A/N: Again, I'm sorry for the abrupt ending of the last chapter. Let's see
if I can make up for it in this chapter. I would just like to share that I
am starting Japanese next semester and that I just bought the first six
volumes of Naruto manga in Japanese (and I have friends who will make sure
I have help translating it too) for under $40. Oh God I'm so excited. I
want my manga now! *goes off to stalk her mailbox even though the order
hasn't even been shipped yet*
Ehehe. Besides that, I don't really have much else to say besides that once again I got sidetracked while writing this, not to mention battling with a major case of writer's block. Therefore, I apologize for any poor quality in here as well as the delay in posting. Anyway, on with the chappie. *cracks knuckles*
Disclaimer: As I'm sure you could have all guessed, Naruto's not mine, nor are any of the characters found therein.
............
The remainder of the day passed in a hazy blur for Naruto. He followed Kakashi's instructions willingly enough, even mustering a few of his fox- grins as the afternoon wore on, but he said little and avoided everyone's eyes. Even Sasuke's. Especially Sasuke's. In truth, Naruto awaited the coming night with more than a little trepidation. He was not sure that he was ready to face Sasuke alone so soon, but then again... Ninjas did not run from or avoid difficulty. They embraced trials and hardships knowing that only by challenging themselves in everything could they become stronger. He would not run from Sasuke just as he would not lose to him. They would be equals, somehow.
Afternoon slowly gave way to evening. Kakashi-sensei seemed to be running low on tasks for team seven to accomplish, much to Naruto's relief. He didn't mind hard work, but he was painfully aware of the concerned looks the others were giving him when they thought he wouldn't notice. Of the strained smiles they mustered when he did meet their eyes. True, he had regained the doubtful protection of his grin, but he knew that Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei saw through him. The other two probably did as well. He wanted to leave, to be alone for a few hours. It was an impossible wish, this night of all nights.
Instead, he did the next best thing that he could think of: practically inhaling his portion of the cooked fish they ate for dinner and almost immediately composing himself for sleep. "We'll take the late watch," he belatedly assured his sensei, ignoring the surprised stares he received from the four members of his group.
Yawning, he curled up beneath his small blanket. Despite the relatively early hour, he really was ready for bed. Although the day had not been a physically demanding one compared to the two weeks of walking they had just suffered through, it had definitely taken its emotional toll on him, and sleep claimed him swiftly. The last thing he remembered before drifting off entirely was being vaguely aware of someone - probably Sasuke - settling into a blanket beside him.
During the night, his dreams were unusually troubled. He found himself walking beside the puddle just as he had earlier. In his dream, however, he stopped, staring into the depths of the water as the rest of his group continued on. Fascinated, he watched as the enemy slipped out of the concealing puddle before it occurred to him to warn his team. No sound came out of his open mouth as the attacking ninjas sped towards Kakashi-sensei, and Naruto once again froze. His foot moved without his consent then, and he found himself running to escape from the enemy. Running to flee from his failure. Abandoning his comrades. No. Turning and ignoring the stabbing pain in his hand, he steeled himself to face his enemy. He would not run any more. He would not lose. Not now, not ever. To his surprise, the deadly chain was nowhere to be seen. Instead, as he whirled around to look behind him, he nearly tripped over Sasuke. The dark-haired boy was standing close, very close, a warm smile brightening his face. A few yards behind him, Sakura-chan and Kakashi-sensei stood together while a badly blurred fox laughed in the background. Sasuke's smile never faltered as all three of them slowly began to fade to nothing and -
- Groggily, the boy slapped at whoever was shaking him. How was he supposed to sleep if people wouldn't leave him alone?
"Naruto." In an effort to ignore the voice and discourage the shaking, the blonde grunted and rolled away from the hand, tangling himself in his blanket. "Naruto, get up. We are on watch now," the voice persisted. Maybe if he ignored Sasuke - for that was who he had deduced the voice belonged to - he would go away...
He gave a gasp of surprise as he felt himself being lifted quite unceremoniously off the ground, blanket and all. With a small squeak of fear, he began to struggle. "Naruto, get up now or so help me I'll dump you in the water," Sasuke threatened, walking a few steps in the direction that Naruto could only assume was towards the river.
Well. When he put it that way... "I'm up, I'm up!" the blonde muttered, yelping indignantly when Sasuke continued walking towards the water. "Put me down!" he commanded, thrashing about even harder.
"I should throw you in anyway. It would serve you right for overreacting the way you did earlier," the dark-haired boy murmured in his friend's ear.
