#that said. I DO wish that tenten got a really good fight or two (or twelve). just not THIS fight like there was a reason

[tora-the-cat]

I like the Temari vs. Tenten fight. It might be really short (esp in the manga lol) but I think it's for a good reason! Temaris powerset isn't as involved as most of the others, and it's a character moment showcasing her brutality and skill more then anything else; such a short fight is jarring, and shows that she understands the political Angle of what they're doing better then most other (younger, probably don't remember the war) contestants. And also punctuates her own mercilessness, since between her siblings she's been placed in the 'exasperated/placating big sister' role- she is NOT a better or kinder person then her brothers, just Hella good at reading the room and forged in the fire of 'born during a war and spends her days placating what is both her brother and also The Devil from The Bible'.

It's a strong, punchy character moment for her just as much as kankuro's fight showcases his unexpected (as he's mostly been like. A meathead that bullies children and picks fights he can't win- no shade, temari was a Girl Character in the most Naruto of ways up till now) predictive and strategic thinking, setting him up as quite clever and thorough in his contingencies. Both fights subvert the shallow characters they previously portrayed, making it all the better for the audience when the invasion is revealed, because all three siblings have proved themselves ruthless and powerful, and 2 of the 3 have already deceived the AUDIENCE, so it makes sense they'd be trusted with a mission like this (gaara is a bad liar but he'd have to talk to someone without killing them to ruin anything, and it's more then reasonable to assume that won't happen).

[alumort]

ao3

more omegaverse. sorry not sorry. enjoy

He didn't know when it began, yet his instincts always made him bring extra food and snacks whenever his team had to train together in the village. Neji didn't really eat much, but one of his friends always forgot his own meals– at one point, Lee even looked forward to whatever it was that the alpha would give him to eat, and he would smile so brightly that his cheeks felt warm…

Neji wanted to keep seeing those adorable smiles of his, and so he even began bringing him gifts. Weights, flowers, and even little toys that made him think of the omega as soon as his gaze fell on them. Things that Lee loved with all of his soul, and he even began giving him things in return, or even… hugging him.

The brunet couldn’t comprehend why his chest felt so warm whenever his friend was affectionate with him, going as far as holding his hand whenever they walked together without anyone else– it was their thing, and Neji wasn’t really happy with such gestures in places where a crowd could see them, so his friend respected his wishes without complaint.

His uncle would never approve of him being with a male omega like him, much less with a clanless one, no matter how much the brunet enjoyed Lee’s company. That was why he disliked being affectionate in public; Hiashi would punish him if anyone informed him of the situation.

Still, Neji did enjoy his rival’s hugs while they were on their own, and sometimes they would just play-fight after training as if they were pups once more. Tenten would just roll her eyes and leave them alone, not wanting to get involved in case they suddenly decided it was a spar.

(It had happened more than once, and they had been the ones injured the most every single time. They would just chuckle afterwards, and their friend was the one to decide not to play with them anymore just in case she got too carried away.)

They were just resting after their daily workout, sharing a small meal with each other without minding anything else– without minding how close they were, knowing well their teammates had long since left. Everyone close to the two was aware of their closeness, and didn’t really want to interrupt at all.

Neji loved having these small moments with his rival, knowing well Lee would hug him after being done with his food, playing with his hair after cleaning his hands. The brunet would never say it out loud, but that helped him relax– probably because his friend accidentally ended up leaving his scent all over him sometimes, or perhaps it was on purpose… he wasn’t brave enough to ask.

As expected, the omega embraced him from the side, resting his head on his shoulder without saying anything at all for a while. Neji’s arms were dubious, in his attempt to try to hug back until his friend spoke up once more.

“You smell really good today, rival! Are you using a new shampoo?” Lee asked with genuine curiosity in his eyes, not knowing the reason behind the change was his shyness coming to surface.

“I haven’t changed anything,” the alpha replied in a whisper, feeling his cheeks warming up as his companion began sniffing him, trying to understand what was going on. “Lee, don’t– what are you doing?”

“Just trying to see what it is. Why do you smell so good today?”

‘You keep forgetting I’m an alpha’, Neji wanted to reply, though he decided to be quiet, chuckling and rolling his eyes without pushing his friend away. Once Lee was satisfied, he just hugged him again, with a little smile decorating his face.

The brunet spoke before being able to stop himself from further embarrassing himself.

“You're so cute, Lee,” was all he said, only then covering his face in an attempt to hide his reddening cheeks, no matter how futile it was. The omega had probably figured out his shyness was the source of the ‘nice scent’ , or at least that’s what he believed.

“Oh, I am not– I am sure you tell other omegas the same,” Lee teased, though it didn’t seem like a joke. The brunet slowly uncovered his face to look at his friend, who was the one blushing now. “Neji, you are a handsome alpha. Everyone likes you! I have seen how others look at you. I know you must tell everyone the same thing…”

His friend began to let go of their embrace, and the smell of an upset omega invaded his nose– Neji didn’t want him to stop hugging him… trying to not intimidate Lee, he turned around and carefully held his hands, wanting to cheer him up in some way.

“But I don’t like other omegas. I… I like you, Lee. You really didn’t notice me courting you, did you?” he muttered at last, and the surprise in Lee’s face told him everything he needed to know. 

“That is impossible. I am ugly, and I can not do much, and–”

Before the omega could go on, Neji got closer to him, just to press his lips on his forehead. Lee now was emanating unparalleled joy, and the brunet felt himself being hugged once more between silly chuckles.

“Well, I think you’re cute. Are you saying I’m wrong?” he teased, smiling as Lee had the brightest grin on his face now, holding him closer and feeling comfortable in his arms. 

“Of course not! I am just… surprised,” his rival said, not minding it when it was Neji who began playing with his hair, gently caressing him. “I like you too, Neji! And– oh, we have to go on a date!”

That was true. But for now, Neji was just happy to hug the other boy, who began giving different ideas as to what they could do… nothing different than their usual reunions, yet the alpha liked to see how excited his rival became thanks to his happiness.

Hiashi wouldn’t like it, though they had no reason to inform him about the change in their relationship. They’d deal with that as the correct time approached.

[captnjacksparrow]

Hey, really liked your analysis of Hinata. I feel almost the same way about her. Even though generally I dislike female characters who are naturally meek, subservient and pointless with no character arc in any type of media, what made me absolutely hate her character was how she treated Neji. If Kishi wanted to show her arc being developed organically, instead of proposing to Naruto that removes her stuttering and gives her new found confidence (because girls only get confident when proposing to guys 🙄), Kishi could have shown her talking to Neji after he literally told his bitter story on the chuunin exam grounds in front of everyone. She is shown like she is sympathetic but didn't do anything about it. She didn't even talk to him after he was hospitalized. She knew exactly why he was the way he was, and yet she fights him as if it was his fault. She, an heir of the clan, could have asked her father to support Neji, she had some clout. But nope. In fact, it was Neji who apologizes to her in a way, he is the one who trains her and help create a new jutsu for her. What did she ever do for him exactly? And Neji didn't have to help her. She was in the best position to help and understand Neji but what did she do? A lot of fans like her character because she is reserved but kind and sympathetic. She is reserved but a coward. She was not kind towards Neji. He died for her when he didn't deserve to, he had dreams and goals that were much bigger than Hinata's entire existence. She couldn't even see her own cousin's pain and she claims to understand Naruto?? Really??

Even Kishi said she was a pitiful character who only watches from a distance. He deliberately made her that way, no goal, no backbone and no lines. And I think she sucks the most after Danzo.

WoooW!!!! Thanks for the ask, Anon.

[[Hinata and Sakura fans!!!! Please stay away and don't interact. I fucking tagged them properly]].

Even though generally I dislike female characters who are naturally meek, subservient and pointless with no character arc in any type of media, what made me absolutely hate her character was how she treated Neji.

We definitely share the same thoughts on this one, Anon.

I am really tired on most of the media for their poor treatment of female characters.

The last time I was amused by a female character was from 'Game of Thrones', I loved Cersei Lannister, who is an absolute biashhh and Sansa Stark, started out as an annoying rose tinted princess but ended up winning everyone's heart. Both are non-combative, soft spoken and somewhat powerless women in a world dominated by men. But they just didn't let the inconveniences stop them and instead they learned how to fuck that world back and take control. Both are similar and yet very different.

After seeing, such well-developed characters..... For me girls in Naruto series, is blehhhhh..... Nothing to get inspired from them. And I knew it by episode 3 itself. I have no idea how can girls, in real life, treat Sakura as some feminist icon, which makes my skin crawl for number of reasons. If you point her mistakes out in any discussions, they will pull the misogynist card to your face. When in reality, I am also a girl and my world views are entirely different from Sakura or Hinata. There is no way a 12 year old girl would want to look at the Duck of another boy.

And the problem is, They form the majority, I mean people who can connect with Sakura or Hinata. So, as long as girls like them exists, we really should suffer from these crap portrayal I guess.

That's why I advise people that If you want to see a good woman character, Narutoverse is not the place.

Having said that, I find Temari, Konan, Tsunade were better (I mean inside the Narutoverse). Though their motivations or reason to achieve a goal revolve around their men, I find their attitude relieving. Unlike Sakura or Hinata, they don't wet themselves on the sight of the men they love.

What irritates me was, Kishimoto could've easily put a character like Temari or TenTen or Tsunade into Team 7. It would've made my viewing experience a lot better. If he doesn't want the strong girls to take over the attention from his boys, then he should've introduced a meek character like Rin Nohara. She is silent and cute but atleast she was willing to die for the Village and never wetted herself over Kakashi, though she loved him. And she treated Obito like her best friend. But he deliberately made Sakura hateful and he never stopped.

Sakura and Hinata were the lowest of the low, compared to any other side characters. And, in the end, they got the main Character's Ducks without actively doing anything. For me this tells me three things

He was using these girls as a shield to close the hetero normative mouths while in reality hiding those boys true feelings under that shield.

He really hated these kind of girls and constantly showing his hatred on them at every given chance and never redeemed them back. 

He knew the target audience’ mindset and he simply caters them by giving them what they need and at the same time writing the important arcs according to his wish.

I think, it’s the combination of all three. 

Just to give you an example.

There is this delusional SS shipper Who justifies Sasuke was acting Tsundere throughout the war arc. I mean, come on!!!! 

I came across this post because, the Original Poster was an idiot who comes into the anti SS tag and reblogged my content and saying I was wrong... So, I don’t mind sharing that person’s content.

So I don’t know where this delusion comes from... It's truly pathetic.

There are millions of idiots who believe in this kind of shit and Kishi is deliberately feeding them with bits and crumbs while making his boys go out and save the world.

These delusional mindset tells us they don’t give a single shit about the story as a whole. They watch it purely for the pretty faces and getting high over them. In this case, Sasuke.

It’s as clear as day that Sasuke didn’t care about anyone other than Naruto when fighting the war. You don’t have to be a shipper but even a non-shipper can point this out. I mean Sasuke wouldn’t have saved Jugo either, if he didn’t come to Sasuke and advice him. Do you think Sasuke would’ve tried to look for Jugo and saved him at all cost???? It’s just that he came to Sasuke and he helps him back. But Sasuke would’ve saved Naruto from the bomb blast even if he was standing a mile away.

So, if these delusions reflects the mindset of the majority of the women audience, then the creator will never try to give anything better but instead give us some low-life characters like Sakura and Hinata. 

So, Anon, your expectation for Hinata’s character could’ve been developed much better is just a wishful thinking. Because, Hinata is a character for these kind of people and not for us. And the author deliberately did it. 

She was in the best position to help and understand Neji but what did she do? A lot of fans like her character because she is reserved but kind and sympathetic. She is reserved but a coward. She was not kind towards Neji. He died for her when he didn't deserve to, he had dreams and goals that were much bigger than Hinata's entire existence. She couldn't even see her own cousin's pain and she claims to understand Naruto?? Really??

For me, this also irked me a lot. 

Hinata could’ve tried to talk to Neji about his problems even when he was a child. But she was simply playing innocent when in reality, she is just a coward. Even after the Chunin Exams, there was no apologies from her side, like you said. Because she is from the Main Branch. That hierarchy never changed. If she had the gall, she could’ve easily broken that hierarchy by saying, ‘I want Neji Nii-San to take over our Clan, He is the best candidate for this and I can gladly help him with all my efforts’.  A single line and just 2 or 3 panels, it all takes.

For me killing Neji is where Kishi asking us silently, 

Do you really want these pair to happen despite having a blood stain of another character??? 

Most people said, ‘Yes!!!’, because they don’t give two shits about Neji. As long as Hinata gets Naruto, the main character’s Duck, that’s all there is to it. It doesn’t matter who dies, who lives. 

That's why Kishi is shitting on them by making her as a non-existent woman in the Boruto Manga.

Even in real life, there are many hopeless foolish little girls who would do anything for the man she loves. I've seen them and I always stay 2 miles away from them. I mean, they even ditch their own friends and spends her entire time with him and when he dumps her later, she will come back to her friends for consolation. I think Sansa Stark is the best example for this. She started out much similar to Sakura and Hinata, believing in Princes and shit, she even naively betrayed her father for the man she had crush on. But the author made her to learn her lesson in a much painful way and later she came out as a Queen who no longer needed any man at the end. I think, this is called Development.

At the end of the day, Romance and Sex is all that matters. The author knew it. So, he is feeding these girls with some low quality cookies and they are very glad to take and eat it.

[nejibaby]

Love Language

Pairings: Neji x Y/N

A/N: First time writing a fic for Neji. In fact, this is my first time writing a fanfic involving anime characters. But I’m so whipped for Neji I couldn’t stop myself from writing this. Please let me know your thoughts about this. 💜

When you opened your eyes from your sleep, you immediately knew you were having one of those days. “Those days” meaning the days where you feel a need for skinship. It was one of those days where you were feeling extremely clingy.

Oh but the skinship you crave doesn’t necessarily have to lead to sex or anything, you just wanted physical touch. It was something you find comforting. It was, after all, your love language.

So when you peeked to the other side of the bed — your boyfriend Neji’s side — you couldn’t help but want to press yourself closer to him. But knowing that he was a light sleeper was enough reason to stop yourself from doing what you want. He just came home from a mission last night and he deserved to rest as much as he can.

You watched his profile as he took deep, even breaths — a telltale sign that he was fast asleep. You slowly and gently touched the side of his face, pausing still as you checked if he woke up at your movement. When you deemed that he was still asleep, you lightly rubbed your thumb over his cheeks, just a featherlight touch but an act where you poured your love for him.

You slowly rose up from the bed and placed a soft kiss on his forehead, exactly where his curse mark lied. Afterwards, you whispered, “I love you, Neji.”

It was the first time you’ve said those three words out loud. You felt a little but guilty for not being able to say it when he’s awake, but it’s not just something you can say out of the blue. Besides, you have to build up courage to actually be able to say it. Right now though, right now you were still a coward.

He stirred a little in his sleep. You were alarmed, afraid that you had woken him up or worse, that he had heard your confession. But his movement stopped when you ran your fingers through his hair. When you are sure he has fallen back into slumber, you slip out of the bed.

The Hokage, Tsunade, assigned a mission to you today so you had to get up early if you wanted to cook breakfast for Neji.

_____________________________

At a young age your parents taught you the importance of learning other people's love languages in order to build a good relationship with them. That��s how you found yourself observing what makes your friends happy. You wouldn’t tell them this though. You were quite sure they’d end up teasing you for worrying over trivial things.

You were sure your love language was physical touch because you often find yourself happily linking arms with Sakura or passionately fist bumping with Naruto. Not to mention you would hug them goodbye instead of waving your hands. It probably meant nothing much to them, but to you, it made you feel loved and accepted. It warmed your heart.

From observation, you learned that Naruto was happiest when people acknowledge him and his hard work so you made it a point to cheer him on and to give him words of affirmation from time to time. With Sakura, she likes to spend as much time as possible with you when you both don’t have missions to do. You were guessing she was lonely because of Sasuke leaving but it could also be because she was an only child and wasn’t really fond of her parent’s shenanigans. Either way, she was always up for quality time.

You were the closest with these two so you made it a point to act according to their love language. And just like what your parent’s said, it worked on strengthening your bond with them.

It was with them that you confided with your little crush on Neji. At first they found it weird. Because how can someone so sweet like you take a liking to someone who was a little… cold? Detached?

You chastised them immediately after hearing what they’ve said, claiming that Neji was honorable, strong, smart, good looking, and just overall dreamy.

Sakura giggled at how you zoned out with hearts on your eyes as you uttered those words and that’s when she knew you were serious.

Naruto, on the other hand, was cringing. He knew how mean and condescending Neji could be. It was painted on his face how he didn’t like Neji for you. But at least your crush wasn’t Sasuke.

When you got your bearings together, you immediately turned to Naruto and told him to keep his mouth shut. You recalled saying, “Naruto, If you ever talk about my teeny tiny crush, I’m going to leave Konoha all together, just like Sasuke did!”

You were exaggerating, of course. You wouldn’t leave Konoha just because of that, but your speech worked on Naruto. You recalled that his eyes widened in surprise and then promised that he won’t tell a soul. You doubted if he could keep a secret but eventually, you just didn’t care anymore. It was just a crush anyway, it wasn’t a big deal and it wouldn’t matter if he knew. If anything, you both weren’t really that close to begin with, so there’s no friendship that could’ve been ruined. And besides, Neji has always been the all-business type of guy, you were sure a little crush was something insignificant to him.

________________________________

When Naruto left the village to train with Master Jiraiya, you eventually became closer with the other shinobis that were more or less closer to your age. This includes Tenten, Lee, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Shino, Hinata, and surprisingly, Neji too.

It all started when Sakura had begun training with Lady Tsunade. You’ve been assigned to a lot of missions where you were teamed up with different shinobis, but what was weird was that Neji was almost always on your team.

You just wished Lady Tsunade was assigning both of you often in one team because you were always both free at the same time or that you worked well together or that you were both very skilled and had high success rates on missions. Any rational reasoning really, as long as it’s not because Sakura had pulled some strings.

At first you were really nervous about teaming up with Neji on missions, afraid that you were going to mess up in his presence. But when the initial nerves died down, you’ve masked whatever little feelings you’ve had for him quite well. Not that it was hard. In fact, it was easy for you because you prioritize the safety of the village before anything else.

But the missions truly did make both of you closer. What started as only speaking about the missions became casual talks about your friends. Nothing much, mostly small talk, but it was enough to ignite the small flame in your heart.

_______________________

When you arrived back from your missions, despite being tired, you would always gather your friends around to hang out before another mission was handed to you.

Being a jonin meant you were assigned to more higher rank missions, but sometimes, it just meant having much, much more missions than normal. It was tiring, only having a day or two to rest unless you were injured before another mission was handed over. So somehow it became a tradition of some sorts to gather around after you’ve finished a mission. After all, only you and Neji were jonins in the group.

Unbeknownst to you, your friends viewed you as someone who glued them together. You were the reason why they were much closer than before, now that Naruto wasn’t around. So when possible, they would make it a point to meet with you, knowing how lonely it could be now that you were alone after your parents died when Orochimaru attacked Konoha.

Sakura would often give you a look when Neji was around as all of you spend time with each other catching up. He rarely joined the gathering, preferring to rest instead of socializing. But every now and then he would come too. And when he did, somehow Sakura found a way to make him walk you home. Not that he wouldn’t do it without Sakura urging him to.

Ever since that one mission where you, Neji, and Shino were ambushed, Neji became much closer to you. Maybe it was because when one of the attackers somehow managed to stab him, you came to the rescue.

You were an exceptional kunoichi, your skills were one of the most regarded in the village so you were able to bring down most of the attackers, but not before they left a huge gash on your leg. When the fight was over, you rushed to Neji to heal him using medical ninjutsu that Sakura taught you. Luckily, Shino was only left with a few scratches.

“You know medical ninjutsu?” Neji asked, surprised.

“Yeah. A little. Sakura taught me every now and then when I’m not on a mission.”

“You should heal yourself first.”

“No, I’m fine. Your wound needs more attention than mine.”

It was true, his wound looks a lot worse than yours, but in the end you managed to heal it. However, it took too much chakra from you so with whatever minimal chakra you could use, you tried healing your wound as well. But that left you tired and weak which didn’t go unnoticed by Neji’s byakugan.

You were able to walk for a mile before your body couldn’t anymore. Neji has been looking out for you after you’ve healed him just in case this happened.

“We should probably rest a while,” Neji says.

“No, no. It’s just a few more miles to Konoha. We should keep going,” you say.

Neji looks at Shino, silently asking if they should continue or not.

Shino nods ahead, “It’s much safer if we reach the village as soon as possible. Why? Because you are both not in good shape from the ambush. If we stayed here longer, we might get attacked again. If we push through going back to the village, we’ll reach it before sunset.”

Neji looks at you and then nods his head. “I will carry you.”

Before you could resist, you were already on his back and he was already jumping through branches.

You wrapped your arms around him so as not to fall. He felt warm and you felt safe. A weak smile found its way to your face, grateful that you had comrades looking out for you.

You even allowed yourself to be giddy because of the fact that Neji was there, carrying you to safety.

“I’m sorry,” you say. Your body was shutting down from exhaustion but before you lost consciousness you said, “And th-thank you, Neji.”

Sakura had been waiting by the village gates knowing you were supposed to arrive that day. She perked up upon seeing Shino but then tensed when she saw you being carried by Neji. “What happened?”

“There was an ambush when we were on the way back after the mission. I was careless. I got stabbed. Y/N and Shino fought them off. She healed me but she lost a lot of chakra in the process.” He explains in one breath.

“Let’s get her to the hospital.”

Since that day, you became so much closer with Neji. Whenever he finds you walking alone, he’d offer to walk with you. When you were both assigned on missions, you noticed he started bringing food pills for you. When you were somehow at the training grounds at the same time, he’d hand you an extra bottle of water.

You figured it was his way of thanking you. Nevertheless, the gestures made your heart flutter.

You weren’t going to let him be the only one who’s being thoughtful, so when you trained together, you’d make sure you brought an extra towel for him to use to wipe off his sweat. Sometimes you’d even bring him food, claiming you miscalculated the amount of food you cooked. You weren’t sure if he caught on with your little crush, but you sure hoped he didn’t. The smile on his face as he thanked you for these little gestures was heartwarming to say the least. And it was enough to make your week better.

________________________________

You weren’t quite sure when Neji had started to take a liking to you but you remembered a time where your friends pointed it out to you.

It was a day after Neji completed a long mission. He seeked you out so he can train with you. You immediately agreed, knowing you didn’t have anything planned that day.

When you were both finished, drained from the intense training, you handed him a towel as he gave you a bottle of water. You were both trying to catch your breath when a voice came calling out your name. You both turned to the source of the sound.

Once you saw it was, you squealed and immediately came running towards him, engulfing him in a bear hug. “Lee!” You exclaimed.

He laughs and spins you around. “How has the prettiest flower in Konoha been?”

You snort. “I think you meant the strongest kunoichi next to the Hokage.”

“That works too.” He brings you down and notices Neji watching the interaction. You both walk towards Neji and Lee says, “I see you have been training with my rival.”

“Yes. Neji helps me train when he’s around. He just came back from a mission yesterday.”

“I see. What do you say, Neji, will you indulge me in a battle?” Lee says as he throws punches and kicks in the air.

Neji’s eye twitches, “Sorry, Lee. I’m tired.”

By the time Neji replied though, Lee was already counting push-ups. It was impossible to be able to talk to him when he’s in the zone so you and Neji just let him be and walk away.

When you were both away from Lee, Neji clears his throat and asks, “Have you always been that close to Lee?”

You were confused by the sudden question. “Hm. I guess so. We’re all friends, right? But we got a lot closer recently. When you were away on a mission, Lee kept bugging everyone to train with him since you and Guy sensei were away. But well, no one really wanted to train with him because they were busy with other stuff. And since my training buddy,” you nudged his elbow, “was away, I agreed. Honestly, his timing couldn’t have been better. Kakashi sensei just taught me a new water style jutsu and I was trying to see if I can weave the signs faster. Lee was the perfect partner for the job.”

“Oh.”

You frown, what does that mean? “Is there something wrong, Neji?”

“Nothing.”

You let it go, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. Just as you were about to round the corner going to your house, you halted, “Oh, I forgot I was supposed to meet Sakura today!”

“Okay. I will walk you there.”

“Thank you, Neji,” you said as you felt your cheeks blush.

When you found Sakura, you greeted her with a hug while whispering, “I need to talk to you about something.”

She gave you a look but nodded anyway. You turned back to Neji and thanked him for training and walking with you.

He nods and tells you that he’ll be heading out then.

“What happened?” Sakura asks.

Just as you were about to answer, Tenten came running towards the both of you, “Oh, there you are!”

“Tenten, what’s up?”

“What do you say we get together and do it up a little? At Yakiniku-Q.”

You and Sakura turn to each other. She just shrugs. “Sure.”

Tenten smiled brightly and dragged you two to find Ino and Hinata.

Tenten found Ino first. She was with Choji and Shikamaru. Tenten immediately went to Ino to talk about her plan. Meanwhile, Choji scoops you up in a hug. You laugh, “Well someone’s eager to see me.”

“I haven’t seen you in a while!” He exclaims as he puts you down.

You hang your arms around Choji and Shikamaru’s shoulders, “Yeah, I’ve been training nonstop. How are you guys?”

Shikamaru whispers under his breath, “How troublesome” but you ignore him.

“We’ve been on missions here and there.”

You were supposed to respond but Choji’s attention has shifted to Tenten and Ino when he heard “Yakiniku.”

“Yakiniku?! I’m in! I’m in!”

“You guys aren’t invited.” Tenten declared.

“Huh? Why?” Choji frowns.

“Because it’s time for just us girls to hang out. Right? Let’s have a girls-only get-together!”

“Sorry, Choji. I’ll treat you next time!” You console him.

“Alright! We just have to find Hinata then.” Tenten says.

When she was able to convince Hinata to join, you all went to Yakiniku-Q together. As you entered the store, you silently asked Sakura, “Why do you think Tenten invited us here?”

“I’m not sure. But I think everyone’s a little bit down from missing Naruto.”

“I miss him…” You say wistfully. And a little bit loudly. You only noticed it when you looked up and found that Ino, Hinata, and Tenten were all looking at you. And then you turned your head, you saw that your male friends were there too, by the other table, looking at you as well.

You flushed at the sudden attention and stepped behind Sakura in an attempt to hide yourself.

Kiba was the first to break the silence, “Oi! Who do you miss, huh?” He says teasingly, moving his eyebrows up and down.

You felt yourself becoming redder and redder as you found Neji looking at you and Kiba curiously, but with a slight downturn of his mouth.

“Is it—”

You lounged at him to cover his mouth before he was able to finish his sentence. “Don’t you dare, Kiba.”

He raises his hands in surrender. You reluctantly remove your hand from his mouth. Lucky for you, he remains quiet, but he has a smirk on.

Sakura pulls you away to lead you to the girls’ table. You kept eye contact with Kiba as you mouth, I’m watching you while glaring at the man.

“Why did you even react like that when you were just talking about Naruto?” She whispered.

“Have you seen Kiba? He kept subtly looking between Neji and me. I’m pretty sure he’d tell on me right then and there so I had to stop him.”

“Why didn’t you just say it was Naruto?”

“I could have but the undertone in his voice sounded like he was implying I have feelings with the person I miss.” You explained exasperated.

Sakura just sighed.

You dropped the conversation as the girls started talking about what to order and how great the deals were. You immediately relaxed and smiled, happy to be in the presence of your friends.

