Akatsuki Organization

Hi there!

Back again, after another long summer week. There have been loads of thunderstorms here in the South-East of England, it's really pretty awesome.

**Naruto Chapter 317 Spoilers**

Things are getting interesting again. Naruto's training is progressing swiftly, and after seeking Asuma's help, he is now well on his way to controlling Wind natured chakra.

We finally saw Deidara and Tobi again! Tobi is as Obito-ish as ever, and Deidara appears to have re-attached at least one of his arms. Tobi is now a full-fledged member of Akatsuki, and was made to fight the Three Tails - Sanbi, which looks like a huge, turtle monster. Tobi, convinced (probably rightly so) that he was in way over his head, ran from the beast, allowing Deidara to step in and blast the creature with a fish molded of Explosive Clay.

This chapter provided a full colour picture of the entire Akatsuki Organization (excluding the deceased Sasori).

Click to Full-View

As you can see, the unknown member is the one with the blue head. The Akatsuki Leader is the man in the background, facing away. He has brownish hair! I absolutely adore the Akatsuki Leader, he's just so mysterious and hot, in a totally anonymous way. I may even be disappointed when his face is finally revealed. I personally love his formless, shadowed face.

By the way, if you haven't seen pokefreak's Akatsuki Organization picture, then you definitely should! It depicts the whole organization, standing in a line, with the Leader in the middle.

The Akatsuki members I like looking at most are probably Sasori, Zetsu, AL and Hidan. They each have something about them that draws me in. Though I am a big fan of the other members, I could stare at those four all day. Each for their different reasons:
Sasori - I love his (real) face. I love watching his expressions.
Zetsu - He looks so lonely. I like plantlife.
AL - He's just mysterious, and I love his ringed eyes and hair cut.
Hidan - There's something aristocratic and arrogant about his face. I'd like to see him furious.

The sole surviving Monk from the Fire Temple reached Konoha, and informed Tsunade of Akatsuki's movements. Tsunade is ready to take action, and wants to be sure that Hidan and Kakuzu do not leave the Fire Country alive. She decides to call on the newly formed Nijyuu Shoutai.

Click to Full-View

So this is the "Dawn of a Nightmare"... Let there be angst! Please, let there be angst!

**End of Spoilers**

This week I spent most of my computer time reading fanfiction, and updating my Fic Rec List. I still have some modifications to make, and will be adding another new story soon. New stories are marked like this - NEW!

I cleared the post up somewhat, as it was a mass of HTML, and was a real pain to update before. Now it's nice and simple again. I was really surprised with how useful people have found it. I've had comments and emails from five different people so far, thanking me for putting up the Rec List. So I guess my efforts weren't in vain! ^_^

I made this banner for it. It will appear in the sidebar. (-->)

Naruto is finally airing on UK television. The problem is, Jetix, the channel that airs it, has made further cuts to the English dubbed version. Honestly, what's good to show American kids should be fine to show here, yet Jetix seems to feel the need to shield viewers from Sandaime's pipe, shuriken and kunai. All references to killing have been cut, and overall it apparently doesn't make much sense as a story as a result of this editing. I say 'apparently' because I didn't bother to watch it after all, and neither did my brother. Just as well really, because I've seen nothing but critiscism of it.

No shruiken allowed on Naruto.
But Jetix air another show called Shuriken School!

Luckily, Jetix have only purchased the first 26 episodes. Honestly though, God knows how they'll get through the Wave Country Arc with the kind of cuts they're making. They obviously haven't even watched the episodes. Oh well, if Naruto's going to fail in the UK, then so be it. I'd really hate it to become something like Pokémon anyway... ^^;;

In other news, Paper Demon, a website for art and writing, is becoming more abundant in Naruto fanart. PaperDemon.com is a wonderful community for any artist or writer, the members there are very friendly, and the forums are fun. So check it out! The webmistress, BogusRed, is a really cool person, who actually listens to the suggestions of the members and uses them to improve the site.

The site is aimed at people over the age of 13, so the community there are mature and comment nicely. I'm a Forum Moderator for the site, and as such I visit every day, and I've recently noted that Naruto has grown more popular on the site, so if you have some Naruto fanart or fanfiction, sign up and post it there! I may even comment, especially if it's SasuNaru. ^_^

Speaking of fanart, the site of wamuu is a Japanese fansite with the cutest GaaNaru art I've ever seen! Just enter the site, then click on the little coloured mushrooms to view the different pictures.

Example of wamuu fanart!

That's it for this week. Join me again next week for another Naruto-packed update, with my opinion of Chapter 318... Which better have angst! Or at least the beginnings of it.

Pros and Cons of Manga

Whew, it's been baking hot lately, and I've hardly had any time for my fandom, but I bring an update anyway.

**Chapter 316 Spoilers**

Not much to say on this chapter, because not much happened. The answer of Yamato's unique chakra nature was explained, Naruto began his Wind nature training with some quick results, and Asuma and Shikamaru had a freaky coversation over a game of Shogi.