"You didn't help anything with your name-calling," Naruto growled, redoubling his struggle against the taller boy's arms.
"I wanted to apologize earlier," Sasuke informed him, finally relinquishing his hold on Naruto and placing him carefully on the ground. "There was no good time before now. I am sorry though."
The change in Naruto's demeanor was immediate. Applying a good deal more attention than necessary to extracting himself from his blankets, the shorter boy kept his head down, avoiding his friend's eyes. "It's fine," he said at last, still refusing to look up. "I deserved it for freezing up. You had to say it. I understand." Privately, he congratulated himself on keeping the hurt out of his voice.
With the same unsettling speed he had demonstrated during the fight, Sasuke was kneeling in front of the despondent blonde, one hand beneath Naruto's chin, forcing the boy to meet his gaze. Surprised blue eyes met solemn black ones and for a few moments they stared at each other, each unable to look away.
Finally, Sasuke slowly dropped his hand, still holding Naruto's eyes with his. "I... Really am sorry," he said quietly.
This time, Naruto did not immediately look away. "It's not your fault, Sasuke. It was mine."
"I didn't have to call you names, though."
"At least I deserved this one," the blonde sighed, clenching his fists and dropping his head once more. Before he could complete the motion, Sasuke's hand was there, forcing the smaller boy to maintain the eye contact. This time, he brought up his other hand to gently cup his friend's face as well. He could feel his friend trembling.
"You didn't deserve it, Naruto. Anyone could have choked in that situation. Especially as a first real fight." Sasuke spoke quietly both out of consideration for their sleeping companions and out of concern for the shaking boy before him.
"Then why did it have to be me? Why not Sakura-chan, or even you? Why only me?" he could not keep the despair and bitterness out of his voice, and for the first time he struggled against Sasuke's touch, jerking backwards. "Why am I always the one left behind? Always!"
"You're not being left behind. Just wait. You will have the chance to prove yourself to everyone. We can't expect this to be the only attack." Fleetingly, Sasuke wondered how the boy could be so sure of himself during the day and be so vulnerable at night. How had he handled being alone for his entire life? How often had he felt like this with no one to comfort him...? Sasuke knew the pain of loneliness all too well, but this was beyond even his experience.
"I know," Naruto replied in a small voice, "but why does it have to hurt so much?" Sasuke was startled to see tears shimmering in the blue eyes that sparkled in the moonlight as they regarded him.
Without pausing to think, he reached out and took one of Naruto's hands with his, tentatively pulling the smaller boy towards him and smiling ever so slightly as the blonde obediently allowed himself to be tugged forward. They were so different and yet so similar... He could feel the perpetual warmth that Naruto radiated flowing into their connected hands, infusing his body. A change was rippling through those brilliant eyes as Sasuke urged them closer, the sadness melting away and being replaced by - by what?
Abruptly, Sasuke looked away, trying to pull his hand back as a wave of conflicting emotions threatened to sweep him away. Only Naruto... Only he could generate this confusion. This... Why was he still looking at Naruto? Peripherally, he became aware of soft fingers gently forcing his chin up just as he had done for the other boy. And now he was the one being pulled forward until he was so close to Naruto that he could drown in those eyes. So close that he could feel the blonde's breath on his face...
The moment was over almost as quickly as it began. A clumsy brush of lips, a bump of noses, and then Sasuke was wrenching himself away, trying to reclaim himself. Stumbling backwards in his haste to get away, he found himself on his backside, supporting himself with shaking hands whose fingers were digging into the grass. The full impact of what had just transpired was beginning to dawn upon him.
What had they just been doing? What had they just DONE? Bewildered, Sasuke brought up one hand to touch his lips. They had just kissed... Again, he amended with a rueful mental laugh. And this time it had been intentional and even consensual. But... It wasn't like he thought it would be. It wasn't a romantic I-love-you kiss, nor was it a sensual or lust-driven kiss. No. It was a moment of reconciliation between two friends. A moment of mutual trust and understanding which transcended the boundaries of words. He wasn't in love with Naruto, or with anyone for that matter, but he did feel a very strong bond with his friend. Perhaps someday that was destined to develop into something more than friendship, but not now. Not tonight. Still... It had felt surprisingly good. Surprisingly right.
Indeed, whatever had taken place tonight was not what it appeared to be on the surface, nor was it a bad twist in events. It just... Was. It was a silent promise to one another. A promise of friendship and of mutual care and concern. A promise that warded against the premise of future loneliness. A promise that, come what may, they would still have this night, this moment of safety and contentment to reflect on. They would still have one another. Sasuke could accept that.
