Chapter Three – Underneath the Underneath
Naruto slammed against the grassy floor of the forest interior and rolled to lessen the impact, before coming to a complete stop a few inches from Shizuru-sensei's sandaled feet. Behind him, Shino landed and fell on one knee while Ino, the last to arrive, stumbled backwards and fell on her ass. "Just in record time too," Shizuru-sensei commented to no one in particular, a slight smile on her lips. Naruto grunted as he straightened his back and saluted smartly to Shizuru-sensei. The others followed suit, before proceeding to brush the dirt out of their clothes. The older woman let out a slow, deliberate sigh and added. "Would it kill you to stop doing that?"
"Taichou says that we have to salute to our superiors as a sign of respect," Ino reminded her and grinned.
"Well, Taichou's a little too uptight, if you ask me," Shizuru-sensei sniffed. "Now settle down on the ground, there are a few things I'd like to discuss today." Her three students obeyed without much comment, sitting a few feet away from her. "It's been a little over two weeks now since you've began your life as... genin. What do you think so far? Any complaints?"
The three exchanged looks. Ino spoke carefully, "We were taught in the Academy to swallow our complaints and do whatever our superiors asked us to do. What you're asking from us is..."
"Unorthodox? My dear, this is only the beginning. How do you think we are able to glean well-kept secrets from our enemies and our allies? Because we followed our orders? Because we never questioned our superiors? No. Our job is more than just torturing criminals. It's finding out the whole, unsavoury truth."
"So you're encouraging us to go against the teachings of our former senseis in favour of the truth?" Shino inquired passively, his voice void of any emotion.
"Yes," Shizuru-sensei answered triumphantly, "exactly the point!"
"Then, let me be the first to complain," Ino said, leaning forward. "These weights are fucking killing me!"
The two boys looked at Ino incredulously. "Such language is unbecoming," Naruto commented, though from his smiling expression, Ino knew he was merely teasing.
"I'm just saying the whole, unsavoury truth," Ino replied with a sniff. "Besides, I've been waiting to whine about this to someone for days. If we hadn't collectively agreed to keep our training a secret from the others, I would have whined to my parents and my friends a long time ago." She scratched her cheek and looked at them thoughtfully. "Though I must admit, it is to our advantage, it's still a bitch to wear every single day."
"Very eloquently said, Ino," Shizuru-sensei praised. "Though I would advise you to keep the foul language out of the conversation next time, if possible. I may encourage such bold words, but others will not."
"A self-contradictory statement, considering you wish for us to question our superiors. If we are not allowed to say expletives simply because others will disapprove, than we should not question others because of that same reason," Shino observed.
"And rightly so, but I have an ulterior motive for being self-contradictory. How else can you root out the illogic in my words?" Shizuru-sensei asked lightly. "Don't take everything I say at face value. Sometimes, I can be just as misleading as others, despite the fact that I am your direct superior. If anything, I am the one you should be wary of the most."
"How will we learn if everything you say is misleading?" Naruto countered, liking the atmosphere of this particular conversation. Normally, he would not speak up out of convention, but if encouraged to do otherwise...
"By hearing out whatever I have to say and rejecting the information you think is false using other information, particularly information coming from more valid sources." Shizuru-sensei continued on matter-of-factly. "Do you think that everything an informant tells us is correct? Sometimes, they might say a version of what they truly believe is true, but when compared to other information found, says otherwise. This is the reality of our trade. If you do not learn to identify accurate information on your own, then you are not fit for this job." She tilted her head and folded her arms. "But that is a lecture for another day. Shall we return to our original topic before this lengthy tangent?"
"Well, the courier work in itself is a smart idea," Ino admitted. "It's a bit too early, in my opinion, but I guess I just like sleeping in. I also think the other genin would benefit doing more work like this, with the stamina training and whatnot, you know? But I don't know if they'll appreciate it or not. They might just see it as another D-rank mission to do. Oh, and hey, I get to see places in Konohagakure I've never seen before, so that's also a plus." She paused. "That's really all I could think to say." As an afterthought she added hastily, "I did like the jutsu training as well, because my family doesn't really focus on jutsus outside the family expertise. The uh, the afternoon D-rank missions are a bit of a bore, but I guess we have to do them to build our credentials, like Naruto said. Lastly, I think the afternoon lessons are interesting, if a bit strange and hard to follow at times. The mind games are pretty fun though, and I thoroughly enjoyed them."