You took a peek at the other table to check if Kiba had said anything, only to be met with Neji’s eyes focused on you. You stilled, not expecting him to be looking at you. You gave him a small smile and a wave, he just nodded, face devoid of any emotion and then he turned away.

You frowned.

Tenten was cooking the meat while the rest of the girls had engaged in small talk. You joined in the conversation every now and then but your mind was occupied by how weird Neji was acting.

Your friends were quick to notice it. Tenten handed you a serving of the cooked meat, “What’s bothering you?” She asked softly.

“You don’t seem yourself, Y/N…” Hinata said.

You quickly shook your head, “I’m fine.”

“Didn’t you have something you want to talk about?” Sakura pipes up.

You groan, knowing full well you weren’t going to escape this conversation. “So there’s this guy,” you pause as you took a bite off of the cooked meat Tenten gave you.

“You mean Neji?” Ino asks.

You suddenly choked on your food at the sound of his name.

The girls laughed at your reaction. “Well that’s embarrassing,” you muttered as your cheeks flushed pink. You look at Hinata, you were suddenly shy that your dilemma involved her cousin.

She nodded and offered you a smile so warm you feel your shyness dissipate. “Wa-was I that o-obvious?” You stuttered.

“Not really.” Ino chimed in. “Sakura here was the one who’s obvious. She’d always look between the two of you when he’s hanging out with the group. Not to mention the amount of times she asked Neji to walk you home. I’m pretty sure everyone in our group of friends caught on it already.”

You narrowed your eyes on Sakura and she cringed. “I’m sorry!”

You deflated and then shrugged your shoulders, “Doesn’t matter. As long as he’s not aware. Wait! He’s not aware, right?” You look at Tenten and Hinata.

“I’m not sure, I don’t think he’s ever mentioned it.” Tenten said.

You turned to Hinata in question, “He’s not really the type to share about those things.”

“Right.” You said before taking another bite on your food.

“So are you gonna tell us what happened?”

“It’s probably nothing.” You casually replied.

“Out with it.” Sakura said, her patience wearing thin as you tried to skirt around the topic.

You sighed but told them anyway. You told them what happened earlier after you finished training with Neji and then the conversation you had after you saw Lee. You even told them about the small interaction that happened at the shop while you all ate.

“I never thought he was that type.” Ino broke the silence after you told them the story.

You looked at her with curiosity. “What type?”

“The jealous type.”

Ino might as well have grown two heads with how you looked at her then. “Huh?” was all you could ever think to say.

“It’s obvious he likes you.” Tenten teased.

“If it was obvious then I would have known. I’m pretty sure we’re just good friends.” You said matter-of-factly.

Everyone groaned at what you’ve said, even Hinata. “You’re so dense,” Ino muttered.

“If he only sees you as a friend then why does he keep on stealing glances at you every now and then?” Tenten asked.

“What are you talking about?”

She discreetly pointed her finger towards Neji’s direction. You whipped your head to see and, lo and behold, there was Neji staring at you, but he was quick to turn away. You blushed and your friends giggled at the interaction.

“I’m too sober for this conversation.” You declared as your friends continued to tease you. “Alright, let’s drink!” was the last thing you said before you pushed the thoughts of Neji aside.

________________________________

You smiled at the memory. If Neji’s jealousy hadn’t been pointed out by your friends, you would have never started acting on your feelings. And you wouldn’t even be here waking up early cooking breakfast for him. You wouldn’t be the receiver of his kisses or hugs although you only got them in the confines of your house.

You were naturally affectionate, Neji knew this and he would indulge you with affection privately. In all honesty, if it was up to you, you would be holding his hand in public for the world to see, maybe even peck him on the lips from time to time, and hug him as much as possible.

However, Neji was a private person so you assumed he didn’t like public displays of affection. You respected that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t get a little bit jealous when he sees Lee lift you up and spin you around or when he sees you and Kiba playfully pretend to fight which somehow always ends up with you on Kiba’s back or when Choji wraps you in a hug. Shikamaru and Shino aren’t as affectionate as the others but sometimes he’d find you slinging your arms over their shoulders. It bothered him sometimes. But all his worries quickly vanish at the end of the day, knowing it was he who gets to hold you at night and he who gets to see you first in the morning.

Coincidentally, you had your own worries when it comes to not being able to be affectionate with Neji in public. Sometimes your insecurities got the best of you. You would hear unreasonable voices in your head. Maybe he’s not proud of me. Maybe he only sees me as a temporary lover. Maybe I’m not good enough.

But you know this isn’t true when you find him looking at you with his loving eyes. He’d always give you the softest look that warms you more than hugs do. It was a look reserved for you only and it satiates all your thirst for affection, more than physical intimacy can.

You know he feels your love just as much from the way you’d cook him food, heal his injuries and brush his hair. Neji was an independent man, but somehow you made yourself so important that he found himself depending on you more. This wasn’t a problem for you because if it’s for Neji, you’d gladly accept such responsibilities. Always. Just for him.

[thefairyletters]

Could you answer this question? I went through a bunch of Sakura fics, many recommended by yourself (many good ones, thanks for your excellent taste!) but I also explored on my own, which is how this question spurred. I was wondering why so many ppl want Sakura to have wood release? &, because it's been a while so my memory's foggy, wasnt wood release sort of a bloodline thing? They had to infuse Hashirama's cells w/ Yamato for him to use it. It seems a little...I guess radical to give it to her? I LOVE Sakura, which is exactly why it kind of throws me off. I think she's already strong as is, & I think being able to utilize genjutsu & slug sage mode are logical expansions of her abilities, so wood release seems very...Idk how to put it but it seems like erasing Sakura. I'm discovering that I truly really dont think I like BAMF Sakura fics a lot bc it just doesnt read AS Sakura. It's like the author's are ashamed of her. Also I dislike when they use Strong!Sakura as a tag on ao3 bc she IS strong that HASNT changed & there's a canonical version of BAMF!Sakura in everything before the Pein arc. Everything after the Pein arc turned the entire series in a bad fanfiction for everyone in itself.

Thank you, I'm happy to know you enjoyed my recs!

That's a good question.

This is what I think makes Sakura badass ➡ here

I love Sakura the way she is, as well. Her development, however, is lacking not in terms of her personality but her skillset. She has impressive chakra control, monstrous strength and is one of the two frontline medics and one of the best healers in the world. She has impressive feats under her belt as well, two of the most remarkable include her byakugo seal and her fight with Sasori alongside Chiyo. But it pales in comparison to her teammates, including Sai and Kakashi. I don't mind that too, because her journey is different than others, excluding Lee and possibly Tenten. She isn't seen much involved in fights, her attacks are repetitive in the show, she isn't bestowed many techniques under her belt and her best moments are in games and novels. It is not her character's fault but Kishimoto who just doesn't use her strength and intelligence which he (and other characters) have mentioned she has.

She is genjutsu type – but has she ever performed one, or even gotten out of one easily? Whats the use of such information if Kishimoto doesn't use it?

She has near perfect chakra control – she should be easily able to perform many techniques and practice different elements, especially water, but earth style and cloning is what we mostly ever see her use.

She has good foundation in Taijutsu – and that should increase her stamina and therefore her chakra coils, and that in turn will ensure she is able to use many techniques.

Her medical and research skills are only next to Tsunade – and we wish to see her revolutionize the medical field which she has but in Borutoverse. That is time skip. That doesn't really relive you much.

She has resistance to mind jutsus, thanks to her inner personality – and theoretically she should be able to even evade strong genjutsus like she did Ino's clan technique (something never been done before) but Kishimoto only used that incredible ability once. ONCE.

She has massive chakra storage and exceptional chakra control and sensitivity – she should be able to master Senjutsu, a field which is all about chakra. Anything that has to do with chakra control is Sakura's playground.

She is more or less an unofficial poison expert – but we didn't see her playing with poison expertly (a poison that even Suna's poison experts failed to break) after Gaara's retrieval arc.

She is the smart and responsible one of team 7 – but Kishi often makes her look both stupid and selfish. We don't see her use her intelligence much. I hate that more than her lacking in the expansion of the skills.

She trained under a political leader – that itself makes her and Shizune great administrators and governors. So, out of everyone, Sakura is the one of the best Hokage material. Hokage is said to be the strongest fighter of the village but that requirement failed us when Tsunade became the fifth Hokage.

She has yin seal – the strongest seals one can make, in their own body no less. It also shows her expert control of her chakra. She can summon one of the big 3 summons. Sealing is more or less code that requires high intelligence and great chakra control that can be fused into the ink. As far as I can tell, she is one of the best candidates to learn Fuinjutsu.

With all these possibilities of her growth – because it is not something we make up but something Kishi has implied she has but never explored – how can one not exploit it? It doesn't mean one doesn't love Sakura for who she is but that its because they love her that they want to give her what she has the right to. She doesn't have to be expert at something to be powerful, just her putting her skills to best use is admirable as it is. I love Sakura for who she is and who she could be.

Now, onto the question as to why people seem to favour giving Sakura wood release, this are the following reasons that I think could be it:

Does it have to be bloodline limit?

Kishimoto gave Hashirama a unique bloodline limit that apparently cannot be inherited by any other Senju. That defeats the purpose of bloodline limit. What makes Senju clan so different? Without Hashirama in the picture, you cannot distinctly identify a Senju clan member aside from their strong chakras. Tobirama is identified for his water techniques. Tsunade has perfect control of her chakra that allowed her to exhibit monstrous strength and incredible healing abilities. How come wood release is a bloodline limit but is not passed down the line?

It is complicated because Tsunade is also renowned for her perfect chakra control just like Hashirama. So, some stories make Sakura a secret Senju clan member because of her uncanny resemblance to Tsunade and Senju clan in general. Pink hair can be a diluted version of Red (Mito) and her chakra control originating directly from Hashirama's lineage.

I personally don't like this because I love Sakura being a civilian child.

It's not a bloodline limit:

So, assuming wood release is not a bloodlimit but a very hard technique requiring precise chakra control and mastery of dual elements Earth and Water, then it is possible for Sakura to practice same technique because of her prodigious chakra control. By that logic, we can also assume that Tenzo inherited Hashirama's unique chakra control to use wood release. Because Orochimaru could have used Tsunade's DNA too if it was only about clan blood. So that rules out bloodline limit.

I love the idea of Sakura practising wood release because it is possible for her to do so. So if an author gives Sakura wood release that she hones with practice and control (ref. fanfic: Labyrinthine) instead of having been gifted with it, I'm digging it.

Nature chooses the wood user:

Naruto universe has many references to spiritual entities such as gods/goddesses, reincarnation and celestial bodies. It is conceivable to make nature an ethereal entity that has its own will. Sakura looks like the embodiment of spring with her petal hair and green eyes, and Hashirama can be compared to wood with his warm personality and appearance, these attributes can make them look distinctly attractive to nature. No other characters remind me strongly of nature than these two so I suppose they can be uniquely selected to be blessed this ability. Tenzo's abilities is the result of human experiment by Orochimaru who always cheats on nature so he is an exception.

I only like this because I like the idea of Sakura being Nature's child.

Most stories that I love don't give her a special edge and only give her more techniques under her arsenal. It is very rarely that I love an OCC Sakura who has a bloodline, a clan or godlike abilities.

After Pein's arc, Naruto turned into a joke. Everyone in team 7 (barring Sakura, Sai and Yamato) and long list of antagonists seemed to get power ups left and right. Sakura got hers in the last moment as a last ditch effort to reunite team 7 as one, a moment that felt so hasty that I couldn't take the show seriously at all. I was so disappointed with the whole war arc. I cringe just thinking about it. I sometimes think if it would have been better for everyone to just die with happily ever after in their mind. That would be tragic but a fitting end because Madara became too OP and Kaguya ridiculously so.

The reason people add 'Strong', 'BAMF', 'Smart' prefixes before Sakura is the reason why people add extra qualities to Sakura's character. They are not satisfied with how Sakura handles herself in fights and many base her fights with the one she had with Sasori. After that, did you see her actively participating in any major fight, barring her attempts to make a score on sidelines? Usually, these fanfictions also justify why she is Tsunade 2.0, something the Naruto failed to show.

By the way, many stories have BAMF tag for Shikamaru, Naruto and Sasuke as well. Are they not already strong af? They don't use Strong tag for them though, and that's because their fighting prowess is already seen. Shikamaru is not much of a fighter as much as he is a strategist and a leader. He is a cool and sly character. Naruto and Sasuke have flashy moves with flashy names under their belt with absurd power levels that puts them in god tier. Sakura has none of that – no signature move that is uniquely her, no clan to back her, no move with a name (barring game moves) – and she is seen useless because she is a healer which is a non-offensive, background job even if it is the most crucial and taxing job. It's significance is even more reduced when people point out how her work is futile because they are again sent to the fight/missions once they are up to go. Most fans only care for visual aesthetics, regardless of how rare and in-demand medics are because of the lack of qualified people who can muster and use medical chakra properly.

Sakura is more than just a healer but in canon she is more or less reduced to that. To make things worse for her, both Ino and Hinata are also shown to have healing techniques. They both also have clan techniques (vastly unknown) with them which makes them appear more 'useful'. Sakura is literally in the shadow of her mentor and her friends.

In Boruto, she is said to be the most powerful Kunoichi of her generation and quite possibly the greatest medic in the world but in Shippuden it is severely undermined. This is also why Boruto fans love Sakura but a bunch of Shippuden fans don't.

I mostly don't judge BAMF/Strong Sakura fanfictions, but I mostly avoid Anbu Sakura fanfictions if I can because I personally don't belive Sakura to be an Anbu material.

.

I want to add more, but I think I got my point across. Thank you for reading this far. I hope I answered your question adequately.

[depressedhatakekakashi]

Remember When

AU: None/Cannon

Words: 1329

Rating: General

Characters: Hatake Kakashi, Tenzo|Yamato and Maito Gai

Warnings: None

Summary: In the middle of recovering from the Kazekage Rescue mission, Kakashi finds himself being visited by his two best friends, and reliving some memories that he’d much rather forget.

Chakra exhaustion was never a fun thing to deal with. The constant desire to just pass out in his spot, the struggle to do some of the simplest tasks because his body refused to cooperate with him.

If he could go the rest of his life without having to deal with Chakra exhaustion ever again, he’d be a happy man. Thankfully, he was never left alone to suffer at times like this.

“Neji and Lee dispatched the enemies with ease,” Gai proclaimed, throwing his hands up into the air as he spoke. “And when it seemed like they were going to be struck by an enemy in hiding, Tenten swooped in and used their body as a pin cushion for her weapons.”

Gruesome, but effective.

“It sounds to me like your team wasn’t slowed down at all by the Kazekage rescue mission,” he wished the same could be said for Team Kakashi, but he wasn’t leading them at the moment and he hadn’t even met the new addition to their team, Sai. “You sure you shouldn’t take a break?”

“Not all of us are in need of recovery, Rival,” he was trying to be nice, and here Gai was throwing insults back at him. Some days he wondered why he was friends with this man at all. “Though I have no doubt that you’ll be back on missions with your own team soon enough.”

“Well, let’s hope we get a little time to rest as a team-first,” there were still so many things he had to teach Sakura and Naruto, and there was no doubt in his mind that there would need to be a few more lessons on teamwork with the new member. He just hoped in his absence that Tenzo was doing alright. Naruto and Sakura could be quite the handful at times. “I was hoping to see if there were any areas we could still improve on. It has been a while since I taught them, and we didn’t get much time together to train before that mission.”

Perhaps he could finally start teaching Sakura about tactical planning, and if he had enough time before they got their next mission he could teach Naruto how to actually listen to a plan and follow through with it.

Though he didn’t hold out much hope for that second one.

“Anyways, They’re in good hands right now. Tenzo will-”

The door to his room slammed open suddenly, the look of an angry, stressed, completely done Jonin Captain greeting him. Eyes staring directly into his soul as the man stomped towards him looking like he was about to explode.

Somehow, he was not surprised.

Closing his eyes, he gave Tenzo his best smile and tried not to laugh at the whole situation.

“I take it the mission took an unexpected turn?” He’d have to read the mission report later if Tsunade-Sama allowed. “Did you get any good information?”

“Information?” Tenzo’s voice was strained when he spoke. Never a good sign, in Kakashi’s experience. “What information was I supposed to get while Naruto was busy turning into the four tails!? Or Sakura was rushing head first into a suicide attempt!? Or Sai was busy betraying the team for Danzo!?”

That was...a lot to unpack.

More than usual, somehow.

Raising his hands up in a calming gesture, he chuckled weakly. “Now, to be fair. Whatever Sai did is not my fault. I haven’t even met him yet. Not to mention the fact that I just got Naruto and Sakura back on my time. Who knows what Jiraiya-Sama and Tsunade-sama have been teaching them.”

Judging by the way Tenzo’s shoulders squared up, and the way his eyes narrowed in on Kakashi, he wasn’t about to let him off of the hook easily.

“They’re still your problem, Senpai!” He cringed at the use of the honorary. Not that he wasn’t used to it, but he still didn’t really like hearing it. Especially when Tenzo was mad at him. “If you hadn’t gone and exhausted your chakra on the last mission-“

“Oh, sorry,” rolling his eyes, he turned his attention over to Gai. “You hear this? I’m not supposed to fight the enemy now.”

“Well,” Gai reached up to rub the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact with Kakashi as he did so. “He’s not really wrong. You do have a bad habit of over-extending yourself.”

“What was that Mr. ‘I’m going to use the seventh gate to finish this fight quickly even though I only actually need the fifth to defeat this enemy?”

“Are you ever going to let me live that down?” placing his hands on his hips, Gai glared down at Kakashi. “It was one time! You have a whole list of missions that you went and overextended yourself on. Didn’t you even get chakra exhaustion during your first mission out of the village with team seven?”

Now that one was a low blow.

“It’s not like I was facing a bunch of chunin level shinobi. Those would have been easy to deal with,” crossing his arms over his chest he turned his eyes away from the other two and leaned back against the bed. “Beside's, it’s not as bad as the time that Tenzo-”

“Don’t you dare,” Tenzo cut him off, a look that screamed ‘murder’ on his face when Kakashi dared to look at him? “That was one mission, and I came back home fine.”

‘Fine’. Is that what people called it when they had to be dragged back home unconscious by their teammates with two broken bones, a concussion, and a sword-sized hole in their chest?

If he came back home from a mission looking the way Tenzo had that day, he would never hear the end of it, and he didn’t see why Tenzo would expect any different. Being a shinobi may come with a certain level of injury on missions, but that didn’t mean they didn’t have to live the rest of their lives being reminded of all the worst injuries they had received in battle.

It was like a game. Compare the dumb injuries.

Sure, Kakashi was losing. But at least he had a list of his own to use against the other two. Though, now that he thought of it, he couldn’t help but laugh looking at the two men in front of him.

His best friends.

The only two who had come to visit him while he was in the hospital, even after all these years and the many missions he had returned from with chakra exhaustion.

“What’s with that dorky smile all of a sudden, Senpai?”

“Oh, you know,” He smiled at the pair. “Just thinking about how lucky I am.”

Sure, he might end up in the hospital a lot, but at least he knew he’d never have to be alone during his recovery. At some point, Tenzo and Gai would show up to keep him company.

“Here,” picking up one of the many sticks of Dango that Gai had brought for him, Kakashi held it out towards Tenzo. “I don’t have any Ramen for you, but I can at least offer my favourite kitty cat some Dango.”

Tenzo’s eyes widened at the use of that old nickname. An impressive sight to see, considering they already took up half his face before.

“Senpai!”

“Rival, you never told me you had embarrassing nicknames for your other friends!” Gai jumped up from his spot, sending his now empty bowl crashing down onto the floor. “I’m not the only one!”

Seeing Tenzo being pulled into a crushing hug by Gai was worth everything he had dealt with up until this point. Naruto’s hard-headedness, almost getting attacked by an old woman, the whole fight against Deidara, and the chakra exhaustion.

He’d gladly go through it all over again, just for the chance to hear Yamato complain as he was picked up in those giant arms and crushed under the sheer power of Gai’s hug.

[silverskatana]

see through me

word count: 2284

author’s note: hello! i know it’s been quite a while but i’m back - since most (actually, all) of my requests have been about angsty neji, i thought i’d come back with some neji content for all of you :)

... bet you couldn’t see that coming.

not this time.

(three.)

Wide, pale eyes. Searching, desperate, and frenzied. Seeing them, the gentle lavender-white eyes you’ve grown so accustomed to, makes you smile. It makes you remember everything, right from the start. The start, before the start, the final chapters, and everything in between.

You met when you were young, barely starting out as fledgling ninja-to-be in Konoha’s Academy. You don’t recall the specifics (you never thought he would mean so much to you, anyway) - you only remember his pale, piercing gaze and the stoicism of his tone as he introduced himself.

And of course, you did what any respectable young shinobi would do upon encountering a Hyuuga clan member - look him straight in the eye, and ask with the most confused voice you could possibly muster, “What clan is that?”

You weren’t all very good at reading facial expressions back then, nor were you at recognising the almost-white hue of his eyes as that of the famed Byakugan. But back then, as those words left your lips, you were dead certain you could see murder in his eyes.

In all fairness, you were never born nor raised in Konoha; you had grown up a carefree child in a remote village to a retired kunoichi of a mother and a civilian father. Your mother had only taken you to Konoha after your father’s passing to enrol you in the Academy and see if you had any potential in becoming a kunoichi like her. Frankly speaking, back then, you had never cared about becoming one, nor did you care about anything related to them, so it wasn’t really that much of a surprise when the name Hyuuga drew nothing more than blanks across your mind.

Most of the Academy days were a smattered blur in your memory - you barely paid attention to both the teacher and your classmates, only sticking around a select few friends. The Hyuuga boy (that’s what you called him in your head, because you never interacted with him enough to memorise his name) was decidedly not one of them. You do recall getting by with less than average grades, always meeting the bare minimum and not much else, a stark contrast from what the Hyuuga boy seemed to be getting, if the proud looks the teachers kept giving him were any indication (in comparison to the mortified glances they shoot your way when you nearly shave their hair off, again, with mishandled shuriken).

You suppose the furthest significant memory you can actually clearly recall would be the day of your graduation. You were all told to report to class early in the morning as newly-minted genin; your mother had forced you to go early. “Make a good impression” - you still remember her lightly scolding tone - “Stop showing up late, you’re a genin now.”

And as luck would have it, as you stepped through the classroom doors that day, unnaturally early, only one person was already there. Hyuuga boy. You remember stopping in your tracks, staring at him in contemplation for a good five seconds, before choosing the seat on the opposite end of the classroom.

But that was the first time he had spoken directly to you, aside from the encounter on the first day. “You actually passed the test?” It wasn’t a very polite question, underlaid with the derisive scorn of I can’t believe you were good enough, but you had never been a polite one yourself, so you only shot back, “Sorry for being better than you think, Hyuuga boy.”

It still makes you smile to remember the way he slowly turned his head, pale lavender eyes narrowed in a mixture of mild annoyance and shock, and the way the words fell quietly from his lips. “... Hyuuga… boy?”

“I guess I never paid enough attention to you to catch your name.” That was the second time you were convinced you weren’t going to live to see another day, courtesy of him. You suppose it was good that the teacher walked in when he did.

But that was also the day you learnt his name. Uttered softly as he brushed past with his new teammates, “Hyuuga Neji.”

(two.)

His facial features are set in a frown, eyebrows furrowed, eyes alight with horror. You wish he would smile instead. You still remember the first time he smiled at you - in the middle of the barren training grounds in the haphazardly-falling rain. Your respective sensei had somehow thought it would be a good idea to pair the two of you up in a match; it, unsurprisingly, ended up with you on the ground and him standing over you, a smirk planted on his face.

The first smile you got from him was, to say, the least, mocking. “I can’t believe they thought I should be sparring with you” - those were the exact words he commented as he began to walk away. Not contemptuous, nor spiteful, but more so uncaring, laden with an underlying tint of something you couldn’t quite make out at that time - disappointment, maybe?

It was then that you caught his wrist, stopping him in his tracks, your determined gaze burning so deeply into his that he had to blink and look away for a second. “I’ll make you eat those words next time.” You remember the way your chest swelled with some form of odd pride as you spoke those words - you were convinced, deeply convinced, that if you trained hard enough, you’d be able to match up to him someday.

He had stared at you for a moment before shaking your grip off and beginning to walk again. “There won’t be a next time,” were his final words, echoing back to you in the middle of the empty training grounds.

That was the day, you fondly recall, you made up your mind - that you would prove Hyuuga Neji wrong.

There was a next time. Next time was after the Chuunin Exams - the same exams you didn’t get to go to because your teammate ended up in the hospital fighting for his life after a C-rank took a turn for the worse. Next time was out of nowhere, when you were least expecting time. Next time was when you were minding your own business, about to buy lunch back, and Neji appeared in front of you.

Apologising. That was something you never thought Neji would do, and yet in the middle of the street, holding on to no more than his packed lunch and his dignity, he raised his head and apologised to you. “I looked down on you,” he’d told you, “If you want to spar some more, I don’t mind.”

That’s how the next time came about. And from there, many more next times. It became a routine, almost, for him to show up right as you were buying lunch, or vice versa. Short sparring sessions stretched into longer training sessions, and lunches together became a whole day’s worth of meals spent together. There was a joke going around that Neji spent more time in the training grounds with you than in the Hyuuga compound, or with his team. You never bothered refuting that, though - it was partially true, after all.

You never stopped trying to best him, both as a means to prove your growth and to irritate him, as you always have been doing. You’ve never stopped annoying him in little ways here and there, from tripping him purposely in the mornings or swapping his lunch out with something far less appetising when he wasn’t looking. Each time, though, he’d manage to catch you. Especially during sparring. You’ve won some matches against him, but he’s won more. “I can see right through you,” he’d tell you, jokingly mocking, and you knew he wasn’t referring to his Byakugan.

But at some point - you can’t remember when - that was the pattern that the two of you fell into. Always trying to best the other; for him, maintaining his winning streak, and avoiding your pranks like the plague. For you, trying to deceive him in some way, trying to catch him off-guard, do something he wasn’t expecting. Most of the time, it failed on both ends. But the two of you did it anyway.

In the end, the two of you essentially grew up together; training side by side, occasionally sharing the same missions. He became a Jounin first - you followed the year after. By then, half the village was under the assumption that the two of you were dating. Hell, even Tenten interrogated you more than once on your interests in her Hyuuga teammate. The two of you always declined the rumours with polite smiles and humoured laughter, though - you had never really entertained the idea before, and you were sure he was too busy with his ninja duties to mull over it, too.

It was the announcement of war that changed many things. You still remember the day - now, you think back on it with an odd, bittersweet swell in your heart. That evening, you had been walking from the training grounds with him, both of you buzzing with a form of nervous anticipation at the declaration of war. You had always imagined fighting on the same side of the battlefield someday - but neither of you had expected it would be so soon.

“I’ll protect you,” Neji had told you, so soft and muffled you could barely hear him, but you did anyway. And in your old, teasing way, you had said, “what?”, nudging him in the side to get him to repeat what he said. (Of course, he just shot you an unimpressed glance and ignored you.)

You had laughed, your eyes crinkling at the corners. “I don’t need your protection.”

“You’re going to do stupid things.”

“Oh? And what makes you think you’re going to be able to stop that?” you had retorted, a smile fitted across your lips.

He’d rolled his eyes, almost as though he were tired of saying the same response so many times over; yet it fell from his lips like liquid, coated over with a pleasant blend of joking scorn and semi-lucid affection. “I can see right through you, you know.”

The memory of it all makes you smile.

