the story of my life + REC: my favorite ninja story ever
Every time I try to get into a new, large fandom -- H50, Inception, Xmen -- somehow it always ends with me thinking, "Man, Kakashi is totally awesome."
Maybe later more recs, but until then here's a link to my previous mini-pimp post with a few recs.
Ok, I'll add one more rec: The Girl from Whirlpool (Naruto, Minato/Kushina) by SilverShine is a delicious world-building romp through a functioning ninja village, complete with school, missions, gossip, and plenty of peril, all centered around the story of how Naruto's parents meet. Minato is a likable, good-natured genius who kind of floats through life wondering when it's going to get difficult. And then he meets Kushina, a refugee orphan covered in dirt. He saves her from some bullies, and she thanks him by punching him in the gut. She is pretty much the most awesome, impossible person ever.
As bonus, the story sports a compelling plot that manages to weave in plenty of character development, and almost all of the events originate from some part of Naruto canon. Naruto has a huge cast of characters and multiple generations -- many of them appear here and all of them are distinct, interesting people with a part to play in ninja life. Did I mention that includes Kakashi's awesome, prickly, badass dad and wee Kakashi? On the other hand, it's so well woven, you don't need to be know any Naruto at all to follow it.
But FORGET ALL OF THAT. The best part of this story is that these are the most badass ninja ever. The author writes all of the weird ninja abilities of the Naruto universe with a common sense and simplicity that leaves you shivering with delight. Like, watching Erik Lensherr send back the missiles of an entire battalion kind of delight. In particular, Naruto canon is obsessed with his dad's secret technique (Hiraishin aka Flying Thunder God - ok, I admit, that's a really cool name). I never cared until I read this story -- and now I think the Flying Thunder God technique is the coolest fucking thing ever.
Yeah, so, read it.
If you're not familiar with Naruto there are roughly a bajillion places to read or watch it online or download it. I just use the manga reader on Naruto Spot.
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