that weak point. Especially now, that the fight between the Hokage and his former student, one of the legendary Sannin started, and both charged at each other. Her father used a mud substitution to escape Orochimaru´s attack but how long can he substitute himself? Both continued their attacks at each other, each jutsu grander than the one before. “He´s combined earth and fire. Excellent Lord Hokage!” Yes excellent, but how long can he keep this up? She watched her father throw off the Hokage robe, revealing his ninja armor. Did he expect this? Why hadn´t he told her? Yes, she was aware of the threat that Orochimaru was but if he was so sure to fight why didn´t he add her to his guard? She could´ve been in there with him and fought alongside him. The fighting continued when he suddenly looked over at her and then looked at the middle of the barrier. The weaker part. His hand glided to his pocket, and he took out a small piece of paper with a seal on it. The transportation seal she had once given him.

Ten years earlier: Age 11: Y/n went to the Hokage tower. She had experimented the whole day and Shisui had even helped her to successfully make the transportation seal. With this seal, she can immediately reach whoever possesses the seal. That person only has to infuse it with a little bit of chakra and it will immediately resonate with her and basically pull her in. She hoped her father would like it. He should be in the tower doing important stuff. Timidly knocking on the door to his office she stared at her feet. Will he like it? Will he be proud? What if he thinks it´s stupid? Asking her to come in she opened the door. “Hello, father.” “Y/n, what brings you here? I thought you had already done your mission for this week.” “I´m not here for a mission. I-I-I made something for you and I hope you like it.” She gave him the piece of paper. Lord Third looked at it skeptically. His eyes widened when he realized what he held in his hands. “How did you do it? Making a seal like this is quite difficult, especially for someone your age.” “I studied a lot. It´s for you. When you´re in trouble one day just infuse it with a bit of chakra and I will be there to help you. No matter what happens.” He showed a small smile and put the paper away in a drawer of his table. “Thank you Y/n, but now go, I have work to do.” To say she was disappointed would be an understatement. He didn´t take her seriously. He probably never will….

She watched as he held the piece of paper between two fingers and watched the blue chakra infuse the paper. Her body vibrated. She felt like a thousand ants were crawling under her skin. The seal called for her. She concentrated on the weak part of the barrier while simultaneously preparing her body for the jump. This is her only chance. Her only chance to save her father. With one last look into his eyes, she focused on the paper and jumped through the barrier, landing right by his side.

Glaring at Orochimaru she took on a fighting stance. Ready to protect her father with her life. “You kept the seal.” “I have always carried it with me for the past ten years.”

Orochimaru was smirking towards them. “I have to admit I did not expect this turn of events. But it won´t change much about the outcome Sarutobi Sensei. The only difference will be that both of you will die.”

Two wooden caskets descended from the ground and inside were… The first and the second Hokage. Hashirama and Tobirama Senju. What has Orochimaru done? She glanced at her father; he was just as exasperated. “Now, what will you do Sarutobi Sensei?”

Lord First and Lord Second stepped out. “Long time no see… Saru.” “Oh, it´s you. You´ve gotten old, Sarutobi.” There´s no way they were going to win a fight against both of them and Orochimaru. “Father, what should we do?” “I never thought I would meet the great brothers in this manner… It´s regretful. Please prepare yourselves. Lord First Hokage. At his word, the first Hokage looked at him and glanced at Y/n. “Father?” Hashirama Senju´s face contorted in a frown. Already sensing what´s going to occur between him and his brother and their former student and his daughter. Lord Second Hokage.” Tobirama glanced at his back “Edo Tensei? This youth summoned us with the forbidden jutsu.” Orochimaru controlled both Hokages and Y/n and her father had to fight them.

“Please prepare yourselves, Sarutobi Sensei, young Sarutobi.” With these words Orochimaru completed the bodies, making them look alive, and controlling them fully. “They look like how they used to look more than ever.” Y/n turned to her father who pressed his fingers against his forehead. His voice sounded shaky. She could not imagine what it must feel like to fight against the ones who taught you and who you looked up to. Orochimaru is a sick bastard.

The bodies started walking towards them… and then attacked with an incredible speed. Her father fought against Lord first while Y/n took on Lord second. Her father used his fire jutsu, only for it to be countered by Lord Second´s water style. Just the Tobirama signed his Water Shock Wave. Y/n activated her blades which are like knives but the chakra extends them to a huge scale. Right when the water was about to hit them she sliced through the jutsu, spreading the water to flow around them. There was so much water. Just the Hashirama started his attack and no matter how many fire shots her father was firing they did nothing against the first hokage. While focused on Tobirama Y/n had to watch how her father was beaten with Taijutsu by Hashirama and fell into the water. Slowly getting up. While looking out for her father she neglected Tobirama who charged at her with his sword. Blocking it with her blades she was all too aware of how hopeless the situation looked, and how their chances to make it out alive sank by the minute. Her thoughts were interrupted by tree trunks started sprouting through the roof. “Deep forest emersion” Her surroundings turned into moving trees, unstable and out to catch her. Her arms were caught by two branches twisting and chaining her to the ground. They needed reinforcements immediately.  She could hardly move and neither could her father. A look at her was enough. She knew what to do. Trying her hardest to put her hand on a surface she summoned the only hope for this fight. Alongside her father's Monkey King Enma, her own summon Monkey Prince Enki appeared. Both are similar in looks but Enki looks more youthful than his father. “Enki, get me out of here.” The summon looked at her. “Long time no see Y/n, look at me. I´m nearly as tall as my father.” One stern look from her was enough and he worked on the branches breaking them with his enormous strength. She looked over and saw Enma already eyeing Orochimaru. “Orochimaru… I knew this would happen. You´re pathetic Sarutobi… It´s because you didn´t kill him back then and it´s too late to do it now.” “Please Enma. The Adamantine Nyoi.” She watched Enma transform into a staff and break her father free. “Come on Enki you too.” Enki nodded and transformed a staff too. The Adamantine Staff is as hard as a diamond and extremely destructive. Holding Enki in her hands she turned toward Lord Second when Orochimaru took a sword out of his mouth. The Snake Sword is one of the only things that can hurt Enma and Enki. Her father attacked Orochimaru leaving her with both Hokages.  While the sword and the staff clashed, she focused on the reanimated bodies in front of her. Defending Tobirama´s sword attack with Enki. Enki managed to block the attack and send Tobirama flying towards the barrier. His back hit it and caught fire. But he seemed unfazed by it. So they also don´t feel any pain. Well makes sense since they´re dead. Turning to Hashirama she saw him turning towards her father and Orochimaru but before he could start running, she already charged at him, Enki firmly in her hands.

Her father was losing the fight against Orochimaru. She watched him getting punched by Orochimaru and staying down. “FATHER!”  “Are you okay, Sensei?” Y/n attacked Orochimaru with her staff. Orochimaru summoned a snake which curled around Y/n body twisting it. She tried to reach her blades to cut through it but the snake was faster, trapping them alongside her at her body. Orochimaru stood on her father, who was still lying on the roof. She couldn´t hold back the tears that started to escape. This helplessness.

“Orochimaru…. YOU FOOL.” Her father grabbed that bastard and kicked his legs, sending Orochimaru to the ground while Enma´s hand shot out of the staff to choke him and hold him up in the air. Using substitution Orochimaru freed himself. She tried to free herself as the two Hokages started walking towards her father but the snake only twisted her tighter. A bit more and it would break both her arms and then crush her.

Orochimaru took off his face again to reveal a much younger one. “You´re a truly frightening, inhuman monster! So this is why you want Sasuke Uchiha? To take over his body and never age?” Orochimaru or whoever body he´s in smiled viciously. “Right… Exactly… Sasuke.” Orochimaru switched his face back to his old one for the final fight. The first Hokage used his wood release to release to fill the barrier even more with his trees. Only the Adamantine cage from Enma protects him. “What´s been wrong with you? This isn´t like you!” Hiruzen only let out a sigh, looking down. “I´m sorry…” Filled with new determination Hiruzen said, “I´ll bury you and correct my old mistakes, now!” Suddenly the third Hokage used the shadow clone Justu and made two clones of himself, distributing the little chakra he had left. Y/n looked confused, why would he do that in this situation? And then it dawned upon her. “D-Don´t tell me, he…?!” The order of the signs her father was signing. She knew what he was planning. A Grim Reaper will appear behind him looking like a ghost surrounded by a blue light but only those who signed a contract with this Jutsu can see it. Her father had told Y/n about it one night as they talked to father and daughter. Hiruzen looked behind him a saw the Shinigami. Just then Tobirama used his Infinite Darkness Jutsu surrounding all of them in a black abyss. Y/n was in a tricky situation. She had to get out of the snake´s hold. She had an idea. It was reckless, stupid, and done wrong might cost her life. She had her chakra blades in her hands facing her body, not the snake. But if she would activate them and send lots of chakra through them to lengthen the blade… it would also cut through the snake. She had no other choice. Now or never. Trying to keep her screams in she activated the blades and felt it go through her sides, slicing the flesh. A burning smell came to her nose and she tried her hardest to not scream too loud. Her whole body was shaking and covered in sweat but the snake fell limply down and she was free now, although wounded. Still surrounded by darkness she heard her father getting attacked. “Orochimaru! Now I will perform an ace jutsu even if you don´t know! Behold! Sealing Jutsu! Reaper Death Seal!” The Grim Reaper was mumbling some words she didn´t understand but she heard her father cough and let out a scream. Hiruzen ran around in the darkness when he suddenly. “I got you” Appear!”. The darkness around them vanished and she was able to see again. Both clones had grabbed the reanimated Hokage and held them tight. Hashirama then said “I´m sorry… Sarutobi…” Slowly the souls of both reanimated bodies were sucked out leaving them as white shells. “Please forgive me Lord Forst Hokage, Lord Second Hokage.” “SEAL” He sealed the bodies in his own. Now it was just Orochimaru. Could they win? Was this their chance? But her father had lost so much chakra and she wasn´t in a better situation. Getting up she went to stand beside her father. The blood from her wounds dripped down her body and bloodied her clothes. But she could care less about it. The bodies of the Hokages disappeared and left two dead Oto Nin. He did this to his own subordinates. She gasped when she saw them. “Toying with even the lives of your own subordinates…! You are truly a sick bastard Orochimaru.” How was this person once a Konoha Ninja? The student of her father? Her father’s clones disappeared, and he called for Enma who was still in staff form. Y/n called for Enki to get ready to fight. Hiruzen looked at his daughter. How much she had to go through in this fight. Wounded. Tired.  “Y/n, you stay back this is between me and my former student.” “But father I can help.” He looked at her with a sad smile. “I know you can. And you helped me enough to get to make it to this point in the fight. But now you will stay back. I´m not ordering you as Hokage, I´m asking as your father. Please stay back.” Tears started to form in her eyes. She looked at him, and then slowly nodded taking small steps back.

Her father and Orochimaru went at each other when her father managed to grab onto Orochimaru. “You´re mine.” Orochimaru looked shocked and confused. He held onto him and couldn´t see the Snake Sword that Orochimaru motioned to start. “FATHER WATCH OUT” The sword flew at a rapid pace, going through her father. Y/n cried out. Her heartbreaking scream echoed in the barrier. Hiruzen coughed out some blood. Enma held onto the sword, so it didn’t go completely through Hiruzen. A shocked Orochimaru before him. “Why didn´t you dodge it?” Her father looked at Orochimaru. “The Reaper Death Seal. In this sealing jutsu, in exchange for the effectiveness of Jutsu one´s soul is handed to the Grim Reaper.” The same jutsu that sealed the Nine-Tailed Fox twelve years ago. Orochimaru tried to sign for a different Jutsu but it seemed ineffective. Orochimaru´s soul was slowly dragged out by the Grim Reaper´s hand. The Grim Reaper lifted his sword. “Knock it off” You old dotard! I won´t let you do as you like.” Orochimaru signed with his free hand and the sword started to slowly continue piercing through her father. She saw her father struggling. The sword continued to pierce through him. Hiruzen started to doubt himself. Was he not able to take Orochimaru with him? No, he had to. For Konoha.

While Y/n watched her father and Orochimaru struggle the fights in Konoha continued. She could only hope that her fellow shinobi were fighting the enemies off well.

The Anbu was still watching, unable to do anything. “It´s taking much too long. It´s impossible for a battle between Shinobi to last this long. What the heck is happening inside?”

The whole village had turned into a battlefield, Suna and Oto nin had infiltrated the village and were fighting against Konoha ninja. Bodies were everywhere. Orochimaru looked his former sensei in the eyes. “Your side… the Leaf Shinobi… will be annihilated down to every last woman and child! I will accomplish the destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village!!!”

Outside the barrier, Kakashi and Gai alongside other Jonin were fighting the last enemies that were in the arena. Kakashi looked up to the barrier. Y/n was inside with the third Hokage. He hoped she was still alive. She had to be. He couldn´t lose her too.

Y/n heard Orochimaru´s words. She was already close to passing out, with little chakra with some blood loss. She hoped Konohamaru was safe. They were probably evacuated already. Her thoughts drifted to Kakashi as she slumped down to the ground hoping that with a little rest, she could fight again. Kakashi who was by her side these past years after losing Shisui. If she died now, she would be able to see him again. But she couldn´t leave Kakashi alone in this world, and she didn´t want to. Not after all the nights they´ve shared, after the conversations in the dark, after being comfortable enough to take off his mask in front of her. She didn´t want to give this up. But maybe she had no other choice. Watching Orochimaru and her father she realised that she might not make it out of this alive.

