DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (PRETTY SURE YOU GUYS KNOW WHO OWNS NARUTO, RIGHT? HAHA)
Ch.28 - The Eye of a Needle
Naruto sat beside the crackling campfire, diligently tending to the dancing flames to ensure they remained ablaze. Several more hours stretched ahead before his turn to rest. Casting a careful gaze upon his slumbering team, he noted their undisturbed repose. Just as he prepared to settle back down, a sudden realization struck him—Ino appeared to be shivering, despite her proximity to the warmth of the fire. Determined to offer respite from the chill, Naruto devised a solution. He swiftly removed his jacket and gently draped it over her, serving as a makeshift blanket. Though meager in its ability to ward off the cold, it provided a modicum of comfort, granting her some reprieve.
Satisfied with his gesture, Naruto quietly mused to himself, drawing parallels to a previous situation on the ranch. Reflecting on his past strategy, he had created shadow clones to disperse and stand guard, ensuring the safety of their surroundings. Pleased to note that none of his clones had yet dispersed, Naruto found solace in the belief that their watchful presence boded well for their security.
- 30 Minutes Later -
The campfire crackled softly, enveloping the surroundings in an atmosphere of tranquility. Naruto, though growing increasingly drowsy, recognized the need to remain vigilant a while longer. Determined to assess any potential threats, he decided to utilize his Chakra Hankyouteii no Jutsu (Chakra Echolocation Technique). Concentrating his chakra, Naruto emitted a pulsating wave in all directions, awaiting the resulting mental image that would reveal their surroundings.
After a moment, a vivid mental projection materialized in Naruto's mind, disclosing the presence of two distinct chakra signatures at a considerable distance. Concern gripped him as memories flooded in—his clones being swiftly dispelled, one after another. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Naruto resolved to awaken their sensei, Asuma. Hastening to Asuma's side, Naruto gently shook him awake.
"Asuma-sensei... Asuma-sensei..." Naruto called out to the bearded jounin.
Asuma groggily opened his eyes and regarded Naruto, inquiring about the commotion. Naruto swiftly relayed the situation, sharing his concerns. Upon hearing Naruto's account, Asuma immediately sprang into action, hastily rousing their other two teammates.
Time was of the essence, leaving Asuma with no opportunity to elaborate on the circumstances. What he required from his students now was unwavering readiness for battle. Their initial plan of launching a surprise attack on Kushimaru and Kimimaro had been shattered, and hopes of gaining the upper hand were extinguished.
"How did they manage to track us down so quickly?" Asuma wondered aloud, met with a collective lack of answers from his students. Yet, as he pondered the question, a realization struck him—Naruto's earlier stumble held significance. Initially dismissing it as mere clumsiness, Asuma now recognized another purpose for ninja wire—to establish a concealed perimeter, serving as a security alarm against intruders. Naruto's unintentional trip must have triggered the wire, alerting both Kushimaru and Kimimaro to their presence.
"That's it! Naruto, you tripped on a wire. That's how they found us," Asuma declared. Casting a reassuring glance at Naruto, he reminded his student not to blame himself, assuring him that unfortunate events occur, and assigning blame would serve no purpose.
With tension thick in the air, each member of Team 10 maintained a heightened state of alertness, anticipating a barrage of senbon and bone projectiles. Yet, now fully prepared, they braced themselves for whatever lay ahead.
In the ensuing stillness, Asuma's reminder to remain vigilant resonated with his students. Suddenly, a multitude of projectiles materialized from seemingly nowhere, hurtling towards them. "Doton: Chikyū no Kinko (Earth Release: Earth Dome)," Asuma swiftly invoked, performing the necessary hand seals. The dome materialized, shielding them from the onslaught as the projectiles met their impenetrable barrier.
Seizing the opportunity, Asuma swiftly instructed his students to execute the Meisaigakure no Jutsu (Hiding in Camouflage Technique) and Chakra Henso no Jutsu (Chakra Disguise Technique). In synchronization, they vanished, leaving a section of the dome to collapse onto the ground. Kushimaru, now inside the structure, sneered at the apparent absence of their targets. Certain they were concealed somewhere nearby, he aimed to flush them out. His gaze then met Kimimaro's, and they shared an unspoken understanding.
