Friday, March 22nd, 2013.

Hey guys! I'm updating earlier than usual because I'll be somewhere tomorrow. Where?

*Drum roll*

At Con-Nichiwa here in Tucson! It's my first Con! EVA! I can't wait. Unfortunately, I could only go for one day; tomorrow. I wanted to go for all 3 but couldn't.

Apparently, it's annual in Tucson. How'd I not know that?

Anyway, to answer a certain reviewer's questions; Guest;

1) As far as the make-Sasuke-jealous thing goes, I'll give it a try again, since I already did it when Team 7 went on a mission for the escort earlier in the story. It won't be too big though - I don't want to make this story too long. I MAY do something like it again though. And if you read ReWind, I'm already planning a Sasuke-jealous moment there.

2) Yeah, I recognized some of the characters you described. :)

3) I'll find a way to make them bond somehow, but I can't make it that long (again, I don't want to make this story too long) and I can't send them all on a mission because that's too many people to send out for a village that got invaded. Great idea, though! I'll make them bond one way or another.

4) About the updating: I already say that I update once every two weeks, and I apologize if you didn't know that. So, once every two weeks unless I say other wise. I also have the dates of every update at the very top of every chapter so you know when they came out.
The every-two-weeks thing is a schedule, so I can continue ReWind and DoOver (this story) without a problem. One week it's DoOver, the next ReWind, after that DoOver again, and so on. One story a week - enough time to write every chapter a week.

Response to another reviewer's inquiry; White Tiger;

I plan to insert more ItaHana soon. I just need to get the Chunin Exams out of the way, which is taking more time than I'd like. Oh, and since Hanare's already in Konoha now (she appeared with Haku and Zabuza), I'll have her do stuff later, too. Damn Chunin Exams...my favorite Arc but a PITA to write. And I really love your reviews, btw. 3

My answer to the Weekly Question thing I started last time: I usually don't actually think of stuff like that very deeply (I still have my favorite bishies*) because many of my favorite anime guys are taken or something, but I'd have to say, pairings aside, I think Shikamaru would be one of the best boyfriends. And if I had to pick someone to date, it'd be him. He's smart, he may be lazy but he does what needs to be done. I'm lazy, too, by the way. He's handsome *cough* "hot") and would be able to provide for himself and future family with the money he makes as a ninja. I think he'd take care of the one he loves. So yeah, Shika's my answer.

Disclaimer: Sakura's doing it because I plan to write a Team7Friendship/SasuSaku one-shot for her birthday on the 28th.

Sakura: If EOC owned Naruto, I would have done way more and gotten more character development. More attention on other characters than only Naruto and Sasuke-kun.

Me: Yeah, pretty much. So I don't own Naruto, obviously.

ATTENTION:

Like I said, I'm writing a one-shot for Sakura's b-day. Team 7 Friendship and SasuSaku. Set before Sasuke's departure. I want you guys to read it okay? It'll be out on the 28th!


Chapter 24: Women, Getting Along, and Past Romances


Temari POV

"Temari! Temari!" Shikamaru said to me, trying to get my attention.

I'll admit it was kinda hard to ignore him, seeing how we were both seated on my fan as I flew it toward the forest.

"Where the hell are we going and what in the name of the equilibrium is going on here?! Answer me!"

I turned to the very annoyed future-chunin. " 'In the name of the equilibrium'? Really?"

He gave me a look. "Oh, so now you talk to me."

I rolled my eyes and turned my eyes back to the terrain ahead. I couldn't let us crash, now could I? Well, I could, but I value my life, thank you very much.

I sighed. "Long story short, Oreo(1) had brought a couple of his minions to help him kill the Third and we stopped 'em. Now they're split up and we're going after one of them. The others are going after the rest of his subordinates."

"Oreo…" Shikamaru muttered. "And what'd you give the sensei(2) back there?

He was referring to what I did before I dumped the two of us on my fan and left the arena.


FLASHBACK

"Now!" I heard the signal, and I saw Tenten fire the arrow. 'Bout time, I thought.

"Action time," I muttered. Looking for some certain adults.

"Yo." I said, clamping my hands on Asuma's shoulder.

He turned around. "Temari? What do you want? We're busy and being inva-"

"I know." I slapped a piece of paper on it.

On it, it said:

Sakura – Pink.
Ino – Violet.
Hinata – Royal Blue.
Tenten – Lime Green.
Temari – Baby Blue.
Karin – Red.
Matsuri – Yellow.

That was it, really.

I wanted a darker blue shade or purple, but Ino won in Rock-Paper-Scissors and Hinata really wanted royal blue. Who was I to say no?

