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I read the chapter Thursday night and haven't yet dipped my toe into fandom response. I learn a lot from listening to the reactions and thoughts of other people, but I can become biased from it too, so here's my take ... pre-influence!
Please note: This is very hurried! I am at my wit's end for time.
( Naruto 469 Review )
I'm going to table further analysis until more development takes place.
Nanowrimo starts this weekend!
It will be a miracle if I finish another chapter for White Rain...
- Mood:
contemplative
Genre: Romance, Smex, Drama, Some Action
Pairings: 1xR
Summary: A love affair, especially a secret one, is not something either Heero or Relena looked for, but feelings overwhelm rational objections, until a threat is issued against Heero... and potentionally the world
Full Story: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2447603/1/Am
It’s been a long time. A really long time. I have gotten many requests since the last chapter of this story to update it. Well... I have! But wow. If I were to rewrite this whole story over again (which is tempting) I would do it differently. I would keep the concept, and the feeling, but I'd put more cohesive thought into the plot. Oh well. Hopefully, this chapter will be worth the while. I'm not going to post it all on LJ because it is long and takes too long to tag in HTML (i'm nutty about formatting) but the first part is viewable!
( Read Chapter 10 of Amour )
Off to read Naruto chappy now. :)
( Chapter 461: The Kages Objectives )
( Chapter 462: Sasuke's Path of Hate )
( Chapter 463: Madara's Prediction )
( Chapter 464: Gaara Attempts to Reason with Sasuke )
( Chapter 465: Sasuke Chases Danzou )
( Chapter 466: Sasuke VS Mizukage )
( Chapter 467: Madara’s Moon Eye Plan )
( Commentary of the Moon Eye Plan )
Title: White Rain
Author: Zapenstap
Chapter: 10
Summary: [post manga] A mysterious woman arrives in Konoha seeking asylum for herself...and Itachi's children, but she's not everything she claims to be. A troubled Sasuke struggles with suspicion. As Hokage, Naruto needs to navigate his responsibility to the village, to his friend, and to this stranger seeking help. Itachi's son looks just like his father and is desperate to understand his heritage, but Sasuke can't acknowledge him. To earn approval and protect his family, Itachi's son determines to become a Leaf ninja.
This Chapter: Lucia remembers some of the brief time she spent with Itachi Uchiha. Hinata, Kiba, and Shino escort Lucia to the bank. After some inspiration, Itachi Jr determines to approach Sasuke and ask what's on his heart. Conflict intensifies for Sakura.
Notes: This Naruto fanfiction is set in Naruto-verse. I try to keep it as non-AU as possible...
Pairings: Multiple. So far SasuSaku, ItaOC, NaruHina, NejiTen, InoCho.
This Naruto fanfiction is for mature readers!!!! This chapter contains part of a ItaOC scene.
If you'd like to see the flavor/style of the story, follow the first link below:
( click here for SPOILERS mid chapter/mid story )
Otherwise, or furthermore, Read Chapter 10 of White Rain
Or click here to start at the beginning of the story
Naruto Chapter 460 Review
By Zapenstap
This review is mostly a reiteration, with some analysis, of chapter 460, followed by a little bit of speculation on how things are shaping.
( Review of Naruto Chapter 460 )
*****
For anybody reading my Naruto fanfic, I will be updating that in just a moment. This chapter coincidentally has a focus on a darkened, emotionally wrecked Sasuke (mitigated somewhat in the future) who can’t quite ‘get over’ Itachi’s life/death, so that was good timing. ^^
Naruto chapter 457 – 459: Quick Review
By Zapenstap
I love the new developments in Naruto. I said I would write about them last week, but I ended up not having time as I wanted to update White Rain (done—yay!) and then discovered two hours of Kakashi Gaiden animated (awesome). That the White Rain chapter had the same theme of teams coming together that’s in Kakashi Gaiden was entirely coincidental, lol. Kakashi Gaiden was so sad though. Hearing Kakashi cry was really…. O_o. I loved it ^^
And at the same time, the Naruto Manga is climbing to this emotional high that has me very excited. Usually, we are left to guess what the characters in Naruto are feeling as few Shinobi are typically not wildly expressive, but these last few chapters must be gearing up for an emotional reunion between Naruto and Sasuke (or assassination attempt….eek) because Kishimoto has been letting us into the hearts of even the most taciturn characters these last few chapters.
