> Oh, so you meant put directly in the headlights of a significant plot point? If so, then I understand what you're saying a little more; it's difficult to imagine a guy like Shikamaru in his own arc centered around his importance. It's cool, I just got a little concerned that you might have believed no one but Naruto or Sasuke has the opportunity to have any focus and be more than simply supports. This rp is an ample opportunity to let these characters be a lot more than the author allowed, and I intend to take complete advantage of it. Development baby, I likes dat.

Yeah, that's probably what I was going for, just didn't know how to word it at the time. While I love the RP's premise of expanding the roles of each respective member of Naruto's graduating class, there's only so much you can do without seeming like you're trying to overshadow the others is what I think I was trying to say. Plus, this is probably just me, but I'm not quite sure just how much Shikamaru can really do, or rather, how well I can write his intelligence/combat style in an engaging way. It's kind of why I think I'd work better in an ANBU/Out of the way role so I don't have to suddenly show everyone up with my Batman smarts, because that's _obviously_ what would end up happening.

> Sorry if I come off a little aggressive, I've been in a pretty irritable mood due to a sore throat and a mixture of anxiety with classes starting once again. I'm pretty excited to start though, and hope we can all have fun ...if JD comes back ...*grumbles*

Nah, you're good mate, I can see how the way I phrased it sounded off-putting. In other news, I'll probably end up finishing the majority of Shikamaru's stuff today barring total guild failure. Do wish me luck in brainstorming just what his role in the overall progression of the RP will be outside of that one really smart guy.