From the blonde's bemused expression, a similar realization had occurred to him, too. Their eyes met, and Naruto smiled. Not that squinty fox-smile with which everyone who knew Naruto was familiar, but a slow smile that warmed his entire face. Sasuke could not help but smile back. The walls that he had built and hidden behind for all these years had been breeched. They were crumbling, and he had no desire to rebuild them. Perhaps true strength did not lie in hatred and isolation as Itatchi would have had him believe. Even thoughts of his older brother did not seem as painful tonight..... He was destined to kill that man, to avenge the rest of his family, but tonight the burning need for vengeance seemed diminished. Tonight, he was deliciously free. Tonight, with the stars, the moon and a small slice of sunshine as his witness, he had broken free of the shackles of hatred.
The rest of the night passed uneventfully. Very little was spoken; words would only diminish the calm peace that had settled between them. Both knew that morning would come all too soon, bringing with it the trials of a new day. Despite all that had happened during the night, they must still perform their well-worn charade for the benefit of others. They must still act as though nothing had changed. Naruto must continue to smile as if nothing could ever bring him down while Sasuke must maintain his impenetrable calm.
Come what may, though... They were together. And they always shared this memory. This promise.
............
A/N: That chapter... Was amazingly hard to write.
Umm... What else? I have a small songfic started that I lost the rhythm of in the middle. I'll finish it the next time I am in the proper mood. I'm starting to teach myself written Japanese now, so that may take up some time... Part of what takes so long getting each chapter up is that I handwrite everything before it's ever typed and then proofread and tweak for like three hours at a time. I don't like posting things that aren't as perfect as I can make them.
Bleh. I don't know what else to say. I'm really not in the mood to reply to reviews right now. Thank you all so much for your input. It really has been taken to heart (or just awed and smiled at in some cases =D ). I suppose that at this point your reviews (or lack thereof?) will determine whether I continue with the story or start a new one. Maybe I'll just do both if people seem to like this. So... Have at it?
I know that a lot of you read this in the author's note that I once had posted as chapter 12 of this fic, but ff.net doesn't seem to like chapters that are author's notes, so I'll tack it on to the end of this chapter. For those of you who have read my author's note, this is (pretty much word for word) the same thing. I am sorry that this got bumped up to the top of the list again, but blame ff.net:
All right. I've made my decision, and I'm fairly happy with it. I'm going to offer you all a compromise.
This fic is, for all intents and purposes, done. I began it to show a side of Naruto that was never given any consideration, and I have accomplished that. At THIS POINT in the series, there really is nowhere else to go with my storyline. I have been trying to add to the timeline, but I feel that if I continue this any further I will simply begin detracting from the quality of the work. It will make it less believable.
Now, before anyone who actually liked this story decides to kill me, here is what I have decided to do:
This fanfiction is finished, but there is still much, much more I would like to do with this characterization of Naruto and Sasuke. Therefore, I will be writing at least four sequels. Yes, that's right, at LEAST four sequels. In other words, I've just completed the first part in what I suppose is going to become a series (until I get bored or sidetracked or until you all boo me off the proverbial stage, whichever comes first). I'm going to outline them in here, but like it or not these are the four definite ones you are getting. I'm open to other possibilities, too...
The first is already written. It is called Bridging the Gap, and it is available through my profile. It is a one shot concerning the aftermath of the Zabuza arc. I find it unnecessary to write out the entire thing; a one shot should do the trick quite nicely.
The second will take place in the month between the second and third parts of the Chuunin exam. This may or may not be a one shot fic.
The third is going to touch on the Itatchi encounter, but will focus more on the events leading up to and following Sasuke's departure. This will almost certainly have multiple chapters.
The final fic I have planned in this series will take place at least ten years in the future. This will probably be the longest of the five, but will very likely not be written until I have seen the outcome of the latest arc concerning Sasuke.
So there you have it. Underestimation is officially finished, but you guys should hopefully have quite a bit of writing to look forward to. I will consider reasonable suggestions of other points which are deserving of "checking in" on the characters, but I feel that in the long run this will keep the story interesting and allow me to play with the character growth at a much more reasonable pace. Underestimation set the foundation for an awful lot of development, but that development had no place in the fic. I hope you all understand.
I've also been working on quite a few one-shot fics. I have at least four more in the works (read: partially written), and there are several others that I simply have not gotten around to starting, so be sure to look for those, too!
