#well Urushi’s leg

[teanstitches]

Toddlers can be a pain in the ass when you’re trying to cook!

Parts of theee drawing itself bother me, but it was good painting practice. The painting but didn’t come out the way I wanted either lol

Here’s a closeup of Bull because he’s my favorite part of this one.

[thatsneakymedic]

October Writing Challenge Day 7 Ghost

"These flowers are perfect for the shrine, don't you think?" Kabuto said as he kneels down to see the violet cornflower, growing on the grass among the fields of other flowers.

"Do you know anything about flower meanings? Because I don't want you to get something that has a different message instead of love." Urushi replied as he looks at the eye catching flower.

"I mean, I don't see why we can't pick it. Corn flowers are hardy plants that can grow almost everywhere. But then again, another name for them is "bachelor buttons". And as far as we know. Mother Nonou was a nun who may or may not practiced celibacy that comes with taking on the robes." Kabuto thinks as he leaves the flower alone to get a daisy flower that was next to it.

Daisies mean innocence... right? While Nonou wasn't entirely "that" innocent. She was indeed a pure soul who gave her life trying to save one child.

Kabuto himself.

"Urushi, how about I go ahead and buy flowers from the flower shop. That way, perhaps I could also buy a book about flower meanings or at least have Mrs. Yamanaka teach me a few things as well?" Kabuto stands up as he wipes the stray loose grass that was around his legs.

Urushi just shrugs, "You'll waste money that way. Plus I doubt that she would want you to use your hard earned money for her sake when it should be used for the children. But if you have plenty to spare, you can. Just don't go about spending a lot on a bouquet when at least one or two flowers would do."

Kabuto could only smile at Urushi's advice as he prepares to leave to Konoha to buy some flowers from the flower shop. "I'm heading out, I'll even buy a book for next time. Take care of the place, I won't take long." Long after Kabuto arrived and when he left, he was the most closest "son" to Nonou than Kabuto himself and would know more about her personality than he did. He even witnessed how Nonou cried when Kabuto left with Danzo to join ROOT. She knew full well his reasons why and Urushi was the one who witnessed it all. The last thing his mother told him before she left was to "wait for me or Kabuto. Because we're coming home together."

At the Yamanaka flower shop...

The bell above the door rings and Kabuto heads inside and he looks around the store. It seemed to be just only him a cloaked woman wearing a hood with light brown hair falling on her sides. Seemingly unfazed or unbothered by the crying of the baby in the store. But despite her unassuming appearance, something... felt familiar with her as she stares at the flowers. And if he looked carefully, the shiny rim of her glasses can be seen peeking out from under the edge of the hood.

"Hey there Kabuto! Just one moment, while I put little Inojin back on the baby bouncer." Ino cheerfully greeted him while Inojin whimpered and cried loudly in her arms. When she tried to put him down on the bouncer, he could cling onto her shirt and refused to let go, screaming more louder than before.

"... Then again. Can you give me a moment? Inojin has been really fussy and clingy all morning and he has been in my arms for a while now. He's not sick, his diaper is fully changed, and he's well fed. He's just wants to be around me 24/7." Ino almost wanted to sound like she's whining but even she knew how it was going to be when it comes to raising a baby on her own.

"Not at all, I can wait. Your son comes first after all. Besides, it will give me plenty of time to look over the flowers. Kabuto smiled but he could easily tell how tired Ino is looking despite her cheerful and optimistic words.

While she heads to the back of the store to try to calm her son, Kabuto looks over at the variety of flowers before him. Some costing a bit too much, while others while pretty came in bundles even though he planned on buying 2 or 4 flowers.

Kabuto looks over at the roses and he contemplates on getting it but the woman approaches him and looks at the flowers with him. "Are you in love with someone? White flowers are always the best when it comes to pure love and innocence." Kabuto after realizing the rose's meaning, decides to not get it after all.

"No, miss. I'm just looking for some flowers for my mother. But I don't know anything about flower meanings so I'm just trying to find out which ones would be suited for her." He then thinks for a moment.

"Do you know anything about flowers? If you do, can you help me?" Kabuto asked rather humbly, since he knew that he shouldn't bother another customer, but considering how fussy the baby is. It might take Ino awhile to calm him down.

The woman doesn't turn to him, but she does point at the carnations and white lilies on the stores. "If I had a son who would bring me flowers, I would love it if he brought me at least one of those. Pink carnations represent motherhood and undying love, white lilies mean purity and rememberance though they're also a funeral flower as well. But I do love tulips too. No need for any significant meanings as any flower would be appreciated. It's the thought that counts after all."

Kabuto listens to the woman and his strong intuition tells him to pick the tulips so he takes at least two pink ones. The price didn't matter to him, but they do seem like they would fit with the shrine. The woman from under the hood smiles, "Those would be perfect for your mother, I hope that she appreciates them. Even one would be good enough."

As a sign of appreciation, he takes out a 3rd flower and he presents it to her, "For you. Consider this as me repaying you for helping me." The woman's smile brightens as her pale hand comes out from the sleeve of her robe and she reaches over to take it from his hand, as her hood slowly pulls back to almost reveal her entire face. Including the glass on her circular frames.

Till the sound of the door to the back of the store opens and Kabuto turns his attention to the door to see Ino coming out.

The baby's crying has calmed down a bit and Ino wraps the store apron around her waist, "Phew! Thank god that he at least stopped crying. Is there anything I can help you?"

Kabuto's eyes turn to the hooded woman in front of him but she was nowhere to be seen. The flower was still in his hand but if she left the store, the door bell wouldn't let them both know. He looked around the store for her but she was gone. "Ino, there was a woman here. Didn't you see her? She was wearing a dark cloak with a hood, her hair was light brown, and she looked pretty young too."

"What woman? You're the only customer in this store that I had here today. No one stayed here to window shop or anything like that. I even have cameras to prove it. Besides, no one in that description has showed up either." Ino tilted her head as she looked around the store.

Kabuto just quietly stares at the spot where she was as he puts back the third flower into the vase where the tulips were while taking the ones that he's going to buy to the counter. "... I guess I'm just imagining things. I had an exhausting day, since the change of weather is making everyone feel tired or sick."

Ino rings him up and puts the two flowers into a makeshift bag with water tapped around the stems so that it can still be "fresh" while Kabuto heads back to the orphanage. "Tell me about it. I'm doing my best to keep Inojin from getting sick, but at the same time. I think that I might get sick from exhaustion myself if I'm not careful. I just want Sai to come home tonight to take care of Inojin so that I can get some rest."

Kabuto takes the flowers carefully as he gives a worrying smile at Ino, "I do hope that he does, otherwise. Little Inojin might scare your customers away, but then again. He's so cute so maybe he can also promote business to remind everyone that this is a family business. Take care Ino."

Before he heads out, a sudden chill passes him from the exit of the door and when he turned around. For a moment, he saw the woman's reflection on the door's glass for a few seconds. Though her face was still obscured, her glasses were reflecting back so not even her eyes could be seen. But her mysterious kind smile was burned into Kabuto's memory as he tried to recall where he has seen that smile.

When the door's reflection changed as the door closed.

She was gone again.

@lunyraartistry (here you go! a rather nice story!)

[silverstarlightwrites]

ah yes, the idea for yet another variant of this au chain

Team Seven take the mission to the Land of Waves. On the bridge, they fight Zabuza and Haku.

On the bridge, Sakura dies.

For a moment that lasts forever, everything seems to freeze. It’s shock, initially, on every face. Haku’s mirrors are in the midst of cracking apart, Naruto and Sasuke standing bloody and back-to-back between them, while Haku lunges across the expanse of stone to protect Zabuza from the shrill and deathly lightning in Kakashi’s hand.

Even Sakura herself seems stunned, rotating midair as if in slow motion. She seems unsure of herself, or how exactly she got where she is - bolted from one end of the bridge to the other, abandoning her post as Tazuna’s bodyguard to intercept Haku on their way to Kakashi.

And she’s made it, to her credit. Caught Haku just before they reach Zabuza, tagged them with her kunai. There’s blood on their clothes, a stark red streak against pale skin and fabric.

They’ve spun at the contact, reflexive, defensive. Somehow, even with the Chidori roaring in Kakashi’s palm, the world goes silent as Haku’s senbon sinks into Sakura’s neck. It’s all too slow as the strike transfers momentum, as Sakura’s feet lift from the ground and the senbon tears out of her throat. Sasuke stares on with Sharingan ablaze, unable to breathe, unable to look away as his eyes dutifully and traitorously record Sakura’s death in minute, excruciating detail. He doesn’t know, just yet, what the cost of his clan’s power truly is.

But Kakashi does, only too terribly well, and as time catches up with itself and Sakura goes crashing into the bridge, he strikes. His hand punches straight through Zabuza’s ribcage, tearing through his heart until Kakashi’s fingers protrude from his back. The surprise on his face is overlaid with the relief on Rin’s, and Kakashi yanks back, turns away, refuses to look at her ghost with the blood on his hands.

Sasuke is frozen, unblinking, struggling to breathe. He can’t drag his gaze away from Sakura’s body, and she looks so small where she’s crumpled on the bridge, utterly motionless in an expanding puddle of her own blood. He can’t see colours, except for the crimson, as if everything else has been spontaneously switched off.

She’s still breathing, barely, a weak flutter that-- Gods, Sasuke thinks he might be imagining it, actually, he can’t tell, and her body is outlined in white fire that he knows isn’t real, Sharingan whirring, head spinning. The world rotates.

It ruptures, all at once, as Naruto lets out an ear-piercing scream at Sasuke’s side. Whatever was holding it all snaps, and Sasuke whips around to check on Naruto, and sees the menacing red bleeding into blue eyes, sees the way his teeth are cracking and elongating in his jaws, the fangs that are too big for Naruto’s skull, the ink creeping out from the birthmarks on his cheeks, winding back along his temples and down his nose.

There’s a shout, Kakashi’s voice, but Naruto has already vanished in a blur of sticky red chakra and the shattering of the stone under his feet, and by the time Sasuke can find him again he’s already torn into Haku like a wild animal, cracking bone and shredding flesh. Their head rolls away from their body, before Naruto pounces on it.

The skull pancakes under Naruto’s hand, a splatter of brains like a water balloon bursting, a tongue poking from between his fingers and an eyeball popping into the air and arcing away. Naruto is snarling, glowing, and there’s blood dripping from every footprint he leaves, his skin melting and boiling as fast as it heals under the cloak of-- of-- oh gods, and Sasuke doesn’t even know, can’t even comprehend what it is that he’s seeing. A Naruto that isn’t himself, isn’t even human, and there are ethereal tails forming and lashing from the dark red chakra itself, two-- three. Long curves that look like ears, deep gouges in the stone as his nails-- claws, they’re claws, wickedly sharp, and they look more like bone than fingernail, like the animal is too big to be contained by Naruto’s real body.

Haku is in pieces under Naruto’s attack, and he won’t stop slashing and biting and shredding. Nausea boils up, fear and panic and Sasuke doesn’t fucking understand but he’s pretty fucking sure that he doesn’t want to, and it’s almost a relief when he has to turn away to vomit.

Kakashi’s voice is in the air, and every fibre of his body wants to help ruin the people who’ve killed Sakura right in front of them, wants to sprint to her side and try to save her - but he can’t, he knows, and he can’t lose control like his kids are. He’s the leader. He’s the adult. There’s too much blood under Sakura already, her carotid artery sundered by the attack, and she’s just a child, she’s beyond help, beyond Kakashi’s rudimentary skills in medical ninjutsu, she’s already gone and there’s nothing Kakashi can do to save her. Because there’s never anything he can do to save her.

But he can’t lose control, and he needs to triage the situation as best he can. If he fails to act, then he’ll lose Naruto too. He’ll lose Sasuke. He’ll lose all of them. So he sprints to Naruto, tackles him to the ground, ignores the sudden searing agony of the Kyuubi’s chakra biting into his skin. Naruto is wild, lost in the onslaught of his demon and grief, but where the Kyuubi’s domination brings with it new and unique strengths, it also brings weaknesses.

It takes more chakra and effort than Kakashi has, but he makes Naruto look him in the eye, brings as much of the Sharingan’s power to bear as he can. For a minute, struggling to keep Naruto down while he howls and snaps his teeth and tries to bite through Kakashi’s wrists, nothing visibly happens. Kakashi is shaking by the time Naruto finally stills, takes a deep breath, lets out a noise like a dying animal.

When Naruto slumps, the Kyuubi locked back into its cage, Kakashi goes down with him.

Sasuke’s approach is slow, shuddering, uncertain. His eyes are burning, and he can’t tell if it’s from chakra or from tears, but he doesn’t care. Naruto and Kakashi are breathing, tangled together in an unconscious pile, and Sasuke can’t even begin to think what to do with them so he ignores them. Goes to Sakura instead. She’s sprawled, her skin scraped and raw from her impact and tumble against the bridge, her throat torn open. Sasuke’s never seen what the inside of a larynx looks like before.

He turns away as he gags, but there’s nothing left to come up except a violent ache so deep that Sasuke thinks, for a moment, that he might be about to die as well. Sakura is limp when he tries to pick her up, warm and pliable and lifeless in his hands. He can’t get them to stop shaking, makes a mess as he tries to wipe her hair out of her face. Smears blood everywhere. It’s matted in her hair, the normal pink warped into a blurring crimson.

It’s the ninken who actually take control. Pakkun sets Bull and Shiba to guard Tazuna, even though the threat to him is gone. The cold reality is that they’re acting more like prison guards than bodyguards; Konoha has lost a genin and nearly lost her whole team, and it rarely forgives such offences. Guruko establishes a small parameter around the scene, and Akino keeps the remaining civilians in a tight group. Urushi comes to sit vigil with Sasuke, and they let him cradle Sakura’s body to his chest and cry.

With only a few words, Pakkun has Ūhei unsummon herself, and she vanishes in a puff of smoke to report to the Hokage and get a rescue team sent after them. With Bisuke’s help, Pakkun himself sets to untangling Naruto and Kakashi and ensuring they’ll live through this. Shiba, the only ninken with a lightning affinity, is pulled off Tazuna duty to give Kakashi a chakra transfusion; he jolts and moans when it’s delivered, but it’s a necessary agony and he doesn’t fully wake.

When Gatō makes his appearance, Bisuke vanishes and reappears on his shoulders, and his entourage is sent fleeing in panic as she rips out his throat too with delicate, savage fangs.

By the time that Ūhei returns with a rescue squad at her side, Naruto is awake again and he refuses to let anyone take Sakura’s body from him but the masked Anbu simply picks them up together. Gai is firm but gentle as he carries Kakashi - not quite awake, but beginning to stir. Sasuke tries to stand - he’s numb and hollow, and he thinks that he should feel like he did when he found Itachi over the bodies of their parents but he doesn’t. He doesn’t feel anything.

Perhaps he should feel guilty for that.

His legs fail him, however, and maybe he should feel pathetic for not even being able to pick himself up from the ground but he can’t bring himself to care as he’s carefully lifted up by Asuma. Sasuke wants nothing more than to stop existing while he watches his team over Asuma’s shoulder, stares unblinking at the way Naruto shakes and begs Sakura to wake up. She won’t.

She won’t ever again.

The ninken make the trip back with them, and if it is a quick affair then it is also a haunting one. Naruto doesn’t shut up the entire time, alternating between talking to the girl who cannot hear him and muttering quietly to himself. If Sasuke looks closely enough, he can see the flash of fangs in Naruto’s mouth that never quite flatten again.

The report to Hiruzen lasts for a lifetime, and is over far too soon. Kakashi is lucid by then, standing on his own feet but with Gai’s continued assistance. His report is... empty. Perhaps that’s as it should be - he does not cry, for death has already wrung from him as many tears as he could ever give it, but his voice is icy and his gaze is bitter and grim. He recommends, as emotionlessly as he explains all the rest, that Konoha execute Tazuna for his crimes.

Naruto finally surrenders Sakura’s body when her parents arrive. He and Sasuke will never forget the way they break when he does, the collapse and the howling and the way that Sakura is stiff and pale in their arms. Her eyes are still open, glazed and green and unseeing.

Why are her eyes still open?

Afterwards, after Sasuke and Naruto are released from Team Seven’s trip to the hospital but Kakashi is coerced to stay, two of the ninken stick around. Ūhei sticks to Sasuke’s side like a parasite, a warmth and stability that Sasuke finds himself loathing, while Bisuke trails Naruto at a short but definitive distance.

