A/N: Hello everyone! I apologize for how long this has taken (almost a month)! This is the lovely transition chapter I was telling y'all about. This chapter covers three and a half years in the form of letters. This chapter is my greatest chapter yet, and I put in so much work on each date and the progression of the letters. There will be hundreds of letters sent to Kabocha from cousins, Neji, Kina, Shikamaru, Choji, and Gaara but this chapter is only dedicated to the important ones. I'm sorry everyone but Choji's letters will not be included because his letters are lighthearted...basically they're nothing serious lol. Kabocha's letters will always be in italics. I would like for you all to pay attention to the progression of the letters; you can definitely see a difference over time. I will also be taking a step back from this story to work on my other stories but I'll be around here (working on this quietly)! I'm just not getting as much feedback for this story I hope you all enjoy this masterpiece!
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Letters From Home
To Kabocha Kasai (Month 1):
I apologize that it has taken me so long to write to you. Through this past month I have been chosen as the new Kazekage. I have been trying to get used to the role.
I hope this letter finds you well. I was not sure of the address, or if the messenger I sent would be received kindly. I hope you are doing well. I wanted to write you as soon as possible because your father has reached out for aid, and I have accepted his offer.
I wanted to hear your thoughts on the matter…
I would have preferred to hear your thoughts on the matter in person. The new Hokage has advised against forming a relationship with the Lava village. I'm not sure what her issues are with the Lava, but I am choosing to disregard her prejudice opinion for now.
I hope to receive your letter in a timely fashion.
Signed: The Kazekage
To Kabocha Kasai (Month 3):
I was starting to worry for your well-being. My worries were put to rest after I sent a letter to one of your village's council members. He went into explicit detail about what you are currently enduring. I must say that my worry has morphed into terror for your well-being. Which is a new feeling...
Please write back only when you are well enough to.
Signed: The Kazekage
To The Kazekage (Month 6):
Hello, Kazekage-sama. Congratulations by the way! I say that with the utmost respect in the world (I'm being sarcastic, Gaara.) There's no need to be so formal with me. We're friends, remember?
Thank you for worrying about me. I will try to make sure you don't have to in the future, but we both know I seek out danger.
In regards to allying with my village...I have a personal favor. I ask that you align yourself with me instead. I know that is a big ask so feel free to say no. Do not put all of your trust in my father. I know that is a horrible thing to say, but he is not the most trustworthy man. However, he is loyal to the point of insanity.
I have finally healed from the first part of my training. I am the first to finish out of the others, and the fastest in our nation's history. Two have died trying to heal, and three others couldn't even make it through the first trial to heal. There are only ten survivors...for now.
Don't worry for me. I have no intentions of dying.
Signed: Too tough to die Kabocha
To Kabocha (Month 6):
I could practically hear your sarcasm from here. Your signature was amusing and true. Your brief description of the beginning stages of your training is doing nothing for my worrisome thoughts; I am glad you have succeeded. I am hoping that that was the worst of it. I will also attempt to be less formal.
I am also not against aligning myself with you. You are my friend so I will heed your advice about your father. You are, afterall, your village's military leader. In nation's like yours military leaders almost control the village. I'm sure your village is just as infatuated with you as Shikamaru Nara.
Speaking of the Nara heir...your father has sent an invitation to me about your return in a few years. There is to be a formal ceremony held to properly make you the new general. I wasn't aware that there was never a formal ceremony performed. The ceremony will also be utilized to choose a husband. He has made it a point to emphasis that fact in his letter to me. I wanted to make sure you were aware of what was happening in your absence.
I am planning to attend the ceremony. I hope your training is going well. Write back when you can.
Signed: The Kazekage
To Gaara (1 Year):
I have decided to address you by your name instead of your title. You are more than just a title...you're my singer, confidant, and close friend. I'm sorry it has taken a whole year to finally address you by your name. I was trying to be respectful. I hope me addressing you differently won't be a problem.
I would like to thank you for informing me of my father's plans. I am not aware of anything that goes on outside of this...place. I'm sorry again because I am not able to tell you exactly where I am but I will explain what a singer is.