There's really not much else to say. If anyone wants to talk to me, all my contact info is in my profile. So, until the next part in this series... Thank you all for reading and reviewing. I hope you enjoyed =)
Ehehe. Besides that, I don't really have much else to say besides that once again I got sidetracked while writing this, not to mention battling with a major case of writer's block. Therefore, I apologize for any poor quality in here as well as the delay in posting. Anyway, on with the chappie. *cracks knuckles*
Disclaimer: As I'm sure you could have all guessed, Naruto's not mine, nor are any of the characters found therein.
............
The remainder of the day passed in a hazy blur for Naruto. He followed Kakashi's instructions willingly enough, even mustering a few of his fox- grins as the afternoon wore on, but he said little and avoided everyone's eyes. Even Sasuke's. Especially Sasuke's. In truth, Naruto awaited the coming night with more than a little trepidation. He was not sure that he was ready to face Sasuke alone so soon, but then again... Ninjas did not run from or avoid difficulty. They embraced trials and hardships knowing that only by challenging themselves in everything could they become stronger. He would not run from Sasuke just as he would not lose to him. They would be equals, somehow.
Afternoon slowly gave way to evening. Kakashi-sensei seemed to be running low on tasks for team seven to accomplish, much to Naruto's relief. He didn't mind hard work, but he was painfully aware of the concerned looks the others were giving him when they thought he wouldn't notice. Of the strained smiles they mustered when he did meet their eyes. True, he had regained the doubtful protection of his grin, but he knew that Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei saw through him. The other two probably did as well. He wanted to leave, to be alone for a few hours. It was an impossible wish, this night of all nights.
Instead, he did the next best thing that he could think of: practically inhaling his portion of the cooked fish they ate for dinner and almost immediately composing himself for sleep. "We'll take the late watch," he belatedly assured his sensei, ignoring the surprised stares he received from the four members of his group.
Yawning, he curled up beneath his small blanket. Despite the relatively early hour, he really was ready for bed. Although the day had not been a physically demanding one compared to the two weeks of walking they had just suffered through, it had definitely taken its emotional toll on him, and sleep claimed him swiftly. The last thing he remembered before drifting off entirely was being vaguely aware of someone - probably Sasuke - settling into a blanket beside him.
During the night, his dreams were unusually troubled. He found himself walking beside the puddle just as he had earlier. In his dream, however, he stopped, staring into the depths of the water as the rest of his group continued on. Fascinated, he watched as the enemy slipped out of the concealing puddle before it occurred to him to warn his team. No sound came out of his open mouth as the attacking ninjas sped towards Kakashi-sensei, and Naruto once again froze. His foot moved without his consent then, and he found himself running to escape from the enemy. Running to flee from his failure. Abandoning his comrades. No. Turning and ignoring the stabbing pain in his hand, he steeled himself to face his enemy. He would not run any more. He would not lose. Not now, not ever. To his surprise, the deadly chain was nowhere to be seen. Instead, as he whirled around to look behind him, he nearly tripped over Sasuke. The dark-haired boy was standing close, very close, a warm smile brightening his face. A few yards behind him, Sakura-chan and Kakashi-sensei stood together while a badly blurred fox laughed in the background. Sasuke's smile never faltered as all three of them slowly began to fade to nothing and -
- Groggily, the boy slapped at whoever was shaking him. How was he supposed to sleep if people wouldn't leave him alone?
"Naruto." In an effort to ignore the voice and discourage the shaking, the blonde grunted and rolled away from the hand, tangling himself in his blanket. "Naruto, get up. We are on watch now," the voice persisted. Maybe if he ignored Sasuke - for that was who he had deduced the voice belonged to - he would go away...
He gave a gasp of surprise as he felt himself being lifted quite unceremoniously off the ground, blanket and all. With a small squeak of fear, he began to struggle. "Naruto, get up now or so help me I'll dump you in the water," Sasuke threatened, walking a few steps in the direction that Naruto could only assume was towards the river.
Well. When he put it that way... "I'm up, I'm up!" the blonde muttered, yelping indignantly when Sasuke continued walking towards the water. "Put me down!" he commanded, thrashing about even harder.
"I should throw you in anyway. It would serve you right for overreacting the way you did earlier," the dark-haired boy murmured in his friend's ear.
"You didn't help anything with your name-calling," Naruto growled, redoubling his struggle against the taller boy's arms.
