Hey-

So this is my first author's note, and I feel like its about time I wrote one. As you might know, this is my first story, so I'm still getting the hang of writing a multi chapter story, and I'm still learning how to navigate Fan Fiction. There are a few points I'd like to make, and since I love lists I will list them below.

1. Italics can represent either thoughts or emphasis on specific words, you should be able to figure it out relatively easily. If not, private message me and I can provide Helpful Hints.

2. I have not decided whether Sasuke is back or not, and since so far that doesn't really matter, I don't really care at this point. If at some point I decide to write him in, please just accept whatever situation I choose.

3. I have a philosophical question. When there is no light, are there no shadows, or is it all shadow? This is something that puzzles me greatly, and it obviously applies to Shikamaru. Please send me your thoughts on this, I'm truly curious. I'd prefer if you message me with your answer, but I'll take it any way.

4. I'm sure you all know how the Naruto ninja seem to be able to teleport. Well, for the sake of my story, they are not teleporting, they are in fact just moving very quickly. You will understand why this distinction is necessary in later chapters.

5. I'm a very lazy person, so updates will be pretty sporadic. I'll try to update at least something every two weeks, but no promises. So even if its been a while, a story isn't dead until I distinctly say so.

That's all I can think of, anything else I'll probably just put with my chapters, this was just too much for me to bother. Please make sure to review; I really appreciate it. Here's the next chapter; enjoy!