A singer, to my kind, is a source of power. Your entire being can make me stronger than any living shinobi. I am drawn to you like a moth to a flame. That probably sounds extremely romantic (ha-ha). I will be learning how to draw power from you soon and maybe even vice versa if our bond is strong enough; I'm certain it already is.
I'm also going to explain just what exactly I am. My family carries a bloodline trait, and I carry the bloodline trait of my family; not everyone in my family has it. It is a mixture of a lava/boil release kekkei genkai from Kirigakure and the nine tailed fox's chakra. Those two things combined created the dragon bloodline trait. The dragons that we worship, yes they're real, have blessed us with tamers and singers to control our power. My great grandmother was the very first tamer and singer. I will explain a tamer at a later date. We are destined to find our tamers, and only three in our short history have found their singers. I am one of the lucky three. I am the luckiest of the three because I have you for a singer.
I am going through some emotional trials before the mental torture begins, so please forgive how fervent ramblings. I just wanted to explain what exactly you were getting into since we have been discussing my return and the terms of our alliance.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Signed: Overly Emotional Kabocha
To Kabocha (1 Year):
Do not apologize for your feelings. I understand that you are being put through a lot. I also appreciate that you are being honest with me in regards to your lineage. It must go against the rules in your village to discuss what you are. I thank you for putting your trust in me; I will repay you in kind; you have all of my trust and support.
This letter is really short because I have been so busy with meetings of marriage and creating alliances. I do not have the desire marry. Is that wrong of me?
The council is pushing for marriage, so that I have a successor in place should anything happen to me. What should I do? Kankuro is indifferent and Temari would also like me to marry. Neither of them are being helpful as they are not giving advice worth listening to. What should I do?
Signed: Annoyed Gaara
To Annoyed Gaara (1 year 4 months):
Sorry that my letter was delayed. I was healing from a different form of training. My oh my! Marriage so young! Happy sixteenth birthday by the way. (: I found out by asking Kankuro when your birthday is (ha-ha). Don' even try asking about my birthday because it has already passed. Please accept this gift on my behalf, and don't try to send me anything in return because items, outside of letters, won't make it to where I am.
I didn't send the item from where I am, I begged Kina to ask her mother to create a fire stone. They're really magnificent to watch. Kina's mother heads the mining department for all of the jewels in our village. Since she is one of the few in our village with a water affinity, her participation in creating the fire stone is crucial. I hope you enjoy it, and it is of a decent size.
In regards to the council pushing to marry...don't. You're young. The youngest Kage in history; I know because I had Kina check and send me her findings. Don't rush into anything, Gaara. The council is only there to give opinion; you are the deciding factor. I know you won't allow them to bully you.
Stay strong.
Signed: Your Against Marriage Friend Kabocha
To Kabocha (1 Year 9 months):
The stone is the size of my hand. It is quite beautiful and sits proudly in my office. I will be sending something for you to receive once your training is completed. I have also been aware of when your birthday is through asking your father.
I have come to realize what a woman's intuition is. I wasn't aware of what that was until early this morning when Temari explained it to me. I didn't pay much attention to what she was saying because she constantly badgers me about things I have either already decided or have no interest in. Recently, she was telling me that her woman's intuition was saying that your father was going to reach out to the sand's council in regards to uniting our villages under marriage.
She was right.
Your father would like for me to announce at your return that I would like to court you.
How do you feel about this?
I'm not sure what his intentions are, but I know of the relationship between you and the Nara heir. However, I am not sure of the degree of your relationship. Temari makes frequent trips to the Hidden Leaf and she returns with only stories of him. I do not know what is going on between them or if you are aware of what is going on between them; if there is anything at all.
I can see your father does not care about the relationship between you and the Nara heir. He is looking for a stronger candidate for you to marry. When I say stronger I do not mean the candidate's individual strength. He is looking to gain something from whomever he chooses for you to marry. His intentions for you are not in your best interest.
Temari has explained that it is wise to talk about one's feelings. She expresses that I do not talk about my own. She thinks I do not talk about my feelings because I do not talk about whatever foreign or new feeling I feel with her, but I do express myself in different ways to different people. You and Kankuro are the only ones I feel would understand me the most. He is a male and you are the only female I feel the need to let know what I am feeling.