"I wanted to apologize earlier," Sasuke informed him, finally relinquishing his hold on Naruto and placing him carefully on the ground. "There was no good time before now. I am sorry though."
The change in Naruto's demeanor was immediate. Applying a good deal more attention than necessary to extracting himself from his blankets, the shorter boy kept his head down, avoiding his friend's eyes. "It's fine," he said at last, still refusing to look up. "I deserved it for freezing up. You had to say it. I understand." Privately, he congratulated himself on keeping the hurt out of his voice.
With the same unsettling speed he had demonstrated during the fight, Sasuke was kneeling in front of the despondent blonde, one hand beneath Naruto's chin, forcing the boy to meet his gaze. Surprised blue eyes met solemn black ones and for a few moments they stared at each other, each unable to look away.
Finally, Sasuke slowly dropped his hand, still holding Naruto's eyes with his. "I... Really am sorry," he said quietly.
This time, Naruto did not immediately look away. "It's not your fault, Sasuke. It was mine."
"I didn't have to call you names, though."
"At least I deserved this one," the blonde sighed, clenching his fists and dropping his head once more. Before he could complete the motion, Sasuke's hand was there, forcing the smaller boy to maintain the eye contact. This time, he brought up his other hand to gently cup his friend's face as well. He could feel his friend trembling.
"You didn't deserve it, Naruto. Anyone could have choked in that situation. Especially as a first real fight." Sasuke spoke quietly both out of consideration for their sleeping companions and out of concern for the shaking boy before him.
"Then why did it have to be me? Why not Sakura-chan, or even you? Why only me?" he could not keep the despair and bitterness out of his voice, and for the first time he struggled against Sasuke's touch, jerking backwards. "Why am I always the one left behind? Always!"
"You're not being left behind. Just wait. You will have the chance to prove yourself to everyone. We can't expect this to be the only attack." Fleetingly, Sasuke wondered how the boy could be so sure of himself during the day and be so vulnerable at night. How had he handled being alone for his entire life? How often had he felt like this with no one to comfort him...? Sasuke knew the pain of loneliness all too well, but this was beyond even his experience.
"I know," Naruto replied in a small voice, "but why does it have to hurt so much?" Sasuke was startled to see tears shimmering in the blue eyes that sparkled in the moonlight as they regarded him.
Without pausing to think, he reached out and took one of Naruto's hands with his, tentatively pulling the smaller boy towards him and smiling ever so slightly as the blonde obediently allowed himself to be tugged forward. They were so different and yet so similar... He could feel the perpetual warmth that Naruto radiated flowing into their connected hands, infusing his body. A change was rippling through those brilliant eyes as Sasuke urged them closer, the sadness melting away and being replaced by - by what?
Abruptly, Sasuke looked away, trying to pull his hand back as a wave of conflicting emotions threatened to sweep him away. Only Naruto... Only he could generate this confusion. This... Why was he still looking at Naruto? Peripherally, he became aware of soft fingers gently forcing his chin up just as he had done for the other boy. And now he was the one being pulled forward until he was so close to Naruto that he could drown in those eyes. So close that he could feel the blonde's breath on his face...
The moment was over almost as quickly as it began. A clumsy brush of lips, a bump of noses, and then Sasuke was wrenching himself away, trying to reclaim himself. Stumbling backwards in his haste to get away, he found himself on his backside, supporting himself with shaking hands whose fingers were digging into the grass. The full impact of what had just transpired was beginning to dawn upon him.
What had they just been doing? What had they just DONE? Bewildered, Sasuke brought up one hand to touch his lips. They had just kissed... Again, he amended with a rueful mental laugh. And this time it had been intentional and even consensual. But... It wasn't like he thought it would be. It wasn't a romantic I-love-you kiss, nor was it a sensual or lust-driven kiss. No. It was a moment of reconciliation between two friends. A moment of mutual trust and understanding which transcended the boundaries of words. He wasn't in love with Naruto, or with anyone for that matter, but he did feel a very strong bond with his friend. Perhaps someday that was destined to develop into something more than friendship, but not now. Not tonight. Still... It had felt surprisingly good. Surprisingly right.
Indeed, whatever had taken place tonight was not what it appeared to be on the surface, nor was it a bad twist in events. It just... Was. It was a silent promise to one another. A promise of friendship and of mutual care and concern. A promise that warded against the premise of future loneliness. A promise that, come what may, they would still have this night, this moment of safety and contentment to reflect on. They would still have one another. Sasuke could accept that.