Y/n listened to her father peaking up at his words. “To protect the village, all the Leaf Shinobi will risk their lives fighting! Real strength doesn´t lie in the mastering of all Jutsu! I believe I taught this to you too, in the past… It´s when one protects someone important that the true strength of the Shinobi will emerge!” These words. Her father had told them to her so many times.

Coughing up blood Hiruzen said “It appears that I don’t have the strength left to yank out your entire soul. However, your ambition ends here! I will take away all your Jutsu with me!” Orochimaru was screaming when he and her father were suddenly pushed away from each other “SEAL” Orochimaru´s arms started to turn purple and fell limp to his sides. “Your ambition of crushing the Hidden Leaf… dies right here!” Her father turned towards her, gave her one last look muttering an “I´m sorry Y/n” and fell.

Numb. She felt numb. Her father he-he he is laying there on the ground. With the last strength she had left, she got up screaming in pain. She had lost another person she loved. Y/n´s screams echoed in the barrier and Orochimaru turned towards her. She was making her way towards him, tears falling from her eyes. Taking out a kunai she stalked towards Orochimaru. Towards the man who was responsible for her father´s death. At the same time, Enma was crawling towards her father. “Sarutobi…” He took the sword and thought that this was a fitting end for someone like him. Dying for his people. Protecting his people. Enma vanished.

Y/n stalked towards him. “OROCHIMARU I WILL KILL YOU!” He felt like his arms were burning, turned towards his subordinates who held up the barrier. “This is where we call off our plan. Release the barrier.” She was launching towards him when one of Orochimaru´s subordinates came in front of him and stabbed his own kunai into her. She fell back and fell. Orochimaru gave her one last look. A pity really, father and daughter dying side by side.

Y/n felt like her whole body was on fire. She was coughing up blood. She wanted to go to him, so she dragged her body up towards her father leaving a bloody trail. When she was next to him, she reached out her hand and took his in her own. Turning her head to the side she saw one last tear drop from his closed eyes. She couldn´t move anymore. Kakashi… I´m sorry…. Hiruzen and Y/n lay there, side by side in a pool of blood.

The barrier was released and all the ninjas surrounding looked at it. Gai, Kakashi, and Genma watched from the middle of the arena. “The barrier is released,” Gai said. All three scowling. It was Genma who said it. “Where is Lord Hokage?”

Kakashi looked up. “Y/n should be there too.”

Orochimaru was fleeing with his subordinates when the Anbu took their chance and followed them but were stopped by a spider net that was released from one of the enemy ninjas.  

On the ground, Kabuto and Baki were retreating too. Kakashi Gai and Genma went to the roof where the barrier was only to find…. The two bodies lay there, beat up and bloodied. No, Kakashi thought, not her, she couldn´t be…. He couldn´t move. Gai and Genma checked their heartbeats. Genma shook his head when he checked the Third Hokage, but Gai perked up. “Kakashi she´s still alive.” She was alive.? She was alive! He ran towards her and scooped her up in his arms carrying her to the next medic nin he could find. He looked at her. She felt so limp in his arms. He couldn´t lose her. He didn´t want to lose her.

At the hospital, she was immediately taken care of by the doctors. She had lost so much blood. He slid down a wall in the hallway and looked at his hands. Her blood was sticking to them and starting to dry up. Kakashi didn´t know how long he was sitting there. Soon Asuma, Gai, and Kurenai came, all taking a seat next to him, waiting for any news. Kurenai held Asuma´s hand. He had just lost his father and did not know if his sister would make it. A doctor finally came out and looked at the jonin on the floor. “She made it.” He felt like crying, she was alive. “Asuma-san would you like to see her?” He nodded and got up walking towards the door, and then poked Kakashi with his feet pointing with his head towards the door of the hospital room. No words needed to be said between the two men. Asuma is not stupid. He knew of the little glances, the “accidental” touches, or how much time these two would spend together.

Both men walked through the door. There she was. Covered in bandages and hooked to a monitor. “She´s currently in a stable condition but the healing process might take a while. We´re expecting her to wake up today or tomorrow. I will leave you alone.” Asuma walked towards her. Y/n, his little sister whom he couldn´t protect. Meanwhile, Kakashi stood still by the door. He shouldn´t have let her go after her father alone. He should´ve been with her. But there were so many enemies.

That night when the hospital was silent and everyone slept soundly in their undestroyed homes or tents until they were rebuilt, Kakashi went to Y/n´s hospital room, taking a seat next to her bed. He took her hand in his and told her softly about everything that happened that day, of his students.

He summoned Pakkun, knowing that Y/n enjoyed being around him. “Yes Boss?” the gruffy voice of the pug came. He looked around at the hospital and then at Y/n. “Boss Lady?” He walked towards the face and poked her cheek with his little nose. No words needed to be said as he got comfortable and laid down next to her. Her hand still in Kakashi´s he continued talking.

It was around midnight when he felt it. A little squeeze of his hand. He looked at her and saw her eyes open slightly. Taking off his mask he gently held her head up and gave her some water. Pakkun who had woken up settled against her shoulder. Y/n looked at Kakashi her eyes filling with tears. “I couldn´t protect him.” That was all it took for her to break down. Kakashi slowly took her in his arms and settled into the hospital bed himself with her in his lap, his arms holding her tightly while she cried the whole night.

At sunrise, Asuma came to visit her. It was the day of the funeral and he wanted to see if she could come. When Y/n saw her brother the tears fell again. “I´m sor-“she couldn´t finish her sentence as he had taken her into a hug and held her tightly. He was shaking too. The siblings held onto each other and let out their tears.

It was a rainy day and Y/n and Asuma made their way towards the funeral. Everyone was wearing black. Shinobi and civilians. While walking she held onto her brother, her other hand holding a crutch to keep her up. “Was Kurenai tonight with you?” He nodded. “She refused to leave me alone. Even spend the night. I´m guessing you weren´t alone either?” He looked at his sister. Kakashi was a ninja you could count on and someone who would always have your back so he didn´t mind. She just nodded. Condolences came from everyone they met. She couldn´t remember who had talked to her.

When they arrived, they took their place in the first row, as the Hokage´s children. Konohamaru was between her and Asuma while Kurenai took a place by Asuma´s side. Kakashi simply stood next to her and held her up with an arm around her face. She couldn´t look up. She couldn´t face the picture at the front. Konohamaru was now crying and clinging to her, arms holding her clothes tightly. She hugged him as well as she could. Ignoring the pain from her wounds she let him cling to her and was grateful to Kakashi for holding her up.

It started raining. “Rain,” Kurenai said. Asuma gave the woman by his side a small look “The sky has started to weep as well…”

Her father's former teammates and village elders Homura and Koharu lead the memorial service. She could barely listen. After everyone left a white flower at the table she gave Konohamaru into the care of her brother. Kakashi was already gone. She knew where she would find him. At the memorial stone.

How was she supposed to go there? She looked over at Gai who had already guessed what she was about to do. He carried her towards the direction of the memorial stone and left her there. The last bit she could walk herself as well as she could with an umbrella.

He already felt her. Sensed her chakra. She went to his side and brought her arm around him which was difficult with an umbrella at hand. He leaned into her touch, took the umbrella from her hands to hold over them, and pulled her to his side hugging her and supporting her at the same time. She turned to him and put her head on his chest. He reacted while supporting his chin on her head and holding her tighter.

Both were reminiscing the memories of their loved ones who they´ve lost while being in the arms of each other.

[demonslayerscript]

Episode 5: Things Are Gonna Get Real Flashy!! / 第五話『ド派手に行くぜ!!(どはでにいくぜ/Dohadeni Ikuze!!)』

*Green colored words are only in anime, not in original manga, and we usually call them “アニオリ/ani-ori(アニメオリジナル/anime-original)".

宇髄天元（んっ！あっ…！雛鶴！）

Uzui Tengen (N! A…! Hinatsuru!)

Tengen Uzui (Hinatsuru!)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

雛鶴「すみません、天元様…」

Hinatsuru “Sumi-masen, Tengen-sama…”

Hinatsuru “Forgive me, Lord Tengen.”

天元「いいから、もう喋るな」

Tengen “Iikara, mo shaberuna.”

Tengen “Never mind. Stop talking.”

雛鶴「蕨姫花魁(わらびひめおいらん)が鬼だと気づいたのですが、向こうからも怪しまれ、毒を飲み店から抜け出そうとしたのですが、蕨姫花魁に渡されたこの帯が、監視及び殺害を目的にしたものだったようで、連絡ができなくなりました」

Hinatsuru “Warabihime Oiranga oni-dato kizuitano-desuga, muko-karamo ayashi-mare, doku’o nomi mise-kara nuke-dasoto shitano-desuga, Warabihime Oiranni wata-sareta kono obiga, kanshi oyobi satsugai’o mokutekini shita mono datta-yode, renrakuga dekinaku nari-mashita.”

Hinatsuru “I realized that Warabihime Oiran was a demon, but she became suspicious of me, as well. So I drank some poison and tried to slip out of the House. But it seems this Belt that I was given by Warabihime Oiran was for spying on and killing me. So I was unable to contact you.”

雛鶴「天元様、私(わたくし)には構わず、もう行ってくださいませ。先程の音が聞こえましたでしょう。鬼が暴れています」

Hinatsuru “Tengen-sama, watakushi-niwa kamawazu, mo itte-kudasai-mase. Saki-hodono otoga kikoe-mashita-desho. Oniga abarete-imasu.”

Hinatsuru “Lord Tengen, do not trouble yourself with me. Please go now. You heard that sound just now, did you not? The demon is on a rampage.”

天元「本当に、大丈夫だな」

Tengen “Hontoni, daijobu dana.”

Tengen “You’re sure you’re going to be all right?”

雛鶴「はい… お役に立てず、申し訳ありません」

Hinatsuru “Hai… Oyakuni tatezu, moshi-wake ari-masen.”

Hinatsuru “Yes. I am sorry I couldn’t be of use to you.”

天元「お前はもう何もしなくていい。解毒薬が効いたら、吉原を出ろ。わかったな」

Tengen “Omaewa mo nanimo shinakute ii. Gedoku-yakuga kiitara, Yoshiwara’o dero. Wakattana.”

Tengen “There’s no need for you to do anything more. Once the antidote starts working, leave Yoshiwara. You hear me?”

雛鶴「…はい」

Hinatsuru “…Hai.”

Hinatsuru “Yes.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

天元（戦闘が始まっている。どこだ。気配を探れ。んっ！）

Tengen (Sentoga hajimatte-iru. Dokoda. Kehai’o sagure. N!)

Tengen (The battle has already begun. Where is it? Search for its presence!)

天元（ここだ!! 地面の下!! 誰か戦っている音がする。反響してよく聞こえる。ここに何かがある）

Tengen (Kokoda!! Jimenno shita!! Dareka tatakatte-iru otoga suru. Hankyo-shite yoku kikoeru. Kokoni nanikaga aru.)

Tengen (It’s here. Underground! I can hear the sound of someone battling. I can hear it well thanks to the reverberations. There’s something here!)

天元（音の呼吸・壱ノ型。轟(とどろき)!!!）

Tengen (Otono Kokyu, Ichino Kata. Todoroki!!!)

Tengen (Sound Breathing… First Form… Roar!)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

堕姫「喧(やかま)しいわね、塵虫(ごみむし)が。何の音よ、何してるの？どこ？荻本屋の方ね。それに雛鶴…」

Daki “Yakamashii-wane, gomi-mushiga. Nanno otoyo, nani shiteruno? Doko? Ogimoto-yano-hone. Soreni Hinatsuru…”

Daki “What an infernal racket, you piece of trash! What is that sound? What are you doing? Where? From the Ogimoto House? And also Hinatsuru…”

堕姫「アンタたち、何人で来たの？四人？」

Daki “Anta-tachi, nan-ninde Kitano? Yo-nin?”

Daki “How many of you are here? Four?”

竈門炭治郎「言わない」

Kamado Tanjiro “Iwanai.”

Tanjiro Kamado “I’m not telling you!”

堕姫「正直に言ったら、命だけは助けてやってもいいのよ。先刻(さっき)ほんの少し斬り合っただけで、アンタの刀、もう刃毀(はこぼ)れしてる」

Daki “Shojikini ittara, inochi-dakewa tasukete-yattemo ii-noyo. Sakki honno sukoshi kiri-atta-dakede, antano katana, mo hakobore-shiteru.”

Daki “If you tell me the truth, I’d be willing to spare your life. We clashed for maybe an instant, but look at your sword! It’s already nicked.”

炭治郎「あっ！」

Tanjiro “A!”

堕姫「それを打ったのは、碌(ろく)な刀鍛冶じゃないでしょう」

Daki “Sore’o utta-nowa, rokuna katana-kajija nai-desho.”

Daki “Some hack of a swordsmith must’ve forged that blade, am I right?”

炭治郎「違う！この刀を打った人は凄い人だ!! 腕のいい刀鍛冶なんだ！」

Tanjiro “Chigau! Kono katana’o utta-hitowa sugoi hitoda!! Udeno-ii katana-kaji nanda!”

Tanjiro “You’re wrong! The person who forged this sword is amazing! He’s a brilliant swordsmith!”

