Interim: Blog Update

Serenphoria Says:

On a completely personal note, I'm in the throes of wrapping up work and moving to go to grad school. As to how that will affect this blog, I see one of three options:

1) I will continue to post, albeit sporadically and infrequently
2) I will retire this blog
3) I will share ownership of this blog with someone else who can post on a more regular basis.

I started this blog as a way of recording and sharing with a few close friends my thoughts on the series. As time passed, a little community of readers started visiting more regularly and I started posting more regularly. However, I'm finding it extremely difficult as my situation changes to continue on any consistent basis.

My question to you all is...what keeps you reading at Mendokuse? If it's consistent commentary you want, I assure you there are many blogs/forums/communities out there that deliver that and I can go with option 1 or 2. If it's this little community of readers, then option 3 may be a way to go - in which case, I need volunteers. And if it's me specifically (and *blush* if it is), then I'd lean more towards option 1.

Please let me know your thoughts. I can't promise regular posts in the near future, but you can always subscribe to the feed so when I do update, you'll know automatically and not have to check.

Thanks.

Naruto Chapter 549: Sakura's Decision

Summary: The kages don't trust danzou to be there leader. Shikamaru tells Sakura of the decision to hunt Sasuke.

Serenphoria Says:

Okay, so my comments are not going to be very cohesive, but here were some of the things going through my mind when I read this chapter.

I was happy that Kishimoto made the decision about the next leader a discussion. Too often, major decisions are made within one chapter, but here, we've got a complex situation with many parties that have a stake in the outcome. Also, the line "He is the embodiment of the darkness in the ninja world" filled me with glee. Dramatic much? Unless....it's true?

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Wow, is Kishimoto giving CLAMP a run for their title of most number of eye-transplants or what?

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I know tact was never one of Neji's strong suits, but ouch. Hey Shikamaru, remember the time when you totally failed to save Sasuke? Yeah, you should feel responsible to tell Sakura that we have to kill him now.

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And finally: Everything that Sai said was very cathartic for me. His insight into Naruto and the recognition that others relie too much on him is exactly what I've been feeling. I know Kishi dragged this out on purpose to give Naruto the opportunity to show of his growth in strength and maturity, but it's about time that the other ninjas (who are all so awesome but we never get to see) are stepping up their game.

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Shisui? What?!? aasdkfja;dfjadslflaksdjf;ak

Naruto Chapter 548: The Five Kages' Argument

Summary: After some tension, the five kages agree to an alliance. Danzou is nominated to lead the army. Meanwhile, Sai confronts Sakura about her and Naruto's relationship. (Read 548 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Please raise your had if you think Iron Man is in cahoots with Danzou.

*raises hand*

No one with a goatee-of-evil* can possibly represent a "neutral" country, that's all I'm sayin'.

I like the fact that there is a undercurrent of distrust between all the countries. It gives me hope that some of the nonsense ideas might be challenged. Overall, though, I found myself a little confused. Like BLEACH, there are too many names and associations to keep track of and they seemed to be speaking in several tenses in regards to the Akatsuki. They have been used, they could be used, etc. etc.

I also liked that there were others besides Madara and the First who could control the beast. Still an elite group, but even at this stage, the Naruto-verse is expanding. How exciting!



On a completely different story line....Sai, I did not see that coming.

I can't decide whether or not his actions are in character or not, but he's so socially awkward that I wouldn't put it past him. His words were both tactless and necessary. At this point, it seems that Sai is stepping in and really acting like Naruto's best friend -- someone who can't stand by and see his friend in pain and calls it out. And once again, it's Sai, despite not being able to understand emotional subtleties and complexities (or because of it), who sees most clearly and calls a spade a spade.

I don't think Sakura is necessarily suprised by the idea that Naruto loves her, but I do think she chooses not to think about it or acknowledge it, because then she doesn't have to face it and feel any responsibility towards Naruto. And by not acknowledging Naruto's feeling towards her, she doesn't need to be careful about what she says or does; she doesn't think about how she affects Naruto in a profound way. And because of this, Sai's insight that Sakura causes Naruto pain is a surprise.

With Sai saying it out loud, that Sakura hurts Naruto, it's become reality. I hope Sakura realizes that she's the only one that can release him of his curse. And I hope despite Sai feeling that his bonds are a curse at times, that they're worth keeping.

*See Mirror!Spock

Naruto Chapter 457: The Meeting of the Five Kages

Summary: The five kages gather for a meeting. Naruto begs the Raikage for Sasuke's life.

Serenphoria says:

I'm back! And too much has gone on for me to write anything intelligent, so let me summarize:

Sharingan: What, does everyone with a covered eye get one now? Lady!kage has one too, and Naruto's going to get one after those bandages come off. Sheesh.

Sai: Loving MotherHen!Protective!Sai, but for someone who supposedly can't emote, he really sucks at keeping secrets. I also love the fact that Kakashi could be the one that finally tips the scale for Sai's loyalties.

Zetzu: What the?!?

Naruto: I was also a little disappointed and indignant that Naruto bowed so easily, though for some reason, I think he's also totally keeled over in this latest chapter. Don't blame him...has he actually rested after beating Pain?

Welcome back Suigetsu and the Sand Sibs! I missed you guys.

Naruto 455

Serenphoria Says:

I'm unable to comment due to lack of internet access (see post 452) but please feel free to discuss.

If (Suigetsu meets Sai)
Then (Chapter == epic)

//outdated programming knowledge fail.

Naruto Chapter 454

Serenphoria Says:

I'm away from internet access for a while (see chapter 452 post), but feel free to comment without me. Sasuke may or may not have shown up, so the chapter may or may not have been awesome depending on secondary character participation.

Discuss.

Naruto Chapter 453

Serenphoria Says:

I'm away (see chapter 452 post), but that doesn't mean you can't comment! Please do so here.