From the blonde's bemused expression, a similar realization had occurred to him, too. Their eyes met, and Naruto smiled. Not that squinty fox-smile with which everyone who knew Naruto was familiar, but a slow smile that warmed his entire face. Sasuke could not help but smile back. The walls that he had built and hidden behind for all these years had been breeched. They were crumbling, and he had no desire to rebuild them. Perhaps true strength did not lie in hatred and isolation as Itatchi would have had him believe. Even thoughts of his older brother did not seem as painful tonight..... He was destined to kill that man, to avenge the rest of his family, but tonight the burning need for vengeance seemed diminished. Tonight, he was deliciously free. Tonight, with the stars, the moon and a small slice of sunshine as his witness, he had broken free of the shackles of hatred.
The rest of the night passed uneventfully. Very little was spoken; words would only diminish the calm peace that had settled between them. Both knew that morning would come all too soon, bringing with it the trials of a new day. Despite all that had happened during the night, they must still perform their well-worn charade for the benefit of others. They must still act as though nothing had changed. Naruto must continue to smile as if nothing could ever bring him down while Sasuke must maintain his impenetrable calm.
Come what may, though... They were together. And they always shared this memory. This promise.
............
A/N: That chapter... Was amazingly hard to write.
Umm... What else? I have a small songfic started that I lost the rhythm of in the middle. I'll finish it the next time I am in the proper mood. I'm starting to teach myself written Japanese now, so that may take up some time... Part of what takes so long getting each chapter up is that I handwrite everything before it's ever typed and then proofread and tweak for like three hours at a time. I don't like posting things that aren't as perfect as I can make them.
Bleh. I don't know what else to say. I'm really not in the mood to reply to reviews right now. Thank you all so much for your input. It really has been taken to heart (or just awed and smiled at in some cases =D ). I suppose that at this point your reviews (or lack thereof?) will determine whether I continue with the story or start a new one. Maybe I'll just do both if people seem to like this. So... Have at it?
I know that a lot of you read this in the author's note that I once had posted as chapter 12 of this fic, but ff.net doesn't seem to like chapters that are author's notes, so I'll tack it on to the end of this chapter. For those of you who have read my author's note, this is (pretty much word for word) the same thing. I am sorry that this got bumped up to the top of the list again, but blame ff.net:
All right. I've made my decision, and I'm fairly happy with it. I'm going to offer you all a compromise.
This fic is, for all intents and purposes, done. I began it to show a side of Naruto that was never given any consideration, and I have accomplished that. At THIS POINT in the series, there really is nowhere else to go with my storyline. I have been trying to add to the timeline, but I feel that if I continue this any further I will simply begin detracting from the quality of the work. It will make it less believable.
Now, before anyone who actually liked this story decides to kill me, here is what I have decided to do:
This fanfiction is finished, but there is still much, much more I would like to do with this characterization of Naruto and Sasuke. Therefore, I will be writing at least four sequels. Yes, that's right, at LEAST four sequels. In other words, I've just completed the first part in what I suppose is going to become a series (until I get bored or sidetracked or until you all boo me off the proverbial stage, whichever comes first). I'm going to outline them in here, but like it or not these are the four definite ones you are getting. I'm open to other possibilities, too...
The first is already written. It is called Bridging the Gap, and it is available through my profile. It is a one shot concerning the aftermath of the Zabuza arc. I find it unnecessary to write out the entire thing; a one shot should do the trick quite nicely.
The second will take place in the month between the second and third parts of the Chuunin exam. This may or may not be a one shot fic.
The third is going to touch on the Itatchi encounter, but will focus more on the events leading up to and following Sasuke's departure. This will almost certainly have multiple chapters.
The final fic I have planned in this series will take place at least ten years in the future. This will probably be the longest of the five, but will very likely not be written until I have seen the outcome of the latest arc concerning Sasuke.
So there you have it. Underestimation is officially finished, but you guys should hopefully have quite a bit of writing to look forward to. I will consider reasonable suggestions of other points which are deserving of "checking in" on the characters, but I feel that in the long run this will keep the story interesting and allow me to play with the character growth at a much more reasonable pace. Underestimation set the foundation for an awful lot of development, but that development had no place in the fic. I hope you all understand.
I've also been working on quite a few one-shot fics. I have at least four more in the works (read: partially written), and there are several others that I simply have not gotten around to starting, so be sure to look for those, too!
There's really not much else to say. If anyone wants to talk to me, all my contact info is in my profile. So, until the next part in this series... Thank you all for reading and reviewing. I hope you enjoyed =)