Hello, everyone! I've enjoyed sharing all these great Naruto fics with you for the past month, and receiving comments and messages from readers and authors alike. I hope every fan has found at least one new fic to read, and maybe even enticed someone who doesn't know Naruto canon to give a fic a try!

I've saved one of my favorite fics and its sequels for my final rec. I read aishuu's first installment when it was new on my flist, and to my delight, it has sparked several sequels in the following years! I'd like to end my month of driving the anime and manga crack-van with a fitting bang, so here it is!

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: ensemble gen with various side pairings
Length: 15 fics, 21,145 words
Author on LJ: aishuu
Author Website: quillofferings
Why this must be read: What starts as a short and powerful oneshot expands to a series of vignettes that show us how Itachi as the Godaime could change Konoha and the characters we know. Each fic focuses on a different canon character. Some are funny, some serious, some sad, but all are a good read. My personal favorites are the moving Kakashi chapter, the hilarious Iruka chapter, and the Mikoto chapter for a chilling dose of fandom fix-it. Warning: mention of off-screen rape in fic 7. [set before the series begins, spoilers for volume 43/Shippuuden ep 141 (the truth of the Uchiha massacre)]

tag for Itachi Hogake Verse by aishuu

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Sakura/Deidara
Length: 16 chapters, 82,879 words
Author on LJ: wyntermute
Author Website: FF.net profile page

Why this must be read: This was my first experience with Sakura/Deidara, and before its summary caught my eye, I'd never considered it. I gave the fic a try, and was glad I did! Sakura and Deidara's uneasy alliance to find their way home, dealing with foreign cultures, and all the lovely UST make for a satisfying read. I also rather liked how the author explained Deidara's speech pattern, if if has been Jossed since. ^^ [set after the Rescue Gaara Shippuuden arc]

Somewhere I Have Never Traveled, Gladly Beyond by Wyntermute

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Naruto/Sakura/Sasuke
Length: one-shot at 3,024 words
Author on LJ: askerian
Author Website: author has fics all over, but looks like their FF.net profile has an index of all the various places
Why this must be read: Spin the bottle is a classic ficcing trope, and here's a hilarious example! Complete with a certain someone rigging the game. ^^ Grumpy!Sasuke can be so much fun. I giggled and snickered all the way through this one. [set after chapter 550 or so, more for character backgrounds than plot events]

Spin Me Right Round Baby by Asuka Kureru

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Sai gen, with background Sakura/Naruto
Length: one-shot at 862 words
Author on LJ: Dreamwidth, username fahye
Author Website: AO3 works page
Why this must be read: This fic is a perfect example of not dismissing a fic just because it's under 1k in length and has the lightest rating.

"Talking for the dead" punches me in the gut every time. It's an excellent dark!fic that's a character study of Sai and his observations of Naruto and Sakura. Very powerful, and sad, and pretty much perfect. *wince* Oh damn, that ending! [set after Sai's intro to the team]

talking for the dead by Fahye

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Shizune/Tsunade
Length: one-shot at 5,140 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3 works page
Why this must be read: This is a sweet story about Tsunade realizing it's okay for her to want someone in her life after Dan. It's good to see Shinune's one-sided love become mutual. Beautifully written. [begins soon after Tsunade becomes Hokage]

In Another Life by fall_into_life

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Rin/Obito, Itachi/Shisui
Length: one-shot at 12,316 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: FF.net profile
Why this must be read: This fic takes the idea of the all-important Uchiha oniisan and uses it to weave a great coming of age story. Obito doesn't die here, and instead is the big brother figure for Shisui, who in turn is the big-brother figure for Itachi. Told from Obito's POV, we watch Shisui and Itachi's genius develop in the wake of Obito's Uchiha-deemed failures. Obito watching his cousins' development is both amusing and sad, particularly the lead-up to and demise of the Uchiha clan. All is told with the author's masterful way with words, walking that fine line between beautiful and purple prose with grace. Warning: incest [AU from the beginning of canon, spoilers for the big Itachi versus Sasuke confrontation]

