The Way of the Ninja

You guys are great. XD
I'd reply to all of you individually but I'm typing this up in a separate document at school(I'll update it at home) because school hates LJ. And Myspace. And fun.
Anyway, I want to THANK YOU all for being so understanding. (You guys are the best!) I want to GROAN in unison with those who feel my pain. (School/AP/IB/tests-in-general must die!) I want to LAUGH at my own dorkiness. (Yes, I am aware of it.) But most of all, I just want school to be over. (Who doesn't?) T_T
No, school does not end in the middle of May, though I wish that was true. It ends in the middle of June but after the hellish testing of this and next week, finals will seem fairly easy. Well, save for my French final. That will seem fairly EVIL.
I'm feeling pretty optimistic right now, even though I have one of those horrid AP tests this Friday(I've studied for everything BUT that test XD). So, as my optimistic mood drives to, I'd like to say that, yes, the hiatus will be over by next Friday or the following Friday.
But the end of hiatus does not mean that you guys should go looking for a new chapter by May 18th or 25th. It simply means that I will start writing again. I need to make the chapter before you all can read it. XD
However, my optimistic mood won't let me stay in denial for too long. I'm still very deep in the black hole of Writer's Block-dom. I seriously cannot write right now. I tried watching old Naruto episodes, reading old mangas, consuming a ridiculous amount of sugar... it's just not clicking. I know what will happen but it's just not flowing.
Fear not. This story will not end, not unless I happen to meet my untimely end, which, considering my health and age(and ignoring the unpredictable nature of life), is not going to happen any time soon.
But I need inspiration. I need ideas. I need your help. If it's not too much trouble, could you provide me with something Naruto related? Interesting fanart, funny stories, odd theories, you name it. You'd be surprised at what motivates me. Sometimes just getting myself into what I call 'Naruto-mode' helps me write.
It could be yours, it could be others, it could be just odd things you've found on the internet. It just has to be about Naruto. I know this might be asking too much but I really need to get back into the game, so to speak. The best way to do that is to get involved with the fandom again.
But I don't have time to do it on my own. If you have the time to even send me just one deviantart link, I'd appreciate it. I'll probably ignore it for two weeks, but when I finally have the free time to check my LJ again, I will view and appreciate it all the same.
Ugh, the lunch bell... Okay, I have to stop here. Sorry for not being able to update and thank you if you decide to help!

Wow, long time no see! *dodges rotten tomatoes*
Yes yes, I know. You want the chapter. Ugh.
...
...
...
And that is what pretty much sums up the chapter: ugh. But anyone who suffers the same pains of school will know that the whole "March/April/May/June" period is hectic. Actually, I got about half of the chapter done in March but... ugh. Between studying for SATs, APs, IBs, and wondering if my English teacher is going to eat me, I just have not had the time nor the motivation to write.
Sorry about this, you guys. I know you want the chapter(AND YOU WANT IT NOW OR ELSE!1!!!11) but I don't think it will be coming out any time soon.
In fact, I should probably put my story on a temporary hiatus until... hm, the middle of May, because that's when school should start slowing down(and when I'll be done with my tests T_T).
Again, I'm sorry, but it won't come out for a while. Yes, I know: Bad author, BAD! But life sometimes just has to be a priority.

I've been having a bit of trouble writing the next chapter. I know what's going to happen, of course. I just can't seem to focus long enough to actually put it down into words. Hoping to find some inspiration to write, I decided to read some of my previous chapters, more specifically chapters 1 through 12.
And all I have to say about that is "Oh my god... you guys actually read that crap?" XD
Editing is no longer a nice idea. It is a necessity! I realize that I wrote that stuff three years ago but I had no idea that it was so bad.
Oh well. Someday, it will be a lot better. I promise. If not for your sake, then for mine.

I will update tonight/early next morning. I thank those who have been patient, and shake a fist at those who haven't.
I've made my chapter a little longer as a half-hearted apology that my life has interfered with your enjoyment, and now I just need to read the chapter over.

