Mendokuse - A Naruto Manga Blog

Naruto Chapters 479-484

2010-02-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

Summary: Sasuke kills Danzou and it seems like he's finally gone Dark-side. Team 7 reunites.

Serenphoria Says:

Quick house-keeping comments. I'm going to be screening comments from now on. Too much spam. Sad.

Okay, so, Danzou shows off all his pilfered Uchiha eyes and then he kicks it. Flashback a little too late, yeah? By this point I really don't care. So there were a few things that came out of the confrontation: a) another "bad guy" out of the way so we can get back to the central story b) chance for Sasuke to develop skillz without killing someone we care about and get him sufficiently exhausted so team 7 can interact c) more intrigue: what is Madara up to? Will he harvest the eyes?

Anyway: Gah! I can't decide if I want Karen to just die already or revel in possible Karen-Sakura!friendship. Bite marks everywhere. Ew. There is no reason why they couldn't keep the healing bites to appendages...unless they weren't just "healing" bites. *shivers*

Sasuke has always been an irrational drama queen to me (since he went renegade, anyway). You can't bring back the dead. And no one is laughing. Maybe he really is high on power and his perception of reality is skewed. That would actually explain things. It was rumored that Orochimaru drugged his ninja after all.

I'm actually quite excited that Naruto and Sakura are starting to look at the Sasuke-situation with adult eyes. They are not quite there yet; they are not quite ready to let go of a happy ending, but they will understand it if they don't.

OMG Naruto with his intense eyes, don't-mess eyes. Squee!

Naruto Chapters 458-478

2010-01-06T01:30:00.000-08:00

Summary: Sasuke attacks the kages and is rescued by the Akatsuki. Madara reveals to the kages his plan to unite the tailed beasts in order to complete a technique that will allow him to cast the whole world into his illusion. He declares war against the ninja world when the kages refuses to hand over the eight- and nine-tailed beasts. Meanwhile, Naruto is troubled by the news that Sasuke is working for the Akatsuki and that even his peers are planning to assasinate Sasuke.

Serenphoria Says:

Super-long post here.

First, on a personal note, you’ve no doubt noticed that I’ve decided to update much more rarely. However much I’d like to stay current, my life’s schedule demands otherwise, so unfortunately, my impressions now will be in much broader strokes.

That said, it doesn’t seem like much has happened in the past three months and there weren’t too many moments that would have had me flailing if I had followed week after week.

First things first: Samurai are about as useful as the Storm Troopers they resemble, which is to say, useless. The word Samurai by itself exudes bad-assery and yet this group was grossly mistreated by the author as mere speculators and commentators to the action, which is a role any random nin or civilian could have filled. I’m disappointed that the introduction of the Samurai in this ‘verse didn’t live up to its potential.

And I’m getting really confused with all the new characters. Too many ‘feelers’ and rogue Hyuugas for my liking.

Now, on to the main course:

Madara: My, this man likes to hear himself talk. Was he really having such a hard time nabbing 8 and 9 tails that he’d reveal his plan in order to “negotiate”? By the way, if that’s your negotiation strategy, Ur doin’ it WRONG. Did he seriously think he could cause so much grief and then have the kages cooperate because he’s doing it in the name of peace? He has not earned any trust and yet expects everyone to entrust him with the power over all the earth. Silly megalomaniac.

Given this ridiculous situation, and Madara’s history as an unreliable source in the past, it seems probable that the plan he revealed is a strategically manipulative move to get the kages to react – perhaps taking him straight to the remaining tailed beasts or something more.

In fact, manipulation seems to be the over-arching theme of the past dozen chapters. To the kages, as unconvincing as he is, he feeds them a message of desiring peace. To Naruto, he speaks of the Uchiha’s destiny of hatred and vengence. I’m convinced that Madara NEEDS Naruto and Sasuke to fight – it’s the key to accomplishing his true plan, whatever that may be. Otherwise, his interest in Sasuke developing his doujutsu and Naruto accepting that it’s his fate to fight Sasuke (Naruto, who has otherwise rejected the idea of predestination with all his firey passion) would be hard to justify.

Sakura, I’m disappointed to see, chose manipulation to get Naruto to abandon his mission. No matter if her feelings have changed, the reason she confessed at this time negated any credibility to them. The characters justify her actions as an act of mercy, but really, she’s allowed to because they believe that the path of least resistance is to take away his motivation. Only they got his motivation wrong. Putting down Sasuke as part of her tactic proves as much. It isn’t just about his promise to Sakura and it isn’t about his bid for Sakura’s love. It hasn’t been for a very long time.

Yet Sakura operated under these assumptions because she herself is driven by her feelings for Sasuke, is projecting her solipsic mindframe onto Naruto. The differences in their growth is stark here: Naruto’s driving force is his concern for others (don’t use Sasuke as your puppet!) and rarely do we hear him flaunting his development. Sakura’s focus is herself. She thinks she is the center of Naruto’s world and therefore devises the love confession tactic to manipulate him. In part II she frequently voices how much Naruto has changed, as if to say look! I’ve noticed. I’ve matured. Sorry Sakura, not nearly as much as Naruto.

Okay, enough with the heavy.

Squee moments:

Gaaaaraaaaa!!!! OMG loving him and his sibs holding their own at the kage conference. But Gaara especially. Good to see that his age is acknowledged in his naïve/idealistic vision (and who’d have thunk that Gaara would be the idealistic one?!). And he suggested Kakashi as the interim kage! And reaching out to Sasuke? You know he did it for Naruto.

Killerbee and his brother. They are soo…brothers. Loving it!

WTF moments:

Danzou’s eye arm. WTF, Kishimoto. Are you not thinking about how chakra pathways work in your world? How many Uchiha body’s did you have to mutilate to get that going?

If you’ve made it this far, sorry for the text heavy post. Until next time!

Interim: Blog Update

2009-08-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

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 459: Sakura's Decision

2009-08-08T03:22:00.000-07:00

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?

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Shisui? What?!? aasdkfja;dfjadslflaksdjf;ak

Naruto Chapter 458: The Five Kages' Argument

2009-07-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

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 458 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

2009-07-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T04:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T04:25:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

Serenphoria Says:

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

Naruto Chapter 452: Closing in on Danzou

2009-06-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto and Sakura want to confront Danzou about his decision to allow Sasuke's death even though Sasuke is a missing-nin. Sai is ordered to watch Naruto because Danzou wants to keep Naruto in the village. Team 7 meet the Rai-nin, who tells them that Sasuke has joined the Akatsuki.

Serenphoria Says:

Ah, Kakashi, voice of reason. I'm glad it's finally been acknowledged that Sasuke's getting special treatment.

And Sai's back! Why does he make me giddy? Probably the same reason Spock does - self-proclaimed emotionally unavailable/incapable book-smart character that teases us with glimers of their struggling and growing humanity. Look at him questioning his orders! Teehee.

On a side note, I'll be away for the next three weeks and sadly missing out on chapters until I return from traveling. I'll create place-holder posts so you all can discuss in my absence. Cheers!

Naruto Chapter 451: Dealing with Sasuke

2009-06-12T23:33:00.000-07:00

Summary: The villagers start rebuilding Konoha. Danzou classifies Sasuke as a missing-nin. Naruto thinks he finally understands him.