Kimimaro propelled himself skyward, extending his fingers outward. "Teshi Sendan Danmaku (Ten-Finger Drilling Bullet Barrage)," Kimimaro declared as he spun, launching an onslaught of bone projectiles in all directions. Shino, unable to remain hidden, resorted to the Hijutsu: Mushiheki (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Wall), erecting a protective barrier of insects to shield his team. Kushimaru's smirk deepened in response, recognizing the formidable opposition before them.
"FOUUUUUND!... YOUUUUU!…" Kushimaru's voice reverberated through the air, his cackling a menacing symphony.
With their location compromised due to Kimimaro's actions forcing them to abandon stealth, Asuma, Naruto, and Ino unleashed their jutsus in response.
"It seems our guests have returned, though as much as I want to continue our battle from the other day, I suggest that all of you should give up and turn yourselves in," Kushimaru taunted, attempting to provoke a reaction. Yet, Team 10 remained resolute, refusing to yield to his taunts.
"And why would we do that?" Asuma challenged, his voice steady and unwavering.
"I suppose the fact that we have your two friends from the inn might change your mind," Kushimaru revealed, a smugness coloring his words.
Asuma and his students fell into stunned silence, shocked by the information unveiled by Kushimaru's claim.
"You're bluffing," Asuma retorted, refusing to accept the gravity of the situation.
"Am I?" Kushimaru replied with a sinister smile, tossing a kunai before them. The weapon embedded itself in the ground, ready to be picked up. Naruto's senses heightened as he recognized the kunai—it was his own. The realization hit him like a crashing wave, leaving him lightheaded. He connected the dots, realizing that his previous carelessness had not only compromised their position but also put Kunio and Akemi in grave danger due to their association.
"Naruto?... Naruto?... Are you alright?" Ino's concerned voice reached him, noticing his unease.
"It's my fault... it's all my fault," Naruto muttered, his self-blame echoing through the tense air.
"It's not your fault," Ino insisted, attempting to alleviate his guilt. "Asuma-sensei told us not to blame ourselves. It was an unfortunate turn of events, but blaming each other won't help."
"You don't understand, Ino. That kunai... the one I left behind at the inn... they found it and captured Kunio-san and Akemi-chan because they were associated with us. It's all my fault," Naruto lamented, his self-condemnation heavy.
Ino's voice grew stern, her words cutting through his despair. "Pull yourself together, Naruto. You're not helping anyone with the way that you are right now. The best thing you can do now is make things right," she admonished, her resolve shining through.
Moments ticked by in silence as the weight of their situation hung heavily in the air. Tension reached its apex, a palpable force binding them all. Kushimaru's voice broke the stillness once again.
"I'll count to ten, and if none of you give me an answer, I'll gladly answer for you. You have two choices: turn yourselves in, and we might release your friends, or I'll inform them of your decision right here, right now, and be the one to dispose of all of you," Kushimaru declared, holding a strand of ninja wire in his hand that was probably connected to Gato's fortress
"10," Kushimaru began his countdown, each second laden with anticipation. Team 10 remained silent, grappling with their choices.
"9."
"8," Ino's mind raced as she subtly performed the hand seal for the Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique), allowing her to communicate telepathically with her teammates. The seal completed, she conveyed her message.
"7," Asuma's voice resonated in her mind. "Yes, Ino, we can hear you. Well done on thinking ahead. Listen carefully, I have a plan."
"6," Asuma continued. "I'll deal with Kushimaru. Meanwhile, the three of you make your way to Gato's fortress and rescue Kunio-san and his granddaughter. Understood?"
"5," Naruto sought clarification. "What's the signal, Asuma-sensei?"
"4," Asuma's response held an air of mystery. "You'll know it when you see it."
"3," the countdown continued, the seconds slipping away.
"2," uncertainty gripped their hearts as the critical moment approached.
"1," Asuma seized the opportunity, his voice ringing out with resolve. "Alright, I've decided... None of the above!" he exclaimed, tossing a smoke bomb to the ground. The billowing smoke shrouded them, obscuring their whereabouts.
Ino recognized it as the signal. "That's it, come on!" she urged her teammates, her voice filled with urgency. Naruto and Shino nodded in unison, and the trio swiftly moved, quickly escaping from the vicinity.