And that day, before war hit, he had grabbed hold of your wrist - a fleeting touch, and the contact of his slightly cold fingers wrapped around your skin had been enough for you to halt your steps, enough for you to turn to him with your head tilted knowing something had been weighing on him. “What’s wrong?”

“When the war’s over,” he had said, in his typical mix of cool embarrassment, “I’ll take you out. For real this time.”

And back then, it had felt like your heart had imploded into a million tiny little pieces, all singing their own little tunes of happiness. You hadn’t been able to hide the smile that fell onto your lips (you didn’t bother to try), or the pale crimson that spread across your cheeks and the luminescence of your gaze onto his.

The memory of it all makes you smile.

(one.)

“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” he breathes, voice barely above a muted murmur, his pale-eyed gaze flickering over your hunched-over form, and you smile weakly up at him.

“Sorry,” you whisper.

And that’s all you can possibly say.

“I didn’t know,” Neji utters, and his voice shakes, “Fighting on the same battlefield one day… would lead to this.”

The ache in your back, dangerously close to your spine, is beginning to grow, the pain throbbing through the entirety of your body, and it takes all you can to remain conscious. The blood begins to well up in your throat again, a thick, metallic tang heavy on your tongue, and it’s hard to speak, so you opt to look up instead - at his widened lavender eyes, pale skin, dark hair. The tone of his voice and the look on his face. Everything about him - you commit it all to memory.

“This isn’t what I wanted,” he says, and he reaches out to you, holding your trembling frame in his arms, not minding the way your blood stains his clothes a grotesque shade of darkened ruby.

You fight to keep the smile on your face, memorising the calming warmth of his embrace. “This isn’t what I wanted,” he whispered, and your eyes soften.

It’s the first time you’ve ever seen Neji cry.

You force out a quiet laugh, even as blood bubbles through your throat and renders it near-impossible to breathe. “Bet you couldn’t see that coming,” you mumble against his shoulder. Your eyelids are getting heavy, your head growing light. The projectiles from the Ten Tails are embedded deep in your flesh, and you know it’s only a matter of time before you stop holding on.

Neji hushes you, holding you a little tighter. You know you’re not going to make it, and you know he knows. You know he knows you’re going to die in his arms; you know he knows you’re not going to be able to see the end of the war with him, or go out as the two of you had promised; and you know he knows you’ll never get the future you wanted together.

Your breath hitches, and your chest tightens. Your vision is getting hazier with every passing second; your breathing is getting shallow, and you know you couldn’t say a word even if you tried. You brush your fingers, trembling, against Neji’s, and his gaze softens.

Thank you, you want to tell him. Your chest burns, and your heartbeat is beginning to slow in your ears. I love you.

And I’m sorry for everything.

And you hope he knows.

(zero.)

[kaweeella]

The Torment Doll

A fic series where the other members of Mankai experience the torment doll! If you have a suggestion for the next one, please let me know!!!

Warning for some mentions of blood (not anything all that serious)

~~~

“Watch it, Hack!”

“I’m trying but your stuff takes up so much space!”

“Next play you’re wearing a trash bag!”

“Hey!”

The rest of the Summer Troupe watch as the two fight. Muku is cowering with Kumon comforting him. Kazunari and Misumi just watch. They tried to intervene to no avail. Their argument is more heated than any others they had. It’s understandable, they’re stressed. 

Yuki’s designing some costumes for one of Tenma’s productions. They were scouted specifically. The director had seen and loved their previous works. It’s not surprising, they’re talented.

But now?

“Stop doing that, damnit!”

Now they’ve been at each other's throats worse than ever.

“Hey guys…” Kazunari starts in another attempt to defuse the situation. Another futile attempt.

“I have your measurements already so go bother someone else.”

“Fine! I didn’t wanna be here anyway.” He turns to leave.

“Tenma!” Muku tries to get his attention. He doesn’t and so Tenma trips on a spool and falls. Like just about any person who’s falling, he reaches out to grab something. That something is one of Yuki’s dresses. The dress does not help.

Everyone can almost feel the pit in their stomachs as they hear the tear in the fabric.

Yuki stands there blankly as Tenma gets back up, seeing what he did.

“Yuki I’m-”

“Get out.”

“I really didn’t-”

“I said get out!”

Tenma hurries out the door. The rest of the Summer Troupe watch. Muku hides behind Kumon, who’s still trying to help. Misumi shrinks back a little.

Yuki’s gaze snaps over to them, giving their cue to leave the practice-turned-design room as well.

Tenma sighs as he enters the living room, everyone looking at him.

“What?”

“Dude, we could hear the screaming from in here.” Banri says. “What happened?”

“He’s just being dramatic.” Guilt runs over Tenma. He knows that’s not true. Yuki works so hard on his outfits and to see one ruined… Tenma feels bad. But Yuki kicked him out before he could explain himself or even apologize, and this all is as important to Tenma as it is to him.

“So we should just ignore the loud threats of violence?” Itaru says.

“It’s not good to bitter like that.” Citron says, looking concerned.

“Bicker,” Tasuku corrects. “And he’s right. The Winter Troupe couldn’t perform at our best until we were all on the same page.”

“But we’re not the Winter Troupe, we’ve always fought and we’ve done just fine.”

“Maybe you’ve managed in the past, but it’s clearly gotten worse.”

“Whatever.” Tenma leaves and heads to his room. He’s going to have to deal with Yuki eventually. Even if they weren’t roommates, hell, even if they weren’t in the same troupe. They have to interact at some point.

Tenma thinks about that as he ascends the stairs, not seeing the little blue plushie on one of the steps. He steps on it, loses balance, falls, and hits his nose.

“Woah Tenten, are you alright?” Kazunari asks, going up to look him over. His nose is bruised, bent and bleeding.

“Ow.” He groans as he readjusts himself to a sitting position. “What is this?” He picks up what stepped on. A little blue plush doll.

“I don’t know, but I think Sumi might like it ‘cause it looks like a cat.” Kazunari pauses, thinking. “Or maybe Yukki.”

Tenma sighs when he hears his name. “I just wish… I just wish I could talk to him. It’s so difficult though.” After he says that, there’s a flash of light. “What was that?”

“I dunno, but let’s get your nose looked at.”

“I’m no doctor,” Omi starts, inspecting him, “But I’ve seen a couple of broken noses, and it looks pretty broken.”

“Great.” Tenma sighs. “Just another problem on the pile.”

“Here, I might be able to help, but it’s going to hurt.”

“It already hurts. Whatever it is has to be better than this.”

“If you're sure.” Omi grabs it and jerks it back into place. Tenma doubles over in pain. “Yeah that happens. It should start getting better in a few days.”

Great.

Tenma trudges up to his room. He sees the doll, still on the stairs. A few steps above it are stained with his blood. He only just found this thing and it’s already caused him so much trouble. And it’s gonna cause him so much more. But he doesn’t know that yet. He tosses it over the banister and goes up to his room.

It takes a while to get to sleep, with all the stress and pain. He does eventually but the entire time Yuki never comes back to the room.

~~~

After Yuki kicks them all out, he quickly goes to mend the dress. He can feel tears forming in his eyes, though he quickly wipes them away. Crying won’t help anything right now.

After some time Omi knocks and enters.

“Hey, you should get something to eat.”

“Not right now. Busy.”

“Is everything alright?” He gets a little closer.

“Peachy.”

“Well it’s just that we heard some commotion earlier, so we were worried.”

“Oh everything's just perfect.” Sarcasm heavy, he grits his teeth. “Just working my ass off for that stupid hack and his fucking movie and he goes and fucks it all up. I’m doing just fucking fine. I don’t know why anyone would think otherwise.”

“Yuki…”

“In fact I’m doing even better now that I don’t have an annoying asshole bitching constantly. No, I’m great.”

“You should really take a break.”

“I’m not doing anything until this shit is fixed.”

“Right, but you really should eat.”

“Later.”

“Okay.” Omi sighs before he leaves.

Yuki ends up not getting dinner. He ends up not leaving the room. He ends up not being able to fix it before his body gives out on him. He falls asleep kneeling by the mannequin.

But when he wakes up, he’s back in his room, on his bed, in his pajamas.

Tenma expects to wake up with the same pain he went to bed with, but that’s not the case. There isn’t any pain at all.

He sits up and rubs his nose. Not only is there no pain, there’s no swelling bruising or blood.

“What…” Yuki mumbles.

“When did you get here?”

“That’s what I’m wondering.” He hops down and sees something on the floor. “What’s this?” He holds up a blue plush doll.

“What?!” Tenma quickly jumps down and grabs it. “I thought I threw this thing away.”

“Well you clearly didn’t.”

“Yeah but I never brought it into the room.”

“Really? Then what’s it doing here?”

“I don’t know!”

They’re interrupted by a knock on the door. It’s the rest of the Summer Troupe.

“What are you guys doing here?” Tenma asks.

“Did you forget?” Kumon says. “We’re here to help out with your movie stuff!”

They’d done this yesterday. They went through intervals of helping Tenma rehearse to assisting Yuki.

“Come on guys!” Kazunari says.

Yuki sighs. He kicked them out, but thinking about it rationally he really could use their help. “Alright. Let’s go.”

Entering the practice room, three of them pause. It didn’t look like this yesterday. The dress isn’t ripped, but there’s… less of it. Yuki knows they made more progress yesterday.

“What happened?” Misumi is the first one to speak up.

“What do you mean?” Muku asks.

Yuki inspects the dress. “The rip’s gone, but so’s all the progress we made.”

“What are you talking about?” Kazunari goes to look at it too.

“How could you forget something like that?” Tenma says. “It just happened yesterday.”

Kumon thinks for a moment. “No, they look just like how we left them.”

“Hey, what did you two do yesterday after we left?” Misumi asks Yuki and Tenma.

“I spent all night fixing the dress.”

“Well I went up to be, but I tripped on this doll on the steps. It messed up my nose.”

“Really?” Kazunari asks. “But your nose looks fine.”

“I guess but- hey you were there for that!”

“I was?”

“What does the doll look like?”

“Uh, it’s blue and plush and looks a little bit like a cat, according to Kazunari.”

“The torment doll!”

“The what?” Kazunari has never been more confused.

“If you two don’t make up, you’ll be stuck in a time loop!”

“Wait if it’s just the two of us then how do you know?” Tenma has been more confused. Not by a lot but still.

“I just don’t question the Trianglien anymore.”

“So the days will continue to repeat until they make up?” Muku asks.

“Yeah. Tsumugi and Tasuku went through the same thing when they first got here, though I noticed right away because that day I went triangle hunting and I noticed them disappear.”

“But since you didn’t get to go triangle hunting you only noticed when we came in?” Yuki will never understand that man, though he supposes there are some things not meant to be understood.

“Right!”

“Well I hope you’re not expecting this to end soon. I’m not forgiving that hack for fucking up the dress. I spent all day and still couldn’t get it fixed.”

It’s true. Time and time again they burst out of their room in an argument, Misumi the only other one who understands.

One day they enter the living room whilst fighting.

“You guys! Bittering solves nothing!”

“Yeah, and your bickering is distracting… damnit.” Itaru swears at his handheld.

“Hell yeah.” Banri gloats, hardly paying them any mind.

“Why are you arguing so early anyway?” Tasuku enters behind them.

“The hack keeps messing everything up!”

“Cry me a river.”

“Oh my god, how about you just break your nose again!”

“You broke your nose?” Banri looks up.

“There was this doll on the stairs, that’s not important right now.”

Suddenly everyone’s phones buzz.

“The girls are fighting.” Itaru sent in the group chat.

“Dude.” Banri looks at him. “Poor timing.”

“Whoops.”

Misumi drops from who knows where.

“Guuuys… you need to stop fighting! This’ll never stop ‘til you make up!”

Tasuku pauses for a moment. “Have you guys got the torment doll?”

“Yeah, and the name doesn’t lie. This has been hell.” Yuki crosses his arms and pouts.

“Oh yeah, Misumi mentioned you and Tsumugi went through this too.”

“The what?” Itaru asks for those in the room out of the loop.

“He’s right,” Tasuku ignores them. “We couldn’t perform at our best until we got on the same page.”

“But we’re not you!” Out of all the repeated days, this one gives Tenma the most deja vu. “We’ve always argued and things still worked out.”

“Maybe it’s worked before, but it’s clearly caught up to you.”

Tenma groans. “I know, I know! I just don’t know how-”

“You can make up for all the lost progress by fixing the dress yourself!”

“I don’t know how to sew!”

They go on like this all day. The next day, Tenma has an idea.

“What if we just avoid each other all day?”

“Are you stupid? It’ll only stop when we make up.”

“I know, but just talking hasn’t helped anything. In fact I think it’s just made it worse. If we take some time apart to cool off we can talk with level heads.”

“That… is a pretty good idea.”

“Right. You work on the costumes in the practice room and I’ll rehearse in here.”

Yuki grabs what he needs and heads downstairs. Before the practice room, he goes to room 105.

“Taichi.” He enters the room, almost taking the door off the hinges. “You’re helping.”

Taichi didn’t waste any time getting up and following Yuki to the practice room. He knows the consequences of doing that on a normal occasion, and he knows this is a big deal.

The two sew in relative silence for a while, Yuki occasionally swearing when he pricks his finger.

“Is everything okay?” Taichi asks after a while.

“Peachy.”

“Oh, well, it’s just that…” He thinks over his words. “You seem really upset.”

“What gave you that idea?”

“The way you barged into my room, your tone, and you’re making quite a few mistakes.”

“I was being sarcastic, dumbass.” Yuki sighs. “But yeah. I’m in a bad mood. Get the kid a prize.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Tenma and I have been fighting and before you say it I know we fight a lot but this one… this one got more intense.” Yuki’s sewing quickens and grows more intense. “We were already on edge and then he fucked up one of the costumes.”

“Yuki-”

“And maybe I was overreacting, but this shit’s a big deal and he knew how important this all is.”

“You-”

“Son of a bitch didn’t even help in the first place. He just kept getting in the way.”

“Um-”

“And he has the gall to try and say it’s my fault- shit!” His sewing kept growing more and more sporadic, not only stabbing himself hard but messing up the stitches.

“Are you okay?!”