Twice at Dawn by coincident

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none, Gai and Kakashi gen
Length: one-shot at 3,408 words
Author on LJ: thisl0ser
Author Website: FF.net profile page
Why this must be read: Poignant and powerful, this fic makes me tear up every time I read it. I'd often wondered how well Gai would age, given his extreme fighting style. I'm glad this fic gives him the chance for a satisfying ending. And his continuing friendship with Kakashi is icing on the good!fic cake. ^^ I like where this one ends, too. It's one of the rare occasions when I'm happy there is not a sequel. [set after fanon version of the fourth war, Gai is 62]

End of Eternity: Beginning by thisl0ser

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Naruto/Neji/Shikamaru, Itachi/Shikamaru, Sai/Sasuke
Length: 2 chapters, 21,553
Author on LJ: drivven
Author Website: AO3 works page
Why this must be read: The best word for this fic is "campy". It's pretty much a gay threesome romance novel, and all the more fun for it. All the characters are working adults, and you don't have to know canon to enjoy this fic. It could easily be original fiction. The author uses some lovely imagery, and I found the story very engaging and just had to find out what happens! Ino completely steals the show. XD To be fair, the Uchiha brothers are not shown in a very good light, but don't take anything too seriously. This is a straight-up romance novel, and you gotta have a villain so the heroes can save the dude in distress! :3 Warning: graphic sex. [modern world AU, no canon spoilers]

Iyoku (Desire) by DrivvenWrinth

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none, Team 7 gen
Length: one-shot at 3,346 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: FF.net profile
Why this must be read: I love how an outsider's POV of our favorite characters can help us see them in an entirely new light. This fic does that wonderfully! I also find it very easy to relate to the main character and her fascination with dashing, heroic ninja. How many of us as children dreamed of being pirates, astronauts, or movie stars? Her observations of Team 7 are touching, and her dose of reality quietly chilling. Wow. [set in Team 7's happy genin days]

Childish Things by Betula

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Iruka/Kakashi
Length: 8 fics, 17,497 words
Author on LJ: paxnirvana
Author Website: FF.net profile
Why this must be read: When I learned that KakaIru was one of the biggest ships in early Naruto fandom, I couldn't understand where it came from. Well, aside from the fact that Kakshi and Iruka are the first two pretty adults in a canon overrun with children. (Ohhhh.) This series is remarkable for exploring their one interaction in early canon and using it to build a logical and romantic relationship. Yes, this series made me ship it! ^^ [starts just before the Chuunin Exam]

1: The Twenty-Fifth Rule 2: Chance Encounter 3: Afternoon Missions 4: Sharing Sake 5: Night Pursuit 6: Harsh Reality 7: Ninja Omake Theater 8. Calm Before the Storm. The series has been posted to AO3 as a chaptered story, but it is missing the 7th fic I have linked here. Also this is a complete series, despite the WIP note at AO3.

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none, ensemble gen
Length: one-shot at 1,865 words
Author on LJ: ronsard
Author Website: Fic posts are public
Why this must be read: The second Shippuuden's ending animation was unusual for being an actual high school AU--and close to canon as one can get! This fic is based on that, and is a charming little story that completely won me over. ^///^ Each character's visit to see Naruto in the hospital is sweet, and the ending has a lovely hint of more to come for him and Sasuke. I like it! [set in the second Shippuuden ending theme]

A Shared Sky by Quillslinger

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Sai/Yamato
Length: 3 chapters, 14,181 words
Author on LJ: tj_dragonblade
Author Website: Their LJ profile has a convenient index of all the various sites and what can be found on them.
Why this must be read: This pairing never occurred to me before reading this fic. I must salute the author, because they made me believe it! Sai is very much his direct and unknowingly awkward self as he goes after Yamato, who does his best to be responsible even as he progressively isn't. ^^ This fic could easily have turned squicky or trite, but I quite like how the author handled it, and wrote one of my fave first-time fics ever. Nice! Warning: graphic sex. [set after a fanon ending to the war]