堕姫「じゃあ何で刃毀れすんだよ、間抜け」

Daki “Jaa nande hakobore sundayo, manuke.”

Daki “Then how did it get nicked, moron?”

堕姫「あっちでもこっちでもガタガタし始めた。癪(しゃく)に障るから、次でお前を殺す」

Daki “Acchi-demo kocchi-demo gata-gata shi-hajimeta. Shakuni sawaru-kara, tsugide omae’o korosu.”

Daki “It’s starting to get noisy all over the place. It’s annoying me, so this time, I’m going to kill you.”

炭治郎（使い手が悪いと刃毀れするんだ。俺のせいだ。俺は、やっぱり俺は、水の呼吸を使いこなせない。俺は、水の呼吸に適した体じゃないんだ。水の呼吸では、鱗滝さんや冨岡さんのようにはなれない。俺の場合、一撃の威力は、どうしてもヒノカミ神楽の方が強い… 体に合っているんだ。でも…）

Tanjiro (Tsukaitega waruito hakobore surunda. Oreno seida. Orewa, yappari orewa, Mizuno Kokyu’o tsukai-konase-nai. Orewa, Mizuno Kokyuni tekishita karadaja nainda. Mizuno Kokyu-dewa, Urokodaki-san’ya Tomioka-sanno-yo-niwa nare-nai. Oreno baai, ichi-gekino iryokuwa, do-shitemo Hinokami-Kagurano-hoga tsuyoi… Karadani atte-irunda. Demo…)

Tanjiro (The blade gets nicked when its wielder is subpar. It’s my fault! I… When all is said and done, I… can’t handle… the Water Breathing technique! My body’s not suited for Water Breathing! I can’t become like Urokodaki or Tomioka with the Water Breathing technique! In my case… I just can’t help striking harder with the Hinokami Kagura. It’s just compatible with my body! But…)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

嘴平伊之助「たあーっ、おらぁっ！」

Hashibira Inosuke “Taaaa, oraa!”

我妻善逸「いいっ、ににっ… 少しは加減しろ、馬鹿！」

Agatsuma Zen’itsu “Ii, nini… Sukoshiwa kagen-shiro, baka!”

Zenitsu Agatsuma “Would it kill you to hold back a little, idiot?”

伊之助「ふんっ！」

Inosuke “Fun!”

善逸「うっ、くくく…」

Zen’itsu “U, kukuku…”

伊之助「それじゃ修業になんねぇだろうが！」

Inosuke “Soreja shugyoni nan-nee-daroga!”

Inosuke “That would be no way to train!”

炭治郎「ヒノカミ神楽…」

Tanjiro “Hinokami-Kagura…”

Taniro “Hinokami Kagura!”

伊之助・善逸「あっ」

Inosuke, Zen’itsu “A.”

Inosuke & Zenitsu “Huh?”

炭治郎「円舞！碧羅の…ぐあっ！ああっ、あっ…」

Tanjiro “Enbu! Hekirano… Gua! Aa, a…”

Tanjiro “Flame Dance! Clear Blue―”

伊之助「ハッ」

Inosuke “Ha.”

善逸「炭治郎！炭治郎、大丈夫か？」

Zen’itsu “Tanjiro! Tanjiro, daijobuka?”

Zenitsu “Tanjiro! Tanjiro! Are you okay?”

伊之助「腹減ったのか？」

Inosuke “Hara hetta-noka?”

Inosuke “What? Are you hungry?”

善逸「馬鹿！」

Zen’itsu “Baka!”

Zenitsu “Dummy!”

伊之助「ああっ？」

Inosuke “Aa?”

Inosuke “Huh?”

善逸「猪！」

Zen’itsu “Inoshishi!”

Zenitsu “Boar!”

炭治郎（その強力さ故に、連発ができなかった）

Tanjiro (Sono kyoryoku-sa-yueni, renpatsuga deki-nakatta.)

Tanjiro (Because of its sheer force… I couldn’t unleash multiple strikes.)

善逸「しっかりしろ！俺、しのぶさん呼んでくる！」

Zen’itsu “Shikkari-shiro! Ore, Shinobu-san yonde-kuru!”

Zenitsu “Hang in there! I’ll go fetch Shinobu!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

炭治郎（今は違う。俺はやれるはずだ。いや……やる!! そのために修業してきた。負けるな。燃やせ。燃やせ。燃やせ!! 心を燃やせ!!!）

Tanjiro (Imawa chigau. Orewa yareru-hazuda. Iya……yaru!! Sono-tameni shugyo shite-kita. Makeruna. Moyase. Moyase. Moyase!! Kokoro’o moyase!!!)

Tanjiro (It’s different now! I should be able to do it! No! I’m doing it! That’s what I’ve been training for! Don’t go down in defeat! Ablaze! Ablaze! Ablaze! Set your heart ablaze!)

炭治郎（ヒノカミ神楽。烈日紅鏡(れつじつこうきょう)！）

Tanjiro (Hinokami Kagura. Retsu-jitsu Kokyo!)

Tanjiro (Hinokami Kagura… Raging Sun!)

堕姫（太刀筋が変わった。先刻(さっき)より鋭い）

Daki (Tachi-sujiga kawatta. Sakki-yori surudoi.)

Daki (His swordsmanship style just changed! It’s sharper than before.)

堕姫「何なの、この音。嫌な音ね。呼吸音？」

Daki “Nan-nano, kono oto. Iyana otone. Kokyu-on?”

Daki “What the hell is this sound? Such an unpleasant sound! The sound of breathing?”

炭治郎「炎舞！」（炎舞は二連撃だ。躱(かわ)されても、もう一撃…）

Tanjiro “Enbu!” (Enbuwa ni-rengekida. Kawa-sare-temo, mo ichi-geki…)

Tanjiro “Flame Dance!” (Flame Dance is a two-hit strike! Even if she dodges it, there’s one more!)

堕姫「たいしたことないわね。所詮(しょせん)…この程度よ！ハッ！どこ？」

Daki “Taishita koto nai-wane. Shosen… kono teido-yo! Ha! Doko?”

Daki “That was nothing to write home about. In the end, this is all it amounts to! Where is he?”

炭治郎「ヒノカミ神楽。幻日虹(げんにちこう)！」

Tanjiro “Hinokami-Kagura. Gen-Nichi-Ko!”

Tanjiro “Hinokami Kagura… Fake Rainbow…”

堕姫「ハッ！」

Daki “Ha!”

炭治郎（隙だ。隙の糸!! いける!!）

Tanjiro (Sukida. Sukino Ito!! Ikeru!!)

Tanjiro (An opening! The Opening Thread! I can do this!)

炭治郎「ヒノカミ神楽。火車(かしゃ)！」

Tanjiro “Hinokami-Kagura. Kasha!”

Tanjiro “Hinokami Kagura… Fire Wheel!”

堕姫「遅いわね。欠伸(あくび)が出るわ」

Daki “Osoi-wane. Akubiga deruwa.

Daki “So slow. You’re making me yawn.”

炭治郎「ハッ！うあっ！」（受け身を取れ！受け身…っ）

Tanjiro “Ha! Ua!” (Ukemi’o tore! Ukemi…)

Tanjiro (Go on the defensive! Defensive!)

炭治郎「うっ…くっ…くっ、ああっ…ハッ、ハアッ、ハアッ…」

Tanjiro “U…Ku…Ku, aa…Ha, haa, haa…”

炭治郎（ヒノカミ神楽を連発した反動が来た!! 疲労の蓄積で筋肉が強張(こわば)る）

Tanjiro (Hinokami-Kagura’o renpatsu-shita handoga kita!! Hirono chiku-sekide kinnikuga kowabaru.)

Tanjiro (This is the fallout from using the Hinokami Kagura! All that built-up fatigue is making my muscles tighten up!)

堕姫「まだ生きてるんだ？」

Daki “Mada ikiterunda?”

Daki “Oh, so you’re still alive?”

炭治郎（落ち着け。呼吸を整えろ。回復するんだ!! 早く!!! 回復の呼吸!!!）

Tanjiro (Ochi-tsuke. Kokyu’o totono-ero. Kaifuku surunda!! Hayaku!!! Kaifukuno Kokyu!!!)

Tanjiro (Calm down. Get your breathing under control! Recover! Hurry! Recovery Breathing!)

炭治郎「ふっ！」（帯が強靭な刃物のようだ。隙の糸が見えても、すぐに切れてしまう！俺の攻撃が遅いんだ。体温を上げろ！もっと体温を上げろ!!）

Tanjiro “Fu!” (Obiga kyojinna hamono’no-yoda. Sukino Itoga mie-temo, suguni kirete-shimau! Oreno kogekiga osoinda. Taion’o agero! Motto taion’o agero!!)

Tanjiro (This Belt is like a powerful blade! Even if I glimpse an Opening Thread, it vanishes just like that! My attacks are too slow! Raise your body temperature! Get your body temperature up!)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

寺内きよ「私しのぶ様に言いますから。炭治郎さんの熱が下がらないこと」

Terauchi Kiyo “Watashi Shinobu-samani iimasu-kara. Tanjiro-sanno netsuga sagara-nai-koto.”

Kiyo Terauchi “I’m going to inform Lady Shinobu, all right? That your temperature still hasn’t gone down!”

炭治郎「きよちゃん、頼む。この通りだ。秘密にしてくれ。俺は大丈夫だから！」

Tanjiro “Kiyo-chan, tanomu. Kono-toori-da. Himitsuni shite-kure. Orewa daijobu dakara!”

Tanjiro “Kiyo, please! I’m begging you! Keep it between us! I’m fine, okay?”

きよ「でも…」

Kiyo “Demo…”

Kiyo “But…”

炭治郎「俺は元気だ。大丈夫。平気なんだ」

Tanjiro “Orewa genkida. Daijobu. Heiki nanda.”

Tanjiro “I’m feeling fine, see? I’m fine! Never felt better!”

きよ「この体温計を見てください。三十八度です。昨日も一昨日(おととい)も、そうだったでしょ？もう、ずっと…」

Kiyo “Kono taion-kei’o mite-kudasai. Sanju-hachi-do desu. Kinomo ototoimo, so-datta-desho? Mo, zutto…”

Kiyo “Just look at this thermometer! 100.4 degrees! Just like yesterday and the day before that, remember? It’s been like that for days!”

炭治郎「あっ、う…」

Tanjiro “A, u…”

Tanjiro “Uh…”

きよ「熱が続くということは、どこかに異常があるんですよ。私なんかじゃ、どうしたらいいのかわかりません。 しのぶ様じゃなきゃ…」

Kiyo “Netsuga tsuzuku-to-iu-kotowa, dokokani ijoga arun-desuyo. Watashi-nankaja, do-shitara ii-noka wakari-masen. Shinobu-samaja nakya…”

Kiyo “If you have a fever that won’t go down, that means something’s wrong! I have no idea what I should do about it! Only Lady Shinobu would know!”

炭治郎「う～ん…う～ん、実は、熱が出ている状態だと、本当に調子がいいんだよ。ヒノカミ神楽を連続して使えるんだ。もっと強くなれるかもしれない。しのぶさんに報告するのは、もう少し待ってくれないか。もう少しだけ、ちょっとだけ…」

Tanjiro “Uuun…Uuun, jitsuwa, netsuga dete-iru jotai-dato, hontoni choshiga iin-dayo. Hinokami-Kagura’o renzoku-shite tsukae-runda. Motto tsuyoku-naru-kamo shirenai. Shinobu-sanni hokoku suru-nowa, mo sukoshi matte kure-naika. Mo sukoshi-dake, chotto-dake…”

Tanjiro “The thing is… when I have a fever, I’m at the top of my game! I can unleash multiple Hinokami Kagura strikes! I might become even stronger! Can’t you wait just a little longer before telling Lady Shinobu? Just a little longer! Just a little bit!”

きよ「ああ… わかりました。でも、少しだけですよ」

Kiyo “Aa… Wakari-mashita. Demo, sukoshi-dake desuyo.”

Kiyo “Very well. But just a little longer, okay?”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

炭治郎（くうっ！体温が…体の熱が上がっているのがわかる。戦えてる。上弦の鬼と……）

Tanjiro (Kuu! Taionga… karadano netsuga agatte-iru-noga wakaru. Tatakae-teru. Jogenno onito…)

Tanjiro (I can feel my temperature… my body heat rising! I’m able to fight… an Upper Rank Demon!)

堕姫「しぶといわね、思ったよりも。面白いわ」

Daki “Shibutoi-wane, omotta-yorimo. Omoshiroi-wa.”

Daki “You’re a pesky one. More than I thought you’d be. This is entertaining.”

炭治郎（やれる！ヒノカミ神楽なら通用するんだ。いや、通用するだけじゃ駄目だ!! 勝つんだ！自分の持てる力全てを使って、必ず勝つ！守るために。命を守るために。二度と理不尽に奪わせない。もう二度と、誰も、俺たちと同じ悲しい思いをさせない。フウーッ）

Tanjiro (Yareru! Hinokami-Kagura-nara tsuyo-surunda. Iya, tsuyo-suru-dakeja dameda!! Katsunda! Jibunno moteru chikara subete’o tsukatte, kanarazu katsu! Mamoru-tameni. Inochi’o Mamoru tameni. Nidoto rifujin’ni uba-wase-nai. Mo nidoto, daremo, ore-tachito onaji kanashii omoi’o sase-nai. Fuuu.)