So Baby Blue for me it was.

"What is this-"

"Look up, 'kay? Bye." I clapped the jounin on the shoulder and left to find the others.

Essentially, I relatively did the same thing to them as I did Asuma.

I made some dramatic air rainbow and said, "Towards the sky, Kurenai-san." In a deep and philosophical way, and pointed up toward the sky for Kakashi and Gai. I said, "Look to the sky," for Genma and Iruka.

I gave each of them copies of the paper, inwardly wishing for them to figure it out when the time comes, and go after the girls at their respective locations when it happened.

END OF FLASHBACK


"So what'd you give the sensei?" Shikamaru asked me again.

"A key." I knew just the right thing to piss him off. Which, by the way, is a shitload of fun.

It's not like I was lying. What's on the paper is a key of sorts. Just not a traditional one.

"A key that tells them what exactly?" Annoyance was practically oozing from his words. Maybe I'm enjoying this a little too much…oh well!

"Where to go when the sky lights up." I said simply. Again, I was still telling the truth. He'll probably think I have a screw loose. Ha!

"…Have you finally cracked or something?" I couldn't help myself – I snuck a glance back at him and bursted out laughing as I turned back. He's so cute when thinks I'm crazy-…Hold it! What. Did. I. Just. Say?!

I tried to not let my temporary, inner case of emergency show in my voice. I was still laughing, which helped. "Maybe! You're the genius – why don't you try to figure it out?"

He didn't speak for a moment. I took the moment to sort out my thoughts.

Okay, now, what'd I say earlier?

"He's so cute when he thinks I'm crazy". Maybe Ino was right…

No! She can't be right! I don't fall for anyone! Period!

Okay, maybe I like Shikamaru a bit, and I know I did in the other time. I'll admit that much.

I really need to stop arguing with myself. I don't even have an "Inner" like Sakura and Ino to argue with. Just me, myself, and I.

That sounds so pathetic.

"What color were we?" Shikamaru's voice – thank God – jarred me out of my self-argument.

"So you saw it, did you?"

"Just a peek over Asuma-sensei's shoulder."

"…Baby Blue."

"…Seriously?"

"Ino won rock-paper-scissors for violet, and Hinata wanted royal blue for some reason. You want to compete against those puppy eyes? Damn her for being on Kiba and his dog's team." I said.

He chuckled. "You know, there's a rumor still going around from the academy that Kiba and Shino helped her with her 'puppy expression'."(3)

"No way!" It was times like these I felt I was bonding with him, and it made me feel like some kind of sap. I couldn't bring myself to hate it though. I'm turning into such a teenage girl! Well – I am one, but I'm not supposed to act like one. Wait, that doesn't make sense- you know what? I'll shut up now.

"Way. Apparently Shino helped with the big-eyes thing. You know, 'bug eyes'? Kiba and Akamaru supposedly helped for the cute look, and advised her when to use it or something like that. Kiba was all for deceit."

"Really now?" I was actually interested in this. It's funny! "Did she ever use it on anyone? I can't see her having the heart to trick someone like that."

I could feel Shikamaru move closer.

To me, of course - for those of you who are too slow to understand.

I ignored the hairs at the back of my head standing on end. "Yeah, Iruka-sensei and Suzume-sensei (4). Mostly to keep Naruto out of too much trouble. Like softening his punishments – things of that sort."

His voice was low, kind of-…if he was older, it'd be sexy. I feel bad almost calling a 14 year old's voice sexy. I feel like a pedophile. Especially since I'm technically 20.(5)

That's illegal in a lot of countries.(6) Konoha and Suna are a couple of them.

"How well did it work?"

"Putty in her hands. Iruka-sensei asked to her to avoid using it, since he always fell for it."

I laughed. "That good, huh? Would you have fallen for it?" Like I had fallen for you?

...Good Lord! What the fuck is wrong with me! I HAVE GOT to stop watching those cheesy movies with Matsuri, and not let her convince me to read so much shoujo…that hopeless romantic. Damn her sometimes!

"Probably. I'll admit – she was pretty adorable. It'd have to depend on what she wanted me to do though – I'm supposed to be the 'lazy ass', right? Strenuous is more than too troublesome."

I let a smirk come to my lips. That's the Shika I know.

"Hey, what's that?" Shikamaru pointed over my shoulder to down below in the forest. I suppressed a shiver. Damn you, hormones and heart!

I looked in that direction regardless. A flash of purple, tan, and red.

Cue smirk. Fun time has begun. "There she is – let's go!"

I dipped my flying fan down to coast towards the other red-head I know of – Tayuya. Oh, how I hate her! She infuriates me so much!