Serenphoria says:

Overall a chapter with lots to enjoy (I love transitions!). My reading went something like this:

- Sasuke? The title already annoys me. Sad...I remember a time when Sasuke was so cool.

- Oh Yamato, you show off :)

- Inari!

- Aw, look at our little Naruto maturing before our eyes. *beams*

- "If anyone rejects my way of life, I'll kill everyone they love." Aw, Sasuke, you haven't matured at all. I know he's suppose to be an angsty, mellow-dramatic 15-year-old, but he can actually make good on his death threats. Scary. And he looks totally stupid next to our growing Naruto. Stop making excuses for him Naru!

- My new favorite line: No good news ever comes from a scroll.

- I'd hate to say this, but I totally agree with Danzou's first decree as Hokage. It's about time!

Naruto Chapter 450: The Joyful Village

2009-06-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

Summary: Konoha celebrates Naruto's return. The wind nin head to Konoha. A new Hokage is decided while Tsunade is in a coma. (Read 450 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Lot's of stuff to love (I tend to like transition chapters) and some things ridiculously ridiculous.

- Kakashi: No better person to meet Naruto after his lonely trial. I'm glad they had an alone moment together before...
- Gaara-style reception: deserved but unoriginal.
- Sakura's reaction: Yes.
- Wind Nin: LOVE!
- Tsunade's coma: So people not good enough to not be dead get to come back in perfect health but survivors just stay hurt? That sucks.
- Konoha's political system: dumb.

Who is that long-hair, ambiguously-gendered leader who get to say who's Hokage? S/he is very impressionable. Do none of the other leaders have an opinion? How are they leaders? No offence to anyone in the profession, but it's like the higher education system where all the clueless but tenured people make the calls.

Leaders: We need a leader!
Awesome Papa!Nara: I nominate Kakashi
Leaders: Good idea, good idea!
Obviously Up-to-no-good Danzou: I nominate meeeeee!
Leaders: Good idea, good idea!
Me: *facepalms*

Maybe the He-She is no one. Maybe the next chapter will start with the elders mowing him over for being dumb. Doubtful though since we need a new Big Bad. We can't have Naruto confront Sasuke so soon after his test-run with Nagato, can we?

Naruto Chapter 448/449: Memento/The Flower of Hope

2009-05-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto spares Nagato's life to carry on Jiraiya's dream. Nagato places his hope for peace in Naruto, and brings everyone he killed in Konoha back to life.

Serenphoria says:

Mmmm...Not as happy as I'd thought I'd be seeing Kakashi alive for several reasons:

1) He didn't want it

Well, more like he didn't not want to be dead. He was at peace and he even had that taken away from him. Poor Kakashi.

2) Playing God is cheating

Chiyo's life-for-a-life was touching. Un-doing a war? Not so cool. What is Nagato teaching Naruto? That if you make the right choices, everything will be right with the world. That all he needs is knows what pain is, but not actually have to live with it? No no no. And bringing back everyone dilutes the value of any one single person coming back. Arg!

3) Sasuke shows up.

I found ending with him irksome. So Naruto learns a lesson and Kishi is all like: that was practice! Now go apply what you learned with someone else that wants to destroy Konoha! Kishi, I want new plot please.

-sigh-

At least Suigetsu is back. Maybe he'll eat Sasuke before they get to the Leaf.

Chapters 446/447: I just wanted to protect them/Believe

2009-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Summary: Nagato becomes Pain after Yahiko's death. After Nagato's tale, Naruto decides not to kill him. (read here)

Serenphoria Says:

You go Naruto!

It was predictable that Naruto wasn't going to kill Pain, but satisfying to hear him reach that conclusion nevertheless. He's no Sasuke - when he refuses company it's not because he wants sweet revenge all to himself. And says he wants to just talk, he means it. I think he already made the decision not to kill going in, even if he didn't know it.

Was it just me, or did the way Nagato became Pain make no sense? It looked like his eyes made a big wooden puppet that latched onto his body involuntarily. Then in the next instance it was mostly destroyed, but he was still Pain? The last few chapters were just a little hard to believe. Yahiko running into a kunai, for one. I'm disappointed that he went that way...they seemed clever enough to find a way to rescue the girl.

Ah well.

Now, how will Pain/Nagato react to Naruto's decision (probably be confused and not kill Naruto in turn). How will the Fire ninja react (ah, Naruto will probably have to protect Pain now).

*Note from serenphoria: Dear readers of this blog, I realize I haven't been consistant with posting. Real life (and this is a reason, not an excuse) is taking a toll on my ability to keep up on a regular basis. For the forseeable future, I'll likely post no more than twice a month - if I can do more, then bonus! Thanks for understanding.

Chapters 444/445: The Answer/ Top of the World

2009-04-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Summary: Nagato tells Naruto his story. (Read here)

Serenphoria Says:

Actually, the summary should be: Nagato tells his sob story and I don't care. There's something very insincere about Nagato's story - and it's not the character's fault, but the author's. Oh poor orphan!Nagato, who saw his parents die. He was saved by kindness just as he was about to become vulture food and he has a dog. Cliche much?

His appearance doesn't help much either - it's hard for me to connect with characters that don't emote with their eyes. Plus, he was weak-willed and without personality in the first place. His story would have been much more compelling and tragic if he had further to fall.

Anyway, I did enjoy angry Naruto. I was actually glad that he was still fist-trembling angry - even though he exhibited some self-control, anything less than angry and hurt would have been out of character.

Angry!Kyuubi!Sage!Naruto was so awesome! And a total oxymoron. How can that even be possible?

Naruto 443: The Meeting

2009-04-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto goes to see the real Nagato. (Read 433 here)

Serenphoria Says:

First, kudos to Naruto for choosing to be diplomatic rather than act on his desire for revenge. There's a hokage in him yet!

That said, this chapter was all kinds of frustrating. Slug is a broken record. Team Gai has been useless. And while I know Kishi is establishing how Naruto's way is different from everyone else's, he's portraying everyone (adults expecially) like one-dimentional simpletons. And come on! You guys are trained professionals. Can't someone offer to stand guard or act as back up if talking doesn't work? Where's the tactics?

Geez!

Why is Naruto doing everything alone? Doesn't that negate everything he worked for in part 1?

*pulls hair out*

Naruto Chapter 442: The Last Gamble

2009-04-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Summary: Sakura tends to Hinata. Naruto withstands Pain's attack and deals a blow of his own.

Serenphoria Says:

Battle scenes confuse me but hey! classic kage bunshin attack. Nice.

Dude, Nagato has red hair? And Sakura really needs to pull her's back.

And Hinata...not be to disrespectful of the near-dead, but whoa.

And what's with the slugs? Let others help Naruto already!

That's all.

Naruto Chapter 441: Rasen Shuriken vs. Shinra Tensei

2009-03-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto battle's Pain in Sage-mode and locates the real Nagato. Team Gai arrives and tends to Hinata. (read 441 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Not much by way of surprises, but color me impressed by Naruto's quick thinking - I think this chapter featured his most mature and clever in-battle strategy to date, especially the bit where he traced Nagato's location. But just to burst my own bubble, I think Kishimoto cheated a little by getting Naruto into sage-mode so easily again. He was a multi-tailed Kyuubi just moments ago, even with daddy showing up, when did he have a chance to be calm?