I wonder who/what the "King" he was referring to is. Asuma is really starting to bug me with all this enigmatic crap. Why doesn't he just come right out and say it? "Konoha is King", or something clichéd like that.

I find it odd that for the first stage of his training, Naruto is ripping up leaves. He's tearing up the symbol of Konoha! Geez, I'm starting to sound like a crazy religious person... And am I the only one who has a weird feeling about Yamato helping Naruto suppress Kyuubi? It's like they're expecting something to happen with Kyuubi.

What caught my attention in this chapter wasn't actually a part of the chapter! It's the next chapter (or perhaps what's to come soon) "The Start of a Nightmare"-

This was taken from the final page of 316

It's not only in this Scanlation. In another Translation it says pretty much the same thing, but in greater detail:

Next time's Naruto is a violent commemorational presentation!!
The colored front page opens to "The Start of a Nightmare"!!
(Source)

God, I hope the next chapter is more entertaining than this one. Knowing Kishimoto, something huge will happen all of a sudden. At least I hope so. "The Start of a Nightmare" could mean we'd get a whole arc dedicated to Sumaru and Star Village. I seriously can't imagine the manga going to a worse hell than that.

**End of Spoilers**

I've been saving up the icons I've been making, but now I feel it's time to share them. Heh heh!

These icons are 150x150:

Avs by me, art not, use freely.

The chibi Naruto was drawn by my good friend Sasha (who I've been neglecting lately due to my hot and busy days). Be sure to check out Sasha's deviantART gallery, she specialises in the utterly adorable! ^^

The next three icons are 100x100:

Avs by me, art not, use freely.

So I've been hearing a lot about the end of fillers lately. Yes, I mean apart from the usual "EVIEDNCE fillerz r gong 2 end soon!!!!1!!11!!one" threads. I know it's tedious. Heck, I hate talking about the fillers, seeing as I don't even watch them anymore. I feel that I have better things to do with my time than watch my favourite show get its head flushed down the toilet once a week.

-_-;;

However, with the coming of the 3rd Naruto Movie on August 5th, fillers stand a good chance of finally ending. People were already predicting that they may end by the 200th episode, and now it seems that with the release of the movie at around that time, it may be the end of these terrible fillers. Though I don't dare to hope. I'm quite sure that fillers could go on for a few more years yet. After all, the makers of the anime seem to be having some kind of twisted, sadistic fun.

Well, at least we have the manga. I just feel sorry for those stubborn bastards who refuse to read it. There are certainly benefits to reading the manga.
But to be fair I've listed the pros and cons of the manga.

Pros:

• Don't have to wait until 2069 for fillers to end
• No boring filler arcs
• No drawn-out death-glaring scenes
• Characters look much better
• The story is more direct and to-the-point
• The story is totally canon (unlike the anime)

Cons:

• No colour
• No smexy Japanese voices
• Fight scenes can sometimes be hard to follow
• Lack of dramatic music
• AMVs can't be made from just manga
  

So you see, it's good to read the manga first, then watch your favourite chapters come to life in colour and sound later on, when the anime catches up.

On another note; Naruto is coming to the UK tomorrow. The English dubbed episodes will be on Jetix (formerly Fox Kids), not Toonami. Personally, I don't think I'll be watching it, though I'm making sure that my younger brother gets to see it. The good thing about Naruto airing in the UK is that it will bring Naruto merchandise here too. I'd really like to buy a few things.

I don't want much!

Sorry this update is so late. I've been in town all day, and last night I was too tired to write much. Hopefully next week's update will be quicker. Have a nice week! ^^

World's Weekend

Hello, Nest visitors!

I come bearing yet another Naruto-packed, long-ass update.

**Manga Chapter 315 Spoilers**

I liked this chapter. I didn't mind the lack of Naruto in the last chapter, because it had Akatsuki in it. But nevertheless, I'm glad he's back in 315. It's very interesting to know that with Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, Naruto can learn much faster, due to the increased amount of brain power and experience.

It's about time, usuratonkachi. -_-;;

Though I'm rather surprised that Kishimoto so suddenly revealed Kakashi's estimate of Naruto's amount of chakra. So, with the Nine-Tails' murderous influence kept out of the way, Naruto could have 100 times the amount of chakra that Kakashi has.

Click to Full-View

It's been strongly hinted at throughout the story that Naruto has a vast amount of chakra, even without the Kyuubi. It seems that some loose ends are finally starting to be tied up. I've known from the start that Naruto was powerful, which is why I get rather annoyed when people immediately assume that he's weak and useless without Kyuubi. Unlike Gaara, who relies totally on his special sand during a fight, Naruto is a powerful Shinobi without the help of his Biju. And as Jiraiya said to Orochimaru: "Guts are what make a person strong. The courage to put your life on the line. He has that ... in spades."