I apologize for my long winded speech about feelings...what Temari said about me not expressing myself did not sit well with me.
Thank you for listening...reading.
Signed: Your Grateful Friend Gaara
To My Grateful Friend Gaara (2 years 4 months):
Wow, it has been a while! I apologize again for how long it has taken me to respond to your previous letter. I currently have a week off to heal my new injuries, so I am using this time to write to you, Gaara! Our group has a week off to heal because the most recent training involves training of the flesh once again… much like the first six months of my training here but less brutal this time.
I am elated that you feel I am worthy to know your emotions. I can honestly say that I am touched by your confession. You might not know this, but I am emotionally constipated. My emotions never come out the way I want them to. I am working on that while I'm here. I can also see that you're working on your emotions just by talking (writing) to me.
I can't wait to visit you once I complete the training here. I am working diligently to accomplish this training regiment in three years time. I want to see you in your official Kazekage robes, Lord Gaara.
In regards to my father's courting ceremony and your bid in that...I am not sure what to do either...I'm not sure what I feel. There is this part in my heart that yearns for you. I'm not aware of what extent. Is it the singer bond? Or am I developing some type of real feelings that go beyond our friendship.
How do you feel about me? Truly.
I have been made aware of Temari and Shikamaru's escapades from Choji. He says it's just them 'hanging out'. However, if he feels strongly enough to tell me about it; then I feel my unpleasant feelings are warranted. I can honestly say I am not pleased… They are both unaware that I know what's going on, so please don't tell them. A face to face confrontation is what I want.
Never apologize for telling me how you feel, and you don't have to thank me. What are friends(?) for.
Signed: Your Loving Pumpkin, Kabocha
To My Loving Pumpkin, Kabocha (2 years 7 months):
I apologize for the tardiness of my letter. I know we have been doing well with the speed of our responses. There have been some pressing concerns about a terrorist organization called the Akatsuki. I have convened with your uncle and he has offered the full support of your village. Your uncle has been coming to Suna a lot to speak with the council on your village's behalf.
I have been attending meetings constantly about what they want. They're after Naruto for sure. I was made aware of the confrontation between Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, and your brother Tsuyoi. One of the legendary Sannin, Lord Jiraiya, intervened before he could be taken. Sasuke Uchiha was also injured in that very same battle. That fight was years ago, but I am just now hearing of it.
I would also like to address the...feelings(?) you are inquiring about. I know that I value our friendship...more than anyone's. My heart makes performs odd patterns when I see your letter waiting for me at my desk. I don't know if that helps decipher these feelings you are inquiring about. I will have an answer for you soon in regards to my bid in your upcoming betrothal/coronation ceremony. Your father expects a response before the three year mark of your departure. He is confident that you will have accomplished your training by then.
I will not express to Temari that you are aware of her activities. You have my word.
Focus on completing your training, so that you may return soon. It will be...nice to see you after so long. I fear I have forgotten your face. I hope to be seeing your response letter soon.
Signed: Your Busy Friend, Gaara
To My Busy Friend, Gaara (3 Years 1 month):
I know you're busy...but you have never taken this long to respond to me before. What is going on over there? I have reached out to your council and expect to hear back immediately. The fastest summoning dragon of our village has been sent to Sunagakure. Please respond as soon as possible.
Signed: Your Worried Friend, Kabocha
To My ABDUCTED Friend, Gaara (3 Years 1 month, 1 day)
Our bond has been broken. I felt it as soon as it happened. If you do not respond to this in forty-eight hours I will assume the worse and come for you myself. I am the only one that knows your exact location. Even after three years...your scent is still with me. I will find you. Dead or alive.
If you have died...left me...I will revive you…
And kill you myself.
Signed: General Kabocha Kasai of the Village Hidden in the Lava
To My Loyal Friend, Kabocha (3 Years 1 Month, 2 days):
I am...happy...that your concern for me has put you in a frenzy, but it is not necessary. I am fine now.
