Well, I don't even know how to start. I think telling it from the beginning will do) In the vastness of our magnificent anime community and in search of interesting samples for research, one day I came across this work. It was a manga version in the form of the first 2 chapters from StikyfinkaZ. Interest was piqued immediately after chapter 1, although at that time I did not think at all what it would result in. But then, unfortunately, the work was forgotten, because the manga was not finished (although I was lucky enough to find the beginning of chapter 3). Well, by the beginning of the quarantine, I decided to check out the fan fiction myself. Dude, I never imagined that I could read with such interest and not die of boredom. And that's why:
1) The opportunity to look at history in a different way. Before that, I hadn't read any fan fiction at all. So most likely my opinion may not be fully justified, but still... Naruto became my first anime (back in 2018) and then I fell in love with him. But over time, I began to forget myself a little. And while reading, interest in the Naruto universe returned again. As for me, it was quite interesting to observe the same events, but with new factors. As well as the fact that these events go up to chapter 42, namely before the Konan and Toby fight, and after that there are completely new events, which is very cool))
2) The main character. I didn't really dislike Naruto in the original, but he didn't have much to like either. Constant thoughtless actions, shouting, stupidity - well, somehow it didn't always come to me. Now, although it has not gone away, it has become more in moderation. Well, as an update, he has become more savvy, attentive to details, it is clear that he is training in new directions, in which he did not come close in the original. And also his goal: to bring peace. Initially, it really sounds very repulsive and I understand why most of the characters think it's impossible. But still, the development of this plan: from the infiltration of a spy to collect information and the first meetings (after Tayuya's joining) to the creation of alliances, the development of various infrastructures and large meetings in war rooms. It's very cool, as for me))) and it's also clear that Naruto is changing as a person even here. If you look at the beginning of the work and at the end, the worldview and goal remained the same, but the path to achieving them became very thorny later, because of the decisions he made. And the moments when he overcomes difficulties, inspires everyone around him and shows that he will do anything for the sake of dear people are priceless. He's incredible)
3) Relationships with women. Yes, this is a hentai harem, yes, in such works it is obvious how this will happen and it is clear why our heroines treat our protagonist in this way. And at first I thought so too, but over time I reconsidered my attitude in this regard. Still, I like the genre of "romance" in anime and it pays off here.)) It is very pleasant to watch how Naruto "negotiates" with new women, shows the seriousness of his intentions, and when the situation also gets tense and he shows that he is serious about the issue under discussion and that he really does not throw words to the wind, so this is generally beauty.)) The way he consolidates many of his relationships is also well shown. Things don't always go smoothly for him, he really quarrels with his lovers here, makes decisions that many people don't like, doubts his feelings himself. And the way he finds a solution, draws conclusions from his mistakes, and so on. Just pleasing to the eye)) I really like this. I like all the women in his Family and I think I will single out from them: Tayuya and Ino. Tayuya after this work is now my waifu)), and Ino according to the original has always been her too. But now it got stronger.)) All the others are no less cool)
4) The plot itself. As I said, I liked this idea. And yes, many points that have been discussed in the original for a long time, such as Toby's personality or Zetsu's secret, everything is already clear with them, but they are replaced by new interesting twists, which is also a plus. And watching our heroes talk about the moments described above and think what to do looks cool)) I am also grateful to the plot for revealing many aspects of Naruto's world. Many things were not specified in the original, such as the influence of the Daimyo or the development of trade, etc. Personally, I was interested. Yes, many of the moments and characters are taken from other anime or games, but it didn't bother me much, so it's normal)) and even in the last chapters, where the emphasis was more on many of the other anime. Well, on the one hand it looks a little off-putting, because it doesn't fit in a bit, but I accepted it and hope that in the future you won't push it.
Well, as for the disadvantages, I will say the following. I didn't find anything large-scale. I didn't really look for it, because I read to have fun, and not to shit on any particular moment or decision. But still, something confused me.:
After all, you have added many women so far just for show. It's not so bad for me, but still. In theory, they appear, join the Family and that's it. What do they have there, what do they do?.. No idea. But I really hope that attention will be paid to them later, and that since the story is far from over, I do not intend to draw early conclusions. It's just that there's a lot that hasn't been revealed yet.
And finally, to be honest, then, almost 4 years ago, when I first started reading, I was in a terrible depression, because I was finishing my studies at the university, which I practically abandoned from the 3rd year. Many times I was ready to just stop everything and give up, but something happened when I started reading your story. Whether it was a simple inspiration from the simple "don't give up" that this story conveyed, or just showing that in the worst case scenario, everything can change if you make an effort. Or the simple words that "Fate favors only the brave, because they were the only ones who really acted" or "Life is life, and if you don't enjoy its experiences because of other people's preconceived opinions about how to live, then this only means that you will regret it this is in the future."I don't know what it was, but for some reason, I felt really alive, which helped me move on. Since that moment, I have been working on myself for 4 years, which I did not do in principle, because I lived going with the flow. And it's all thanks to you.
I'm 25 now and although I haven't achieved much yet, I'm not going to slow down. I have read your story 9 times and now 10, but now with an emphasis on helping the translator with the translation into my language (Russian, tl.rulate.ru), because our translation needs to be finalized.
As a result, I want to sincerely thank you for your story and for the fact that you are still working on it. I don't think I can forget it and not wait for updates, because it may have really saved me.
Good luck and thanks!