It will be interesting to see what the rest of the fandom make of these recent developments. I wonder what excuses the Uchiha fanboys will come up with. Heh heh! To me, even though I love Sasuke dearly, he was strongest way back in the Forest of Death, when he finally took Naruto's advice, and fought all out against Orochimaru. But since the Curse Seal, and then Itachi, he's lost that fighting spirit that made him such an admirable Shinobi. And now, after three years away from his friends, he seems empty, devoid of any desire other than that of killing his brother.

It's good to see Yamato again too. I imagine that if this training goes on for several chapters, there will be quite a few KakaYama fans. Heh heh! Nah, to me Kakashi will always be single. He suits it anyway.

**End of Spoilers**

This week I've been addicted to the Yondaime Hokage. Yup, I know he's a dead guy, but he's just so damn handsome. He seems like a heroic figure of the past, but it really wasn't all that long ago that he was around. He's still a pivotal character in the series, his past actions having affected the lives of everyone in Konoha - especially Naruto. I'm a collector of fanart featuring Naruto and the Yondaime, though seeing them together makes me sad, thinking about what could have been.

I found a Japanese fanart site called World's Weekend which has many brilliant pictures of the Yondaime. Here's a small sample:-

The site has quite a few JiraYon pictures. I can overlook this easily, but I know that some people become violently enraged when they see a ship that isn't their own. So if the idea of some very light JiraYon fanart sends you into a killing rage - don't enter the site. ^_^

I wish I could tell the artist how much I love her work, but alas, I cannot write in Japanese. Heck, my computer doesn't even show Japanese text, I just see a load of '?????s' when I visit a Japanese website. Apparently there's a way to install the language, but since I can't read it anyway I don't see the point.

I just love Naruto's dumb face.

My God, I'm tired. It's like, 4 in the morning here in England right now, so I'm going to end this update here.

I'm still writing the SasuNaru One-Shot that I mentioned last week. I have the rest of it planned out, I just need to sit down and finish it. If all goes to plans, not only will it be my first shounen-ai, but it will be my first story with light lime (a bit of making out). It may be complete by next week, or perhaps I'll never complete it... ^^;;

Hope this post kept you entertained for a little while. There'll be another next week. Later!

Seme/Uke Wars

This post contains both manga spoilers and SasuNaru fandom rantage. Don't feel like reading? Well, you can always just close the page. ^_^

**314 Spoilers**

An interesting chapter; some things finally seem to be coming together. And apparently Asuma actually is related to the Sandaime Hokage, he's only his freaking son! My God, Kishimoto is unpredictable. And here I really thought they just shared a common name...

Well, last week I didn't like Hidan, but this chapter has once again changed my opinion of him. I think I'm starting to like Kakuzu and Hidan. They're rather complex characters. And yay! We saw Zetsu! Didn't I tell you a few weeks ago that I had a weird Zetsu-craving going on? Now I'm happy. Zetsu is so very creepy and cute.

Aww, poor Zetsu gets sad when there's just one body... o_O

I can't really guess at the Jutsu Kakashi plans to teach Naruto anymore than I could last week. Unless I've read a flawed Scanlation, or I missed something, I can't see any further clues to what the technique could be. Kishi sure does love to drag things out.

But the highlight of the entire chapter was, for me, the evidence that further supports the very awesome Tengu Theory. If you haven't read it yet, then I'm rather disappointed in you, child. Get your ass over to NF and read it, or you won't understand the rest of these 314 spoilers.

Click to Full-View, Please

I'm really pleased that this wonderfully dark and brilliantly planned theory is coming into play. Kishimoto is truly a genius of storytelling.

**End of Spoilers**

I come bearing a rant this time. It's about seme/uke wars in the SasuNaru fandom. At first I wasn't bothered by them. I know what I prefer and that's all that matters to me.

Lately, however, it seems that I'm continually being assailed by post after post in support of "seme!Naruto" or "seme!Sasuke". And I can tell you now, I'm fucking sick of it. I don't care how detailed your rants are, or how overwhelming your evidence is. I like what I like, and I don't give a shit about how wrong you think I am. Really, I'm trying to enjoy my fandom, and these losers keep trolling and causing flame wars on every LJ Community and Forum I visit. I know I can't stop them, and I have no inclination to. Let them bitch about how everyone should love "seme!Naruto" or "seme!Sasuke" if they feel they need to. From now on though, I'm avoiding forums (with the exception of theory threads) and I'm ignoring all pairing rants posted on SasuxNaru Comm and elsewhere.

100x100, avs by me, art not, use freely.

It's not a difficult thing to grasp, is it? If "seme!Sasuke" or "seme!Naruto" does absolutely nothing for you, it doesn't make it wrong. It doesn't make it "non-canonical". It makes it fucking boring to you. So leave it to the fans of it, while you enjoy what you enjoy in peace.