Intentions and Intoxications by TJ_Dragonblade

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none, Team Kakashi gen
Length: 29 chapters, 73,500 words
Author on LJ: chibirocka
Author Website: FF.net profile page
Why this must be read: This fic is an emotional roller coaster for the audience as they watch Sai handle changes in his life and teammates with progressively worse reactions. *wince* I found the fic very engrossing, and definitely enjoyed reading it. Sometimes I just love seeing my favorite characters squirm! X3 This fic has a different take on Sai and (fanon) post-war Sasuke, both of which I rather enjoyed. And for all the author's flailings that the fic is super-dark, TBH I've read darker. This one isn't sweetness and light by any means, though. Warning is spoilery, but for those extra-cautious: major character death [set after a fanon ending for the war, and contains spoilers through chapter 617 (late January 2013)]

Apparently the first half of this fic has related videos on Youtube and Deviant art, as mentioned on the author's profile page and in the relevant chapters. I didn't watch them and enjoyed the fic just fine, but apparently they are quite popular. C:

墨 Sumi by 1Yui

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Tsundade/Jiraiya
Length: one-shot at 10,982 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3 works page
Why this must be read: This is the first romance fic I've read involving Tsunade, and it's set the bar quite high! A good read, complete with temperamental Tsunade and delightfully devious Jiraiya. I rather enjoyed how Tsunade has to work for it; she doesn't just crook her finger and have Jiraiya jumping into her arms. I particularly admire how the author uses the Icha Icha books. Warning: graphic sex. [set early in Shippuuden]

Easier to Give In by lovesrainscent

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Naruto/Sasuke
Length: one-shot at 7,337 words
Author on LJ: askerian
Author Website: author has fics all over, but looks like their FF.net profile has an index of all the various places
Why this must be read: This fic is proof that no matter how worn-out a trope, a good author can make it work, and work WELL. This fic is dark and painful and not happy at all, and it's all the more powerful because of it. The relationship between Naruto and Sasuke feels perfect, their characters ring true, and in the end I was so very glad Naruto had Sasuke to help him. For the record, the tropes are High School AU and Healing Cock. (ONOES!) As a bonus, the author is ESL. As my BFF said when I told her about the fic, "This author wins at fanfic." Warning: torture and off-screen rape [setting is the dreaded high school AU, no canon spoilers]

Locker Room Therapy by Asuka Kureru

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: FOC/Gai, Gai/Kakashi
Length: one-shot at 17,589 words
Author on LJ: thisl0ser
Author Website: FF.net profile page
Why this must be read: What makes this fic remarkable is how clearly the reader can see Kakashi's feelings as he reacts to Gai's first girlfriend, even though the fic is written entirely in Gai's POV. Gai's determination to find the eternal beauty of love and a family, even with the constant rejection he earns, is so perfectly Gai. I also found it delightful how the knowledge that his friend Kakashi wants him as more than a friend changes Gai's perceptions of same. (This fic is unfortunately flocked on LJ. Thankfully we have the FF.net mirror!) Warning: graphic sex [the guys are in their late twenties, no plot spoilers]

Manifestations of Regret by thisl0ser

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none, Naruto-centric gen
Length: 12 chapters, 81,685 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: FF.net profile page
Why this must be read: Here's a fun story! I'm not one to seek out kid!fic, but the summary lured me in: Naruto was six years old when he met the man who changed his life. ...Now he's kind of just hoping he survives it., and I ended up really enjoying it! The fluff can be so cute it hurts, but the author balances it with some great comedy and darker moments. It does have a rather large number of canon-defying pop culture references, but they are easily forgiven. I must admire Senji's patience; kid!Naruto would make me run--screaming--for my sanity AND my life! [AU starting before volume 1, but it's best to have read canon through volume 50 or you might be rather lost at times.]