Naruto doesn’t let Sasuke wander home alone. He wants to, desperately, wants to hide away in the ocean of death that he lives in and-- gods, and what, exactly? Showering is an option that should be appealing, but it’s not. Even the thought of washing Sakura’s blood off himself - of erasing the last tangible evidence of her life - is sickening. They’d been cruel to her, in life. Sasuke had expected little of her at all, and he hadn’t cared if she’d known it. Naruto, with his puppy-love, hadn’t been better.

Except she was dead, and in the end her strength hadn’t mattered at all. Any one of them could have been caught the way she was - and it was bravery that had killed her, not weakness. She’d left the safety of distance and thrown herself in the way, in between their sensei and an incoming attack, and there was no way of knowing if Haku could have hurt or killed Kakashi in the attempt but Sakura had prevented it from even being an option.

Had she known? Had it been a decision on her part, or had it been instinct and desperation? Had she ever realised that-- gods, had she ever known that her team loved her?

A glare isn’t enough to discourage Naruto from following Sasuke home, as it never has been, and there’s a chance that Sasuke could make him leave with words but--

He can’t bring himself to speak. Not once, not at all. His voice feels like a weight in his throat, like he’s swallowed marbles, and that’s fine, really, because what right does he have to fucking use it anyway? Sakura’s voice has been stripped away. She’ll never speak again, and Sasuke deserves to far less than she does.

Did.

The dogs never leave their sides over the following weeks. Ūhei and Bisuke are their most common company, but all eight of the ninken rotate in and out. Naruto refuses to go back his own home, wherever the fuck it is. At first Sasuke hates him for it, hates everything, but eventually Naruto is absent for half a day - training, he says when he gets home - and Sasuke panics.

So much is gone. Almost everything is gone. Sakura is gone. And gods Naruto is annoying - but he understands, actually, Sasuke can see now, despite the absurd and cheery exterior he’d worn before. He’s always understood, and the cheerfulness was a lie. Or, perhaps, a choice. And the fear of losing him to is so overwhelming that Sasuke simply never asks him to leave.

They attend Sakura’s funeral. It’s... eerie. Too many people and too few people at the same time. Some that Sasuke doesn’t recognise - too many that he does. Sasuke stands between Naruto and Kakashi, and Kakashi doesn’t say a word to them, to anyone, and Sasuke lets Naruto hold onto his hand with a crushing grip. Ino approaches them, afterwards, and habit has Sasuke bracing himself but there’s no admiration in her eyes this time. She snarls at them. “It should have been you.”

It’s hard to argue with her.

Sakura’s parents are... unbearable. The agony in their expressions is so familiar, so intimate, and yet they’re so kind to Sasuke and Naruto despite the fact they let their daughter die. When Mebuki learns that they’re living on their own - not a parent between them - she begins visiting them. They’re not social calls, not really, and she doesn’t linger too long, but her visits are scheduled and regular, and bring with them meals put together for Sasuke and Naruto and whatever cleaning they haven’t managed between them. After the first week, she brings small snacks for whichever of the ninken are with them as well.

Kizashi gives them two stuffed animals and Sakura’s hitai-ite. The toys are generic - a very round bird and a fox, both worn by time and use - but they were hers, and beloved when she was small. Naruto tries to refuse the hitai-ite, because surely her parents want to keep such an important thing, but Kizashi insists. He doesn’t want it, he tells them. He would rather remember Sakura as his daughter, and not as a Konoha soldier.

Perhaps there’s merit in that, but Sasuke and Naruto set it between her toys on the dresser in their room, next to their team photos, and they can’t bring themselves to work out the bloodstains in the fabric, but the plate is kept perfectly polished. Maybe her parents just don’t understand - but Sakura was proud of her position as a Konoha-nin, and she died fulfilling it.

It’s a little shameful, of course, that Sasuke is sharing his room with Naruto - but Naruto disagrees, and Sasuke can’t bring himself to care. Sleeping alone has proven... difficult. And pride is worthless.

The dogs never leave, but Naruto and Sasuke don‘t see Kakashi after Sakura’s funeral. There are meetings with Hiruzen, visits from some of the other jōnin, and no matter how vehemently they protest, they’re assigned a new sensei. It’s hideously uncommon, and it’s not Kaede-sensei’s fault, but Sasuke can’t help but hate her too. She can’t replace Kakashi, and Sasuke resents her for even trying, no matter that Kakashi-sensei has abandoned them. At least they’re not given a new teammate. As if anyone could possibly replace Sakura.

“The dog-Anbu is back,” Naruto says one day, while they spar under Kaede’s watchful eye. “I think... I think it might be Kakashi-sensei.”

And Sasuke knows about the dog-Anbu, of course. Though he rarely speaks himself, Naruto has no such compunction, and his chatter has become a familiar comfort. A Naruto who’s talking is a Naruto who’s alive. He’s told Sasuke all about growing up, about the loneliness and the dread. About the hatred of the village. The dog-Anbu had been the most familiar regular amongst the quiet tail of Anbu who’d watched Naruto his entire life - and yet never intervened. Had it been willful, or were they under orders? Hard to say, given that they were almost never given direct trouble anymore. The civilians who saw them out and about - on the rare occasion they were - were either too sympathetic or too wary to confront them. There was no opportunity to intervene even if the dog-Anbu wanted to.

That the surreptitious Anbu presence was back should have been concerning, but... Naruto had always found comfort in the recognisable dog-Anbu. Maybe it was contagious.

And if Kakashi was still watching them, then he hadn’t abandoned them. Somehow, it made Kaede’s training more welcome.

Jiraiya becomes part of their lives. He’s an irregular and brief presence, but he drifts in and out. They meet him early, and Naruto refuses to leave Sasuke’s side to fulfill whatever task Jiraiya has for him, and so they learn together the truth of the beast caged inside Naruto’s skin. Jiraiya works on the Seal, repairs what he can from the damage Naruto did on the bridge, ensures its continued integrity. He’s hard to like on a personal level, but they don’t begrudge his visits when they happen - making sure Naruto has control of the demon is imperative. He can’t use a power he can’t control.

Because that’s their secret, of course. In the dead of night, in the quiet of the Uchiha compound, when it’s just them and the ghosts. Naruto practices, with Sasuke on hand - Sasuke who’s learnt from Jiraiya that the Sharingan can manipulate the Bijuu, who finally understands what it was Kakashi did to bring Naruto down when Sakura died - and Sasuke practices with him, and forces back what power slips beyond Naruto’s grasp when they break open tiny cracks in the Seal.

And Naruto helps Sasuke too, offers a barrier of stolen demonic chakra that is the only thing, they’ve found, that can provide any resistance to the sticky black flames Sasuke can conjure. It makes his eyes bleed, and the chakra cost is like ashes in his veins, but creating and controlling the Amaterasu gets easier every time he does it.

They’re going to need it. Sasuke isn’t sure if Naruto simply needed the context of Sasuke’s quest for vengeance or if Sakura’s death made him understand the purpose of revenge, but they’re in it together, now. Naruto refuses to leave Sasuke’s side - and if that means following him down the path that leads to killing Itachi, then so be it. His power, despite what Sasuke had once thought, is immense and - somehow - at Sasuke’s disposal.

It’s strange, he thinks. How Naruto can still have faith in people, the differences in how he talks to Sakura’s ghost as if she’s watching them, as if she’s not simply gone, as if she might be proud of them, and how Sasuke can never bring himself to say a single word. Stranger still, how easily Naruto throws that faith away when Sasuke asks him to.

Strange, but comforting. Love, perhaps, if Sasuke lets himself dare to contemplate so fragile and dangerous a thing. And if Naruto will forsake his morals at Sasuke’s behest, then the least he can do is hold true to them. Because one day, when they’re ready, when they’re so strong that nobody will ever be able to rip away a life they love ever again, they’ll hunt down Itachi and make him pay for the lives he tore down.

But first - and maybe it’s practice, or maybe it’s vengeance, or maybe it’s both - they’ll return to the Land of Waves, once they’ve got enough control of their strength, and they’ll burn the Great Sakura Bridge to the ground.

[pfreadsandwrites]

九つの命/9 Lives Translation

Hi!! So, @foxy-and-tales asked me to tell her what was going on in the comic mentioned in this post. After skimming through it, I thought it'd be good practice - and it'd be easier to answer her question - if I just went through it and told her what it all meant. I realised by that point I was doing a translation, and since I was going to the trouble anyway, I thought I'd post it publicly.

So, the full comic is here. It's basically a comic that has 7 little stories about Kakashi's ninja hounds and their lives with Kakashi. It's an adorable, heartfelt story and I absolutely love the personalities that the artist gave all the ninja hounds and the depictions of their relationships with Kakashi.

My translation will be this post, follow it as a script. I don't have the skill or knowledge to edit and typeset and change the images myself - and I wouldn't do that anyway, as it would involve reposting the art and changing it without the artist's consent. But I do think that not referring to the pictures as you're reading through the script really harms how sweet this story is, so if you can go through the comic slowly whilst referring to my (amateur) translation of it, I hope you can get a glimpse of that!

WARNINGS: There is a depiction of an already dead dog in part 4 😢, and some (human!) male partial nudity in part 6 (😉)

Tagging: @scaredlittlefoxy @lemony-snickers @backalleykat @whatshernameis @gwedosuns @topsyturvy-dream @ice-icebaby @cosmiclattes

This is also the artist’s note that follows after the comic, that I’m putting here:

(Artist’s note translation)

"This is a story about the daily life of Kakashi and the eight ninken.

The ninja dogs’ personalities etc mightn’t be faithful to the source material.

The dogs live free range in Kakashi’s house.

There is an illustration of a dog dying, though it isn’t any of the ninken. Please take note.

You don’t have to read it, but below this are the dogs’ personalities:

Shiba: Friendly and sensitive

Biscuit: Childish and Selfish

Akino: Calm and cool demeanour

Bull: Timid and Quiet

Urushi: Ladykiller. A little bit dim. (Note: Himbo!)

Guruko: Annoyingly helpful and naggy

Uhei: Pure-hearted and cheerful

Pakkun: Same as in the series"

Some notes and then onwards into the translation under the cut:

Please take heed before continuing:

I’m not a professional translator, in fact I’ve done very little of this, so there’s some guesswork and liberties taken, and I don't claim that that there’ll be no mistakes.

I’ve separated it out by sections and pages, so you should be able to follow the story from following the speech bubbles (right to left) and referencing the lines here by speaker

Each space between a line denotes that it’s the next speech bubble

A new line but no change in speaker will denote that it’s the same character talking, but in the next panel or speech bubble

Italics means the character is thinking or flashbacks. I'll try and make this obvious as I go but the artwork should make that clear too.

Brackets are my additions, or me translating things like signs etc, or brackets will have smaller background dialogue not in speech bubbles. I'll try to make this clear as I go.

Stuff surrounded by * denotes actions or onomatopoeic actions/words in panels

Ask me if there’s any parts that confuse you about the story!! The way I’ve done this isn’t easy to follow but it's the best my dumb brain could come up with

TRANSLATION:

Title page

(p.1)

ここのつのいのち

9 Lives

(p.2)

1. ‘I won’t tell anyone’

(SFX: dogs playing and wagging tails)

Kakashi: Hm? You’re not gonna play, Shiba?

Shiba: …No. …Hey, Kakashi’

Kakashi: Hm? What?’

Shiba: There’s a girl I like’

Kakashi: Ohhh… I won’t tell anybody.

I won’t tell ~ I won’t tell ~

(p. 3)

Shiba: She’s really cute…

Kakashi: That’s great ~

Shiba: But I haven’t even spoken to her once

Kakashi: You should go for it ~

(SFX: *happy dog panting*)

Shiba: I’ll come back as soon as I’ve talked to her!’

Kakashi: Yep!

Shiba: I’ll be right back, definitely!

Kakashi: Ok, ok (lit. Yes yes)

(p.4)

Shiba: She’s already got someone (lit. she’s already in a couple/has a mate)

Kakashi: I see…

Shiba: She said her mate hurt his leg and can’t walk so he's staying at home…

(p.5)

Kakashi: Shiba, you know.. have feet that can walk anywhere…

So maybe you’ll meet an amazing girl again, won’t you?

(*dog cries*)

Kakashi: ...I won’t tell anyone. (*Comforting doggy*)

I won’t say anything. I won’t say anything.

(Kakashi: Aw, Shiba is pretty sweet to me, huh?)

2. Biscuit’s Sausage (note: I know his name is technically Bisuke in Japanese, but Biscuit is his dub name and it’s too adorable so that’s what I’m going with here! Also suits the personality he has in this story. What a biscuithead this boy is)

(p.6)

Biscuit: -You’re so sneaky, Kakashi! I wanted to eat sausages!

*crying dog noises*

(Uhei: Sorry, Kakashi…

Guruko: I told you!!)

Kakashi: You know if you eat sausages, Biscuit, your tummy will get sick, right? I’m boiling cod for you right now

(*tantrum noises, pounding feet and barking*)

Biscuit: *angry puppy noises* I hate fish, you idiot! I said I want to eat sausages! Sausages! Sausages!

Kakashi: *sternly* Biscuit

Biscuit: *whimper*

(p.7)

Biscuit: Kakashi, you IDIOT!

(2. Biscuit’s Sausage)

Biscuit: *sniff*

(Sign says Konoha Pet Food)

Biscuit: This is the store that sells the dog food Kakashi buys! Wow, maybe they have sausages here too!

(p.8)

Biscuit: I wonder if I'll be able to eat as much as I want… *gulp*

But if I did that, Kakashi would get in trouble

No, maybe…

*heart pounding*

Kakashi kept it (this) a secret just from me, because I'll get sick...

(Apron says Konoha Pet Food)

Shop Lady: *shuffles*

Biscuit: I didn't do anything yet!!! * heart pounding*

Shop Lady: Oh my… you really just talked!

Shop lady: You’re Kakashi’s pup, aren’t you?

(p.9)

Shop lady: Kakashi got you to come here, huh?

(Shop lady: you’re a good boy!)

Bisuke: Oh, no-

Shop lady: Though, he shouldn't have made you come pick it up without contacting us, huh? Here, sausages!

Biscuit: Sausages?!

Shop lady: There’s a pup among you guys that can’t have normal sausages, right?

It was a request from Kakashi.

He said he wanted me to make some especially for the puppy who can’t handle meat.

(p.10)

Shop lady: Well, here you go!! You’ll tell Kakashi we’re sorry for making him wait, won’t you?

Biscuit: Oh, um… But I don’t have any money…

Shop lady: It’s fine, because it’s Kakashi!

Whenever he has free time, he comes to pay.

I have a deal with him, you see. And he can't get the food if he's not here...

Next time, come together with Kakashi, okay?

(p. 11)

Kakashi: *casually picks up Bisuke* Thank you! This is for you ~

Shop lady: Thank you, come again!

Biscuit: Kakashi…

Kakashi: Hm?

Biscuit: Sorry…

Kakashi: Yeah…

I’m sorry too. I gave everyone else sausages while keeping it a secret from you.

I thought you’d definitely want some if you saw…

(Kakashi: But I got caught.)

(p. 12)

Kakashi: But…. Everyone’ll want some if they see this, too.

How about stopping by the park and eating it there?

We’ll keep it a secret from everyone 😊

Bisuke: *happy face licking and barking* When we get home, I’ll eat the cod too!!

Kakashi: Uhh… Well, Uhei and Guruko already ate it…

Bisuke: WHAT?!!!

(Flashback, Uhei and Guruko saying ‘Cod! Me too!! Me too! I want to eat some too!’)

3. Kakashi’s smile

(p. 13)

*paws thudding on ground/running away*

Kakashi: …Got you.

Akino: Ack!

It’s always only me that you brush so roughly, Kakashi!

Kakashi: It can’t be helped, can it? You have the thickest fur, Akino

*brushing softly* It’ll be over soon, it’ll be over soon…

Other doggies: That seems nice to me, Akino…

Kakashi: Hey, it’s falling out, it’s falling out ~

Akino: !!!

Kakashi: Look, it’s a mini Akino!! So much fur…

Akino: That’s too much hair off the bottom, Kakashi! Wha…

(p. 14)

*Kakashi continuing to laugh at his mini Akino*

Akino: There are times now where Kakashi summons us, even if he doesn’t have any business for us to take care of…

(Back then) he never ever summoned us outside of missions…

(p. 15)

Akino: He was doing all kinds of things, but he was the kind of person who never had a smile on his face…

Kakashi: If I had more time, I could make an even hairier one, you know

(Other dogs: *laughing* Akino: That’s a lie!)

