'The Broken Tool' is easily one of the best fanfictions I have ever read. The author's grip on everything — characterization, world-building, suspense, structure, dialogue, description, etc. Etc. — is spot-on.
Jonohex took into consideration that a team would be dispatched to dispose of Zabuza and Haku's remains, as well as finish the job if he and his master were still alive. Haku's maturity, bouts of depression, and kindhearted qualities make him both a lovable and believable character. The O Cs are realistic and an absolute JOY to read, even Haku's love interest, Mari. She is notably a girl who grew up with several older brothers, and who is very rough around the edges, a contrast to Haku's gentle visage. The fight scenes are impeccable.
Tactics, skill, and endurance are played out in great detail. Hell, I enjoyed the fights in the story more than the battles in the actual anime. Haku's 10+ years under Zabuza's tutelage shows here in the most brutal way; he is a force to be reckoned with, and often enough goes for the kill.
The other characters, however, aren't stupid either. They are often as skilled as the young ninja, but make the mistake of underestimating him. Although Haku finds himself locked in battle often enough, it's worthy to note that FEW characters in this story are absolutely evil. Antagonistic, of course. But even the antagonists have well-rounded personalities and may even have good intentions. There are few true black or white morals in Jonohex's universe. In short, it is a universe built on politics. Ninja-wise: kill or be killed.
For Haku, his personal struggle in surviving and carving a new niche is the golden central theme to the Broken Tool series.
Incredible
'The Broken Tool' is easily one of the best fanfictions I have ever read. The author's grip on everything — characterization, world-building, suspense, structure, dialogue, description, etc. Etc. — is spot-on.
Jonohex took into consideration that a team would be dispatched to dispose of Zabuza and Haku's remains, as well as finish the job if he and his master were still alive. Haku's maturity, bouts of depression, and kindhearted qualities make him both a lovable and believable character. The O Cs are realistic and an absolute JOY to read, even Haku's love interest, Mari. She is notably a girl who grew up with several older brothers, and who is very rough around the edges, a contrast to Haku's gentle visage. The fight scenes are impeccable.
Tactics, skill, and endurance are played out in great detail. Hell, I enjoyed the fights in the story more than the battles in the actual anime. Haku's 10+ years under Zabuza's tutelage shows here in the most brutal way; he is a force to be reckoned with, and often enough goes for the kill.
The other characters, however, aren't stupid either. They are often as skilled as the young ninja, but make the mistake of underestimating him. Although Haku finds himself locked in battle often enough, it's worthy to note that FEW characters in this story are absolutely evil. Antagonistic, of course. But even the antagonists have well-rounded personalities and may even have good intentions. There are few true black or white morals in Jonohex's universe. In short, it is a universe built on politics. Ninja-wise: kill or be killed.
For Haku, his personal struggle in surviving and carving a new niche is the golden central theme to the Broken Tool series.