KClaws_2

Obviously, Im asking for a bit more than shouting at your keyboard.

When I read the ending, I was going through a rather difficult time in my life. My first career choice didnt pan out the way I hoped, and I was struggling with finding work. Anyway, I typically let the manga go on ahead for periods of time before I return, so I was a little late to the party, if you can call it that. I restarted from 690, I believe, and essentially blazed on through. The further I went in, the more nervous I became. Sakuras shot to the heart triggered that anxiety for me. I got to the final battle, and while it had its positive aspects, I was extremely underwhelmed by the whole thing. 14 years of a promised battle leads to this!? Finally, the last two chapters. 699 not only did Sakura no favors, but I was extremely frustrated how people just forgave Sasuke and had him live in exile, which was what he was doing to begin with. I was nervous that 700 was going to rush through everything to explain the end. But it didnt. It didnt explain ANYTHING. Narutos Hokage, everyone's married with children, and the cycle begins anew.

I was, for lack of a better word, shell shocked. I could not sleep from midnight to noon. I just couldnt help but wonder what signs did I miss? My usual routines came to a screeching halt that day, I didnt even eat until the next evening, and all I was able to do was walk the dogs. I skipped martial arts that day, knowing I was not going to be able to focus.

For a long while after, I frequently explored different corners of the internet, trying to understand what happened (and most everyone with a brain was as confused as I was). I was also heartbroken at the toxic attitude of the NH fans against the NS fans. It was a problem I always knew was there, but the ending emboldened them to actively seek us out and cyber bully us to validate themselves the true fans of Naruto.
I checked out all sorts of conspiracy theories by other fans regularly, whether it was always a part of Kishimotos beliefs or if his editors forced him into doing what he did, if there was any discrepancy between the manga and anime studio about where the story was headed, almost to an unhealthy level I must confess.

After some time, Ive managed to move on from Naruto for the most part. Ive found joy in other things, both in my personal life and in enjoying the works of others. Im now trying to get my own story off the ground, and use the failures of Naruto to learn what NOT to do.

So, what was your reaction to the ending, and how did you cope afterwards?