Akino: Kakashi…. You're having fun?

Kakashi: *genuine smile* Yep, I am!

Akino: *smile* If you feel like it, you can keep going…

Kakashi: Oh?

(Later, Akino notices Kakashi has put sunglasses on the mini Akino)

4. Timid Bull (CW Animal Death)

(p. 16)

Bull: I’m the last ninja hound that came to Kakashi’s home.

Before that, I was living in a training centre for ninja hounds.

(4. Timid Bull)

The dogs I lived together with there… were all adopted when they were puppies.

But I still lived at the training centre, even as I became fully grown.

Ninja Hey, that dog looks tough, doesn’t he?

Centre manager: Yes, but… he’s not all that suited for battling…

Despite how he looks, he’s actually a timid dog.

Bull: I… I’m scared of insects. I’m scared of noises.

I’m scared of blood.

Centre manager: Because he can understand the stories of troubled humans, you see…

Bull: I’m scared of anything other than myself.

(p. 17)

Bull: Nobody would want a dog like me, right?

Kakashi: I found a good boy ~

Bull: *panicking* There’s no manager here!

Kakashi: Hello ~

Bull: …Hello… *heart pounding*

Kakashi: Ah, one that talks, huh…

Would you like to become one of my pups?

(p. 18)

Bull: Me…? Me, really? Quit it… That’s enough joking around.

Kakashi: What do you mean?

Bull: No-one wants me (😢)

Kakashi: No-one?

I want you, though.

Bull: What kind of a strange person would want me, I thought

(p. 19)

Bull: There were lots of dogs at Kakashi’s house

(Happy barking doggy noises)

Uhei: Woah, you’re huge! But among these guys, I have the fastest legs, you know!!!

Guruko: And I have the best nose!!

Biscuit: And I’m whiny!! (Note: lit. ‘I’m selfish!’)

Shiba: I have the sharpest bite!

Pakkun: I am the wisest. (Note: Pakkun I think uses Kansai-dialect Japanese lol so he sounds kinda... distinct. This is hard to convey for me lol)

Urushi: I’m popular with the ladies ;)

(Akino: I’m the fluffiest!)

Bull: I was so confused

You… you’re not scared of me?

I’m huge, and I have a scary face… So no one comes near me.

They all said they weren’t scared.

The reason, they said together, was…

(p. 20)

‘Because Kakashi brought you, Bull!’

Everyone was totally relaxed, as if they had no worries at all.

They all clung to me as if it was completely natural to do so.

I realised that there’d always be someone beside me.

(p. 21)

*sounds of paws scuffling against ground in first two panels*

*jumping to the ground noise in third panel*

Kakashi: …Bull, this way is a dead end.

Bull: …Sorry.

I couldn’t go back to where you were, and I thought so, but -

(p.22)

Bull: *looking at dog* He asked me to stay by his side.

…He was an enemy, but he was already dying.

That’s why, Kakashi….

Kakashi: …Yep.

Let’s give him a send-off together.

(Note: this was a tricky one because Kakashi says 送る, which means send, and is used with mail etc, but can mean to say farewells to the deceased, which is why Bull comments on it on the next page)

(p. 23)

Bull: He wanted to say ‘I want to bury him’

But Kakashi said ‘send-off’.

Lightly, as if his life force was still there

There… there are a lot of things that scare me.

When I was waiting for this dog, I was scared.

But I couldn’t refuse his request.

(p. 24)

Bull: …I’m spineless.

Kakashi: Everyone else has lots of things they’re scared of, you know.

That’s why they all stay by your side, Bull.

If you’re there, everything will be alright. That’s how everyone feels.

If you’re close by, everyone’s able to feel safe.

(p. 25)

Kakashi: ….This puppy, too.

Dying dog: …Please…

Bull: That dog…

Dying dog: Stay with me, until the end…

Kakashi: Because you stayed with him, Bull, he felt at peace, didn’t he?

Bull: I don’t think that dog was happy…

…Kakashi.

He was very thin, and he also smelt like he was sick

To protect themselves, his owner didn’t treasure this [this dog’s] life.

Kakashi, I…

Somehow, I..

I’m very…

(p. 26)

Bull: I wanted to cry out as loud as I could..

Kakashi: Yeah… (I’m not sure who’s saying this line)

Bull: For feeling guilty towards that dog, and for knowing Kakashi…

For my life being here now.

For my life, I wanted to cry it out until the blood came out of my throat.

(p. 27)

Bull: That dog…

I wonder, was that dog ever able to feel like this, even once?

(Flashback) Doggies: Because Kakashi brought you, Bull!

Uhei: Hey!!! Bull!!

Shiba: You’re late!!

I was worried, you know!

Guruko: (to others) Hey, Bull came back!!

Bull: I’m Bull. The dog that Kakashi found.

5. Urushi’s scales

(p.28)

Urushi: I think I’m good looking

(5. Urushi’s scales)

Girl pups: Ahh~ Urushi…~

Urushi: I’m popular with the ladies

(note: he uses メス, which means bitch in the literal sense - a female dog - and all the puppers use it to refer to human women too. So I just left it as ladies, as I don't think the pups mean it to be crass, they just use dog language and apply it to humans as well as themselves)

Sometimes I’m told ‘it’s probably because you’re one of Kakashi’s ninken’, but…

(Background lettering over the other dogs says ‘Unstylish/Uncool/Lame’)

But my other friends aren’t all that popular, really.

Still, I think it’s because I really am good-looking after all.

(Choruses of ‘Urushi~’, ‘Ahh…; and ‘Let’s play together, Urushi)

Urushi: Hehehe…

Being good-looking is a great thing.

Guruko: Hey, Kakashi!

(p. 29)

Guruko: You got hit by a girl again, didn’t you?!

Kakashi: *laughing* No…

Akino: Why were you hit by a girl? Do girls not like you?

Uhei: It looks like it hurts…

Kakashi: Nooo ~

Shiba: You’re so strong, Kakashi, why were you hit?

Biscuit: You couldn’t avoid it?

Guruko: *Steam from nostrils* I’ll fight her for you!

Kakashi: It’s fine, it’s fine ~

What are you saying?

(p. 30.)

Urushi: Kakashi said ‘I took responsibility’.

Sometimes humans say things I don’t understand…

Girl dog: Urushi… pair up with me.

Urushi: If Kakashi’s saying it, it must be important…

Be… Because I’m one of Kakashi’s ninken?

Girl dog: It has nothing to do with that. I like you, Urushi

Urushi: Wow… *heart pounding*

Girl dog: Pair up with me, and…

I want you to leave the ninken. (Lit. Stop being a ninken)

(p. 31)

Girl dog: I love you, Urushi, but what if, on a mission, you…

I can’t stand the thought of that!

Leave the ninken, and… always stay in the village with me?

Urushi: This girl’s a beauty, and has a kind personality…

I think that I might want to be with her…

Should I leave the ninken?

(p. 32)

Urushi: *perplexed*

Kakashi, Bull and Biscuit: *zzz, sleeping sounds*

Urushi: If I said I wanted to leave the ninken…

Kakashi: (in Urushi’s imagination) If that’s what you want, Urushi

It’s fine with me! (Background: It would be a shame, though…)

Urushi: I feel like Kakashi would say something like that…

Do I want to do that…? Not really, but… *sigh*

Hey, Pakkun.

(p. 33)

Pakkun: Something bothering you?

Urushi: Yeah, there is

I have to decide between two things, but it’s difficult…

I want both of them, but I can’t have them.

Pakkun: … Is it a girl problem?

Urushi: Yep ~

Pakkun: That’s just like you, Urushi. (Pakkun’s imagination shows two girl pups arguing:

Urushi!! Which one will you choose, me or her?! *indignant barking*)

When making a decision about something, one needs to think about what’s most.

...important to oneself.

Let’s say you balance both sides on your scales…

Urushi: My scales?

Pakkun: For example….

(p. 34)

It’s not the physical weight, but the weight of what you think is precious and important. It’s the weight of those feelings.

If you think about which is heavier, you’ll find the answer.

Kakashi: You guys are having a kinda complicated conversation, huh…?

Pakkun: Oh, Kakashi, you woke up, did you?

Urushi: *heart pounding*

Kakashi: My scales lean towards sleep, you know..

Let’s eat soon, okay? Please…

Urushi: Kakashi…. Are you happy that I’m here?

(p. 35)

Kakashi: Hm? Yeah, I’m happy!

Urushi, of course I’m happy ~

(Note: the word Kakashi uses is 嬉しい, which is ‘ureshii’ so Kakashi is making a pun with Urushi’s name here.)

Urushi: *blush* Okay!

Pakkun: What we were just talking about… Don’t talk about it in front of Shiba.

Urushi: Huh? Why?

Pakkun: Seems like he recently had his heart broken…

(p. 36)

Urushi: The thing that’s most important and precious to me… isn’t you.

That’s why I can’t be with you.

I can’t be with you, but… you’re a beautiful and amazing lady.

So, let’s meet again one day ~

Biscuit: Kakashi! Kakashiiiii! It’s awful!!

(p. 37)

(*throbbing pain*)

Biscuit: Urushi’s hurt!!

(*dogs barking*)

Guruko: Let’s go fight them!! *steam from nostrils*

Shiba: No way, is it a girl? Kakashi, you better tell him off!!!

Kakashi: Did you get into a fight with a dog from the village?

Urushi: No, it’s not that…

I took responsibility.

I’ve got a manly mark on my face, heh~

Shiba: You better tell him off!! *bark*

Pakkun: That’s it…

6. Kakashi’s Helper Team!

(p. 38)

Kakashi: I’m home~!!!

Guruko: ?!!! Kakashi, you stink!!

Kakashi: *sweetly smiling* Oh, stop it…

I saw Asuma after a long time, and we talked and ended up getting some drinks… It was nice to see him… *flops down on floor*

Guruko: Take a bath!!!

Don’t go to sleep!!

(*soundly sleeping*)

(p. 39.)

Guruko: Uhei! Uheiii!

Uhei: What is it?

Guruko: Let’s clean up Kakashi!

(6. Kakashi’s Helper Team!)

Uhei: Ehh… But if he wakes up, he’ll take a bath himself, won’t he?

(SFX: Heave-ho! Heave-ho!)

Guruko: We can’t leave Kakashi as he is when he’s this stinky! It’s fine, take it off!

Uhei: Uh, this is stuck half way, I can’t take it off

Guruko: Because you haven’t taken off his leg bandages!

(p. 40)

Guruko: Damn, this is stuck half way *pulling*

Uhei: Isn’t that because you haven’t taken off his headband?!

Guruko: This is enough, let’s carry him to the bath like this!

(*dragging noises*)

Uhei: Won’t his clothes get wet?

Guruko: It’s fine, because we’re going to wash them anyway!

Uhei: It’s amazing… Kakashi still hasn’t woken up!

Guruko: Okay, let’s wash him!

Uhei: Isn’t that… the shampoo that we use?

Guruko: It’s totally safe!!

If it’s fine for us to use, it’ll be fine for Kakashi too, right?

Uhei: I guess…

(p. 41)

Uhei: We can wash his body, but what about his clothes?

(SFX: *scrub scrub*)

Guruko: If we wash them together, it’ll be fine! Hey, pour some hot water over here ~

Uhei: Okay!

(SFX: *splash*)

Kakashi: *suddenly yelling* I’m gonna die!!

Guruko: *screaming*

Kakashi: Even with my face covered, if you pour hot water on me, I can’t breathe, you know!! You really can’t do that.

Guruko: You woke up…

(SFX: *heart pounding*)

Uhei: You really scared me…

(p. 42)

Kakashi: You’d started something, and I wondered how far you’d carry on… Ah, I’m drenched.

Guruko: Ah, I’m sorry, Kakashi!!

Kakashi: Well, anyway.. you guys ended up cleaning yourselves pretty good too. You’re all drenched, too.

Guruko: Then I’ll go get some towels!!

Uhei: Kakashi, Kakashi

Guruko acts the way he does, but he really loves looking after you!

Kakashi: I know.

Biscuit: I want to have a bath with Kakashi too ~

Guruko: That’s not it! It’s just all slippery (note: not accurate, but the gist is that Biscuit misunderstands and Guruko puts him straight)

7. I’ll always love you

(p. 43)

(Flashback)

Sakumo: Pakkun…

Pakkun…

I have a favour to ask.

(Present)

Pakkun…

(SFX: Snoring)

Kakashi: Pakkun..

(SFX: Gasp)

Pakkun: Huh?

Kakashi: It’s time to eat.

(p. 44)

Pakkun: Alright.

(Other dogs: Food~ Food ~

Kakashi: Yes ~ Yes ~)

(Flashback)

Sakumo: Pakkun…

Pakkun….

Pakkun..

(p. 45)

Pakkun: Kakashi?

Kakashi: Hm?

Pakkun: For the mission report before… You didn't need me, did you?

Why did you bring me?

Other dogs: We want to come too!!

Kakashi: It’s just Pakkun for today

Kakashi: Hmm…

Hey, let’s relax here for a little while.

Pakkun: What’s this…

Kakashi: Come on…

Well…

(p. 46)

Kakashi: I want to talk about Dad.

…No. Maybe it’s a confession?

Talking about Dad…. Felt like something we couldn’t even broach. Ever.

I think you felt this way too, right, Pakkun?

I couldn’t tell you earlier that ‘it’s all right now’. Even though it was.

It was just a matter of timing, I guess…

Pakkun: But I wasn’t waiting for you to say that… Even if you’d have said it earlier, that’d have been good, but..

Why, out of the blue like this?

A change like that… Just like…

Just like…

(p. 47)

(Flashback)

Sakumo: I have a favour.

(Present)

Kakashi: The day Dad died…

Ever since then, for a long time, now… I became strange.

I’ve been nothing but trouble for you.

Pakkun: Kakashi-

Kakashi: Even though… you were hurting over Dad not being here too.

(p. 48)

Kakashi: Dad was your first master, right?

You really were precious to him.

….The other day, when you were having a nap, I woke you up, didn’t I?

It might have been because of the food, but your nose was twitching.

At first, I thought you were growling.

When I woke you up, you had a really startled expression when you looked at me.

I understood right away.

You were thinking about Dad, right?

(p. 49)

Kakashi: You were having a dream about Dad that time, right?

Thank you for always being considerate towards me…

But it’s alright now.

From now on, I want you to tell me…

The things about Dad that only you know.

(p. 50)

Pakkun: Sakumo…

(Sakumo: Pakkun…)

Pakkun: …really was a loving, kind man.

Kind, and…

(Sakumo: Pakkun…)

Pakkun: Kind, and…

…Kakashi.

I’ll tell you about Sakumo.

The things I’ve always wanted to tell you

I’ll tell you now.

Kakashi: Okay.

(p. 51)

Kakashi: Thank you for telling me about Dad, Pakkun.

Pakkun: …Don’t you dare die.

(Pakkun…)

I’ve had enough now.

Yeah. Enough.

(p. 52)

(Sakumo: I’m asking.…)

Pakkun: Sakumo…

The two of you are exactly alike.

Kakashi: Oh, really?

Pakkun: Everything’s alright now.

(p. 53)

“Kakashi!”

(p. 54)

(No text)

(p. 55)

Kakashi!

(p. 56)

Kakashi

(Note: I think the favour Sakumo asked of Pakkun was to take care of and be mindful of Kakashi always. This isn't outright stated)

[kanamesharisenwrites]

kh’s story snippet celebration sendoff, entry #2

Oh, I was so excited when I got this plunnie! It would have - if I'd finished it - been a missed connections, modern rom-com kind of thing. Something along the lines of Sleepless in Seattle or You've Got Mail - (yes, I have a thing for Meg Ryan movies; don't judge me) - except with less sappiness, more ridiculous angst over books, and the addition of martial arts. Oh, and Iruka as Kakashi’s long-suffering roommate

Fandom: Naruto Pairing: Kakashi Hatake/Sakura Haruno Word Count: 1133 Genre: romance/comedy, modern au Rating: T+ Warnings: profanity, coarse language

... [ like a crack in my spine ]

“Honey, I’m home!”

Iruka toed off his sneakers and slipped into a pair of house shoes. At his announcement, a pack of dogs raced to the foyer to greet him with snuffling noses, wagging tails, and a chorus of happy barks. Iruka set down his keys and grabbed the treat jar, shaking it.