Personally, I find this whole seme/uke wars business to be utterly ridiculous and rather frustrating. It creates a rift between SasuNaru and NaruSasu fans. We all ship the same two boys, don't we? Why can't we all be unified against SasuSaku?

I know that there are many people who don't have seme/uke preferences at all, and enjoy all aspects of the SasuNaru fandom. I'm afraid to say that I am not one of them. Having Naruto on top does nothing for me, it's not my fault, my body just refuses to react to it. But I by no means dislike NaruSasu. On the contrary, I find NaruSasu fanart amusing. But I'm not ... ehem, 'engaged' by it as I am with SasuNaru.

So please, shall we all try to cut down on these pointless arguments? No-one is ever going to back down from "seme!Sasuke" or "seme!Naruto" if that's what turns them on, so stop crapping on other people's fun. If you don't like or agree with something, don't view it. It's as simple as that.

Coloured by black-straycat, sillyness added by me.

I don't give a flying pig's ass if some 12-year-old out there is writing a terrible fanfic about Sasuke wearing a frilly pink dress and Naruto giving birth to triplets, because I know for a fact that I'm never going to read it. But does the thought of someone writing it make you angry? Angry enough to rant about it? Does the thought of someone reading it make you even angrier? If so, seek professional help, because this is only a fucking fandom, and if you need to attend anger management sessions over it then you really are Narutarded.

Whew! End of rant. That's a lot off my chest. It's just all of this negative stuff I've been seeing lately, that's what makes me angry rather than the crap they're ranting about.

Oh, I almost forgot, I've been working on a SasuNaru One-Shot. It's my first ever shounen-ai story, and it seems to be going well so far. I'm afraid it's an AU, but I keep them very much in character and since it's only a One-Shot there's not much development to the environment anyway. I hope to finish it soon, but please don't be surprised if I drop the project, because it happens so often with me. I lose the flow of a story and give up. I just find it very difficult to finish a story if I find it unsatisfactory at any point. I tend to be very critical of my own work.

This week I have Sasuke wallpaper! *le gasp*

I'd like to add an apology for my earlier bad language, in the rantage. I know that it's rather unattractive, but I simply felt the need to emphasize some points without using annoying italics.

Hope you've enjoyed this post, be sure to check back next Thursday or Friday, depending on when the hell they decide to release the next manga chapter. Peace out!

SasuNaru Slideshow

I live! Really sorry for failing to update yesterday, I had a horrendous 24-hour bug. Seriously, I woke up at 7am in the morning dry heaving and unable to move. But I'm all better now! In fact, I feel great!

Enjoy! ^_^

Ah, there's nothing like SasuNaru to start a blog update.
Disclaimer: I take no credit for the art.
Naruto and its characters belong to Kishimoto.

**Chapter 313 Spoilers**

When I read it first time yesterday I was so ill that I just didn't understand what the fuck had happened to the Jinchuuriki girl. I mean, one second she's gone into her full Nibi stage and is ready to kick some Hidan butt, and the next she's bleeding profusely and hanging from a wall by by a stake through her hands. I was too sick to take much of this in, and thus I can't bring myself to enjoy this chapter very much, even when I re-read it now.

I soon realised that the people on NF were just as confused as me. But why are so many people assuming she's dead? o_O Yugito has to be alive for the Biju to be extracted from her body. Also, there are some little lines around her body which indicate trembling. She's badly injured, but most certainly alive.

I'm really not sure if she will play a sigificant role in upcoming events. Kishi is just too unpredictable.

So it seems like their next target is Naruto. Strange, I thought Kisame and Itachi were assigned to Naruto. Maybe they've already captured two other Jinchuuriki. And are Kakuzu and Hidan taking Yugito with them to Fire Country? Or will they organise another Biju extraction before leaving for Konoha?

Pissed Off Jinchuuriki Déjà Vu.
Coloured by Batanga

Hidan is some kind of religious freak. I think I like Kakuzu better, he's far more straightforward. Hidan is kind of annoying. Those two don't seem to like each other at all, they're rude to each other, unlike Deidara and Sasori or Itachi and Kisame.

And then there's that weird thing going on with Shikamaru and Asuma. God, I was pissed when Kurenai interrupted Kakashi and Asuma's conversation. My opinion of her has irrationally dropped as a result of this. And no, I feel no shame in admitting it.

**End of Spoilers**

I hope some of you found my Fic Rec List useful. I spent quite a long time on it. I'll keep it up-to-date, but if you notice any broken or incorrect links, please inform me so I can fix them.
You can check back on the Rec List using the link in the sidebar -->

100x100, avs by me, art not. Use freely.

Not much to add to that, really. I've shared all of my favourite fanfics, my opinion of the latest chapter, the icons I made, and the slideshow. So I guess I'll leave you with a picture of my current desktop.