"Wait, she? I can't fight a girl- Temari! Hey, Temari!" Shikamaru scrambled to get a grip on the fan.

"Safety first, kids!" I laughed. Irresistible.

"No, I mean-! Our opponent is a girl?! I can't fight a girl! Why couldn't they be a guy?!" I already know his reason for not being able to fight women; he told me before our fight.

It's some weird sense of chivalry he developed growing up with his father and mother. It's kind of flattering to have a gentleman around sometimes, but good Lord, dude. Fight.

"Well too bad. Do what you did with me – not quite on the offensive. But do is something or we're both going to die."

"…Die, huh?"

"Yup," I said, popping the "p". "They're Oreo's top lackeys – the Sound Ninja 4. They're pretty strong. Strategizing with Karin –who knew them best due to her time with Senor Maniac– and Sakura, we came up with who and with whom would fight the SN4 based on ability and likeliness to win and all that shit. So yeah, we were up with Tayuya. We took your wannabe-chivalry into account and concluded, even if you don't attack her aggressively, we can still win. Somehow. Now shut up – we're here."

Shikamaru sighed and I knew he was on board with the fight, whether he liked it or not.

As we neared the tree branch closest to Tayuya, I slowly took the fan from under us so we landed on the branch dramatically and I had the fan in my hand as we did, ready for a fight.

I like to make an entrance. What's it to you?

"Ugh, who are you shitheads?"(7) Tayuya said with a grimace.

"They two Shinobi who are going to kick your ass, that's who." I said.

"Really now?" Cocky bitch.

"Let's start this thing." I said, charging her.

Distinctly, I heard Shikamaru sight and mutter behind me, "Here we go."


Kiba POV

"Hinata! Hinata! Hi-na-ta!" Said girl suddenly started dragging us away from the arena and into the forest.

Her Byakugan was on, so I reasoned she was chasing someone. But who?

Oh, and "we" consisted of myself and that Temari girl's bastard of a brother, Kankuro. If it wasn't obvious already, I really don't like him. He's a rude asshole and I just don't like him much.

Maybe if we tried we could become friends, but that's just Hinata's influence talking. Tch'yeah right. Us, friends? Not in this universe.

Akamaru, by the way, was trailing behind Kanky –he hates being called that– and I, equally confused as the rest of us.

Hinata's heavy breathing reminded me of her current injured state. "Hinata! You shouldn't be exerting herself like this, you should-"

"I'll go to the hospital after this. But right now…"

"What's going on here, Girly?" Kankuro demanded. He clearly didn't enjoy being pulled along by a girl smaller than him. HA.

"Orochimaru has a group of ninja he had br-brought here to help him k-k-kill the Third, the Sound Ninja 4. We're chasing one -or two- of them."

"What's that mean?" If it's one person, it's one person. If it's two, it's two. Period. Simple laws of nature. So what's she talking about?

"There's f-four members, including the leader. The l-leader is who we're ch-chasing. He carries his b-brother over his back, w-which is what I meant by t-two."

I'll admit – I was a little nervous.

I gulped. "Leader? Wouldn't that make him…you know, the strongest?"

"Possibly." Hinata glanced toward us for a moment, and gave a small smile. "B-But I believe you three can beat h-him."

"Three?" Kankuro asked.

"Arf!"

That answers that question.

"Like a dog could fight."

I turned, angry at him. "Akamaru is way stronger than you can ever make any of your stupid dolls to be!"

"They're not-"

"Stop!" Hinata said, and I was surprised to hear her yell like that. She never does that. Note to self: avoid pissing her off.
"You two need to work together or you'll all get killed. Put your differences aside for now, and fight together! Promise me you'll do that, Kiba-kun!"

The fierce look in her eyes when she looked at me reminded me of the time I had a crush on her. I don't anymore, but you could see why I did, right? I moved on when I realized she could only see Naruto in her eyes the way I wanted her to see me.(8)

…Okay, maybe her [though kind] rejection helped somewhat.

"Alright, I'll try-" I started.

"No! I don't want you to try, I want you to do it!" Whoa! She's passionate about this.

"I-I'll do it."

"Kankuro-san? If not for m-me, then do it for your siblings. You care about them d-don't you? Temari is fighting one of the m-members right now – how would she feel if something happened to you while fighting? How w-would you feel if you lost Gaara? Matsuri even? She's your friend, i-isn't she?"

He bit his lip. I bet without her injuries from her fight with Neji a month ago, she wouldn't be stuttering at all now.