“Who wants a treat?” The more energetic of the pups yelped and jumped up and down. “Come on, guys. You know you have to sit to get one. Just like Bull here.” Iruka gave the black bulldog a dental bone and scratched behind his ear. “Good boy. Now, who’s next?”

In unison the rest of the pack sat down, forming a canine half-circle around Iruka.

“All right, here you go, Shiba. And Akino, good boy.” Iruka handed out each treat with a pat. “Here, Uhei and Bisuke and Urushi. Don’t worry, Guruko, I didn’t forget you. Now that just leaves… Pakkun? Where’d you go?” Iruka wandered further into the apartment, looking for the old pug. “Pakkun!”

A strange noise drifted briefly through the hallway from the direction of his roommate’s bedroom. The door stood open. Iruka ceased his calls for the missing dog and crept forward quietly, his senses on high alert. The sound – a guttural whine – started up again, this time with increased volume.

“I swear, Kakashi, if you’re jacking off with the door open again, I’m gonna kill you.” Iruka turned into the room and, after a second to process the scene, slumped against the door jamb and laughed. Kakashi was sprawled across the left side of his bed, an arm and leg dangling off the edge, with bloody tissues sticking out of both nostrils. Pakkun sat on Kakashi’s belly with an unimpressed expression. “Damn, you look like shit.”

Kakashi glared at Iruka. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Too bad. I want to know who the hell’s tough enough to kick your ass.”

“It’s a long story.”

Iruka laid down on the right side of the bed, crossed his hands behind his head, and grinned. “I like long stories. Especially about you getting your ass handed to you in a fight.”

“Who said I got in a fight?”

“You’ve got a bloody – possibly broken – nose and a bruise across your throat. Looks like a fight to me.”

Kakashi stared at Iruka, unamused. Iruka settled more comfortably into the bed, fluffing his pillow and crossing his ankles. Kakashi’s stare intensified. Iruka relaxed his body, wiggling his butt into the mattress, and closed his eyes with a contented exhale. Kakashi growled.

“You’re not gonna let it go, are you?”

Iruka cracked open an eyelid. “Nope.”

“I hate you.” Iruka’s grin returned, and Kakashi sighed. He removed the tissues from his nose, wadding them up and tossing them into the wastebasket next to the door. “It wasn’t a fight. I just… I startled a girl on the train. I wasn’t paying attention–”

“Reading in public again, I bet.”

“–and I lost my balance at one of the stops. I grabbed her shoulder to keep from falling over and, well…” Kakashi pointed to his face. “This happened.”

“So you’re saying a girl on the train did this to you because she, what?” Iruka rolled onto his side, facing Kakashi. “Thought you were trying to assault her?”

“Probably.” Kakashi shrugged. “She yelled pervert just before she hit me in the nose with a rear back fist.”

“So that explains the face.” Iruka poked the purple skin covering Kakashi’s adam’s apple. “What about this?”

“Ouch.” Kakashi winced and slapped Iruka’s hand. “That was courtesy of a well-timed knife-hand strike.”

Iruka whistled. “Impressive. You okay?”

“Yeah. Nothing I haven’t seen in the ring.” Kakashi turned away from Iruka and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. When he spoke again, his voice was a soft grumble, and pink dusted his cheeks. “My ass hurts, though. And my back. She swept my legs.”

“Triple combo. God, I wish I’d been there.” Iruka looked up, staring at the ceiling with a dreamy expression. “Kakashi-sensei –  retired world-class MMA fighter, martial arts instructor, and local dojo owner – taken down by a little girl.”

Kakashi snorted. “She wasn’t a little girl.”

“Oh,” Iruka said with a frown. “I just assumed since you called her a girl, instead of a lady. Or a woman. Or a chick. People still say chick, right?”

“I don’t know.”

“So about this mystery woman…”

“Nope. We’re done.” Kakashi pushed Iruka off the bed and chuckled at the thump he made as he hit the floor. Then Kakashi grabbed his backpack from the foot of his bed. “I’m gonna nurse my injuries with a big dose of the new Icha Icha novel.”

“I can’t believe you canceled your classes to stand in line all day for that stupid book,” Iruka groused as he picked himself off the floor. “The kids were so disappointed.”

“Jiraiya personally signed it.” Kakashi rummaged as he spoke. “You just have no taste. Jiraiya’s writing is brilliant, and his art style is– is...” Kakashi’s actions grew frantic. After a couple more seconds of unfruitful searching, he dumped the entire contents of his backpack on his bed and spread them out, his breath coming in desperate pants. “It’s not here. It’s not–” Kakashi picked up a book from the pile – a medical textbook that was most definitely not his – and flopped dramatically, face-first onto the bed. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

“Did you lose your book?”

“Worse.” Kakashi slid off the bed onto his knees, glaring at the textbook still in his hands. “The girl who kicked my ass has it.”

.oOo.

Kakashi groaned, swiping a hand across his bleary eyes. Everything hurt. He turned his head to the left, expecting to see the time displayed on his alarm clock, and his neck cracked in a loud pop. He cursed at the sharp accompanying pain, his muscle cords twanging like plucked guitar strings. 

Damn, he’d be fighting a crick for the rest of the day.

He’d fallen asleep on the floor after the shock of losing his beloved book, too miserable to crawl back into the comfort of his bed. The awkward position he found himself in – a combination of the lotus meditation pose and lying prone, with his dogs draped haphazardly on top of him – aggravated his injuries from the previous day. Kakashi extracted his sore limbs from the pile of sleeping puppies so that he was sitting, legs drawn up with his arms resting on his kneecaps, and his breath shuddered as the movement exposed new tender spots. The clock read 5:37 am. Three hours and twenty-three minutes until the bookstore opened for the day.

Kakashi pulled himself onto the bed, threw his blanket over his head, and went back to sleep.

[xmedicus]

CHARACTER INTERVIEW.

▌Real Name: He was named Kabuto around age five, and Orochimaru gave him the surname Yakushi - he has no clue who his biological parents are, and as such, he doesn't know what his birth name is. 

▌Single or Taken: Kabuto defaults to single, but note that he will thus also default to having a longstanding attachment and eventual love for Orochimaru. 

▌Abilities or Powers: Kabuto is one of the world’s strongest medical ninjas, specializing in Chakra Scalpel and techniques and work that involve corpses, such as performing autopsies and using Dead Soul Jutsu and Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation. He is also able to use Mystical Palm Technique from about a foot away from the person he’s healing, whereas most need to touch the person they’re healing. Kabuto is able to summon snakes, use Earth Style techniques, and cast Genjutsu on an area the size of Konoha’s arena. Finally, he can use Sage Mode, having trained under the White Snake Sage. 

▌Eye Color: Black

▌Hair Color: Silver 

▌Family Members: Kabuto has an adoptive mother (Nono) and an adoptive brother (Urushi). He does not remember his biological family. 

▌Pets: He can summon snakes (his primary contract being with a ball python named Miki), but he doesn’t have an actual pet. 

▌Something They Don’t Like: He hates being whistled at, being blatantly hit on, or otherwise being the target of unwanted sexual advances. 

▌Hobbies / Activities: He likes to read, cook, and sing, though he does genuinely enjoy his work as a doctor. 

▌Ever Hurt Anyone Before?: Yes

▌Ever Killed Anyone Before?: Yes

▌Animal that Represents Them: Snake. Kabuto tends to liken Orochimaru to venomous snakes, and himself to constrictors. 

▌Worst Habits: He bottles up his true emotions and personality a lot, as well as sacrificing his own wants, needs, and safety for the sake of those he loves. 

▌Role Models: Nono and Orochimaru

▌Sexual Orientation: He stopped trying to classify it. 

▌Thoughts on Marriage and Kids: He’d love to settle down and have a family some day, though he thinks it’s an unobtainable goal. 

▌Fears: Kabuto never voices it, but he’s actually terrified of being forgotten or abandoned. The death of a loved one is also something that can easily mentally destroy him. 

▌Style Preferences: He likes to wear either a cloak or something that will keep his hands and legs free of any restricted movement. 

▌Someone they Love: Orochimaru

▌Approach to Friendships: A lot of Kabuto’s friendships are faked in the name of his career. As a result, if he ends up making a real friend, he gets possessive and protective, not wanting to lose something genuine in his life. 

▌Thoughts on Pie: Pumpkin pie is his favorite, but Kabuto doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth overall. 

▌Favorite Drink: Green tea 

▌Favorite Place to Spend Time: The orphanage he grew up, his lab, and Orochimaru’s room, when they’re just sitting quietly and talking. 

▌Swim in a Lake or Swim in an Ocean: Lake 

▌Their Type: Anyone who makes him feel like a real person, who can get through his fabricated personalities and actually reach his heart, will, at the bare minimum, be his friend. 

▌Camping or Indoors: Indoors 

[famous-aces]

Uesugi Kenshin

Who: 上杉 謙信 (Uesugi Kenshin)

What: Samurai and daimyō

Where: Japanese (active in Japan)

When: February 18, 1530 – April 19, 1578

(Image Description: a photo of a statue of Uesugi at the Uesugi Jinja Shrine in Yonezawa, Japan; a shrine dedicated to Uesugi and a major tourist attraction. It shows a clean-shaved, square-jawed man with a flat nose and a serious brow.  He is wearing traditional Japanese armor and a tall conical hat. He sits with his legs apart and holds a katana, there is another katana at his waist. End ID.)

Uesugi was one of the most gifted and powerful military figures in 16th century Japan, so talented and unstoppable his followers used to call him the God of War. There was even rumor he was the avatar for his beloved Bishamonten (毘沙門天), the Buddhist god of war and punisher of evildoers.

He is well known in Japan as the epitome of an honorable samurai, an intelligent and noble warrior, a brilliant strategist, a skillful and thoughtful ruler of the Echigo Province, and his dedication to restoring order to the Kantō region, and the heated rival of Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga. Among Uesugi's other nicknames was Dragon of Echigo, which is equally badass.

He won military fame extremely young, going to war at age 14, gaining status as warlord by 18, he overthrew his brother (reluctantly but did what was right for his people) by 19, and reunified the Province his brother allowed to be fractured and fall into chaos by age 22. He matched his prowess on the battlefield with his ability to govern off of it, improving life for the people of Echigo.  He was given the additional role of Kantō Kanrei by his adopted Uesugi clan (he was born to the Nagao family) (a kanrei (管領) being the Shōgun's deputy and the Kantō Kanrei being one of only two such positions).

He died enroute to one final showdown against Oda Nobunaga, either of illness, alcoholism, or by assassination. He is still a huge pop culture icon in Japan featuring in many, many different pieces of media and memorialized in monuments. Since 1926 in Jōetsu there has been a Kenshin Festival (Kenshin Kousai).

Probable Orientation: Aroace (also very possibly a trans man. He was described as being petite in appearance and his chronic stomach illnesses may have been due to period pains as there is some documentation they reoccurred monthly. A contemporaneous doctor said Uesugi died of uterine cancer.  His remains were also spirited away and hidden. However there would be no reason for his family to conceal a daughter [they already had two boys] and he was raised as a son. But there are strong arguments for it.)

Samurai could be quite randy and the positions within the shōgunate were hereditary, so male heirs were important. Sex was encouraged, but Uesugi was so chaste people noticed it. His heirs were all adopted. He had no wife nor harem and while gay relationships were neither unheard of nor discouraged he didn't engage in those either. He was utterly disinterested and, as far as I can find, he died without any sexual encounters or romantic relationships.  I have seen some note saying that he was trusted by the shōgun around his harem, which he did not extend to any other man, this could be proof that Uesugi was afab or it could be that the shōgun knew his underling well enough that he wasn't worried about having the asexual Uesugi Kenshin around his concubines. Or both. I vote both.

(image description: a brightly colored urushi-e (woodblock print) from Edo period artist Torii Kiyomasu I, it shows a famous showdown between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin in the fourth Battle of Kawanakajima. On the left is Takeda who looks furious and awaits the charging Uesugi with only a fan. Uesugi is on a black horse and charges him carrying a sword. Uesugi is clean-shaven and has those same serious eyebrows as he did in the statue.  The print is very stylized and disproportionate and emotional.)

[myaekingheart]

18. Man’s Best Friend

read the scarecrow and the bell on ao3

index | from the beginning | < previous | next >

               “Kakashi? I’d like to have a talk with you” Sakumo called from the doorway. Kakashi turned to look upon his father, laying in the grass beside his giggling next door neighbor.

               “Aw, ‘Kashi, do you really have to go so soon? It feels like we only just started!” Rei complained. Kakashi sat up and patted her gently on the head.

               “I’ll try to come back later. This sounds important” he replied, then stood and ran off toward his father. The young girl watched him depart longingly, rolling onto her stomach and resting her chin in her hands. She hoped he’d keep his word.

               Sakumo guided his son inside and closed the door slowly, inviting Kakashi to side across from him. This all seemed so formal, and for a moment Kakashi feared he was in trouble. The White Fang could sense his son’s apprehension, however, and bid him a kind, reassuring smile. “I’d like to talk to you about something, Kakashi. If that’s alright.”

               “What is all of this about?” he asked his father.

               “You’ve been progressing spendidly, and I’m very proud. You’ll be a fine shinobi in no time. I’m going on a very important mission in a week, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how you’ll be on your own the whole time” Sakumo explained.

               “I won’t be on my own. I have Rei and Mr. and Mrs. Natsuki” Kakashi explained. So far, whenever Sakumo had gone on missions, he often entrusted Kakashi to the neighbors. Yuruganai Natuski was an old friend from all the way back in the academy and although he had given up becoming a shinobi long ago, they still remained close.

               Sakumo nodded slowly, then sighed. “I know, but I want to make sure you can take care of yourself, as well. Mr. and Mrs. Natsuki will not always be there for you.” The thought of something happening to them made Kakashi uneasy. They had always been there, he didn’t know life without them right next door. And then there was Rei…

               “So what does that mean?” Kakashi asked.

               “It means I think it’s time I entrusted you with something very important” Sakumo explained. He then stood, bit the tip of his thumb, and in a puff of smoke summoned a large white wolf dog. “This is Tsuyoi, my ninken. She has been my summon since I was a young boy. Tsuyoi is the chief of a clan of ninja hounds who recently took in a group of orphaned puppies. I would like you to make a contract with them and train them as your summons.”

               Kakashi blinked a few times, trying to comprehend everything that his father had just told him. He had never seen his father in battle, and therefore had never met Tsuyoi before but he could tell she was strong and powerful and capable. He imagined a litter of puppies just like her that would someday grow into beautiful white hounds with sharp teeth and rough barks. His own ninken.

               He approached Tsuyoi carefully, extending a hand for her to sniff. She did so gladly, then nuzzled the young boy’s cheek to show she approved of him. “I expected nothing less from Sakumo’s son” a woman’s voice then spoke. Kakashi recoiled and blinked.

               “Did that dog just talk?” he asked. Sakumo chuckled and nodded.

               “Yes, she did. All of the ninken in Tsuyoi’s clan can speak” Sakumo replied. “Of course, much like human babies, I don’t expect the puppies to know how to speak yet but that’s just something you’ll have to teach them, as well.”

               Kakashi’s head was reeling. This was unbelievable. He excitedly asked how to start the contract process and where the puppies were, he was so desperate to meet them. Sakumo pressed his palm to the floor yet and again and immediately they appeared in another cloud of smoke. However, the novelty suddenly vanished when Kakashi laid eyes on them. “These are the dogs?” he asked. “I thought they were going to be white wolf dogs like Tsuyoi?”

               “You don’t want them now?” Sakumo asked. Kakashi knelt down to inspect the pups, mismatched and squirmy and small. The tiniest, a wrinkly little pug, squirmed between the others whimpering and yawning. Then, rolling over onto his back with his tongue lopping out of the side of his mouth, he blinked and looked up at Kakashi with his big, brown eyes. In that moment, something in the young boy shifted. He reached down and scratched behind the dog’s ear with his index finger, and the dog began cycling his little back leg in glee.

               Kakashi laughed softly at the pup, murmuring “You’re such a little Pakkun.”

               “Hmm? What was that?” Sakumo asked.

               “It sounds like he’s already thought of a name” Tsuyoi replied.

               “What? No…I was just…well, maybe…” Kakashi stammered. These dogs had enchanted him quicker than he expected them to. They all began waking up from their sleepy states, sniffing and licking at Kakashi’s fingers and leaping up into his lap. Eventually, they knocked him over and began licking his face. The young boy erupted in a fit of laughter.