I can’t cover everything. There is too much going on! I’d really just like to highlight some things:
( NaruSaku VS SasuSaku )
( Sasuke's Decisions Affect Everyone )
( Danzou is Dastardly, But... )
And now back to tasty ficcage.
Title: White Rain
Author: Zapenstap
Chapter: 9
Summary: A few years post-manga, a woman arrives in Konoha seeking asylum for herself...and Itachi's children. Sasuke struggles with suspicion. As Hokage, Naruto needs to navigate his responsibility to the village, to his friend, and to this stranger seeking his help. Itachi's son is desperate to understand his heritage and know something about his father, but Sasuke can't acknowledge him. To earn approval and protect his family, Itachi's son determines to become a Leaf ninja.
This Chapter: Sakura tries her hand at being a Genin teacher. Lucia and Itachi Jr discuss a family secret. Itachi takes a version of the Bell's Test. Lucia and Naruto discuss Itachi Uchiha.
Notes: This Naruto fanfiction is set in Naruto-verse. I try to keep it as non-AU as possible...
Pairings: Multiple. So far SasuSaku, ItaOC, NejiTen, InoCho, NaruHina
This Naruto fanfiction is for mature readers.
( Click here for sample scene )
I am reviewing lazily... not as thorough as usual, though there are some interesting bits.
Recent developments in Naruto have been about Danzou, the Kage Summit, and Cloud Ninja getting all antagonistic over Sasuke.
( Review of Naruto 455 )
( Sakura's Reaction to Sasuke )
( Naruto Takes a Beating )
( Sai's Reaction )
( Does Sasuke Deserve It? )
( Naruto and the Fourth Hokage )
( Speculation About Danzou )
( The Conflict to Come )
Random Question Unrelated to Naruto: Do you refrigerate your eggs or not? Do you think eggs need to be refrigerated? I never thought about it until recently.
Naruto Chapter 451 was GREAT! I loved it.
In this review, I cover what happened, my thoughts on what Naruto says about Sasuke, what Sasuke says about his revenge, Danzou’s order, and a prediction about the future as regards a possible contingency plan by Itachi.
Note: I haven’t edited this thoroughly. I apologize in advance for sloppily worded ideas and mistakes.
( Cut to Full Review of Naruto Chapter 451 )
( Naruto's Reflecion Understanding Sasuke )
( Thoughts on Sasuke's Revenge )
( Madara's Plot and Danzou's Order )
( Itachi's Contingency Plan )
- Mood:
productive
I read chapter 450 of Naruto on the new Palm Pre from Sprint, which just came out today. It was so cool. Dubbed the ‘iPhone Killer,’ this sleek little baby was sold out of Sprint stores local to my area in about an hour. But I got one. It is my first cool phone. You can read my review of the Palm Pre from Sprint on my writer's blog if you want, but that is not my purpose here. I am here to review chapter 450 of Naruto. That is two chapter reviews in a row. Yes!
Naruto Manga Chapter 450 Review
By Zapenstap
This chapter was great. I really liked it. The first half was so fuzzy and feel-good. The latter half had an awesome twist.
( Read the rest of the Naruto Manga Chapter 450 Review )
I didn’t really have a big essay in mind for the end of the Pain Arc. I write when I feel the need to point out something important, but it seems to me that most people are on the same page with current developments. Still, I feel like commentary is necessary, so without further ado:
( Naruto Chapter 449 Review and Villain Remix )
Author: Zapenstap
Chapter: 8
Summary: A few years post-manga, a mysterious woman arrives in Konoha seeking asylum for herself...and Itachi's children. Sasuke struggles with suspicion. As Hokage, Naruto needs to navigate his responsibility to the village, to his friend, and to this stranger seeking his help. To earn approval and protect his family, Itachi's son determines to become a Leaf ninja.