Coughing, Kushimaru and Kimimaro strained against the sudden influx of smoke, their vision obscured. As the smoke dissipated, they realized that Asuma's students had vanished in their escape.
"Follow them!" Kushimaru commanded his subordinate, Kimimaro, who obediently departed without uttering a word.
"I suppose it's just you and me once again, Sarutobi-san," Kushimaru responded, determination gleaming in his eyes.
Though their plans had been disrupted, Kushimaru decided to seize the opportunity. The chance to resume his battle with Asuma promised the entertainment he sought. "Shall we pick up where we left off?" Kushimaru proposed, a hungry anticipation coloring his words. With that, the two jounin vanished in a flash, their figures flickering away to a new battleground.
- With Ino, Shino, and Naruto -
As they made their way towards Gato's fortress, the trio could sense Kimimaro's relentless pursuit. Shino was the first to notice his presence closing in, alerting Ino and Naruto to the imminent danger.
Ino and Naruto glanced back, their hearts sinking as they saw Kimimaro gradually narrowing the distance between them. Realizing the urgency of the situation, they swiftly brainstormed a plan to elude Kimimaro's pursuit.
"What do we do now?" Ino gasped, her breath ragged from the intense running. Naruto's mind raced, searching for a solution to their predicament.
"I've got an idea! Remember the techniques Asuma-sensei taught us to hide our chakra signatures?" Naruto suggested, his eyes gleaming with determination. Ino and Shino nodded, intrigued by his proposal.
"Perfect! Let's utilize those techniques to try and lose Kimimaro. We can also employ smoke bombs to confuse him further," Naruto suggested, earning agreement from his teammates.
"Which technique should we use first?" Shino inquired.
"Let's start with the first method. When I throw the smoke bomb, perform the Meisaigakure no Jutsu (Hiding With Camouflage Technique) and Chakra Henso no Jutsu (Chakra Disguise Technique), got it?" Naruto instructed, receiving affirmations from Ino and Shino.
Running for a while longer, Naruto suddenly hurled a smoke bomb to the ground, creating a dense cloud of smoke that enveloped the area. The three of them swiftly executed the hand seals for the Meisaigakure no Jutsu (Hiding With Camouflage Technique) and Chakra Henso no Jutsu (Chakra Disguise Technique), effectively blending into their surroundings. Seeking better concealment, they ascended a nearby tree, further masking their location.
As the smoke dissipated, Kimimaro realized that his targets had vanished. Unbeknownst to him, the trio had effectively concealed themselves. However, Kimimaro was not so easily deceived. Drawing upon his own jutsu, he unleashed the Teshi Sendan Danmaku (Ten-Finger Drilling Bullet Barrage), launching a relentless barrage of bone projectiles in all directions. Repeating this technique several times, Kimimaro forced Ino, Shino, and Naruto to reveal themselves to avoid the onslaught. The chase resumed once more.
"Well, that didn't work," Naruto remarked, a tinge of disappointment coloring his voice.
"In that case, it's time for the next method: dispersion," Ino suggested.
"Agreed. But I have an additional idea," Naruto interjected, piquing his teammates' curiosity.
Naruto swiftly threw another smoke bomb to the ground, mirroring their previous strategy. This time, however, all three of them dispersed their chakra throughout the area, creating an aura of confusion to bewilder Kimimaro. As the smoke cleared, multiple copies of Ino, Shino, and Naruto appeared, scattering in different directions.
The spectacle bewildered Kimimaro, faced with numerous groups of seemingly identical genin. He couldn't discern which trio to pursue, realizing that chasing all of them was futile. Determined to narrow down his targets, he unleashed his jutsu once more, dispelling some of the clones into smoke. However, one group caught his attention—Naruto, deflecting a bone projectile with Ino's kunai. Recognizing the anomaly, Kimimaro focused his pursuit on that particular group, deducing it to be the original. Infusing his legs with an additional surge of chakra, he accelerated, closing in on his quarry.
- With the Real Ino, Shino, and Naruto -
"Great job, Naruto. You making decoys to confuse Kimimaro is amazing," Ino commended, genuinely impressed by Naruto's strategy.
Naruto grinned, accepting the praise. "Hehe, thanks, Ino. But now that Kimimaro is no longer chasing us, it's time to focus on finding Kunio-san and Misaki-chan and rescuing them, dattebayo!" Naruto declared, his determination shining through.