Tanjiro (I can do it! Hinokami Kagura’s effective! No! It’s not enough for it be effective! I have to win! Using every ounce of my power! I’m gonna win, no matter what! To protect them. To protect lives! Never again. I won’t let them be robbed for no reason. Never again! I won’t let anyone… suffer the same grief that we did!)

堕姫「ふふっ。不細工は頑張っても不細工なのよ」

Daki “Fufu. Busaikuwa ganbattemo busaiku nanoyo.”

Daki “You ugly people are still ugly, even when you try so hard!”

炭治郎「てやあっ！」

Tanjiro “Teyaa!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

『少し刻(とき)を遡(さかのぼ)って、“荻本屋”』

“Sukoshi toki’o sakanobotte, ‘Ogimoto-ya.’”

“Ogimoto House, somewhat earlier”

遊女１「ギャ―――ッ！」

Yujo-Ichi “Gyaaaaaaa!”

遊女3「何？どうしたの」

Yujo-San “Nani? Doshitano?”

Prostitute-3 “What’s going on?”

遊女１「化け物が！化け物が！」

Yujo-Ichi “Bakemono-ga! Bakemono-ga!”

Prostitute-1 “It’s a monster! A monster!”

遊女２「アンタ、仕事の支度しなさいよ」

Yujo-Ni “Anta, shigotono shitaku shina-saiyo.”

Prostitute-2 “Hey, go get ready for work!”

遊女１「猪の化け物が、天井とか床とか壊しまくってんのよ！」

Yujo-Ichi “Inoshishino bakemono-ga, tenjo-toka yuka-toka kowashi-makutten-noyo!”

Prostitute-1 “There’s a monster boar that’s demolishing the ceilings and the floors!”

遊女２「はぁ？」

Yujo-Ni “Haa?”

Prostitute-2 “Huh?”

遊女3「そんなこと、あるわけないでしょ」

Yujo-San “Sonna-koto, aru-wake nai-desho.”

Prostitute-3 “How is that even possible?”

遊女1「じゃあ来て！」

Yujo-Ichi “Jaa kite!”

Prostitute-1 “Then come with me!”

伊之助「しゃあ！…ああ？」

Inosuke “Shaa! …Aa?”

三人「うわあああっ！」

San-nin “Uwaaaa!”

伊之助「グワハハハ!! ビリビリ感じるぜ、鬼の気配!!」

Inosuke “Guwahahaha!! Biri-biri kanjiruze, onino kehai!!”

Inosuke “I’m totally feeling the demon’s presense!”

三人「ひっ… キャー！」

San-nin “Hi… Kyaaa!”

伊之助「ここか。うりゃあ！見つけたぞ、鬼の巣に通じる穴を!! 覚悟しやがれ!! ちょあっ！」

Inosuke “Kokoka. Uryaa! Mitsuketa-zo, onino suni tsujiru ana’o!! Kakugo shiyagare!! Choa!”

Inosuke “Is it there? Found it! The hole leading to the demon’s lair! Get ready to die! Ugh!”

三人「うわああっ！」

San-nin “Uwaaa!”

伊之助「ダア… 頭しか入れねえというわけだな！フハハハハッ。甘いんだよ。この伊之助様には通用しねぇ。俺は体中の関節を外せる男。しゃあ。つまりは、“頭”さえ入ればどこでも行ける」

Inosuke “Daa… Atama-shika haire-neeto iu-wake-dana! Fuhahahaha. Amain-dayo. Kono Inosuke-sama-niwa tsuyo-shinee. Orewa karada-juno kansetsu’o hazuseru otoko. Shaa. Tsumariwa, ‘atama’sae haireba doko-demo ikeru.”

Inosuke “So I can only get my head inside, huh? Nice try! That won’t work on Lord Inosuke! I’m a man who can dislocate all his joints! In other words, as long as my head fits, there’s nowhere that I can’t go!”

伊之助「グ���ハッ、グハハハッ！猪突猛進!! 誰も俺を止められねぇ!! グハッ、ウオオオオ、オオオオ！長ぇ、こりゃ獣道(けものみち)じゃねえな。鬼だ！鬼がいるぜ！ウオオオオオ！あっ…」

Inosuke “Guhaha, guhahaha! Chototsu-Moshin!! Daremo ore’o tome-rare-nee!! Guha, uoooo, oooo! Nagee, korya kemono-michija neena. Onida! Oniga iruze! Uooooo! A…”

Inosuke “Comin’ through! No one can stop me! Freakin’ long! This is no game trail! A demon! There’s a demon here!”

伊之助（何だこりゃ？んっ、んんっ、うんっ。あっ？人間柄(にんげんがら)の布？何だこりゃ？いや、この感触……生きてる人間だ。女の腹巻の中に捕まえた人間を閉じ込めとくのか。あ？チッ。それで好きな時に出して喰うんだ。えげつねぇ奴だな。あ…）

Inosuke (Nanda korya? N, nn, un. A? Ningen-garano nuno? Nanda korya? Iya, kono kanshoku…… Ikiteru ningenda. Onnano hara-makino nakani tsukamaeta ningen’o tojikome-toku-noka. A? Chi. Sorede sukina tokini dashite kuunda. Egetsunee yatsu-dana. A…)

Inosuke (What the heck is this? Huh? A cloth with a human pattern? What is this? No, this feel like… those are living humans. So it traps humans inside a woman’s belly band, huh? Damn. Then it takes them out whenever it wants, and devours them? Pretty savage, if you ask me.)

伊之助「何してんだコイツ…」

Inosuke “Nani shitenda koitsu…”

Inosuke “What’s he doing here?”

帯鬼「お前が何をしてるんだよ」

Obi-Oni “Omaega nani’o shiterun-dayo.”

Belt Demon “No, what are you doing?”

伊之助「ハッ」

Inosuke “Ha.”

帯鬼「他所様(よそさま)の食糧庫に入りやがって。汚い！汚いね！汚い！臭い！糞虫(くそむし)が!!!」

Obi-Oni “Yoso-samano shokuryo-koni hairi-yagatte. Kitanai! Kitanaine! Kitanai! Kusai! Kuso-mushiga!!! ”

Belt Demon “Barging in on someone else’s food locker… So dirty! How dirty you are! Dirty! Smelly! You damn stinkbug!”

伊之助「何だこの蚯蚓(みみず)、キモッ!!」

Inosuke “Nanda kono mimizu, kimo!!”

Inosuke “What did you say, you worm? So gross!”

帯鬼「この糞虫が！」

Obi-Oni “Kono kuso-mushiga!”

Belt Demon “Why, you damn stinkbug!”

伊之助「はっ！たあっ！ぐねぐね、ぐねぐね！気持ち悪ィんだよ、蚯蚓帯!!! グワハハハハ!! 動きが鈍いぜ！欲張って人間を取り込みすぎてんだ！でっぷり肥えた蚯蚓の攻撃なんぞ、伊之助様には当たりゃしねぇ！ケツまくって出直してきな!!」

Inosuke “Ha! Taa! Gune-gune, gune-gune! Kimochi-wariin-dayo, Mimizu-Obi!!! Guwahahahaha!! Ugokiga nibuize! Yokubatte ningen’o torikumi-sugi-tenda! Deppuri koeta mimizuno kogeki-nanzo, Inosuke-sama-niwa atarya shinee! Ketsu makutte denaoshite-kina!!”

Inosuke “Wriggle, wriggle, wriggle, wriggle! You’re really grossing me out, Worm Belt! Look how sluggish you are! You got greedy and swallowed up too many humans! An attack by an overweight worm… will never land on Lord Inosuke! Grow a spine… and don’t come back until you’re ready!”

帯鬼（チッ。上手いこと人間を避(よ)けて斬りやがる。せっかく鮮度の高い食料を保存していたのに!! こいつの勘の鋭さ!! 特に殺気を感じる力は尋常じゃない！前後左右(ぜんごさゆう)どこからの攻撃でも敏感に察知して躱(かわ)す！）

Obi-Oni (Chi. Umai-koto ningen’o yokete kiri-yagaru. Sekkaku sendono takai shokuryo’o hozon shite-ita-noni!! Koitsuno kanno surudosa!! Tokuni sakki’o kanjiru chikarawa jinjo-ja nai! Zengo-sayu doko-karano kogeki-demo binkanni sacchi-shite kawasu!)

Belt Demon (Damn! He managed to slice me without touching the humans! After I went to the trouble of storing all that fresh food! His intuition is razor-sharp! Especially his ability to detect murderous intent is extraordinary! So sensitive… he can perceive attacks from any direction and dodge them!”

帯鬼（食糧貯蔵庫にまで鬼狩りが入ってくるのは想定外だった。…どうする？）

Obi-Oni (Shokuryo-chozoko-nimade onigariga haitte-kuru-nowa sotei-gai datta. Dosuru?)

Belt Demon (I never expected a Demon Slayer to infiltrate the food locker. What should I do?)

堕姫（生かして捕らえろ）

Daki (Ikashite toraero.)

Daki (Capture him alive.)

帯鬼（ああっ）

Obi-Oni (Aa.)

堕姫（そいつは、“まきを”を捕らえた時に邪魔をした奴だ。美しかった。保存していた人間も、極めて美しい十人以外は殺しても構わない。ただ、殺すより生け捕りは難しいかもしれないが。そこにいる何人か喰って、お前の体を強化しろ！）

Daki (Soitsuwa, ‘Makio’o toraeta-tokini jama’o shita yatsuda. Utsukushi-katta. Hozon-shite-ita ningenmo, kiwamete utsukushii ju-nin-igaiwa koroshi-temo kamawa-nai. Tada, kosoru-yori ikedoriwa muzukashii-kamo shire-naiga. Sokoni iru nan-nin-ka kutte, omaeno karada’o kyoka-shiro!)

Daki (He’s the one who got in my way when I captured Makio. He was beautiful. Except for the ten most beautiful, you can kill the humans you’ve stored. Though it might prove harder to capture them alive than to merely kill them… Devour some of the ones there and strengthen your body.)

伊之助「オラアアア!!!」

Inosuke “Oraaaa!!!”

帯鬼「んんっ！」

Obi-Oni “Nn!”

伊之助（斬れねぇ!? ぐねるせいか!? ええいっ！）

Inosuke (Kire-nee!? Guneru-seika!? Eei!)

Inosuke (I can’t slash it! Because it’s bending like that?)

伊之助「獣の呼吸・陸ノ牙。乱杭咬(らんぐいが)み!!」

Inosuke “Kedamonono Kokyu, Rokuno Kiba. Rangui-Gami!!”

Inosuke “Beast Breathing, Sixth Fang… Palisade Bite!”

帯鬼「アタシを斬ったって意味無いわよ。“本体”じゃないし。それより、せっかく救えた奴らが疎(おろそ)かだけど、いいのかい？」

Obi-Oni “Atashi’o kittatte imi nai-wayo. ‘Hontai’ja naishi. Sore-yori, sekkaku sukueta yatsuraga orosoka-dakedo, iino-kai?”

Belt Demon “It won’t do any good to slash me. I’m not the main body. Never mind that. You’re leaving the humans you saved in the lurch. Is that what you want?”

伊之助「ハッ」

Inosuke “Ha.”

帯鬼「アンタにやられた分は、すぐに取り戻せるんだよ」

Obi-Oni “Antani yarareta bunwa, suguni tori-modoserun-dayo.”

Belt Demon “Whatever you do to me, I can get it back in a flash!”

伊之助「やべぇ!! 人間を守りながらの戦いをしなきゃならねぇのに…!! クソッ、間に合わねぇ！蚯蚓帯が！おっ！んっ？」

Inosuke “Yabee!! Ningen’o mamori-nagarano tatakai’o shinakya nara-nee-noni…!! Kuso, mani awa-nee! Mimizu-Obiga!! O! N?”

Inosuke “Oh, crap! I have to fight it while protecting those humans! Dammit! I can’t keep up! You damn Worm Belt!”

まきを「“蚯蚓帯”とは、上手いこと言うもんだ！」

Makio “‘Mimizu-Obi’towa, umai-koto iu-monda!”

Makio “You came up with a great name! ‘Worm Belt’!”

須磨「ほんと気持ち悪いです！ほんとその通りです！天元様に言い付けてやります！」

Suma “Honto kimochi-warui-desu! Honto sono toori desu! Tengen-samani ii-tsukete-yari-masu!”

Suma “It really is gross! You’re absolutely right! I’m so going to tell Lord Tengen on you!”

まきを「あたしたちも加勢するから頑張りな、猪頭(いのししあたま)！」

Makio “Atashi-tachimo kasei-suru-kara ganbarina, Inoshishi-Atama!”

Makio “We’re going to give you a hand… so fight the good fight, Boar Head!”

須磨「キャア！」

Suma “Kyaa!”

伊之助「誰だてめェら!!」

Inosuke “Dareda temeera!!”

Inosuke “Who the heck are you?”

須磨「宇髄の妻です！アタシあんまり戦えないですから、ああっ！期待しないでくださいね！」

Suma “Uzuino tsuma-desu! Atashi anmari tatakae-nai-desu-kara, aa! Kitai shinaide kudasaine!”

Suma “We’re Uzui’s wives! I’m not much of a fighter! So please don’t get your hopes up!”

まきを「ていっ！」

Makio “Tei!”

須磨「うはあっ！」

Suma “Uhaa!”