Sage-mode eyes are growing on me though.

I was always under the impression that Nagato was speaking through Pain...If that's the case, I wonder what difference it would make for Naruto to speak to the original aside from giving Naruto the chance to see how beat up Nagato really is.

Finally! Team Gai arrives. I really hope they have a much larger role to play, or all this waiting for nothing!

I hope I'm not a terrible person because I laughed the line "Look, here's another frog!" Sorry Pa!Frog.

Naruto Chapter 440: A Conversation with the Fourth

2009-03-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto and the Fourth Hokage have a heart to heart. (Read 440 here)

Serenphoria Says:

*Wibble*

I adored this chapter.

Yondaime is so cool-headed:

K9: Grrrr! Come here!! I'll rip you to shreds!
4: Saying you're going to rip me to shreds isn't going to make me come closer.
...
4: He's too noisy, let's go somewhere else.

And Naruto was perfectly Naruto:

@: (teary-eyed) Dad... *punch*
@: I don't know whether to be happy or pissed off!
@: It's okay, I'm the son of the fourth Hokage, so I can deal.

I can't quite figure out how Yondy knows some things, as if he's been able to see through Naruto's eyes, but is oblivious to other things (like Naruto's age?). Maybe he was just trying to make conversation. At the same time, it seems as though this Yondy wasn't released into existance until Naruto went eight-tails. So how could he have known about Jiraiya?

Too bad Naruto only gets one reset. (Also interesting is that the seal is both outside and inside him at the same time. It's like placing two mirrors facing each other and the reflections go on forever.)

Pain is in for a whooping.

And completely random, but I wonder if Kishimoto saved "Conversation with the Fourth" for the 440th chapter.

Naruto Chapter 439: Chibaku Tensei

2009-03-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

Summary: The kyuubi almost reaches nine tails, but is trapped in a gigantic ball of earth. Naruto is mentally trapped and is about to lift the kyuubi's seal, but is stopped by Yondaime. (Read 439 here)

Serenphoria Says:

I had my blogger account open and ready to write yesterday, but found myself a little speechless.

Ah hem.

Yondaime WHUT!
Hollow!Naruto WHUT! (ew!)

Okay, there are a few things I wanted to pick at. First, that is a lot of land mass to be pulling up to contain Kyuubi. Seriously, the whole valley?

Secondly, I was a bit put off by the reason Naruto is mentally trapped. When Naruto had admitted that he didn't have the answer, I saw that as a sign of maturity. But now, it seems as if instead of accepting that and moving forward to find an answer, he's allowed Kyuubi to go all postal while he struggles with it. It also somewhat cheapens Hinata's role: her being attacked may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, but Naruto inability to fight back Kyuubi has nothing to do with her. He's still focused on himself.

Prediction: Yondy will help Naruto subdue the Kyuubi. Nagato will die of a stroke from straining so hard. Talk about your anti-climax :)

Naruto Chapter 438: Breaking the Seal

2009-03-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Summary: Pain is impressed by Naruto-as-six-tailed-fox's power and lures him away from the village. (Read 438 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Ah, not dead.

Kyuubi!Naruto is crazy! I'm not sure what happened, but did he crush his own exoskeleton? He definitely crushed the pendant (oh no! There goes his fortune...I mean, his protection). Does this mean he'll Kyuubify more easily, or does this mean that it's harder to bring him down when he does? (I think it's the former).

Regardless, I'd like to see more of Kyuubi -- visually I'm a fan of muzzly, snarly, cat-eyed Kyuubi!Naruto, not shadow!Naruto with round eye holes.

The only thing that I'd harp on is the fact that a nameless Hyuuga is being used to narrate. I don't know, seems lazy. But on the plus side: Sai!

Naruto Chapter 437: Confession

2009-02-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

Summary: Survivors move to find Nagato while Team Gai heads towards Konoha. Hinata confesses her love to Naruto and is hit by Pain while she attempts to protect him. Naruto unleashes six tails. (Read 437 here)

WARNING: ? and ! abuse

Serenphoria says: What the frack!?!

Holy cow ridiculousness and emotional roller coaster ride. My internal dialogue went something like this:

Hinata's been watching the whole time? Can she lip read?

What? You guys still haven't started looking for Nagato yet?

Gah! Shikamaru, you're killing me. Your injury is so lame! Why are you being so complacent at a time like this! Ask the slugs and medics around to fix you! They're right. There.

Team Gaaaaaaaaaaiiiii!!!

*Guffaw* It took Neji's uber-eyes to spot that ginormous frog?

Erm...the wounds aren't deep? So...you've demobilized Naruto with inch-wide acupunture needles? With no blood?

Why do I imagine Ma!Frog with a raspy Jewish!Mother voice? (no offense to Jewish mothers...I've just been watching The Big Bang Theory lately)

Holy Cr@p, Hinata! Squee!

LOL. Hinata is 3 miles away before you realize she's gone? Huuga bodyguard FAIL!

Holy shnapps, Hinata has never looked better. And, dude, that's a really good angle of her back too...

Oh, here comes the confession...blah, blah, predictable..."I just want to walk with you..." That is the sweetest line in Naruto-history. Awww.

Go Hinata! Kick some...what, seriously? She doesn't even get one hit in? GARGH!! *Fan smash*

*double take* She got Shinra Tensei'd? Uh oh. Hinata, I'm sorry I laughed because you went eek!

What the heck is this a picture of?

Really, Naruto, really? Her unverified death set you off? That's all it took. Pretty girl you never thought much about confesses and that sets you off? What, Hinata's just a convenient device then? Grrr...

Whoa. BLEACH much? When has pure chakra ever become solid? Is this allowed? Did Kishi break his own rules?

I'm exhausted after reading that. It won't surprise me either way if Hinata is dead or alive - though she's actually more useful dead, sadly, (and this was the only chapter I've ever liked her in too) - that way, Naruto doesn't need to deal (in a relationshippy way) with the fact that someone has confessed their love to him and can move on with the plot.

Naruto Chapter 436: Peace

2009-02-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

Summary: Inoichi theorizes that the person controlling the Pains is located in the highest point near Konoha. Pain explains he is seeking justice and cyclical periods of peace via fear and though Naruto disagrees with Pain’s methods, he is unable to provide an alternative course. Nagato is revealed. (Read 436 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Though the inevitable monologue came, this chapter meaty and satisfying nonetheless. I had a lot of thoughts on this one, so sorry for the delay:

[More Chakra Properties]

So chakra can be projected through space as long as the path is relatively clear, like satellite signals. I never thought about the limitations of real!Pain even though the Nara’s shadow is a physical manifestation of this property. Interesting…in my head I just imagined real!Pain was in a tree just outside the walls or something (maybe I was still thinking of Tobi)

I predict Ino and her dad are the ones scouting via bird possession.

[Justice]

Although the chapter is called Peace, it was just as much about Justice, a concept that we haven’t heard much, if at all, in Naruto. I think if anything, we’ve known Justice as an end (Sasuke seeking vengeance as a form of “justice”?). In fact, Naruto’s motivation for “Justice” is eerily similar to what is motivating Sasuke: a deep, emotionally-charged sense of loss and the desire to make the culprit pay. Nagato represents a more classical sense of justice: one that stands on principle, detached from personal emotion. Still, I had trouble following his reasoning: is instilling fear in military states ‘just’ and ‘righteous’ because it brings peace or is it ‘just’ because the military states must pay for the nature of its existence?