               “I’d say this is a done deal” Sakumo replied to Tsuyoi. The wolf dog nodded with a proud smile. Sakumo and Tsuyoi walked Kakashi through the contracting process and then by sunset, the dogs were his. He laid awake that night smiling to himself, every puppy piled onto his bed, and tried to brainstorm names for each of them. So far, the only one he was sure of was Pakkun. He looked over at the little pug curled up on his pillow and scratched his head affectionately. These dogs weren’t nearly what he expected but they were still good. He could learn to love them, not fully aware yet that he already did.

                Rei peered over the fence of her front yard as Kakashi strolled down the lane after school. She balled up a piece of scrap paper from a drawing she didn’t like and tossed it at him, hitting him right on the forehead.

               “What the heck was that for?” he shouted to Rei.

               “Where did you go last night? You said you’d come back and you didn’t!” she shouted back.

               “Is that what this is about?” he called back to her. She gave a strong, definitive nod, preparing another paper ball. “I had something important to take care of!” he called back.

               “You just didn’t want to spend time with me, that’s it!” she refuted. “You don’t like me anymore, ‘Kashi!”

               “Rei, that makes no sense!” Kakashi argued. The little girl wasn’t buying it, however. Jutting her bottom lip out, she launched her second paper ball toward her friend but instead of hitting his forehead again, this time a tiny tan dog leapt out from nowhere and caught it in his mouth. Rei yelped, fumbled with the gate, and then chased after the dog shouting.

               “You come back here, you dumb dog! That’s mine!” she shouted.

               “Hey, don’t call him dumb!” Kakashi shouted, running after her. The other ninken followed suit. “He’s my dog!”

               Rei skidded to a stop and looked at him skeptically, her eyes then falling on the other dogs nearby. “What do you mean he’s your dog?”

               “All of them are my dogs” Kakashi explained. “They’re my new summoning animals. My dad gave them to me last night. He said he was going on a big mission soon and didn’t want to leave me home alone, so he gave me these.” As he spoke, the tan dog trotted up beside Rei, nudged her hand, then dropped the paper ball at her feet, mushy with slobber. She stuck her tongue out and fought the urge to gag.

               “But you’re not alone, ‘Kashi, you have me and my mommy and daddy” she explained. “What do you need all these dogs for?”

               “They’re not just for when my dad’s gone, Rei. I’m going to train them to fight with me in battle” he explained. “They’re not just pets, they’re ninja hounds.”

               Rei crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, not wanting to look the puppies in the eye. She knew exactly what happened around puppies: they steal your heart in five seconds, flat. “That’s still not a good enough excuse for leaving me, ‘Kashi.”

               Kakashi sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Rei. Do you forgive me?”

               Rei pouted and contemplated his question. “You’ve gotta make it up to me, first.”

               “What? How?” Kakashi asked.

               The redhead paused a moment before a sly grin spread across her face. “Let me name one of your doggies.” She thought it was a fair request. After all, they were the reason he abandoned her the night before. She deserved a hand in naming at least one of them. And truthfully, though he didn’t want to admit it, Kakashi had a really hard time thinking of good names for all the rest anyway. The only one he could think of so far was Bull for the black bulldog, even though he wasn’t sure he liked it much. He wasn’t sure if it was too stupid and obvious.

               “Alright, which one do you want to name?” Kakashi asked.

               “Well, which one doesn’t have a name yet?” Rei countered.

               Kakashi paused a moment, then replied. “All but two.” He pointed to the pug and the bulldog, announcing their names accordingly.

               “You’re terrible at this, Kakashi” Rei replied. “How could you possibly let these other doggies run around nameless? You’re gonna be terrible when you have kids!”

               “Ew…” the young boy muttered. He watched as Rei knelt down and surveyed her choices. She turned first to a scruffy brown dog with sharp teeth and angry eyes. Without an ounce of fear, she lifted his upper lip up to get a better look at his fangs, and then nodded confidently. “This one is Urushi.”

               “Where did you get a name like that from?”

               “Because his teeth are shiny and protective, like lacquer!” Rei explained, then with a proud grin said “That’s a word I found in one of Daddy’s books. It’s a smart word.”

               “Okay, Urushi it is. Now what about the others?” Kakashi asked. One by one, she inspected and assigned names to each of the puppies in the clan. The gray one with the mohawk she named Shiba because she thought he looked like a shiba inu, the golden tan and white one with beady eyes she named Akino because his fur reminded her of autumn, Uhei for the greyhound because in that moment he had trotted to the edge of the lake and began sniffing the sweet flag that grew there, and Guruko for the long-whiskered dog because he was the first to lick her which made him sweet like honey. The last one, who by this point was in her lap licking her face wildly, she named Bisuke because she thought naming a dog after a biscuit was a good idea. Of all the dogs Kakashi had acquired, she was certain that this one had to be her favorite, and he seemed to like her a lot, too.

               Kakashi smiled at the two of them as he sat down beside Rei with the other dogs. She grinned at him proudly, saying “You’re welcome. Now these little doggies won’t have to run around without a single clue who they are!”

               Kakashi had to admit, he thought her justifications for many of the names was rather clever and cute. She certainly came up with ideas he never would’ve expected, but he liked them just the same. They seemed to just fit. Now it was just a matter of raising them and training them to become the shinobi they were capable of becoming. A butterfly flitted past the group and Bull immediately leapt up and ran after it, panting with great determination. This was going to be a lot of work, but Kakashi was committed now. These were his dogs, they were his responsibility. He was going to love them and take care of them and train them to become the most loyal and skilled ninja hounds there ever were.

[godaime-obito]

“you’re a gardener with a nice ass that i can’t stop staring at and one day you caught me looking at you bent over and fuck that’s embarrassing but then suddenly you started wearing tighter pants dear holy lord” For KakaObi if you want?

I’m up to do more of these if anyone wants to suggest one of these prompts

“Please stop laughing atme,” Kakashi whines, “this is serious.”

“Okay-” more giggling, “just-”a snort, “you have to admit this is funny. And how was his face?”

“It’s not funny Rin. It’smortifying,” he insists. “And his face was pretty sexy too,” he grudginglyadds.

“No, she’s right. This isfunny,” Anko chimes in, “You’ve been staring at the ass of some hunk gardeningin his own front yard, minding his business, every day when you pass by walking your dogs. He finally caught youlooking, and you’re… surprised? Embarrassed? You did it every day. It was only a matter of time.” She starts cacklingagain.

“You two have no sympathy,” he says, “It’s notmy fault he’s always bending over with an ass like that. I’m only human.”

“Look Kakashi,” Rin interruptshis lamenting, “You can’t not walk your dogs, or go an entirely new route. That’slike admitting to him you did something wrong. Walk by him and stare at his assagain. Own it!”

“You used to be nicebefore you started seeing her,” Kakashi says, pointing his thumb at Anko.

“Wrong. You just thoughtI was because I had a crush on you before,” she refutes, “Welcome to the realme.”

“Don’t be a coward. Leavethis coffee shop, get your ridiculous number of dogs, march right past thatsexy gardener, and if he gives you a look, stare him right in the eye,” Ankoinsists.

“Fine. I’ll do it,” herelents, “but if this goes wrong somehow, I’m charging you both a fee for embarrassingme further. Twenty bucks each.”

Kakashi pushes up andwalks out of the shop before he can lose his nerve. These two are almost as badas Gai and his ‘challenges’. He refuses to be mocked for being a coward by Ankofor another month straight, like when he jumped into a river to avoid Gai lastyear.

It takes him nearly anhour to wrangle all his dogs onto their leashes, and out the door. He’s onlyabout twenty minutes later than normal. Hopefully sexy gardener isn’t done yet.Kakashi can do this. When he finally gets near the gardener’s house, he doeshis best to settle into a casual walk. He’s not doing anything wrong here. Nope.

When he glances over sexygardener is in a different part of the garden than normal, but he’s still bentdown. Kakashi looks at his ass. Oh, god, those aren’t the normal pants. Henormally wears some old jeans to garden in, but today he looks like he’s gotsome kind of legging-pant-thing on. Kakashi is having minor trouble thinking, ‘They’re…they…the pants…tight.’ Heforgets to keep walking.

While Kakashi holds hisdogs in place unmoving, the man stands up and walks toward him. Fuck. It’s toolate to run. If he’s lucky the tight pants are a good sign, and not a finalmocking before he ends up buried beneath hydrangeas.

“I’m Obito,” the gardenersays, “I’d offer to shake hands but you seem occupied with all the dogs.”

“Right,” he says, tryingnot let out a nervous laugh, “I’m Kakashi, and this is Pakkun, Bull, Urushi, Shiba,Bisuke, Akino, Ūhei, and Guruko.” He makes a small gesture towards each one ashe says their name.

“That’s a lot of dogs towalk at once,” Obito remarks.

“Yeah. You have a lot alot of plants.” Smooth Kakashi. What a riveting response.

“Well that’s because Ilike plants a lot,” he says. Then smirking adds, “I figure to have so many dogsyou must like dogs almost as much as you like my ass.”

This man does not beataround the bush. What does Kakashi say to that? He doesn’t seem angry at least.Time to just say whatever bs comes to mind and hope he doesn’t shove his footin his mouth.

“Telling someone theirface looks like an ass is a compliment if the ass is yours,” Kakashi deadpans.

Obito looks shocked for amoment, then breaks down laughing. “Fuck,” he blurts, “I wasn’t expecting that.That is a new one.” He continues chuckling. “Thanks, I guess,” he says when hislaughter finally dies out.

“You’re welcome?” he replies.

“You know what? Come by sometimewithout your dogs, and we can talk about the plants,” Obito suggests. “Or maybewe could do something else,” he adds grinning.

Oh. Kakashi likes thattone. Maybe making a fool of himself actually worked for once. It had to happeneventually.

“Right,” he says, “I’llbe back this weekend, with no dogs.” Kakashi realizes suddenly that his dogshave been getting pretty antsy. Time to go then. “See you then,” he adds, andreturns his attention ahead of him, resuming the usual walk.

“See you,” he hears Obitosing-song after him.

Kakashi wonders how longhe can avoid talking about this with Rin and Anko. He’s definitely going to belaughed at again.

[dunesofblack]

Naruba-2

ID= What if Naruto and Sasuke weren’t the main protagonists of the show? Enter the “New” team 7, also known as the “Four Fears” (Sakura-Ino-?Tamari?<find sub or excuse. Tenten?>-Hinata). These group of deviant ninja are bad to the bone and are not going to change any time soon. Naruto’s a little femmy sub who Hinata and Sakura take turns doing, and Sasuke is the real man that Ino and Sakura fight over. Of course to make a badass team you have to have a badass leader (it had to be kikashi, it had to be=) ). Pretty much the storyline revamped and centered around these four. Possible futa (more prehensile tentacle that comes out of veginal canal or a pair of them) but gonna keep that on the down low, make it one of those ‘Forbidden Justus’ (an entire village got corrupted and had started attacking other villages). So massive femdom and yuri with strap-ons/feel-does.

 Timeline:

Warring States Period

First Shinobi War (‘not long after the construction of hidden villages after warring states period’)

Second Shinobi War (20 years after first war)

Third Shinobi War (10 years prior to series beginning, approximately 10-8 years after Second Shinobi War)

 (Naru)- Would need to break up and re-order the teams since Team 7 is all together new.

(Naru)- Regular uses of natures can be used (all can be open to an experienced or prodigy user). However, a Kekkei Genkai is a specific marker that allows the user to MERGE two natures or more into a "new nature" (ice, lava, magnet, storm, wood, mud, etc.). While these are rare they not inherently exclusive to clans only that they appear more often in certain familial lines. Hence ice-release is a thing only heard of in the Yuki clan. In all technicality ANYBODY can inherit a Kekkei Genkai (or more than one) so long as they are of the five natures (fire-water-earth-wind-lightening). Hiden techniques such as shadow jutsu of the Nara or the size jutsu of the Akimichi are not Kekkei Genkai; but rather technique secrets passed down orally between chosen family members.

(Naru)- Will make a few OCs to fill in some characteristics and story arcs (since Naruto is not the main character and the original storyline is not going to be the one presented (only as background story). Will have to make a few new villains and story arcs as well.

(Naru)- If Naruto and Sasuke went with another (yet unnamed ninja student) to escort the bridge builder, who would be the leader of their team? (chunin/jonin character <cannon or oc>= Urushi? Tsuzumi Sarugaku? Iwashi Tatami? Kabure Tokisuki? Tsubaki!?!) And what would the other Team 7 be doing in the mean time? (have to make up a mission)

(Naru)- Any absorption and correct use of natural energy/chakra is senjutsu or sage art. as seen being used by the snake and toad sanctuaries, and also by Hashirama Senju. the later using a form of sage mode not seen by the others (wood sage?). in this way one could theorize that using natural chakra, while difficult, is applicable to all forms of jutsu that use chakra. So anything between genjutsu and ninjutsu could utilize natural energy and could form a 'sage mode' so to speak if one is talented enough.

(Naru)- Fire, earth, and wind combine to form Dust release. Fire, earth, and lightning would be something between magnet and steel release.

(Naru)- Prisma release (alt light release) would be a combination of fire and lightning kekkei genkai, though what exactly it is would be the better part of the question.

(Naru)- Thunder release (wind-lightning)? I saw another label as 'sound' but neither seems quite correct.

(Naru)- Alt names for wind+lightning kekkei genkai: sky release, thunder release (probably going to have to be this one), sound release,

(Naru)- Lightning+fire release would be either ignition, discharge, flare, spark, burn

(Naru)- possible alt food that SHOULD be in univers

·       Udon or Soba noodles

·       Miso soup

·       Nabe hot pot

·       Onigiri

·       Sushi

·       Tofu (fried, dried, etc.)

·       Takoyaki

·       Rice porridge

·        

  <taijutsu will be labeled as hand-to-hand combat as well as proficiency of weapons and such>

<Character specialties will be listed after bio in order of proficiency, greatest to least. Though some of these may be equal depending on character>

  <New Teams of the Hidden Leaf>:

Team 6

·       Hoshokawa Imari (leader)

·       Sasuke Uchiha

·       Naturo Uzumaki

·       Ichida Naba

Team 7 ‘four fears’

·       Kakashi Hatake (leader)

·       Sakura Haruno

·       Ino Yamanaka

·       Hinata Hyuga

·       (tenten/temari)

Team 8

·       Kurinai Yuhi (leader)

·       Shino Aburame

·       Jagen Koyasu

·       Akamaru (dog) and Kiba Inuzuka

Team 10

·       Asuma Sarutobi (leader)

·       Choji Akamichi

·       Shikamaru Nara

·       Kyudo Yamanaki

Team Guy

·       Might Guy (leader)

·       Neji Hyuga

·       Rock Lee

·       ? (tenten joins after temari?)

  (Original characters to replace relocated ones):

Hoshokawa Imari (Team 6 Instructor/Jonin)- slightly OCD but more worrying type. Tries to be stern (and can be when it counts) but often is seen as bluster. Ninjutsu water release user? (would be cool if he wielded a spear or nagata or something).  Be of average height, maybe a little more muscle than average (compensating or as a stress relief). Probably has a huge appetite (also stress relief). I'm going to say brown hair (actually dyed from blond so highlights tend to show original color), green eyes, and wears headband as a bandana (kind of).

Ichida Naba (Team 6 alt student to replace Sakura)- Slightly timid/insecure and indecisive (someone has to be). Has tendency to wear baggy clothing with lots of pockets and fanny packs, etc. Over prepared would be a good word for it. Does tend to panic and/or overthink things, making simple problems more complicated, but is generally okay. I'm going to say brown hair in a tail, brown eyes and somewhat ruddy complexion. Shows promise in genjutsu and some ninjutsu (what nature release? earth?), pretty decent taijutsu but seems to be at a loss with any weapon other than throwing stars, kunai, and paper bombs (even to the point of not understanding how to counter them).

Jagen Koyasu (Team 8 -kurenai- fill in)- Jagen as in (rock-paper-scissors)?

Kyudo Yamanaki (Team 10 -asuma- fill in)- A young but prospectively capable ninja from the famed Yamanaki clan. He forms up with the rest of team 10 so that the ino-shika-cho trio is complete. Despite not being as gung-ho as Ino, Kyudo balances it with being a persistent force between the three of them. Kyudo will persist until Shikamaru does something or Choji

Naga Uchiyama (Team guy fill in for tenten?)- Combines earth ninjutsu techniques with taijutsu, but still has trouble keeping up with the other two. Fills in for the long range Tenten. Bit exuberant but not as much as Guy or Lee. Tends to side with Neji given the chance.

