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Yah, you read it right, believe it or not.
I've been watching/reading Naruto for 4 years and counting.

I've gotten a handful of PMs asking me how I could stand the Naruto series.
And, honestly, it angered me to have people ask that.
So I'm here to clear things up.

There are multiple reasons I love the Naruto series,
All of them kind of contributing to each other:

.

[1] My best RL friend, `RibZ introduced it to me when we were little.
TAB» I cherish anything she gives me.
TAB TABIronically enough, this anime led me to acknowledge her as my best friend.

[2] The ninja theme was a good break from all the vampire and samurai based anime and manga.
TAB» Seriously. What's with the vampire fetishes these days?
TAB TABIt also changed my outlook on ninjas and the importance of teamwork.

[3] It has aspects from DBZ, an old favorite, that shine through in a nostalgic way.
TAB» Sensing of power levels, POWERUP!screaming, an arrogant brunette a*****e becoming friends with the
TAB.. blond that wants to protect everyone sound familiar?
TAB TABThough there were similarities in the plot and characters, it still had a unique and interesting twist to it.
TAB» Kishimoto was inspired by Goku when creating Naruto's character.
TAB TABSJ: What was it about Son Goku that attracted you to him?
TAB TAB....K: That'd have to be his simple, clear thought processes. Also, his
TAB TAB....mischievousness. The reader would also be bursting with energy. They'd say "I'll
TAB TAB....do my best!". Because of that, to me the image of a hero is a "mischievous,
TAB TAB....overly familiar guy".
TAB TAB....SJ: Well, where do you think Naruto's charm lies?
TAB TAB....K: Indeed, I wanted to have him possess as much of the charm I was talking about
TAB TAB....as possible. Always bearing in mind that he's a "simple fool"...(laugh). Plus,
TAB TAB....personally, I don't really like wise characters all that much. (source)

[4] The concept of chakra is easy to grasp and decently explained, unlike most magical powers in anime and
TABmanga.
TAB» "We get our power from words...because they're powerful...and stuff..."
TAB TABAlice 19th, Loveless, etc...
TAB» "Screw the rules. I have money!"
TAB TABYu-Gi-Oh XD
TAB» "I'm the main character, therefore I AM PERFECT AND ALMIGHTY!"
TAB TAB(searching for that anime's name...)

[5] After learning about symbolism in 9th grade, I realized how deep anime and manga could be.
TAB» The "random s**t" that happens has an actual purpose. (more...)
TAB TABMuch like the Grimm Tales, the odd things that happen—the Tailed Beasts, associating characters with animals, etc—do have a significant
TAB TABmeaning. Some of which are worldly known and others only native to Japan.

[6] The relationships between Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were similar to that of myself and two childhood
TABfriends, encouraging me to reconnect with them.
TAB» My first best friend and I liked to pick on eachother and one of my other friends would always side with
TAB.. me, seemingly always clinging to my side in adoration (SO ANNOYING).
TAB TABIn Sakura's younger years she would always diss Naruto in favor of getting on Sasuke's good side, though it generally worked against her.
TAB» My mom forced me to break ties with my first best friend when I was 7.
TAB TABItachi indirectly forced Sasuke to break ties with Naruto.
TAB» Every time I see either of them I get this nostalgic feeling, but my pride won't let me open up to them.
TAB TABThe first reunion for Team 7 showed Sasuke's reaction to their meeting up, trying to seem detached while still remembering the past.

[7] Sasuke and Naruto taught me the now distinct difference between friends and best friends.
TAB» There's friends you care about, and best friends you'd die for without a second thought.
TAB TABAs I said in my first reason, Naruto helped me realize who was closest to me.

[8] Naruto's will to succeed inspired me to excel in swimming, crew, and even drawing.
TAB» After I started watching Naruto I began to excel in sports until I reached a breaking point.
TAB TABK: That'd be Naruto. He's told things are impossible, but he still tries his
TAB TAB....best. He doesn't know if he can or can't, but still goes ahead
TAB TAB....recklessly...that's what I relate to. He's a loser, but still tries his best.
TAB TAB....This is what I like. Everyone else can do it at the beginning to some degree, so
TAB TAB....can't Naruto? (source)

[9] Watching and reading it have reshaped my view on life and made me more appreciative and accepting of
TABpeople around me.
TAB» I'm noticeably more open to people around me and strive to make new friends.
TAB TABBefore I would keep to myself and keep talking to a minimum, but now I realize that anyone and everyone has the potential to become a
TAB TABgood friend of mine.
TAB» After discovering all these heart breaking pasts of orphaned characters, I've some to realize just how lucky
TAB...I am to have the loving family I do and cherish it every day.

[10] Each character has his or her own distinct personality and style.
TAB..» Character personalities rarely overlap.
TAB TABThis makes staying in character while cosplaying easier =P

[11] I've found even the "villians" to be interesting and likable, a rare occurrence for me.
TAB..» Despite Orochimaru and Akatsuki's a*****e-ness, I can't help but like them.
TAB TABTheir backgrounds almost make their intentions understandable.

[12] Naruto's helped me develop a sense of hope and faith in others—an overall optimism.
TAB..» Just ask `RibZ. I always find the bright side and try to make the best of it.

[13] Watching the characters grow up and improve has gotten me more attached to each one, a hard thing to
TAB..accomplish.
TAB..» Each character has steadily grown on me and they make me so proud now that they're grown up ; u ;
TAB TABThis aspect only makes you cry harder and feel worse when a character dies...

[14] It's one of the few anime and manga that have caused me to laugh, cry, smile uncontrollably, get seriously
TAB..angry, and become depressed for an entire day. Almost every character death has seemingly ripped my
TAB..heart out.
TAB..» Generally, every time someone's died I've cried, if even just a little bit.
TAB TABAs I mentioned in my 9th reason, these characters become a part of you and to see them die or lose a loved one really tears you apart.

[15] No one has yet to come up with a legitimate reason to "hate" the series.
TAB..» They all claim it's "stupid" because the Narutards piss them off. Hate the tards, not the series.
TAB TABI encourage you to come up with a legitimate reason to despise it. I want to hear it.

[16] Lastly, even with his obnoxious attitude and lame appearance I've gotten attached to Naruto's character and
TAB..hope to see him as Hokage with Sasuke and Sakura by his side.
TAB..» I wish the best for Naruto and his friends. Naruto for Rokudaime! >8D
TAB TABIt just goes to show you how far one boy can come—from hated to idolized.

.

Hopefully, after reading this you'll get an idea of why I like it so much.
You don't have to like it too, but understand that there's a good reason to,
So don't bash a series just because it's popular and has some annoying-a** fans.

And to fellow fans:
Please don't give us this bad reputation.
You've driven me to almost be ashamed of actually liking Naruto.

I understand it's most likely not the best.
But it's most certainly not the worst and doesn't deserve to be hated.
Hate the Narutards, not the actual series.

The American dub sucks, though not as much as One Piece's.
Also, I think the anime, directed by Hayato Date, has declined since episode 134.
I suggest everyone stick with the original--the Naruto manga.
So yah, end of drabble.
Just had to get that off my chest.

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