He’s not focused on his finger. He’s focused on the costume, now spotted with blood and bunching up a little.

~~~

Tenma goes over his lines for a while in his room. It’s not good. He can hardly focus. He keeps stumbling over his words.

After some time, he hears a knock on the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Tasuku.”

“Come in.” He sighs and drops his script.

“Are you okay? You haven’t left your room all day.”

“Yeah, just practicing.”

“I thought the rest of the Summer Troupe were helping you and Yuki in the practice room?”

“There’s been a change of plans.”

“What happened?”

“Me and Yuki got into a fight and I accidentally messed up one of the costumes and he got angry at me. I tried to say sorry but he just wouldn’t listen.”

He thinks for a moment. “I understand this can be frustrating, but just think about what Yuki went through in that moment. Something he worked so hard on, something that he loves doing so much and is the opportunity of a lifetime, ruined just like” He snaps. “That. From what you’ve said he’s definitely still partially at fault but can you really blame him for being upset?”

“No.” He sighs.

“You really should make up. You can’t-”

“I know, I know. We can’t perform at our best until we’re on the same page.”

“Precisely.”

“I’m trying. Trust me I’m trying.”

“Right. Well, I’ll be leaving now then. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Tenma’s left to think for a while. He can’t blame Yuki for being upset. Hell, he didn’t really entirely blame him when all of this started.

Yuki enters the room quickly.

“Yuki I-” He holds up a bandaged finger.

“We will not be discussing anything until tomorrow.”

And so they didn't; they didn’t talk about it until the next day, which technically is the same day.

“Alright.” Yuki hops down. “Now let’s talk.”

“Why couldn’t we talk yesterday?”

“I messed up one of the costumes and it would take too long to start over.” Yuki rubs his previously bandaged finger.

“Right, well.” Here goes nothing. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t take into account how big of a deal this is for you and how much time, care, and effort go into your costumes. I understand now why you were so upset.”

“Thanks, Hack.”

“You can’t even drop the insult for this?!”

“No.” He takes a deep breath. “But I’m sorry too. You were trying to apologize and I still freaked. I was upset and you’re right, it’s a big deal and I’ve been on edge the whole time, but that doesn’t mean I should have taken that out on you. And thank you for the apology. I accept it.”

“I accept yours too.” Tenma slimes. “Well, let’s get to it.”

The two of them knock on room 203. Inside the rest of the Summer Troupe are playing cards.

“Did you guys make up?”

“They were fighting?” Kumon asks.

“Yeah.” Yuki says, before putting his hand on his hips. “Now are you guys gonna help or what?”

“Misumi said there was a change of plans.” Kazunari sets down his cards.

“Well not anymore.”

The six of them head down to the practice room. They move around some of Yuki’s stuff to give Tenma more room and Tenma makes sure to not bump into Yuki’s things.

They’ll still have arguments. That’s just how things go. But now they understand each other a little better.

[yourdesertsunflower]

Boruto did a disservice to Temari

Sorry, in anticipation I warn you, this will be long. 

Okay, okay. I love Temari. She is my favorite kunoichi, I love each and everyone of her appearances in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, I watched all filler that she was on, and I even have her on my avatar. So, yes, this by no means is to hate on the character but to actually show how Boruto writers completely misunderstood her. 

I’ll always love her character, but I got to admit I am not okay at all with somethings they are making her do in the Boruto’s anime. And no, it’s not because she moved to Konoha, or decided to take mainly the role a housewife (a bloody difficult job if you ask me) because I frankly couldn’t care less of any of that if she is happy. I really think that Shikamaru and Shikadai make her genuinely happy and that’s all I want for her. She had went from so much shit that I only want to see her feeling value and loved, that’s the least she deserves and her husband and son give her that. 

The problem is that, in most of her characterization in Boruto, I hardly see that Temari we got to know and love in the anime and manga of Naruto. Now when we get to see her in her recurring role in Boruto she is capitalized by her writers as a joke of the “crazy wife and mother that would rather hit you with your fan than having a civilized talk and will be angry twenty-four seven with no apparent reason.” 

And that, my friends, is not Temari. At least not the Temari I grew to love in Naruto.

Through this post I’ll try to explain why I think that that portrayal of the abusive housewife and mother that they give her in most of Nara Family moments in the Boruto manga, and specially the anime, is (in point of view) completely mislead. It had become clear to me, through my time watching the show, that Boruto writers are clearly not even trying to understand Temari’s character and how they are using her as a recurring joke rather than considering her as a real three-dimensional character. And I despise them for that same reason. 

So, without more vacillation, I’ll get started. 

1. Who is Temari?

Before venturing into everything that is wrong about the characterization of Temari in Boruto and trying to pin point when this actually started to happen, I would like to see deeper into Temari’s character. I think it’s only wby understanding her character previously from Boruto that we will actually understand how inconsistent is her writing in the show. 

I decided to base my analysis of Temari’s character in the Naruto series in two key aspects: an overarching analysis of Temari’s character profile using the Myres Briggs Personality Types and the Enneagram and in pin-pointing will pin point some specific moments of characterization in the manga of Naruto that show her character. 

Before starting with the analysis, I want to be clear about why I use the Myers Briggs Personality Types and the Enneagram in my analysis of Temari. I really don’t usually tend to care for the function of neither of those test in real life (if you do I am perfectly fine with it, it’s just something I don’t do myself) but I think they can be great tools for any author to understand better the behavior, desires and motivations behind their characters. I personally do this in my work and I highly recommend it for any other writer out there. 

Remember, this is my own personal analysis and I’ll tell you when my opinion differs from the majority, I’ll justify everything said in my analysis, and I’ll leave links to every info that I give you. 

Well, speaking specifically about Temari. Who is she? What she wants? Why she wants it? What she’ll do to achieve it? What she really needs? Which is her fear?

This between others are questions that any author or actor has to ask themselves when they are writing their characters. It’s a question of giving the character depth, making it seem “like a living breathing human-being.” 

Kishimoto state it in the most bluntly, yet efficient ways, when he presented Team Seven by making Kakashi ask them about their likes, dislikes and dreams. Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke’s response reflect all this questions even though they are not saying it directly. I won’t analyse this respective scene, because if not this will be really long, but I promise to do it sometime in the future. 

Well using the Myers Briggs Personality and Enneagram Test we can get to full-picture of these questions. Myers Briggs Personality test will tell us who the character is in it’s core; how they’ll behave, how they’ll face a situation and their outllook of life. The Enneagram on the other side show us their wants and needs, what they long to archieve and their fears. 

In the case of Temari I would classify her as an ENTJ but,her most common classification is ESTJ and a 8w9 as her Enneagram. If you want me to explain why I think she is an ENTJ an not a ESTJ (thoiugh I’ll construct my case over ESTJ) just ask for it cause I’ll be more than happy to do it. But for now, and in order not to make it way longer than it will already be I’ll focus on Te (Extraverted Thinking) and Fi (Introverted Feelings) both functions that both types share as their primary and inferior function respectively and will be key for my analysis.

Source Temari’s Personal Database

(If you want to understand the differences between ESTJs and ENTJs here is a good tumblr source that explains everything quite complete yet quite simply explained)

Let’s go first with the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator)

What means to have Te as a primary function and Fi as in inferior function?

Te as a Primary Function (Extroverted Thinking): Think of your primary function as your strongest suit, things you are good at. Dominant Extroverted Thinkers tend to be logical, objective and fair. They are very organized and try to arrange the real world to suit their needs. 

Strives to bring order, control, and rationality to the systems and operations of the outside world.Evidence: Temari is able to rationalize situations and access their pros and cons quite easily. This is showing in the flashback where she doubts of the productivity of the Konoha Crush since she maintained that there alliance with Konoha was much more valuable any they could gain from the attack. 

Insists on objective standards and measurable goals. Evidence: She is prone to be involved in and thinks in things as if they were projects like the preparations of the Chunin Exam, the Allied Shinobi Forces, etc. (see the image of the Fourth Databook)

Tendency to quickly express their judgments and opinion, to literally think (i.e., make judgments, conclusions, and decisions) aloud. Evidence: In her match against Shikamaru she was pretty quick in express her analysis of his movements aloud. 

Speak before they listen which can either make them strong and courageous leaders or seem abrasive, dogmatic, or controlling. Evidence: Temari asserted a leadership position within her village and also within the Allied Shinobi forces (despite not being strictly one) showing us her natural inclination to take charge. 

Source of the Image

Prone to overstating things. Evidence: In her fight against Shikamaru thinking she knew all the extent of his technique. 

They may say things that, in retrospect, they wish they could rescind, or at least soften (specially true for hypersensitive Fi), which can lead them to respond defensively or re-actively. Evidence: Sasuke Retrieval Arc, Temari’s expression as Shikaku reprimanded his son. Konoha Hiden, Temari feels ashamed about what happened the 

Fi as a Inferior Funtion (Introverted Feeling): Inferior Function is that thing that we often push aside the most and find most difficult to fully grasp. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t play a key role in our behavior. People with Fi are driven by an internal moral compass, helping them adjust their actions in order that what they are doing helps or affects people in a meaningful way. This gives them a sense of loyalty to those around them, considering the wants and needs of those close to them.    

Loyalty and dutiful nature due to a well constructed inner moral compass. Evidence: Fierce sense of loyalty to her village and her moral and ethical duty towards it.

Not prone to display emotions, may see them as a weakness.Evidence: The famous, “Had you received emotional training?” after the failed mission against Sasuke.

If taken to their worst they can have an all-or-nothing nature, this is neutralized when more “healthy” and less hypersensitive their Fi is. Evidence: Her whole fight against Tenten. She should to be someone strong, determined, disciplined with a strong chracter that will never let anyone mock her.

Image Source

Strong sense of inner control reached by vigorously working to control the outside world. The only way they can feel in control of themselves is by taking control of their surroundings. Evidence: How she managed to control the situation when Shikamaru was trying to ask her out on a date, her reasoning during their Chuinin Exams fight. 

Fi might also inspire them to take up causes that have personally affected them, ingrained on a deep fear of being a bad person or having corrupted moral. Evidence: Given her participation in the Konoha Crush Temari is one of the main actors to amend the relationship between Konoha and Suna in the time skip. Also she wants to archive a peace she never had due to her childhood as a Gaara’s sister and Rasa’s daughter, shown in her important participation in the Shinobi Alliance. Her deep care for both of her brothers given their mother’s death and she taking a position of caretaker within the family on an unconscious level. 

Unconscious yet particular empathy and concern for children, often finding great fulfillment in having and caring for children. Evidence: In Part I, after the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, The Sand Siblings stay in Konoha to help at the Academy. Temari reveals to Shikamaru that she had done it because she was fond of it. Children seem to really respect and admire her. 

Source MBTI 

Enneagram: 8w9 (The Diplomat)

Basic Fear

Eights with a nine wing fear being hurt by others. They avoid situations in which they have less control, generally preferring to be in positions of leadership.

Basic Desire

Their basic desire is to guard themselves against threats and control their own destiny. They may express this by asserting independence at a young age.

Hence Diplomats (8w9) defend themselves by building emotional walls and denying vulnerability. They seek to appear strong, subconsciously believing that being too emotional will make them seem weak (Haven’t you received emotional training?). They,

Dislike taking orders from other people

Though they are certainly not the most chill of all types the most calm and laid-back of the eights. 

Struggle to openly share emotions

Fear being controlled by others

Seek autonomy and independence. 

At their best diplomats use their wit and ability to see different perspectives to face different projects. Their naturally energetic and confident persona make of them people that can lead others effectively, through support and guidance. They have a talent to give others what they need, and are empowering and advocating for others. They feel a need to protect the ones they love and enjoy their-selves the most when they are surrounded by these people. 

Image Source

At their worst diplomats, given their struggle to control their temper and their tendencies to be stubborn or rigid can enter excessively in conflict or disagreement or directly reject and dismiss others. They struggle to face emotionally vulnerable situations due to their sense of lack of inner control with can make them seems overly confident or emotionally detached. They also can develop a dislike for rules from authority figures. 

Image Source

The best way to communicate with a 8w9 is to be direct and straightforward, while encouraging them to share their ideas. If conflict arises it’s better to address conflict directly and logically; discuss and work together toward the best solution.

Source of Enneagram 8w9 

Conclusion

For that we have seen through this analysis some key things about Temari. 

She is quite a direct and logical and rational individual who values to get things done in the outside world. 

She has leadership skills, given their courageous and confident attitude, but can also come up a abrasive or controlling. 

Tend to overstate things and may say or do things that they, later on, wish they could soften. 

Is incredibly loyal to her set of values and those around her and tends to involve personally with the things she works on. 

She tends to want to have a control of the outside world and her worst fear is to loose it, cause is in the only way she can feel in control of herself. 

She wants independence cause that is the way she can feel in control of herself. Therefore she tends to leave emotions on one side, they are less controllable cause they are in her inner world, and focus her energies on the outside (rational) world.  

2.  Shikamaru and Konoha Hiden: The Beginning of Everything.  

I can begin to trace the disservice towards Temari in this point in time, in the anime’s adaptation of her character from the light novels. From here we can begin to see how they are starting to tweak Temari’s character (in a way that’s unfair and clearly not coherent) to fit her into the mold of the angry or crazy girlfriend/wife though with moderation. 

Why? Why, do you have to adapt an moment like this...

Clutching his back, Shikamaru turned his eyes toward the voice.

A woman with a sharp gaze and golden hair tied into two bundles stood there, holding a giant fan in both hands. And that fan had no doubt created the wind that had knocked Shikamaru flying.

Temari...

"So you're just gonna skip out?! You're gonna do whatever he tells you to? That's not like you at all! I expect a lot more from you! Get it together, you idiot! I mean, I know you actually think this guy's boring! His stupid lecture's total  garbage! Am I right? Say something! Shikamaru!"

His ears, now accustomed to Gengo's weighty tone, took in the screeching, loud voice, and his eyes flickered with pain. "Ah!"

The haze blanketing his head vanished cleanly and completely. The thing squeezing his heart was gone; it was as if a hole had popped open in his chest. 

But it felt amazingly good. He inhaled deeply, down to the bottom of his stomach, and slowly let it out. A laugh naturally followed.

A single blow to pull him out of the genjutsu...

"So you show up out of nowhere to badmouth me?" He put a hand on the back of his head, eyes fixed on Temari as he stood up.

"I came to save you. Quit grumbling and thank me." She rammed the end of the folding fan into the ground, rested her right elbow on the pivot, and puffed her chest out. Behind her stood a line of ninja. They all had the mark of Sunagakure carved into their forehead protectors. 

"I can't exactly go letting you die now, can I?" She grinned.

Her smile, glittering like the fire of the desert sun, cleared Shikamaru's heart. Her earlier words came back to life in his head.

Source: Naruto: Shikamaru Hiden - A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darknes (2015) by Masashi Kishimoto, Takashi Yano 

as this?

I know this may be completely unpopular but, hey I am here to say what I think. You can always count that’ll be honest. And I don’t like this. 

This in my opinion this is not female empowerment, this is not funny and this is not Temari reacting naturally to the situation she is involved in. Is just simply her hitting Shikamaru with no reason at all. 

In the novel, as we have seen, Temari lectured him (oh, boy did she lectured him just rightly). She basically made her come into his senses using logic and reason, using words, the same through which Gengo almost defeat him. And that is Temari, she may not be the best at expressing her emotions but when conflict arises she address conflict directly and logically. She explains, in a way that yes may seem imposing for others, but that always uses Te (extroverted thinking) as her main weapon. 

Temari would never make someone come to his senses by a love declaration but she wouldn’t slap him on his face either. 

Temari does this because, although Shikamaru hurt her, Shikamaru is someone dear to her and she knows that he needs of a little bit of tough love in order to function. This is Temari’s way of being empowering and advocating for others.

And you may be asking. But hey, Temari had already slapped Shikamaru before and you didn’t say nothing about that moment? Yes she did, but that moment was intrinsically different to this second one. 

This slap...

It’s justified in Temari’s character. Maybe it’s not the best thing she could do, nor what I pictured her to do, but is not that detached with the situation. 

Let’s see another extract of the Light Novel to understand better the context:

"Oil" A voice called to Shikamaru from behind.

He clicked his tongue imperceptibly. The voice belonged to the person he least wanted to speak with at that moment. Ignoring it, he kept moving forward.

"Shikamaru, hold up!" The voice beat at his back, threatening to send him flying.

"What?" He turned just his head to look at the woman over his shoulder.

Temari from Sunagakure. Her hair was shorter now than it had been two years ago, and she had pulled it back into two bundles on either side of her head. Her eyes were gentler now than they had been, set in a fairly adult looking face. But given that she was older than Shikamaru, her face didn't just look grown-up; she was actually already a very fine adult.

"What's going on with you?" She stared at Shikamaru with eyes that drooped somewhat more than they used to. 

"What do you mean?"

"You've been weird lately." Temari's slender hand reached out to Shikamaru's shoulder and pulled him around to face her.

What a drag... The words made it all the way to his throat before he managed to desperately swallow them back down.

"I mean your attitude at the meeting there. You just sit there with your mouth shut. Everyone gets nervous; the whole place tenses up, you know."

"It does?"

"You didn't notice it?" Temari's eyes grew wide. "What happened?"

"Nothing."

"It's something you can't talk to me about?" Temari's hard gaze hurt.

In the two years since the Great War ended, Temari had been a good and understanding partner in their work on the alliance. She shared his desire to keep the shinobi from fracturing into factions once more after they had finally come together in the face of a powerful enemy. She had rallied the Allied Forces with him. The strong bond between Naruto, seen as a candidate for the next Hokage of Konoha, and Gaara, the Kazekage of Sunagakure, also played a part; the relationship between the two villages was extremely good, even among the five great nations. With these kinds of outside factors also at work, Shikamaru and Temari each recognized the other as their greatest ally in the alliance.

"Something's happening in Konoha." She had fairly good insight.

However, her shot was a little off. Nothing was happening in Konoha, although it was true that they were trying to take care of the situation with only the shinobi of Konoha. So Temari was half-right, half-wrong.

The basic policy of the alliance was that matters relating to the life or death of shinobi themselves exceeded the framework of the villages and should be shared with the entire group. What Shikamaru and Kakashi were attempting to do was in very clear violation of this policy. Even so, he couldn't say anything. Getting the alliance involved now and stirring up trouble with the Land of Silence was not a good plan.

I'll handle it... His resolve hardened.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"There's not."

Temari dropped her eyes at Shikamaru's curt reply. "Okay," she muttered, lifelessly. In the next instant, the brief look of sadness on her face changed to anger.

It was all he could do to take a breath. He had no room to dodge; before he knew it, Shikamaru was flying. He tumbled down the hall a few times before ending up on his backside in a seated position. The right side of his face swelled up, bright red. Stroking his hot cheek, Shikamaru looked up at an indignant Temari glaring down at him.

"I never actually thought I could've misjudged you so badly!" Her angry yell turned into a powerful wind, pushing up against his face.

"I-I'm sorry..." The words were unconscious. He unthinkingly took on the persona of his father stumbling home in the morning, only to get yelled at by his mother in the entryway.

Taking long strides, Temari passed by Shikamaru and disappeared, her eyes slightly damp.

Source: Naruto: Shikamaru Hiden - A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darknes (2015) by Masashi Kishimoto, Takashi Yano

We see a Temari that is continuously trying to reach someone who she had become closed to and with whom she had worked side by side since the war ended two years ago. Someone who she thought trusted her. The slap is given her sadness with ended up being represented in anger (inferior Fi). She had a real reason to be sad: Temari isn’t someone who lightly trust or cares about someone and Shikamaru was just closing the door to her. Saying that he didn’t need her. And there’s nothing that Temari wants more than feeling need, something that is evidence in her Tsukuyomi Dream, which may not be canon, but yet captured Temari’s character. 

Not only that but, as we said, Temari’s basic fear was to be hurt by others. That’s why she usually has that overly confident and seemingly emotionally detached attitude. And once she left her guard down she was hurt by non other than a person she hold dear, which we have seen ain’t an easy point to reach with someone with Temari’s personality. Given her “all or nothing” outlook this might be a really bad wound for her, like if he was back-stabbing her. 

That’s why "I never actually thought I could've misjudged you so badly!" and Temari’s cry really is so important. It shows she’s truly hurt. It justifies her punch, no. But it explains it. (I won’t lie, I also wanted give Shikamaru a good punch when I read this)

Also this moment wasn’t exactly the best adapted sequence but it’s much better than the previous one and with the right context it all comes quite justified. 

You could also say that there was also that one time were Temari hits Shikamaru with her fan after she realizes in the Konoha Hiden that Shikamaru and her were actually searching for a wedding gift for Naruto and Hinata, 

“Hmm, so that’s what it all was....” She said, smiling peacefully.

“No, hold on ...Ah!!” Shikamaru inadvertently let out an exclamation.

It was possible that Temari’s misunderstanding had been- “Hey, oi ...You couldn’t have thought that, right.”

When he said that, for some reason, Temari silently took her tessen off her back, holding it in her hand.

“H-hey...what is it?” He asked. “Why’re you suddenly taking that out...? Wh- what’s up with your chakra...?!”

Temari grinned affectionately at him.

Shikamaru was captivated by the sight, and found a smile forming on his face, too.

Smiling at each other like that, they looked like the very picture of an intimate pair of lovers.

That night in Konoha...

One sudden, out-of-season gale swept over Konoha’s hot springs, and lasted the entirety of the night. The residents and tourists spent the whole night awake, too frightened to sleep...

Source: Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding (2015) by Masashi Kishimoto and Shō Hinata

And I agree I am not saying this is fine either (though there isn’t that much of an explicit but an implicit hit), but is also something Temari shows to be sorry and ashamed about later in the story. Even though she is prideful and won’t be able to admit it she finally does. Because at the end of the day Temari is a lover and fighter but, even though she won’t admit it, will love rather than fight. 

Besides the context in here is different. They had already went on a date and could almost be consider a couple. I had already posted a quote were Ino and Sakura talked about Shikamaru and Temari’s relationship. It was obvious there was something going on for months (If you want to get to know better you can see the time line). It wasn’t that far-fetched to understand the situation as Temari, someone who’s pretty direct, was interpreting them. 

It’s something through which they both learn and grew together. Shikamaru will never be as frontal as she might want to but he is willing to give it a try for her and she is willing to try to understand what is going in his mind. 

Also I think that this novels suffered of having different writers so it sometimes feels as the story unnecessarily regresses. Kishimoto only illustrates the stories and this becomes pretty showing. However and despite I don’t enjoy Temari hitting Shikamaru, the novels itself aren’t that detached from Temari’s character. The soul of her character is still there.

But are these slight changes in the anime showed us the way that they were trying to head Temari’s character in Boruto, changes that as we had seen during her analysis don’t seem to fit rightly her character. Specially in Perriots adaptation of the manga we see a deep misunderstanding of Temari, from her behaviour to her wants and feelings. Unluckily, the worst was yet to come. 

3. Boruto: Why did they did this? 

Well, here is what triggered this whole post. Temari’s portrayal in Boruto. And I got to say one thing before starting with this analysis. I really like some scenes of Temari in Boruto. 

To see her in action, training with the new generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho and protecting her son were fairly enjoyable but, more importantly, are congruent with her character. It’s her more domestic scenes which I tend to dislike a lot.

I consider than in this scenes they depict Temari as an angry housewife and an aggressive mother which, in my opinion, are the greatest disservice to Temari’s character. Maybe I am the only one that thinks this, but (as I said previously) I don’t find them funny nor that they depict Temari correctly, serve a motif in the narrative or serve any agenda. They are simply treated as comic relief. 

This is truly hurting for someone that is not only a Temari fan but a ShikaTema shipper since they transformed a relationship that was based on mutual trust, respect and communication above anything else into this dynamic we see in Boruto. 

And I have to hypothesize why they made Temari do this I would have two main factors: 

Lazy Writing and Appeal to Nostalgia: All Nara men marry to troublesome woman so they found in this moments a cheep way to remind the audience constantly that Temari is troublesome and therefore be able to make easy correlations to Shikaku’s relationship with Yoshino. 

The Tsundere Trend: Maybe this is me overthinking a little bit too much (but when I don’t)  but the Tsundere one of the most capitalized dere types in anime. People seem to love them in a way I don’t fully understand. Having a woman inflict danger to his partner is the most easy way to scream “tsundere” maybe not the best but an easy one. Mind that when we speak about a tsundere I mean: 

A stock love interest who is usually stern, cold or hostile to the person they like, while occasionally letting slip the warm and loving feelings hidden inside due to being shy, nervous, insecure or simply unable to help acting badly in front of the person they like.

The Japanese term tsundere refers to an outwardly violent character who "runs hot and cold", alternating between two distinct moods: tsuntsun (aloof or irritable) and deredere (lovestruck).

Tsundere Source

Funny enough I never saw Temari as a Tsundere. I would never say, from the manga, that Temari ‘runs hot and cold.’ Yes, you don’t want to mess up with her when she is angry but it’s not like this happen often in the manga. 

The only time I consider we have seen Temari go angry pretty quickly (in Naruto) was in her match with Shikamaru when he said that he wouldn’t be defeated by a woman. But I think we can’t apply one situation to larger and broader spectrum. That was in the middle of a fight and, as I explained in a previous post of mine,  there were much more other things involved in the context of the manga/anime at that point in time. 

I have always consider Temari someone who was deep in control of herself and her emotions, capable of displaying what she wants to show when she wants. This is because of her own basic fear of being hurt, hence she only shows this emotions when she is either, truly hurt, angry or when she trust enough the other person. 

That’s why is so important that the only times we have seen Temari fully displaying this emotions were around Shikamaru or her brothers. 

I don’t like that much dere types but, if I had to chose one, her sarcastic humor and realistic outlook of life, always seemed more alike to the profile of a hinedere

The hinedere is a sarcastic, cynical person who always looks to the darker, more realistic side of things and is very quick to reveal that to other characters. They tend to be arrogant and cold-hearted however, the hinedere will have a soft spot for their love interest and will reluctantly but reliably do anything for them.

Hinedere Source 

This dere type may not be as popular but, I think, fits much more her personality all through Naruto. However, that’s a personal opinion and no falling into a dere type should, if it’s understood correctly, disrupt the core character. 

Okay so, they wanted to make Temari fall into this direction but... Why isn’t this her? Well that’s the following point. 

4. Why this isn’t Temari?

Temari at the beginning of Naruto is someone that thinks that life is like in the dessert: everything is though and hard and only the fittest are meant to survive. Anything or anyone that shows her weakness is naturally inferior or undesirable. That is her outlook of life: you have to be pragmatic, logic and strong if you want to continue fighting another day. The weak are naturally destined to loose, and hence she doesn’t care to be the one to destroy them since it’s only when you impose fear that you’ll be actually able to survive. 

That ideology, she had learn all through her childhood, translates in her battle against Tenten and began to be challenged in her battle against Shikamaru. At the end we see a Temari that, despite being born to fight, develops as a character chooses to dedicate her life to the search of peace in order to protect those weaker ones that she once loathed. That’s why she is an incredible ambassador for Suna and good adviser of Gaara: she yet has that pragmatic, logical and sometimes cynical point of view but that contrast with the idealism of her brother and helps them to balance each other out. She is highly loyal and I am sure she’ll do anything for her family and to protect that peace she found in it. 

Hence, I always find it pretty hard to believe that Temari would rather take her fan and hit someone before having a reasonable, direct and straightforward conversation. 

Even, before her evolution, we see that Temari is much less willing to enter a unreasonable and violent dispute than her brothers and that is what, in the first instances sets her apart from them. 

When Temari first hits the scene just before the start of the Chunin Exams, by mere virtue of the fact that the group that she’s with is intimidating, she becomes a bit scary herself, but she shows to be different than both of them. 

