Thursday, August 20, 2009

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.

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Naruto Chapter 459: Sakura's Decision

Summary: The kages don't trust Danzou to be their 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 rely 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