まきを「須磨ァ!! 弱気なこと言うんじゃない！」

Makio “Sumaa!! Yowakina koto iunja nai!”

Makio “Suma! Don’t be such a wimp!”

須磨「え～だってだってまきをさん、あたしが“味噌っかす”なの知ってますよね!? すぐ捕まったし！無茶ですよ！捕まってる人皆守り切るのは!! あたし一番に死にそうですもん！」

Suma “Eee datte datte Makio-san, atashiga ‘misokkasu’nano shitte-masu-yone!? Sugu tsukamattashi! Mucha desuyo! Tsukamatteru-hito minna mamori-kiru-nowa!! Atashi ichi-banni shiniso-desu-mon!”

Suma “But… But… Makio, you know I’m a good-for-nothing! I mean, I got captured right away! It’s too much to ask of me! Protecting everyone who got caught! I’m the most liable to die first!”

帯鬼「そうさ、よくわかってるねぇ。さあ、どれから喰おうか」

Obi-Oni “Sosa, yoku wakatteru-nee. Saa, dore-kara kuoka.”

Belt Demon “That’s right! How astute you are! Now then, which one of you should I eat first?”

伊之助（あの野郎!! 本体じゃねぇだと？ほんとだったらやべぇぞ！戦いに終わりが無ぇ！）

Inosuke (Ano-yaro!! Hontaija nee-dato? Honto-dattara yabeezo! Tatakaini owariga nee!)

Inosuke (Damn that thing! It’s not the main body? If that’s true, I’m screwed! This battle’s never gonna end!)

善逸「雷の呼吸…」

Zen’itsu “Kaminarino Kokyu…”

Zenitsu “Thunder Breathing…”

伊之助（ハッ）

Inosuke (Ha.)

善逸「壱ノ型。霹靂一閃・六連。シィィー」

Zen’itsu “Ichino Kata. Hekireki-Issen, Roku-ren. Shiiiii.”

Zenitsu “First From… Thunderclap and Flash. Sixfold.”

伊之助「お前ずっと寝てた方がいいんじゃねぇか…」

Inosuke “Omae zutto neteta-hoga iinja neeka…”

Inosuke “Maybe you should stay asleep the whole time.”

『善逸に刀を運んだのは』

“Zen’itsuni katana’o hakonda-nowa.”

“The ones who delivered Zenitsu’s sword”

ムキムキねずみ１「ムキ！」

Muki-muki Nezumi-Ichi “Muki!”

Muscle Mouse-1 “Muscle!”

ムキムキねずみ２「ムキ！」

Muki-muki Nezumi-Ni “Muki!”

Muscle Mouse-2 “Muscle!”

まきを「あの子も鬼殺隊？なんであんな頓珍漢(とんちんかん)な格好してんの！」

Makio “Ano komo Kisatsu-Tai? Nande anna ton-chin-kanna kakko shitenno!”

Makio “Is that kid a Demon Slayer, too? Why is he dressed like an idiot?”

須磨「わかんないです！」

Suma “Wakannai desu!”

Suma “I have no idea!”

帯鬼（なんなのアイツは、なんて速さ。いや、それよりも今、音が二つ鳴らなかったか？落雷のような音が重なって二つ鳴った。一つはあいつ。もう一つは…上から―――）

Obi-Oni (Nan-nano aitsuwa, nante hayasa. Iya, sore-yorimo ima, otoga futatsu nara-nakattaka? Raku-raino-yona otoga kasanatte futatsu natta. Hitotsuwa aitsu. Mo-hitotsuwa… ue-kara―――)

Belt Demon (Who is that boy? Such blistering speed! No, forget that. Didn’t I just hear two sounds? A noise like overlapping thunderbolts, creating two sounds. One was that boy. The other one… came from above?)

須磨「えっ？」

Suma “E?”

まきを「あっ！」

Makio “A!”

須磨「あっ、ああ…」

Suma “A, aa…”

帯鬼（風？風穴が空いたの？地上から何をしたら、ここまで穴を空けられるのよ！）

Obi-Oni (Kaze? Kaza’ana’ga aitano? Chijo-kara nani’o shitara, koko-made ana’o ake-rareru-noyo!)

Belt Demon (The wind? Did an air hole open up? What can you do from aboveground to create a hole all the way down here?)

伊之助「何だァ…？」

Inosuke “Nandaa…?”

Inosuke “What the hell?”

帯鬼（いる……　誰か入ってきた）

Obi-Oni (Iru…… Dareka haitte-kita.)

Belt Demon (He’s here. Someone just came inside.)

天元「フゥ―――…」

Tengen “Fuuuuuuuu…”

帯鬼（ハッ！この気配！柱！）

Obi-Oni (Ha! Kono kehai! Hashira!)

Belt Demon (This presence! A Hashira!)

天元「んっ」

Tengen “N.”

まきを「天元様……」

Makio “Tengen-sama……”

Makio “Lord Tengen…”

須磨「ああ～」

Suma “Aaaa.”

天元「まきを、須磨、遅れて悪かったな。元気そうで一安心だ」

Tengen “Makio, Suma, okurete waru-kattana. Genki-sode hito-anshinda.”

Tengen “Makio… Suma… Sorry I took so long. It’s a relief to see you looking good!”

須磨「うう…」

Suma “Uu…”

まきを「ああ…」（昔はこんなんじゃなかったんだけどな。死ぬのは嫌じゃなかった。そういう教育を受けて来たから。“忍”だから。特にくのいちなんてのは、どうしたって男の忍に力が劣るんだし、命を賭けるなんて最低限の努力だった）

Makio “Aa…” (Mukashiwa konnanja nakattan-dakedona. Shinu-nowa iyaja nakatta. So-iu kyoiku’o ukete-kita-kara. ‘Shinobi’dakara. Tokuni Kunochi nante-nowa, doshitatte otokono shinobini chikaraga otorun-dashi, inochi’o kakeru-nante saitei-genno doryoku datta.)

Makio (He wasn’t like this before. The thought of dying didn’t bother me. Since that was how I was trained. Because I was a shinobi. Especially since a kunoichi could never hope to match a male shinobi in terms of strength. Staking my life was something I only needed minimal effort to do.)

→I think red-colored line should have been “I wasn’t like this before.” Makio is talking about herself, not about Tengen. I understand this mistake could happen since the original Japanese line doesn’t have the subject, but I think they should have been noticed the mistake when they read her whole line and watched the following backstory.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

天元「お前たちは自分の命のことだけ考えろ。他の何を置いても、まず俺の所へ戻れ。任務遂行より命。こんな生業(なりわい)で言ってることがちぐはぐになるが問題ない。俺が許す。俺は派手にハッキリと命の順序を決めている」

Tengen “Omae-tachiwa jibunno inochino koto-dake kangaero. Hokano nani’o oitemo, mazu oreno tokoro’e modore. Ninmu-suiko-yori inochi. Konna nariwaide itteru-kotoga chigu-haguni naruga mondai-nai. Orega yurusu. Orewa hadeni hakkirito inochino junjo’o kimete-iru.”

Tengen “I want you three to only think about your own lives. Above all else, your top priority is to come back to me. Life over accomplishing your mission! What I’m saying is at odds with this occupation, but it doesn’t matter. I’m allowing it! The order that lives should go in is flashy and clear cut in my mind.”

まきを「あっ…」

Makio “A…”

天元「まずはお前ら三人。次に堅気(かたぎ)の人間たち。そして、俺だ」

Tengen “Mazuwa omaera san-nin. Tsugini katagino ningen-tachi. Soshite, oreda.”

Tengen “First, you three. Second, law-abiding citizens. And finally, me.”

三人「あっ」

San-nin “A.”

天元「鬼殺隊である以上、当然のほほんと地味に生きている一般人も守るが、派手にぶっちゃけると俺、お前らのが大事だから。死ぬなよと」

Tengen “Kisatsu-taide-aru-ijo, tozen nohohon-to jimini ikite-iru ippan-jinmo mamoruga, hadeni bucchake-ruto ore, omaera-noga daiji dakara. Shinunayo-to.”

Tengen “As a Demon Slayer, it goes without saying that I’ll also protect the public leading their nonchalant, drab lives… but to be blunt in my flashy way, you three are more important to me. So don’t die on me.”

まきを（…そんなこと言っていいの？自分の命なんか優先してたら、大した仕事できないけどいいの？）

Makio (…Sonna koto itte iino? Jibunno inochi-nanka yusen-shite-tara, taishita shigoto dekinai-kedo iino?)

Makio (Is it really okay to go around saying that? If you put your own life first, you can’t get much serious work done. Is that okay?)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

雛鶴「いいんじゃない。天元様が“それでいい”と言うなら。死ぬのが嫌だって、生きていたいと思うのだって、悪いことじゃないはずよ。そういう自分が嫌じゃなければ、それでいいのよ、きっと」

Hinatsuru “Iinja nai. Tengen-samaga ‘Sorede ii’to iu-nara. Shinunoga iya-datte, ikite-itai-to omouno-datte, warui-kotoja nai-hazuyo. So-iu jibunga iyaja nakereba, sorede ii-noyo, kitto.”

Hinatsuru “I think it’s okay. If Lord Tengen says he’s fine with it. Not wanting to die or wanting to go on living… I’m sure it’s not wrong to feel that way, either. As long as you don’t despise yourself, it should be fine. I’m sure.”

まきを「そうね」

Makio “Sone.”

Makio “You’re right.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

須磨「あっ、ああ…」

Suma “A, aa…”

天元「派手にやってたようだな。流石(さすが)俺の女房だ」

Tengen “Hadeni yatteta-yodana. Sasuga oreno nyoboda.”

Tengen “I see that you’ve been doing some flashy work. You’re my wives, all right!”

須磨「ううっ…うわーん…」

Suma “Uu…Uwaaan…”

天元「フッ。よーし！」

Tengen “Fu. Yoooshi!”

Tengen “All right!”

まきを「あっ」

Makio “A.”

須磨「わあっ」

Suma “Waa.”

天元「こっからは、ド派手に行くぜ！」

Tengen “Kokkarawa, do-hadeni ikuze!”

Tengen “Starting now, things are going to get real flashy!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

大正コソコソ噂話/Taisho-Koso-koso Uwasa-banashi/Taisho Secret

炭治郎・善逸・伊之助「にんにん！」

Tanjiro, Zen’itsu, Inosuke “Nin-nin!”

Tanjiro & Zenitsu & Inosuke “Nin-nin!”

善逸「音柱に嫁が三人なんて、ありえないんですけど」

Zen’itsu “Oto-Bashirani yomega san-nin nante, arie-nain-desu-kedo.”

Zenitsu “The Sound Hashira can’t possibly have three wives!”

炭治郎「善逸も頑張ればいいじゃないか」

Tanjiro “Zen’itsumo ganbareba iija naika.”

Tanjiro “Well, why don’t you try for that, too, Zenitsu?”

善逸「えっ、そう？じゃあ良子さんでしょ、早苗さんでしょ、それから…」

Zen’itsu “E, so? Jaa Yoshiko-san desho, Sanae-san desho, sorekara…”

Zenitsu “What? Really? Okay, then, there’s Yoshiko, Sanae, and then there’s―”

炭治郎「禰豆子に報告しないと」

Tanjiro “Nezukoni hokoku shinaito.”

Tanjiro “I have to let Nezuko know.”

善逸「炭治郎～！」

Zen’itsu “Tanjirooo!”

Zenitsu “Tanjiro!”

炭治郎「わっ！ここで大正コソコソ噂話。宇髄さんの家は一夫多妻制で、十五になったら三人の妻を、一族の長が相性を考えて選ぶんですって。でも、須磨さんは自ら立候補したそうですよ」

Tanjiro “Wa! Kokode Taisho koso-koso uwasa-banashi. Uzui-sanno iewa ippu-tasai-seide, ju-goni nattara san-ninno tsuma’o, ichizokuno osaga aisho’o kangaete erabun-desutte. Demo, Suma-sanwa mizukara rikkoho shita-sodesuyo.”

Tanjiro “Now, it’s time for a Taisho-era secret! Uzui’s family practices polygamy, and I hear that when you turn 15, the head of the family picks out three wives who are sure to be compatible. But they say Suma stepped forward herself.”

善逸「俺も忍になろっかな～」

Zen’itsu “Oremo shinobini narokkanaaa.”

Zenitsu “Maybe I should become a shinobi, too!”

天元「なら今日から忍の修行だな！」

Tengen “Nara kyo-kara shinobino shugyo-dana!”

Tengen “Then you’ll be starting shinobi training today, right?”

善逸「えっ？イヤ～！」

Zen’itsu “E? Iyaaa!”

Zenitsu “Huh? Nooooo!”

炭治郎「次回、第六話『重なる記憶』。」

Tanjiro “Jikai, dai-rokuwa, ‘Kasanaru Kioku.’”

Tanjiro “Next, Episode 6, ‘Layered Memories.’”

(Continue to Episode 6)

[sakura-gyarugal]

-Akatsuki sakura au-

Okay so Akatsuki Sakura has been an au since I was like 12. The au differs from each year where I was working on it. At first it was a romance thing but as I grew older it more went to “I want sakura to be evil asf” then it went to “she’s needs to hate Sasuke” lmao. she’s not evil in my current au. She’s a teen girl who’s corrupted by the adults around her by using her a pawn for their own selfish goals. The Akatsuki are her second family but they’re still criminals with shady morals. I mean that’s literally the entire plot of Naruto. Teens getting manipulated by adults to do their dirty work.