With renewed purpose, the trio pressed on towards Gato's fortress, their steps resolute and their hearts filled with resolve. Guided by their shared determination and unwavering camaraderie, they ventured forth into the unknown, ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.
- Earlier With Asuma -
"This spot will do, Sarutobi-san," Kushimaru taunted, cackling with amusement. "Now, where were we? Ahhh, yes, our battle. I hope you won't chicken out this time."
"Don't worry, I won't," Asuma replied, determination in his voice.
Kushimaru, seeking to engage in banter, continued, "Say, Sarutobi-san, 35 million Ryo is quite a fortune. What should I spend it on?" Asuma remained silent, refusing to be distracted. In the blink of an eye, Kushimaru vanished, but this time Asuma was prepared and stood his ground.
Similar to their previous encounter, mist began to fill the surroundings. However, Asuma was determined not to let Kushimaru gain an advantage. Instead of initiating his jutsu immediately, he decided to wait for Kushimaru to strike, planning to retaliate at precisely the right moment. Asuma remained firm and attuned to his surroundings, listening intently. A sound came from behind, but Asuma saw through the decoy. He knew it was a ploy to throw him off balance. Then, he sensed a chakra signature approaching from the front. Swiftly, Asuma weaved the hand seals of his jutsu and spoke, "Katon: Haisekisho (Fire Release: Ash Pile Burning)." Chakra-infused gunpowder spewed from his mouth, creating a cloud of ash that served both as a smokescreen and a means to encircle Kushimaru.
Kushimaru pondered the situation as he realized Asuma hadn't fallen for his decoy. He may have underestimated his opponent. Regretfully, he acknowledged that he should have created more decoys to truly confuse Asuma. However, he couldn't undo what had already been done. Deciding to step back and strike again, Kushimaru watched as Asuma bit the flint in his mouth, igniting the ash. Suddenly, the temperature rose.
"SHIT!" Kushimaru exclaimed, swiftly performing a body replacement technique, switching places with a log just in time. The log turned to ash, but Kushimaru didn't escape unscathed. Burns covered various parts of his body. The mist around them dissipated due to the sudden increase in temperature, causing the vapor in the air to rapidly condense. Kushimaru found himself exposed, while Asuma remained elusive. Suddenly, the ground cracked open, revealing two hands ready to seize Kushimaru.
Surprised, Kushimaru managed to leap into the air, evading the grab. However, he sensed another presence above him. It was Asuma, poised to slash him with his trench knives. Swiftly, Kushimaru grasped his Nuibari (Sewing Needle) and parried Asuma's blades.
"You sly dog!" Kushimaru chuckled as they both landed on the ground. Their battle continued, wielding their chosen weapons. Steel clashed against steel as they exchanged swift and fierce strikes. Both Jōnin were masters of the blade, blocking, evading, and parrying each other's attacks. The force behind their clashes created sparks that illuminated the intensity of their battle.
Asuma launched an attack, aiming to slash with one of his trench knives. However, Kushimaru reacted swiftly, countering the assault and pressing their blades against each other. Both men exerted all their strength, neither faltering. Asuma gritted his teeth, while Kushimaru cackled with twisted delight.
With a forceful push, Asuma forced Kushimaru back. Seizing the opportunity, Asuma created a fiery jutsu. "Katon: Karyudan! (Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet)," he declared, exhaling flames from his mouth. The jutsu scorched the earth and sped toward Kushimaru.
Kushimaru, adept at weaving hand seals, quickly performed forty-four seals to counter Asuma's jutsu. The sequence of seals included Ox, Monkey, Hare, Rat, Boar, Bird, Ox, Horse, Bird, Rat, Tiger, Dog, Tiger, Snake, Ox, Ram, Snake, Boar, Ram, Rat, Yang Water, Monkey, Bird, Dragon, Bird, Ox, Horse, Ram, Tiger, Snake, Rat, Monkey, Hare, Boar, Dragon, Ram, Rat, Ox, Monkey, Bird, Yang Water, Rat, Boar, Bird. "Suiton: Suiryudan (Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet)," Kushimaru unleashed a jutsu of opposing nature. The collision of the two jutsus resulted in their cancellation, enveloping the area in steam.
