Naruto Chapter 426: Naruto and Konoha

Summary: Naruto is determined to find a way to use Sage mode without needing to be still. Ebisu and Konohamaru confront Pain. (Read 426 here)

Serenphoria Says:

I hope Naruto figures out his work-around soon, otherwise Konohaians will keep stalling the Pains by dying and being loyal yet ineffectual.

Oh! Or allies from other countries will show up and save the day! Tsunade couldn't have possibly only called on Naruto for help. Could she? Darn, she was a bit distracted...

I will say, I found the presentation of the progression of Naruto's acceptance to be a nice treat - finally we get to see the baby steps it took and the village's sacrific now doesn't seem so unbelievable.

Not surprised AT ALL that Konohamaru didn't run. Nibbles got to it first (see comments) but I also thought about the Sexy no Jutsu! I don't expect Konohamaru to actually face Pain, but I do think he'll do something to distract him long enough for someone else to step in and give everyone a chance to escape.

Naruto Chapter 425: Hatake Kakashi

Summary: Kakashi meets his father in another realm. The nine-tail fox is preventing the frog from fusing with Naruto. Konohaians are still trying to figure out what Pain's secret is. (Read 425 here)

Serenphoria Says

Three things:

1. Wow those slugs are big. Do people have to crawl in them to get healed?
2. I'm so glad to see Kyuubi again.
3. Kakashi had better be having a 'it's not your time yet, son' talk with his dad.

Humph.

Naruto Chapter 424: Determination

Summary: Danzou reveals his intent to overthrow Tsunade and become Hokage. A group of interrogation specialists make headway reading the mind of Jiraiya's captive. Chouza is gravely injured and Kakashi risks using the Mangekyo twice to ensure Chouji survives to alert Tsunade of Pain's power. (Read 424 here)

Serenphoria says: !!

It's your turn Iruka. Save Kakashi!

I don't care if he's said his mental goodbyes, it's not his time. His character is too epic to perish with this (lack of) set-up.

Putting my anxiety aside, it looks like Danzou isn't working with the Akatsuki, which was an idea I entertained when he smited messenger!frog. (OMGFroggy!) I had to smile inside, though, when an underling questioned him. Somehow, I imagined him as a militant that had the absolute, unquestioning loyalty/fear of his soldiers. I guess I overlooked the fact that Sai got off scott-free when he not only failed his mission, but also when he showed independence and asked to keep his name and new team.

mmm...brains...

Edit: It makes me really nervous when mangakas go on break (ahem *CLAMP*). I hope the story hasn't derailed irreparably. He better be figuring out some way to save Kakashi.