Love this fic and I hope you come back to it someday soon!

The most ridiculous thing about this story is that Naruto got adopted and Jiraiya hasn't bothered to appear.

Now this isn't ridiculous because I think he should appear (even if he'd be a hilarious addition to the xanatos pileup that seems to be coming), it's ridiculous because it's entirely in character for Jiraiya to have done nothing.

Really, what the hell Jiraiya? Way to be a godparent.

I’ve really enjoyed the way you are rounding out all the characters, eliciting sympathy for both sides in their various situations. It took me a while to understand/warm up to Eiji and family, but I think you did a good job creating conflict that will cause the reader to be conflicted as well. I started reading this years ago, and it was an enjoyable read thus far. I hope to see this continue!

Hi, I have read and re-read the “Apartment manager” stories many times over the years. After reading the whole series recently I think I figured out why I like the original so much better than the sequel. You do Original Characters very well. But if I’m reading a Naruto fanfic it’s because I want to read about Naruto characters. In the original the main character is definitely Yukiko acting as our POV protagonist but Naruto is a close second in terms of time spent with him or thinking about him. Just like with the secondary characters of Naga being balanced by Iruka while Kakashi and Sandaime balance Naga and Iruka’s families. The original relies on Original Characters but they are always supported by Canon Characters. However, “Guardian” is very Original Character heavy. There are 3 storylines and I most enjoy the one with Yukiko and Naruto, while the one with Eiji and Ginji drags. I understand the ethical and moral political implications which I agree are interesting theoretically. But I’m having trouble caring when it’s just Original Characters talking with little to no action or Canon Characters to anchor my interest. I find Iruka and Naruto having similar conversations more interesting just because it’s them. Again with Kakashi and Naga their storyline drags when there’s too much emphasis on the Original Characters from Hidden Grass talking. I find myself wanting to skip ahead, especially when it comes to the Eiji storyline, because I want to hurry back to the more dynamic parts. I’m excited to see Eiji and Naruto meet and I can understand you’re trying to build emotional connections to Eiji and his situation. But right now the world building feels more tell than show. Thanks for all your hard work and I’m really excited to see that this fic hasn’t been abandoned.

This is excellent. Thank you for writing and continuing to write - I'm glad to have finally discovered your story. Looking forward to your next update.

Thank you for updating! Of course I had to re-read everything, and I still enjoy your work. Bandit attack! What next?!

Yay! I didnt realize you were working on this story again! Yukiko is amazing. It's always impressive seeing a story evolve. Your story works like a genjustu, pulling the reader in and getting them hooked without them even realizing it. I do hope she gets to learn more battle relevant genjutsu from Kurenai, even just a little. Couldn't hurt to improve her strength and speed a little.

Do you think she'll get some local ramen from the area? Bet the kiddies would love that.

I still really hopes she ends up with Iruka. Hes a sweet heart. I like emotionally healthy relationships.

Who's funding this anti-ninja effort?

Thank you for writing.

Glad this is still kicking! Just reread both parts

Glad to see the story active again!
It's been so long, I need to reread... not that I mind

not sure but hmmmmm... will see about it on the following chaps

stupid idiots. you are hindering the same villager shinobi from going after someone who humiliated your god. so lose lose

Thank you for continuing to update this story! I just reread the whole thing to reacquaint myself again and it's always a treat (no sarcasm, it really is fun to go back and revisit a story like this, like getting reacquainted with an old friend _). I like your more mature, grounded take vs the absolute bonkers that is late-stage naruto canon.

As for more detailed crit: the back-and-forth between tension levels works to keep attention up during the scenes with the mini cliff-hangers. If I had to leave a 'needs improvement'... maybe making the dialog more natural or varied between characters? You have adults vs. kid speech/thought patterns down but the adults could be more varied in force of personality in their speech.

I liked the fight. It felt real. iYukiko/i feels real.
Almost girl-next-door, dipped in ninjastic awesomesauce. If that makes sense.
Thank you for updating~

Hey, she's back in black! No, non, the black was the darkness inside Sasuke's mind. That'll learn him to stay at home...or not. Naruto also got a real wake-up call in the reality of shinobi fighting, with guys stabbed and tossed to the side, civilian and shinobi alike. Yukiko is very pro herself, a long way from the rusty genin whom we first met as Naruto's new guardian. As for the rest, well, anyone who invites Kisame into the group will get what they deserve, even if it might be a little undeserved.

Interesting it's nice to see this back.