I think I stopped caring about Naruto somewhere after Itachi vs. Sasuke arc and the aftermath. (Me, I'd have liked Itachi to remain hardcore. Le sigh.) Then Kishimoto pulled the whole Pain thing and I just shook my head and moved on to Bleach.

And the whole Sage thing confused me to sam hill and back. Skipping the Sage bit and going straight to the taming of Nine-tails part would have more sense, and more emotional impact (momma and poppa and BABY NARUTO, come ON).

*shifty-eyes* Does you fic really, really have to use all the canon? Though, it'd be really something to see all this explained in a way that actually makes sense. ♥ I'll definitely be looking forward to your ficcage~