"I wasn't really asking for you to share your opinion about everything, Ino, but I do appreciate your willingness to contribute to the group. Very good of you," Shizuru-sensei said, giving the child an encouraging nod. "How about you, Shino, what do you think?"
"Frankly, I need more time to assess whether or not our daily activities are impacting us positively. For instance, though we have been working with the courier nins as part of our training every day for the past two weeks, I have yet to see an improvement in my overall physiology. That's not to say that I'm criticizing your training, Sensei. Simply put, two weeks is a short time to look for improvements. As such, until I have a more accurate summation of our daily activities, I cannot judge, nor can I complain about what we are currently doing as a team."
"A diplomatic answer, Shino, but a true one at that. I'll make a note to ask your opinion again in the future. And you, Naruto?"
Naruto took a deep breath and faced his companions, "The courier work feels a bit impersonal to me, and the time limit imposed on us means we can't stay around to interact with the other villagers. I suppose that's all and well for efficiency but that doesn't make it any more appealing to me. I do agree that it is a good way to train and I have no objections with it continuing. I suppose I'm just a bit strange like that," he admitted with a laugh. "The jutsu training we have, on the other hand, is mostly review for me. I know it's kind of arrogant for me to say this," he said slowly, eyeing his teammates with a hint of trepidation, "but it's the truth. I wish we'd move on to more high-level jutsus, but I know that we can't because neither of you have enough experience to do those just yet—not that I'm trying to be offending," he added hastily. "Other than that though, I really have no complaints with what we're doing. I understand perfectly what the D-rank missions are for, and the psychology training we do in the afternoon is certainly interesting."
"Very good, you three. Your assessment skills leave much to be desired, but that is not something that cannot be remedied in due time, I'm sure." Shizuru-sensei paused, carefully choosing her words next. "But gauging your assessment skills was not the only reason why I implored you to make critical comments of your training, nor was it simply because I felt that you needed to think for yourselves, rather than follow another's orders blindly. I asked because I sincerely wished to know how you thought of your current training regime. In fact, I am willing to adjust it so that it will suit your needs more. You, after all, are the best judges when it comes to your progress.
"That said, I have decided to change some of the more blatant problems with your training. Naruto," she said, nodding to her young charge, "since you feel restless when your teammates study jutsus with you, I am handing over the full responsibility of teaching jutsus over to you. You have shown a great proficiency in performing various B-, C-, and D-rank jutsus, so I believe it is best if you take over as their sensei, at least in that regard. This will be beneficial to all of us. It will free me of my morning duties so that I will be of more use as Taichou's second-in-command, and it will allow you an opportunity to learn what it means to be a sensei. It is a thankless job, and only those with a limitless amount of patience can endure the hardships of a sensei, but I am sure that you are more than capable for the job. Another benefit to this change is that you three will be able to interact more as a team. Without me to interfere, I'm sure you will be able to feel more comfortable around each other and really learn about each other's strengths and weaknesses.
"I am not showing favouritism to Naruto; truly, this isn't the case. I just feel that he has the potential to become a great leader, and what better way to start working on that potential now than to have him teach the two of you. Are we agreed upon this?"
"I still think it's a bit unfair whatever your reasoning is," Ino admitted wryly. "But I suppose that's just the jealousy talking. Naruto's a good person, and I doubt he'll abuse the opportunity you've given him. Besides, I've seen him teaching some of the younger generation, and from the gossip I've garnered, his teaching seems to have a positive influence on the others."
"I too, am in agreement," Shino spoke concisely.
"On the issue of teaching my teammates," Naruto spoke, seemingly embarrassed by this sudden offer of responsibility, "though I have no complaints with it, especially when my teammates are not unwelcome to the idea, I cannot help but wonder how I should go about training them. Will I be choosing the jutsus for them to learn, or will you be providing a list of some sort? After all, you, more than I, would know what is beneficial for an ANBU team, even one in training."
"Good question, Naruto," Shizuru-sensei acknowledged, using the long sleeves of her kimono to hide the smile that had unwittingly graced her lips. "Yes, I will be providing the jutsu scrolls that your team will need to learn, though the order in which you will teach them is entirely up to you. I trust your judgement on which jutsu should be a priority to learn."
"Another question, if I may, Sensei," Naruto spoke carefully. "As most of these jutsus are open to the public, and not some exclusive secret meant for only an elite few, do I have your permission to teach these jutsus outside our group? I am sure that some of our year-mates will find these jutsus helpful as well."
