I'm rereading this again!

I'm going to reread this tonight!

Good work, here. Completion is a rare feat, and good completion rarer still.

It was - different. Far different from the way manga has gone.

Different from the later fics.

No prophecies and big explosions and series of powerups;
teenagers matter, but the older generation isn't irrelevant;
and some things are gradual, not shifted with a single battle.

Time does not heal all wounds here, but blood dries and scars are left.

Perhaps I was spoiled by the recommendation, I knew to expect the snake comeback.

I don't agree with all the reasoning, mind. Tsunade, scale of relationships, the inefficiency of ANBU...But the story itself well accomplished what it set out to tell.

Happy 300th, if you ever read this. Seven to twelve years...Enough time for another little ninja to be born, go through academy, and become genin at the start of this story.

That was amazing! I loved reading it. This will definitely be one fanfic that I reread in the future. :) :3 :D ;) ;3 ;D

Oh come on!

Nooooo! Don't kill yourself Sasuke! :(

Oh crap ! Kabuto!

Poor Sasuke. I hate those stupid evil counsel members! :(

Nooooo! Naruto! Don't die! Don't you dare die!

Kabuto is so mean! :(

This is really cool and interesting so far! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story! :) :3 :D ;) ;3 ;D

I very much enjoyed this story. It was really good.

Wow what an awesome story! It was interesting and captivating I had to finish it all in one sitting. It was well written and well put together, making it easy for the reader to place themselves within the story. The characterizations were lovely and each of them grew and matured but still retained their distinct personalities. I'm super happy that Shikamaru played such a supporting role, I've always thought he would be a great friend for Naruto!
The way these four connected was just beautiful and sincerly a wonderful way for Team 7 to end up together! Thank you for writing and sharing this!

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

I can't even remember who recommended this to me, but I can see why they were right on the money. The question of what becomes of Sasuke if/when he returns to the village is a fascinating one, and you seem to be tackling it in a great way. Your prose is fantastic. I want to see where it takes us.

That being said, you seem a little too keen on absolving Sasuke of his crimes, as there's no indication the Orochimaru Seal actually warps the recipient's mind. He IS a power hungry bastard, complex and tortured though he may be. I'm not sure I buy how overwhelmingly self-righteous and sneaky Naruto is either. He's not really the subtle type. More of a punch things with the Rasengan and his army of clones kind of guy. I just don't see him lecturing Jiraiya like that ever. So wildly out of character.

But this is an older, wiser Naruto so maybe there's been some growing up over the years we've yet to see.

I'm not sold on the characterization just yet, but you've got me on the hook so far.