Kankuro comes off as the tough, scary guy who you don’t want to mess with only to be swiftly upstaged by the seriously blood-chilling Gaara.

(Sorry for the image in spanish but basically Temari is telling Kankuro to leave Konohamaru alone and to not involve her in his actions) 

Temari, on the other hand, stands by coolly, occasionally offering her brothers warnings or plays referee. Her sit-back-and-bide-her-time attitude makes her look like the most stable of the three in comparison; Kankuro picks a pointless fight with a kid and Gaara ends up looking psychopathic. 

Temari’s rational and cool behavior also pays testament to what readers later see are some of her major strengths which keeps repeating itself through the manga, in the Forest of Death during The Chunin Exams and in The Five Kages’s Summit it was Temari who during tense times was able to cool them up. 

(Temari asking Gaara to calm down during the second stage of the Chunin Exams)

However, I got to admit that Temari isn’t a saint. She has a sharp tongue and she is straight foward and direct what, as we said before may lead to her to say things that, in retrospect, they wish they could rescind, or at least soften, which can lead them to respond defensively or re-actively. 

Things like this we see them while she looks at Shikamaru after the failure of Sasuke’s Rescue Mission. Even when she had lectured Shikamaru she then looked at him as if she questioned if she had been to harsh on him. It was clear that she had misjudge him as she realized how much she cared for his friends. Or in the Konoha Hiden as, after having that little incident with Shikamaru she is nervous to see him again. 

Images Sources (Manga in Spanish)

That’s why I can’t imagine Temari simply hitting someone just for kicks. Is not like she can’t but that she doesn’t want or sees the appeal to do it. 

The is in a lot of senses the perfect kunoichi, disciplined, determined, strong and intelligent and will never let anyone mock her (that’s for sure). She is ruthless towards her opponents cause that is her way of approaching a rival but she will never be violent for violence’s sake. 

It’s not like we just attacked the Leaf Village for kicks, you know? We were following orders. That’s all, just like we’re doing on this mission.

Temari to Shikamaru during the Sasuke’s Retrieval Arc

But even less than this I imagine being violent towards people she appreciates and cares as Shikamaru and Shikadai. Yes, I think she would most likely express herself through some tough love, being strict with Shikadai and not letting Shikamaru just slack and complain about everything. But, never, ever, I imagined her being physically or verbally violent towards them without feeling any remorse. Cause she never was in Naruto. 

She was direct and honest, maybe a bit to much for people, but after her the Chunin Exams her character never showed to be like that to anyone. Even less towards Shikamaru.

You have the “crybaby” thing going on but I would rather think that of a positive rather than a negative aspect because of the way in which she says it. It shows their connection as individuals which is full of bickering and this back and forth of clever commentaries but that is build on common ground. You may not be the people that like these but that doesn’t mean that Shikamaru feel the same as you. 

If not he would never have this expression on this face...

Source Image

Temari is the one that trusted fully in him during war even to the point of considering him capable of being Hokage because “he has the power to reach/.sway away people’s hearts” and she wants to create a world of peace with him. Their relationship was about bringing out the best of each other not the worst, which doesn’t mean they don’t function like fully capable individuals without the other (cause they do) but that through their interactions they developed into better people. We are after all, social creatures and we need of others and the Sand Siblings are exemplary that that doesn’t make you weak but stronger. That you can change your preconceived notions of the world and learn from others, change for the better and use that strength protect instead to attack or seclude yourself. 

So why, if Temari was capable to reach a point where she was at her best, letting her fear to be hurt to fall, and use her naturally energetic and confident persona to lead others effectively, through support and guidance, Boruto writers tend to write her in her moments with Shikamaru at what would be her worst, struggling to control her temper and with her stubbornness and rigidness making her excessively enter in conflict or disagreement or directly reject and dismiss others?

This is a complete character regression for Temari. And I don’t mean that characters can’t have their moments, nor that Temari should be perfect, when they are at that stage. But that should be addressed in that manner and not as comic relief. 

In my opinion Temari had always a  talent to give Shikamaru what he needed, giving him some tough love when he needed but at the same time being empowering. 

"So you're just gonna skip out?! You're gonna do whatever he tells you to? That's not like you at all! I expect a lot more from you! Get it together, you idiot! I mean, I know you actually think this guy's boring! His stupid lecture's total  garbage! Am I right? Say something! Shikamaru!"

Source: Naruto: Shikamaru Hiden - A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness (2015) by Masashi Kishimoto, Takashi Yano

That’s why, with the clear feel and need to protect and be appreciated by the ones they love and enjoying herself the most when they are surrounded by them, I can’t really see Temari acting like this. 

5. PS: I still love you

This turned out to be really long so I won’t pull it any further. Just let me say this last words. 

I really like Temari, I really do, and in part a lot of my dislike of her portrayal in Boruto comes from that same factor. I truly think she is an amazing kunoichi and someone girls could look up to when watching Naruto, cause yes she had flaws, but this were addressed as such and were never used as comic relief. Besides, her good qualities and strengths quickly unnumbered her flaws: she was intelligent, strong, honest, disciplined, determined, dutiful, loyal and caring. Yes she might be prideful, overly confident, way to upfront and may not like to show that much her emotions but I don’t consider that this flaws could beat her logical and rational mindset that first matched her with characters like Shikamaru. 

Truly I think these scenes are a disservice towards my favorite female character of this whole manga and anime to the extent that if there was one thing I could change about the whole series would be this.

Temari wasn’t that much in the manga or in the anime but she was capable of leaving a palpable impression in me (to the extent that I wrote a +6.6k word essay about her, counting quotes and all) as well as in lots of other people. And that should tell you a lot about her as a character, a character that yes; could have been even better in terms of story and narrative than she was in the Naruto but that also certainly is much better than how they portray her in Boruto. 

[lifeistooshorttowasteyourtime]

Neji x (Y/N) - Part 10 * The end

Sypnosis: And in the end…

Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5 – Part 6 – Part 7 – Part 8 – Part 9

 Hinata sighed at the doorframe of Neji’s bedroom. She could only see his back, but his slumped shoulders gave away his mood.

“Brother” she called softly before approaching a bit to the bed “we have to go”.

Neji turned a bit his head to see that Hinata was already dressed in black. They had to go to the cemetery to play their respects to all the people who have lost their lives in the war.

“I’ll be in a minute” he murmured closing his eyes, he still had to finish dressing.

“Of course”.

Neji sighed tired, the war had ended two days before but he hadn’t rested, not even a bit. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her, and he wished he could picture her smile and giggle or the tender in her eyes, but he saw her next to him, deeply wounded but trying to be brave for him. The young man got up and got ready, but his eyes caught her ring. The wedding ring. He took it carefully and decided to put it through a leather lace that put around his neck, hiding it under his clothes.

The remain of the Hyuga clan marched all together to the cemetery were all Konoha was. Hinata stayed next to Neji, being a silent support that he appreciated although he couldn’t vocalize it yet. They greeted those who greeted them when they arrived and Naruto approached Hinata and Neji when he saw them. They didn’t say anything, they just nodded at each other and joined the rest of their friends.

“Hey, Neji” Rock Lee greeted, putting his hand on his shoulder “have you slept at all?”.

He shook his head and Tenten approached them “but are you eating? You have to take care of yourself after your wound. How is it?”.

“Sakura was highly effective in her work” he replied.

“You are still mad at her” Tenten mumbled sadly.

“I don’t think this is the place to talk about it, we are here to pay the respects of those who left us bravely”.

Neji went to stand next to Hiashi and the rest of the Hyuga clan. Hinata sighed and looked at Rock Lee and Tenten “I don’t know how to be there for him”.

“You are doing enough, Hinata” Rock Lee smiled at her slightly to comfort her.

The people of Konoha started to get around the new graves, ready to give their prayers to the souls of the lost lives.

Suddenly Neji felt something that made him look up with a frown. Hinata looked at him surprised by his movement that stood out between the heads down of all. Neji looked behind them to see someone in a wheelchair, helped by another figure. Neji mumbled something under his breath before getting out of the crowd and running to them “(Y/N), you should be at the hospital!!”.

Neji kneeled in front of his wife that smiled just a bit “I needed to be here to say goodbye”.

The man looked up at Sakura who looked guilty “we talked yesterday, she could use the fresh air and we would go back to the hospital as soon as the funeral ends”.

“Don’t get mad with her, it was my doing” (Y/N) said “and Lady Tsunade said I could do it”.

Neji just sighed and stood up to be the one who pushed the wheelchair “thank you, Sakura”.

“No worries” said with a small voice.

Before she pulled away completely, Neji stooped her talking again “I mean, thank you for what you did. I apologize for what I yelled at you back at the field, it wasn’t appropriate, you were doing your job”.

“I understand, Neji. You thought you were going to lose her” she looked down at (Y/N) who smiled at her “but I understood what it would be like if I didn’t do as she asked”.

“Good thing you are magnificent at your job” (Y/N) said taking Neji’s hand that was on her shoulder.

Sakura smiled at her and the three of them joined the rest of Konoha who smiled at them. Neji pushed the wheelchair until (Y/N) was next to Shikamaru and Ino, he knew she was there for them.

“You shouldn’t have come, you are still healing” Ino whispered trying to keep at bay her emotions.

“But I had to, this is the place where I have to be, next to you to say goodbye to our warriors”.

Ino let out a sob and leaned down to hugged her very carefully. Shikamaru put his hand on her shoulder, squeezing softly “thank you, (Y/N)”.

She smiled sadly at him and the funeral started. A ceremony filled with tears but also pride for those who had protected all of them.

Once the ceremony ended, (Y/N) said goodbye to her friends, promising a visit soon. Neji, Hinata and Naruto took her to the hospital.

“How are you feeling?” Naruto asked with a small smile.

“I’m sleeping a lot, Sakura says that’s good. That my body is recovering great. Lady Tsunade said I will heal completely in a week or so, but my chakra is a bit under what it should be”.

“You were really brave, not a kunoichi and fighting like all of us”.

“It means a lot coming from you, hero of the war”.

Naruto blushed deeply and the women laughed.

Once in the hospital, Naruto and Hinata said goodbye while Neji stayed with his wife. He sat on her bed, at the edge of the bed in front of her. She smiled and took his hand “don’t be mad at me”.

“I’m not…”.

She smirked and her hand went to his clothes to reveal the scar of his abdomen “it left a scar”.

“It’s a reminded that my brave wife saved my life” he said leaning to kiss her lips sweetly.

She smiled against his lips and whispered against them “don’t worry, I’m going to be a gardener from now on”.

“Whatever you desire” he replied pulling away a bit.

(Y/N) saw something behind his clothes and took the lace, revealing her ring. Neji took it to pulled away the ring “Sakura gave it to me once she stabilized you, I’ve carried it with me since”.

Neji took her hand softly and put the ring where it belonged. (Y/N) smiled brightly and caressed his face “what now?”.

“First, you recover. Then we go home, take care of the garden together and just enjoy our future”.

(Y/N) pulled his arm softly and he sighed but acceded to lay next to her carefully.

“And, in that future, there’re babies?” she asked smiling.

Neji blushed and stuttered a bit “b-ba-babies?” (Y/N) nodded biting her lip. Neji tried not to smile looking at her, but he couldn’t help it. He was surprised how cheerful she seemed after what she had endured. He caressed her cheek and got his face closer to her, almost touching her nose “it would be an honour to form a family with you”.

She blushed but giggled making him laugh softly.

“We are free” she whispered “we can live our future without anyone telling us what to do”.

“We are free together”.

(Y/N) smiled and kissed him softly once, twice, three times. No rush. They had all the time. The rest of their future ahead.

 NOTES: THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL THAT HAVE READ MY STORY OF NEJI, IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE AND I HOPE YOU’VE ENJOYED IT AS MUCH AS I’VE ENJOYED WRITING IT. I APPRECIATE EVERYONE OF YOU. WOULD LOVE TO HEARD WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHT IN THIS STORY. MUCH LOVE!

[kayparker20]

Inner Turmoil - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Friends In The Know

FFN | AO3

The sun was just beginning to go down as Sakura stepped through the glass doors from Konoha Medical into the light breeze, carrying the few leaves that had begun to fall from the trees on it’s path. She tilted her head up and sighed softly, enjoying the moment after her long day with Tsunade and Shizune. The air was crisp and just chilly enough to make her wish for her lab coat that was hanging on her office chair. Just as a smile started to grace her lips she was shocked out of her serenity.

 “Hey, forehead!!” The noisy blonde called out to her long time friend and rival. 

Sakura flinched and turned around at the sound of her name, finding herself facing one of her best friends. “Hey, Pig!” She smiled lightly in her direction and then frowned slightly as she began walking toward her. “Could you have been any less abrupt?” She grumbled.

“Do you wanna go for lunch! I have some amazing gossip!” She giggled mischievously, ignoring her friends’ annoyance.

Sakura raised an eyebrow at her and sighed. “Just what did you hear at Yamanaka’s Flowers today, Ino, that was worth ruining my “I can finally breathe” moment?” 

Ino set her hand on her hips as she cocked them to the side. “Depends, are you gonna come to dinner with me? And no amount of work is too exhausting to hear this, trust me.” The blonde added a sly smirk, knowing her friend wouldn’t refuse despite her irritation. 

Sakura looked around the village and down at herself. She had just got off work from the hospital. Her hair was pulled back but she could feel some sweat still dampened in the roots of her hair. She scrunched up her nose at her current appearance but shrugged her shoulders anyway. “Okay, fine, but nothing too upscale and you’re paying.” 

Ino nodded excitedly. “Okay, how about the tea shop? We could get some dango too.” 

Sakura couldn’t hold back her smile. The promise of sweets was just too convincing now. “Of course, you know I’m always up for dango!” She agreed, knowing she was definitely just bribed with her favourite treat by her close friend.

Ino smirked and laughed. “How lame, you’re so easy to win over, Sakura.” She linked her arm in Sakura’s and dragged her down the street, easily maneuvering around passerbys. 

Ino watched Sakura carefully for any signs of nervousness. Sakura seemed tired and that was all. No fidgets, just bags under her eyes. No marks around her neck either. But of course a medical ninja could fix that easily, right? She only hoped her fake rumour would get her to fess up to what she already knew. Asuma seemed to all but outright say Kakashi and Sakura were together! Ino has suspected that there was something because they spent so much time together, but no one else seemed to question so maybe she was reading too much into it? But, she hadn’t seen Sakura seem so happy until lately.

“Ino, why the hell are you staring at me. You just passed it.” Sakura growled. 

“Oh, nothing. Just wondering about my theories.” The blue-eyed woman said innocently as she turned back into the shop. “Two, please!” She said to the host before Sakura could respond. 

Sakura became thoughtful as she looked around her favourite place to come sit and relax in the town. It was homie, with wooden chairs and tables. It had a couple of faded booths which was where they always chose to sit. The floor was worn out and some of the tile was cracked. It had a clock that was either five minutes ahead or behind, depending on the time of the year. It wasn’t fancy but it smelled amazing and the tea was always delicious.

What on earth could this gossip possibly be? Swearing if it is one more stupid thing about some guy’s lower regions, Sakura thought about how she’d knock Ino into the next week. Maybe she heard about the night at the bar from a couple months ago? No, that's too old if she wanted to talk about that, then she would have said something way sooner. 

There hasn’t been anything I’ve seen in a long time that seemed noteworthy so what could she have that is soooo juicy? It is something more creepy about someone? God if it is I don’t want to know while I’m eating… 

“Soooo, Sakura. Ready for the hot gossip?” Ino said, munching on the dango the waitress just dropped by.

Sakura met Ino’s eyes out of her dazed thoughts and nodded silently. “Yeah, spill it Pig but it had better be good.”

“Well, apparently there’s a jounin who is sleeping with his former student.” Ino said nonchalantly. “And I can confirm it’s not Asuma sensei.” Ino giggled and crossed her legs under the table.

Sakura's eyes widened for a second and she raised an eyebrow. “Is that really what you have to tell me?” She stared at Ino with a plain look.

Sakura panicked inwardly, wondering if Asuma had told everyone he found her tangled in Kakashi’s sheets. Everyone was there at the bar that night, and he literally carried me out. But then why am I just now hearing about it!

Ino huffed and rested her chin on her hand. “Yeah, it was. I’m trying to figure out who it is. And there’s no way it's Kurenai cause she has Kiba and Shino to choose from? I don’t think Kiba or Shino look good enough to cheat on Asuma...And I mean, Tenten is way too annoyed by Guy sensei you know?”

Sakura scrunched up her nose. “Why are you still calling them sensei? We’re all jounin too now, you know. We’re their equals, not students anymore.”

Ino narrowed her eyes at Sakura for a moment. That seemed suspicious. “You mean, you and Naruto don’t call Kakashi sensei?” 

Sakura rolled her eyes and shook her head even though she felt her heart pounding in her chest. “No, neither of us do. Not since we became Team 7 again, before the second bell test, he specifically clarified we were no longer his students, but that we were his equals.” Sakura sighed and dropped her head down. “It took some getting used to, but no, Naruto and I do not call him sensei because he sees us as equals and asks us not to.”

Ino studied Sakura a few moments before letting out a small laugh. “Oh, come on Sakura just tell me already! It’s no secret that you two are close and have been for awhile now.”

Ino thought about the way they seemed so comfortable with each other. Sakura never tried to knock Kakashi into next month like she would anyone else. Kakashi literally kept his personal space with anyone else but Sakura, being as they seemed to share touches sometimes. She just seen her comforting him at the memorial the other day.

Or how Kakashi absolutely hated to get any sort of medical attention or to be in the hospital in general. But he would bring her coffee sometimes and whenever she was his nurse his complaints dialed back considerably.

Sakura just looked back at her friend and tried to feign disbelief. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Ino.” She said in a level tone, but she noticed her friend's reluctance to look her in the eyes as she muttered her defense. “Are you trying to say you think it’s me and Kakashi..?” 

Sakura wasn’t sure how to tell anyone besides Naruto and Hinata who were the only ones who had known about her feelings, besides Asuma and Kurenai. Is it really that obvious? She felt her shoulder becoming tense as this conversation went on. She hasn’t even ever told Ino about the night at the bar, she didn’t want to tell her before. She had figured Ino would have turned it into a scandal, even though she loved her friend she also knew her friend loved her gossip.

“Even Asuma sensei says you’d be good for Kakashi!” Ino argued, trying to get to the bottom of her rumor. It was the only people that it made sense for, well if it were real, it would have been. However, that statement wasn’t exactly a lie. He had said ‘a strong woman like Sakura is exactly what Kakashi needs.”

Sakura tried to fight her blush, having remembered how Asuma found her and Kakashi days ago. “And just when did he say that?” She squeaked.

Ino stared at her friend, watching her clearly trying to hold back something, though she wasn’t quite sure what. “About a month or so ago…” Ino sighed and slumped back against the cushion of the booth. “The night I found out about Temari and Shika… He told me that after I left with Choji that some drunk wouldn’t take a hint and that Kakashi acted rather… Aggressive and possessive of you in the situation. He said he’d never seen him that way, no matter how much he had drank.” 

Sakura stared a moment, debating on how much of the truth she was ready to tell. If she told Ino everything, then the whole town would know by tomorrow. When would she see Kakashi next, they hadn’t even discussed this yet. She didn’t want to ruin something before it hardly started. 

She couldn't lie to Ino, because sooner or later everyone was going to know. And she definitely didn’t want to lie to one of her best friends. 

“He did, yes… I was drunk and scared. He’s always been protective of us, especially since Sasuke left.” Sakura smiled softly. “He walked, er, well carried me home that night. I was hardly able to stand. Genma was also getting flirty with me and I don’t think he had been a fan of that.” 

Ino nodded, watching her friend intently before sighing. “Damnit, I really thought it was you. It’s the only one that made sense. You guys are always together if you’re not with Naruto or me.” Ino met her eyes. “And you both deserve to be happy… And it almost seemed like Asuma was trying to hint at something.” 

Sakura gulped, feeling a little guilty but she just smiled. She could tell a tinsy bit of truth. “Well, to be honest.” She paused and glared at Ino. “And this had better not be repeated. But, I do sort of…” Her face flushed now, not being able to fight it back. “You’re not entirely wrong. I do have feelings for Kakashi... I only have just recently been able to really accept it.”

Ino's eyes widened and she sat back up straight and grabbed Sakura’s hands. “Sakura…” She squeezed them lightly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you…” She watched as her friend instantly shook her head with a smile.

“You didn’t, Ino.” She sighed and let go of her hands. “I just… Haven’t told anyone. I mean, come on. He's much older than us, right? Most people would never approve.”

Ino just laughed and shook her head. “Sakura, we’re ninja. We’re lucky we’ve made it to 20, you think people are going to have something to say about us dating someone in their 30s?”

“I think some might have something to say about a sensei dating one of their former students…” Sakura mumbled softly. 

All the doubts she had been able to cast off the other night came rushing back now. Could they really work? How would Tsunade feel about it? What if people think he had done something to her when she was younger? Would he get in trouble, would they hurt him? She didn’t even think of any of that.

“Sakura!” Ino snapped and waved her hand in front of the pinkette’s face. “Breathe! What’s wrong? Is there something you’re not telling me?” 

“N-No, it’s all-” Sakura stammered.

And then they heard the bell ring as someone else entered the tea shop, and Sakura’s heart dropped at the sight of a shock of white hair that hung over a masked face and another dark haired nin with smoke swirling around them. 

“Asuma sensei!” Ino called over.

Asuma and Kakashi glanced over at the sound of the Sarutobi’s student calling out to him. Asuma gave a sly side glance at Kakashi once he noticed Sakura was there with Ino. “Well, look at that.”

Kakashi couldn’t help the eye crinkle he gave Sakura as soon as he saw her as him and Asuma strode over to their table.

Sakura’s heart was pounding in her chest but she instinctively moved over in her seat for Kakashi to sit down. He looked over at him and smiled lightly. “Hey, Kakashi!” 

Ino watched them carefully as she moved over for Asuma and recrossed her legs. “I didn’t know Kakashi sensei liked it here too.” She rested her chin on her as she propped it up on the table. “I was just telling Sakura about this rumour going around.” 

Asuma laughed. “Don’t let him fool you.” He shocked his head. “He likes his sweets just as much as the next ninja.” He added slyly, subtly glancing at Sakura as he said it. “And rumour? God what did you hear now that I’ll have to tell you is most likely a lie, hm?”

Ino smirked mischievously. “Mhmm, I see. So, how about sweet girls?” she giggled. “And that rumour is, that there’s jounin sleeping with their former student.” She gave Kakashi a rather bold stare, making clear she had already narrowed down who she thinks it is.

Sakura kicked her friend under the table and sent her a silent glare, trying to ignore Kakashi’s closeness. It was rather hard to do when she had already felt so cold. “I don’t ever remember even seeing Kakashi with a girl, let alone hearing about one.” She retorted quickly. 

She stole a glance at Kakashi, to find him giving her a sideways glance. She quickly looked away and crossed her arms, frustrated she couldn’t just get away from the situation without getting away from him, which was the exact opposite of what she wanted.

“Is that so? Interesting.” He contemplated a moment. “And I take it you think it is me, and Sakura perhaps? Or maybe you think it’s Naruto!” He joked.

Ino watched them suspiciously, still not fully convinced there wasn’t something. Sakura seemed a tad bit awkward now but also like she was resisting something, and there was a definite hint of jealousy at the thought of another woman being involved with Kakashi, for them not being together. “I doubt it would be Naruto, that’s for sure.” She smiled, feeling triumphant. “Care to maybe be a little more forthcoming than Billboard over here?”

“Hm, I think when those two ninja are ready, they’ll clear that rumour right up for you, in due time.” Kakashi shrugged slightly and gave an eye crease as he leaned back against the booth they had sat in.

Kakashi could sense Sakura’s nervousness, and clearly the blonde had been grilling her before his and Asuma’s arrival. He thought it was a bit cute to see her so worried about this. And the knowing glint in Asuma’s eyes was rather comedic, being as he had found them in his bed in nothing but sheets. 

“Can I get you two anything?” The hostess from earlier asked the two new guests at our table. 

“I’ll have a coffee. And I guess I’ll buy my former student here another dango cause I know she’ll get me to even if I try to say no.” And he gave a bored look at Ino. She only shrugged happily in response.

“I’ll have a chai tea, and another vanilla chai with extra vanilla for Sakura here.” Kakashi said as he brought his arms on the back of the seat, brushing his fingers across Sakura’s hair for a moment. 

The split second contact made Sakura stand up a little straighter against the booth, hoping for the warmth of his arm to come against her shoulders, but not in an obvious way. She noted how he had seemed so relaxed, even when Ino had made it clear what she was thinking. How did he always manage to be so cool and collected all the time?

“Alright, I’ll be right up with those!” And the waitress glided away.

Sakura turned to see his arm lying along the back of the booth behind her, and without thinking she scooted closer to him, their thighs making contact under the table. She shivered slightly as the door opened again, another customer entering the shop.

 “So, Ino. Choji tells me that you are feeling better lately?” Asuma asked her with hopefulness.

Ino sighed and looked back down. “Well, it’s not like I can change it…”

Sakura watched her friend sadly, remembering how torn up she was that night. “You know, I think Choji really cares for you.” She said with a pleasant smile. Maybe, if Ino can feel like she’s enough for someone else, she won’t be hung up about Shikamaru.

Kakashi then brought his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him. “Instead of sitting there shivering, just say you’re cold.” He said with nonchalance as she flushed red.

Ino watched them with interest, wondering if it was just Sakura who harbored feelings. How ‘platonic’ of a move was that? Kakashi wasn’t the touchy feely type of friend, thinking of how Guy sensei seemed to annoy him. She was even less convinced, thinking again of how comfortable they seemed together, even at Sakura’s current nervousness that was a little unusual.

She could almost think that Sakura was ashamed to be with her teacher, maybe? Could she be scared to tell her? Does she think she would tell everyone? Or maybe she’s afraid of Lady Tsunade finding out. Ino shivered slightly at the thought, that woman could be scary when she was angry. She wouldn’t want to be on that side of her, that was for sure. Really, all she wanted to see Sakura be happy and support her fully in it. And Kakashi made her happy but clearly there were some doubts that needed to be cleared up.

Then she realized what Sakura said and she just stared a moment, not able to say anything. What was she trying to say? Choji was her friend and teammate. He’d always been there for her, of course he cared about her. “Well, yeah. We’re teammates, of course he cares about me!” 

Asuma shook his head. “That’s not what she’s saying, Ino.” He sighed and then pulled something from his pocket. “He went on a mission with his Dad, and asked me to give this to you because he didn’t have time.” He handed her a folded piece of paper. “I figured I’d find you here.”

Ino raised her eyebrows at the paper and then took it. “Okay…” She thought for a moment and then looked up at Sakura. “Oh, Sakura. There wasn’t any rumour by the way” She looked between her and Kakashi again. “I just wanted to see if I’d get you to tell me something I thought already happened… And I’m still not fully convinced either!” She smiled and then moved off to leave after Asuma got up. She picked up the dango the waitress had left. “Thanks, Asuma sensei.” 

Once Ino walked away, Sakura fully melted into Kakashi, the tenseness leaving her body instantly. “God, am I really that obvious?” 

Kakashi only smiled under his mask. “No.”

“Kurenai has known for months that you two had feelings for each other… It’s obvious because we’re ninja and we can see things.” He smiled. “Now, whether you two were gonna do something about it was a different story. And I may have planted it in Ino’s head after the bar.”

Kakashi just looked at him. “It was not obvious.”

Asuma laughed. “The fact that you spent so much time with her made it obvious for you alone, my friend. Not to mention the possessiveness you had expressed at the bar.” 

“Okay, fine.” Kakashi stood up and grabbed Sakura’s hand, realizing he probably had exposed himself that night but just hoped they blamed it on the sake. “But, anyway, see you later.” 

Sakura grabbed her tea just in time before he made the seals for the transportation jutsu, finding herself now sitting on his couch. “Hey, a warning would have been ni-”

“I missed you.” 

Sakura's eyes widened and she set down her drink. He missed her? She had missed him but she didn’t want to seem too clingy. She sometimes wondered if that was what drove Sasuke away from her, that she was always wanting to be around him and talk to him. She didn’t want to make Kakashi feel smothered… But then again, they were together most of the time the last few months weren’t they?

He brought his hand up the back of her neck and wound his fingers in her hair and pecked her forehead before sighing softly.

He really missed her. It had only been two days since that morning, but he really wanted her presence. She stood up and brought her hands to each side of his face. “I missed you too, Kakashi.” She smiled lovingly, looking up at his eyes.

Kakashi grabbed her one of her hands with his free hand, resting it over hers on his cheek. “Did you tell her?”

Sakura pecked his lips through the mask. “No, not quite…” She looked to the side. “I wasn’t sure if you were okay with people knowing yet…” She rested her head on his shoulder. “I didn’t even get to tell Naruto and Hinata yet…” 

“How are we going to…” “They both know…” Sakura looked back up at him. “I already told you that I cried to Hinata about the first night… And she ended up telling Naruto.” She ran her fingers up into his hair. “He asked me about it the other morning, and convinced me to tell you how I felt. It was almost like he knew already.”

Kakashi brought his mask down, a full smile gracing his lips and pecked her lips before sighing. “Because he did.” He brought her hips into his and held her tight to him.

Naruto only knew because he had outright and asked, or rather demanded it from  Kakashi a couple weeks ago, after the night at the bar. It was a surprisingly serious conversation coming from Naruto.

