Inaka

I'm not sure where this book will take me, but it's a mini project I've decided to work on at the same time as Sakura Shippuden. Inaka will not be prioritized first, so updates will probably be sporadic.

Inaka means 'countryside' in Japanese. My late grandmother actually lived there for most of her life, and when I visited her a few years ago, I got to experience it for a week. Aside from my own time, I also did some research about the dynamics between neighbors. There is a community within those that live in the inaka; this is something I wish to convey throughout my story. Everyone knows each other, and there is an intimate perspective into your neighbor's life. There are also a shit ton of BUGS. Also, during the summer, there are cicadas buzzing constantly. The air is so humid and I think I would have passed out if I hadn't been drinking water constantly.

My description makes it sound like Inaka is all about Itachi and Sasuke. This is not true. The point of view switches a lot, depending on which character is present. This book is mainly focusing on Sasuke's integration (or lack thereof) into the townspeople's lifestyles. He will make new friends like Naruto, but also be declared enemies by others, like Sakura (but then it goes from hating each other to loving one another because we all love that trope).

My inspiration and background-research came from an itasaku I read called "Butterfly", I believe, which entails a grown Sakura returning to her hometown (please read it it's so good) and also some reddit answers from people that lived in the countryside. I researched the types of fruits that grow during each season, what insects you would find in the inaka, etc. to overall improve the authenticity. I hope you enjoy, and make sure to look at my other works.