It's KakaIru! *le gasp* I usually avoid this couple because it weirds me out, but this picture is just magnificent. So brilliant that I made it my wallpaper. Notice the Yondaime's robe is wrapped around baby Naruto. So tragic and beautiful. *sniffle* Sorry, thinking about Yondaime always makes me sad. I sure hope Naruto finds out about his father one of these days. I can't wait to see his reaction. Heh heh!

Naruto Rec List

Naruto Fanfiction
Recommendations List

A Prior Warning:

Most of the fanfics on this list are yaoi/shounen-ai stories.
In other words, they contain boy/boy love and/or sex.
Each adult fanfic has an appropriate rating warning.
Thank you! ^_^

Last Update: September 2012

One-Shots

New!
For a Dream by insteadofdeath
Pairing: SasuNaru
Summary: Nearly two decades ago, Konoha was destroyed by the Kyuubi. Now two boys visit Konoha's ruins, each searching for something different. Instead, they find each other.
Nettie's Note: I found this fanfic by accident but I was amazed by it. It is a gorgeous piece of writing. A nice, long one-shot. Well worth a read!

New!
Brotherhood Contract by xXloveless19Xx
Pairing: KakaNaru
Warning: AU, sex
Summary: Naruto is looking for a sensei to teach him the way of the samurai. He encounters Kakashi who's well known for his formidable swordsmanship. Naruto begs Kakashi to take him as his apprentice and he accepts, but only if Naruto agrees to a contract...
Nettie's Note: I usually only enjoy KakaNaru for the cuteness factor, but this fanfic is an exception. Well-written and sexy. A very enjoyable read.

New!
Say Hello To Your New Partner by firefly
Summary: Kakuzu was told he’d receive his seventh and final partner in a week. He wasn’t sure he liked the evil, conniving glint in the Leader’s eyes when he told him that his new partner would be special.
Nettie's Note: Hilarious crackfic. Still makes me laugh even after all these years.

New!
Stiff Competition by mischief maker 2.0
Warnings: Sexual boasting
Summary: "So. I hear you’re trying to take my title." - What can the top dog do but harass the new guy? Genma vs. Naruto
Nettie's Note: Genma and Naruto boast about their sexual conquests. Really funny stuff.

Parallels by et2brute
Pairing: GaaNaru
Warnings: Implied sex
Summary: After Gaara's resurrection Naruto can't sleep the night before they return to Konoha and pays Gaara visit.
Nettie's Note: A powerful and well written story. This is one of the better GaaNaru fics I've read.

Callow Lamb by firefly
Pairings: Hidan/Female OC
Warnings: Darkfic
Summary: Fair hair had shone through the darkness, slicked back and framing a slender, pale face. His lips were quirked almost mischievously, a contrast to his bright eyes, and she found herself wondering how a grown man could look so…angelic.
Nettie's Note: A dark look into the life of Hidan, in all his religious glory and angelic good looks. Marvellously written. This story is bound to haunt your thoughts and change your perspective of Hidan. Yes, the female character is an original but it makes the story all the better. Hidan fans (like me) will adore this story.

Surrender by Triste
Pairing: ItaNaru
Warnings: Major nose-bleed-inducing smuttage (...sex)
Summary: Itachi has hot sex with Naruto when Jiraiya is away.
Nettie's Note: Awesome sex scenes and brilliant writing. What more could you ask from a One-Shot? If you like ItaNaru, then this is definitely the fic for you.

Darkest Desires by Triste (Sequel to Surrender)
Pairing: ItaNaru
Warnings: Heavily-implied sex
Summary: Funny how one night can suddenly change everything and turn your whole world upside down. Sasuke learns the truth about Naruto and how Itachi managed to make his way into his life.
Nettie's Note: Sasuke watches in disbelief as his older brother screws his best friend. Okay, that was crude, but the fic isn't, so read it. Unlike Surrender, Darkest Desires does not have a full sex scene, it's far more implied, but just as good.

Pet Him Backwards by FlamesEmbrace
Pairing: SasuNaru
Warnings: Sex
Summary: You only hurt the ones you love especially if you only love the one you hate. Tales of sparring matches and other things in the rain.
Nettie's Note: Ah, the sweet smell of SasuNaru rivalry. I just love those fics where they are in character and actually fight. Pet Him Backwards is one of the best. Any SasuNaru fan will thoroughly enjoy this.

~*~

Multi-Parts

In-Progress
(If you read these, please review)

New!
Beyond War by Om0cha
Pairing: SasuNaru
Summary: The Fourth Shinobi War has ceased but the world continues to search for Naruto Uzumaki. The one entrusted to keep him hidden from both sides can only wait for a day that never seems to come, for the day when he can finally remind him, breathe.
Nettie's Note: My favourite fanfic. Epic plot, everyone's in character and the descriptions and dialogue are spot on.

New!
Mark of the Fox by Twisted Vixen
Pairing: ItaNaru
Warnings: AU, graphic violence
Summary: A serial killer is on the loose in Konoha. Capt. Itachi Uchiha is heading the case. But as he gets more involved in the case – and more involved with the only coherent survivor – he finds out that it's much bigger than he ever thought.
Nettie's Note: Very disturbing at times. Poor Naruto! I love this story, but I wish it was updated again!