Once again, Kushimaru found himself unable to locate Asuma. Unbeknownst to him, a sly grin adorned Asuma's face. Asuma performed another jutsu, "Katon: Yakedo no Jutsu (Fire Release: Scalding Technique)." This technique aimed to harm the opponent using hot liquid or steam, utilizing existing steam to enhance its effectiveness.
Kushimaru had to react swiftly to avoid severe burns. To counter Asuma's steam attack, he reduced the temperature of the surroundings, causing the steam to condense once more. Employing the "Suiton: Daibaku no Jutsu (Water Release: Great Explosion Technique)," an A-rank jutsu that unleashed a massive tidal wave in all directions, Kushimaru eradicated the steam with the presence of cold water, successfully neutralizing Asuma's move.
Asuma observed his failed attempt and felt disappointed. He had planned it perfectly, yet it had been foiled. Perhaps his execution had lacked the necessary speed. Asuma decided to pause momentarily, as their jutsus were merely being countered by opposing moves. It had become a battle between two formidable chakra natures: fire versus water, two sides of the same coin.
Both Jōnin now stood exposed, with nowhere left to hide. The forest around them lay in ruins—uprooted trees, scattered flames and water puddles, and craters scattered throughout. So far, Kushimaru had mainly been on the defensive, unlike their previous encounter when he had taken the offensive. Asuma decided to seize the opportunity and charged towards Kushimaru, hurling a kunai wrapped with an explosive tag.
"Kunai Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Kunai Shadow Clone Technique)," Asuma declared as the kunai multiplied in number. The projectiles flew at incredible speed, forcing Kushimaru to resort to blocking each one using traditional means. Dodging and parrying with his Nuibari, Kushimaru managed to evade and deflect most of the kunai. However, one managed to nick his leg, resulting in a surprising immobilization.
Unbeknownst to him, the kunai Asuma had thrown contained a jutsu-shiki (technique formula), the Kanashibari no Jutsu (Temporary Paralysis Technique). Asuma had modified it, infusing it with extra chakra to intensify its hold and prolong its effect.
With Kushimaru immobilized, the moment had come for Asuma to strike. He tightened his grip on his trench knives and swiftly closed the distance between them. In a blink of an eye, Asuma headbutted Kushimaru, followed by three rapid jabs to the face. A punch to the back of Kushimaru's head caused him to lean forward, setting him up for a powerful uppercut and an abdomen punch that made him stumble backward. Asuma seized the opportunity, dashing forward to deliver a hook and a flurry of left and right punches. The barrage culminated in a devastating blow. Not yet finished, Asuma slashed with one of his trench knives, causing Kushimaru to flinch. Sensing another opening, Asuma unleashed a hook kick, sending Kushimaru flying through the air. Kushimaru's back collided with a tree, emitting a resounding crack. To conclude the assault, Asuma hurled one of his trench knives at Kushimaru, lodging it in his shoulder. The pain elicited a yell from Kushimaru, while Asuma's breaths became shallow, his energy drained from executing the relentless combo. Kushimaru remained silent and motionless for a brief moment before bursting into maniacal laughter.
Asuma's thoughts raced in confusion. How could Kushimaru find amusement in this situation? Perhaps this man was even more unhinged than Asuma had initially believed. Despite being overwhelmingly overpowered, Kushimaru grunted as he struggled to pull out Asuma's trench knife from his body. Finally removing it, he discarded the weapon moments later. Kushimaru managed to regain his footing, albeit with some difficulty, clutching his wounded shoulder. He exchanged banter with Asuma, refusing to be silenced.
"You wanna know something, Sarutobi-san?" Kushimaru queried, while Asuma raised an eyebrow but offered no verbal response.
"I didn't just pick a random spot in the forest," Kushimaru menacingly chuckled. "Choto Ninpo: Kakureta Kumonosu (Longsword Ninja Art: Hidden Spider Web)." Abruptly, multiple ninja wires emerged, as Kushimaru produced a single wire seemingly out of thin air. Unbeknownst to Asuma, Kushimaru had concealed all the wires using the Meisaigakure no Jutsu (Hiding in Camouflage Technique).
