I am having serious trouble working up motivation to write, which is frustrating. Like, I will open a document, check where I was in the story, type maybe five words, and... nothing. Blank. It's particularly annoying if I've been mentally juggling and arranging ideas earlier in the day so I know roughly where I want to go and just can't quite get
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He rubbed a hand over his scar and added, "I can give those parents a list of training exercises, and suggest some chuunin or jounin who might be willing to give a few introductory lessons in specialized skills, but I don't have time to give every child the personal attention they'd need to stand level with their clan-raised classmates. Neither do the other teachers. And it would be unethical for me to play favorites."
Yukiko let her head thump down onto the table and curled her arms inward to shelter her face. "I thought that might be it. Ugh. Remind me again why ninja villages are a good idea?"
"Because otherwise we'd have anarchy," Iruka said promptly. "Also this way civilians and people outside the main branches of the clans have a chance at breaking through, and we can teach everyone that ninja need to work together and retain some humanity instead of being solitary and emotionless tools of their clans or employers. It's nowhere near perfect, but it's a start."
"Right," Yukiko said into her jacket sleeves.
Iruka tapped his foot against the leg of her chair. "It's unethical for me to play favorites, but you're not responsible for all my students. You're already providing a training space, some basic taijutsu tips, and stealth practice when they try to sneak into your office. If you want to do more..." He trailed off into meaningful silence.
Yukiko knocked her head lightly against the table. "Whoever taught you how to apply guilt trips should be terminated with extreme prejudice. Or possibly promoted. Something, anyway. You do realize that I have no teaching background whatsoever, they're not anywhere near ready for genjutsu yet, and it's hard to teach ninjutsu when you can't demonstrate any of the techniques, right?"
"I'm sure it's very difficult," Iruka said, amusement leaking through his attempt to sound sympathetic. "I suggest you learn from Naruto and think around corners."
"I hate you," Yukiko said without heat. She raised her head and glanced at the yard to make sure the kids hadn't fallen into a trap or otherwise gotten themselves into trouble. They seemed to be hanging by their knees from tree branches and throwing leaves at each other -- not the safest game imaginable, but they weren't up too high and they weren't using live weapons, so whatever. She sighed.
"Okay, fine. I'll do what I can on the ninjutsu front," she told Iruka as she stood and began to gather the remnants of their lunch. "But you have to look over all my plans and give me advice--"
"I told you, I can't play--"
"--and when you've made sure I'm not going to screw the kids up forever, you can hand those plans out to any other concerned parents. Even civilians. They'll work for civilians, because otherwise I won't be able to follow them myself," Yukiko finished. "It won't be much, but like you said, it's a start."
"Fair point," Iruka said after a moment. Then he smiled, picked up a stack of empty rice bowls, and opened the building door with his free hand. "But first, let me help you clean up."
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This was a fantastic fic (and I'm so glad it was able to double as a fill for your Bingo). I love how you examine the everyday structure of Konoha's society, how it works, and the flaws involved in the system. It makes your stories come alive in a way that many don't.
You can just tell how much love Yukiko and Iruka have for Naruto, Shinnin, and Sakura (and Iruka for all of his students).
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Yukiko likes to think she's a cynical grump, but she's really kind of a marshmallow. *wry* Iruka just genuinely likes people in general, I think, and these three kids in particular, though he does try to be evenhanded toward all his students so as not to abuse his position.
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