"As long as their jounin-senseis are in accordance to your plan, I see no reason to object. I'm sure some of the other genin will be busy with their duties, but if they do find the time to train with you as well, then I suppose it's for the best. Just keep in mind that not every sensei is as welcome to the idea as I am," she reminded him. "Though you speak ideally, the reality may not be to your liking. Some senseis will be less than eager to share their students' time with you." The words, "especially with you" remained unspoken, but Naruto heard them all the same. Her expression, though often carefully guarded and well-masked, let slip that bit of information, perhaps intentionally. Why she would not voice them out loud was unusual, however. Perhaps she did not trust the forest enough to share some of her secrets with it. Perhaps it was something she wished only for Naruto to know. A question for another day, the boy thought to himself.
"Thank you, sensei for the warning," Naruto said, bowing awkwardly from his sitting position. "I will be sure to talk to their senseis about it in my free time. If they prove to be as uncooperative as you deem them to be, then I will not pursue the matter."
Shizuru-sensei smiled. "Wonderful! Now, seeing as we've wasted enough time as it is with this little chat of ours, we will forego training with jutsus for today altogether. Also, it would be unfair of me to expect Naruto to readily take over in training you two. Why don't we head to the Hokage Tower, instead, and beg the Sandaime for a mission? Perhaps he will feel generous and give you a more exciting mission than usual."
As it turned out, the Sandaime was feeling less then generous when the four of them arrived in his office. Sasuke's team was proving to be a difficult team to please, and Sakura, who was surprisingly vocal for once, refused to take on the D-rank mission that the Hokage offered them, specifically the one involving a certain cat owned by the Daimyo's wife.
"That cat ruined my dress the last time we chased after it," Sakura grumbled. "Besides, it always takes so long to catch it. I bet we can do better things like train, right, Sasuke-kun?"
The boy grunted ambivalently. His own crossed arms and sour expression betrayed what he felt however, and it was obvious to all in the room that he wasn't eager to get this mission as well.
"If they truly don't want the mission, I suppose we can look for Tora ourselves," Naruto offered. He exchanged looks with his teammates and saw them nod in agreement. "What do you think, Sensei?"
"If the Hokage consents, I see no reason to object," Shizuru-sensei answered diplomatically, smoothing the creases of her kimono.
"I suppose if Team 7 isn't up for the job, then Team 11 will do," the Sandaime spoke, frowning unhappily at Kakashi's young charges. Chouji, who was afraid of his teammates' scorn, remained quiet.
"Will you lead the way, Shino?" Naruto asked and smiled encouragingly at the other boy who was fast becoming a trustworthy friend. The bug-user nodded and the three disappeared soundlessly, the notes on the Hokage's desk barely moving at all.
Chouji fiddled with his scarf, half-listening to the ongoing conversation with growing apprehension. Normally, he would have been munching on a snack by now, especially when he was feeling this nervous. However, after being relentlessly criticized by Sakura, who felt that image was very important indeed, he had stopped eating in front of them completely.
It was a pity that Naruto and his teammates were gone. They were some of the few people who actually treated Chouji decently, and he wished he could talk to them, at least for a little while. That hope had been quickly dashed when they offered to look for Tora themselves. Chouji knew how much of a pain it was to hunt for that sly cat, having to endure two hours' worth of combing through the entire village to find the damn thing, once before. He doubted that he would see them again—at least, not until after the sun had set. Sometimes Naruto (and even Shino and Ino if the two weren't busy) would be waiting for him outside his family's compound, and they would both go to one of the training areas for some light sparring. Among the training grounds, Area 51 was a favourite because it was near the food district, and often they would eat there after a nice long workout. Naruto was a good friend, and he really looked out for Chouji; Shikamaru too, when he wasn't too busy with Kurenai-sensei's surprisingly strict training regime.
Chouji's thoughts had shifted to thinking about his childhood best friend, and wondering how Shikamaru was faring under his new sensei, when the door behind them opened rather abruptly.
"Why didn't you go with us this time, Sensei?" Ino asked, looking a little bit hurt though she hadn't stopped stroking Tora's head. "I mean, we were kind of surprised when you didn't appear besides us as you normally would."