Perhaps a larger question is, do military states exist because humans cannot help but hate and fight, or does the very presence of a military state generate war? And, if it’s the case that humans are warrish by nature, is a military state the best way to deal with it?

From Nagato’s point of view, he accepts that humans will fight, but he seems to also assume that a military state is inevitable. For all his grand ambition, he does not seek to undo the institution of a military state, only to regulate the people within its confines.

[Confrontation]

It was thrilling to see these two larger than life characters come together. This confrontation alone was more thrilling than the whole fight prior, particularly because we see just how far Naruto has come and how far he still has to go.

Where Naruto’s vision for Justice reached only as far as Kohona, Nagato’s reached all inhabited land and we see that Naruto’s world is still only as big as his village. (Yes, yes, he’s got connections in Sand, blah, blah…but you still get the sense that his world is still about his friends, and what he’s identified as “home”). That’s why it was so sweet to see a moment when his world suddenly got a lot bigger. Naruto came into the fight with such conviction and clear delineation between the good guys and the bad guys, but we end the chapter with everything fading into gray. The bad guy has known the same pain and their goal is ultimately the same. The ninja way of life is no longer glorified and infallible, but marred by fundamental flaws and subsequent consequences. Naruto was not defeated even with his hands pieced through, but he was when he no longer knew why he was fighting.

I loved, loved, loved that we’re seeing him mature as someone who is capable of listening to the other side and acknowledging that he doesn’t have the answers. I’m also reveling in the fact that he’s in a serious moral quandary (evil me). I’m able to enjoy his pain so much because I know that there’s a stubborn child-like part of him that will hang on to his idealism and he’ll come to the conclusion that he may not have the answer, but Nagato’s got it wrong and he’ll bring peace in his own way!

[What Next?]

I feel that we’re more-or-less done with the Pains: the next step is dealing with Nagato so that the last Pain standing is disabled, or at least escapable. I don’t actually see Naruto being taken away. He—along with the rest of us—needs time to take in the damage and grieve. Pacing-wise, we’re not ready for another rescue.

That said, I don’t think Kakashi will be a puppet in the immediate future. I’m not even going to speculate and just wait it out.

Oh Nagato! I immediately thought of that one mutant in X-Men II who immaciated and prematurely old because it took so much out of him control others with his mind. For the power the Pains had, I think it’s fitting that Nagato is so gross. I would have been miffed if he was handsome and healthy AND powerful. Something’s got to give.

That's Justice.

Naruto Chapter 435: Banshou Tenin

2009-02-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

Summary: Naruto defeats absorb!Pain, but is still caught. Inoichi thinks he knows how to locate the original Pain.

Serenphoria Says:

[Splash Page]

The phrase 'stole Kakashi' really jumped out at me. Kishimoto is still extremely ambiguous about Kakashi and never once did any of his characters outright state that he was dead. Even the Narrator doesn't. This is one more indication that Kakashi is not technically out of the story. Perhaps 'stole' refers to a comotose/useless state, or perhaps even that Kakashi will be a puppet. Whatever it is, Kishimoto has teased us too much about Kakashi to not develop his character further -- what author could possibly give up a character with so much potential to enrich his story?

[Pains and Naruto]

Whoa, let me get this straight.

There was soooo much sage energy in Naruto that absorby!Pain couldn't handle it and turned into a statue. And absorby!Pain didn't know to stop when he started to feel all funny? If there's a delay in energy consumption and the effects (sounds like alcohol poisoning), how would Naruto, Jiraiya, and other sages know when to stop?

And OMG Pa!Frog!

*cries*

And it looks like Pain is about to monologue. I wonder if we're going to learn anything new.

[Back in Konoha...]

Yay! They're thinking about puppeteer!Pain after all.

And interesting that Inoichi qualifies chakra has having a frequency. I wonder if people with the same chakra frequency will enhance each other's abilities like resonance =) Out of curiousity, does anyone know what other characteristics of chakra are canon? We know that the person using their own can feel it and the Hyuuga can see it as color. And I think others can feel large amounts of chakra as pressure (as in, when Naruto and Itachi, etc., get crazy, others are all what is this chakra? but maybe they were registering an abnormal frequency?) It's interesting to think that perhaps people of different abilities may register and experience chakra in different ways.

Anyway....looking forward to learning something new in the next few chapters.

Naruto Chapter 434: Naruto vs God Realm

2009-02-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

Summary: Naruto gets caught.

Serenphoria Says:

I actually don't have too much to say about the battle that made up most of the chapter. Except that I love this face. Who wouldn't cheer for him with that confidence?

What was noteworthy for me was the quick scene featuring the others. Naruto's peers showed some surprise and a little concern, but made little effort to help. Kiba's reaction was particularly uncharacteristic: I would have expected him, out of all people, to try to charge into the fray. Not only did he complacently accept li'l slug's statement that they shouldn't interfere, he basically told others not to either. At the very least he should have taken the order with more reluctance.

I realize that giving Kiba that reaction may have been an ill-casted attempt to set up Hinata's reaction as the only one to resist and go help Naruto. She showed a little spine, then instantly turned into a jellyfish within a page. Let her have a little character development, please! Generic!Huuga says you'll be a burden and you just take it? Gah!

And who was it that decided Naruto had to do this for himself anyhow? See, now he's in trouble.

Naruto Chapter 433: Sage Technique Failure?

2009-01-31T01:43:00.000-08:00

Summary: Out of sage-mode, Naruto uses his back-up plan. God-mode Pain gets his second wind. (Read 433 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Naruto left copies of himself behind?!? That's freakin' crazy.

For a moment I thought he was just going to swap with a clone and charged up (or we were seeing clone!Naruto this whole time)...idk, the whole thing was a little confusing.

And who didn't see all the dead Pains coming back alive a mile away. Sheesh.

I guess I don't really have much to say for this chapter...just that...it bothers me a little that Naruto's wearing Yondaime-style outerwear. I don't think it would actually be Yondaime's old summer cloak since Kishimoto would have made a bigger deal about it (but then again, he just might off Kakashi without a proper send off...) so anything is possible in the Narutoverse's small, small world.

But yeah, I feel that it's almost a little disrespectful to evoke Yondaime almost completely now (first it was just the verbal comparisons, now Naruto's visually replaced him) - to both of them. I liked Naruto because he was different and found a way to be accepted for who he is, but since the Tsunade-Jiraiya-nostalgic-bench-of-foreshadowy-death discussion, Naruto has disappeared a little even if he might think he's completely unique.

*Shrugs*

I hope Team Gai is out somewhere disposing of puppet-master!Pain, because otherwise, what the heck?! Where are they?

Too lazy to add pictures right now. One day...they'll be back.

Naruto Chapter 432: The Return of the Rasen Shuriken

2009-01-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

Summary: Naruto continues to battle the Six Paths of Pain with new Rasengan techniques. (Read 432 here)

Serenphoria says:

New throwy shuriken? Very cool. That's what it should have been all along and I'm glad that Naruto has been able to evolve and perfect his signature technique. And the expandy part, (which actually makes sense since no one is there to keep all that energy together), was a nice surprise.