I apologize for scaring you, but do not under any circumstances leave your training area. Everything is under control, and I would like to thank you personally for your aide. I was made aware that you demanded your father send the most qualified shinobi of your village: THE ELITE EIGHT. They are formidable in both skill and persona.
I am astounded that you felt my death. I was not aware of the extent of our bond. Will I feel when you leave as well…
I don't think I can take that...feeling(?)…
I was abducted by the terrorist organization: The Akatsuki. The Shukaku was extracted from my very being. The end result was my death, and now the Akatsuki have another tailed beast. They will eventually come after Naruto with the intent to capture him alive. I am still unaware of why they are collecting Bijuu, but we are collecting as much knowledge as possible.
Please do not be angry...I know you…
There is no need to be furious...it is no one's fault but the Akatsuki's that I died. Do not lash out. I am not sure how your temper is now because you are always so pleasant when I read your responses, however, your last statement about killing me has led me to believe that a deep seeded anger sits inside of you.
The last thing I would like to address is the fact that the date has passed to put my bid in for your hand in marriage. The council took it upon themselves, amidst all of the chaos, to inform your father that I would like to be in the running for your future husband.
I am sorry…
Signed: Your Alive and Apologetic Friend, Gaara
To My Alive, Apologetic Friend and Singer, Gaara (3 Years 3 months):
I wanted to let you know that I am not angry with you by any means. Disregard the tardiness of my letter…
I know that I never discuss the techniques and secrets of my current training because I am bound by the laws of my village. However...what I have endured the past three years has been almost beyond my shinobi capabilities.
The torture.
The Ring of Fire.
The curtain of lava.
Just to name a few of the most trying trials. The torture was the most recent test to see if I was ready to...graduate. I have succeeded...where others have failed. Failure means death here.
I will be coming home after I have finished healing from the brutal torture that I was put through via genjutsu, physical torture, and emotional turmoil.
Do not worry for me. I am a better shinobi because of this…
If not the best.
I will see you in four months.
Signed: Your Healing Singer, Kabocha
To My Lovely Singer, Kabocha (3 Years 3 months):
See you soon.
Signed: Your Singer, Gaara
To My Annoying, Beautiful Girlfriend Kabocha (Week 1):
I can honestly say that I wish you were here to see how annoyed I really am with you, but if you were here then I wouldn't be so annoyed,
This whole situation is a drag.
Why couldn't you just wait? I searched for you everywhere….even Naruto looked for you…
I had to find out from Lady Tsunade that you were gone along with any other foreign villager. This whole thing going on between the Lava and the Leaf is troublesome. However, I couldn't care less about what Lady Tsunade has to say about your village. Your still my girlfriend, so done forget that.
I'll be waiting for you, so don't worry about me wandering off. You know I'm not that kind of guy. Besides...it'd be too much work anyway.
Signed: Shikamaru Nara
To My Loyal Boyfriend, Shikamaru (Month 6):
I'm sorry I couldn't wait for you to return from retrieving Sasuke and that my response took so long. I was too busy healing. I am also aware of the result of that mission...believe it or not I have failed a mission before.
Shocking.
Anyway...I can't tell you the specifics because it was an A-ranked mission that was done in secrecy. Just know that it was my first A-ranked and I was barely fourteen; I failed monumently. I don't know if that makes you feel better or not, but if I know you (and I know I do) you have learned from your mistakes on that mission. Your missions to follow will be successes. You were the only one to achieve chunin rank outside of myself and Shosha. I found out I was promoted once I returned to the village. There will be a break in my training again to heal, and I will be using that time to take the jounin test in my village.
I know you'll be promoted when I return. We'll celebrate both of our success upon my return. I'm estimating three years. The training is extensive and...brutal. I'm praying to the dragons for strength instead of mercy.
Signed: Your Tired Girlfriend, Kabocha
To My Tired Girlfriend, Kabocha (Month 7):
I don't like the way your training sounds. Are you allowed to tell me what's going on at all? I just returned from a mission that I led Choji, Ino, and Kiba on. It went very well; basic find and retrieve.