Astonishment flickered in Asuma's widened eyes as he comprehended Kushimaru's intention. Ninja wires hurtled toward him with alarming speed. Asuma deftly evaded the initial onslaught, planning to unleash his trump card once a window of opportunity presented itself. In the meantime, he nimbly maneuvered through the web of wires, even as Kushimaru sprinkled in a barrage of senbon needles, utilizing his one good arm. Asuma skillfully alternated between jutsu and trench knives to deflect the incoming senbon.
Amidst the intense dodging and weaving, Asuma noticed a dwindling number of wires. It signaled that Kushimaru's jutsu was nearing its end. As the final wire materialized, Asuma landed on the ground and activated his jutsu, "Futon: Tatsumaki no En (Wind Release: Tornado's Edge)." A powerful tornado surged forth, decimating Kushimaru's wires effortlessly with its cutting force. Kushimaru struggled against the gusts of wind, hampered by the dust and debris that filled the air. Asuma seized the opportunity as the tornado subsided, sprinting swiftly toward Kushimaru.
Kushimaru opened his eyes to find Asuma mere inches away. Asuma channeled chakra into his trench knives, augmenting their sharpness and length. He prepared to deliver a slashing blow, only to witness Kushimaru's smirk.
"Choto Ninpo: Gyakusatsu Hojin (Longsword Ninja Art: Massacre Method Formation)," Kushimaru declared as previously concealed wires emerged from underground. The wires snared Asuma, ensnaring his arms first, then his legs and torso. Asuma found himself suspended in the air, as if crucified, the wires tightly constricting him. He strained against his restraints, experiencing discomfort and pain. While the wires lacked the sharpness to sever his limbs, they securely bound him. Time was running out, and Asuma needed to think quickly.
Kushimaru laughed, withdrawing his Nuibari (Sewing Needle), fully intending to deliver the final blow. Usually, Kushimaru would impale his victims, inflicting slow and agonizing deaths. However, he wasn't taking any chances this time. Kushimaru aimed for Asuma's heart.
Kushimaru was on the verge of dealing the conclusive strike, ending the battle once and for all. His maniacal laughter was abruptly cut off as Asuma's trench knife found its mark, embedding itself in Kushimaru's windpipe.
In the nick of time, Asuma executed his final jutsu: "Futon: Suiranrenppuu (Wind Release: Jade Severe Gale Wind)." By remotely controlling his trench knives, a capability granted by the jutsu, Asuma had unleashed a powerful gust of wind. Guided by his chakra, the trench knives penetrated the back of Kushimaru's neck.
"Kimi-…" Kushimaru grunted, dropping to his knees and releasing his Nuibari. He collapsed onto the ground. Asuma was confident that Kushimaru would not survive. Asuma had ensured that he would bleed out by aiming for an artery. Additionally, the wound would cause Kushimaru to drown in his own blood.
Asuma let out a sigh, recognizing how close the battle had been. He had not expected Kushimaru to set another trap, disappointed in himself for falling into it. Kushimaru had outmaneuvered him like a master puppeteer. Asuma acknowledged that he was better than that, but his judgment had been clouded in his desire to conclude the battle swiftly. Yet, the outcome no longer mattered to him. He was simply relieved that it was over. However, his concern remained with his students and the their well-being.
(A/N: Jeez... This chapter took me a while to finish haha, also if you guys are wondering why the hell Asuma has a lot of jutsus. Well... In canon, he has like what? Seven, at least that's according to the wiki. I simply needed to expand his arsenal, same applies to Kushimaru and Kimimaro since they have so few moves listed on their wiki pages haha. The long-ass hand seals are a reference to Kakashi VS. Zabuza battle where Kakashi first showed the power of the Sharingan. Also, I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter, I apologize in advance if I messed something up when it comes to fighting. I am not certain what would happen if someone were to be stabbed through the throat (they would feel pain obviously but how would they suffer and how long would it take before they die is what I'm referring to), I wouldn't know since I've never done it and I don't plan to do it anytime soon. My search history is a bit sketchy right now because of this chapter haha, I'm probably being monitored for it haha XD. Also sorry for the cliffhanger once more, the last cliffhanger was back at the ranch chapter lmao. Hope y'all are still enjoying the ride, show me some love and RnR, that's all cheers! )
(P.S: This fic is also on AO3, but only the first three chapters for now haha. Just wanted to share)