Beginnings by Rayneken

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: main ships: Kakashi/Yamato, Sai/Sakura/Yamato, side ships: Aoba/Anko/Yamato, Sakura/Yamato, Sakura/Sai, Sai/Yamato
Length: one-shot at 4,414 words
Author on LJ: crunchysunrises, though author suggests her DW page is better: crunchysunrises
Author Website: fic master list
Why this must be read: I can really feel Yamato's frustration with his sempai's avoidance of his feelings--something that makes the ending very satisfying. This fic has some delightful interpretations I've not run across before, such as exactly how Kakashi's obtained his houseplant, Mr. Ukki, and the different reactions to Yamato's wood jutsu and his origins. Sakura's delight with Yamato's skills is sweet and made me very happy for him. Blunt Sai is perfect! [begins when Yamato AKA Tenzou is 14, extends to when he's 26, no canon spoilers aside from Yamato's origins]

Xylophilia by Crunchysunrises

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Naruto/Sasuke
Length: one-shot at 3,865 words
Author on LJ: sugahlei
Author Website: FF.net profile page has fic and links to three other fic archives and the author's LJ
Why this must be read: D'awww! This fic is a sweet, sticky gem. The author did a fine job of slowly shifting from Naruto simply wanting a full night's sleep to his wanting to comfort Sasuke from his nightmares, and then the gradual change to something more. I was particularly touched by Naruto worrying about Sasuke's reaction to the kyuubi inside him. This is great comfort fic, if you're feeling down and want to read something tender. [no canon spoilers beyond a brief mention of Sakura's specialty training]

Losing Sleep by Sugahlei

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none, Team 7 gen
Length: 5 chapters, 19,942 words
Author on LJ: oroburos69
Author Website: Oroburos69's master list
Why this must be read: The author provided the perfect summary for this fic: The Wave Mission is a failure. Team Seven is captured. Sasuke is gone. Kakashi is next. Sakura has no choice but to be a hero.

A frequent thought in Naruto fandom is: what if Sakura weren't so helpless at the very beginning? This fic's author takes that idea and delivers. They have written a powerful--and gruesome--ordeal as genin Sakura saves everyone, even (some of) the bad guys. OMG YES. Warning: graphic violence and off-screen torture. [splits from canon during their first encounter with Zabuza and Haku]

Freedom in the Eyes of Another by Oroburos69

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Shikamaru/Shino
Length: 3 chapters, 3,285 words
Author on LJ: fairady
Author Website: AO3 works page
Why this must be read: An endearing story about irritated Shikamaru trying to figure out the motives of the ever-silent Shino. This is the first crack pairing I ever read for Naruto, years ago, and I was pleased to find it enjoyable and well-written! Imagine my delight to find it posted to AO3 in recent months. ^^ [set pre-Shippuuden, no spoilers]

Never So Clear, the Sky by Fairady

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none, Sand Sibs genfic
Length: one-shot at 5,393
Author on LJ: dreams_of_all
Author Website: dream_it_all
Why this must be read: In canon we never really see Gaara during that fragile period after Naruto shows him another path and before he finds his precious people. Every so often, a fic gives us a glimpse to what that time could be like, and this one is an excellent example. Told from Temari's and Kankurou's POVs, this story will grab you by the heart. Poor Gaara is trying so hard to show he cares, but he doesn't know how, his siblings are oblivious to his desire to change his relationship, and it's all just an emotional hopeless mess. Right? [set before Shippuuden, soon after the big Gaara vs Naruto fight]

Mornings by Dreaming of Everything

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: Naruto/Sasuke
Length: 3 chapters, 25,255 words
Author on LJ: phoenix_down7
Author Website: phoenix_down7
Why this must be read: Naruto likes Sakura-chan, Sakura-chan likes Sasuke, and Sasuke drives Naruto crazy because he's just so damn perfect. All the classic dynamics, with a little shippy twist! Sometimes a fic is simply satisfying, and that's the best way to describe this one. It's a high school AU that works, everyone is recognizable as their canon selves--even without the ninja jutsu--and the story has a very happy ending. Yay! NSFW due to graphic sex. Spoilers here, for those extra-careful about potential triggers: There is a bout of drunk sex, but it is mutually wanted. [HS AU with everyone around 17 years old, no canon spoilers]

Field Trip by phoenixdown7

Hello again, my fellow fans! I am back for a second stint behind the wheel of the crack van! This time, I am driving for the second largest fandom at FF.net, and one of the largest fandoms in the entire world! As of this post, its canon consists of over 12,000 printed pages, 530 tv episodes, 9 movies, more video and card games than I can keep straight, and still going strong!