New!
Hyakumensou by Agni
Pairing: ItaNaru
Warnings: Sex
Summary: A contract signed eighteen years ago has turned Naruto's life upside down. How will he cope with this new, troubling development in his life that he cannot escape?
Nettie's Note: One of my favourites. Updates are few and far between, but I'm hopeful it will be completed one day! :)

New!
Drowning by NoNoWriter
Pairing: SasuNaru
Warning: AU
Summary: Being at the top of school hierarchy, it was Sasuke's 'duty' to make Naruto's life hell. Until the boy saved his life, leaving Sasuke to drown in feelings of regret.
Nettie's Note: Lovely stuff. It's heartbreaking at times, but it's also sweet. The writer is apparently rewriting this story.

New!
Breaking Apart by cloudydayz
Pairing: SasuNaru
Warning: Sex, rape
Summary: A love story between a sadistic, possessive Sasuke and a damaged, vulnerable Naruto.
Nettie's Nest: This story is told from the alternating POVs of Naruto and Sasuke. I love how different they are. Sasuke knows what he wants and he's ruthless about it. Naruto is broken and fragile but frustration and anger simmer beneath the surface. Well worth a read! Don't know if it will ever be updated though.

White, Surge Red by Sugahlei
Pairing: SasuNaru
Warnings: Sex, some gore
Summary: Sasuke does a bad thing. Everything changes, Naruto doesn’t care …but then, he’s got a different reason to live now.
Nettie's Note: One of my favourite SasuNaru fics. Insane Sasuke is written very powerfully. And the complicated relationship that develops between Naruto and Sasuke is bound to draw you in.

Complete

New!
Missing Pieces by Rosa Lui
Pairing: SasuNaru
Summary: When Konoha's walls are breached and the embodiment of its heart and soul is stolen away, the only person who can help is the one thought to be long past redemption.
Nettie's Note: Pure excellence. I enjoyed every minute of it. It's a multi-chapter fic, but it seemed to fly by for me!

This Place is a Prison by tsubaki-hana
Pairing: ItaNaru
Summary: Strongly then kindly forcing a decision. Itachi will do anything to complete his mission.
Nettie's Note: A beautifully-written story about Naruto's depression as he waits to die at the hands of Akatsuki, and the strange relationship he develops with the silent Uchiha Itachi. The writing style is just perfect for this story.

Skinless by Shivvlan
Pairings: SasuNaru
Summary: It’s said that beauty is only skin deep and that to truly know a person you have to look beneath the flesh to the soul within the casing.
Nettie's Note: Read this fanfic and you're liable to fall in love with Sasuke. He is the protagonist of this story, and is kept in such perfect character that I almost wept. Okay, I didn't almost weep, but I was damn pleased. The fight scenes are simply amazing; you can really visualize Sasuke in action. An absolute must-read, even if you despise shounen-ai. There are only very light hints of SasuNaru affection. It has a sequel that is also very good - Underneath the Underneath. The sequel has far more SasuNaru.

Spiral Falling by BeccaAmon
Pairings: SasuNaru & Others
Warnings: AU, sex
Summary: Finding companionship and maybe more from your most hated rival. Falling willingly with arms wide open.
Nettie's Note: Very awesome high school fic. This is a fic that grabs you from the beginning. I wish all high school fics were as brilliant as this one.

Surface Flaws by ineXpressible
Pairing: SasuNaru, Implied SaiNaru
Warnings: Sex
Summary: Naruto had always thought that when Sasuke returned to Konoha things would continue from where they’d left off. When they don’t, he ends up wishing he were as invisible as he felt. It seems for once his wish may just come true.
Nettie's Note: A wonderfully written story, with some very creepy moments. The complications between Sasuke and Naruto are expressed perfectly.

~*~

That's it for now. I hope this list proves useful to you. Be sure to check back on this list for updates once in a while. Have fun reading, and remember to review! It only takes a minute and it means the world to the writer.

Series Disclaimer: NARUTO belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Fanfic Disclaimer: None of the fics recommended here are by me. I just made the list.
For the Authors: If you are the author of one of the fics on this Rec List, and you wish for me to remove your story from it, please PM me on FF.Net and I will respectfully oblige.

Last Edit: September 2012

The Tengu Theory

It's a beautiful Thursday evening here in England, and I figure it's time for a long-ass update to this blog.

**Spoilers for Chapter 312**

Today I got impatient so I downloaded the LQ Scanlation from MangaHelpers.

It's not a bad chapter. I'm quite happy to see Shikamaru, Ino, Chouji and Asuma again. And their introduction to Sai was amusing. That poor boy really is socially inept! And it seems like those SaiIno fans finally got some proper canon evidence. Heh heh! Good for them.

