Q & A Session 3

Haven't done this for a while so I have a backlog of stuff sent in through the askbox from September.

I'm skipping some of the messages sent in- stuff that you've already gotten the answers from reading my normal posts. (Stuff like: Draft well wishes. When is the next update? Am I still alive and writing? What is the meaning of life? Etc.)

I'm also skipping the super nice messages that have been sent it because they're not really questions and they don't really need public replying to. But even so, I'd like to say that I really appreciate those nice messages you guys send in randomly.

Q1. Well I hope you're happy Missy, because i did procrastinate with you instead of writing my report! (my deadline got extended later XD) Regarding a previous ask about other characters showing up in AtO, it makes sense that Harry doesn't immediately interact with the entire main cast, however it felt strange that the others(Konoha11, IRUKA!) aren't insanely curious about Harry. I mean Neji and Hinata definitely know about the perils of family. And they all know how far Naruto goes for a precious person. And they would definitely feel protective of Naruto. What if the new civilian cousin gets involved with the craziness around Naruto and goes 'nope' and leaves? Good riddance obviously but it would hurt Naruto especially if he gets attached or had high hopes. I can imagine them ambushing Shikamaru (Ino in front) about details of Harry. Or maybe they'll stalk Harry around the village for a day. WAS ONE OF THEM THE NOSY OLD WOMAN IN CH:10? That would be so funny.

A. First of all, I hope you aced that report after all that procrastination.

To be honest, the more I write AtO, the less I care about the other teams of the Konoha 11. There's just no situation to bring them in for more than a brief mention. And I do not want to lose any momentum by trying to force them into scenes or conversations. 

They just don't interest me.

Naruto might have to interact with some of them sporadically due to ninja business, but Harry has other priorities and things to do. So, I'd rather focus on writing more scenes with the characters Harry already has connections to. 

As for them feeling curious, they probably are. But will they actually do something about that? I don't think so. None of them seem overly concerned with anyone else's family matters in the group. Not unless they're already really close friends or family friends.

I think the the whole protective feelings are something that make sense for team-mates who meet on a more constant basis. So having Sakura watch and assess Harry as part of her 'I'm going to protect my team' growth makes more sense to me instead of any of the Konoha 11.

Leftover Advent Prompts (1)

I'm in a celebratory sort of mood since I finished a particularly difficult chapter for my AtO draft so... here's one of the leftover prompts that I never had a chance to write during my Advent postings.

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“Could I see some guys trying to ask Harry out but Izumo amd kotetsu try to stop guys fr asking harry out?”

“You know I can go shopping on my own,” Harry told the man by his side. “I've been doing it for a long time.”

Kotetsu shook his head. “That was before. Things have changed. Things are much more dangerous.”

“How?” Harry prodded, unable to hide his annoyance at having an escort to go everywhere for the past week. “How is it dangerous? No one else seems to be in any danger.”

“They aren't. You're the only one in danger.”

“Shouldn't you at least tell me what kind of danger I am in?” Harry asked with exasperation. “You and Izumo have been acting weird for the past week.”

Kotetsu seemed to think about it for a moment and then dismissed the idea. “No, it's better if you don't know. There's no need for you to be bothered about it.” Kotetsu punctuated his words by glaring at a passing ninja, something that had become the norm over the previous days. 

I am bothered by your constant hovering, Harry wanted to say, but he bit back his words as they walked through the village heading to the markets.

They barely took a step forward before Kotetsu straightened with a stern expression on his face. Giving Harry a look to stay put, Kotetsu disappeared in a swirl of leaves. 

Harry blinked at the empty spot for a moment before he turned to walk forward but had to pause as someone blocked his way.

“Harii-san?”

Harry frowned as he looked up into amused eyes. “Is the Hokage calling me?”

The ninja, clad in the usual green flak jacket over blue, shook his head. “Ah no, I'm not here to deliver any messages.”