Anyways here’s my main points

Takes place in the second phase of the chunin exams where sound four sneaks into the exams to find Sasuke. Bla bla canon events. While Sakura cuts her hair and is getting beaten by the female sound nin, she blacks out from force trauma (not canon. I mean sis was taking punch after punch dayum 😭)Team 10 and Rocklee try to protect her. Sasuke awakens and goes crazy. Again canon. Sound nin girl retreats with Sakura seeing that her teammates were trying to kill her but are distracted at the moment. She’s not there to distract Sasuke and have his seal retreat.

Orochimaru and the sound nin retreat with Sakura unconscious body. Orochimaru uses this as an advantage seeing she’s a teammate with Sasuke. He knows Sasuke will be coming back looking for her. He’s not wrong

Timeskip. Kakashi uses the evil sealing method but Sasuke decides to advance his seal and goes with sound four hearing that orochimaru has her.

All while this is happening, sakura is held capture by orochimaru and sound four trying to get information out of her. Sakura refuses to break after a while. Orochimaru doesn’t use fear tactics but instead feeds her, makes sure she’s clean and healthy to give this false sense of security all while slowly getting into her head. Nin all over konoha are trying to find Sakura especially team seven but are getting no where. After several weeks, which then turns to months Sakura begins to believe orochimaru that no one is coming back for her and that she wasn’t valued in the team. Being a young insecure teen her doubts become a reality in her head. Orochimaru offers he can make her stronger and just like Sasuke….they both take the fruit from the forbidden tree.

Sasuke and Sakura train underneath orochimaru without seeing each other for three years. Naruto and Kakashi are left in distraught having two members leave them. One missing for years and the other abandoning his village. Team 7 will meet again….

Now her joining the Akatsuki I’m not really sure…so imma just bs lol especially since orochimaru is on bad terms with the Akatsuki. Just forget canon 🤫

Orochimaru sends Sakura unconscious to the forest near the base where he knows one of the members will find her. He does this to have another spy in the Akatsuki looking at Itachi.

Konan is the first to see Sakura and takes her in. She may be in the Akatsuki but she isn’t cold hearted to leave a child out in the woods. She takes notice of the leaf headband. Konan takes this information to Nagato. Of course nagato, in fact the entire Akatsuki find it suspicious that a girl from the leaf arrives at their door step. Nagato interrogates her but he quickly realizes her mind was wiped except for a few memories either that or she’s still secretive. Nagato suggests to take her back to her village but Sakura refuses saying she isn’t wanted back.

Akatsuki have a meeting to konan’s dismay. She thinks the girl should stay a secret and having a leaf nin who’s so young will cause trouble. Nagato believes the members have a right to know. So Akatsuki meeting is held without Sakura (still very wary of her.) most of the members are against it or indifferent. They kick her out….yeah 😭 these grown adults think she’s a spy and throw her outside. So Sakura is forced to stay outside but still refusing to head back and it’s not like she knows Orochimaru’s lair.

The young members voted to keep her that being Itachi and Deidara mainly because they’re teens themselves and are curious. Itachi thinks the girl could be close to Sasuke. Deidara is tired of being around adults constantly.

While sakura is out in the woods, Itachi brings her food, clothing, medical supplies, and blankets but makes sure to watch from afar.

The Akatsuki still have a heart especially when it comes to young kids so they take her in after two days. They decide they’ll monitor her closely.

So Sakura begins living in the Akatsuki with her new teammates being Sasori and Deidara. This was deliberately chosen by Nagato/pain because Sasori doesn’t need sleep which leads no blind spots with her going back and forth between villages along Deidara still being the newest recruit along with youngest.

While sakura is in the Akatsuki she is also trained by Orochimaru which definitely leads to some tension. Sakura is supposed to be the Akatsuki spy while also being the Orochimaru spy. It’s a whole mess. Short summary…Orochimaru comes to get his test project back. Sasori is like “she belongs here” bla bla bla. Sakura gets in the middle and follows Orochimaru. Sasori and Deidara are are confused. Sakura comes back to the base. Sasori’s pissed but decides he doesn’t care that much and it’s a secret between the three. Well zetsu knows but he knows everything. I’ll figure this part out later.

Note: orochimaru is shady asf. He keeps Sasuke and Sakura apart even if they’re in the same building. On sakura’s side, he pouring words of hatred into her consciousness. Sakura grows to hate her past team. On Sasuke’s side, he’s telling him that nothing matters but power and to forget about his past comrades. Sasuke becomes emotionally dead which screws with his morals. After Sasuke and Sakura master their curse marks, he’s going to put them against each other to see which test subject will survive. Yeah bros crazy. But yeah, we’re gonna have a cool Sasuke vs sakura fight 🗣️

Also, Obito/ Tobi enters the base to see this tiny pink hair girl eating at the table and is wildly confused. Also this is the first time he’s seen the members act like a family.

Whew…this is a lot. As you guys can see, it’s not fleshed out and has a lot of plot holes. (Cough cough please gimme suggestions if you have any) Hopefully,This will be fixed as I continue with the au. Maybe next post will be sakura actually interacting with the members :)

[iamnotawomanimagod]

Ego is so good!!! I love the lyrics.

To echo Nins - the genres/sound of this album is going to be ALL over the place, which I'm very excited about it!!! It reminds me a lot of Manic already. The four songs we've heard are all SO different from each other.

[009720kakashi]

His footfall was the only sound disturbing the silence in the Office building. Even for ANBU it was rare to be called to the Hokage in the middle of night. The order had been clear though. The messenger had said immediately. So here he was. The ANBU mask hid his face, Sharingan blazing crimson behind the left eyehole. Kakashi reached the double door to the Hokage’s office. Two ANBU guards stood rigid in front of it. The one with the bear mask turned his head when Kakashi stopped in front of them and gave a nod in greeting before opening the door.

There were others already. Silently he entered the room and joined them, dropping into a kneel like the rest of them. Sandaime had already commenced with the mission details. A brief glance acknowledged Kakashi's presence. He did not stop talking though. The Hokage was tensed. He looked tired. Not even the forgiving light of candles could hide the old man's waxen complexion.

In the front row Kakashi had recognized two Captains. Sheep...which was fairly fitting for the person wearing that mask and Sparrow. He did not know much about her. Kakashi had not made Captain yet. Skill was surely not the issue. Apparently he lacked the required inter-personal skills and was insubordinate. The first was just ridiculous considering they were talking ANBU Captain here and not kindergarten teacher. The second was simply not true. Well...not entirely. He had his reasons.

People had gone missing. Civilians first. The affected villages had called for help. Konoha had answered but the teams that had been send, had disappeared too. No trace. Four teams by now. The last team that had been send to the border between of Hi no Kuni and Yu no Kuni had consisted of 3 ANBU. All that was left of them were the shards of one broken mask.

“Find me whoever is responsible for this, bring them here if possible, if not kill them.” Hokage sama’s voice was tensed as it should be. This was far too close for comfort after all.

"Dismissed."

When they had left Hokage’s office Sheep stopped him once the door closed behind them. Kakashi's gaze dropped to the hand on his wrist before going back up, clearly saying 'No touching'. Sheep let go.

“Sparrow and I are in charge” he stated, apparently feeling the need to clarify that particular point. His voice sounded confident. Kakashi could smell anxiety on him though.

“No rogue shit” he added after a short moment. The comment amused the copy nin, making him smile under his mask. It barely reached his eyes though.

“In ANBU? Never.” There was nothing but rogue shit in ANBU basically. Though he had a point as in it was usually ordered shit.

"Meet up in 30 at the North gate" Sparrow said. Kakashi disappeared without another word.

30 minutes later he leant at the North Gate's archway, holding an orange coloured book in his right hand and waited for the rest of the circus to join him.

[petaltexturedskies]

Thus today, I went to the village with a little piece of paper (filled with prosaic errands) in my pocket, and I returned transformed by a thousand things which I had seen and heard on my way—the long, silent country road, bordered by trees, and the cozy houses, which seem to lie so contented and placidly in the midst of their gardens that I could almost see them sleep. I was tempted to tiptoe as I passed them by, with the sun caressing their roofs ever so gently. I paused to listen to all the little sounds which reached me. I delighted, too, in the smell of the things which surrounded me, which even in Winter have a vague fragrance all their own, something nameless and lovely which made me stop to wonder and smile. It was about half past four when I looked back for the last time before entering the house.

The sun was sinking behind the woods, a fiery copper ball. I lay my hand on my breast and listened to all the thoughts stirring inside of me, and felt all my heart going out toward that beauty, toward the witchcraft of that splendid scene.

Anaïs Nin in a diary entry dated 6 January 1921 featured in The Early Diary of Anaïs Nin, 1920-1923

[the-hornedwitch]

As I’ve said before, what I write is from my own personal journey. None of this was learned over night. Nor did my connection and relationship occur in such a manner. My journey with Him has been a four to five year walk.(though the way I write condenses it)  While I have been a pagan for over fifteen years, and have practiced witchcraft for an equal amount, I did not hear His call for a time.(I have a listening problem) I am in no way an expert, I’ve just read what called to me (S.Connley, Jason Miller, Anton LeVay, Michial W. Ford, Ego Diabolus, EA Koetie, Rumi, Alan Watts and C. Jung) took what made sense, and applied it to my own practice. Some of what I speak on may or may not align with what some of the above stated have written, again, my perception, my experiences, my interpretations. Enjoy.

Lord Lucifer LOVES music

            I mean LOVES Music. If there’s one thing popular media has gotten right in regards to this Dark Lords personality it is how He ENJOYS music. (We can talk about emotions, deals, hedonistic tendencies and Justice later) Back to Music.

            I’ve noticed He enjoys all genres, as long as it "sound good" or is "creative". I tend to be electric in my music tastes and enjoy listening to it more than watching television. I often play music as a type of "offering' for Him, and through the last four years, I’ve concluded that some of His favorite genres are; Classical(the more emotional the better), Melodic/Goth(Loves Orgy, Depche Mode, Muse, NIN), Synth/EDM, 80s(All of it), any sort of Broadway/theatrical, Punk(not a surprise) and ANYTHING about/relating to/inspired by Him(He is and Pentacle to the Pit from Ghost put Him in a MOOD). Metal is a touch and go, (I personally LOVE it). He does enjoy various types of Rock (70s mostly) and Blues/Jazz tend to bring out a nostalgic/sensual energy. Oddly enough, some Christian themed music. (Has something to do with His sense of Humor, He likes His Jokes)

            Music, carries vibrations and energy, as do spoken words. I am of the opinion it is one of our first language as a species. The Ancients used it in ceremony and ritual. As a Pagan and Witch, I have utilized music in various types of ritual, meditation, and craft work. Most of my communication with Lord Lucifer often occurs through music. It can range from hearing a set of lyrics that co inside with a thought or question. To falling into a very deep trance, that carries me into His current.

Contracts ARE a "Thing"

Yes, Lucifer does LOVE his Contracts, Bargains, Deals, and Arrangements.

No, not the "selling of your soul" type of deals. (Then Again...)

You do not need to make any sorts of deals to "work" with Him. He will work with you, especially when you approach Him with respect and humility. Building a relationship with Him is very important, He doesn’t 'take' orders, nor can you "command" Him to do anything. Attempting so is very disrespectful, and He will laugh at you, while teaching you a fun lesson for the audacity.

Not to say, some of the 'old' High magician, Alester Crowly, Golden Dawn type of 'summoning" doesn’t work, they will get His attention, yes, and like I said, He does enjoy his deals, bargains, and such. Remember, Lord Lucifer does what He wants. He has His sadistic, Dark Lord moments, and (I say this with respect) is That type of Asshole. You ask Him for fame and fortune, He may give it to you. Just understand what the price is, and be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

I have a contract and arrangement (No, not for fame and fortune) with Him, they took time to be "written" and I did not go into them lightly. He did not approach me about them, I petitioned Him. They are deeply personal and pertain to my path and dynamic with Him. I am only "allowed" to speak on them openly if the environment allows it. Which tends to be in spaces with fellow practioners, who understand the Dark Divine on a profoundly deeper level then the standard "Satanist."

It's all an Illusion, even the Gods

            We live in a Matrix, No it's not like the movie.

            There are layers and dimensions to this reality. They aren't always physical, and they have a lot more to do with one's own consciousness and perceptions. The Gods are no different. When you began to work with Enties of a Higher or Deeper plain, your understanding of reality, consciousness, and time shifts dramatically. It can happen all at once (Which bends or breaks the mind to the point of madness), or it can be gradual. Sometimes it is both. The Gods are no different. Through my thirty some odd years on this planet, I have learned a great deal of things. Some wonderful, some not so much. I have decades to go on my journey, but one thing that has stuck out to me thus far is this: Humans put the Gods in neat two-dimensional boxes. Myself included Hell we all do it, it's how our silly little ape brain can make some sort of sense in regard to the vast cosmic beings which are The Gods.

            When I say, Lord Lucifer is everything "they' say He is, and more. I mean this; He has aspects and masks, that go far beyond what many people have written about. I am in no way saying I'm special and know all the secret's, I'm certain there are others on this path who have been just as privileged to know all aspects of Lord Lucifer. What I'm saying is, you get what you Give with Him. If you push yourself to grow, to dive deep within yourself, and to listen to the knowledge He willing offers to those who put in the work. You by proxy, are introduced to sides of Him that aren't often addressed in 'the books'. It is both terrifying and euphoric, if you know, you know. If not, sorry friend. I can only share so much, I can only show you the door, you have to be the one to open it. 