I was disappointed about the lack of information about Naruto's training. Though from the clues it does seem like he'll be learning something big, like the Yondaime's Hiraishin no Jutsu, with the help of Kakashi's Mangekyou Sharingan to slow time. That's just a personal theory though, I'm not sure that it will happen. Though I feel there is plenty of evidence to support this. There's even some obscure evidence on earlier manga chapter covers, where Naruto is holding many kunai, which are used in the Hiraishin technique:-

And the ending was interesting. Two new Akatsuki members, two new freaks to add to the show, Kakuzu and Hidan. They are after a female Jinchuuriki, the Two-Tails (or Nibi). The Two-Tails is reputed to be the Nekomata (cat). And it seems that Tsunade has been informed of the whereabouts of them, and will be taking action.

Can't wait for the crack on these two.
EDIT: LOL I should've known - Hidan Lookalike

Makes me wonder though, if Naruto is supposed to be training with Kakashi, who's going to go after these new Akatsuki guys? It seems odd that Naruto may not be going on this mission.

**End of 312 Spoilers**

I'm going to be adding some new videos to the AMV Archive, so be sure to check them out. I highly recommend every video I put in there.

I completely forgot about to add this in my last update; my friend, Sasha, has made a Photobucket gallery for LeeGaa. If you're a LeeGaa fan, check it out, there is much cute and brilliant art there - LeeGaara Album.

I also found another Japanese fanart site with adorable Naruto fanart - Haruka. This artist is a girl after my own heart; totally Uzumaki-centric shipping. Heh heh!

An example of the art at this site. You may be familiar with it.

Now for the obligatory rant: While I was browsing NF, I came across some crazy NaruHina fans talking about the 'filler evidence' of their favourite ship, I was infuriated. Seriously, it takes a lot to really piss me off, but these people were just too much. I mean 'filler evidence'? The very phrase is enough to make my blood boil. Have they lost their minds? Kishimoto has little to nothing to do with the anime, and certainly not the fillers. Anything within the fillers is no more canon than fanfiction. Very bad fanfiction. I've vowed to add anyone else who even mentions 'filler evidence' to my NF Ignore List - permanently. That's how angry I am at those baka NaruHinatards.

Don't get me wrong, I actually find canon NaruHina interaction to be extremely cute, though I don't believe they will end up together. I just don't respect people who try to lord their ship over everyone else's using fillers, for God's sake. That's just wrong. Luckily, anyone who's anyone isn't having any of this 'filler evidence' crap. I don't take anything that happens in the fillers seriously, and nobody should, because it's not part of the story.

This adorable riceball was made by Hinata in a filler ep.
It's cute, but not canon.

Speaking of NF, last week I was linked to the best damn theory I've ever read. It's called The Dark History of Uchiha: The Bloodline of Tengu, and it is definitely a must-read. Perfectly consructed with clear paragraphs and manga & outside evidence. Read it and be amazed if you're up-to-date on the manga. Personally, I believe that this theory is on the right track, but there will obviously be some things that Kishimoto will do differently. After all, we never can quite predict what will happen next.

That's all for this update. I have finally started on that fic rec list I promised. Hopefully it'll be up sometime around this weekend. I've also made a special SasuNaru slideshow to go with it. So expect an extra post before Thursday. And I apologize in advance if it is not up before next Thursday, but if so you can expect it very soon afterwards. Remember, a good rec list takes time! ^^

Now I'm off to Japflap to download the high quality Scanlation of 311. Later!

10-RANKAI & Ships

Hello, all! This week I've been so incredibly busy, but I bring you a big-ass update anyway. I have lots to share that I've been saving up.

Chapter 311 is out on NarutoFan. It's a very awesome chapter, indeed. Oh yeah, I'll be using the below spoiler warning from now on. It clarifies things a bit.

**Spoilers for 311**

The first part of the chapter with Sai in all his robot-boy cuteness was very refreshing. And it was especially interesting to see teen Sakura and Naruto in civvies! Heh heh! And the part where Naruto reflects on his recent meeting with Sasuke is just so heart-rending. Poor Naruto... That flashback scene and Naruto's expression will make for a good AMV one day. But the coolest part was the last page:-

Click to View Full-Size

It got my blood going, I was so excited. Sorry, but that's what that blond kid does to me. Heh heh! I can't wait to see what training he'll be doing. And no, I don't think he'll be working out in a Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

**End of Spoilers**

100x100, avs by me, art not. Use them freely.

I'm still working on that Fanfiction Rec List... Okay, so maybe I'm not. But I'll be starting on it very soon ... promise!

In the mean time, enjoy this Japanese gallery site, mostly devoted to Sasuke - 10-RANKAI. There are so many brilliant pictures on this site. If you browse you're liable to become an even bigger Sasuke-fangirl; I know I did. After visiting this site Sasuke officially became my second favourite character. My fave is Naruto himself, if you couldn't tell! ^^;;

If you read this blog often, you'll know that I'm a big fan of Team Seven, and of SasuNaru and NaruSaku. I dislike SasuSaku, mostly because I see it as not only incredibly boring but very unrealistic. Let's face it, people; Sasuke only barely saw Sakura as a friend, she'll never be more to him than that.