The double rasengan wasn't nearly as cool or effective, but I'll give it to Naru since he was getting tired.

I'm not so sure how I feel about the Shika!men. Part of me thinks it's in character that Shikamaru would use a broken leg as an excuse not to try to hard to do something, but given the seriousness of the situation, it would have been more in character if he somehow got himself to the battle. He's mainly a shadow user after all - not much leg work needed.

And Shika!dad saying to stay out of the way... I keep hoping that if Sasuke was about the short-comings of getting powerful alone, Naruto would be the one to demonstrate strength in team work. Plus, Naruto could use their help now that he's powered down.

Maybe we'll see the Shika!men there yet. And maybe we'll finally see Team Gai. Come save the day!

I'm a little weary about all the Pains being defeated. They're all more or less puppets and have all come back to "life" after being defeated. Is what Naruto doing making a difference? Where is the real Pain and why isn't anyone going after him?

Naruto Chapter 431: Naruto Erupts

2009-01-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

Summary: Naruto and Pain's summons do battle. (Read 431 here)

Serenphoria says:

Yikes! I'm late with comments, so I'll be brief:

Naruto: *is bad@ss*
Tsunade: *is looking her age*
Kishimoto: *is being sly about Kakashi*

Not to make light of Tsunade, I thought is was particularly meaningful for her to sacrifice her youthfulness, which she held so dear, to protect her constitutes. It speaks to the gravity of the situation and in a way, was Tsunade's own coming-of-age moment. Nice touch, Kishi.

Not so nice is his teasing us with Kakashi's fate. Everything says that Kakashi's dead, except no one will actually say it! What the heck! I don't think it's just my wishful thinking...Kishi is manipulating our emotions and expectations. Otherwise, why not be as straightforward with acknowledging the death like Asuma's or Jiraiya's?

Humph.

Naruto Chapter 430: Naruto's Return

2008-12-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

Summary: Naruto returns to see Konoha destroyed and challenges Pain to battle. (Read 430 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Happy New Year everyone! And what a great chapter to start on. Just a few observations:

Yay for survivors! Love how matter-of-fact Shikamaru is about his broken leg and how there are so many Hyuuga out on the field and out of those bath robes.

Naruto must have mastered calm, because seeing Konoha in rubble is definitely kyuubification-worthy.

And gigantor frogs! I can't imagine them ever being useful in battles near civilization unless it's spitting from a distance to put out fires. I also can't imagine they're very good at scheming mid-battle, as the enemy can hear their plans a mile away. So big!

The Six Paths of Pain is like the Hydra (well, not the perfect analogy, but you can't kill Pain by hacking off his undead limbs). Get to the source already!

Naruto Chapter 429: Pain

2008-12-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

Summary: Having learned Naruto's location, Pain decimates Konoha with a bomb-like blast. (Read 429 here)

Serenphoria Says:

I'm still in shock.

...

I was wholly unprepared for the blast - even though in retrospect retreating with a final blow was a very badguy-y thing to do. It just...whoa. Is Kishimoto over-stepping the rules of the Naruto-verse by allowing anyone that level of power? Even the tailed-beasts weren't that destructive. Or has Pain really reached demi-god status and it wasn't all just talk?

Plot-wise, perhaps that technique will wear out the Pains enough to give Naruto a fighting chance to survive, because I really don't see him outsmarting the collective Pains nor being successful even with his Tenacity Attack. The most likely scenario is that his Tenacity Attack will give the others time to find the real Pain.

Shizune!

And Oh My God, Sakura, don't you dare give up before you even try to save Kakashi! Go sic that giant magic slug on him! ... It was touching that she'd call out for Naruto (what a 360 for her character!), though I don't know what he could possibly do to make things better).

I'm starting to get seriously freaked. It feels like the dark before the dawn in a story...the protagonists are at their lowest low, digging up corpses from the rubble of their home, turn their grief and anger into righteous determination and regroups to take the battle to the enemy. Only, where does Danzou fit in? Reintroducing him in the fray has a purpose. How can he carry the story after the current Big Bad? I can postulate a few scenarios how he could be integrated into the story, but he's definitely an interesting loose end.

And what will Sasuke do when he arrives and finds Konoha already destroyed? (Curses! Foiled again!) Will seeing the consequence of a like-minded person's wish (You all don't understand pain until I deal it!) cause him to reflect? Will he have some life-changing epiphany and finally think of someone besides himself? If he does and tries to redeem himself, will anyone care enough to notice?

So many questions and moving parts and I really don't know how this is all going to shake out.

*mimble wimble*

Naruto Chapter 428: Conversation

2008-12-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Summary: Konohamaru faces Pain. The crypto group theorizes that the Six Paths of Pain are controlled by a single source. Shizune has her mind read and the Pains learn where Naruto is. (Read 428 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Aaaahh my eeeyes! Konohamaru, please keep your flashback thoughts to yourself.

sigh

But kudos for the Rasengan. Even if it doesn't make a dent, I'm proud.

And it looks like my puppet-master theory is shaking out too. Is it Nagato? Is it? Is it!?! If it is, I think it's wicked twisted that he's using his nakama Yahiko's body to be the main pain. *evil grin*

So what? The real Pain is hiding in a tree somewhere outside Konoha? I really want to see him grinning maniacally and monologing to himself and then get pwned by Team Gai on their way into the village. Neji's got magic eyes!

Oh my, what if the real Pain is a real wuss? The man behind the curtain, the Trio behind the demons? (Lee: Lotus Kick! Pain: Owie!)

And final thought: mindreading!Pain, you couldn't have thought of that earlier?

Naruto Chapter 427: Reunion

2008-12-05T10:09:00.001-08:00

Summary: Familiar faces all prepare to do more battling. (Read 427 here)

Serenphoria Says:

About Kakashi. I'm maintaining a healthy dose of denial. Until they add his name to the stone I'm not even going to guess at his fate. For all we know, Tsunade mumbled yeahkakashiisfine.

About Naruto. Finally! I was waiting when he'd come up with the same revelation, again. Play to your strengths and keep it simple, Naruto, like Potter and his Nimbus.

I'm slightly miffed about Chouza. Not that I'm not happy about that Choji gets to keep his dad, but in terms of the story and my emotional investment, if they keep not-so-interesting-or-important Chouza instead of so-many-possibilities Kakashi, I'll be so upset.

Wait...I'm not thinking about Kakashi. Right.

Check out Tsunade's bring-it-on face. :)

And Team Gai! YAY!!! OMG I can't wait to see Lee wail on the Pains.

Naruto Chapter 426: Naruto and Konoha

2008-11-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Naruto Chapter 423: The Deva Path's Powers

2008-10-31T01:21:00.000-07:00

Summary: Deva Pain's power is gravity and can pull and deflect objects from himself. Kakashi and the Akamichi's team up to attack Deva Pain, but another Pain thwarts the attack. Trapped in rubble, Kakashi is vulnerable to Pain's next attack. (Read 423 here)

Serenphoria says:

Kakashi, don't aim for his chest! Slash at his ankles and at least do some damage, because you totally missed, even if it was to set up the Akamichi!

What the heck Deus Ex Machina Pain? It was like another Haku moment, except Haku didn't come back from the dead to shield Zabuza.

