RakeeshJ4

Just finished reading your story recommend, and yes, that's basically what I'm going for when I say 'gritty and realistic'. As in, a story that has elements of suffering and joy in it. Not just the "I lost the fight, must do better!"-although that can sometimes be entertaining for a little while-but real suffering.

After all, you can't have joy without suffering.

It's OK, I found them. Yeah, seems like he started having problems with the story almost right after the end of the Chuunin Exam arcs. Some of his criticisms made sense and resonated, and some were true examples of different strokes for different folks. Heh, he hates Gaara a lot more than I do! Personally, I like Gaara's character.

Well, I would like to see more of Naruto himself in these arcs, though. For example, how does the village feel about him now? Naruto's life is pretty insular, but still he's not dealing just with the same fourteen or so people in his life, is he? Ahh, well. At least now I know where he went! Guess he just fell outta fandom with Naruto is all. Too bad.

Heh, dig your screen name and your avatar, Nick

While I certainly agree that normally 'gritty' is not synonymous with 'realistic', I think when we're talking about a society of highly trained assassins and warriors, well, 'gritty' becomes at least a *bit* more synonymous, right?

By Part 2 you mean Shippuuden? Is he referring to the anime, or the manga which covers the part now called Shippuden on TV? I would guess it's the manga, if his inactivity time is any indicator.

I'd be interested to see what his thoughts are on the subject, I'll check his name and see if he's made any posts on the subject.

I'll add that story to my list and read it, and let you know if that's what I meant

Oh, and to clarify I suppose what I meant by 'gritty' in this context would be a story that includes fightin', killin', hurtin', sexin', lovin', cheatin', and double-crossin'. Not *exclusively*, just *includes*.