Everyone makes mistakes, even though you're almost as perfect as perfect can be. Your mission failure takes nothing away from you. You're still an amazing kunoichi….mainly a scary one which isn't a bad thing by any means.
I have come to the conclusion that your training is something to worry about. All of this worrying is a drag...I want you here where I can see you. Where I don't have to worry about if you're dying, or if someone is hurting you. This is going to be a long three years...if you get done that soon. I got some intel on how long your training is supposed to take from Kina, so three years sounds crazy to me.
However...I know you. Your determination is just like Naruto's. Sometimes I wonder if you two are really related by blood. He just brings out this bright side to you, ya' know? Have you talked to at all? He left not too long after you did to go and train with Lord Jiraiya. He will be gone for three years as well. Sakura is training with Lady Tsunade, and Sasuke is training with Orochimaru. All of Kakashi's students are being trained by sannin. How ironic.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Signed: Your Tired Boyfriend, Shikamaru
To My Tired Boyfriend, Shikamaru (Month 7):
I'm not surprised you signed out (your tired boyfriend). You're so lazy, Maru-kun. Don't worry I don't mean that in a bad way. I still love you!
Yes, my training isn't for...everyone. I don't know how to explain it without worrying you more, or potentially leaking confidential information. Just know that I am fine….or will be. Everything that I am doing is to become stronger. Strong enough to lead my villagers into a better future. When all of this is said and done I will be happier.
Speaking of happiness. I have not spoken to Naruto, Sakura, or Sasuke. I also do not care what any of them do. I am partial to Sakura and Naruto, but Sasuke...I don't know what to say about him. His choices baffled me...I can honestly say I'm just numb towards him.
Naruto and I's argument, before you all left to go and get Sasuke, was eye-opening. I have realized that I am...misunderstood (I don't know if that's the word I want to use) by the shinobi in your village. No one knows what I do, what I'm really capable of, or what I have done to succeed. Don't take this the wrong way, but if you knew what I am or could do...you would never look at me the same way again….
That is something I can feel in my little black heart, that darkens more with everyday that passes without my big brother and mother.
I don't know if I can face leaf shinobi after my training is over. Will you still look at me the same? Will I even be allowed near you? Your Hokage has made it quite clear that she wants nothing to do with the Lava village.
I'm sorry for all of this...emotional vomit. I hope to hear from you soon.
Singed: Your Emotional Girlfriend, Kabocha
To My Emotional Girlfriend, Kabocha (Month 9):
If you ever say I won't accept you again, I will break up with you... I need you to understand that when I said 'I love you' I meant that. You're being such a pain, you troublesome woman. I'll take you anyway I can get you.
You could be part bird, half cat, or a third fish. You could kill an entire village, but I would still love you. There are things that every shinobi does for the good of their village. I know you think I'm the most innocent guy around but I'm really not...or wasn't.
I have dirty thoughts (about you). I haven't killed anyone, and I haven't thought about doing so. However, I would kill if my Hokage asked it of me. I would do so without question, and I know there will come a time to when I will have to do unspeakable tasks in the name of my village. I know what job I signed up for. No more talk of me not accepting you. I accepted all that you are, even though I have no idea, when the words 'I love you' came out of my mouth.
Things will get better between the Lava and the Leaf. This little problem won't go on for much longer. Hopefully, it will be resolved before you return. If not we'll work something out.
Now, about your argument with Naruto and Sakura. They were just angry and hurt about Sasuke. I know your still pissed off at them just by reading your letter. All I can say is let it go. You and Naruto have a strong bond; a bond that reminds me of when Tsuyoi was around. I only met him twice, but when you were with him...you were just happy. I'm not saying talk to him right away, but don't wait too long to reach out to him. That's your adopted brother, don't punish him for a mistake.
Your heart isn't little or black either. The way you love...you love with your entire being. You're still hurt about your mother...Tsuyoi is a rogue-nin and you love him anyway. You love your family. You love your friends. You love me. Someone with a little black heart wouldn't give a damn about anyone or anything.
Don't be sorry for being emotional. This is the most I have ever seen you talk (write) about your feelings. I couldn't be more pleased.
