Yo.

Excuse my language, but holy fuck.

'Nuff said. That was genius.

Ja ne!
UK.

Hey Loren,

I think this's my second time reading this. Previously, quite a while back, I didn't really know what I thought of it, due to its nature. Now I can safely say that it's dark, perhaps not one I'd like to read too often, but truly what a shinobi is -- a weapon of Konoha.

I can well imagine Shikamaru making a decision he probably wouldn't have, just to protect Kiba and Neji. And having Kiba reproach him for not getting his hands dirty, though I'm sure he has, must've hurt him badly. Indeed, it's dirty work, and a rather disturbing notion. Following orders and all... I'm disappointed that Konoha chose to accept a mission as horrendous as that; I can hardly see them being heartless, knowing about who needed the herb more.

At the time this was written, I don't think Shikamaru had picked up his offensive shadow jutsus yet, so I thought you did well in creating a believable situation for him to be able to pull off his fight with Kankurou, and Temari, though I suppose he could leave his pouch empty and mime the action to prevent injury? Or perhaps he really has a plastic version, like Temari thought.

Something tells me that the day Shikamaru stole the plant was the day he'd made his decision about his life, and ANBU. For Temari, and for that other reason he'd probably given Chouji and Neji.

I really wish he hadn't made that decision; if Kakashi, Kiba (this I assume) and Neji could leave the dark past behind them and move on, Shikamaru probably could do, but because of what he'd done to Temari's brother; one he knows and probably knew well enough, I guess Shikamaru couldn't forgive himself.

But it still makes me wish there was another way out... Dark, indeed, and I can't say I'm fond of ficts of this nature, but I thought this image of shinobi was indeed a side that most people, including me, would prefer not thinking about or touching on. I'm actually feeling sombre and somewhat depressed now...

But moodiness aside, I thought you managed to pull this fict off well :)


~Shadow

wow

depressing, but wonderful to read.

Wow, that was deep...and dark...I LOVE IT! Great concept. Ingenious, really. I particularily love the part with Temari. You're sick, Shika :P

Amazing job!

oh god...
i dnt knw whether to squeal, cry or just...
wow...thts all i can say

It's gorgeous. Stunning. The writing style, the flow of the story, the characterizations - beautiful. You're an extremely talented writer.

It's just... tragic, dark, and beautiful. I have no words.

This is so beautifully tragic. Bravo for a story well written.

heartbreaking. at first, when you went to the flashback before Shikamaru's last mission, I thought that you'd let both of them live because he said that Neji quit but no. ugh, it's so damn realistic. you wrote really well. I'm depressed now.

This was...wow, such an exquisite masterpiece. You spun the tale brilliantly, from beginning to end. Every single scene, every single moment, and the ending was heart-wrenching. I'm just speechless. You cannot begin to imagine how spellbound I was from the first word and on. Everything was just...incredible.

A true piece of art. Thank you for writing this.

~Téa

A wonderful piece of writing. Thank you.

I've always been fascinated by the ANBU, and I think you've portrayed them well, with the description of their missions and the glimpses of their own little subculture. You characterized Shikamaru spectacularly, and I think the thing were you put the second-to-last scene after the second is great.

I was sad, though, when he killed himself and Temari. But well done.

Oh my goodness. That's all I can really say.

Every time I read this, my body seems to go into a state of shock - I'm just sitting in front of the computer with my eyes wide and mouth open. This fic is just amazing. I can't help but hate and love it at the same time; it's just so good and yet it makes me want to scream.

I have not read anything like this that can compare.

This is the second time i'm reading this, and as usual it still never fails to strike a chord in my heart. I enjoyed the play of light and dark, good and evil, and the very fact that a person changed cannot never undo such changes. It was a very mature take on Shikamaru's mindset, though I'm a bit surprised that Neji could lift the burden of ANBU of himself.

This is a very realistic fic, and it is commendable since many are usually not, and I really really like the idea of how konoha isn't portrayed to be all saint-like, but also that, no matter what, there are dirty jobs to be done, and there are people who willingly take on such dirty jobs. It's a form of escapism to Kakashi and Shikamaru, and this is brought out vvery clearly. The theme of loyalty to one's homeland or loyalty to one's self is also very rawly fleshed out. Great job :)