"I was confident of your skills, and knew that you would not require my help in so simple a mission," their sensei answered mildly. Chouji would have flinched from that particular comment if he wasn't so surprised himself. Chasing after Tora was the very bane of the D-rank mission list. It was, to the agreement of many genin, the least-liked mission of all, and most genin who had taken the mission before took great measures never to get that particular mission again, if possible. In fact, some genin had even devised a schedule of when that mission was most likely to appear once more, simply so that they could avoid it. Chouji had decided not to tell Sakura or Sasuke about this, because he found that every time he spoke up, his words were not taken seriously, and even made fun of, at times. Kakashi was slightly more sympathetic, but even then, he barely spoke to the young Akimichi's defense. Chouji felt like a rat cornered, except that unlike a rat, he was less likely to fight back.
Seeing them complete the mission in no less than two minutes though was quite the surprise, and a feat that not many genin could do nor brag about.
"You speak so highly of us, Sensei, it's all we can do but meet your expectations," Naruto spoke and grinned. There was no trace of arrogance in his voice, yet Chouji knew that Sasuke or Sakura would probably interpret such words as being arrogant.
"We'll just take this one," Kakashi-sensei finally said, speaking up for the first time since they entered the room. The Sandaime nodded approvingly and gave them their mission briefing, after instructing Ino to give the cat to one of his assistants. The job wasn't hard, nor was it time-consuming at all. Chouji had expected to hear Sakura complain once more—perhaps on how it was too easy this time—but seeing her stare furiously at Ino, Chouji knew that she would not speak up this time. Not when Team 11 had just indirectly insulted Team 7's capabilities. She (and most likely Sasuke), would see Team 11's actions as a challenge, from one rival to the other, and of course, the only way to respond to such a challenge was to outdo the other group.
Chouji sighed. Here we go again.
"That was very uncharacteristic of you, Naruto," Ino noted as they walked to their next destination: a small, rickety house near the edge of a great forest that covered the southern part of the village. Their second mission for that day was to help the old woman with some of the more taxing chores that she could not do herself, a job that her great-grandson had given to the Hokage for him to dispense as a D-rank mission.
"It is uncharacteristic of me to brag of our achievements, you mean," Naruto said in a tone that was flat, rather than inquiring.
"Normally, you would have done something that was more unobtrusive and inoffensive," Shino added.
"What I mean—and I think Shino agrees with me here—is that you normally wouldn't do something that would bring out the ire of others," Ino clarified.
"Ah, I see," Naruto spoke and tilted his head, ostensibly deep in thought. "Do you truly see such a pleasant and idealistic individual in me? I assure you, I am far from that role model which you seem to take for granted at times."
Ino frowned but was unable to think of anything to say; Naruto's words rung a truth that she was less than eager to admit. "But you wouldn't act the way you do, if not for that idealistic image we all have of you."
The young shinobi sighed and leaned his head against intertwined fingers. "That is true, I suppose. I spent several years building a credible image of myself, if only so that others would trust me."
"And trust you we do," Ino said, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the fact that she was broaching a rather sensitive subject. She spared a glance at Shizuru-sensei's direction, but the woman wore an impassive face and walked on as if unaware of the conversation her students were having. Shino, on the other hand, seemed to trust Ino enough to leave all the talking to her. She sighed audibly and continued, "But the way you offered our services to the Hokage... It was almost as if you were making a point, and a sore one at that for Sakura and Sasuke to get severely rattled and riled up."
This time, it was Naruto's turn to sigh. "If there is anything I've learned from observing the Sandaime for so long, it is that discretion can only take you so far. Though I've tried to be polite and friendly to Sasuke in the past, I fear that my usual methods with him did not work. Since Sakura is within his sphere of influence, even she is beginning to see me more as a threat, than as a possible friend. As such, I feel that I must treat them differently. From a casual outsider's perspective, I have been nothing but polite, when I offered that we take that mission instead. However, I knew that Sasuke and Sakura would take my words personally and see my—and our—actions as a challenge. If anything, our actions will spur them to work harder as a team, and maybe develop a better relationship as a group. If they see a common enemy in me, or us if you prefer, then they would be more united together against me."
"How about Chouji? Chouji wouldn't think badly of you," Ino interjected.
"I will explain the matter to him, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Chouji is a good friend, and I would not like to lose his friendship, if possible. However, I still must acknowledge the fact that he is roped in a team that will likely show even more animosity against me in the future. The least I can do is give him an advantage by continuing to be his friend, while at the same time, becoming an obstacle that his teammates would want to overcome. If they know we are friends, then they will interact with Chouji in the hopes of learning more about me. They might even learn some of the training we have been doing with Chouji, which they would in turn mimic—in secret if they like. This would ultimately lead to their improvement. If I must be the scapegoat in this case, then so be it."