Random observations:
John Hancock was a gutsy little bastard.
Ever noticed that Kakashi is usually called "Kaka-sensei" in the anime? Or is it just my bad hearing?
Drinking three Rock Stars all at once = BAD IDEA

EDIT: Mwuahaha. Early morning, it is. 1:18, the chapter's out. Go read it. It's long. If your alerts aren't working, feel free to direct your whine my way and I'll put the link up. But I'm too tired to do it now. Mmmeeehhh.. *falls asleep*

Hey guys. I'm in the middle of finals and last minute projects so I can't update this week. I'll have the next chapter out next weekend for sure.
And we might have to continue following this same tread. The new term is coming up fairly quickly and, with it, I have a few changes in classes. While three of my classes are year long and are moderately difficult, the two new classes that I'm going to get next term will decide if I'll be able to update once a month or if I'll have to take even longer.
The classes are probably easier than the ones I have now. I did well in my first two French classes so I don't think that class will be too hard. It's just my psych class that I'm worried about. Depending on how many projects I have to do and how much homework is assigned, I might have to put my story on the back burner for a while.
But I wouldn't worry about it too much. I refuse to stop my story. It just might take a little longer, but it will get out.

Hey, is it just me, or is the email alert system not working again? >_< Anyway, if you're curious and haven't been alerted to this already, I've uploaded a new chapter.
Here it is: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2147268/54/
It's the "raw" version of it, so if there's any obvious errors, please inform me so I can fix them.
And also, thank you to everyone who wished me for me to have a happy holiday. : )

Unfortunately, due to a miscalculation as to how much of my time would be taken up by in-laws and relatives, the next chapter of For the Love of my Friends will have to wait a bit. I assure you, it's more than half way done and it will be up either before this year is over, or right on the first of January.

Oh, and does anyone remember what Neji says right before he 'sixty-four hands' some poor person? You know, right when that glowing green ying and yang thing appears? If someone could remind me of this, it would be a big help with my chapter.

As much as I love you people, sometimes you really piss me off. Not in a 'I'm going to kill you all' way, but in a more mild 'I'm going to entertain thoughts of violence' way.
Please realize that, yes, I'm female and, yes, I'm moody. Best not to press my buttons too much, yes?
I think my point is best made through this email that I sent to one of the many people demanding another update. If you know me well, you know how much I cringe at that. Well, this time I did more than cringe. Here's the email:

Okay... *sighs* First of all, let me enlighten you where I'm coming from.
My chapters are long, as I'm sure you have noticed. Since they are long, it takes time to write them. This time, understandably, must pass before the next update. Catching my drift?
I really really do not want to have to say "Don't bother me about updating" on my author notes on every chapter. For one, it makes me cranky and for two, it makes other people cranky. Yet some of you don't understand why I can't crank out a chapter every week or so.
Allow me to let you get a glimpse into my life. For five days a week, I go to school and I work. That leaves only the weekends to write. However, despite only having the weekends to write, I try to get out the updates in a month. If I don't, I don't, but at least I try. However, it makes me annoyed, when I use my only free time to write the chapter, to see people emailing me and demanding when the next update is and accusing me of ending my story.
Please, realize I'm not angry at you. Annoyed, yes, but not angry. You simply are the fourth person who has emailed me, asking me the same thing. You have the unfortunate honor of having my spleen vented at you.
To answer your question, no, it's not out yet and yes, it will come out. In time. After I have written it, and not beforehand. Check FFnet after x-mas, it should be up then.
And I am sorry for whining at you, but please do not bug me about updating again. You can email me for any other reason, to discuss the weather in your region or to complain about a sibling or a relative, but do not ask about updates. It's annoying.

---Foxie-sama

Beware of the pissy-ness. Do not poke the creature called female in the eye for it will bite you in half then cry bitterly over your remains.
... that means stop bugging me about updates, people. They will come.

Alrighty, just for those who were curious, confused, and/or forgetful, here's the Chuunin Final Exam line up.