Kakashi said, out loud: I can't dodge from this range. Which means he can. (Just, tilt your head over a bit). Really, nailed by a nail? That would be as anti-climactic as how Yamato from Hitman Reborn got defeated by a wall.

What can Kakashi do? Dimension warp that nail away! Better yet, Dimension warp Pain away.

Naruto Chapter 422: Kakashi v. Pain

2008-10-31T01:11:00.000-07:00

Summary: There are many casualties as the Pains interrogate people about Naruto's location. Kakashi tries to identify Pain's powers while they fight. Chouza and Chouji joins him. (Read 422 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Late post. Quick and superficial notes:

- Splash: Gorgeous
- Konan: I love how her powers look

- New ninja?: Me likes

- Slugs: Ew

- Tsunade: setting herself up for death. Come on, slug chakra not good enough for the injured? Do you have to use yours? Didn't Yamato teach you that the medic needs to live?

- Kakashi v. Pain(s): Gah! Wah!

Naruto Chapter 421: Call Naruto Back

2008-10-17T02:02:00.000-07:00

Summary: The attack on Konoha continues. Tsunade reasserts her decision to send for Naruto despite being advised otherwise. In secret, Danzo prevents the message from being sent to Naruto. (Read 421 here)

Serenphoria Says:

OMG froggy!

Most of the chapter was a little cheezy for me, especially the scene with Sakura. I mean, a little kid tripping? Punching out a summon while other ninja run scared? Stopping to put a band-aid on the kid? Too much.

And something is still bugging me about Tsunade. Her declaration of faith was commendable (I so called it!) and I'm happy she stood up to the elders, but she's still not acting like the leader I want her to be. In fact, she was a bit petulant: there's no reason she couldn't have stood up to the advisors without getting physical. Though her decision might have turned out the same, she's acting and reacting as a friend and sister, and not so much as a leader yet.

Real time reaction:

"Do you know what Jiraiya, and Sarutobi, and Chiyo had that you don't? Faith." Yeah, and they're all dead. (Cynical moment, sorry)

Also:

Kakashi - The new lightning hound attack looks so cool. Too bad it was totally ineffective. Kishi is juxtaposing Kakashi's fight with Shizune's attempt to explain the power, which signals that Kakashi's going to find out more soon. I hope it's not the hard way. Regardless, I'm glad we're getting to see more of Kakashi's arsenal after being teased about reputation as the nin who's copied a thousand jutsu.

Danzo - Finally!

Naruto Chapter 420: Battlefield Konoha

2008-10-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

Summary: The denizens of Konoha are beginning to realize the village is under attack. Tsunade decides Naruto should be called back from training. (Read 420 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Yay color pages! Yay ensemble battles! Yay Kakashi!

The first third of the chapter alone exhausted my emotional range:

First: Whoa cool! Iruka in a battle situation since chapter 1!

Then: Fool! 'I won't tell you anything?' Then just sitting there in front of an Akatsuki waiting for your purposeless demise?

Simultaneously: Wah! Iruka noooo!

Then: OMG squee! Kakashi yay! You are still so bad@ss and awesome.

Immediately followed by: Oh no...the crazyfans are going to use this as evidence of KakaIru. Just...no. No offense if you're a fan, but I'm made a conscience decision to ignore all shippy discussions about this scene outside of this blog (and only if you write intelligently and cogently. Thanks.)

>if no one we care about dies when attacked by a pack of despotic demi-gods it'll feel like a cop-out and an insult to Jiraiya.<

I take it back! Kakashi don't die! Here, take Iruka. This is going to be like the Immortals fight all over again. I don't think my heart can take it.

Again, I am wondering about Tsunade's ability to lead. First, for someone who can see the attacks from her window, she didn't seem to have noticed until chuunins told her. Then, probably knowing Akatsuki is looking for Naruto, she calls him back. To battle. In the village. Being responsible for the welfare of the village, it feels a tad irresponsible.

On a completely random sidenote, I'm wondering why if looking into one's mind is represented by graphical abstractions, why the thing they are looking for is in the very literal representation of a brain.

Naruto Chapter 419: Attack

2008-10-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

Summary: Pain infiltrates and attacks Konoha. Killerbee and the Eight-tails team up and escapes the Akatsuki. (Read 419])

Serenphoria says:

Is it bad that I'm more stoked about Killerbee feigning his own death than I am worried about Konoha's imminent destruction?

*GRINS*

[Konoha is full of Pain]

The first half of this chapter was predictable. (Except for invisible protective shield around the village and the random ESP guys who monitor it. WTH?)

I am reconsidering the theory that the real Pain is Rinneganning all the other Pains. If there was a puppetmaster, they wouldn't need to coordinate and get orders from a lesser Pain, right? Still, their names suggest they are all part of a larger, singular whole.

HumanRealm!Pain freaks me out.

[Family is a Pain]

Killerbee. Nice, Kishimoto, nice. I was completely resigned to be disappointed that it's ending for Killerbee the same way as most all the other jinchuuriki and then not only does he find a way to escape, he actually used the Akatsuki to escape his overbearing brother.

Love love love.

I am wondering about the nature of the tailed beasts though. If they are an amalgamation of potent chakra, shouldn't eight-tails be able to, you know, regenerate his limbs? It makes me wonder if Killerbee's tried to pull something like this before (like a kid who keeps trying to run away) and that's why eight-tail's missing part of his horn.

Does that also mean that the tailed beasts can be weakened/defeated by sucessively lopping off various limbs? (Tis but a flesh wound!)

Side note: I was a little taken aback that the cool cloud nin were reduced to melodramatic tears, but I think it's growing on me. How can you not love the Gai-Lee-like relationship?

Naruto Chapter 418: Naruto, the Sage

2008-09-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto completes his training as a sage. Konoha continues to have difficulty learning anything new from the remnants of Jiraiya's last fight. Pain arrives at Konoha's walls. (Read 418 here)

Serenphoria says:

Not too much to say, but my appetite is whet and I am eagerly awaiting plot!

- I don't...disapprove of Naruto's frog look. It's not nearly as bad as I feared--it looks good even. I'm just a little sad that his eyes aren't nearly as expressive with slits for pupils.

- Was that Ino's dad? And was it me, or did the unconscious guy look a lot like Naruto without whisker marks?

- I'm a little disappointed that the Konoha investigations team hasn't made any progress. I know Shika's a genius, but any reason they have three teenagers trying to decode a message that is vital to the country's security? Where are the experts!?!

I don't know why, but I really like the Lightning ninja. They just look tougher, like, Konoha nin live in a bubble compared to them. This is definitely not the best analogy, but -

Lightning nin::NY cop as Leaf nin::Orange County cop?

I know Konoha's force was integral to the Third War and has been a military power since their founding, but since we focus mainly on the kids and the adults in teacher-mode, we haven't seen too much of Konoha's badassery (I just made that a word)

Any theories on what Jiraiya's message means?

Naruto Chapter 417: Raikage Makes His Move

2008-09-19T01:14:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto is winding down his training. Team Taka is recuperating. Raikage orders that the five kages meet to deal with the Akatsuki. (Read 417 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Team Taka update:

Mer!Sui: APPROVED

Karin's ponytail: APPROVED

Peacemaker!baby!Juugo: APPROVED

Dizzy!Sasuke: APPROVED

Sasuke was planning to copy the Hachibi's power?!?! That doesn't even make sense! Bijuudom is not a technique! Arggg....whatever, I'm not even surprised at a Sasuke power-up anymore.