Signed: Your Grateful Boyfriend, Shikamaru
To My Grateful Boyfriend, Shikamaru (1 Year 2 months):
I really do love you...I hope one day I can tell you everything about me. I'm certainly not going to tell you everything over a letter. I find that to be incredibly rude to unload something like that on you. I just want to see your reaction, and you can't avoid me if I'm right in front of you. I might tell you as soon as I get back just to get it out of the way.
I'll think about talking to Naruto...BUT I don't even know where he is. He could be moving around a lot as well. I'm not sure if he would want to speak with me anyway. I can't even blame him because of the way I talked to him. He did hurt me deeply too...sometimes I forget that he really didn't grow up where I grew up. He has always been by my side ever since the day I ran into him; almost as much as my blood brothers.
It isn't about how hard I love, or how many people I love. It's about how I treat people that I don't love...you'd be appalled. I know you were when Ino decided to grab me the day after you broke up with me.
The intel I'm receiving about the Leaf and Lava negotiations isn't looking good. My uncle is spreading himself thin between the Sand and the Leaf. I will probably recommend Kina step up in his place where Suna is concerned. She is the most capable outside of one of the older council members (those old bastards don't want to travel). She may not be on the council, but Gaara would receive her better because she is one of my teammates. Shosha would have gone, but he's here with me, and I can't send uncle Hikari because he's...rough. Diplomacy isn't really my thing.
I would hope you only have dirty thoughts about me. I know your not that pure. After, all of the things we did to each other; don't make me laugh. I don't think your innocent, per se, you just haven't experienced what I have.
I hope you never do.
Signed: Your Girlfriend, Kabocha
To My Girlfriend, Kabocha (1 Year 9 Months):
What do I wake up to this morning? Can you guess?
The head of the Hyuga clan and Neji knocking on our door. Why?
They received a letter from your father about your formal coronation and a ceremony is to be held to choose your future husband. My clan received an invitation about your coronation, but we had no idea your father is searching for a husband for you. Why the hell wouldn't you tell me? Why weren't we made aware of this husband ceremony?
I have so many questions, and you're so far away. After, the meeting with Lord Hiashi and Neji...well the hostile, tense meeting with the Hyugas; they have decided that they will be sending Neji confirmation for your hand in marriage.
My dad was definitely quietly, pissed off. I was a bit more vocal (argumentative), Lord Hiashi wasn't fazed, and Neji didn't say a word. Do you get to choose your husband or does your father? I'm not sure how all of this works.
Gorudo and my dad also met up, they don't know I know that. Gorudo didn't seem to pleased, but he did get an official invitation sent to us, so that I could ask for your hand in marriage. I know for a fact that your father doesn't know that I put in my bid for your hand in marriage.
I may be pissed off, but I know you have no control over what your father does. I told you a long time ago that you were going to be my wife and I meant that. This whole situation is troublesome, but if I have to fight for you I will.
Signed: Your Pissed Off Boyfriend, Shikamaru
To My Pissed Off Boyfriend, Shikamaru (1 Year 9 Months):
I was completely unaware of what is going on outside of the training area unless someone tells me. Your letter arrived right after Gaara's. He told me what my father has planned since I haven't spoken to my father in almost two years. I'm positive my father has sent out other invitations to men for my hand in marriage. I haven't received anymore letters in regards to the husband searching event.
I also don't know if I get to choose my husband since my mother is not here. Initially she is supposed to choose my husband, so I'm not sure how everything is being done out there. I didn't know Lord Hiashi had a say in who Neji married, not a big fan of all of these decisions being made.
I am also not a fan of the word: BID. I'm not a bet. I'm sure my father certainly sees it that way. However, your father and my uncle are fighting hard for our happiness. I couldn't be more grateful for their help. They may have met without your knowledge, but everything they're doing is for our benefit. If I know my uncle Gorudo (and I do), I know he has gotten my uncle Hikari involved as well.
I'm not worried. I know you meant your promise of marriage. Gorudo and your father will make it happen.