   (Original) Characters: (by village) (Can be allied or enemy)

Amayha- Orphan who inherits the sharingan of the Uchiha but due to impure blood cannot manifest mangeyko sharingan (anything lower than is fair game). Lightening-wind natures but has talent for coping almost any other nature technique. Because of wandering/solitary nature and nomadic/mercenary lifestyle Amayha has gathered a number of skills and techniques. One such technique is the ability to use one handed signs that is born out of a means for survival rather than studied learning. Is a very 'learn by sight' person and is self-taught in almost all aspects. Her preferred weapons are kunai, shuriken (throwing stars) paired with wires, smoke bombs, and paper bombs. She also has an intricate Tanto-type knife she keeps sheathed at her back in her belt, but tries her best not to use it. The blade is special and leeches chakra with every strike. Handle and sheath appear as one in dark lacquer wood oval shape. Old script runs down the length of sheath and handle in some sort of enchantment. Amayha's favorite dish is Onigiri in variety (any combination of rice ball with other ingredients). She views them as a combination of favorite snack and surprise present. Also, for one such as her portability is your friend.

·       Ninjutsu (lightning + wind release main_ copy any other nature technique), taijutsu (and proficiency of weapons, poisons, etc.), genjutsu, summoning jutsu, sealing jutsu.

·       Apparel- Often wearing a conical hat or sugegasa (菅笠) (in Japanese).

Ichika Hanako- (see: naruto___yakuza_x_loli_x_yanki_by_momoko_kawase-2) Perhaps the only person Amayha could call a friend. She is technically a ninja herself but works at a lowbrow pub/geisha house (mix of strip joint and bar, hooters basically) in the land of fire, though she is originally from the hidden waterfall village. Dark blue hair cut short (pixie cut?) makes, kissable lips, and her casual attitude makes her seem like a flirty tomboy. Often wears dark colors for her eyes but rarely lipstick. She often wears short shorts, a (Sports? Wind breaker?) jacket (Akatsuki style), tight-weave fishnet leggings (thigh-highs), and an expensive looking lace bra (blue-purple of course) to hide her rounding bust (mature for her age, perhaps C-cup?). Around her back, arms, and sides is an intricate tattoo of red cherry blossoms on branches and golden koi fish swimming in a feather-edged cloud of dull blue-violet. Usually wears a hair pin, a red hydrangea with yellow center. Has a secret shibari fetish; prefers to be the one tied up rather than the one doing the tying. In this way she has a strange attraction to powerlessness. Amayha is one of the few people she trusts to enact the sexual fantasy with. Though it’s more than just sexual. Deep in her psyche is a longing to be bound, tied up and held at the mercy of ropes that constrict around her form to the will of another. Binds not even a ninja can escape. Aside from these, she’s quite talented as a ninja. Her ninjutsu is on par with most jonin. The specialties of fire and water release are at her disposal. Her taijutsu is also very good and she prefers kunai or throwing stars with wires (perhaps something she picked up from Amayha, or vis versa). She can only do simple genjutsu, but after practicing with others she is adept at dispelling it. Her summoning jutsu is okay, the animal/thing being a

·       Ninjutsu (water + fire release), taijutsu (prefers kunai and shuriken with wires), genjutsu (little but good at dispelling), summoning jutsu (?)

Yuko- A Yuki clan member in hiding and is Bogo's younger cousin. The more effeminate Yuko resents Bogo for his misuse of power and brash attitude that could endanger the many other Yuki clan members still in hiding. Like Bogo, Yuko is a ninja of the mist but is not rogue. He has mastered wind and water (as well as ice), but can also use fire nature to some efficiency. Resembles 'Haku' to some extent.

·       Ninjutsu (wind + water release +kekkei genkai ice release + a little fire release), taijutsu (weapon proficiency, poisons, etc.), summoning jutsu

Ryukin- A prodigy able to wield all nature releases. She is also able to wield the lightning-wind Kekkei Genkai. The young but keen minded Ryukin is an able student of the ninja arts, dabbling a little in each. She spends her free time studying and practicing other jutsu as well as learning how to counter them. Ryukin aims for being an Anbu member or a ninja scout. She has both the fortitude and the strategic mind to do so. She hails from the mist village under the new Mizukage (Mei Terumi).

·       Ninjutsu (All nature releases + lightning-wind kekkei genkai), genjutsu, taijutsu (proficiency with weapons, poisons, etc.), summoning jutsu, sealing jutsu

Nobu- One of the Hozuki clan who is able to transform his body into water. And like others of his clan he has a shark like appearance. Is a water user with a penchant for taijutsu and bojutsu.

·       Taijutsu (specifically staff oriented techniques; other weapons, poisons, etc.), ninjutsu (water release)

Naga- A girl from the sand village who is a wind release user. She specializes like temari but also uses a few genjutsu techniques with her ninjutsu and taijutsu. Instead of on large fan, Naga carries a multitude of smaller fans that she also uses for her own genjutsu techniques. Is slightly haughty but comes off as cold. Inside she is actually quite caring and does not want to fight others. She specializes in spy missions and as a scout.

·       Ninjutsu (wind release), taijutsu (specializing in fans; weapons, etc.), genjutsu (a little; incorporates fans), summoning jutsu (similar to temari’s but different)

Yahiko- A rogue ninja from the shirogane puppet clan of the sand. He is of a nobler breed than other of the mercenary type. He often uses his techniques to put on elaborate puppet shows for children and any who will come to watch.

·       Puppet jutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, summoning jutsu, sealing jutsu

Sanaka- Yahiko's adopted little sister who was found as an orphan by the sand ninja during one of his plays. The girl is of the thought to be extinct senju clan but does not have the capability of wood release Kekkei Genkai. Her earth and water releases are still powerful when she uses them; and she has a green thumb as homage to her senju roots. Trained by Yahiko in the basics, Sanaka had to learn ninjutsu by watching others or picking up the occasional lesson from other ninja. Yahiko managed to convince some of his old friends in various villages to teach Sanaka ninjutsu and genjutsu techniques. His reasoning being that the pair would need skills to defend themselves and each other should a price be put on their heads.

·       Ninjutsu (earth + water release + some other natures but minor), genjutsu, taijutsu (weapons proficiency), specialty in poisons and medicinal healing (not chakra)

Ragna- Fire and earth release specialist. Utilizes genjutsu and ninjutsu to attack long range. Though he is young, Ragna has a level head on his shoulders. He is too shy/scared to take over and is best with a good leader.

·       Ninjutsu (fire + earth release), genjutsu

Matsuken- Blade master from the village hidden in the rain. Matsuken is a deadly assassin with S-rank and A-rank missions over several villages. She is a master of any ninja weapon, combining them with her skill of wind and water release. Matsuken went rogue after the last shinobi war ended, choosing to live a life of solitude rather than go on feeding the darkness that haunts her dreams.

·       Taijutsu (proficiency in weapons, poisons, etc.), ninjutsu (wind + water release)

Rengen- Lightning wielding girl from the leaf village with a quick temper and a quicker fighting spirit. Feisty with a hint of teasing. Though she can be competitive at times, Rengen does not find pleasure in demoralizing her rivals. Instead she finds it better to challenge them and encourage them. As such she’s kind of a tsundere when it comes to her own feelings. Rengen uses her lightning abilities to amplify her taijutsu (similar to the raikage) and creates effective ninjutsu specializing in close quarters blitz techniques.

·       Taijutsu (amplified by ninjutsu; weapons proficiency, etc.), ninjutsu (lightning release)

Uraiha- A wind and lightning release user, one of the few able to enact the Kekkei Genkai of such natures. He also wields fire release but to a much lesser extent. Uraiha is a leaf village ninja (what age?) and has an honorary disposition. Is strategic but also a merciful opponent. This can get him into trouble sometimes as his opponents are not so gracious or trustworthy.

·       Ninjutsu (wind + lightning release and kekkei genkai wind-lightning; some fire release), taijutsu (weapons proficiency, etc.)

Yui- Wind release user from the village hidden by the waterfall. Yui is a woman accustomed to the hardships of life and bears the scars to prove it. She travels abroad to monitor other lands and see how the political tides of other nations flow. Yui is not a spy so to speak. She is rather a watcher who catches the usual information (commerce, construction, military, and such) before reporting them back to her village.

·       Ninjutsu (wind release), taijutsu (weapons proficiency, poisons, etc.), summoning jutsu

Kyusha- An odd ninja from the village hidden in the grass who has taken to mercenary work. Though in reality it is more like tame bounty hunting as he only takes offers to keep himself afloat and always brings them in alive. Never the less Kyusha is a talented earth release user with combination of all jutsu (gen-nin-tai).

·       Ninjutsu (earth release)-Taijutsu (weapons proficiency, poisons, etc.)-Genjutsu (all equally capable in proficiency)

Lyi- A girl specializing in ninjutsu and genjutsu similar to Konan's own origami based ninjutsu. Lyi hails from the village hidden in the rain and it is probable that she may have seen Konan battle, thereby influencing her own ninjutsu/genjutsu.

·       Ninjutsu (specialized origami type similar to konan’s + wind release), genjutsu, taijutsu (weapons proficiency, poisons, etc.)

Hidden Rain Village Team=

Tenha- A specialist in weapons and creator of several unique ninjutsu. He specializes in ranged combat. An assassin and scout by trade, Tenha is a capable leader with several A-rank missions under his belt. He hails from the village hidden in the rain.

·       Ninjutsu (unique techniques + ? release), taijutsu, summoning jutsu

Rhokan- Water release type specializing in ninjutsu. He is a sensory type and often employed as a scout. Rhokan hails from the village hidden in the rain though he has no loyalties to Pain or the Akastuki.

·       Ninjutsu (water release + sensory type), taijutsu

  Grey-Neutral Characters (Allies-Enemies depending on chronological events):

Hitomi Higashi- (see: img-thing) Sultry and seductive Kakashi look alike. She’s got the spikey white hair, half-mask, muscled figure (though a lot curvier), and even an eyepatch to match. Her chakra nature also matches Kikashi’s lightning. But that’s where the similarities end. Hitomi hails from the hidden mist village and was in their academy during the dark times (bloody mist). She made it through with quite a few scars (all mental) but out none the less. She mostly works as a mercenary loaned out to other rulers and countries for good will purposes. Any low value intel she gathers is sent back to the homeland but Hitomi is not an active spy. Her clothing is a pit odd but fitting of her personality. The headband she wears around her neck is black clothed and loose. Torn mesh top (tight weave nylon? Might have been a shirt at one point or a one-piece) is “reinforced” by a strapless tube top that is WAY too tight on her D-cups. Likewise she wears tight leather pants and long gloves that reach to her upper arms. The eyepatch she wears is studded though if she actually lost the eye, no one knows. Her mask is also tight along her face and she wears an additional one to hide her features if on a mission. Her clothing does little to hide her toned midrift and the swirling star-flower tattoo there. Hitomi also has a tribal tattoo of red-black along her shoulder and upper arm that resembles leaf anbu markers. But hers is broader and more decorative. Her main weapons of choice are inky black kunai she keeps.

·       Ninjutsu (lightning release), taijutsu (favored kunai), genjutsu, summoning jutsu, sealing jutsu

The Magician- A highly specialized mercenary who handles interrogation and investigation into chakra related matters. His personal jutsu of choice is a wide array of genjutsu as his ninjutsu is lacking and taijutsu is nigh none existent. The Magician also uses powerful barrier jutsu, chakra flow and absorption, fuinjutsu (sealing jutsu), juinjutsu (curse seal marks), and medical ninjutsu.

·       Genjutsu, sealing jutsu, curse mark jutsu, barrier jutsu, medical jutsu, ninjutsu, taijutsu

Bogo- A wandering mercenary who was once a former ninja of the mist. He is secretly a Yuki clan member and has inherited the Kekkei Genkai of such. Brutal as he is arrogant. Bogo in only able to use wind and water natures as well as the ice release nature.

·       Ninjutsu (wind + water release + kekkei genkai ice release), taijutsu (proficiency of weapons, etc.)

Jorgen- A specialty earth type ninjutsu user that combines it with his taijutsu. Close quarters combat is his specialty and can be employed to assassinate targets with his hands alone. Known as 'the crusher'. He hails from the village hidden by rocks. Unknown to others he also specializes in water release nature.

·       Ninjutsu (earth release + lesser known water release), taijutsu

Nura- Genjutsu and ninjutsu user that specializes in long range as well as illusions. He is a rogue ninja from the leaf village that went off the reservation when Orochimaru left. His specialties are fire release nature. However, he focuses more on his genjutsu which has been used across the land to assassinate high targets.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (fire release), taijutsu (weapons proficiency, poisons, etc.)

Hidden Rock village team=

Ichigane- Loyal ninja from the village hidden in the rocks, Ichigane is torn between the cold-hearted nature of his job and his natural compassion for others. He is an earth and fire nature specialist, going so far as being able to enact lava release Kekkei Genkai.

·       Ninjutsu (earth + fire release and lava kekkei genkai release), taijutsu, summoning jutsu

Narugane- Ichigane's older sister who has a more cynical outlook on life 'a job is a job' and all that. She is somewhat of an odd ball in the fact that her ninjutsu is IMPOSSIBLY specialized. She is only able to use Kekkei Genkai Ice-release and Boil-release techniques. No water, fire, or wind natures (as individual natures) at all. It is theorized that she shares blood with the "extinct" Yuki clan but the possibility of such is slim.

·       Ninjutsu (highly specialized ice kekkei genkai release and boil kekkei genkai release), taijutsu, genjutsu (very little), summoning jutsu

Kagane- Affiliated and oftentimes matched on a team with the two above, Kagane is the youngest of the three. He is a sensory and genjutsu type only, no ninjutsu and barely any taijutsu (only the basics). Often seen or referred to as weak because he cannot withstand blows. As such he is usually a distance away from action and fights from a distance. Albeit with deadly efficiency. He is often employed when the village hidden in the rocks wishes to capture someone alive.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (only sensory type), taijutsu (only basics), summoning jutsu

Hidden Cloud village scout team=

Daito- Cloud village ninja who uses wind and earth release. He also tempters said releases with his specialty in bladed weapons, primarily of which is kenjutsu. Daito carries two short swords across his back and one at his waist in addition to the many kunai he carries. He is a Chunin who is often paired with younger ninjas who show potential.

·       Ninjutsu (wind + earth release), taijutsu/kenjutsu (weapon proficiency specializing in bladed weapons, especially swords)

Nanto- Odd ball ninja from the cloud village who uses poisons and bladed weapons. Is mainly a trap setter. He utilizes his weapons/taijutsu along with genjutsu to great effect. Nanto is playful but can be somewhat sadistic at times. His naïve façade masks a killer inside a boy's body.

·       Taijutsu (weapons proficiency and poisons, etc.), genjutsu

The Five Elements Sealing Combat Team= A sealing team under the direction of the five daimyos rather than the five kages. They do not operate as a kill team but rather as a capture or neutralization of a target.

Brashka Noama- Leader of the team, and tallest of the bunch. He specializes in lightning release from long distance as his taijutsu is distinctly lacking. However, Brashka makes up for this by combining ninjutsu with subtle genjutsu. Like all the others, he wields sealing jutsu.

·       Ninjutsu (lightning release), genjutsu, sealing jutsu

Nanoko Noama- Younger brother of Brashka and the earth release user. His distinct puppet jutsu combines with his ninjutsu and sealing jutsu. His puppets acting as conduits for his releases. In his way he can not only manipulate puppets but also use earth techniques, as well as enact sealing jutsu.

·       Ninjutsu (earth release), puppet jutsu, sealing jutsu

Karamoro- A new addition to the Five Elements Sealing Team, she is a good will liaison from the hidden mist village and wields capable jutsu. Her water release combines with both sealing and summoning jutsu (typically water animals but can be amphibious). She is from the Hoshigaki clan of the hidden mist.

·       Ninjutsu (water release), sealing jutsu, summoning jutsu

Kankura Nazamiki- Not the quick-tempered fire user. He is one of the team’s close-range fighters, specializing in ninjutsu and taijutsu before others. These make him the “shield” or vanguard that will act as the team’s main attacker while others hold back to deal long range damage. He’s the same age as Brashka and a deal wiser, making him the mentor of the group so to speak. Kankura’s sealing jutsu is not as good as the others, his genjutsu being a LOT better, but he is still capable enough to be on the team.