“Wait, how had Naruto known! And for how long! I had only just told ANYTHING to him the same morning I came to you!” Sakura lifted her gaze to meet his eyes and stared at her lover in disbelief.

Kakashi was lounging on his couch, trying to read Icha Icha, whilst trying desperately not to picture the characters as Sakura. Ever since two nights ago after bringing her to his place after the bar, he couldn’t stop wishing she was still here with him, no matter the distraction. It made him feel so much disgust towards himself, to desire her so much more now. An obnoxious pounding on his door brought him from his thoughts, clearly making the presence known to be Naruto.

“Naruto, what do you need? I know I’m not late for any sort of training.”

“That’s because it’s something else. We need to talk, Kakashi!” There was a hint of anger there that had caught the copy nin off guard.

He stood up, setting his book down on the table and walked over to open the door. “Naruto, what is it?”

The blonde stomped right past Kakashi into his apartment and turned back around to face him as he shut the door.

He watched Naruto seeth, staring at him, his fists clenched. He had a feeling he knew what this was about.

“If you’ve got something to say Naruto, then tell me.” 

He narrowed his eyes further. “What are you doing with Sakura?” He snapped. 

Kakashi looked down. “Is this about the other night? Did you hear about it?”

“She came crying to Hinata about it this morning.” He scoffed. “Of course I fucking heard about it.” He grabbed Kakashi by his shirt collar. “How dare you just use her like that! Our teammate, Sakura, of all women! I thought you were better than that, damn you!”

Now Kakashi was confused. He blinked and stared blankly into Naruto’s eyes. “Used her?” Kakashi kept his voice level and calm. “Naruto, I did no such thing.” 

How could he ever use Sakura. Why would Naruto think he would? What did he hear? And from her? Did she think something happened? Did she feel harassed by him? Did he hurt her? His heart sank. 

“If you didn’t do anything, then why is she at my house telling my wife about waking up in your bed, and crying!” His grip only tightened.

Kakashi looked at him. “Naruto, did you hear anything else, besides that?”

Naruto was infuriated by how calm his elder had been until he said that. He stopped, his grip loosening slightly, before slowly shaking his head. “No…”

Kakashi sighed and furrowed his eyebrows. “She was in my bed, but not because I slept with her. Now if you could let go of me, we can sit on the couch and talk about this like adults.”

Naruto gave him a suspicious look before letting go and moving to sit on his couch. He watched as Kakashi rotated his shoulders before sitting down next to him. 

“She woke up in my bed, because I put her there.” Kakashi sighed. “And I’m rather ashamed of the whole situation, I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.” Kakashi drug his mask off his face and ran a hand through his hair. “It started at the tavern we all go to. She was there with Ino, we all know she’s torn up about that Nara kid and the sand girl.”

“Yeah, Temari. Gaara’s sister. I’m aware.”

“Ino drug her out for a girls’ night but she ended up getting drunk and sad and called Choji to pick her up. Leaving Sakura at the bar. I was there in the corner with Genma and the others like usual.” 

Naruto grumbled and was getting impatient. “Okay, just get on with it. How does this end up with Sakura at my house crying, Kakashi.”

“Some guy started trying to hit on her and wouldn’t take a hint. She came to the corner and I had been drinking. I saw them and I just.” Kakashi sighed. “Seeing him going after her like that, and she was looking at us desperately and it just made my blood boil to see that guy with her. I was jealous but she looked so scared, I felt this need to protect her but also to make it clear she was off limits. I wasn’t thinking. So I pulled her in next to me and acted like we were together…”

Kakashi sighed. “Damnit, Naruto. I’ve had some type of feeling for her for like a year now and I just. I was drunk and she seemed to not mind being so close to me but then she was getting too drunk and wanted to go home.”

Naruto watched, his eyes widening at the confession. “Kakashi…?”

“She couldn’t even stand on her own. I was going to walk her home, well actually I had to carry her. And then she was clinging to me and said she didn’t want to be alone.” Kakashi sighed heavily. “So I brought her here and then she started crying, saying that no one has ever looked at her with love, the way she sees all her friends looking at each other…” 

He couldn’t believe he was telling Naruto any of this. He was probably going to beat him with the nine tails chakra soon. Naruto has always been protective of Sakura and here he was admitting he had feelings for her, their 34 year old sensei feeling attraction for their 20 year old teammate. He was just waiting for Naruto to start accusing him of being a creep and pedophile. He already felt that way towards himself. 

Naruto’s heart clenched for Sakura. He hadn’t thought about how so many of them had found someone, and Sakura had still been alone, still hoping for Sasuke. However lately, she had seemed to be rather close with Kakashi, she always seemed happy whenever he was around even when he was being his infuriating self. And then for Kakashi, for being so torn, for the fact he had just accused him of doing the very thing he had gone out of his way to do...

“I just wanted her to feel cared for, but then I was realizing she was drunk and I was drunk and it felt wrong and I tried to back off right away and just comfort her, telling her she wouldn’t always feel like that..”

“Kakashi, what did you do?”

Kakashi sighed, the guilt weighing obviously. “She pulled my mask down and kissed me and for a second I let myself go and things got heated and then I snapped back to reality and backed off. I told her she should get sleep and let her take the room and apologized for it.” He was on the brink of tears now.

Naruto moved forward and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Naruto, I would never use her. It just… It wasn’t right. That’s not what I wanted and now I’ve probably made her think I hate her…Or maybe she feels violated and doesn’t trust me anymore.”

“No, Kakashi…” Naruto said it with a smile. “I’m sorry that I…”

“No, don’t be.”

“You have to tell her, Kakashi.”

“No. I’d probably just ruin her life. Besides, she was drunk. We both know she really wants Sasuke.”

Kakashi’s mind ran through the billion other reasons why he couldn’t tell her.

“She hasn’t seemed all in love with Sasuke when she’s around you. She may not realize it, but I’ve seen how she looks at you.” Naruto said softly. “It’s part of why I was so angry.”

Kakashi shook his head. “I was your guys’ sensei. I’m fourteen years older than you! I’m disgusted with myself that I could ever think of her as anything more than a close friend, sister or comrade!”

Naruto scoffed. “Kakashi, you of all people should know that we’re lucky to make it to 20 or even 30 as ninja! Elite ninja at that! You can’t tell me the others are gonna be that worried about some damn age gap when two people are happy! Tell! Her! Damnit, you both deserve to just be happy!”

“Oh yeah, but they’ll be worried that I was her sensei when she was 13 and now we’re together when she’s 20? No, I won’t humiliate her like that, people will think I…”

Naruto growled in frustration, thinking of all the time he has seen them spend together. Of the way Kakashi seems less self hating when he’s with her. How Sakura seemed to not focus so much on Sasuke’s absence as often now. How damn happy she seemed around him, and now how broken she had looked at the fear of his rejection. 

“Kakashi, you have to…”

“Imagine what the others would think, you can’t pretend there isn’t going to be anyone that won’t think I’m disgusting!” The silver haired nin stared at Naruto stoically. “People will think it’s been going on the whole time, since she was like 14. And it's not right to put her through that!”

“So, what! It hasn’t, and anyone that matters knows it too! Kakashi, you both deserve to feel happy, to feel love! What about giving her the happiness she deserves, happiness she feels around you!” 

Kakashi stared at him, he was used to Naruto and his speeches and rants, but he never thought he’d ever be on the receiving end of one. His shoulders slumped forward as he hung his head low. “What if you’re wrong? What if she had drank too much or she’s just vulnerable right now? Maybe I do try, but what if Sasuke does come back?” He laughed disdainfully. “Can you really tell me she wouldn’t run right back to him?”

“She wouldn’t have been crying at my house over you if she felt anything for him anymore! Can’t you just try to let her in! You can’t possibly think she would hurt you? And I assure you she doesn’t think you’re disgusting… And neither do myself nor Hinata.”

“I can’t. I can’t risk losing someone else, Naruto. What if I tell her and she’s disgusted?  You have to understand that, don’t you? Besides, almost everyone I’ve ever cared for has died. If she...”

Naruto sighed, the fact that Kakashi has said as much as he had is shocking. He’d never tell Sakura.

“Let’s have breakfast two weeks from now. Okay, Kakashi?” Naruto gave him a smile. “We’ll think of something!”

Kakashi sighed, after finishing telling Sakura about that day. 

Sakura just kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. 

He gripped her hips tight and held her close, eagerly returning this kiss. He was still a little worried for them, but he couldn’t be convinced it wasn’t worth a try when she was right here in his arms.

Sakura’s mind was reeling. Kakashi told Naruto he had loved her before any of this had started. Naruto had told her to go tell Kakashi that she had loved him, assuring her that it hadn’t been a mistake, that he would have been happy for them. He had almost set it up. Did he even know that it was the same day Sasuke left?

“Kakashi, I love you. You’re not disgusting, you’re human.” She said as she slowly parted from their kiss. “And… I’m sorry that Naruto came over threatening you.” 

He laughed now. “It wasn’t so great then. I still find it crazy how he gets people to open up and do the right thing, but I’m thankful he got through to one of us...” He scratched the back of his head. “Remind me to never get either of you too angry.”

She giggled slightly and pecked his lips again. “Perhaps we should tell our team mate that he can rest easy with his self given mission to get us together…”

And just like that, an obnoxious pound came on the door. “Kakashi!” Naruto's voice rang through the door with giddiness.

“It’s open, Naruto.” Kakashi said with a smile.

He held Sakura tightly. He couldn’t ever have felt happier than he did now. He had someone to love, that also loved him. And really he’d developed quite a circle of people he cared about. He couldn’t wait to see Naruto’s happiness that he had succeeded in helping him and Sakura finally admit they loved each other. 

Naruto burst into his team leader’s apartment. “Listen, I told you! Has Saku---” And then stopped dead when he saw Kakashi, with Sakura in his arms and both of them beaming.

“I was just coming to see if she told you!!” Naruto exclaimed excitedly. “Ohmygod, Hinata is gonna be so glad to hear this!” He ran over to them and hugged them. “Finally! See, Sakura, I told you!!!” He laughed and squeezed them harder.

Sakura smiled but quickly shoved him off. “Okay, okay! I know…” She laughed and leaned her head against Kakashi’s chest. “It seemed that you knew a little more than you let on though, Naruto.”

Naruto scratched the back of his head a little bit. “What can I say! I was only trying to help.”

Naruto looked at them, smiling and wrapped up in each other. They looked so genuinely happy. For once, two people he had seen go through so much, a lot of which they had been through together, were fully smiling and it was because of love, the one thing he truly feels everyone deserves.

“So, am I gonna become an uncle!” Naruto clapped his hands together excitedly.

Sakura’s face turned dark into a crimson shade. “Naruto!” 

“Oh, come on. Don’t act all shy, I highly doubt he hasn’t taken you already Sakura!” He giggled mischievously and she just hid her face in Kakashi’s chest while the white haired nin just smirked to himself. “If you’re so eager for those nieces and nephews you better scat, Naruto.” He chuckled as he hoisted Sakura over his shoulders and started heading to his bedroom.

“Oh, come on! Don’t even think of doing it in my hearing range!!” Naruto shrieked before running out of the apartment.

The blonde ran right back to his own apartment, more than ready to eat something and try to forget the idea of two of his closest friends making him nieces and nephews. Even if he wanted them, he has absolutely no interest in witnessing the process.

He strolled through the streets of Konoha, wondering what he felt like eating for dinner this evening.. The sky was now completely dark, and the stars were shining. He brought his hands up behind his head and sighed softly. The breeze rustled his hair, and made the fabric strips of his headband flow with the wind. “I can’t believe it took them so long!” 

“N-Naruto!” A dark haired kunoichi called out softly from Ichiraku’s as he approached, her face tinting pink. 

“Hinata!” He hurried the rest of the way to his favourite shop. “What are you doing here?” He grinned ear to ear. “Oh, you wouldn’t believe what finally happened!”

Hinata watched him lovingly even as she still blushed from his presence, excited to see him once again. “I figured you’d come here for dinner!” She giggled lightly. “But what happened, Naruto? Is everything okay?”

Naruto sat on the stool next to her and shrugged slightly. “I was actually wanting something sweet, but you know I’ll never turn down ramen! Especially from Teuchi!” He grinned and then straightened his back out once again. “But Kakashi and Sakura are finally together!”

“Wait, you mean…?” Hinata perked up from her seat and watched him for a moment.

“Yeah, like, they finally admitted each other’s feelings for each other!”

“Oh Naruto, that's so amazing! I was so worried for Sakura.” She sighed. “So, it was that easy? Do you know what even happened?”

“Uh… Well.” He chuckled nervously. “No, not really but I may have had a chat with Kakashi a couple weeks ago after I found Sakura crying with you that one day.” He scratched the back of his head. “But it turned okay! And then when he didn’t show up to breakfast, I asked Sakura about it and convinced her to tell him!” He scoffed. “Because there was no way Kakashi was going to tell her.”

He thought about the day it had been. Initially, he had not meant to plan it on the day Sasuke had left town all that time ago. However, he figured that even though the pain was still there, that it shouldn’t change him trying to help the people that he still had here, find the happiness they very well deserved.

Hinata just hummed softly in response. “How long do you think they have loved each other?” She thought for a moment herself.

Sakura had always been attached to Team 7, but she had specifically grown close to Kakashi it seemed after he saved her from Sasuke. She doubted that Kakashi would have had feelings for her then though because they were only about 16 then. That was roughly four years ago. Kakashi was too much of a good man to leer at underage girls. Then again, he never really seemed to leer at all. 

Hinata continued thinking more and more about it. They had really become inseparable maybe in the last year. She would always hear Sakura telling her about something they had done or find them training together. Sometimes she ran into them around the village.

Naruto watched her and pondered the same thing. He hadn’t thought about it before. “Well, I think it honestly snuck up on Kakashi, but he said about a year ago. And I definitely don’t think he ever really planned on acknowledging it at first.” He ran a hand through his hair. “He was disgusted with himself. And he was also convinced she still loved Sasuke.”

Hinata frowned slightly. “How could he have thought that when she’s always so much more… Content around him.” 

Naruto shrugged. “Kakashi is one mystery I have yet to solve, but something tells me Sakura might know. Tsunade mentioned one time that almost everyone he’s ever been close to has died. And if he blames himself for them the same way he blames himself for Sasuke, I’ll bet getting romantically involved with someone was terrifying…”

“Did he say as much as well…?”

Naruto thought for a moment before nodding slightly. “He said he couldn’t lose someone else…” He smiled. “I don’t think it’s easy to pinpoint when either of them fell, but I’d say for her it had to be in the last year because that’s when Sakura really started to seem happier, and he was less likely to be found reading Pervy Sage’s books, and more likely to be found wherever she was.”

Hinata nodded. “I don’t think Sakura was fully aware but I think she’s had some sort of feelings for him since he saved her from Sasuke after she went off on her own to kill him…” 

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe… She didn’t start to seem better around him until the last year as well really. But she had been so determined to better herself and to bring Sasuke home, I don’t know if she truly realized her feelings when they began.”

“That sounds about right, Naruto.” Hinata said happily as Teuchi brought their order to them, always knowing what they would get.

“So, Kakashi and Sakura huh?” He smiled his usual closed eyed smile.

Naruto nodded as he took a huge bite of his ramen. “Yeah! It only took them a year to figure it out.”

Time Skip - Two Days

Ino sat at the entrance of the village, waiting for Choji to come back from his mission. She was a little nervous, holding the letter Asuma had given to her from the Akimichi man. She fiddled with the end of her skirt with one hand, re-reading the letter once again.

Dearest Ino,

I know we are supposed to have lunch tomorrow, but Lady Tsunade is sending me and Dad on a mission and we had to leave as soon as possible. I asked Asuma to give you this letter for me so you knew I didn’t stand you up.

I wish I could tell you in person, but I get too nervous everytime I’ve tried. Truth is though Ino, I love you. I’ve loved you since we were 12 and you were all about Sasuke, and then I loved you still when you were falling for Shikamaru. I know I’m not cool and mysterious, and or a lazy genius, but I’ve always wanted the best for you and for you to be happy. It hurts so much to see you hurting so much, but I would do everything I could to make you the happiest girl if you’d give me a chance.

I know how much you like to eat healthy, so if you’d like to go on a date, meet me at Ichiraku’s around 5p on Sunday, we should be back by then. Naruto said they have some new low carb recipe that Sakura said tasted really good so I thought maybe you would want to try it? 

With Much Love,

Choji

Ino gripped the paper tighter, it getting wrinkled more in one spot from the way she held it. How could she not realize Choji’s feelings for her all this time? She never had a second thought about it until Sakura said something and Asuma confirmed it. Of course Asuma knows, we all trust him with every aspect of our lives.

She felt her heart clench everytime she read his comparisons of himself to Sasuke and Shikamaru. All this time he had loved her, he had to watch her yearn for someone else. She was inflicting the very pain on him that Shikamaru had given her, not that either of them meant to.

She never really thought about Choji romantically. But ever since she read the letter, she couldn’t help but smile. He had always been there when she needed him without question. He’d always respected her and made her feel valid. He always made her happy and even paid attention to little things like how she wanted to eat. He cared about her in ways she’d never had someone care for her before. He was strong and kind and determined and loyal.

Over the last few days, she began to realize that a guy like Choji would be the exact kind of guy she would want to spend her life with, someone who made her feel like she mattered. 

Feet shuffling on the dirt road startled her out of her thoughts and she looked up, making eye contact with dark brown eyes. She gave a shy smile. “Welcome back, Choji!”

Choza gave her a curious look but stood back, letting his son approach his best friend’s daughter. He’d know for a long time Choji had loved her, but was never sure if she’d ever come around. He watched the situation with hopes for his son. 

Choji grinned and watched her with curiosity. “You waited at the gate for me?” He glanced at the note in her hand, instantly recognizing the paper he handed to Asuma two days ago. “Oh, so you really read it? I.. I uh wasn’t sure if-”

“Choji, of course I read it!” She strided over to him, folding it and slipping it into her pouch as she took her steps. “I’ve read it more times than I can count…”

She grabbed his hand and beamed at him. “Why wouldn’t I read a note from my teammate, especially when it was given to me by our sensei?”

She knew he would have probably been surprised. He always doubted himself even just a little bit still, no matter how much they tried to build him up. She also knew that he definitely had to have compared himself to others as more than just ninja but as men in her life. She wanted to make him see that he was just as amazing as any of them, especially for how kind he was.

She looked at him for a few moments, watching the way the armor he wore laid across his shoulders, the red fabric flowing with the breeze around his legs. How he wore the Akimichi clan symbol across his chest, just like Choza.

He flushed and gently squeezed her hand. “Well, I knew it was probably sort of obvious…” 

Ino leaned her head against his shoulder. “Well, actually, it hadn’t been obvious to me. Apparently everyone else knew though, thinking back on Sakura and Asuma telling me over lunch that you ‘cared’ for me.” 

“Well, do you want to go to Ichiraku right now?” He grinned happily. “I’m starving.”

“You just got back from a mission!” She stood back and placed her hands on her hips. “Don’t you want something barbeque? I know you’ve probably lived off of chips the last two days. I’ve tried to stop worrying about diets anyway. Training keeps me fit as can be!”

“If you’re okay with it, then of course I want barbeque!” He smiled. 

She grabbed his hand again and began walking towards his favourite restaurant. “Hey, Choji…” She gazed at him happily. “Thank you for always being there for me, and caring for me even when I couldn’t see it.”

His cheeks flushed again and he held her hand tightly. “I’ll always care about you, Ino…” He scratched the back of his neck and shrugged it off. “There’s uh… No need to thank me for that.” 

He watched her, seeing her beaming smile at him. It made his heart flutter. Could she really be looking at him like that, in that same starry way she used to look at Shikamaru? How did it change so quickly? Is she being serious? No, of course she is, Ino would never hurt him intentionally,  he knew that.

“I was just.” Her smile faltered a little bit. “I’m sorry that I never noticed sooner. It had to be painful…” She looked towards the sky, the clouds passing them by overhead. “But when I realized, it just clicked. There is nothing more I’d ever look for in a guy than someone like you, Choji.”

“R-Really? What’s so special about me?”

“You’re kind and caring. You’re strong and determined to always be your best. And you always do the right thing, even when it’s hard for you. You’ve always been there for the people you care about.” 

Choji stared at Ino in awe. He would have never thought anyone would ever have said such nice things with him, and especially her. Sometimes she even seemed like she would never even think to look in his direction romantically. She had even seemed mean to him sometimes when they were growing up, he’d almost given up hope for ever being able to be with her. 

“Thank you, Ino…” He brought her close and gently kissed her forehead. “You have no idea how much it means to me.” 

“Of course, Choji!” She chuckled lightly. “Now, come on!” Ino dragged him into the barbeque restaurant and got them a table with the host. “They have some kind of ‘low fat’ dish here I heard, and I know how much you love it here so I figured it would be the perfect chance to try it! Even if I don’t fully diet anymore, it hurts my stomach to eat too many carbs after avoiding them for so long.”

He beamed. “That makes perfect sense, and the tab is mine.”

Shikamaru passed by the restaurant to see them through the window, laughing and talking. Ino seemed to be giddy and Choji’s face was red. Temari was with him and she peered inside and smiled. “Hey, looks like the big guy scored now too, huh?” 

“Ino is gonna be such a drag for him.” Shikamaru sighed but a small smile graced his lips. “I’m glad she finally realized and gave him a chance…” He watched as Ino slowly slid her foot up Choji’s leg, his best friend’s face reddening even more and he chuckled. “Ah yes, the confident and the insecure would make the balance on the scale now wouldn’t it…” 

An hour had passed now as they finished eating and Ino just couldn’t stop smiling. She watched as Choji ate his normal amount of food, and even what was left of hers. She never did understand how he has such an appetite but he never made comments about her lack of one like other guys had in the past. She appreciated that bit so much, his respect for the way she wanted to eat, and her own for his. 

She gently reached across the table to wipe off the access sauce from the corners of his mouth with her fingers. She slowly brought them back to her lips, and slowly slid her tongue across the surface, licking up the barbeque sauce, whilst keeping full eye contact with Choji the whole time, enjoying the way his eyes slightly widened and how red he turned. 

“Choji, would you come home with me tonight?” She asked in a serious tone. She was definitely teasing on purpose, but she didn’t want to make him feel used either.

“O-Oh?” He stammered. “I mean of course, anything you want. I’d be glad to, I just uh…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I didn’t think you would want to uh...Yeah.” He fished money out from his wallet and quickly set it out on the table.

Ino got up and glided to his side, whispering softly in his ear. “I want to be with you Choji, and I meant it.” She gently nipped his ear and spoke in a normal tone. “But only with whatever you’re comfortable with.” She gave him a small peck on the cheek before sauntering towards the door.

She heard a cat call and was about to turn to see who it had been to shoot daggers in their direction before she felt Choji’s arm on her waist, pulling her close. “Let’s go, lovely.” He smiled down at her and she just pressed into his side. 

They walked to her house in silence. It was comfortable. Ino ran her hands up and down his back, appreciating the muscle she felt as his body tensed slightly. He gave her nervous smiles and rubbed uncertain circles into her hips. As they got to her room, she felt her start pounding, becoming a bit self conscious. It was no secret she had slept with a lot of guys, and she was fairly certain Choji hadn’t been with anyone to her knowledge. Did he have any judgements towards her? Was she moving this too fast for him? She didn’t want to make him feel pressured. 

She held his hand as they walked to her room, trepidation starting to overwhelm her. As they entered her room, he shut the door gently. He sat on her mattress, it bouncing slightly in response. He pulled her into him and kissed her softly. She responded instantly, bringing her hands up to cup his face. Her eyes slid closed and she hummed contentedly as he moved little awkwardly against her mouth, she could still sense his uncertainty.

“Choji,” She spoke softly against his lips before pulling away. “We don’t have to do anything, if you’re not comfortable. I don’t want you to feel pressured…” She looked down. “Or like we’re moving too fast…” 

He stared at her before taking two fingers and using them to raise her chin and look at him. “There’s nothing I don’t want to do with you…” He smiled softly. “But I can’t help but feel a little… Inexperienced.” He kissed her again, a little more firmly this time. “I haven’t done this, and…” He turned red as Ino was sliding her hands up his shirt.

“I was inexperienced once too, babe…” She gave him a sly grin before kissing his jawline. 

“But uh,” He groaned slightly. “I’m not like other guys…” He grabbed the hem of his shirt, keeping it down before she could pull it up any further. 

Ino stopped and stared at him a moment. He was handsome and strong. He didn’t have super defined muscles or abs but he was still sexy if you had asked her. She had wondered for years why there weren’t women all over him. He was tall and built well and approachable. His hair was thick and long even if it was messy it had suited him. “You’re right.” She pushed him back on her bed, and positioned herself on top of him, straddling his hips. She brought her hands up to her ponytail and slowly pulled it down.

He stared at her, mortified at what she said. “H-Hey…” He started. “I’m sorry, I just-” 

“She put a finger over his lips and leaned down, her hair brushing the side of his face. “You’re way better.” She kissed him passionately, bringing her hands to rest on the side of his neck.

Choji kissed her back right away, moving his hands to her hips. He couldn’t believe it. She thought he was better? That he looked better?  She was on top of him and he couldn’t help but begin to feel turned on by the way her hips shifted over his or how soft her lips felt as he kissed her. He’d waited seven years to show her how he loved her and she was all over him now and he couldn’t think to even know what to do. 

She slid off her top, now just in the wrappings around her chest and her skirt. He tried not to gawk, not wanting to be disrespectful at all. Suddenly he felt her hands on his and she was guiding them along her torso, and hooking his fingers on the wrappings. They slid away and then back up his torso, lifting his shirt from his body. He shivered slightly at her touch, she was so confident and open, something he always loved about her. He felt hot all over as he sat up, letting her lift his shirt over his head, and held her in his lap. He pushed back just as firm into the kiss, gently nipping her bottom lip as soon as she slid her tongue across his bottom lip. 

She moaned and there was never a noise he couldn’t imagine that could have sounded better. He gripped her hips and pushed his own up into her without thinking, rubbing his hardening length against her core. Once again, a moan fell from her lips and it was enough to give him confidence to keep going. He fumbled with the wrappings, eventually getting them unwound from her chest. He moved his kisses down her jawline and nipped at her neck. 

“Choji,” She sighed softly and ran her fingers through his hair. “Please, don’t stop.” She bucked her hips against his and he felt her grip tighten on his strands as she grinded herself against him. 

He groaned, trying to restrain himself. He moved his hands from her hips up to cup her breasts and gently kneaded them, holding his thumbs over her hardening buds. “God, you’re so beautiful…” He whispered softly before placing a kiss on her collarbone. 

Ino flushed red, the raw honesty in his voice catching her off guard. She’d been called hot and sexy, a 10, and so on. But she’d never felt like someone meant it so sincerely and truly believed she was beautiful. She ran her hands down his torso slowly, loving how smooth his skin was before coming to the waistband of his pants. “So are you, Choji…” She panted. 

He rolled her over onto the bed. “Are you for sure about this?” He looked into her sea colored eyes. “I want this, I love you, but I don’t want you to think you have to be with me…” She placed a hand on her cheek, pressing his hips into hers again, moaning in response.

Ino threw her head back onto the mattress as he grinded against her again before nodding. “Yes, I want this. I want you. Please, Choji.” She tugged his pants down and backed up a bit onto the bed. 

Choji eagerly followed her, and quickly slid off her skirt, and settled himself between her thighs as he kicked off his pants. “I hope it won’t be horrible…”

She smiled before reaching up and kissing him softly. She wrapped her legs around his hips, bringing him closer to her, feeling the tip of his length at her entrance and she whined into the kiss as soon as he made contact. “I need you…” She whimpered. 

Choji bit his lip, he had dreamt of this moment so long, but it was still hard to realize this was real. He slid his tongue into her mouth at the same time he slowly entered her. He moaned long and low as he sunk himself into her. “Fuck, Ino…” He buried his face into her shoulder and took long, deep breaths. He wouldn’t last like this, and he had to make her at least climax once, damnit.

She gripped his shoulders and let out a moan. “Oh my god…” She moved her hips against his and moaned again. “Choji please, I need it.” She knew he was probably struggling being his first time but she wasn’t going to be offended if he came fast, it was expected. “It’s okay, I know but please, move.” She begged and stroked his hair. 

He kissed her shoulder and slowly rocked his hips into hers, finding a rhythm she seemed like that didn’t drive him over the edge. She was so soaked, and it was for him. He slid his hand down her side and down to her clit, rolling it with thumb. “Does that feel okay?” He asked.

Ino was panting and squeezing his shoulders. The slow pace felt so much more amazing with him than it ever could have before. He was so caring and gentle. She loved feeling so taken care of. And then she shivered as his hand ran down her side, and when he started rolling her clit she started squirming and moaning all over again. “Fuck, Choji…” She whined and bucked her hips up involuntarily. “Oh, my god.” 

He watched her writhing under him from his touch and only made him harder. She was even wetter and she was so tight around him as he moved. Every time she moaned it drove him even closer to the edge. He began to thrust more firmly. He stopped playing with her clit and pinned her hips to the bed. “Tell me if this hurts and I’ll stop, I just..” He moaned. “Oh, Ino you’re amazing.

“Don’t you dare stop!” She threw her head back and moaned loudly, the sounds of her pleasure and their skin slapping filling the room. “Faster, Choji, please…” She whined and he just obliged, wrapping her arms around her and rocking his hips into her as fast he could, holding her tightly.