All that canon has generated a lot of fic. And like any huge fandom, some of it is really really good, some of it is really really bad, and most falls somewhere in the middle. I am pleased to act again as your personal good!fic filter and bring you the best fics I have found for Foxy Boy, Angst Muffin, and the rest of the huge cast in--you guessed it--Naruto!!

I have a wide range of fics to rec, and you can expect the full gamut of genres and lengths! I also read a variety of pairings, and have more than the standard set of fandom OTPs coming your way. And plenty of gen, too! Mustn't forget the gen. ^^ For all my fellow Naruto fans--and maybe even those looking for something new--I hope you find at least one fic to try!

To start things off, I shall begin by sharing with you a fic in the classic Naruto vein: a hilarious comedy. Shall we??

Fandom: NARUTO
Pairing: none
Length: 8 chapters, 8,935 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: FF.net profile page (405 fics by this author so far! Wow.)
Why this must be read: This fic had me in stitches! The repercussions of Naruto's true identity and Sasuke's determination to prove it impossible are hilarious to watch as they wreak havoc upon canon events. I only wish the fic were longer! [Starts very early in the series, but contains spoilers for the identity of Naruto's parents.]

No Way in Hell by Lucillia

Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Gen (First 3 parts; last is obviously Sasuke/Naruto/Sakura)
Length: 4,100
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: spoilers for the beginning of the series
Author on LJ:
Author's Website: Shadow_of_Quill on AO3
Summary: N/A

Why this must be read: Naruto is a series that has several major ongoing plot points, with one of the most important explored here: Naruto's ostracized from Konoha because of the circumstances of his birth. In this fic, Naruto's marked as a monster because he has no daemon. The stories focus on how others react to that, specfically Sasuke and Sakura. The emotional impact is high especially in the second part of the series, which covers Naruto and Sasuke's infamous school scene. Overall this series deals with Naruto's soul and how people think he doesn't have one, which fits effortlessly into canon in a way that had me engaged from beginning to end.

Although I loved this series, I have to warn for two things. The first being that knowledge of canon is probably mandatory to understand the concepts in this fic. The second is that the author labels this as gen, but there's a clear Team 7 threesome endgame. As a Sasuke/Naruto fan I would've preferred advance notice, but I still enjoyed it.

Daemonic Naruto

Note: Another WIP that's kind of not exactly a WIP. It's a collection of shorts, all sort of connected but also easily read independantly of each other. The exception is the fourth, which really stems from the second. Actually, my favorite was the second: A Simple Slip. If you know Naruto, it's a great fic.

My last rec for this month. *sobs* It's been loads of fun choosing things that I love and that other people might enjoy. I hope I managed to find something that suited you. Thanks for the comments and I'm going out with a decent bang, I think. If you like long, this is the place for you. I swear I lost well over ten days of my life reading my way through this, and I don't regret a minute of it.

Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Many and several, including but not exclusively: Shiranui Genma/Namiashi Raidou, Inuzuka Tsume/Namiashi Raidou, Hatake Kakashi/OMC,
Genre: M/M, F/F, M/F. Action, adventure, politics, drama, hurt/comfort – you name it, it's there.
Length: Seriously massive ongoing RP.
Author on LJ: NA
Warnings: Graphic violence, graphic sex, however all stories are marked up separately with appropriate warnings.
Author Websites: Community profile.
Authors' Summary: Five years after the demon nine-tailed fox wrecked havoc on Konohagakure and was sealed inside the infant son of the Fourth Hokage, two years before the Uchiha Massacre, the village is rebuilding and growing again. The Sandaime Hokage is alive and well; Konohagakure is recovering from a long brutal war, the Kyuubi onslaught of five years ago, and the loss of the Yondaime; and the elite ninja of the future are the rising stars of today. This is Fallen Leaves, a story of the young people of Konoha past and the experiences that will shape their lives as part of the dark, unsavory Special Forces known as ANBU.

