Naruto Chapter 350

Summary: News that Sasuke killed Orochimaru has reached Konoha. Karin tricks Suigetsu into separating from the group. She and Sasuke unlock Juugo's cell and Juugo attacks with intent to kill.

SnowyOwl Says:

Is it just me or is Naruto totally getting the shaft? The guy dedicates his heart, body, and soul to protect Sasuke from snakey, body-snatching death for three years and just like that, they take it away from him. I'm reminded of the Prince in EverAfter, when he was all ready to heroically rescue Danielle and when he gets there, she's already rescued herself. Man, what a let down. But Naruto is such a cool guy that he's happy. And still surprisingly naive. Did he forget that Sasuke left on an Avenger's mission? It's almost as if Naruto is still in denial that Sasuke left of his own volition. Sasuke's goal was never to 'escape the clutches of Orochi' dearest Naruto.

I'm so amused that Suigetsu acts so self-assured but can't handle the humongous blade yet. He's got a little growing-up to do physically and (unless I'm reading too much into this) it may be indicative of room to mature in other ways as well. I really hope to see some character development as time goes on. (I can't believe he fell for the 'it's this way--not!' scam. He must be a sucky ninja to not feel the absence of company. Hope he grows up a little bit in that area too.)

Dude, he called Sasuke a softy. Sasuke straddles in an interesting place where he neither adheres to values of Fire country (by no means is he a model citizen), nor the values of the 'baddies'* (Mist and Sound for now). He doesn't seem to belong anywhere and I wonder how that affects him (or maybe he couldn't care less, being so focused on his goal.)

Karin seems a bit immature too. But then again, she's acting just like a teen would. I think I forget because they've all got super-powers, and especially because she's grouped into the 'baddies' group. Antagonists always seem more 'adult' in stories, loss of innocence and all.

And Juugo? He's frickin' CRAZY! (I don't even want to include a picture, it creeps me out). I don't think he has any possession of his mental faculties at this point. It would be awesome if Suigetsu comes and saves them (if Sasu doesn't Sharingan Juugo into a blubbering heap first) and because Sui and Juu fought before, Juu will become attached due to familiarity. And Sui will have a pet** and show a caring side. Maawww! (wishful thinking).

Finally, in response to WitherWing's comment on Ch.347, Zabuza also had spiky teeth. And no eyebrows. And a receding hairline. I think Sui can give his senpai a run for his money.
*I call them baddies only because their values are diametrically opposed to the Leaf, our protagonists, and not because they really are all bad.
**Actually, I'm guessing the Juugo is older than all of them, so maybe it won't be cute. We'll see.

Witherwing writes:
So first thing I thought of when I saw this picture: This is what SnowyOwl looks like in the morning. Hehe. Don't kill me.

Naruto really doesn't get it. The problem was not the fact that Orochi might take over Sasuke but that Sasuke wanted to get revenge on his brother. Well, maybe Orochimaru was Naruto's main concern from the beginning. Either way, Naru still has a lot to learn. But maybe now, Sasuke will come back (after he's brought peace to the world) and Naru will give him a shoe and they'll live happily ever after...maybe not.

The leaf ninja: I kinda liked the fact that Suigetsu called him that. Maybe there are redeeming qualities in Sasuke, like his reluctance to kill unless necessary. But I guess to be a fire ninja he is missing the most important thing. The Will of Fire. He's a wonderer right now. Maybe he'll make up his own country like Orochi did.

Wobbly sword: Couldn't Sui pull out his jumbo muscles of death for this?

Karin: So her super power is like Calisto (I think) from X3 where she senses other mutants and their power. Is that all Sasuke needed her for? Now she can leave or just hope that the interaction between her and Mizu is foreshadowing funny times ahead. I don't think that Sasuke's really amused by her antics.

Juugo: Do you suppose that Juugo has a bloodline limit? I mean, I don't think that there's any other expanation if he transforms. It's not like he had to eat the pill for it to happen.

Response: SnowyOwl, I see your point with Zabuza. I forget that he's not all that because I alway picture him with the bandages still wrapped around his face. (For obvious reasons) Still, he had one think that made him more appealing then the other water nins: the Lov-e-ly item*, Haku.

*Reference from Ouran High School Host Club