Having an older sister you love dearly is something I've always understood, with Hana. Especially after the Massacre, I always felt I needed to protect her. It was frightening watching her sanity collapse like that… I'll never forgive Ita- that Bastard for what he did to her...Right after Sasuke, I want to kill him the most. Though not to Sasuke's level...that's unhealthy. It's almost sick.

"…I'll do it."

"Good, because we're almost there." Soon, she stopped, and so did we.

She turned to us. "I have n-no strength to fight – barely enough t-to head back to the v-village. I-I'll only be a burden to you, so I leave you three to th-this. He's beyond the trees ahead. Be p-prepared."

I gulped. "Right."

Suddenly, she embraced me. "C-come back safe, alright?"

I hugged her back, smiling. "Yeah. I will. Promise."

She gave me a good-luck-kiss on my cheek, and I blushed. It's just the proximity and that I was unprepared.(9)

She hugged and kissed Akamaru, too, wishing him luck.

Then, she turned to Kankuro. "You come back safely, too, Kankuro-san." She offered a smile. "Temari-chan would not be happy to hear if you lost or the like."

He smirked. "Yeah. I don't lose, don't worry."

She smiled again, and was about to leave when she turned to Kankuro again. "Oh, and when you come back, can you give Shino a match of sorts? He's q-quite upset he never got to fight, d-due to your f-forfeit."

He chukcled. "I will, 'kay? Tell him, would you?"

She nodded again. And running towards the arena. "Good luck boys!"

Soon, she was out of sight.

Kankuro bumped my shoulder. "Let's go."

I nodded. "Yeah."

As we headed towards the mystery Oreo lackey(s), Kankuro broke the silence.

"So…the Hyuuga huh?"

"Not anymore. Shut up."(10)

He laughed.


(1): If you didn't notice, "Oreo" is a nickname for Orochimaru. Jet black hair, near-white skin, OROchimaru? That's how the name came to birth, I think. I didn't come up with it though - it's common in the Naruto fandom. Temari is a more laid-back/casual character in her speech, so she's using it.
(2): Since "sensei" is a Japanese word, the plural of it would not be "senseiS". It's just "sensei". No "s". Same for "nakama" (made famous by One Piece) and other such words. They're not English so the plural of them isn't found by putting "s" at the end, or another English rule. They, for the most part, stay the same, plural or not.
(3):
My sister and I always had that fantasy of Hinata's teammates helping her improve a "puppy-dog expression". They'd be perfect, right?
(4): Suzume is one of the other Academy teachers. She's less-known, though, for obvious reasons.
(5): Yup. Temari's technically about 20. In this time, she's 17. Three years into the future, as well as the fact that it's NOVEMBER in the story and her birthday is in AUGUST, she's technically 20. I would have made her 2 years older than most of the characters with Kankuro 1 year older in consequence, but that's too complicated and I didn't want you guys to be confused. Don't worry though - this is still a ShikaTema. I'll work it out.
(6): It is illegal. In America. It's labeled as "pedophilia" if someone over 18 is doing something they shouldn't like sex or something or the sort with a minor (17 and under). Though Temari dating Shikamaru if he was 14 and she was 20 wouldn't quite be pedophilia because she's not planning for illegal sex or something else like that.
(7): In the Naruto series, Tayuya has a habit of saying "shit" or a variation of it. Her favorite seems to be "shithead".
(8): Yeah. That's right. Kiba used to crush on Hinata. HE DOESN'T ANYMORE, THOUGH. This is a NARUHINA. He's moved on. Maybe, if I can, I'll find him another lady friend to fall for, but in this story, he used to like Hinata. I did this for plot convenience and to feed a bit of want for my KibaHina fans.
(9): Again, this is a NARUHINA. He really IS over her. But face it - Hinata's a very pretty, very nice, very well-developed girl. He has every reason to blush. Plus, the proximity and unexpectedness, like he said.
(10):
I'm stressing the NARUHINA thing again. Just want to make it clear, okay?

So. I updated 1 day early because I'll be at my first Con tomorrow (for more info go above or PM me or ask via review) and yeah.

I'm writing a one-shot for Sakura's birthday next week.

Can I have at least 3 reviews this time? 4? Reviews tell me this is worth posting and writing.

WHO WANTS ME TO POST THIS AND REWIND ON MY DEVIANTART ACCOUNT? I plan to, but it'd be nice if you'd let me know what you thought and if you'd read it there, or something, too.

Maybe I'll post it on LiveJournal, too. Dunno. Haven't quite figured out the workings of that site yet.

This week's Weekly Question: What is your favorite Naruto pairing? Care to tell why?

Love,

EOC.

REVIEW!