*Edit: Forget my visual aid. It died a most horrible death. >.<

Just in case this comes out wonky(Edit: which it did), I'll put this in text as well. For the first round, it's Naruto vs Hinata, Shino vs Neji, Kankurou vs Shikamaru, and Sasuke vs Lee. Gaara doesn't have to fight until the third round, where he will be fighting the victor of the round one and round two battles(kank and shika, sasu and lee). The victor of the Naru Hinata battle will fight the victor of the Shino Neji battle while the victor of the Kankurou Shika battle will fight the victor of the Sasu Lee battle. And then, the unlucky winner of the latter of the two battles will have to fight Gaara while the former winner gets to rest a round before they(Naruto, Hinata, Shino, or Neji) have to fight whoever wins that other battle, the victor(Shika, Kankurou, Sasu, or Lee) or Gaara.
Edit: Eh...*passes out* This was easier to explain with my picture... >.<
To see how this actually plays out, you have to read the next chapter! ^^ Well, when I get it out... which should be in a week or two.

Has anyone noticed how massive the Naruto fanfiction section at FFnet has become? Of course, the Naruto fandom was huge before it came to the US, but I didn't think that the stories would increase all that much. And yet, they have, about ten or twenty thousand stories since the butchered Naruto(I weep every time I see it, it's so bad) has aired on TV.
Of course, this makes wading through the site to find a good Naruto fic impossible when before it was only slightly impossible. I think FFnet should have a rating system. It would make story hunting a lot easier.
Oh, I'm trick or treating tomorrow. ^^ And before any of you say "You're too old to go trick or treating!", allow me to remind you of two words: FREE CANDY. *nods sagely* I know a good deal when I see one.

I don't know about you guys but my chapter alert thing on FFnet doesn't seem to be working.
So, if you didn't get it already, here's the latest chapter:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2147268/52/
I updated it at five o'clock this morning. XD I spent all night finishing it, so if there's any weird errors, please note that I was half awake at the time.

Almost done with the chapter. So close I can practically TASTE it. So, it'll be out tomorrow or the day after.
The PSAT wiped me out and I ended up sleeping all weekend, then getting sick. >.<
But I'll get the chapter out soon and, yes, the Chuunin Final Exam has FINALLY started. XD
*bangs head on table and begs any and all higher powers have mercy and end the filler episodes*

EDIT: So, I lied. ^^;;; Sorry. I have an essay, a couple of projects, and a Chem test. I am even closer to finishing now than I was originally, but I have to study and finish up with the projects or else I'll fail my classes and get my computer taken away. ^^ And no one would want that, I'm sure.
I'll try to make the chapter a little longer as an apology for making you guys wait so long.

So here's to another chapter of For the Love of my Friends. You thought it was dead, didn't you? I delight in proving you wrong.
Anyway, I was reading over my email and I realized that there were some reviews on older chapters, mostly from newer readers just starting to read my story. And they basically pointed out stuff that some of the older readers pointed out but I never got around to fixing.
There's a point in my mad ramblings, you know. The point in question is the quality of my earlier chapters. In plainer terms: My earlier chapters suck.
Now, I'd like a show of opinion. Not a vote or anything, just tell me what you think. Should I rewrite the first, say, twenty chapters?
The pros of saying yes to this is that, if you're the type that likes to read stories over and over, you won't have the same error staring at you in the faces. I would also be able to fix a few plot holes, reword awkward sentences, and make the story flow better.
The cons of saying yes are, of course, I probably won't update with a new chapter for a long time. And I might end up changing things that you really liked about the beginning chapters.
I know a lot of people will complain about the 'no update' con, but that can easily be fixed. I could always submit portions of the newest chapter, as I finish them, to LJ and then, once I am done, piece together all the parts and put them on Ff net.
Anyway, the decision is yours. Well, not really. It's mine, but I still want to hear your opinion. ^^
Oh, and by the way, if you think I should rewrite the first twenty chapters, could you point out a few mistakes that I should fix? Such as a canon error, a misunderstood name(Ino-Chou-Shika disaster comes to mind..), or something of that nature? Spelling, obviously, will be fixed, but grammar, for me, is a lost cause. I know most of the rules but, apparently, I am butchering the English language because of my careless use of grammar. If there's a general rule that you always see me breaking(and it's not a rule that's so obscure that not even a grammar book beaten over my head will make me understand), point it out. A few examples of my mistake and the correct usage would be marvelous.
Anyone can throw in their opinions here, or even email or PM their opinions/complaints. I just really want to improve my writing, and where is it better to start than with the one thing I actually enjoy writing?