This Chapter: Itachi meets his team and teacher. Naruto makes Lucia an offer.
Notes: This Naruto fanfiction is set in Naruto-verse. I try to keep it as non-AU as possible.
Pairings: Multiple. So far SasuSaku, ItaOC, NejiTen, InoCho, NaruHina
This Naruto fanfiction is for mature readers.
Read chapter 7 of my Naruto fanfic 'White Rain' at fanfiction.net.
- Mood: creative
In the meantime I have been book writing, blogging, moving, and fanfic writing. Most of that is going well.
I have a new chapter (chapter 8) for White Rain ready for a beta. I don't have a beta, so step up if you're interested. I'd love to have one, but if I don't get a beta by around Wednesday, I'll just post it. A beta makes me feel better because it helps me catch things I missed and reevaluate certain storytelling choices, but beta or not, I can't post a chapter of this story without getting at least one flame from someone anyway, so I might as well post! (note: it could be the same person returning every chapter to tell me what they hate about it, lol).
In other news, I have moved. I have a new apartment to go with the new position at the same company in a new office facility. There was a lot of "new" in that sentence. Work was overwhelming for a few weeks, but it's good now.
It is my birthday a week from today. :)
I am planning to get kittens!!!!!! ^___________^
Naruto Review of Chapter 437 – Hinata’s Confession
I haven’t felt the need to write any essays since the Ultimate Naruto Essay, the findings in which I think still hold. But as I was writing this review, insights kept occurring to me. It’s amazing how much you can learn by writing! I always try to offer new insights, something that someone hasn't said yet.
When I saw a spoiler for this chapter on Tuesday, I didn’t believe it. I thought "nah; no way all that would happen!" But it did O_o And I love it. It has me excited.
( Breakdown of Naruto chapter 437 )
( Predictions )
( Analysis of Pain's Pain )
( Analysis of Hinata's Love )
( Hinata's Fate )
Title: White Rain
Author: Zapenstap
Chapter: 7
Summary: A few years post-manga, a mysterious woman arrives in Konoha seeking asylum for herself...and Itachi's children. Sasuke struggles with suspicion. As Hokage, Naruto needs to navigate his responsibility to the village, to his friend, and to this stranger seeking his help. To earn approval and protect his family, Itachi's son determines to become a Leaf ninja.
This Chapter: Sasuke struggles with the knowledghe that Itachi Uchiha might have been a sadist. Itachi Jr. studies for the Academy Test.
Notes: This Naruto fanfiction is set in Naruto-verse and as non-AU as possible.
Pairings: Multiple. So far SasuSaku, ItaOC, NejiTen, InoCho, NaruHina
This Naruto fanfiction chapter emphasizes "mature readers". I've got adult concepts coupled with children who have to deal with them whether they want to or not.
Read chapter 7 of my Naruto fanfic 'White Rain' at fanfiction.net. It's too long for LiveJournal...
Title: White Rain
Author: Zapenstap
Chapter: 6
Summary: A woman arrives in Konoha seeking asylum for herself...and Itachi Uchiha's children. She wants the children to become Shinobi, but Sasuke is suspicious over her intentions. Naruto is Hokage, and Konoha is about to be tested. violence, intrigue, mature situations, OCs.
Notes: This Naruto fanfiction is set in Naruto-verse and as non-AU as possible.
Pairings: Multiple. So far SasuSaku, ItaOC, NejiTen, InoCho, NaruHina
This Naruto fanfiction chapter emphasizes "mature readers," but not for sex scenes. I've got adult concepts coupled with children who have to deal with them whether they want to or not.
I'm not going to post in my journal this time (unless I get a specific request), so please read Naruto fanfiction White Rain Chapter 6 at Fanfiction.net.
- Mood: accomplished
Naruto Manga Chapter 429 Review
I suspect a lot of people will have something say about this chapter! I almost wrote a response on Thursday, but instead I let it simmer for awhile, in case my gut reaction changed after a few days. It didn’t.