Signed: Your Confident Girlfriend, Kabocha
To My Girlfriend Kabocha (2 Years 7 Months):
I'm sorry it's taking me so long to respond to your letters. Lady Tsunade has been keeping my really busy around here. I was also promoted to Jounin a month ago, so I have a lot more responsibilities. Lady Tsunade even calls upon me for council, my parents couldn't be more proud. All of this work is a drag though.
I have a mission in three days just in case I'm late again with my response letter.
There is also another round of Chunin exams going on in a couple months here in the Leaf. Lady Tsunade has made it clear that she wants me to coordinate it along with a representative from Suna.
I hope to get your response letter before I head out.
Signed: Your Lazy Boyfriend, Shikamaru
To My Boyfriend Shikamaru (2 Years 9 Months):
I'm sorry your so busy, but it's good you have more responsibility now. We're getting old, Maru-kun. I also didn't a response to the gift I sent you for your seventeenth birthday. I hope you liked it. I sent uncle Hikari all over the place to find it...not really, he just complains a lot.
It's the same material my previous outfit is made of. It carries a bit more protection in each stitch. You'll be needing it for the dangerous missions to come. You're going to do great. Congratulations on your promotion; I hope you celebrated properly.
I wish I could have been there.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Signed: Your Girlfriend, Kabocha.
To Kabocha (2 Years 11 Months):
Your letters are getting shorter. I have been getting more antsy about your training. What kind of training takes three years specifically? I wanted to do some research to learn more about it, but everyone seems pretty secretive about it.
I don't know who I can talk to about it because I know you're not going to tell me; which is something I have come to terms with. No matter how much of a drag it is. Is there anyone I can ask about it? I just want to make sure you're not too badly hurt, but judging from how long it took you to respond to my first message I'm guessing it's borderline unethical.
I'm just worried about you.
Signed: Your Boyfriend, Shikamaru
To Shikamaru (3 Years):
There is no one you could ask that would willing tell you what goes on in my village. My village may be a little new, but the fierce loyalty every single one of our villagers carries inside of them is like any other great nation. We are a mix of all of the great nations, but the pride we feel for our village knows no other.
No one is going to answer your questions; myself included. I don't mean to be...harsh. However, I will tell you everything when I return. (Not the training.)
I should be home soon. I'm not sure how long yet.
Signed: Kabocha Kasai
To Kabocha (3 Years 2 Months):
Your training is probably what's keeping you from responding, but it's rare that it takes more than three weeks (not since the first letter you sent me which took six months).
I don't know if you know or not, but Lord Kazekage was taken by the Akatsuki a month ago. He's fine now, and home safe. Team Kakashi was sent out after him as well as Team Gai. I was also informed that a large faction from the Lava was sent by your father.
Lady Tsunade was surprised that your father would send aide at all. Does your father and Lord Kazekage have an alliance?
However, she wasn't surprised when she found out that you and I have been sending letters back and forward. Apparently, she has known all along about our relationship, so she demanded that I ask you about it. I wasn't supposed to tell you that part, but your my girlfriend above all else. Your not a mission; never have been and never will be.
Signed: Your Loyal Boyfriend, Shikamaru
To Shikamaru Nara (3 Years 3 Months):
I reached out to Gaara's council as soon as I realized what was going on. I requested that my father send that faction; it didn't take much pleading since he wants to please Sunagakure. There isn't much I can tell you in regards to the alliance between the Sand and the Lava. I also want to make something clear…
Our relationship and everything pertaining to my village is none of your Hokage's fucking business.
However, I do appreciate you telling me that she told you to ask me about diplomatic matters where she isn't involved. I can honestly say that I'm (more than) a little annoyed that she is asking you to gather intel from me… I won't concern myself with it right now. My focus is being turned back to my healing so that I can leave this place on the schedule that I laid out for myself.
See you in four months.
Signed: Kabocha Kasai
To Kabocha Kasai (1 Year 9 Months):
This morning Lord Hiashi received an invitation from you father in regards to your formal coronation, and he also extended an invitation to me to ask for your hand in marriage.