Yuck... YUCK! I have two presentations, one in Art Media(where I'm learning how to draw, yay!) and in History. The information on the one in Art Media is completely unknown since the teacher is incompetent in handing out detailed information for such events, but the one in History is supposed to be twenty to thirty minutes long! Yikes! T_T The only way to drag that one out is to make the people do their own notes, a glitch that I plan on taking full advantage of, ehehehe...
Anyway, more importantly(in some people's opinion), my chapter is about 97% done. I just need to read it over and finish up the parts I left half finished. It's just taking so long because there's a fire somewhere near where I live and all the ash and smoke in the air is giving me a headache. Translation: I am not in the mood to squint at my monitor.
Knowing me, however, I'll still strive to get it up by the end of the weekend, since I'm just that awesome. Right? *cricket chirp*

Nearing the end of first period, a dreadful time between 7:10 and 8:05, yours truly and a great bunch of other people were calmly and blandly informed to walk out of our classrooms to the football field.
Naturally, this didn't bother me. There was a rumor going around about an assembly that was supposed to happen today so all I thought about was who in their right mind would have an assembly this early in the morning. Well, besides the obvious squeal of freedom at being released early from my math class.
Three hours, ladies and gentlemen. I'll tell ya, the stands were not very hospitable. No backs, no cushions... They were only hard steel, cold, and wet with dew. This naturally led to a not very happy Foxie-sama but I endured, mostly because I sat with some interesting people who were kind enough to entertain me. Then decide that I myself was an entertainment, simply because of the abnormal amount of hair on my head. Girls, I swear...
I was saved from sitting there for another three hours by a knight in shining armor with an awaiting carriage(or, in other words, my dad in scruffy jeans and beaten up sneakers with an awaiting and equally worn out red van). He had to wait in line for an hour to rescue me. The school wasn't letting anyone out.
The point of this excerpt from the real life of Foxie-sama? It is simple: Please, please, PLEASE do not joke around about bombs. It's really not that funny.

I've seen 'Yondaime as Naruto's dad' everywhere. It's almost an accepted fact in the fandom(from how I see it) that he is Naruto's dad and is most likely named Arashi(where the hell did they get that?). It's a theory that I don't find so farfetched but needs to be pointed out to me before I can say 'Hey, maybe that's true...'. I'm kinda dense like that. Though I did figure Asuma was related to Sarutobi(boo ya! I was right! XD).
Anyway, from what I can see from their evidence that Naruto is the son of the Yondaime(looks, strengths, etc), I can also pull another conclusion. Forgive me if you've heard this before, but it's just a thought: Maybe the Yondaime isn't Naruto's father. Maybe, instead of killing himself while sealing Kyuubi(which the canon states or hints, I can't remember), he ended up sealing Kyuubi within himself. And somehow the jutsu works so Kyuubi's aura is weakened and thus, ends up weakening the Yondaime too(in a freaky way), turning him into an infant. Thus, Naruto is the Yondaime.
It would explain why the Sandaime was so nice to Naruto, why Naruto wants to be a Hokage(the subconscious reasoning of wanting his position back), why Jiraiya might have taken Naruto on as his pupil, why Yondaime is never named(lol), as well as a whole bunch of unanswered questions.
It's a theory that makes a lot of sense, providing that the 'Yondaime is the Akatsuki leader' and 'Yondaime is Naruto's daddy' theories are wrong. And, of course, if you take the most recent chapter of Naruto(321, I think?), you could also guess that Kakashi was actually saying that Naruto would become better than he used to be instead of what we took at face value, that he would overcome the Yondaime.