"But if they learn of our training, then it will be to our disadvantage," Shino pointed out, adjusting his spectacles in what Ino knew to be a sign of discomfort. It appeared that the boy did not appreciate Naruto's plan.
"Would it? We are all Konoha shinobi after all. It is not like we are enemies," Naruto reminded him. "Besides, as long as we continue to improve at this rate, then their chance of catching up to us is close to nil, to be honest. Chouji might know of how we train, but even if he is prompted to teach them, they would have to get over the idea of having a—and excuse me for the term I am about to use—a 'dead last' teaching them first. Not only that, but even Chouji isn't privy to all of the things we've been doing these past two weeks. Why worry?"
"You raise a valid point," Ino said, sighing in defeat. "Still, to have you do something like that so abruptly..."
"I believe it is because of the sudden weight of responsibility that I have placed on Naruto," Shizuru-sensei finally spoke, moving ahead of them to place a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "The responsibility probably sobered him to the fact that he can't be everyone's friend; that there will come a time when leadership will have him do things for the good of the people, but would further distance them from him. In the case of Team 7, he is sacrificing the possibility of befriending them in favour of seeing them develop into a better team."
Naruto looked startled and gazed at Shizuru-sensei suspiciously. "How did you know?"
"I've been in this trade long enough that I can accurately speculate on a person's motives," she answered with a mysterious smile and wink. "I'm sure that someday, the three of you will also boast such prowess in reading another person. For now though, you'll have to suffer through this dull and mindless work, an appropriate past time for genin of your calibre!" she crowed gleefully.
The three shared exasperated looks before hurrying to the house to start on their work. Their sensei was an odd one at times, and was known to tease and insult others when she was in a good mood. Still, she was a commendable sensei, and they enjoyed working with her for the most part.
Shino had a good talk with the house's termites, persuading them to leave the house's foundation alone for the more succulent wood in the forest. Ino, who knew a thing or three about growing herbs and flowers, had commanded Naruto to leave some clones with her to help out with the weeding, among other things. The original Naruto, on the other hand, was in the back, working on the laundry with an enthusiasm that was unsettling. The old woman was quite pleased with their work ethic and happily chatted with Shizuru-sensei over a cup of tea, praising her students several times. She even ruffled Shino's head when he offered to wash their cups, much to the boy's consternation.
By the time they were finished with their chores, the old woman had returned from a long walk to the village interior with a Naruto clone at her side, carrying a very heavy watermelon. She offered a piece to each of them, and insisted that they eat some before they leave. They accepted graciously and savoured the cool taste of the watermelon, after hours of hot, sweaty work. Shizuru-sensei, who had been called away for a brief while to talk to some of her inferiors, came back to find the three of them leaning against the elevated floor of the small house, their gazes content, their bellies full.
Come to Training Ground 38. I've already sent a note to the Courier Nins that you will not be reporting to them today, or for a while, for that matter. Pack whatever necessities you need for a two-week outing, but be sure to pack light, else I will personally go through your things and remove what is not necessary.
The words were concise, and written in a long cursive, something which Naruto had not anticipated. Normally, when Shizuru-sensei sent notes to them, it was written in code, to emphasize their need to learn how to decrypt such messages.
This means that being there on time is important, Naruto thought as he began stuffing his bag with food scrolls and whatnot for the long trip. More so than secrets anyway, he added ruefully to himself. Once he was done packing, he hesitated before opening the pocket of space where he hid his gun, a useful little technique he had learned from Minato-san. He placed the pack there, all the while mentally checking off the things he might have forgotten to bring. Satisfied, he closed the pocket of space with a wave of the hand and left a note on top of the kitchen counter for Obasan to find before leaving via the back door. He felt sorry that he was not able to say good bye to Obasan personally, but from the urgency of Shizuru-sensei's note, he knew that he could not waste time.
Shino was already there when he arrived, along with Shizuru-sensei and another woman dressed in a standard jounin uniform. He nodded to Shino and opened the pocket of space once more, so that Shino could also deposit his belongings inside the other-space. Naruto had told them early on that he had access to such a place because of his bloodline, and had offered to carry their things in the future, if such was the need for them to travel far from the village. He made sure to place Shino's belongings separate from his own, before creating a key for Shino to use, in case he needed to access his things and Naruto was not with him. He handed the key to Shino now and gave him some brief instructions on how to use it, after which he prepared another pocket space for Ino to use. When the girl arrived, grumbling about waking up at five in the morning, Naruto offered her the use of a pocket-space as well. That had lightened the young girl's mood considerably, and by the time the three were ready to get their briefing from Shizuru-sensei, Ino was no longer in such a foul mood to begin with.