I didn't get a say in the matter. Lord Hiashi made it clear that he likes you, and he has sent my confirmation to your father. How do you feel about marrying me? I am not opposed to marrying you but...I would prefer to date and choose my own bride.
TenTen...was someone I was...interested in. I have also been aware of your relationship with Shikamaru Nara for quite some time now. I can see that your father is not even entertaining the thought of you marrying him. The reason, however, escapes me.
Let me know your thoughts on the matter. Other than that, I would like to know your condition. How is your training going? When do you think you will be back in the Leaf?
I know it is not your home but...everyone here in the leaf….we're your home too.
Signed: Neji Hyuga
To My Stubborn Friend, Neji (1 Year 9 Months):
I don't know how many times I have told you, but you don't need to be so formal with me. We're friends, Neji. With that being said...I'm not against marrying you either. We might have had a break in our friendship, but you never left my heart.
I received a letter from both Shikamaru and Gaara about sending in confirmations for my hand in marriage.
I had no idea about you and TenTen; way to keep me out of the loop! I wish you had told me sooner! I wouldn't have been so respectful to Lord Hiashi, just so he wouldn't choose me as your bride. I prayed to the dragons that you stay free from all of this after the ceremonies are completed. You don't deserve to be dragged into a political marriage.
Shikamaru and I have been dating for quite some time, so he is my choice for a husband. My only choice. I want to marry him, and spend the rest of my life with him. However, my father is making that impossible.
My training is going well. My plan is to be home in three and a half years. I'm really trying to plan this next two years accordingly, but the healing periods are what's taking a lot of time.
You're right about you all being my home. I miss all of you. I'll visit you as soon as I return, I promise!
Signed: Your Friend, Kabocha
To My Sister, Kabocha (3 Years 6 Months):
I need you to come home...please.
Signed: Your Brother Naruto
To My Brother, Naruto
I'm on my way.
Signed: Your Sister, Kabocha
NixieNaajix: Hey Nix! Always a pleasure to hear from you! I'm sorry for all the teasing lol. It won't be teasing for long. (; !SPOILER ALERT! There will definitely be a section dedicated to Kabocha's heat cycle and it WON'T be a special. It will actually be a part of the story. That's such a cute idea! Our little pumpkin catching a cold! (I love ideas!) You just gave me a really good one at that. I'll definitely be letting you know in the A/N when the idea you gave me comes to light. Stay tuned and I can't wait to hear from you again! (:
Crazy Devil Girl: Hey, girl! Couldn't wait to read your response! I'm also living for your perfect question! All info given during the specials is a part of the actual storyline. You're very clever to catch on to that. All of the information seen in the specials will make their appearance again. Her fertility will definitely be coming up upon her return. I don't want to reveal too much about it. (;
Deviliciouskitty: My kitty has returned! Great to hear from you! Don't worry about Gaara not getting his story, he just won't be getting his first. :( I have a lot planned for "I Hate You Too". I don't know if I'm going to complicate it like this story yet lol. I really try my best in keeping everyone in character especially the ones that play a big role *hint* *hint*. I'm glad you brought up the monster situation. It will be addressed as soon as she returns and SPOILER ALERT! when Ino and Kabocha come to blows...and a few others. Happy belated Christmas and New Years! I'm ecstatic that you enjoyed the little Christmas filler! I'm also a huge fan of questions! The Halloween filler is right after after Tsunade becomes Hokage and right before Sasuke leaves. The Christmas filler is after Kabocha returns but not after Shippuden. I live for the softer chapters. It's only going to be more heartbreak when she returns. :'( You're an amazing Shikoba fan! I can't wait to see your response to these letters!
LAWDgivemestrength: FIRST of all your name is giving me life! I'm loving it! I'm ecstatic your loving everything so far, and the little holiday episodes. I enjoy those the most since they're not serious. They provide a nice break for the audience. You don't know how bad I want to answer your question lol. I have just finished planning out the rest of the story, your gonna want to stick around for his reaction!
Dani66: Hey there, Dani! It's great to hear from you! Ask and you shall receive!
A/N: I'm sure you all have tons of questions, so hit me with them! See you all soon!
P.S. Singer is also a term of endearment. ;)