As for Sai, the new addition to Team Seven, well I think I'm starting to like SaiSaku. They're so adorable together, though I'm still quite certain that Sakura is eventually going to get with Naruto. Still, if I was a hard-core SasuNaru fan, then I'd be tempted to ship Sakura out of the way with Sai. It never quite pleases me when she's shoved off with Lee, just because he has a slight crush on her. But SaiSaku is genuinely sweet, in my opinion.

I'm also a NejiNaru, NaruGaa/GaaNaru, ItaNaru, and yes, KakaNaru fan. But with KakaNaru it isn't romance that I like, I just love how adorable their interaction is. I don't think I could bring myself to read KakaNaru smut. It's like GaiLee, entertaining in the father-son, teacher-student kind of way.
My favourite pairings that do not include Naruto are probably LeeGaa, SaiSaku, KibaHina, ShikaTem and ChouIno.
My favourite crack pairings are ItaDei, ItaKisa, KisaGai and GaiKaka.

Well, that's it for now. If you want reading material, then here's a link to my FanFiction.Net profile - nettieneko on FF.Net. I only have two little One-Shots published there, but you will find some very good yaoi fics in my favourites.

Later!

Sai

First off, this update was delayed due to the lateness of manga chapter 310. ¬_¬ It was way into Friday before it was released, for us here in England anyway. And I only have free time on my hands to compose updates in the evening.

**Spoilers for Chapter 310**

I thought 310 was a sweet chapter. I'm happy for Sai, finally having found happiness in his new friends. I'm also glad for the whole NaruSaku 'we'll get strong together' thing. That's what I love about NaruSaku, Sakura has found someone she can depend on and stay together with in Naruto. I just find that very cute.

I know for a fact that some people are going to be pissed off at the 'sappiness' of the latest chapter. Personally though, I think Kishi handled it perfectly. Naruto's angst and self-loathing only lasted for a single chapter, and Sai has become a full-fledged good guy. It wasn't dragged-out and boring, it was expressed powerfully in a few simple pages.

**End of Spoilers**

Which brings me to the main topic of today's update; Sai. He pissed off the more serious Naruto fans by denouncing said character's penis. He pissed off the Sasuke-lovers by 'taking his place' on Team Kakashi. And he annoyed people in general by his rude and witty comments, and depthless personality.

Personally, I had no particular opinion of Sai at the beginning of this manga arc. The reactions his clever remarks evoked from Naruto kept me amused, and I found his mysterious drawings rather cute. It was only after he approached Orochimaru, with no regard to his own life, that I began to pity him. As his past was unveiled it became obvious that he'd led a difficult life. An orphan raised as a warrior, purged of all emotion, and unable to understand the complexities of the people around him. But as he was developed it became clear that poor Sai was really just like a friendly robot boy, trying desperately to decipher human emotion.

That's why I'm glad that he's befriended Naruto and Sakura, and hasn't been callously killed-off. He really deserves some happiness.

My predictions for the next chapter; I really have no clue. It looks like Yamato, Naruto, Sakura and Sai are off on another mission. I have a feeling that we'll be straight into something significant again. Well, whatever happens we can rest assured it's going to be good.

Poor Mr. Zetsu, he looks so lonely. He needs a hug! ... Volunteers?

... I don't know why but I really want to see Zetsu in the manga again. o_O He's not even my favourite Akatsuki guy, but I just have a Zetsu-craving going on.

For the past week I haven't really been at my computer much, due to the hot weather and some new duties. The summer's really here now. So I haven't found anything in the way of fanfiction and fanart. However, all is not lost, as I do have some things to reccommend.

For fanfiction; white, surge red by Sugahlei. Basically, this is a story about the complex character's of Naruto and Sasuke. Sugahlei keeps them in perfect character, all the way down to Sasuke's (smexy) near-insanity. This is the best damn SasuNaru fanfic I've come across, and I want it updated, dattebayo! So read it and review supportively, and maybe the update will be released sooner. The last update was late last January, but in my desperation I've visited the author's blog and she's apparently still working on it. So let's all show our support!

If you're not unnessarily completely opposed to browsing Japanese websites, then check out Keroyon-Jima's Website. There is a lot of brilliant Naruto fanart there. Just keep clicking. Heh heh!

So, to make up for the lateness of this update (it's been more than a week! Ack! >_<) I've decided to work on a fanfiction rec list. And I might add in some good Naruto galleries too. I have no idea when it'll be up, but it won't be a regular post on Thursday; it'll be an extra. Now I wish you a prosperous week, and please enjoy this SasuNaruSai video by shuqra that I've just been linked to - Wedding Day in Otogakure.