·       Ninjutsu (fire release), taijutsu, genjutsu, sealing jutsu

Hakujo Nomi- The hot head. Kankura’s accompanying partner in the frontal attach part of the team. The two combined make a deadly wind-fire combination along with their taijutsu while being supported with long range jutsu from the others.

·       Ninjutsu (wind release), taijutsu, sealing jutsu

Hidden Mist Sealing Hunter Team-

·       Genjutsu (short range?), sealing jutsu, ninjutsu (water release), taijutsu

·       Ninjutsu (water release), genjutsu (short range?), sealing jutsu

·       Genjutsu, sealing jutsu, summoning jutsu, proficiency in arms and poisons, ninjutsu (water release)

   Bad Characters:

Sonosu- Said to be hailed by thundering storms, Sonosu is a ninja without a nation. He appeared from the battlefield of the second shinobi war as a child and grew as blood fed the ground. Sonosu is war incarnate. He has no past, no present, and no future. All is endless slaughter and blood. Blood he must spill, blood he must have others spill, blood he will have all spill. There must be blood.

·       Taijutsu, ninjutsu (lightning release), adequate genjutsu, summoning jutsu

Karyuoh- An older rogue ninja with a rather unusual skill set. He is older than most, perhaps even going back as far as the second shinobi war, and with the mastery to prove it. His sole ninjutsu is yin-yang release as he is unable to invoke any other natures for unknown reasons. However, this amplifies both his genjutsu and taijutsu considerably to levels unheard of in average ninja. He plays the long game and has motives far beyond what others may understand.

·       Ninjutsu (yin-yang release ONLY), genjutsu, taijutsu, and summoning jutsu

Jorugumo- A rather sadistic ninja from the land of rivers that prefers to lay traps and ambushes. Just so she is very adept at sniffing them out. Drawing people in with genjutsu, Jorugumo then secures them with taijutsu (specifically poisons, throwing needles, and wires) and finishes them off. Her specific summon is a large spider (who in turn spawns more spiders).

·       Genjutsu, taijutsu, summoning jutsu

Suiko- The one who drowns in darkness and despair. A ninja from the village hidden in the rain who departed after the last ninja war. He is cold of heart and finds interest only in the last moments of other beings. Whether these last moments are by his own hand or from anothers it matters not. He will wrap his opponents in illusion or if unable to, destroy them with masterful earth and water techniques. His summons are leeches that suck out chakra for him. His only wish is to see death once again in the eyes of others. Again and again.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (earth + water release), summoning jutsu (chakra eating leeches)

Hamuria- Earth user from the sand village. Sadistic and uses traps to slowly kill his prey. Bears a grudge from the last shinobi war and is more than willing to act on it.

·       Ninjutsu (earth release), taijutsu, genjutsu (very little)

Enkon (The Bitter One)- A cast out ninja from the leaf village. He may have done something he was not supposed to or otherwise just a trouble maker. In any case he has turned rogue and bears a grudge against all leaf ninja. He will often take contracts (A-B) against the village to reconcile his want of revenge, but never ventures far into the territory as he knows there are others more powerful than him. And drawing that kind of attention would warrant his head.

·       Ninjutsu (fire and lightning release), taijutsu, summoning jutsu.

Gensho (The Blindfold Assassin)- One who wears constant disguise so the true identity of the person is scarcely known. Most often his/her targets are seemingly low profile until one realizes they prove invaluable in an unforeseen circumstance. The Blindfold Assassin utilizes weapon specialized taijutsu in close quarters but prefers to lay traps, cornering a target before showering them with unavoidable waves of weapons (somewhat like tenten's attacks). In this way it is part taijutsu and part summoning jutsu. He/she also uses genjutsu to slow or weaken the target; making it easier to finish them off. The Blindfold assassin has never been recorded as a ninjutsu user but others are always wary.

·       Taijutsu (weapons proficiency, poisons, etc.), summoning jutsu (weapons, etc.), genjutsu (potent but few have remained alive to detail exact data), ninjutsu (unknown)

Tetsuna (Will of Stone)- One from the hidden rock village, wields a unique kekkei genkai. A stone/rock release in addition to the regular earth release. Like Gara's sand techniques except more formative/solid and brutal. It goes well with strong offense types, of which he is one. Somewhat a loner and silent type. Is a killer and will turn into a cold machine when given a direct order. Nasty stuff. Loves pickled plums for some reason.

·       Ninjutsu (earth release and kekkei genkai stone/rock release), taijutsu (proficiency with weapons, etc.)

The Witch-  A deadly contract killer and alchemist (in reality a title passed from teacher to student). Always dressed in sultry female garb and wears mask bearing the mark of a hidden mist village. Thought to have originated out of the first shinobi war. Every witch uses the same techniques so there is a question as to whether they are related by blood or not. Their victims/targets are usually poisoned, cursed, or meet some unforeseen accident that seems natural. If unable to reach the victim/target or has failed several times, the Witch will resort to more direct methods as a LAST RESORT. The Witch wields extensive taijutsu consisting mainly of poisoned weapons and traps and tricks, genjutsu coupled with poisons and gasses, and incredible ninjutsu of unheard levels. Kekkei Genkai of the witch are Storm release (wind-lightning), Boil release (water-fire), Scorch release (fire-wind), and a unique Gale release (water-wind) that unheard of elsewhere. The Witch also has mastery of the five nature releases beyond Jonin level. Such a target (elusive, seductive, and dangerous) is up for bounty by only the most experienced ninja. (could be the 'psyche' of the first Witch is transferred from student to student since the first. their memories and techniques/kekkei genkai flood into the new blood and grow to infect their being until they are completely the Witch. voluntary of course. as each psyche is compounded into the original individuality is retained but the mentality becomes that of the Witch. prior individuality is kept in the psyches passed down sort of like a ghost 'possessing' the Witch. these can be brought to the fore or consulted at any time. however, the newest mind and the Witch psyche are always dominant.). Prefers to use senbon (needles), wires, and the occasional kunai if drawn down to weapons.

·       Ninjutsu (all five nature releases and sorm, boil, scorch, and gale <water-wind> kekkei genkai releases), genjutsu (few but effective techniques), taijutsu (weapons proficiency, poisons, etc.), summoning jutsu (centipede as personal summon), sealing jutsu

Nhi & Genni (bounty hunter twins, tag-team tactics)= Rogue ninja of unknown origin. They grew up as assassins and have remained as such. They employ a deadly combo, tag-team type attack as they utilize both taijutsu (specifically weapon attacks such as chains, sickle-chains or kusarigama, shuriken, and wires). (based off of demon brothers from anime)

·       Taijutsu, ninjutsu (earth release)

·       Taijutsu, ninjutsu (earth release)

The Crushers (Opposites Team)= A pair of mercenaries from the hidden stone village, rogue ninja. They together form a deadly combination of physical and mental attack. While one assaults the target(s) head on, the other hangs back to assault them with genjutsu and ninjutsu.

Shogo- The one behind the scenes. A tall and lean ninja with affinity for genjutsu and ninjutsu. He specializes in mind techniques similar to the Yamanaki clan as well as water style. With these and a smattering of taijutsu he is able to aid his partner from afar.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (yin + water release), taijutsu

Raigo- The warrior. Raigo is the brawn of the two, his taijutsu far surpassing most normal levels and is aided by his yang chakra techniques. With the aid of wind style he also is able to sharpen, harden, or quicken his moves.

·       Taijutsu, ninjutsu (yang + wind release)

(Earth?) Daimyo’s Personal Kill Team= Composed of specific ninja types as per the daimyo’s orders. They are selected from the many ranks of the Hidden Stone Village (Iwagakure) and have one thing in common, a proficiency in genjutsu. The team members can be old or young so long as they fit the criteria. If one member dies or is found no longer useful, they are replaced with a ninja with the same proficiencies. These members are bound to the daimyo alone and his word is law. They are never to be discovered exactly who they are besides Hidden Stone ninja. If anyone threatens their identity in any way it is a mark on that person’s back for as long as they live. These are the current members:

Nida Kogo- A sultry, green haired woman that wears an expressionless countenance. She is the team’s summoner.

·       Genjutsu, summoning jutsu

Shogo Urigehan- A young prodigy at sealing jutsu. The boy was barely out of the academy when he was seized up per the daimyo’s orders. Bleach blond hair and pail skin with dull blue eyes. A pathetic looking boy, but capable none the less.  

·       Genjutsu, sealing jutsu

Oshira Ryuojo- The old man of the group. He has been through countless battles and has the scars to prove it. Never the less he is not the leader. Oshira wields genjutsu and fire type ninjutsu with deadly efficiency. He participated in the second shinobi war but bears no ill grievance.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (fire release)

Nokoda Hamamochi- One of the team’s leading frontal assault people. A dark haired woman with dark eyes and sharp features. She’s not exactly unattractive but has a cold and unimpressed air about her. She combines subtle genjutsu with taijutsu somewhat like the gentle fist techniques of the Hyuga clan.

·       Genjutsu, taijutsu

Sushiha Jiada- Lightning release and long-range fighter. He hails from a family that defected from the hidden cloud village. His specialty is a combined kunai with wires and lightning so that a certain area in between becomes a kill field of burning electricity. His genjutsu also stems from the light/flash properties of his lightning techniques.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (lightning release)

Sanako Umika- Water release user whose genjutsu is centered around sound, specifically softer sounds like water (which is his specialty). Is a long range type with powerful, wide range attacks. He is often paired with Sushiha when in combat so their combined techniques are more effective.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (water release)

Jiraya Akasuna- Considered an ‘experiment’ as most puppet jutsu is used by the sand village. Certain children that were considered most appropriate and suitable to the methods were selected at a young age. They were subjected to rigorous training and tests over their lives, and many died in the process as they battled against others and each other. Jiraya Akasuna is the blood-paid brain child of this project. His dark eyes have sunk deep into his skull though his strength is never in question by his ripped physique. He employs a number of puppets and carries around scrolls to summon more if needed. Jiraya has also found how to transition normal chakra natures into puppets by making them out of certain materials, but only one nature at a time due to the stress and his on nature limitation.

·       Genjutsu, puppet jutsu, ninjutsu (wind-water-earth release)

Yokoma Hashana- The mind reaper of the team and perhaps the most feared. While Oshira is the old man, Yokoma is by far the oldest. How he has survived all these years on the team is a mystery. His genjutsu is only amplified by the incredible power of his yin release and stolen hidden techniques he has gathered over the years. Yokoma has a single sharingan in his right eye, a treasure from some past war or mission. It is something he guards with jealous ferocity. His yang release is also incredible as he is able to bend and bolster his own body as needed. Though he is not a front line fighter, Yokoma could be seen as the cavalry when a mission goes awry.

·       Genjutsu, ninjutsu (yin-yang release), taijutsu

Combo Kill Team (?)= Your traditional ‘ninja’ in black clothes and totally anonymous.

-Ninjutsu (lightning + water release), taijutsu

-Ninjutsu (earth + wind release), taijutsu

Rogue (as in rogue ninja) Bounty Hunter Group= A collection of rogue ninja of lower ranks so they tend to go around unmolested. They are not really in anybody’s bingo book save for their own nations/villages. While some are skilled, they are not as deadly as some.

Ogen- The default leader of the group and the second oldest. He participated in the third war with others from the hidden grass village.

·       Taijutsu, ninjutsu (fire release)

Taigen- Much younger cousin of Ogen. He is also from the hidden grass village and relies mostly on his ninjutsu as well as his taijutsu. Being young and hot headed is a bad combination.

·       Ninjutsu (earth release), taijutsu

Shiotastu Inoshi- Oldest of the group and most experienced as well as having the largest skill set. His fire release is the strongest and he is perhaps the most tactically sound of the group. A rather large man with long greying hair and scruffy beard, this one fits the stereotype of ‘sword for hire’. He is a defector from a minor ninja village (?) during the third war and has lived life as a mercenary ever since.

·       Ninjutsu (fire release), taijutsu, genjutsu (very little)

Boshi Umaki- From the village hidden in the grass, this young woman (30s) is the long range fighter of the group. She utilizes her wind-release along with throwing stars and kunai to score hits on their enemies and lead them into traps. In hand-to-hand she takes to flipping and spinning around while her opponent wastes energy. Her lithe body is well adept at this fighting style and is quite flexible. Sometimes she uses her long, blonde hair as a distraction or utilizes it with weapons attached.

·       Taijutsu, ninjutsu (wind release)

    Basic things:

(Naru)- Original teams (leaf village) were Team 7 (Naruto-Sasuke-naruto), Team 8 (Hinata-Kiba-Shino), Team 10 (Choji-Shikamaru-Ino), and Team Guy (Rock Lee-Neji-Tenten).

 (kamizuru clan-bee/insect users)

(yuki clan- ice release kekki genkai_haku)

(hozuki clan- waterbody/shark types)

(Chinoike clan- sharingan like eyes that control iron based liquids and able to wield powerful genjitsu)

(Fuma clan- genjutsu and medical jutsu users with powerful abilities and techniques)

(Kazekage Clan- wind release and rarely magnetic kekkei genkai release)

(Shirogane Clan- puppet jutsu clan)

(aburame clan- insect users)

(akimichi clan- calories to strength/chakra)

(hatake clan- kakashi's clan)

(inuzuka clan- dog/wolf users)

(kurama clan- powerful genjutsu users/kekkei genkai)

(lee clan- bushy brows . . . )

(nara clan- shadow techniques)

(sarutobi clan- fire release techniques and strength)

(senju clan- wood release kekkei genkai)

(uchiha clan- fire release and sharingan)

(uzumaki clan- sealing jutsu)

(yamanaka clan- sensory and mind techniques)

[onceandalwaysenglishmajor]

Hounds

[darkpetal16]

A Piece of Kakashi’s Point of View During the Angst

Exactly as the title said. When I see the reviews I get, it makes me all happy and warm inside and ignites my muse. I wasn’t planning on doing Kakashi’s POV, but for you guys I will in the next chapter.

Here’s a piece of it. 

Kakashi took a deep breath, feeling his heart slowly settle down as the All-Clear signal shot throughout the sky to signify that the last hostile had been defeated. It was well on into the evening and Kakashi felt a little tired. Not enough to warrant any concern; he never encountered an enemy of equal caliber to face. The only thing that provided any significant stress for him was the countless civilians and property he had to be mindful of, in addition to the sheer quantity of pests he had to deal with.

He was entirely unscathed (unsurprisingly), and despite the grim situation, he was content (as long as he ignored the nagging sense of worry he had over his students, he was at least). He felt confident that his students survived the invasion (he knew for certain that Naruto would be next to impossible to kill due to Kyuubi, he personally saw Sakura off to the medical tent, and Sasuke was too cunning to die to the low caliber of Otogakure shinobi).

Still, it would be irresponsible of him not to check in on his students.

And if it assuaged the tiny bit of concern he had towards them, well that was merely a bonus.

Naruto and Sasuke were the easiest to track down, since the ANBU team personally secured duo as soon as they could and took them to one of the high-security hospitals that was left standing. All he had to do was pop in and the ANBU guarding the duo allowed him to see him without any fuss.

Naruto was covered in bandages, but snoring heavily and looking utterly pleased with himself. Kakashi knew he would be recovered by the next day, if that. Sasuke was a little worse for wear, as he lacked Naruto’s two-fold regeneration, and concussions were tricky. A quick glance over his clipboard confirmed that the Uchiha would have to be on light-training for a month, at least.

With that being settled, Kakashi returned to the medical tent in search of his… spirited kunoichi. He was surprised that she had already been sent home, but after a split-second of realizing the time, not really.

‘She’s probably already asleep,’ Kakashi thought as he slowly made his way towards her home. ‘Her parents are civilians so they’re probably a nervous wreck and clinging onto her. I’ll make sure her chakra signature is there, then head home. No need to cause a scene.’

When he entered her neighborhood, a tiny seed of worry settled in the pit of his stomach. A foreboding sense entered his mind, and he unconsciously braced himself for quite a scene.

He did not expect to find Sakura hyperventilating in her destroyed home with two little black scrolls in front of her.

Kakashi was frozen the moment he saw her.

Not good. Bad, bad, bad.

Despite Naruto’s quick temper, Sakura was the most emotional member of his team. THough never one to dwell on negative emotions (though Kaksahi was getting a sneaky feeling about why that was the case), she was passionate in positive things and prone to openly sharing her affection towards all those around her. Including strangers.

For fuck’s sake she was prepared to argue with her sensei over the lives of two missing-nin.

She was a bleeding heart that endlessly poured out optimism.