The books aren't always right, but sometimes media is

            I quote that line from Constantine a little too often, "The books aren't always right Chaz". I'm not the only one, Jason Miller uses it a lot too. Speaking of which, if you haven't seen Constantine yet, you're missing out. It's actually pretty awesome. Peter Stormare, steals it with his whole ten minutes as Lucifer.  I mean it. I saw the damn movie at eighteen, well before I started my journey. Thought it was fun, and interesting, in my top ten favorite movies, damn love me Keune Reeves. Since starting my journey, and rewatching it recently, Holy fucking Hell. Not to say the movie has anything correct, it is still fiction inspired by Abrahamic mythos. Fun, and entertaining, and much like anything, there is some truth in it.

            Its approach to how Lucifer is depicted.

            Yes, He can and will be all about His 'Job' and have fun while doing it. His sense of humor is dark, with a touch of insult to injury. He can go from laughs and smiles to I will fucking tear you apart at the drop of a hat. He does whatever the fuck He wants, when He wants, "rules' be damned I found a loop whole, suck my entire dick, I get what I want, end of sentence.

            There are books, and tomes out there that have important and vital information in them. Some have assisted me with my journey, and I give credit where credit is due. Few, however, give you the heads up in regard to how Lucifer "works". I have skimmed across a few who mention how intense He can be. How He will push you. or how strict, He can be.

His Infernal Majesty, The Crowned Prince of The East

            There is a Hierarchy within the world of The Dark Divine. While Lord Lucifer Is one of Four Crowned Princes, He is not King/Lord of Hell. Nor is He Satan, Has He carried the title from time to time, yes, but He is NOT Satan. In my dealings with The Dark Divine, I have met One Satan, that being Ha Satan (Sammeal). Who is the head of the House of Satan. Lucifer is directly under Ha Satan, along with the Other three Crowned Princes. Under a Crowned Prince, there are Kings, Princes, Dukes, and Marques. Under each title are Legions, in each Legion are Devils, Imps, Incubus, Succubus, Demons, and Nameless.

            Polyamory is common among the Dark Divine; Lord Lucifer is no different. He has quite the array, of Wives, Concubines, Consorts, and lovers (Yes, He has a Harem). Angelic, Demonic, and 'Human' alike. I'm not naive, to think I'm the only one who has experienced Him in the manner I have. There are many Humans who serve and devotee themselves to Him. I am not the only one. There are levels, and you go as deep as you want with Him. You get what you give.        

            While there is a lightheartedness to the way I write about Him, it is simply my personality shining through. I have learned what I can and cannot share, on social media and the like. My approach tends to keep me out of too much trouble. That being said, do not get it confused. I know exactly, WHO, I speak about. There are moments I have shared with Him that I am not permitted to speak on openly, due to their personal nature. (And our arrangement) I'm well aware of how, brutal He can be with His lessons. I have been on the receiving end of 'discipline' more than once. I know to which Dark Lord I claim to know and serve. These writings are encouraged by Him. With their limitations of course.

Images by Mabel Amber, Joachim Schnürle , Michal Jarmoluk, Эльвина Якубова from Pixabay

[pachu09]

Kogami snippet

the plot was from this long ago Fanart I posted...

MadaTobi, Soulmate AU

The first time Tobirama witnessed his Kogami's sheer battle prowess was when he’s deeply undercover for an entire month in the Wind Country. 

( He was running out of food, Mada-kun made sure he was well fed. He didn’t know how or where the Kogami found the abundant food he fed him but Tobirama was thankful he had a Kogami to look out for him. He knew well enough he wouldn’t have survived his mission without assistance from his little companion ). 

Unexpectedly, on the last day of his mission. The Suna Clan that he was spying on had caught on to his presence amidst their little hamlet. As they flee in haste back to the Fire Country successfully toting a bunch of important documents and items. Mada-kun had impressively told him how to effectively navigate the Suna Desert. ( Which is mind numbingly shocking because how the hell does his Kogami know what to do when he never even strayed away from him? ). 

But even with Mada-kun’s assistance on how to navigate the traitorous desert, Tobirama still managed to unfortunately encounter a Squad of Nin slavers. As a pre-teen on the cusp of Adulthood, Tobirama cannot keep up fighting with twenty grown men who are far more experienced than him in terms of combat knowledge. ( He didn’t know what happen to his Kogami but he hoped that his little companion had managed to escape ). Confronting his enemies had then resulted with him getting his legs targeted and were naturally impaled with numbing poisons Suna Nins are so famous for. He thought he’ll be captured and sold by the end of the day. His mission failed and he’ll never get to see Anija again. 

He felt helpless tears bloom in his eyes and he whimpered. He desperately tried to cut off the net that encased his body but one of the men stepping on his wrist and threatening to break it had made him cower. He’s already injured enough, he didn’t want to add more to his body. He doubted these men and women would even heal him if he ended up severely injured. 

When the net he was captured in was dragged behind by one of the women. He tried so hard to stifle the terrified scream that wanted to escape from his dry throat. He wanted Anija. Anija would surely come to rescue him!. 

As suddenly as his desperate thoughts of being rescued bloom one after the other…

The blast of scorching flames incinerating the woman who’s dragging him made him snap out of his terrified thoughts. The woman never stood a chance, her burnt out husk slowly teetered to the side and fell down with a sick squelching sound onto the sandy ground. Tobirama stared, uncomprehending for a minute…what in the world?....

The other Slavers had immediately scattered in anger and despair. They looked around for their enemy but only Tobirama can see his Kogami blew out of his little mouth tremendous fires the likes he had never seen.

It felt like the Sun itself had descended from the skies. 

Tobirama shakes from where he lay unmoving in his net. His widened red eyes stares disbelievingly as the Slavers that captured him was mercilessly slaughtered by his little companion. The twenty Slavers were reduced to a mere four Members as they frantically tracked where their invisible assaulter was. Little did they know that the Kogami who killed their Members doesn’t even hide his presence. 

Tobirama felt the bile rising in his throat at witnessing the blazing fire his Kogami expertly wields. This is the kind of vicious flames that the Uchiha Clan had been using against his Clanmates. Only an Uchiha can wield a fire that could easily melt a body and leave it as only soot black ashes that scattered quickly in the wind. Tobirama trembled and braced himself. He closes his eyes in defeat as his suspicion was proven correct. Catching a glimpse of Mada-kun’s blood red eyes with the black tomoe spinning frantically in his irises, his little sharp fangs bared and his fur puffed up in anger….

For the first time in his young life he is so very afraid. This is the same feeling when Kawarama and Itama died. The sheer helplessness of his situation makes him burst into a terrified wailing. Otou-san and the Elders would surely kill him if they found out he had an Uchiha as a Soulmate. He and Mada-kun would probably be made as an example for any Senju who would dare defy them. He sob loudly  and desperately called out for his Kogami, but Mada-kun was busy killing the remaining Slavers and his sobs and tears slowly dwindled by the time Mada-kun had gotten him out of his improvised cage. 

Mada-kun had worriedly fussed about him and his little tongue tried to clean his dirtied face unsuccessfully. Tobirama cradled his Kogami in his weakened arms. He whispered his thank you’s repeatedly into those wolf like ears for rescuing him successfully. He ignored the stench and the burnt out bodies of the Slavers around him. 

He doesn’t need to be curious about dead people. Only Mada-kun should have his entire attention in this messed up situation. 

“ Silly, Tobira-chan. Of course, I’ll always protect you. Stop worrying about me. I am here to take care of you not the other way around you silly child. “ Tobirama felt himself exhaling in relief. Mada-kun tried to make him eat and drink but Tobirama was just so tired to even think about doing anything. He told Mada-kun he’ll just rest for a minute but his Kogami shook his head and told him..

“ Don’t worry Tobira-chan. I’ll get us Home safely. “ Tobirama was of course baffled at his Kogami’s words. How could a mere several inches of a creature could even get him home safely?. His eyes widened as he saw Mada-kun’s little paws forming the tiger seal. Tobirama startled as a loud whoosh rang out and the suddenly ..scorching dense Chakra flooded every which direction he could think of. Tobirama felt like he’s drowning, the heavy Chakra is too much. The same as Anija when he’s furious!!! He quickly closes his eyes, he takes a deep breath  and he clutches Mada-kun tightly to himself…but as suddenly as the scorching Chakra appears it then disappears and reappears for a split second like liquid fire carefully being poured into a durable container?.

Tobirama slowly opens his eyes as Mada-kun pats his wet cheeks softly. He’s crying again?. Why is he crying?. He gasped and coughed desperately as the dense Chakra pressed heavily all over him. 

“ Tobira-chan. Its okay! You need to breathe okay! You’re safe now! “ his Kogami whispered softly in his ear and Tobirama did so but he suddenly also felt sick as the weightless feeling of floating in the air? overwhelm him. He whipped his head to stare up and he gaped in sheer surprise at seeing he’s encase inside an Avatar that was made up entirely of fiery dark blue Chakra?. It looks like a Tengu with its massive wings, elongated nose, it also had two faces, was clad in robes and ornate armor and had four arms that carried huge katanas!!!!

Tobirama trembled, terrified out of his mind. He slowly looked down at his Kogami. “ What have you done?, Mada-kun?. “ Mada-kun beams at him, affectionately snuggled into his neck and whispers delightedly. “ I protected you, Tobira-chan!. Don’t worry about the Susanoo. It’ll take us back to the border of Fire Country. So you just rest up for the moment, everything will be fine as long as I’m here. “

That was the last thing Tobirama heard before his vision dims and he knew no more.

[depressedhatakekakashi]

I am so sick of Kakashi being labeled a bad teacher because his students go to a new teacher/master

Not one if the kids said they couldn’t achieve the growth they wanted under Kakashi’s teachings. Sasuke didn’t leave because Kakashi wasn’t teaching him enough, he left because Orochimaru was an answer to a shortcut to power that he saw in the sound four when they rolled in, kicked his ass and taunted him

Naruto didn’t decide Kakashi wasn’t a good enough teacher and Jiraiya was better. Jiraiya took Naruto under his wing largely to protect him from the akatsuki who had just made TWO attempts at trying to find and capture him. One attempt inside of the village

Sakura went to Tsunade because she realized she was lacking, and yes part of that was because Kakashi couldn’t teach her because he was being constantly pulled between Naruto and Sasuke, but it was also to fit a theme. To fit in with the idea of the three students going to the three sannin.

None of these students left because Kakashi was failing them as a teacher. Not one of them said that ir even hinted at it

They left because that’s what the story wanted, and it’s often that a character leaves to study under someone else even when they’ve learned a lot from one master/sensei (goku changes masters/sensei every arc from roshi to kami to kai to wis. None of his previous masters were bad, he was just progressing past what they could teach him or needed specific training to grow to protect the world)

Kakashi is a good teacher

All three of his students flourished and improved under him. If Sakura hadn’t grown at all she would have gotten her ass handed to her by Ino and would have 100% died against the sound nin while protecting sasuke and Naruto’s unconscious bodies.

Like i know we don’t see the actual training and i hate it because it’s a missed opportunity

But it is stated multiple times that Kakashi trained his students and all of them grew exponentially under his training. Heck, Kakashi even helped Naruto figure out how to use his shadow clones and ridiculous chakra reserves to create a new jutsu in DAYS which he later took to also learn sage mode in (again) DAYS. Something that took other shinobi years

Like, i do not see why people want Kakashi to be a bad sensei so much. There is nothing in cannon to suggest that he ever was. Not one of his students think of him as a bad sensei.

[crocheting-cupio]

hiii :] favorite nin songs? i'm curious what others we might share

Hello! :) It's going to be hard not to include everything on The Fragile and Broken, but I will try!

La Mer -> The Great Below -> The Way Out Is Through -> Into The Void. I feel like these four are one continuous work and and they are their strongest together. So I will count them as "one song." Anyway, they impacted me harder than The Downward Spiral (the album) did, which I didn't think was possible. Together, they are one of my favourite works of art of all time. And as someone who went to art school I've seen a lot of incredible art in all kinds of mediums.

Please. I mentioned this in my response to your post but IT KEEPS REPEATING! WILL YOU PLEASE COMPLETE ME?! [Clears throat] I don't know what came over me just then. So basically I wasn't the same man after hearing this for the first time. In my brain, being the writer and composer of Please is one of Trent's highest accomplishments. It's that good to me.

Pilgrimage. I think this one also altered my brain chemistry. It's such a weird track and I can't stop thinking about it. Also the auditory textures are immaculate.

The Becoming. This song is everything to me. Odd time signatures that never feel steady, sounds meant to make you feel very uncomfortable, long verses that never seem to end, extremely deliberate but strange sounding emphasis on syllables, I could go on forever.

Reptile. I don't know how to explain it but this song puts me on a new plane of existence. It feels like an emotional state that is both everything at once and nothing at all. Not to mention it being an incredible work of sound design.

Sin. I wouldn't be reposting the PHM fancam every Monday if I didn't absolutely LOVE this song. It was one of the first NIN songs I heard, and I said to myself "I don't care if the rest of what this guy made is crap, this is one of the best songs I've ever heard."

Ringfinger. A track so underrated sometimes even I forget how good it is. Just generally a really good song that I love, not a lot more to say.