She could feel her body tensing, she was so close. She brought her arms around to his back, digging her nails into his skin. Her legs squeezed his hips as hard as she could as she was reaching her limit. “Choji…” She panted. 

He kissed her, sliding his tongue into her mouth, feeling every bit of bold now. She kissed him back, swiping her tongue along his. “Ino…” He moaned into the kiss and swirled his tongue around her. He slid his fingers into her hair and pulled firmly and began leaving hot kisses down her jawline and neck. “I love you.” 

Her back arched and she moaned out his name. She writhed under his touches and met every motion of his hips against her own. She ran her hands through his hair, tugging at the strands. “Choji, I…” She bit her lip. She couldn’t say it back yet, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

“I know, baby.” His hips jerks and his body tensed. “Fuck.” He gripped her hips hard, leaving bruises. “Ino, I’m…” He groaned as he felt her tighten around him and quickly pulled out just before his release. He rolled over onto his back, his eyes closed in bliss. He panted, trying to catch his breath. 

Ino snuggled up to him, laying her head on his chest. She gave his chest a few pecks before smiling at him. “So, how was it for your first?”

His eyes slid open and looked at her. She looked absolutely stunning, even with her blonde locks a mess and her makeup a little smudged from sweat. Her eyes sparkled and she looked so happy, laying in her bed with him. “Better than I ever dreamed…” He said honestly as he wrapped his arm around her and held her close.

“It was amazing.” She traced patterns in his chest, sighing contently. 

He smiled and just held her, pulling the blankets over them. “Do you mind if.... If I stayed here with you tonight..?” 

He flushed at the thought but he really loved being with her, and he was so comfortable holding her in bed. To feel her warmth and how welcoming she was to him, it was one of the nicest feelings he’d ever had.

“Of course you can stay.” She wrapped her leg around his and laid her arm over his torso before letting her eyes slip closed. “I’d love that…”

He held her close as he stared up at the ceiling. He couldn’t believe he was really with Ino now. That he had lost his virginity to her, that she never even blinked or had a second thought. He knew he’d always been insecure but he was really surprised that she desired him so much. He didn’t think he’d ever make a woman feel that way. He kissed her forehead before falling asleep, holding her tightly. 

[chiaki-translation]

SSR Kazunari [Mankai Encore] Backstage Story Translation

Because of Outing event, I was able to get this card. So why not translate it also?

Summary:

Summer Troupe and their local rerun performance of SHINOBI misadventuring.

It will be this card and I’m pretty happy I can get this card because I did start the game quite late...

Disclaimer:

A3! is owned by Liber Entertainment

Translation will be below the cut~

Encore: Kiichi

Translator’s Note: Enjin refers to huddle or circle that they made to cheer before the performance. Teruteru bouzu is a rain doll, it is used in Japan to wish for specific weather.

 Kazunari:

As I thought, the best thing for local performance will be the onsen~

Kumon:

Yep yep, looking forward to it!

Director:

It seems that there aren’t so many people too.

So you can take your time slowly.

Misumi:

I wonder if there’s any triangle in the onsen~

Yuki:

What kind of triangle will even be there.

Kumon:

The pail might actually be triangular shape!

Misumi:

Yeay! Triangle~!

Kazunari:

During the first show, we did a lot for role study huh~

Misumi:

In the ninja mansion, tonosama game~

Kumon:

That was so much fun!

Muku:

During the time in the ninja mansion, I was so surprised that the lost Tenma-kun and Director-san could reach the goal first.

Yuki:

I didn’t know there’s another route.

Director:

I was pretty surprised too.

But, the ninja mansion was really an interesting thing.

Kumon:

Eh? By the way where’s Tenma-san?

Director:

He’s been here till just now…

Muku:

Wa… wait, maybe he has been abducted by the ninjas….!?

Awawa, I have to really go and find Tenma-kun before it’s too late…!

Kumon:

Ah! Maybe he was actually abducted by a ninja organization who lurks in the darkness…

Tenma-san!

Yuki:

You two calm down.

That kind of thing won’t happen.

Misumi:

Ah! Tenma’s coming from that way!

Tenma:

Oh, you guys, so you’re here!

Kumon:

Ah, Tenma-san!

You managed to run away from those ninjas! I’m glad~

Tenma:

Hah? Ninja?

Muku:

You disappeared so suddenly, so we thought you’ve been abducted by the ninja…

Tenma:

A, ah… Right, it’s like that.

Yuki:

You’re just lost, aren’t you.

Tenma:

Sh, shut up!

<Short Time Skip>

Kazunari:

Ah, that was great!

Kumon:

Perfect~!

Muku:

The open-air bath was so big!

Tenma:

You’re right.

Misumi:

But, I cannot find the stars~

Yuki:

Well, today has always been cloudy.

Kazunari:

But from tomorrow onwards it will be sunny, there’re still other timing to see them!

Misumi:

… Yeah!

Kazunari:

Hey, Director-chan, there will be some free time after the performance is over right?

Director:

Yeah, is there anywhere you want to go?

Kumon:

Since it’s the ninja village…. It has to be the ninja mansion right!?

Kazunari:

Look look, if you walk along the port you’ll look like you’re walking on the water!

Yuki:

He’s bought fast.

Tenma:

The research was fast too.

Kazunari:

Ah! It seems that there’ll be fireworks too!

Muku:

Right!

Kazunari:

If you look at all the pictures here, they’re all so beautiful!

It’s the number one Instablam-able place this summer!

Misumi:

Amazing! I wonder if there’ll be triangular firework~!

Tenma:

It’s indeed beautiful, but we still have our upcoming performance.

Don’t get too distracted.

Kazunari:

Courz! I know!

Yuki:

It’s a rare word coming from our leader.

Tenma:

It’s not that rare!

Director:

Then, we can all watch the fireworks after the performance, let’s do our best!

Muku:

Yes!

<Shifts to Backstage>

Director:

(It’s the day of the rerun performance…

Everything’s perfect, it seems like there would be no problem)

Kazunari:

It’s been a while since I wore Kiichi’s costume~!

Let’s pump up the vibe!

Muku:

You’re right!

Tenma:

By the way, what are we going to do for the huddle?

Kazunari:

Ah, I haven’t decided!

Yuki:

Sounds like a dejavu.

Kazunari:

Hmm~

Something ninja like… Summer Troupe doron! Like that?

Director:

Sounds like everyone’s going to disappear after that sound…

Kazunari:

Uh…

Right, I’ve decided!

--For whose sake is the world’s sake, we’ll do our part as shinobi…

Kiichi from Iga, reporting! You lose if you stop halfway, let’s go, brothers! Nin-nin!

Summer Troupe:

Nin-nin!

<End of Part 1>

Director:

(The story begins when two people who happened to be delivering love letters to the same castle meet)

Kiichi:

A Shinobi…?

Yoshimaru:

Iga clan?

Kiichi:

Are you a ninja from Koga clan?

Yoshimaru:

You’re right, but I don’t intend to fight you. I’m just in the middle of a side job, delivering a love letter.

It will be great if I can just LIME this love letter and get it over and done with~

Kiichi:

Don’t make such a modern statement!

Director:

(As usual, it’s SummerTroupe’s  specialty to add a comical ad-lib…

It seems the audience is enjoying it too)

<Short Time Skip>

Yoshimaru:

Hmm? Eh? Which letter is mine?

Kiichi:

Eh!? Umm…

Yoshimaru:

Umm… What – should – I – do –  now – which – one – is – it – let – god – choose. Right, this one!

Kiichi:

Eh!? Are you sure you can choose that way, alright then-

Yoshimaru:

It’s alright, it’s alright~

Don’t worry, Kii-chan.

Director:

(The two delivered the love letters to the Crane Castle and on the way they were met with a forked path--)

Kiichi:

What? There are two paths?

Yoshimaru:

Ah~ I think it’s fine?

It looks like something out of a weekly photo magazine, it looks dangerous!?

Kiichi:

It’s true! But don’t spread it out in the net, they will burn immediately!

Well, if it happens then let’s just use a fire extinguisher I guess, even thought I’m actually a ninja.

Yoshimaru:

Well, it’s fine~

Kiichi:

Right!

Director:

(Yoshimari’s colleague –  Santa – appears afterward and he said he is delivering a letter from the Fox Castle to the Tanuki Castle.)

Yoshimaru:

This, is my colleague, San-chan.

Kiichi:

I’m Kiichi. Nice to meet you~ Then cheers!

Santa:

Like I said I’m on an important mission!

Yoshimaru:

Where are you going?

Santa:

Something’s brewing in the Boar Castle.

Seems like they’re planning to attack the Fox Castle.

Yoshimaru:

Eh!? You for real!? That’s bad!

Santa:

The Fox Castle is planning to form an alliance with Tanuki Castle. If everything works out, we might be able to avoid war.

Yoshimaru:

I see~ So, San-chan is in the mission to carry that out right now.

Santa:

You’re right.

Yoshimaru:

That means you can still have a drink.

Kiichi:

This is San-chan’s! I’ll show you somewhere good, drink~ drink~ drink~

Santa:

Eeeeeeeeeeeh!?

Director:

(The three people had a drink, and the next day they were suddenly attacked by Kiichi’s senior –  Hyuuga)

Hyuuga:

You’re from Iga, aren’t you, I’ll not let you run away.

Yoshimaru:

Woah!

Kiichi:

Hyuuga!

Audience A:

Wah! That’s some amazing acrobatics right there!

Audience B:

I’m glad I got to see it~!

Director:

(Misumi-kun’s action, always so swift!

Even amateur can see how well it is.)

Hyuuga:

Kiichi, you fight too.

Don’t forget that you’re also a shinobi.

Kiichi:

Death for the traitor--

Yoshimaru:

Is there really no other choice…

Santa:

Let’s go, Yoshimaru!

Kiichi:

Ugh.

Hyuuga:

What, oi!? Who are you fighting!

Yoshimaru:

Hah!

Santa:

--Yoshimaru!?

Kiichi:

There!

Director:

(Everyone gets carried by Misumi-kun’s performance. Their movements become sharper and more powerful than before.

With this action scene, the atmosphere has also changed to a more serious one.)

Audience C:

Amazing…

Audience D:

So cool~!

Director:

(The audiences are also being drawn in by them!)

<Short Time Skip>

Director:

(Now that Santa and Hyuuga are stopped, the two planned to deliver a letter to the Young Lord….)

Young Lord:

… Is this really a letter from the princess?

Kiichi:

Of course! Look at the perfectly copied handwriting~

Young Lord:

Perfectly copied?

Yoshimaru:

Idiot, Kii-chan--

Kiichi:

--I mean perfectly polished ink!

Young Lord:

You, you were trying to fool me?

Kiichi:

Eh, I didn’t say anything!

I’m just saying that it’s a perfect love letter written with perfect polished ink and the perfect handwriting of the princess!

Yoshimaru:

Kii-chan, that’s not a good excuse…!

Young Lord:

So you really were fooling me!?

Director:

(The two who got in trouble because of the fake letter asked for help from the Kunoichi - Sae)

Sae:

So, you want me to deceive the Young Lord of Crane Castle by posing as the princess of Fox Castle and carrying out an alliance.

Yoshimaru:

Please~ Only you can do this.

Sae:

A month’s worth of Kameyoshi Shop’s dumplings.

Yoshimaru:

Tha, that’s a bit… I thought it would be like 5 gold coins or something!

Sae:

Ten then.

Yoshimaru:

Seven!

Sae:

One year’s worth of Amankai Shop’s sweets.

Yoshimaru:

!? That’s too much, isn’t that the high-class sweet shop out there…!?

Sae:

Then ten gold coins.

Yoshimaru:

Ugh… fine.

Sae:

Thanks for your business~

<Short Time Skip>

Director:

(They managed to avoid the war, the Young Lord will be married to the princess and the case is settled.

Shadows creeping over the two people who were celebrating their victory with alcohols and drinks.)

Hyuuga:

You’re going back to the village!

Santa:

You’re going to be working in the village for a while!

Yoshimaru:

Eh~!?

Kiichi:

No way~!!

Director:

(Kiichi and Yoshimaru were brought back to the village due to Hyuuga and Santa--)

Audience A:

That’s so interesting~!

Audience B:

I really feel drawn in by them!

Director:

(The tempo was great, the conversation and ad-lib all sounded natural too.

They really grew a lot since their first performance…)

Summer Troupe:

Thank you so much!

<Shifts to Road>

Muku:

Woah… amazing!

Kumon:

We can see the big seas from here-!

Director:

The performance was a big success, so let’s enjoy the day at the lake today!

Tenma:

It seems that there’s an event ongoing over there.

Kumon:

Yoga on top of a water board?

Misumi:

I know a triangle pose! It looks fun~!

Kazunari:

Since we’re here already, why don’t we try it!

Yuki:

Hah? Are you serious?

Kazunari:

Courz! It seems doable anyway! Let’s go, Kumopi, Tenten~!

Kumon:

Yes!

Tenma:

I guess there’s no other choice.

<End of Part 2>

Kazunari:

That was fun~!

Director:

Yeah, you’re right.

Muku:

The scenery from there is really beautiful.

Kumon:

Yeah! I’ve never experienced that kind of thing before!

Tenma:

The only things you guys did was making noise!

Kazunari:

Tenten was so scared so it was interesting!

Yuki:

SUP Yoga was surprisingly fun.

Muku:

Yeah, it felt really good when you’re finally able to balance yourself.

Kazunari:

Sumi was able to strike an amazing pose even the teacher was shocked!

Misumi:

It was fun~!

Director:

I’m glad everyone seems to be having fun.

So after this will be the firework display.

Kumon:

Yep! I’m so glad it’s sunny today~

Muku:

Yesterday we made some tetu teru bouzu together!

Misumi:

Then we might be able to see the stars too~

Director:

We didn’t get to see it in the onsen.

Kazunari:

Hey hey, actually one of the local recommended me about a good spot. Let’s check it out!

Yuki:

You’re chatty as usual.

Kazunari:

We’ve arrived~

Tenma:

Hee… This place has a good view.

Kazunari:

Not only the fireworks, we can also enjoy the beautiful night view here!

Muku:

Woah… You’re right!

Kazunari:

Right!?

It would look great on Instablam too!

Kumon:

Hey hey, let’s buy some snacks and juice!

Misumi:

That sounds good~!

Director:

I know of a place, let’s go buy some things.

Yuki:

Then, those who lost janken will go and buy stuffs.

Tenma:

Understand.

Muku:

Y, yeah!

Misumi:

Agreed!

Kazunari:

Then, let’s go~!

Janken…

Tenma:

Ah.

Yuki:

Congrats on being the only rock.

Tenma:

Sh, shut up!

Kazunari:

But if Tenten go alone, he’ll just become a lost child.

Misumi:

That’s true~!

Tenma:

Hah!?

Kumon:

Ah, then I’ll follow you!

Director:

Then, I’ll go too. It seems that we’re going to end up buying a lot anyway.

Muku:

Yuki-kun let’s go too!

Yuki:

Eh, then there’s no other choice…

Tenma:

The lead and co-lead just rest.

Kumon:

Leave the shopping to us!

Kazunari:

Okay!

Misumi:

I’ll leave it to you~!

Kazunari:

Then, for the time being let’s organize our stuffs!

Misumi:

…

Kazunari:

Sumi?

Misumi:

Ah!

Kazunari:

Uwah! What, UFO!?

Misumi:

Summer Triangle!

Kazunari:

Oh, damn, that’s so beautiful!

Misumi:

Yeah, so pretty~

Kazunari:

When I think about it, we did watch the stars together during the first performance too right.

Then everyone came over and brought onigiri. I was so happy.

… For that time, thank you.

Misumi:

You’re welcome~

Kazunari:

Because of Sumi and everyone, I was able to have fun and act like this right now.

Misumi:

Me too, I’m happy that I’m able to act with Kazu like this!

Kazunari:

Ehehe, I’m so happy~! Let’s do our best for the next performance too!

Misumi:

Yep yep!

<Short Time Skip>

Kazunari:

Eh!?

Misumi:

It already started! Everyone, hurry hurry~!

<Short Time Skip>

Kumon:

Ta~maya~!

Misumi:

Ka~giya~!

Kazunari:

Ah, it ended…

Misumi:

Director-san and everyone, I’m glad you made it in time~

Director:

It was beautiful…

Muku:

It was amazing to see the reflection of the fireworks on the lake too!

Kumon:

It comes up consecutively, really brings up the tension to the max!

Tenma:

Things like this isn’t so bad sometimes.

Kazunari:

But when you watch them, don’t you feel like doing it yourself!

Muku:

…

Tenma:

Well, speaking of which, we bought it.

Kazunari:

!

Misumi:

Fireworks~!

Muku:

We feel like doing it too.

Yuki:

If we have to do something, it has to be this isn’t it?

Kumon:

With this, it will feel like Summer never ends!

Kazunari:

… Everyone, as expected!!

Then let’s start with the pinwheel fireworks, five of them!

Misumi:

Pinwheel~! GOGO~!

Tenma:

Stop it!

Director:

Ahaha!

<End of Part 3>

[crungusgrungus]

ahhh character ask thign! zetsu, rock lee, konan, kakuzu (u can break it up in2 different posts if u wish)

fuck yeah lamo

zetsu

favorite thing about them

it’s a tie between the plant theme and the two ppl in one body theme. i like plants so thats just bias, and i think it’s kinda funny how they put the big bad and the dumdum fool in the same character.

least favorite thing about them

KISHI LET MY MAN FLOP. YOU DON’T HAVE TO DRAW HIM UGLY ON PURPOSE. SMH.

favorite line

I don’t know for certain if this is the exact translation, but in the old subbed shippuden, the samurai captain asked “2B” and he replied “to be ,.,,or not to be???” but it was a password and the captain killed him but anyways dumbass king ily.

brOTP

Tobi/Obito. I will always stand by them being besties ever since the cave episode. I have so much to say about the potential antics that never occurred but like, you tell me. A wrinkly evil ancestor man, some kid going through puberty, and 2 plant aliens. That’s low budget dreamworks kids movie material.

OTP

Tbh i’ve asked myself this but i still don’t know lmao. I almost never really ship stuff hh.

nOTP

i’ve seen a lot of gaara x zetsu stuff before for some reason and thats kinda weird,.thats really messed just like,.,,from an age gap stand point

random headcanon

i draw him like this usually but like,.,.,he’s gotta eat somehow and white zetsus got wack flat teeth can’t bite so black zetsus side of the mouth is like a fuckin bear trap, he just shrinks the goop over his teeth most of the time.

unpopular opinion

well,.,.i mean,.,.liking zetsu is unpopular enough already,.,.,,.saying dumb shit like zetsu is pretty,.,..,.,.mega unpopular

song i associate with them

hm,,,the two tones of Dunk On Me by blood cultures

favorite picture of them

small. at peace.

he is baby boy.

rock lee:

favorite thing about them

I like how different he was from all the other characters, like, both in visual design and development. Also he’s based off Bruce Lee which was the first thing I noticed when I saw him and I was like to my sibling “yeah that guys gonna win.”

least favorite thing about them

Nothing?? Idk. I can’t really think of much.

favorite line

The ‘Stronger than the me of yesterday’ line :D

brOTP

Sakura!! Strong as heck squad!! I wish there was more interaction with them after the chunin exams and stuff. They’d def have insane workouts together.

Also the rest of Team Gai, of course.

OTP

I think Lee and Gaara is pretty cute, also Lee and Neji. But at the same time consider Lee, Neji and Tenten poly.

nOTP

Uhhhhhh i’m not sure??

random headcanon

Good cook rock lee!! He eats well!! He makes good food!! It’s always really spicy though!!

unpopular opinion

I don’t know if I have enough opinions of Rock Lee for this one :P

song i associate with them

hh for whatever reason it’s this old cantonese cover cjnkoijsd

favorite picture of them

owo

konan:

favorite thing about them

her jutsu is like,.,.maximum aesthetic. it’s literally so pretty like imagine being this cool.

pretty sure whomever invented jutsus had just this in mind for their invention, all that other stuff was unintentional

least favorite thing about them

i refuse to believe konan died in that fight with obito. i refuse.

favorite line

no specific quote but i think its neat how she uses flower metaphors a lot :P also when she said “600 000 000 000 paper bombs. I do plan on killing you”

brOTP

Feel like she could get along w/ Itachi for some reason?? They’re both kinda quiet and soft spoken before being roped into doing bad stuff because of their relationships. Feel like they could relate to each other.

Also Kisame maybe, this one I can’t really explain but I feel like they could be good friends.

I’ve joked about sasori and konan becoming the friends that are besties after initially hating each other, but that was more in my au

OTP

Once again,.,.i don’t know

nOTP

I don’t really like Konan x Obito tbh. I don’t understand it. Don’t really get the hype over Konan x Hidan or Konan x Pein either

random headcanon

Konan gardens!! Feel like she has a secret garden hidden in Ame somewhere w/ roses and lilies and those creeper vines and a pond w/ some koi fish and and

unpopular opinion

A lot of folks think Konans the mom friend, but that doesn’t really make sense to me?? She’s only ever sorta nice to Nagato, who’s like,.,the closest half alive person to her. U might get some gruff kindness, and thats like, ,.kinda it.

song i associate with them

Hhh I Saw An Angel

favorite picture of them

kakuzu:

favorite thing about them

once again, cool jutsu and aesthetic. also hes kinda a more realistic villain, or at leadg more understandable from our world perspective - doing bad things for money

least favorite thing about them

why’d he die so soon like,.,.,they had so much buildup and he seemed really powerful but he got dunked on by narutos rasenshuriken in 2 tries like,., it didn’t make sense. definitely wish there was more exposition on kakuzus backstory too, although i haven’t watched the creation of the akatsuki

favorite line

“even hell runs on money”

brOTP

pein kakuzu and konan taking care important shit (pein runs the akatsuki, kakuzu manages finances, konan runs ame lets be real all pein does in there is talk abt his god complex), so i propose: old soul friends who bond over being tired as fuck.

also kakuzu and sasori, because both their partners are annoying, and they initally bond over that before realizing they are each others long lost platonic soulmate and that their grouchy personalities and irritability were made for each other.

i was,,.,only half joking there but i just realized this is very probable.

OTP

eh, not really. he seems kinda like he might not be comfortable or ready for that after the stuff he’s been through.

nOTP

once more, i don’t really know :P

random headcanon

konans not the mom friend, and kakuzu isn’t totally the mom friend either, but he has grandpa vibes. probably knits.

oh wait fuck never mentioned in hidans, but trans immortal kakuzu and hidan of course.

unpopular opinion

as with lees, i don’t know if i have enough opinions for this. maybe the brOTP’s lmao. never really seen content of them.

song i associate with them

Dead Inside by Younger Hunger :P kinda cliche though.

favorite picture of them

this particular part was rlly cool

[kuriquinn]

Evil Author Day WIP # 1

Someone asked me to do a female version of “Why Sasuke Uchiha Will Never Drink Again” and so I actually started working on that. And then got caught up thinking of all the ridiculous truths and dares that could be done and didn’t finish.

This isn’t even half of what I had planned to write, but it’s all the parts I cackled at WHILE writing, so do enjoy! (And spot the Suits reference :D :D :D

[...]

[...]

[...]

“And, it’s official!” Sakura declares, pouring the last bit of sake into her cup before raising it in front of her. “The Fourth Annual Sexy Wives of Konoha Summit is now in session. Kanpai!”

The rest of the women in the back booth of the izakaya raise their own glasses and chorus, “Kanpai!” before tipping back the alcohol.  

“Can I just say I think our summit is a lot more fun than the Kage summit?” Tenten asks.

“Definitely,” Karui agrees. “More alcohol, which I’m in favour of. And we probably have more interesting stuff to talk about.”

“Does anyone actually know what they’re talking about?” Ino asks.

“Something about tariffs,” Hinata says. “Or…sheep, I think. Or maybe both.”

“Or aliens,” Sakura suggests.

“Or aliens.”

“You know what they should be talking about?” Ino asks. “Better footwear for shinobi. I mean seriously, the athletic sandals we used to wear as genin? Do you know how much blood and muck I used to get between my toes? It’s a nationwide crisis, is what it is.”

“Yeah, screw aliens,” Manako agrees.  

“Or preferably don’t

The other women murmur their agreements, clink their cups, and then drink.

[...]

[...]

[...]

“Okay, okay, I got one, I got one—imagine you get Sasuke to agree to have a threesome with you and another guy—”

“Tch! Sure, in a parallel universe,” Sakura snorts, and then pauses, blinking. “On second thought, having met the Sasuke from a parallel universe, I think he might actually be into that sort of thing.”

“Wow,” Temari says with a blink. “I don’t know whether that’s hot or disturbing.”

“Hot,” Tenten decides.

“Disturbing,” Karui says at the same time.

“Both?” Hinata suggests tentatively.

“Both,” Manako says with a definitive note in her voice.  

“All of you shut up, I haven’t finished my question!” Ino snaps, and the other women glance back at her. She renews her grin at Sakura. “So—say you get Sasuke to agree to a threesome with another guy, but it has to be a guy from your genin squad—”  

“Ino!”

“—who would it be?”

“That’s not fair!” Sakura protests. “Both of them are married! To people sitting in this room!”

“Well, fine, if you’re going to whine about it—for the purposes of this truth we can include members of your chūnin squad, too.”

“That’s no different!”

“If you don’t tell the truth, you have to do the dare,” Ino sing-songs.

Cheeks burning and expression mutinous, she spends a few seconds considering the lesser of two evils, and then sighs. “Fine. Kakashi.”

There’s a burst of uproarious laughter and squealing.

“No way!” Ino protests. “He’s so old!”

“He’s not old, he’s experienced,” Manako corrects with would-be-haughtiness. “And a girl could do worse.”

“It has nothing to do with that!” Sakura cries and goes, if possible, even more red. “It’s the choice that makes the most sense! If it were Naruto, he and Sasuke would forget all about me and start some ridiculous competition—probably measuring their dicks or something—”

Everyone laughs, and even red-faced and perpetually embarrassed Hinata cocks her head to one side as if to say, ‘fair point’.

“—and that would end in a fist-fight. Then there’s Sai, who would have a comment for everything, and Sasuke would take it as criticism, and that would end in a fistfight,” she goes on, ticking options off her fingers while Temari snorts and takes another sip of sake.  

“—and Yamato-taichou would be so unbelievable uncomfortable he would pass out—”

“Also, didn’t Sasuke stab him once?” Temari wants to know.

“—yeah, exactly! I doubt he’d want to get it on with the guy who stabbed him.”

“I don’t know if that would make a difference. Sasuke’s stabbed Naruto half a dozen times, and Naruto would probably still be down to fu—”

“Manako, if you finish that sentence, I will slip cocoa into your food and watch you asphyxiate to death in front of me,” Sakura vows, glancing over Hinata with the urge to press her hands over the other woman’s ears.  

“Doesn’t setting off a severe enough allergic reaction that is causes anaphylactic shock violate the Medic-Nin’s Oath?” Manako challenges, and then makes a face. “Huh. Say that ten times fast.”

“There are loopholes,” Sakura replies primly.

“Sure there are…”

“Why are we focusing on Sakura becoming a murderer, and not on the fact that she wants to bone her former jōnin instructor?” Karui wants to know.

“I never said I wanted to bone him! It was Truth or Dare question!”

“Hmph. I personally would have gone with the Dare…”

“I don’t know,” Ino muses slowly. “I guess it could be interesting. I mean, he does read those books all the time.” She shoots Manako a questioning look. “Or does that not carry over?”

The older woman grins wolfishly. “Oh, it does. It really, really does.”

“La-la-la, I can’t hear you,” Sakura sings. Forget putting her hands over Hinata’s ears, she’s clapped them so hard to her head that she feels a bit of suction between palm and ear.  

[...]

[...]

[...]

“Okay, let me ask you the most important emotional question I can think of,” Manako says, adopting a serious expression.  

The former Sunanin raises an eyebrow, but her face remains as stolid as ever. “Fine.”

But Manako doesn’t speak. Instead, she holds the tips of her index fingers together and then slowly starts to pull them apart.

For a moment no one knows what she is doing, but as the distance grows between the fingers—three inches, four inches—comprehension dawns on everyone.  

“Oh my god!” Sakura sputters, before pressing her hand against her mouth to muffle her laughter.

Temari doesn’t answer or change her expression as Manako continues to move her fingers apart—five inches, six inches—and Hinata squeaks, cheeks filled with so much blood she appears about to faint. Seven inches, eight—

“Okay, now I’m actually getting worried for you,” the older woman says.

“You have no idea,” Temari replies, leaning back with her arms crossed and a satisfied smirk on her face.  

“I can’t hear this!” Ino wails. “He’s like…ugh, he’s like my brother and you just…that image! I will never get that image out of my head.”

“Shit,” Karui says. “How are you still walking upright, woman?”

Even Tenten looks impressed.  

“Okay, we have to get this out of the way right now, so no one else decides to draw it out over a bunch of Truths,” Ino says. “Over and done with. On a scale of one to ten—”

“On a scale of one to Shikamaru,” Manako sniggers.  

Ino shoots her a dirty look. “On a scale of one to ten—”

Sakura interrupts. “The average length is about five inches. It’s beyond the norm to have a penis larger than—”  

Hinata yelps in protest, and Karui gives her an unimpressed look. “You’ve had two children and copious amounts of sex, and the word ‘penis’ bothers you?”

“It’s…it’s not a very nice word,” the Hokage’s wife mutters, embarrassed.  

“It’s not a very nice-looking body part, but it gets the job done.”

“Especially if you’re Temari, apparently,” Tenten chuckles.  

“She’s got a point, though. Sometimes I wish I was only into women, so I didn’t have to look at a penis,” Manako says. “It’s one thing to know it’s there—and hey, I benefit greatly from having a partner that has one—but given the choice…” She seesaws her right hand up and down. “Honestly, I could do without.”

“You’d still be with Kakashi even if he didn’t have a dick?” Karui asks, surprised.  

“Of course! You don’t know what that mouth is capable of—”

“Does he even have a mouth?” Sakura wonders.

“—and even if that wasn’t the case? Dildos exist for a reason. Whether you have a dick or not,” Manako decides. The raises an eyebrow at Karui. “Are you saying if Chōji was in an accident tomorrow and lost his balls, you’d stop being with him?”

“What? No! And besides, what accident would that be? He barely even goes out on missions anymore.”

“Actually, there are several ways a man can lose—” Sakura begins.

“I wasn’t actually asking,” Karui rolls her eyes.

“I think we’re all getting wildly off-topic here,” Ino interjects. “Now! On a scale of one to—”

“—Shikamaru,” Manako and Temari say at the same time, one a little more wryly than the other.  

“—where do our guys fall?”

“I think that’s an inaccurate rating system,” Sakura protests. “Size can’t be the only factor.”

“Yeah, what about girth?” Manako wants to know. “It’s all well and good if I guy’s eight inches long, but if his dick’s as thin as a pencil, it’s pretty much useless.”  

“And what about stamina? It’s not like it moves on its own,” Karui adds.

“Oh! And proper aim! Or, you know, additional use of fingers. Nothing worse than sex with someone who thinks penetration is the only way to get a woman off,” Tenten adds,  

“Gods, this is turning into some kind of quadratic equation,” Ino complains.  

“It’s not that hard,” Sakura protests. There are several laughs at that, and she rolls her eyes. “Pun not intended. But anyway, let’s say we have four categories—length, girth, stamina and miscellaneous—”

“What about…” Hinata begins, her voice barely above a whisper, and then she adds, “What about the feelings you have for your partner? That…I’m sure that makes a difference.”

The other women consider, and the nod in agreement.

“Alright, so we have five criteria, so if we put those out of ten, average them out and then assign them a value on the spectrum of one to—”  

—Shikamaru,” Karui, Manako and Temari chorus.

“Stop that!” Ino snaps.  

“—then it would be more accurate,” Sakura finishes.  

“If you’re still able to do math, you’re not drunk enough,” Tenten informs Sakura.  

“You have no idea what I’m capable of when I’m drunk,” Sakura retorts. “And besides—I don’t get drunk.”

“Oh, so that wasn’t you Sasuke was carting home from dinner last weekend, slung over his shoulder and staring at his ass?” Ino challenges. “Hm, must have been some other pink haired lush with a mutant forehead.”  

[...]

[...]

[...]

[kakasaku-shipper]

Natural Progression (Chapter 7)

Chapter 7

Sakura ran through the rooftops. It felt good to be able to soar high in the sky. It made it seem like she could fly, could do anything even. As she looked around, she noted that Konoha's rebuilding seemed to be progressing very well, with most of the skeletons of structures destroyed from Pein's attack re-erected. Only some finishing touches were needed, and Konoha would look as if it had never been attacked.

"Yamato-taicho!" Sakura greeted the man sitting on the rooftop.

"Ah, Sakura-chan," Tenzo turned around to wave at her. Sakura's smile dropped immediately as her heart leapt to get throat.

"Taicho! You shouldn't work yourself to death like this. It was bad enough that Kakashi-sensei scares me half to death on a regular basis, I don't need you to do the same," she admonished as she immediately went to replenish his chakra supply. 

"Well, it's an honour to be compared to senpai.." Tenzo began, but quickly shut his mouth at the deathly glare Sakura was giving. Tenzo was a smart man. So he knew that keeping quiet and nodding appropriately was the best option he had.

"Well, you're all done now, Taicho. Please refrain from overusing your chakra in the future. I know Naruto's running around, please just grab him and get him to transfer you some chakra."

"Noted, thank you, Sakura-chan," Tenzo said with a smile. "Are you going to a party? That's a lot of ice cream and goodies right there."

"Ah.. I'm just going to Ino's to keep her company. Her father's death still affected her really badly."

"Please send my condolences for her too. Inoichi-san was a great man."

"I will," Sakura replied. "By the way, I'm planning to have a gathering soon with team 7 members. You have to come along."

"But I'm not a part of team 7."