Okay, you guys. I know you want the next chapter. And you know what? I'm done with it. And you wanna know what else? Ff.net isn't letting me upload it. So I'm going to wait a while, see if it'll load then, and then, if it doesn't, start complaining to the right people.
Oh, and sorry for taking so long. The last couple of weeks have been complete chaos for me. School's starting up again(bleh) and my sister is getting married and expects me to go(double bleh) so I haven't had much time to write, let alone the patience to do so.
I've actually finished one of my oneshot ideas and will probably upload it on ff.net once it stops being a pain. It's not the best but I thought it was pretty interesting. But the most amusing part about it is that I wrote most of it before Kishimoto came up with the 'kage bunshin experience' thing.
Of course, that part of the manga helped me fix some of the sketchy and not very well explained parts of the oneshot, but it's still pretty amusing that I saw that 'kage bunshin experience' thing coming.

I've had a hard time focusing on writing the next chapter, something that I find plaguing me more and more as summer drags on. I'm sure it has something to do with my laziness...
Anyway, I started watching some anime on the internet, something I do often when I find myself stuck. When I just can't think of anything to write(writer's block, right?), I watch anime, read books, or play video games. This is often why I have a lot of different references to outside sources in my story.
One of the most recent ones was "Got it memorized?", a phrase that Axel from Kingdom Hearts II used often. I typed it down as something Naruto asks Sasuke and, when I looked it over and realized what I had done, I simply could not think of an alternative so I just left it as is. Some may consider me picking the brains of others by doing that, but I am human. I am not above being influenced. ^^
I digress. The anime I was watching to ease my writer's block was Ayashi no Ceres. It has a strange drawing style that I'm not used to(I've watched too much Naruto...), but I managed to finish the series(only 24 episodes! That's almost illegal!) yesterday.
And the reason why I took time to tell you about this is so you all can point and laugh at me. Me, the cynical, antisocial, and occasionally bratty writer. Why? Because, by the end of episodes, I was crying. I never cry.
But it's so sad! Ayashi no Ceres had an extremely morbid creator! Nearly everyone dies! But the one death that made me cry the most was when this guy, who was being victimized throughout the entire series, ends up giving up his life so that the good guys can kill the bad guy. I was like "No!! LEAVE HIM BE!! T_T" I totally didn't believe in happy endings while watching this series(it was too tragic!), but it ends on a semi happy note, I guess.
....
....
Well, I guess the only thing you guys get out of this is that there's no way in hell that I'm not giving For the Love of my Friends a happy ending.
*cough* Eh, I guess I'll go back to writing chapter 50. *slinks off*

I swiped this from barryr. This is nuts but hey it makes sense..

Can you read this? Only 38 people on livejournal can.

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I wuas rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.

The rset can be a taotl mses and yhou can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs rpsoet it.

ONLY REPOST IF YOU COULD READ THE ABOVE. Please update the number at the header to include yourself.

Totally creepy..

I have a friend(well, actually, I have a lot of friends.. but that isn't really the point) who is as obsessed with Lord of the Rings as I am obsessed with Naruto. I don't think she likes anime all that much(much prefering that Aragorn fellow she's always talking about) but she drew this for me! Yay, Naruto!
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/35844342/
It was for my birthday about a month ago. ^^ I would have totally commented on it but.. I kinda don't know how to work deviant art. ^^;;
I love the expression on his face. "You.. with the hair. Yeah you. I saw that." ^^ *spins around in chair with an insane grin* Check out her deviant art account and, if you like LOTR fics, check out her fanfiction net profile as well.
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/448934/
Laire! I'll turn you into a Naruto fan yet! Mwuhaha.. that was your first of many steps into the dark side. ^^