"We have received word from one of our Wave contacts that their economy seems to have trouble recovering from a shipping monopoly led by a very influential man named Gato. Our contact believes that those who tire of Gato's influence have decided to band together and build a bridge linking the Land of Waves and the Land of Fire, thus breaking Gato's influence over them. In fact, our contact believes that this group's leader is in Konoha right now, seeking some possible protection against Gato's men. We know this to be true, having heard that the Sandaime had just recently handed Team 8 a C-rank mission to protect a bridge-builder named Tazuna heading, coincidentally, towards the Land of Waves."
The jounin who stood besides Shizuru-sensei continued, "Since the bridge is an opportunity for the Land of Fire to create stronger ties with the Land of Waves, we believe that it is vital for Tazuna-san and his builders to finish what they've started. However, we also heard that Gato might have contracted a few missing-nins to kill those who are a threat to his little shipping monopoly. As such, the Hokage has requested that we send backup to aid Team 8 in case the resistance they meet is too much for their current levels. He would have sent a more experienced force," the woman spoke blithely, her forest green eyes cold, "but that would draw unwanted attention. As such, he has decided to send another genin team instead, with a boundary patrol mission as their guise."
"Natsuki-chan, I mean, Natsuki-sensei," Shizuru-sensei said hastily, after receiving a glare from her companion, "will be leading the mission for this one, as I am incapable of going outside Konohagakure's walls due to, ah, certain obligations that I have to fulfill. She is an experienced Hunter-nin, and is even willing to impart some of her wisdom with you while on this mission." To Natsuki, she added teasingly, "Natsuki, promise me you'll play nice."
Natsuki-sensei flushed from Shizuru-sensei's words and grunted an affirmative. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."
"Remember to use those earrings as well if the need arises," Shizuru-sensei reminded them. "They are attuned to the ring that Natsuki-chan wears"—she showed them the ring on Natsuki-sensei's middle finger, a surprising match to the one Shizuru-sensei wore—"and if you us your earring to signal her, she will come running to you as fast as she can."
"Don't use it needlessly though," the blue-haired woman growled. "There's a reason why your Signal device is attached to your ear and not elsewhere. It's very unlikely that you'll be channelling chakra to your ears, and to your Signal device for that matter, so you better have a good excuse if I happen to come running to your aid and find out that you're just messing around. I'm also pretty good with recognizing chakra signatures, so if you think you can push the blame on someone else, don't count on it. You're screwed the moment you do something stupid, you hear me?"
"Don't let her threats get to you though. She may look grumpy all the time, but I assure you, inside, she's actually a very nice and warm person," Shizuru-sensei confided loudly, earning an elbow to her stomach.
"Don't count on it."
A/N: What's this? A short chapter?! Die, Author-san, die!
LOL. Considering the fact that this chapter was supposed to be an interlude for the coming Wave mission, I didn't really plan for it to be that long. Besides, I just wanted to acknowledge some of the training they were undergoing, without repeating myself too much. After all, most of the training that was mentioned here was also mentioned in the fic, the Summoner's Craft, from which most of this was based. For those who haven't read that though, I sincerely hope that this chapter was able to talk enough about the training for you to get a good idea of what they've been doing for the past two weeks. If there is something unclear, however, you can PM me or leave a review which I will gladly answer this time around. Last time I was too guilty to do anything, and I didn't want to hint at the fact that I was doing a rewrite. This whole project was pretty hush-hush, as it is.
I don't know when the update will be, but I do promise that it will be posted some time this month. I just have to finish my essays and catch up on any other homework that I might have missed. (I am just that stressed.) Also, I'm looking for a friendly beta-reader (an oxymoron!) who can help me edit my work. It's really tiring and time-consuming for me to re-read a chapter two to three times and find out that I still missed some mistakes! Argh. I think I need two pairs of glasses when I edit things. D8
Anyway, this whole chapter is dedicated to Wanderer D, whose fanfic really motivated me to write. Normally, a length like this would have taken me longer to do, but this chapter was done in the span of two days, which is a new record for me. (I write really slowly, as some of you might know.) See? Reading other Naruto fanfics do help! Read, review and recommend!