He's broken...

It's probably a newer in the fantom thing where people actually mention first kills and how they affect the character they write about but besides Naruto heaving after his kill and washing his hands because he still sees blood, him throwing out his jacket and Kenai because they are both permeated by blood are new things I haven't read about yet. And having Naruto be so affected by his kill since it's usually other people that leave me thinking you are trained to be a killer/murderer, why are you so surprised that you have to kill? I like your rendition of of Naruto's reactions, he's the only character I feel a tie to in this story because everyone else just comes off cold. They feel like the strange ones to me and less human. And then Naruto starts seeing himself as a tool because he wouldn't be able to cope otherwise and I think that's probably what everyone else did too. This was depressing but well written, thanks for sharing.

A wonderful job, as usual. It would be great if it had been depicted in the anime, however. The whole Konoha 11's too happy-go-lucky guilt ties-me-not.

just , beautiful !

This story perfectly drives home th point why Naruto isn't so much a shinoby but a samurai.

Wow!

Great fic.

Its a great idea for a fic.

well done!

X

decent, but not as good as your others, i have to admit. i don't know that that's what they mean by being tools. i don't think they see it as a cop-out of responsiblity. you'd have to be pretty far in denial to not see yourself as a killer at that point. that's what personal codes of honor are for i guess. better to have that than just following society's judgements. poor naruto, assuming he's odd for not liking the kill.

Wow... thats deep.

This is so...sad. But in a very real way. At least in the Naruto world. But really, I guess it's also like the real world in some ways. Which is depressing.

I have a slight problem with the seemingly lack of emotion, but, depending on where you're coming from, that actually works. What I mean is, are you writing this from the future, looking back; I.E. after Naruto had accepted it? Or is it in real time; I.E. when you say weeks later that actually means a time shift in the narration? Because if it is the latter, I think it would seem more real of you put in the sense of...hysterical horror. And then after that you can go numb acceptance. But if it is the former than I suppose it works that the whole thing can be sort of abstract and cold.

But I like how you pretty much captured the...essence of what Naruto would have felt during his first kill. I just thought it sounded rather numb even in the beginning.

Made me want to cry at the end.

'A tool knew nothing so abstract as honor.'

Beautiful

Well, you've just gone and killed the whole anime. Good for you! _

But seriously, this was very well written and very well done, and I liked the reference to Haku. Definately one of the best one shots I've ever read.

Again, another beautiful one-shot written by you; you are really good at this. :) Keep writing!

I wonder if Kishimoto would ever directly address this issue.

Interesting idea. I’m surprised people haven’t written about it. You’re the first Naruto author I’ve given a chance so I can’t say much about my experience… XD What I love the most about your fics is that you start off immediately with the angst. You think that Konoha takes assassination jobs that’d harm decent people? I don’t think they go that far. Your Naruto is cute. So empathetic. His thoughts on being able to succeed without killing makes me think of Trigun. Love the transition at the end with his accepting what a shinobi is. Great fic! Love your narrative, as usual.