CONSPIRACY!

The Konoha elders were the ones responsible for Neji's pain. I was indifferent when Sasuke had a vendetta, but now I want them DEAD. Or better, have Neji SPARE THEIR LIVES knowing they could have died by his pretty pretty hands. Neji, not Sasuke. I don't think I would derive any satisfaction from Sasuke sweeping in as the hand of justice.

Team Lightning: APPROVED

Maybe I'll leave more cogent responses to comments when I'm coherent.

Naruto Chapter 416: The Legend of the Gutsy Ninja

2008-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto reads Jiraiya's story The Legend of the Gutsy Ninja, reaffirming Jiraiya's wish to address spreading hatred and work towards a future where people understand one another. Meanwhile, Sasuke delivers the Hachibi jinchuuriki to Madara and confirm his plans to go to Konoha. There is a flashback in which Sasuke tells Madara that he intends to destroy all of Konoha to make them understand what he feels with the loss of his brother. (Read 416 here)

serenphoria says:

There's so much to say and expound on this chapter that I decided to keep it relatively brief to save myself the headache.

There have been hints that the driving narrative conflict was going to shift, but this chapter makes it clear: Naruto and Sasuke no longer have divergent goals, but rather the same one (understanding) but achieved through vastly different approaches. Suddenly, the story is much more interesting and Sasuke is a much more formidable foe; the final clash that we've all been anticipating will have much more weight behind it because it's no longer about getting a boy who ran away to come home, but about opposing world-views.

I'm not saying that Sasuke's logic isn't deeply, deeply flawed (Sasuke even admits that he's ruled by emotion - which we've always known), in fact, it's almost as if Kishimoto gives Sasuke that excuse in order to set up the conflict in as dramatic a way as possible: now our hero Naruto has to reconcile a conflict between what had thus far been two self-evident truths: his devotion to his friends and his devotion to his village. Or rather, his devotion to his friends and his devotion to his other friends...it hasn't occurred to him that the two may not be compatible.

Of course, this conflict falls apart depending on whether or not the flashback is reliable and relevant. This is called into question because the flashback is Madara's and not Sasuke's (based on when the black flashback background kicks in), so we can't assume Madara knows Sasuke's true motivation. I'm torn between being skeptical (because it's Madara) and trusting (what author could resist setting up this epic conflict between friends?)

If we don't assume that the flashback is reliable, here are the factors to consider in assessing the reliability of Sasuke's assertions:

1. If I got it wrong, who's flashback is it? Madara's, Sasuke's, or third-party objective?

2. Sasuke's relalationship to Madara. Sasuke said that he's using the Akatsuki, was this an instance of his manipulation?

3. If Sasuke wasn't lying at the time of the flashback, has he changed his mind? We know that Sasuke thought of his team during the Hachibi battle (and since the thought was his alone, there's no reason to believe that was disingenuous) and he has shown that he cares for his new teammates. So he does care about people (or at least, those close to him...but perhaps he doesn't care about people in general?). It may be possible that he spoke of destroying all of Konoha because of his emotional state at the time but doesn't really mean it.

I am so confused about Madara's motives. From what we know, it would seem that he would want Sasuke to do exactly what it is Sasuke said he is going to do. If so, why would Madara continue to question Sasuke? To test his conviction, maybe, but if I were him, I'd let it be and not provoke my puppet into thinking too much. I'm slightly weirded out by the close-up of Madara's Sharingan. There may be some mind-control going on here...or maybe I've become paranoid about truths and untruths around Uchiha.

Darn Uchiha!

On a completely different note, why do all the Kages subject their kin to jinchuurikidom (Naruto, Gaara, Killerbee)? Well, at least in Killerbee's case, he's cared for, unlike poor assassination-target Gaara.

And why is baby!Juugo carrying all the weight? What kind of a team leader are you, Sasuke?!

And Jiraiya, a baseball cap does not a scary ninja make. Unless you're this guy.

Naruto Chapter 415: A New Power

2008-09-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Summary: Sasuke subdues the eight-tails with Amaterasu and discovers he can put out the flames. Karin is injured in the process. Naruto is given a copy of Jiraiya's first book, The Legend of the Gutsy Ninja. (Read 415 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Sasuke burninated Karin!

But not really.

Wow, I thought she was a total goner because the super-pontent, unstoppable flame-of-death was on her - for several moments. The panel also made her look like she was disintegrating, which I thought looked really cool, but I guess that was her sinking into the water. How can that flame simultaneously wipe out a bijuu and not destroy a flesh-and-blood human? Bias, much?

...unless, she's actually dead.

Juugo didn't confirm. I personally think she's fine, but I'd like to see Sasuke have a hard time while he's waiting for her recovery. For me, Karin's worth is always in terms of Sasuke. Sad. She is warming to me though, if she survives. I think she'd be kinda fun once she gets over her crush.

Team Taka confuses me (I guess that's Team Sasuke's name now? Even the ever-changing names confuse me). When did Juugo gain control over his powers? During the Uchiha fight? Because I recall him wanting to stay in a cell because he couldn't control himself. And how in the world to you carry around jello? Suigetsu, what are you? Was he matter-ambiguous before or after Orochimaru?

I don't know why Sasuke's so surprised. The Mangekyo is the originator of the Amaterasu flames, so it's not a stretch to think that the Mangekyo can put it out. Itachi never said otherwise. Meh. Whatever you want to think to make yourself seem better than others, Sasuke.

Okay, so Killerbee's colleagues didn't exactly run to his rescue, though, I wouldn't be running towards a group that just subdued a bijuu just by looking at him either. I wonder what Itachi's done to Lightning Country that would have the Raikage on edge?

And in a mystical forest far away...Naruto has thankfully lost his warts. If his eyes would just change a little, I'll totally embrace the new look. Like, larger pupils, and an edgier shape - like Gaara's eyes :) Yeah.

I can feel the power welling inside me!

Ha! Sounds like something a super-villian would say. And it looks like Naruto's got plans for his new power. What kind of mischeif are you planning?

By the way, is Naruto in some sort of timeless, inter-dimentional space or something? Are we suppose to believe that he's completed all that training while Team Taka is fighting? Because the fight probably lasted 20 minutes, tops.

I'm really happy to see Naruto get a copy of the book though. As I recall, Naruto was named after the protagonist. So it won't be about Naruto or his dad, but I have a hunch the book is semi-autobiographical for Jiraiya. I'm just sad Naruto didn't hear the story from Jiraiya himself.

Naruto Chapter 414: Bull on the Rampage

2008-08-31T01:02:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto is progressing in his training as a frog sage. Meanwhile, Killerbee attacks Sasuke's team in his full form as the Eight-Tail Bull. Sasuke, recovered after Juugo transfers his flesh and chakra, unleashes the Amaterasu. (Read 414 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Wheeee!

What a jam-packed chapter. On Sasuke's side, the pace and energy was frenetic - you could feel the urgency and hear the chaos of the battle. No time to reflect much, no time for anyone to think hard about the consequences of their actions. Just go go go or perish. I can't wait to see this chapter animated.