When confronted with pessimism, or things deemed “negative” she reacted by not reacting at all. She clearly had a habit of repressing unwanted things, so Kakashi had to conclude that she lacked the experience in dealing with traumatic, or otherwise unfortunate events. In the life of a kunoichi, or shinobi, where death and horrific things were abundant, that lack of experience was highly dangerous.

Naruto, at least, didn’t ignore his feelings. He struggled to deal with them, but at least he was doing something about them.

Sasuke openly embraced his anger and used it as a weapon. Strictly textbook, he was behaving like a perfect little shinobi.

Sakura, though, didn’t deal. She didn’t acknowledge. She didn’t do anything except try to smile through.

That kind of behavior, if not rectified early, shattered shinobi and kunoichi.

Kakashi would know.

It’s what almost did him in.

Kakashi had planned on setting her up with a Yamanaka psychiatrist after the exams (as Chuunin were required for an annual psychological evaluation), along with her other teammates. Therapy never worked for him, but he hoped it would be enough for her.

Unfortunately, life struck before he had the chance to do that.

So here his student was, having a panic attack, and Kakashi was at a loss at what to do.

‘One thing at a time.’

Right.

Kakashi flickered before her, and placed his hand on her shoulder. Her body stiffened and her wild eyes moved up to meet his. He kneeled in front of her, placing his other hand over her mouth. “Calm down. Breathe with me. In. Out. In. Out.”

It took a solid five minutes before her breathing settled down that Kakashi felt reasonably confident she wouldn’t pass out. He slowly withdrew his hands. “Do you have family in the village?”

She shook her head, bits of her hair sticking to the dried blood on her cheek. Her pained green eyes trailed over to the two black scrolls on the table, and sheer agony rippled across her face. Kakashi’s chest tightened uncomfortably at that, and he stood back up. “Can you walk?”

She nodded her head, then after a small pause, she shakily tried to stand up. The moment she put pressure on her legs, though, they folded. Kakashi quickly grabbed her before she could fall, and he realized she was shivering slightly.

‘She’s freezing,’ he thought. ‘Okay, if I were her age--No. What did I want someone to do for me after I saw my father?’

‘Away. I wanted to get away from that house as fast as I could.’

“Wh-What about K-Kaa-chan and T-Tou-chan?” she choked out. Kakashi readjusted his grip on her before he pocketed the two scrolls. Then he shifted his stance and he ran as fast as he could to his apartment. It was in the ANBU district, which was heavily guarded, so it was untouched by the invasion. He had to set her down for a brief minute before he could unlock the door, but it wasn’t long before he brought her inside and took her straight towards the bathroom.

‘Hot water. She has to warm up,’ he thought before practically tossing her inside his bathroom (and silently thanking himself for doing laundry before today, so there were no dirty clothes for her to… creep on). Then he summoned Pakkun, and hoped his favorite companion would be able to take care of the rest because he sure as shit had no idea what to do.

Kakashi shut the door with a little too much haste than what was otherwise necessary, but he felt distinctly uncomfortable.

Then he summoned the rest of his Pack.

When in doubt, ask the dogs.

“You all know Sakura,” he began. “Her parents died in the invasion today.”

“Does she have a place to stay?” Urushi asked immediately.

Kakashi scratched the back of his head. “Uh. No. Well, actually she can stay here.”

Bull cocked his head. “Do you even have a guest room?”

Kakashi shook his head. No one stayed over at his place. He didn’t typically allow people inside his apartment to begin with. He could count on one hand the number of people he would allow to visit him at his place, and even less he would allow to crash on the couch. He never bothered with purchasing a spare futon because of that, or setting up a guest room.

Bisque made a disapproving sound. “Then you better hurry up and buy one. Get her some clothes, too, since she probably doesn’t have a spare.”

“Don’t forget the underwear,”  Shiba added. When Kakashi’s face colored, the pack chuckled at him. “Don’t be a prude. She’s your student, and she needs help. What would Minato-sama do?”

“Buy her clothes,” Kakashi admitted, then sighed. “Okay.” He made a clone, gave said clone his wallet, and sent it off. “Now what?”

Guruko sniffed loudly. “Did she eat?”

“I--I don’t think so. Right. Feed her. Got it.”

“The poor pup will need some affection,” Uhei murmured. “She’s always so bright, and her kaa-chan was very affectionate, wasn’t she? She’ll need that affection now more than ever.”

The pack, as one, looked at the growing-flustered Kakashi, before they exchanged exasperated looks. Bull answered for them, “We will provide that affection, pup. Don’t look so panicked.”

Relief settled over Kakashi, along with a mild sense of indignation. He could be affectionate.

Probably.

Maybe.

Then again, given who needed the affection, it would probably be best if he kept his affections to a minimum. It would be tremendously awful if he gave her the wrong impression during such a difficult time.

Besides, the pack was more experienced at this sort of thing than Kakashi was. The pack was the single reason Kakashi was still alive (figuratively and literally). While he would never take his life, like his father, he wasn’t above taking on suicidal missions. If his dogs hadn’t nursed him ever since he lost his father, he doubted even Minato-sensei’s light would have been able to reach him.

The clone returned, then, and he made a couple more to start cooking dinner and clearing the office. Once enough room was made to lay down the futon, he dismissed them and finished up dinner. He brought it back to the room, and before he had a chance to set it down, Sakura and Pakkun presented themselves. “Um.”

She stood awkwardly in the doorway, no longer covered in dried blood, but a heavy weight seemingly pressed down on her. There wasn’t that familiar gleam of--of--love in her eyes--

Until she noticed him, and for split second Kakashi could see that spark, and he was filled with so much relief his shoulder sagged.

The spark was gone, though, and the worry returned. Kakashi straightened his shoulders, and cocked his head towards the bed. “Sit.”

She hesitated for a brief moment before she sat down. Bull pulled the covers over her lap, and the pack converged around her to form a tight circle. A ghost of a smile danced across her lips at that before disappearing when Pakkun sat in her lap. Kakashi squatted beside her, outside the circle, and handed her a bowl of fried rice.

“Eat,” Kakashi ordered. “I don’t care if you’re not hungry. You need to eat. Drink the tea, too, it’lll… it’ll help you sleep.”

Sakura nodded, and began to meticulously eat. The longer the silence stretched on, the more worried Kakashi felt. Even after losing her patients, she still--she still talked to him. She flirted, and teased, but she did none of that there. She was… lifeless.

Defeated.

Kakashi felt distinctly--distinctly--

He felt very much not okay with that. He didn’t like seeing her like that one bit.

‘Minato-sensei would know what to do. He’d know the right words to say that would make her smile.’

‘Obito would be able to make her laugh.’

‘Rin would be able to comfort her.’

‘Anyone would be better than me.’

Shit. He had to rely on his dogs to comfort her because he was so awkward with it. Here he was concerned about her lack of experience dealing with crap like that, and he still refused to deal with it for others. Here was a prime time to earn that experience, and he shoved it off on his dogs.

Kakashi rubbed at his face, putting those unhelpful thoughts away for the moment. Thinking about himself when Sakura needed him was unacceptable. He would deal with his demons eventually, but right now he had to deal with her’s.

When she was done eating, he put away her dishes and told her to get some sleep.

He didn’t know why he was actually surprised when she said she couldn’t.

He definitely was surprised when she said she was to blame for her parents’ death.

The idea was laughable to Kakashi, in a twisted sense of how he could perfectly understand why she would feel that way. He didn’t dig the katana through his father’s guts, but he shunned him like the rest of the villagers. He didn’t force Obito to take his place, but his carelessness gave Obito the opportunity to sacrifice himself for Kakashi. He didn’t get Rin kidnapped, but his lack of strength resulted in her death nonetheless.

He could tell himself over and over it wasn’t his fault.

He would never believe himself, though.

The idea that Sakura was about to enter that same kind of cycle as him was simply awful. He wouldn’t even wish it upon his worst enemy, let alone his favorite student.

When she began to sob uncontrollably, he instinctively reached out in a vain hope to comfort her. She threw himself into his arms, and for once he didn’t feel quite so distressed with her physical contact.

He didn’t even mind that his shirt was thoroughly covered in tears and snot within the hour.

All he wanted--all he could think about--was that he wished he could make her smile.

[blackkatmagic]

Submission: A Thing I Did When I'm Supposed To Be Sleeping

Obito hummed quietly, running his fingers through Kakashi’s hair. When their team was first formed, Obito thought they would just be friends, at most, but eventually he realized he had started to legitimately fall in love with the silver-haired shinobi. There was some small irony in the fact that he couldn’t see it at first, but their third teammate - who had been partly blinded by a fire jutsu - had apparently ‘seen’ it immediately. (In all seriousness, even without conventional eyesight, Rin was downright scary.) An additional weight on Obito’s legs made him shift to see Pakkun, Bisuke, and Urushi had all climbed onto the bed as well. Not that he could blame them, it was the dead of winter on some godforsaken peninsula north of Yuki no Kuni, and even with the coals in the hearth still dull red and smoldering, the cabin that he and Kakashi had been staying in for the past three weeks was utterly frigid. A soft grumble drew Obito’s attention back to Kakashi. “You’re thinking too much again… Go to sleep… You keep tensing up and it’s not comfortable to lay on you when you’re doing your best impersonation of a rock.” “Sorry, 'your highness,’” Obito snarked instinctively. The fact that Kakashi was supposed to be the body double for the obscure fifth royal heir to wherever the fuck their client came from had given Obito a great deal of ammunition to tease the Hatake, and he took great joy in utilizing it. Kakashi, in turn, was enjoying the opportunities to order Obito around in public, even if they were subtle orders that most would mistake for suggestions. The silver-haired teen snorted. “Shut. Up. And. Sleep. Uchiha,” he groused, swatting halfheartedly at Obito’s arm. Obito rolled on his side and pulled Kakashi into his arms, resting his forehead against his boyfriend’s. “Only if you think you can do the same, 'Kashi. I know your insomnia is worse when we’re away from the village. Just remember, nothing can get in here with the number of traps we set, and those Hell-spawn students of yours won’t let any attackers get that close. Ease up on the paranoia just a little bit. Seriously, when you’re tense all your hair stands on end and it’s like trying to cuddle a cactus.” Kakashi huffed. “Only you would be moronic enough to do so.” The Uchiha grinned in response. “You gravely underestimate Naruto. When he’s bored, his idiocy can get… creative.” A curse sounded from outside the door. “Go fuck yourself with a sea urchin, Obito!” Naruto called acidly, and Obito had to bite back a laugh as he imagined the look on Naruto’s face. Kakashi groaned in dismay. “Go. The fuck. To SLEEP.”

[raichoose-moved]

dokuhebi​:

They flash him a coy smile, ever playful, when he asks them if they know more than they let on. Only for soft laughter to fall from painted red lips, as they meet his eyes in challenge born from flirtatious fascination, “you’ve caught me out detective. I couldn’t take any more of his whining, his arrogance and my charms were the weapon, this bar the crime scene,” they say, for a moment letting their expression show no hint of jest. Before they finish their silken laugh and draw a cigarette out from a box beside them, offering the detective one as they bring their own to their lips to light. How arrogant they are to dance around like this. The real killer announcing their own very real murder, because hiding in plain sight was sometimes the best method, and because no one has ever been good enough to catch them anyway. Their confession will earn an eyeroll from most, seen as a poor taste in joke, but seen as a joke nonetheless. Who would believe someone like them could be capable of murder after all? They blow out the smoke they inhale to the side politely, “sorry to disappoint dear, but that is all I know. I gathered his poor life based on his incessant need to pour his feelings out whenever someone poured him a drink,” they answer, crossing a leg over the other and tilting their head in coquette observation of him, eyes trailing up and down his body, “though I wouldn’t protest if you wanted me to try on those handcuffs of yours for… further questioning,” they tease in flirtation.  The detective’s partner’s cough also steals their attention for a minute, as they eye Urushi disapprovingly for trying to take away their new toy. Intellectual minds so rarely came about. Their silver haired detective was finally a man worth talking to, and his less amusing partner was trying to move him along. No matter, they would not wait for fate to intervene, they would ensure they saw the man again of their own accord. “If I play a role in one of your many tales, I can guarantee I will feature in all the rest to come as well,” they say as they accept the next drink offered to them, placing their cigarette down in the ash tray in favor of the cocktail of poison, “I’m not a one-hit wonder,” they say with a devilish smirk, before nodding at his next question, “I did hear something. He went on and on about meeting a some associate at an upcoming gala held in the building just across from this bar. He sounded pushy, and whoever he spoke to sounded reluctant to give him the invite. Perhaps someone there will know more than I hm?” they say, though that lead was an entire fabrication. Merely, they were attending the gala, and this was their manipulative way of ensuring their new entertaining detective would be there as well. A second date in their eyes, as they refuse to let someone who caught their eye get away because duty calls.

He assumes they’re joking - for why would they suddenly admit their involvement when he is hardly interrogating them, when they’ve seemed so collected until now? 

If only Kabuto knew that Orochimaru was hiding in plain sight, that their lovely features disguised the danger lurking within, much like a viper’s pretty scales concealed deadly fangs.

“You have a morbid sense of humor, don’t you?” Kabuto smirks, waving his hand in dismissal when they offer him a cigarette. “Luckily for you, I like that in a person.”

Nor is that the only thing he likes, as he watches them cross their legs ... Such a shame that Urushi sees fit to summon him away from someone who’s proven to be so very enticing.

And, it seems, helpful.

“A gala?” he repeats, midnight eyes glancing towards the bar’s window, where he can see the location the fancy affair will be held at. “Thank you for the lead ... I’ll see what I can find out.”

All of a sudden, then, as he rises from his seat, he pretends to slip - an action taken solely so Kabuto can slip his business card beside them without his brother noticing, as an invitation for the pale beauty to give him a call.

“Here’s my number, doll. Let me know if you want to try those handcuffs on,” he says with a wink, before taking his leave. 

{ @vipcridae }

[chiisai-fukurou]

A side project :) I bought a Mizusashi on eBay some time ago but unfortunately the German customs office dropped it and broke it :( Somehow I felt sad to see it go and thrown in the garbage so I decided to try making Kintsugi :3

I used some packaging string to hold everything together while the Urushi cures :) It is quite challenging to make Kintsugi :| Basically you need to replace missing pieces or to fill the voids with some powdered stuff that can hold onto Urushi lacquer. In my case I found out that powdered bamboo charcoal works very well for filling big voids and stone dust from my Awasedo Toishi (honing stone :) for filling fine pores and voids :) It is fun but can cause a lot of discomfort :( If you get Urushi on your skin it will cause bad rashes and I got it on my wrists which over the course of some days spread to the tips of my fingers and to my legs (>_<;) The doctor told me that the reason for this is that the immune system cannot purge it quickly enough so it lingers and kind of travels along with it throughout the body (°_°;) Contrary to many statements I saw online Urushi is not poisonous it is just highly allergenic regardless of whether or not you are allergic to any other thing…

I want to use silver powder to make Kintsugi on the Mizusashi :)

Originally I planned on using an old damaged tea bowl I bought to try making Kintsugi but now I’m kind of working on both :D The tea bowl alone would have been much less challenging as it is just slightly damaged around the rim but I just thought I would give it a try :)

I tried to use some “fine” silver pigment but it turned out to be not fine enough so I’ll use some I ordered from a Kintsugi artist :) I don’t think I’ll finish them this week though since I still need to fill some small areas :) <=I take my time to prevent another accident with Urushi ;)

I’m actually doing well in almost every other regard :) The only things I see myself lacking in are refinement and in having a relationship :D <=I’m not too good at finding a girlfriend (^-^;) I registered for the JLPT N5 :) It is the lowest level Japanese language proficiency test but it is something and it is a good thing to have something to kind of look forward to :) I think the reason I was able to boost my English over time was the goal to read and understand things I saw along my way but with Japanese this is kind of difficult :| Not for a lack of things to read or see but because it is not like learning English as a European there are very few similarities and the amount of Kanji makes it difficult to read a book without getting stuck and not knowing how to read a Kanji in order to look it up in a dictionary (^-^;) So getting a book with lessons and exercises and taking a test at the end to make sure I understood enough of it seems like the best option :)

I’m currently trying to take care of my blade pile (^-^;) I dug up all the blades I haven’t prepared yet and am now trying to prepare them all so I can concentrate more on my other projects and free up some space :) This will also give me the chance to make my own chisel handles :3

I wish everyone a great new week with sweet daydreams and no skin contact with uncured Urushi (^-^)/