Happiness in Slavery. I love this one because in the intense parts it feels like the song itself is attacking me (positive) but in the quieter moments it feels like a cry for help.

Suck. I really like the balance of intensity, rage, and heavy textures mixed with quiet, sensual, and regretful moments. It's like Closer and The Big Come Down put into a blender.

Only. Immensely catchy with very relatable lyrics, this is one of Trent's best for sure. Actually, it has helped me with social anxiety. If I get really anxious that no one actually likes me, I start singing "I just made (that version of) you UP, to HURT myself" until I convince myself no one actually feels that way about me.

Sunspots. The bass in this one is just incredible, I can almost feel the airwaves vibrate through my body. Combined with Trent's gentle and quiet voice it's a very pleasant sensory experience. Great for decompression after sensory overload.

The Line Begins to Blur. I really, really love the balance of noisiness and texture contrasted with smooth gentle sounds. It's very Fragile-esque but it feels more in control, focused, and significantly less "I'm dead inside." It's truly beautiful in every way.

Discipline. To be honest, Discipline > Head Like a Hole and The Hand That Feeds. Of all the very pop and mainstream songs Trent has made (that I've heard so far), this one is absolutely the strongest for me. It's so undoubtedly Nine Inch Nails, yet fits so perfectly amongst much less alternative/industrial artists. I'm 100% recommending it to anyone who wants to get into NIN. (My Mom also loves this song, it's her favourite NIN song I think.)

1,000,000. This one is kind of amazing to me because it's like every angry depression song Trent made up to that point rolled into one. Like actually just playing them all at the same time, I feel like I'm under psychic attack (positive). It's also... Unfortunately catchy. I have to be careful not to sing it out loud.

Thank you for the ask and for coming to my TED Talk! :)

[xxdarkxmoth17xx]

The Start Of A Series Of Posts Of Me Rambling About The Plot Of The Fragile Since This Album Is So Good Holy Fuck Oh My God Trent Reznor Please Marry Me.

TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR MENTIONS OF: SUICIDE, DRUG USE, SELF-HARM AND OTHER DARK TOPICS.

The Fragile Is Nine Inch Nails' fourth main studio release, being also reffered to as Halo 14, it was released in September 21, 1999. It features the sounds of Industrial Beats, Heavy Rock and even some Ambiental, The Album is a spirital successor to their last studio release "The Downward Spiral" from 1994, one of the things it shares with The Downward Spiral is the fact it's a concept album with a story.

So time for me to make a post on here and ramble about my interpretation of TF's Story and also why I like this album so fucking much...

So yeah uhh... For Context this doesn't consider TF as a sequel to TDS, not a literal one, but rather a spiritual sequel, they share themes and stuff but they have seperate antagonists and stuff, also the NIN wiki is gonna be a main source for this thing. Oh also I reccomend that you listen to both The Downward Spiral and The Fragile, oh also maybe watch an explanation thing for the TDS songs, as I will reference the events of TDS from time to time.

Somewhat Damaged

SD is a song that uses a single motif throughout it's entire duration, a simple four note guitar riff, with the first half of the song written in a 9/4 (or a repeating 3/4) time signature. The Motif starts as a acoustic guitar, and as the song goes on the motif is played by distorted guitars. The song's lyrics are from the perspective of our first character, our protagonist, who shall go unnamed, much like everyone in this story, the title is an understatement, this guy's not somewhat damaged, he's way more.

The first stanza of the song, gives us an idea of how he is doing "So impressed with all you do... Tried so hard to be like you... Flew too high and burnt the wing... Lost my faith in everything" he seems to be talking to someone he wanted to be like, I interpret this song is about drug use, more especifically Heroin, it made our protagonist turn into a more self-destructive version of himself (similar to Mr. Self Destruct from TDS) before the events of the album our protagonist went through a downward spiral, though it isn't THE Downward Spiral the protagonist from TDS goes through, as our protagonist is still alive. (The TDS protagonist shoots himself in the end) Our protagonist is at rock bottom, that's evident as the song goes on. Also the lines "Tried so hard to be like you" and "Flew too high and burnt the wing" will be referenced in later songs.

The second Stanza starts "Lick around divine debris, Taste the wealth of hate in me, Shedding skin, succumb defeat... This machine is obsolete" our protagonist is angry at everything, he feels defeated, I presume the "machine" mentioned in these lyrics are a representation of our protagonist.

Pre-Chorus time: "Made the choice to go away! Drink the fountain of decay, Tear a hole, exquisite red! Fuck the rest and stab it dead!" the protagonist wants to step away from using drugs, he wants to improve himself. "Drank the fountain of decay" referencing the protag using drugs for the first time. "Tear a whole, exquisite red! Fuck the rest and stab it dead!" references shooting up, which is injecting a substance, often drugs such as meth or heroin, with a hypodermic needle, the needle tears a whole into the skin.

SD's Chorus starts with "BROKEN, BRUISED, FORGOTTEN, SORE! TOO FUCKED UP TO CARE ANYMORE!!" pretty obvious, our protagonist doesn't care about the fact he's using drugs, he doesn't care about how he's killing himself by using drugs. "POISONED TO MY ROTTEN CORE!! TOO FUCKED UP TO CARE ANYMORE!!!" he compares himself to a rotten apple, since he's been corrupted by drug use. these lines are repeated a second time.

"In the back, Off the side, And far away... Is a place where I hide, where I stay" keep in mind this "place" this place is mentioned again a few times throughout the songs of the album.

outro starts "Tried to say, tried to ask, I needed to all alone by myself, where were you?" drugs at first kinda made him feel better at first but it slowly worsened his life in the long run. "How could I ever think, it's funny how everything that swore it wouldn't change is different now, Just like you would always say, we'll make it through... THEN MY HEAD, FELL APART AND WHERE WERE YOU?!?" to me this is him trying to blame the drugs for his self destructive behavior, maybe he tried to give up earlier but he couldn't do it.

"HOW COULD I EVER THINK IT'S FUNNY HOW? EVERYTHING YOU SWORE WOULD NEVER CHANGE IS DIFFERENT NOW?!?! LIKE YOU SAID 'YOU AND ME, WE'LL MAKE IT THROUGH' DIDN'T QUITE, FELL APART, WHERE THE FUCK WHERE YOU!?!?!?!" The protagonist is calling himself a fool for using drugs, and becoming addicted to them, he feels betrayed, this might imply he nearly overdosed and died due to drug use. The songs ends with a cresendoing synth based on Trent Reznor's voice, as it slowly fades into the next song with a slow, menacing drone... but uhh since this post took at least half an hour to write I'll think I'll make every song into separate posts, so I'll have to make 25 different posts for each song, I hope I can get the next rambling by tomorrow.

[suraibru]

The Walker Inheritance-Part 1

Piano

The gravel driveway leading up to Marzia’s house clicked and shuffled under Nisha's shoes. As many times as she’d been inside it still made Nin nervous. But before she could ring the bell a pink haired girl popped out. Her eyes were round with fluffy fake lashes framing the forest like hazel inside. “Heya Marz, you ready?” Nin held her hand as they walked back to the red SUV. “Girl, I've been ready since I got home. Is everyone there already?” Nin snickered. “Nah, you're the last one. I saved a seat in the back for us though.” the two girls giggled and ran up to the car door. The music inside as well as a guy’s voice rattled the SUV. Nisha slid open the door and climbed in over legs and fast food. As Marzie climbed in after Nisha, a chorus of mock Italian followed. “Ay Marzia! Da queen a da pop a music!” Kyo said from the front seat. Marzie laughed. “Ya’ll got me fucked up if u think that's what I sound like.” 

“You don't, but it's pretty damn close to your dad.”

As they pulled out of the driveway a girl with lava like orange hair peeked around the back seat and rested her chin on the headrest. “Made any new music Marzie?” Marzie buckled her seatbelt and looked up. “Well I'm working on one but I have most of the album done. I could send you the private link.” Nina, the redheaded girl’s eyes smiled. “Yes please, but don't send the unfinished one. I wanna hear the finished version.” 

Next to Nina were two others, a chinese boy with light blue hair and a japanese girl decked out in the finest gothic clothing hot topic could offer. The two kept their voices low, but you could still notice the giggles as they huddled over the girl’s phone. Kei’yn, the boy, was flush beneath his hand. Monoka, the girl, closed her phone when Nina butted in. “Aw, you like the comic.” 

“Uhh” kei trailed off. Nina smiled. “Don't be embarrassed.” Nina whispered. “I read it too.” 

Luka, the one who organized the outing, swerved around a corner too fast and sent those of his friends not wearing a seatbelt flying into each other. “Seat belt check!” 

“You dumbass we lost the undercarriage!” Kyo yelled. Luka looked out the rearview mirror at the sad plastic now laying in a ditch. “worth it,” he said with a smirk, followed by the sound of three clicks of a seatbelt. “Y'all know me well enough to wear it, I drive like a madman.”

“My dad is worse.” Kei said, looking out the window.

After about thirty minutes of driving deeper into the nearby forest, the iolite forest, they pull into a long gravel driveway. The atmosphere felt lighter, the sun was up around four o'clock in the sky, the grass was overgrown but looked freshly watered, it had been raining all week. Soon they pulled up to a house, a mansion. The garden was overgrown with rose bushes and magnolia leaves covering the ground and ivy creeping along the white concrete stairs. The house looked like it was part of a story, it felt like it was in a different world, a peaceful world. The only telling detail about how old it was, was a plaque as you entered. Walker Manor - 1902. 

“Holy fuck its big! I thought you said it's been abandoned for the last decade.” 

Luka corrected Kyo. “Last four decades. I didn’t even know it was mine until this year. I thought it was another family’s.” 

“The generational money is real dude.” Nisha said in awe. 

Luka held the key in the keyhole and twisted it, it needed a bit of force, but it clicked. “I present to you. Our new hangout.” Luka pushed open the door. A flood of still air rushed out as if it had been air locked. Before the group was a grand staircase, Luka pressed a bronze button that lit up the crystal chandelier that hung almost ten feet above their heads. 

“Why is there electricity?” Marzie said looking at the weird button. 

“Victorians had electricity too Marz, it was 1900, not 1760.'' Nisha said looking unimpressed. Marzie just nodded with a smile. “Oh.” 

“Ya, my dad had the power turned back on for us.” Luka said looking up.

Kei’yn walked along the walls looking at the art. “These paintings are amazing; they look like pictures. To think someone drew and painted them.” Luka followed Kei's gaze up to a picture of a blond man with piercing icy eyes. “Oh, that's my great granddad. He was a scientist. And my granddad told me he was weird as hell.” Luka lowered his voice “they also said he killed his wife and was never caught.” He laughed. “My dad said my granddad is crazy though, so probably just a bad joke.” Luka turned to the next picture. “That's her, my grandmother. She was a singer for James's opera house, that's how they met.” Kei smiled. “The artist did a good job, she's beautiful.”

“Nina, come look at what I found!” Nina and Monoka made their way over to the room Marzie was in. The room was filled with sewing materials, Shelves lined the walls stock with fabrics of all colors and patterns. In the center of the room was a large cutting table cluttered with thread, needles, and beads. Nina looked around excitedly and stopped. In front of the bay window was a desk with a sewing machine. “This is a 1998 singer!” Nina inspected the ornate sewing machine, gold letters read. For my lovely wife. Happy anniversary Jessica. Nina smiled. “I hope my future husband gets me a sewing room.” Nina said as she swooned. “It would be so romantic.” 

Monoka smirked at Marzie. “Nisha should get you a gold lettered microphone.” 

Marzie giggled. “I can do without the gold. I'm more of a silver girl. Gold doesn't look good with my skin. Plus, gold is basic in my opinion. I’d rather get a tarot card set of my favorite singers.” 

Monoka nodded. “Me too honestly.” 

After a while the group split up into pairs, Marzia and Nisha made their way to the ballroom, Kei and Monoka made their way up the stairs, Kyo and Nina ended up together by accident and Luka followed up the stairs to study. 

Marzie and Nisha walked down the halls. The red flowery wallpaper was peeling a bit, but it had not faded. The lighting was romantic, and the atmosphere was sweet. When the two girls finally found the ballroom, Nisha pressed another bronze-ish button and what seemed like hundreds of smokey pink lights shimmered to life. “It’s so pretty!” Marzie said. Her hazel eyes sparked under the soft light; Nisha couldn't resist. Nisha pulled her girlfriend into a kiss and held her hands. Marzia giggled. “You’re cute.” Nisha smiled and chuckled. “I'm like a foot and a half taller than you.”

Marzie rolled her eyes. “You can be both. Even if you are on top.”

Nisha blushed And kissed marzie’s forehead. “Listen-” 

Marzie pulled her to the center of the room and started dancing with her. “Marz, you know I can't dance.”

“ i can show you-”

They stopped. The room had become cold. And a sound. 

“Is that-Piano?” 

They girls hadn't noticed it before. it was soft, but it was strong. The notes felt sad.

They looked for the sound and saw a piano, it was black and covered only revealing the keys. But what made them stop was a shadowy man in a black tailcoat. The song had become haunting, was he a ghost, a trick of the light? 

“Hello?” Nisha called out.

She got a response, not the one she was expecting. 

The man started walking toward them. But the piano kept playing. It was deafening.

He had black hair and light eyes, he was pale, tall and looked angry.

“Get out.”