Note: Chapter 429 is better understood if read consecutively from the last couple of chapters. I recommend doing this actually. It made me appreciate this whole Pain-invades-Konoha arc more. This is what is happening:
In Naruto chapter 429, Pain learns where Naruto is training. This means there is no longer any need to hang around Konoha—or be careful in Konoha. Instead, Pain decides to clarify his agenda by blasting Konoha into oblivion with a God-like jutsu.
I would like to review the chapter, both what happened and what I think about it. I don’t expect what I have to say will be unique given the amount of conversation taking place, but I would like to touch on a few points for the benefit of anyone as obsessed with it as I am. These are as follows:
- Tsunade’s Confrontation with Pain in Naruto Chapter 428
- Naruto Chapter 429 Recap: Explanation and Review
- Speculations About Survivors
- About Pain’s Ideology
- Should Naruto Understand Pain?
- A Few Notes on Naruto and Sasuke
( Read more... )
- Mood:
impressed
WARNING: This is the second half of an essay. This essay was too long for LiveJournal. Part 1 of the Ultimate Naruto Essay can be found one post back!
Part 2 of Naruto: After the Time Skip
( Read Part 2 of Naruto Essay: Naruto As Hero Among Shinobi in Full )
How it Breaks Down
( Why Part 2 of Naruto is different than Part 1 )
( Why Naruto doesn’t seem to progress at all in Part 2 )
( Sasuke’s victories in Part 2 are purposefully hax )
( The meaning of Itachi’s conversation with Naruto in the woods )
( The real villains in Part 2 are more dastardly than we think )
( Naruto’s battles with the villains (Sasuke, Oro, Madara, Pain) will be moral battles )
( Naruto can’t win alone )
This essay is 28 pages and over 12,000 words (incredibly, chapter 5 of White Rain was longer). If you read all of it, please comment! I know it could use pictures to break up the space. Actually, it could use its own zipcode. I would like to make it a website, but I don’t have the hosting, ftp, design skills, or patience. I thought about putting it in WordPress as a blog, but blog software isn’t designed to be static and I don’t know how to hack the code. Also, I need to get back to writing Naruto fanfiction; (according to one reviewer, the Naruto/Sasuke fight came off pretty well, so yay.)
Feel free to friend me!
THE NARUTO ESSAY HAS BEEN FINISHED
I've been writing this essay since July 2008. I wrote it several times, but the drafts were a jumbled mess for the most part. So I kept throwing them away and starting over. It's difficult to evaluate a story in the middle of the telling, and I kept changing my mind. I ended up with this.
I considered not finishing it. I'll be the first to admit it's rather…involved. Also, the conclusion seemed so obvious after the fifth time that I didn't understand anymore what I was trying to explain. But then I remembered that at one time it must not have been obvious.
This essay is complicated in part because what started as an endeavor to make a statement about Naruto's character turned into a reflection of the entire manga as a cohesive story.
It should be noted that I evaluate Naruto as a shounen manga. I expect the story to adhere to shounen manga tropes. What rhetoric I use to make my point does so within the expectations I have for the story's genre. These expectations are subjective.
Forgive mistakes. I'm not perfect.
Naruto: Hero Among Shinobi
( Read the Ultimate Naruto Essay in Full )
How it Breaks Down:
( The Premise: Naruto in the Antithesis Ninja )
( Where Naruto learned empathy )
( Naruto's rivalry with Sasuke taught him to work hard )
( Naruto’s ideas about Shinobi are odd )
( Evaluating strength in Shinobi is a combination of physical and spiritual power )
( Naruto actually sucks in Part 1 )
( Why Naruto REALLY lost to Sasuke in the Valley of the End )
( What Naruto learns from Part 1 and what he thinks growing up means )
This essay was too long for LiveJournal (really) so The Ultimate Naruto Essay: Naruo As Hero Among Shinobi Part 2 - Shippuden can be found here.