"You are. You and Sai both are," Sakura said firmly. "I haven't managed to track down Sai since I'm still busy at the hospital. But if you see him, would you please let him know too, Taicho?"

"Will do, Sakura-chan." 

Sakura gave Tenzo one last smile as she leapt through another building. Ino first, and then she'll worry about dragging her teammates to sit down together through a meal.

...

"Ah, Sakura-chan," Ino's mother greeted as Sakura landed in front of Ino's house.

"Oba-san," Sakura replied as she gave the older woman a hug. "How's Ino?"

"She hasn't came out of her room. And she barely eats," Ino's mother said as she shook her head sadly. 

"I'll do my best to drag her out of bed," Sakura joked weakly. "How are you holding up?"

"It's hard, but I'm a kunoichi of Konohagakure. I have been prepared for this to happen the day I married Inoichi. I understood my duty to my family and the village."

"Yes, of course," Sakura replied. Although Ino's mom spoke with such poise, Sakura could see the sorrow in her eyes. She just lost her husband after all. "Well, my mom is in town for a while. I think she would be happy to have company over tea."

"Thank you, Sakura-chan," Ino's mother replied kindly as she drew Sakura into another hug. "I'll be on my way to the flower shop first. It's going to be a busy day as we are having the funeral procession tomorrow."

"I'll do my best to drag Ino to help you," Sakura promised. "But if she's still not up to it, I'll come along to help. I'll bring some friends over too."

"That would be lovely. Thank you, Sakura-chan," Ino's mother said as she released Sakura from the hug. 

Sakura watched as Ino's mother disappeared from her line of sight as she quietly made her way into Ino's house. She set down grocery bag she brought on the coffee table before making her way up to Ino's room.

"Ino," Sakura called out softly as she stood in front of her door. There was no answer, but Sakura could hear the rustling of sheets. "I'm coming in, Ino," she tried once more. When there wasn't any answer, Sakura gently opened the door.

Ino was lying in bed, cocooned inside her blanket. Sakura made her way towards Ino's bed and sat on its edge as she gently ran her hand through her hair. 

"It still hurts, Sakura," Ino rasped as tear began to trickle out of the corner of her eyes. Sakura's heart broke for her best friend. Sure, she did not know how it felt losing a parent, but when Sasuke left it had hurt her and left her numb for weeks. And at the time, she knew that he was still alive and that there was hope of him coming back. She couldn't even begin to imagine how Ino was feeling.

"I'm sorry for your loss. I really am, and I don't know what to say or do to make it better," Sakura admitted quietly as she knelt down beside Ino's bed to be at eye level with her.

"At least you're not telling me that it will get better with time," Ino said bitterly as she sat up. "I know it's true, Kami, I hope it's true. But it still hurt so fucking bad right now. I don't need to hear it!" 

Sakura nodded her head, just listening to what the blonde had to say. Ino then drew her beloved bunny stuffed toy and hugged it close. It was the first stuffed toy Inoichi had gotten her, and Ino said that she had the bunny since before she could remember anything.  As the silence stretched, Ino huffed and patted the space beside her. Sakura complied and sat beside her best friend as Ino laid her head on Sakura's shoulder. 

"Can you believe that the elders came right after I got home, before I could cry in my mom's arms and demanded that I started the training to take over as the clan's head?" Ino said seethingly as she chewed on the ear of her bunny.

"Hmm. You can always give me their names and I'll work something out with Naruto, Sasuke and Sai," Sakura replied as she gently removed the poor bunny from the abuse of Ino's teeth.

"I'll give you the list. And I want to watch their faces when they suffer."

"That settled it then," Sakura said. "Your kaa-san is really worried about you, and I've brought lots of ice cream, chocolates and cookies. All your favorites. Could you try to eat something for us?" Sakura added quietly.

"Yeah. I'll eat. I haven't had anything for a while so all those calories shouldn't ruin my figure," Ino joked weakly.  

"Good. Because we're stuffing ourselves with all of it and we're going to help your mom run the store," Sakura said as she got up from the bed. "I'll grab the food and you'll choose the movie?"

"Hmm." Ino nodded as she slowly crawled out of her cocoon. Before Sakura could exit the room, Ino called out to her. "Thank you, Sakura."

"This is what friends are for, pig."

"Forehead," Ino retorted back fondly.

...

5 pints of ice cream, 2 boxes of cookies and nth pieces of chocolates later, both Sakura and Ino were in sugar induced commas. With the latter swimming in so much more endorphins than she had been for the past week. 

"This is a bad idea," Ino moaned as she stuffed yet another cookie into her mouth.

"I feel like I've gained 10kg," Sakura groaned as she lied down flat on the bed. 

"Uh, I feel like I should join Team Gai's training session for a whole month just to lose everything I've gained today."

"Ah, you probably haven't heard, but Gai-sensei may never walk again," Sakura said soberly, as she sat back up in the bed. 

"What, no way! What happened?" Ino asked, flabbergasted. Gai-sensei was one of the strongest jonin in the village. And he was posted in Kakashi-sensei's batallion. And if Gai-sensei was strong, Kakashi-sensei was straight up a monster. He was able to fight against two Akatsuki members, one an undead zombie and another, a creepy ragdoll who can split himself into what, 4 or 5 pieces of himself? While protecting both her and Chouji. And although Ino was not on Kakashi's battalion during the war, she was linked to another Yamanaka who was the sensor in his battalion. Her cousin had told her that he was glad that Kakashi was on their team because a rampaging copy-ninja carrying a massive cleaver was the most terrifying thing he had seen since the Yondaime Hokage's rampage on Kumo during the third war. So how could he let his best friend got hurt to that extent?  

"Gai-sensei fought Madara and activated his eight's gate. He broke his leg kicking Madara."

"Now, that's a cool story on how you broke your leg."

"I know right?" Sakura laughed. "But I really wish that there is something we can do, to at last allow him to walk again."

"Me too. How's the team though?"

"Neji woke up for five minutes yesterday before going back to sleep. But otherwise he seemed fine. Tenten had been busy being the convoy guard for our rebuilding materials and I think Kakashi-sensei had been training with Lee."

"Hmm.. Chouji and Shika had been dropping by every day to check on me and shooing the elders." Ino mused. She would treat them to BBQ after the funeral, but she's only paying for 5 servings for Chouji. "How's your team? Any luck with Sa-su-ke-kun?" Ino asked as she wagged her eyebrow suggestively.

"I just saw Yamato-taicho this morning, and he asked me to pass you his condolences," Sakura said. "Taicho said that your dad was a good man."

"He was," Ino said as she took a deep breath. "I'll thank him tomorrow in the funeral procession if I see him." Ino said. "Well, enough of that. I want some tea on how your team is doing, especially with you and Sasuke-kun."

"Well, Taicho looked exhausted when I saw him. I think they worked him to the bone for the rebuilding effort."

"Hmm. I bet Naruto's roped in too?"

"Yep. He's surprisingly been more help than hindrance so far," Sakura commented fondly. "Oh, and before you asked about Sai," Sakura added conspiratorially.  "I haven't seen a head nor tail about him. But I'll probably try to find him after the funeral. You're very welcomed to come along," Sakura said as it was her turn wagging her eyebrow at Ino.

"Maybe I'll take you up on that offer," Ino said with a giggle. "But how about Sasuke-kun?"

"I think Kakashi-sensei's roping him into something," Sakura said with a shudder, remembering the sadistic smile on Kakashi's face.

"It can't be that bad."

"Oh but Sensei caught him sneaking out of the compound."

"Do you think he'll be at the funeral tomorrow, as the fallen?"

"From the look on Kakashi-sensei's face I say that it's a pretty high probability," Sakura said with a cringe.

"You should help him then."

"Nah, whatever Sensei is doing to him, I figured it will not even be sufficient punishment for him leaving us years ago."

"Forehead?" Ino called with a surprising quietness in her voice. At Sakura's head tilt, Ino drew a deep breath. "You don't sound so.. enamoured with him any more."

Sakura sighed as she sagged back into Ino's bed. "I've started having this confusion about my feelings for him since the war ended."

"Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't there to listen to your love adventures," Ino commented idly, her exact words prompted Sakura to turn her head and groan into Ino's pillow. 

"You know who I talked to about this instead?"

"Tsunade-sama? Shizune-san? Your mom? Tenten? Hinata?" Ino grew more and more puzzled as Sakura shook her head to every names Ino suggested. "Naruto?" Ino asked incredulously. While Naruto was a great friend, he was just too dense. 

"It's worse than Naruto."

At Sakura's words, Ino's eyebrow furrowed. "You talked to Gai-sensei?"

"I think it's even worse than Gai-sensei," Sakura said grimly.

"Well, I'm running out of options here. I would start throwing in Ibiki-san and Anko-san just for the sake of it."

"Well, it's not that bad. It's not that he's a bad person to talk to, but it just felt so mortifying."

"Were you drunk?"

"I was completely sober," Sakura said dryly. At Ino's eyebrow cock, Sakura caved. "I somehow talked to Kakashi-sensei about my feelings for Sasuke."

Sakura shot Ino a scowl as the blonde howled in laughter. "You asked Konoha's number one most aloof bachelor for love advice?"

"We talked, and it just came up."

"So what did he say?"

"I have time to figure all this out, since Sasuke-kun's not going anywhere for a while."

"That is a surprisingly good answer."

"He's aloof and reclusive. He's not socially inept, Ino. Thats's Sai."

"I suppose he always have a knack to assure everyone that things are going to be okay," Ino replied nonchalantly to not bite into Sakura's bait. 

"He does. And it's reassuring because we know that he will try his hardest to keep his promises."

"How is he though? I heard he lost his sharingan?"

"He managed to make me feel like a genin again from a taijutsu spar," Sakura replied with a pout. 

"Well, it's Kakashi-sensei. The fact that he even spars with you means that he recognises your skills."

"I supposed so," Sakura said as a smile tugged on the corner of her lips. She may not be good enough now, but she could always train harder. After all, the thing she did best was playing catch-up, right? "By the way, I told your kaa-san that I would help her drag you out of bed to help in the shop. But if you're not feeling up to it, I'll grab Naruto in your stead to help?"

"I'll come. I know she's been suffering too," Ino said with a sad smile. "Besides, can't have my family business be ruined now, can we?"

At that, Sakura laughed as she exited Ino's room to give her some privacy to get ready.  

...

A/N 

1. Ino's mom's name has never been revealed, and I don't think she would come up again in my fic, so I don't think I need to create a name for her

2. She might sound a little cold from her interaction with Sakura, but I imagined Ino's mom as a sort of noble lady. The Yamanaka clan, although not as prominent as even the Akimichi (because there are 4 noble clans in Konoha: Uchiha, Hyuuga, Aburame and Akimichi) would still be an old clan along with Nara clan. So I expect the patriarch and matriarch to have a sort of noble air around them. Sooo for Ino's mom, since the Yamanaka are also florist, I imagine her to be someone gentle, but with a lot of inner strength. So she would not usually sound cold and detached, but in this circumstance, since her husband had just died and her daughter is still in a state of emotional turmoil, she have to be the strong one (cos that's also what moms do). So the 'detachment' is probably her way of coping.

3. Endorphin is a 'happy' hormone (basically an endogenous opioid/ opioid produced naturally by the body). There's some research that suggests that eating chocolates causes endorphin release because of the chemical compound found in chocolates. So, eat chocolates and stay happy! :) 

4. In a lot of fics, Kakashi is often depicted as someone who's not very good with social interaction. But I think Kakashi, being a ninja, would know how to act and what to say, since acting the right way and saying the right stuff goes a long way in the shinobi world, especially when it helps you to not get killed in the job. I think he would no doubt be awkward in a setting where he is in a big crowd and is the centre of attention of said crowd. But if it's a smaller group of people, I think he would know how to position himself (especially literally positioning himself in a way where extricating himself from said situation would be easiest).

[fourangers]

Perhaps, in the end, it’s fate

Summary:  With one different tilt of the destiny, many other paths can be unfolded. However between them, there would be always an automatic pull since they share an interchangeable fate.

It's ninjaverse AU, completely different timeline. Teacher!Naruto, father!Sasuke, lil!Sarada with a harmless crush on Nardo. No prior pairings with Sasuke (and Naruto btw) because babies can be created through power of SCIENCE! (or in this case, Orochimaru’s experiments).

Based on February prompt from Sun and Moon Challenge, check it out once you can! SNS, T-rated. Comedy and Romance.

AO3 link | FFnet link

⏤.⏤

Squinting his eyes, he swallowed dryly with fingers crossed. He hoped his future mentor would be wise and kind, his teammates nice and welcoming. If he could stretch a little bit more in this wishing department, maybe Sakura will be part of his team. Well, anything, anyone but Sasuke. It was already humiliating enough losing his first kiss to that bastard, going on missions with him would be. The. Worst.

Iruka cleared his throat, staring the list. "Well, Team 7 will be Haruno Sakura..."

Naruto inhaled sharply, tightening his fists.

"Uchiha Sasuke..." He could hear Sakura's jubilant scream all across the classroom, in midst of other feminine complaints and whining. Naruto groaned too.

"...and Hyuuga Neji."

Huh.

That was...sort of unexpected. Really unexpected.

Naruto frowned, wondering why it felt so out of place that he wouldn't be part of this team.

Iruka continued to recite. "That means that the last team will be Rock Lee, Tenten and Uzumaki Naruto."

He threw a tentative glance towards his future teammates, trying not to get freaked out towards the most humongous eyebrows he had ever met in his life. This boy was also wearing a spandex, a bowl cut haircut style and a goofy smile. His female teammate, on the other hand, simply smiled once she noticed him, waving her hand.

Naruto awkwardly waved back, butterflies squirming in his stomach. A brand new life lied ahead of him and he couldn’t wait to get into his first ninja mission.

His new teacher was a bigger weirdo named Maito Gai. He wore Lee’s same spandex and had even thicker brows, but every qualm was instant quelled once he showed impressive taijutsu skills. He was also unbelievably patient and kind with his protegées, taking notes of their strengths and deficiencies, even teaching basic ninjutsus skills to Naruto that he didn’t manage to learn back in ninja Academy.

Gai had auto-proclaimed rival to Team 7’s leader, some shady guy named Kakashi. They stumbled towards that team on a rather frequent basis while watching Gai’s bravados and weird contests with Kakashi laidback responses. That also meant that Naruto and Lee were busy wooing (or at least trying to) Sakura. Noticing Lee’s unsuccessful attempts to ask her out made him shift for another strategy; concentrating on the other rival ergo Uchiha Sasuke.

(though frankly, while sprawled on the bed after another grueling day of training, Naruto had to admit that what he wanted the most was to check if Sasuke, who is another orphan like him, was doing ok on his own)

Sasuke egged him on, honestly. Calling him a total dumbass, smirking while they bickered, it was refreshing someone acknowledge him aside his teammates.

Sakura was treating him better in comparison to the Academy days, much to his positive surprise. She muttered something about Sasuke giving her a blistering lecture, defending Naruto out, which broke his wall for a second.

Chuunin exams arrived, Lee and Tenten losing in the preliminaries, fueling Naruto to get a victory for the team. His fight against Hyuuga Neji ended with some broken bones, painful conversations, a promise and a new friend. He was looking forward to see Sasuke defeat Gaara to honor Konoha, however, as life was full of unexpected changes, that innocuous exam ended with the Sandaime Hokage murdered and the village being attacked.

The village council convinced Kakashi be a temporary Hokage, everyone gathering around to fix the destruction. Soon they returned to their old routine with the usual genin missions while they went back to train. Naruto kept helping Tenten to conjure better weapons as well as sparring with Lee. He had to admit that while Gai was a good teacher, he wished he could expand even further his skills to something other than taijutsu…

Before he could get back to the idyllic days, out of nowhere, Sasuke disappeared. Rumors spread seeing Sakura’s swollen eyes and Kakashi handling a mission to retrieve him. All genins he knew assembled a team with Shikamaru as the leader and Neji to talk him through.

The mission was a complete utter failure.

“He just didn’t listen to me. I even mentioned you Naruto-kun, how it’s possible for anyone to get out from our personal darkness and conquer fate but still…” Neji shook his head, swallowing a soldier pill to replenish his depleted chakra.

Words of disagreement lodged on his throat but he couldn’t voice it out. Naruto knew, somehow, that if it were him, instead of Neji, maybe…Maybe he’d be able to convince Sasuke, or…

After this incident, he noticed Sakura’s grim expression when she started her medic nin training, as well as Neji’s renewed determination to change the Hyuuga clan. Naruto questioned himself, why he wanted with almost the same intensity to bring Sasuke back to Konoha, despite wondering if he’d make a difference. He’s not even his teammate…

And yet he pondered; was this the reason why he accepted Jiraiya’s tutelage, when Gai mentioned about him when they went to retrieve Tsunade?

But as painful that experience was for everyone involved in, life moved on. Even shadows casting on Team 7’s eyes were blurring out, Sakura mentioning her ex-teammate with a somewhat nostalgia instead of bitterness, and Neji found a closer friendship with Naruto as years passed by.

Naruto questioned himself then, the irrational need to work to the bone 24/7, red iris plaguing his dreams sometimes. He was evolving, he was becoming a stronger ninja and yet he always felt that he didn’t reach his full potential. As if his body was waiting for a worthy rival to inspire him.

Team 7 and Team Gai were celebrating together for gaining their chuunin title, as well as Neji’s jounin promotion. Lee and Sakura used this opportunity to reveal that they were dating, shocking them all. They were a cute couple; Naruto figured, so he approached her to drop a quiet confession.

“You know, it’s funny but I used to have a crush on you.” He muttered, sipping his tea.

Sakura stared with wide eyes, before letting out a short chuckle.

“What!” Naruto yowled. “I mean, don’t sell yourself short, you are cute so a lot of boys liked you and I used to be one of them so⏤”

Sakura shook her head, giggling. "No, no, no, I mean...I thought you used to have a crush on Sasuke.”

His jaw dropped to the ground. “What?!”

“Yes, whenever our teams met, you were busier staring at him and trying to get him to fight you than trying to talk with me. So I thought maybe you were into him? Like the typical boy who pull the girl’s pigtails because he likes her. Well, though you two were boys. Was I wrong?”

Naruto was scarlet red to the tip of his hair, mouth still slack, unable to formulate any complete sentence. Sakura’s smile grew more mischievous so he settled to avoid looking at her, wolfing down his plate.

Sakura pursed her lips, sagging on her seat. “Sasuke huh...he’s coming back, you know.”

For a second, the world stood stock still. “What?”

She shrugged, fingers twirling strands of hair. “You heard that right. He wants to go back to Konoha, claiming that he saw the errors of his way. So he traded important information about Sound Village and Orochimaru to regain his citizenship and ninja status in Konoha.”

A silence fell between them as they both took their time to absorb this bout of information. Sakura cheered up once her boyfriend was back with fresh food, but Naruto was lost thinking about all possibilities.

Few days later, Sasuke arrived at the gates, battered and tired, cradling a cloth wrapping with his arms. He was already the main gossip of the town, then the whispers grew exponentially once they confirmed that he was, indeed, holding a little child.

At a tender age of 18, this young man was already a father.

Naruto hid in some corner of a store, glancing surreptitiously as Sasuke strolled through the streets, uncaring to people gawking and muttering around him. The toddler began shuffling, hiccuping. Those small noises soon turned to loud wails that made him stop at once, cradling her close as he made little bounces though this wasn’t enough to calm her down. People made annoyed faces and had quicken their paces, everyone refused to help him out.

Listening to the cries that increased in volume, he bit his lip, taking a deep breath. He emerged from his spot, walking closer to Sasuke who appeared a little frantic.

“Um.” Naruto scratched the back of his head when Sasuke turned to face him with a glare, hands busy while his daughter kept crying. “Maybe you can try putting her body resting over your upper arm, like a tiger resting on a branch.”

Sasuke stared skeptical, despite obeying his suggestion. Her short yowls decreased, breathing becoming more even till she slept in his arms. Needless to say, Sasuke was rather impressed.

“Uh yeah⏤Iruka-toosan sometimes asks me to help him out taking care of children in the daycare center. I got some of those tips.”

Sasuke grunted back, gazing upon his baby.

“So…” Naruto smacked his lips. “Welcome back? Uh, what’s her name?”

Sasuke huffed, placing her head on his left shoulder. “Sarada.”

Naruto held her tiny hand, smiling with a whisper. “Sarada-chan~welcome to Konoha. You’re gonna love living here, meeting auntie Sakura, uncle Neji, Kakashi, me...how old is she?”

Sasuke scrunched up his face, staring downwards. “9 months. I thought...I’d be fine on my own but in the end, we needed⏤” He thinned his lips. “I said too much.” Before Naruto would ask any further question, Sasuke said. “I should get going. Thank you, Naruto.”

Naruto nodded back, watching the brisk steps moving away from him.

Once Sasuke had settled in the old Uchiha compound, Sakura, Neji and Kakashi visited him. They were welcoming, but absent. After all, Sakura was busy in Konoha’s hospital, Kakashi was going to be officially appointed as Konoha’s Hokage, Neji was helping his cousin changing Hyuuga clan’s laws.

There was a significant chasm between Sasuke and other ninjas of his generation, since he was now a father between young adults, and left Konoha while the Rookie Nine nurtured their relationship over the years. He made no effort to draw the bridge too, cooped in his house taking care of his daughter most of the time. And even when the gang would reunite, he was always the last one to arrive, the first to go.

On some occasions Sakura would succeed in convincing him to bring his daughter whenever team Gai and team 7 would gather in her house. Sasuke however, maintained his distance with the crew, aside some quiet conversation with Neji.  

It was almost like living in an old film reel, rolling all over again. Watching Sasuke as a child from afar, craving to reach his hand and talk to him but never building enough courage to do so. They became mere acquaintances, the occasional nod of recognition when they crossed paths, making small talks while Sasuke was nursing Sarada. Soon Naruto became jounin when Sasuke managed the chuunin title, Lee mentioning he and Sakura took care of Sarada while he was doing the exams.

He stared down the porcelain mask while the townspeople cheered the end of Kakashi’s appointed ceremony. Gai stood next to him, and Naruto smiled from his teacher’s happiness emanating from afar. Long time ago, he remembered desiring conquering such coveted position, but nowadays he was content knowing that Kakashi would make a decent Hokage.

(why did he lose so easily his determination to follow his ambitions?)

Kakashi didn’t waste much time in celebration, throwing mission after mission on him, one longer than the other and in some faraway sketchy places. Most those times Naruto could only hear the faint echoes of their sprinting, casting long shadows on the cavernous walls. He was responsible exploding laboratories while Tenten gathered reports, weird shapes submerged in purpleish water.

How bizarre. Sometimes he could swear some of those shapes had some resemblance with Sasuke.

⏤.⏤

Iruka was like a father to him and he deserved this long vacation after years of tireless tutelage. But still.

Screams. Collisions. Little imps running around all over the place. Those squirmy little brats slithering out of his grasp and making a racket.

Naruto really needed to work in refusing Iruka’s requests, but the older nin was just this damn persuasive.

He spread his clones in every corner of the daycare center, however, it didn’t seem to be enough. The moment the kids understood that his bunshins could pop out with some harder shove, they made their newest game dispelling as many clones as possible.

Yet those kids were old enough to learn basics of ninja skills, so other teachers threw such responsibility on Naruto’s shoulders, considering he had a higher rank. He had a hard time tampering down his strength, why are children such squiggly delicate beings that cried with the littlest wound?

Naruto spent only one day with them and he was already wondering if he would leave this experience unscathed. Nevertheless he summoned every bit of his patience and taught the fundamentals of aiming, giving them the chance to train too.

He heard collective praises and some gasps coming from afar, approaching and noticing the dark haired girl concentrated on her task. Whoa...time surely flies by pretty damn fast. He had forgotten that Sarada was already 5 years old. Naruto snorted when he saw that most shurikens she threw hit the bullseye.

But that wasn’t enough to satisfy her, since she picked all the paper shurikens and threw with renewed zeal. The rest of the kids went away playing on their own, but Sarada remained in training. Heaving tired breaths, she flung another shuriken but this time it flew past the target.

She made a frustrated growl, running to dislodge the weapon that dug deep in the bark of a tree. Naruto heard a concealed hiccup, as Sarada rubbed her eyes with her arm.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, I got this.” Naruto appeared in a blink, quirking a mollifying smile and removed the shuriken with ease. He offered to the young Uchiha, she accepted the weapon with contemplative eyes.

“You’re Lee-san’s friend right?” She realized.

“Sure am! I’m Uzumaki Naruto, it’s nice to see you again Sarada-chan.” Naruto patted her head. “You know, it’s really important to train your skills, but taking a break is also equally as important. Letting your body rest when it’s so tired, so it can grow stronger the next time.”

Sarada pouted, then muttered. “Auntie Sakura told me stories about back when my father was my age. He was a genius, always great with whatever he did, but I’m…”

“Ah yeah your dad...I also remember that he used to train all day and night over and over again. You’ll get as good as him in no time, don’t worry about it.”

“But…” Sarada bit her lower lip, shuffling her feet. “Father once talked to me about the Uchiha clan and how it used to be a very respectable clan and I have to follow their footsteps so⏤”

“Ugh, who cares!” Naruto rolled his eyes. “I think it’s too much that this bastard⏤”

She gasped. “You said a bad word!”

“S-sorry.” He scratched his head. “Anyways, I think it’s unfair to put such heavy duties on your shoulders. Your dad suffered back he was your age, I don’t want you to suffer the same. You should be only Sarada-chan after all right! You’ll make your father proud in your own pace.”  

“You think so?”

“I know so! After all, I’m already proud of you and I’m your teacher, right.” He messed her hair, patting on it.

Sarada stared down her shuriken, thumbs sliding over it. She peeked through her fringes, a rosy blush dusting her cheeks. “Thank you Uzumaki-sensei.”

“Oh, you can call me Naruto.” He grinned.

Her voice pumped with more excitement as she said. “Naruto-sensei!”

On the following days Naruto continued with his ninja classes, juggling between paying attention to all students, focusing on the rowdy ones, teaching those lessons and avoid any kind of catastrophe might ensue. He had found another mounting respect towards Iruka, those kids just can’t be real.

In every class Sarada was the first to complete it with pristine score, dashing next to him with eyes silently asking for his praise.

And praise he did, with words of encouragement and approval, injecting an impressed tone as he ruffled her hair. Every single time this gave her renewed motivation to improve herself. Naruto gazed fondly from afar as Sarada hopped between trees with ease. His entire childhood was consumed by hatred and neglect from adults until he met Iruka, he’d never subject any other kid to such trauma once again.

“Naruto-sensei!” Sarada exclaimed, hugging his arm with a tight grip.

Naruto beamed, patting her hair. He was starting to see the perks of this profession, was this the reason why Iruka continued to be a teacher despite having to take care of these little brats everyday?

A baritone voice chimed from behind. “Ah, I see. Expected nothing less I guess.”

They turned around, facing the familiar piercing dark eyes. Sasuke gazed back in fond amusement.

“So you’re really the Naruto-sensei my daughter kept gushing about all last week.”

Sarada pale cheeks reddened at once. “Father!”

“Alright little one, it’s time to go home.” Sasuke hushed by patting on her back. “Go grab our things ok.” After Sarada obeyed him with a pronounced pout, Sasuke muttered once she was out of the picture. “Long time no see.”

“Yeah…” Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. “You look well I guess.”

“Hn. When Lee told me you’re subbing for Iruka-sensei, I didn’t quite believe at first. I thought you’re a jounin?”

“I am, but Iruka-toosan made me promise that I’d take care of them while he’s on vacation. I thought, well, kids right. I took care of ‘em sometimes, one whole month would be nothing and⏤”

“It’s hell isn’t it?” Sasuke smirked.

Naruto dropped his shoulders at once, a long groan vibrating on his throat. “Totally. I was already dead on the first day.”

Sasuke nodded in agreement. “Sarada thankfully is more helpful than most children. But still, where do they get all this energy?”

“I know right??” Naruto laughed. “They look so small I thought they wouldn’t be much trouble but whoa, did I misjudge on this one.”

Sarada arrived with backpack ready. “I’m back father!”

“Good. Maybe we’ll go eat outside for a change.”

“Oh! You should eat Ichiraku Ramen then, it’s perfect for cold day like today!” Naruto said.

Sasuke shook his head. “You and your Ichiraku Ramen, I remember you used to drag Lee and Tenten to eat at that place.”

“Ichiraku Ramen is the greatest, I was just doing them a favor to acknowledge such fact. There’s no other restaurant that would have such delicious braised pork, a tender yet firm noodles coupled with the rich texture and savory miso broth. It’s the best.”

“If Naruto-sensei said so, maybe we should try it!” Sarada chirped. A lightbulb went off and she added. “Maybe he could go with us!”

Both young men crossed their eyes before deflecting in haste, Naruto cleared his throat as Sasuke thinned his lips. “Naruto-sensei looks pretty tired, maybe we shouldn’t bother him too much Sarada.”

“Oh, she’s not bothering me for sure.” Naruto retorted. “But maybe you want to have some quiet time together with your father, right, Sarada-chan?”

“Father wouldn’t mind if you tag along Naruto-sensei, right?” Sarada pulled out the most pitiful expression she could ever muster, jutting her lower lip. “Right?”

Glancing in between her frantic daughter and the bewildered blue eyes, Sasuke exhaled tiredly. He mumbled under his breath. “Is it ok for you to go with us Naruto?”

“Um, ok. Sure!” He messed with Sarada’s hair when she jumped in joy. “I’m going to ask my favorite Ramen flavor for you Sarada-chan, I’m sure you’re going to love it.”

Despite initial reservations, they maintained a cheerful conversation peppered with Naruto’s booming voice and Sarada’s exclaims while they were walking on the way to the restaurant. This time though, Sasuke appeared to be a more sociable mood, chatting back with occasional grunts, which Naruto didn’t mind with his easy-going nature.

Sasuke insisted paying the bill despite all his protests, explaining that this was a small gesture of gratitude for taking care of his daughter. After waving goodbyes, they went on separate ways, smile playing on both their lips.

“Naruto-sensei is like the sun right!”

Sasuke blinked, head tilted to one side to gawk at her. Sarada linked her fingers together, placing to one side of her cheek as she whispered with a dreamy voice.

“He’s so nice and friendly, full of energy and bright. And when he smiles you just feel happier too, it’s wide and sincere, he makes your mood so much better. I love his hair, it’s golden exactly like the sun and his eyes have such a beautiful shade of blue, I’d never get tired looking at his eyes and⏤” She stopped her diatribe once she noticed her father’s peering eyes. “What?”

Sasuke studied his daughter, before settling with a long sigh.

She wrinkled her nose. “Anyways, as I was saying…”

⏤.⏤

2nd chapter here

⏤.⏤

AN: at first I thought that it’d be a one-shot but it got too much material for only a one-shot. So...lol. It’s gonna be a two-shot.