Updated. I share some of the concerns mentioned above regarding some of the cliches present in the earlier part of this story. Though, I do think this is getting a lot better as it goes along, judging by the latest chapter.

I would have given this story a 3/5 near the beginning, but as of the latest update I'm leaning more towards 4/5 or 4.5/5

 

The dynamic between the characters is amazingly well done.The 'touchy-feeley' business is something I can actually appreciate, because a little humanity is always nice when the characters go through the shit they've gone through.

Spoiler

Sakura's parents get brutally killed, just after they have a family fight in which the father just about disavows her as his own daughter? Naturally, she gets upset, and gets touchy-feeley with her surrogate family. Humanity.

Naruto, believing he's the son of a prostitute, and having grown up in the seediest, worst part of Konoha where's he done acts of questionable morality every day just to survive, suffers from believing anyone could possibly like him for who he is. And when he's shown definitive proof, he breaks down, and gets touchy-feeley with his surrogate family. Humanity.

 

This shouldn't be in the recycling bin on the basis of a few cliches, because frankly, I've never seen cliches pulled off so well. They are actually enjoyable to read here. The progression of each character and the team in general is really good. Characterisation and interaction is pretty much perfect.

Naruto excels in fuuinjutsu but otherwise isn't special, so he's no Gary Stu. And fuuinjutsu is really nicely portrayed in this fic. I also like how all the older characters know full well he's the Fourth's son but don't say anything. Their impressions of Naruto are heavily coloured by it, but the author thankfully keeps Naruto in ignorance.

Naruto's background isn't really canon, but so what? The author gave her (?) own interpretation of an orphaned childhood, which happens to be a lot rougher and darker than what was shown in the shounen canon. Also it seems to be based off earlier Japanese society, somewhat like that portrayed in the film Memoirs of a Geisha. I thought it was an interesting approach, far superior to the usual routine of Naruto getting beaten up on by random villagers on his birthday every year (*exasperated sigh*).

Jiraiya is cool in this fic. Kakashi progresses from a lazy and apathetic sensei to a good mentor in a believable fashion.

5/5 from me.

 

I don't mind cliche's, as long as the writing is decent. I'd assumed this to be utter trash, but it seems it may not be, so I'll give it a read. Variety from canon always helps.

 

It had rather weak start that made almost drop this fic, but later chapters started to be very enjoyable. I can almost see author improving his skills from one chapter to another.

I also like how it follows the canon and still adds many new elements to keep it fresh. The first part of the Chuunin Exam was interesting and I hope that the next one will be even better.

All in all 4/5 from me. If the beginning was better, not around very weak 3/5 as it is now, the whole story could even get 5 from me.

 

update

Update, didn't read tough...here

 

Read the update, but meh I just can't get ramped up for reading the Chuunin Exams for the seven hundred quadrillion and eighth time. People like to whine about Wave Country, but if there is one arc that I wish more authors would axe out of their canon rehashes it would be the fucking exams.

Not that I'm calling this story or the execution of the exams a rehash of canon, since it obviously isn't.

 

I was pleased to see an update here, as the interaction between Kakashi and the other jounin is something I've not seen before. Team 7 has been done well too. I'd give this a 3.5 leaning to 4/5.

 

I've had this vibe that Naruto's been raped in the ass, ever since he revealed his questionable Red Light past in that touchy feely context.

3/5.

 

At least the author seems to be trying to get it over with as fast as possible. As detailed and interesting as the chapters normally are, she's basically blasting through the chuunin exam arc.

4/5, with room for growth.