Why this must be read: Anyone who has an interest in the older generation of the Narutoverse has probably asked themselves at some point, I wonder what all those guys were doing when they were younger. Here is your answer. This sprawling soup of plot and relationships, tension, violence and politics spans the years after the Kyuubi attack and before the show starts. It's comprised of numerous separate stories many of which, though all interlinked, can be read as stand-alones. The links below take you to the most useful places to start.

The Story So Far

Backstory (Dawn of Time until 5 Years After Kyuubi)

Season I (November, 5 A.K. to September, 5 A.K.)

Season II (October, 6 A.K. and after)

Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Uzumaki Naruto/Gaara, Hatake Kakashi/Umino Iruka
Genre: M/M slash. Humour, crack.
Length: Podfic about 30 mins, written fic about 4400 words.
Author on LJ: rageprufrock
Reader on LJ: N/A, Reader on DW
Warnings: None
Author Websites: Author on AO3.
Author's Summary: Sandaime never had to put up with any of this crap.

Why this must be listened to: While I enjoy this story very much in its written format – the humour shows the author at their snarky best - for me the true genius lies in this specific reading. There's a lightness of touch and accuracy of pacing to it which does more than justice to the words. The use of music and sound is excellent and calculated to enhance the listeners enjoyment. All in all its amazing fun and a great listen. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

White Wedding written by rageprufrock, read by lunchee.
Podfic: http://www.audiofic.jinjurly.com/white-wedding
Text: http://archiveofourown.org/works/48032

Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: No pairing.
Genre: Gen. Character study.
Length: About 1500 words.
Author on LJ: tj_dragonblade
Warnings: None.
Author Websites: Author's page on AO3.
Author Summary: Sai believes in always being prepared
Why this must be read: Sai's an odd little character, by turns sad and rude and a bit unfathomable. Yet despite that, and his inauspicious beginnings, I've grown very fond of him and this little story really gets at his heart, in my opinion. The author describes it reading like 'a mission report had a threesome with a diary and the analytical portion of the mind,' which, to be fair, it probably does, but then I can quite easily imagine Sai thinking just like that. I hope you enjoy it, and remember to feed the author if you do.

Ink by TJ_Dragonblade.

Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: No pairing, but involves (F) Hatake Kakashi, (F) Umino Iruka,Yamato.
Genre: Gen. Genderbent AU, politics.
Length: About 4,000 words.
Author on LJ: tucuxi
Warnings: None.
Author Websites: Author's page on AO3.
Author Summary: Kakashi doesn't really mind kids: she just doesn't want to be out of the field for long enough to have one of her own. Tsunade proposes another option.

Why this must be read: Genderbent AU's are nothing new, there's loads of them in every fandom. Some are excellent, others sadly turn much loved characters into caricatures. I adore this story because the author keeps the characterisations of Kakashi and Iruka right on the mark even though they're both female. And the bonus is that this story is part of an ongoing series, Through the Looking Glass, all of which come highly recommended.

An Unusual Alternative by tucuxi.

Part of the Through the Looking Glass series.

Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke
Musical Artist: Shinedown (Second Chance)
Vidder: Konardsob123
Vidder on LJ: Not known
Vidder's Websites: Vidder on YouTube

Why you must see this vid: The relationship between Naruto and Sasuke is arguably the most important of the entire Narutoverse. This video utilizes clips from both the original Naruto series and its sequel, Shippuuden, to examine that relationship; its roots, its development over the years, and its significance to both boys, and it does so beautifully. I found it a real tear jerker. I hope you enjoy it too.

Second Chance by Konardsob123