[Camaraderie]

Seems like Team Sasuke was especially cohesive in this battle to lead up to drive Sasuke to use the Amaterasu. I'm not sure the technique itself requires an emotional trigger, though its design points in that direction - I mean, its physical manifestation is tears of blood! (And our emphatic narrator says so). I'm hoping that the technique alone isn't enough to defeat the tailed-beast, but I'm interested to see how it might be different from Itachi's.

I also want to clarify that I don't think that the team's cohesion is purely a plot point to get Sasuke to think of Team Seven. There is a reason camaraderie is the single most important force in times of war (and I thought reading All Quiet on the Western Front was pointless in AP English!). You live together, breath together, and hold each other's lives in your hands. It's a bond stronger than steel that can be forged in an instant in battle. That's where our team is now. They may seem a little rag-tag, and individually they may be a bit lacking, but in the thick of it, they'll die for each other, and it's beautiful.

(It's also interesting to note that by this point, Sasuke has experienced more quality time with this team than with Team Seven. Team Seven really only had Wave Country, the second chuunin exam, and the battle with Gaara together.)

Alright, enough sap.

So Juugo did loss mass! Well, at least he did it in a healthy way and didn't stay the same size, but have weaker bone density or something. I don't think he's turned back time, as silly Karin says, he just looks it. Good choice, because now his looks match his childlike mental state and demeanor.

Suigetsu. I'm so confused. What is that state he's in? Is gelatinous his natural state? Is he only in that in-between state of matter because of some reaction to hachibi's attack? And I don't care if he is a water ninja, where in the world did all that water come from?

[The Other Side]

I had completely forgotten that Mr. Host was named Killerbee and I hadn't made the connection that Nibi was from the same village until the random expendable characters said it. I find it interesting that their village 1) had two full-grown jinchuuriki and 2) seem to regard them with respect. The latter I say because the cloud-nin referred to the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails by name (Yugito and Killerbee) and because they ran towards the battle rather than away (unlike with old Gaara).

Cloud-nin: Hey Killerbee, Raikage told you not to transform.
Killerbee: Oh yeah, sorry ::shrinks::
Mostly-Dead Team Sasuke: ...

Wouldn't that be sweet? I half expect it. For Team Sasuke, it's become life or death, but for Killerbee, it was always a bit of a game. That'll teach'em to underestimate their opponent.

Sidenote: Naruto + warts + frog eyes = do not want. :(

Naruto Chapter 413: Crash

2008-08-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Summary: The eight-tails jinchuuriki channels his biju's power and critically injures Sasuke. Juugo attempts to save Sasuke by offering his chakra and flesh as the eight-tails appears in it's full form. (Read 413 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Whoa.

I wanted Sasuke to be taken down a couple of notches and get beat by the eight-tails and not only did Kishimoto deliver, he blew open Sasuke's chest.

The injury was a little too real for me to rejoice. It didn't involve screwing up internal chakra systems, or genjutsu, or anything strictly in the Narutoverse, but blood, guts, and bones. Too serious for it to just be embarrassing. Curse you Kishimoto, why can't you let me enjoy Sasuke's setbacks?

I haven't commented much on Juugo, but he's actually been helpful, a real team player. Still not a lot of personality, but reliable. I wonder if the deformities from the cursed seal is created from the person's existing body or there's some voodoo physics that creates mass from elsewhere. What are the consequences of Juugo giving up his 'flesh?' Is he going to be shorter? Lose some muscle mass? And if Itachi purged Sasuke of the cursed seal, will Sasuke's body reject the foreign parts? Does his teammates even know what came out of the Uchiha showdown?

With all the bits of people in Sasuke's body and the summons in Naruto, they have a team with them where ever they go. Guess it goes right along with Kishi's value of teamwork - there's no escaping it! It also means Naruto and Sasuke will never truly face each other on their own.

Other observations:
- Mr. Host's brother. Will he factor into the story? Do we already know him?
- Mr. Host and his biju are partners. Does this serve as a contrast to Naruto, or as a goal?
- More support that Sasuke is using this opportunity to learn about Naruto or validate what he knows.
- Karin's markings: not scars.

So Suigetsu. Does he only turn into water when he's thinking about it? Does it take a lot of effort or take a toll on his body when he does? Seems like a really handy power, but I haven't really thought about the price.

Just because it's got eight-tails, doesn't mean you have design an octopus hybrid, Kishimoto. *facepalms*

Naruto Chapter 412: Fear Like They've Never Known Before

2008-08-20T01:01:00.000-07:00

Summary: Team Sasuke finds fighting the Eight-Tails a challenge. Naruto continues to train to become a sage. (read 412 here)

Serenphoria Says:

You know, there have been times when I've wanted to say 'Bite me, Sasuke,' but I never ever meant it the way Karin meant it. I'm thinking those oval-shaped dashes on her arm are old bite marks. Ew.

(Sakura gets points for having a much more sophisticated and civilized medi-nin skills.)

Other than the vampire thing, many nice moments in this chapter:

First, very nice team work from Team Sasuke. And I'm very glad to see they are struggling against the eight-tails. It gives the Tailed Beasts the credibility they've been denied thus far because the Akatsuki seem to have such an easy time catching them.

Then there's more endearing froggy master and pupil moments. Whack-a-mole was exactly what I was thinking before Naruto said it! And Naruto gets another indirect bit of acknowledgment (I'm training you because only people who don't give up can become sages. Way to manipulate the boy Yoda Frog!)

Naruto threw himself into the frog oil! He's turning froggy just from the little bit on his arm, so this can't be good. I wonder what he's going to look like when he's using Sage skills and channeling Kyuubi. I'm thinking that his body will get really confused and turn him into a blob or implode or something.

Sigh, and he was growing up so well too.

Naruto Chapter 411: The Eight-Tailed Beast vs. Sasuke

2008-08-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

Summary: The Eight-Tails jinchuuriki evades Sasuke's attack and cuts Sasuke with his swords. (read 411 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Erm...over-dramatic much? And here I thought most skilled ninja were experienced with swords. Or maybe Sui's been in a tank too long to notice every ANBU carries a sword. I'd hate to burst the kid's bubble, but being a sword master isn't all that rare. Time for a new dream.

Cut Sasu for realz, 8T! No more fake-outs and illusions. I want a good'ole fashion brawl!

One nice thing from this chapter is that Sasuke is trying to understand the concept of the jinchuuriki, and the soft part of my heart is hoping that it's a sign that he's trying to understand Naruto. To hurt or help, remains to be seen. (I'm leaning towards helping, but indirectly, because Sasuke would never admit to caring).

I'm just sayin'...

Naruto Chapter 410: Battle at Unraikyo

2008-07-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

Summary: Suigetsu and Juugo were unable to defeat the Eight-tail junchuuriki. Naruto learns that he can utilize frog oil to help speed up his ability to draw in natural energy, but at the risk of turning into a frog.

Serenphoria says:

Holy cow, this is the 100th post on Mendokuse!

To all the readers, thank you for your interest and to the regulars and active commenters, thank you for engaging in our discussions and building up our mini-community. I wouldn't have the motivation to keep this up if it weren't for you. A special shout out to Taterbird, who's been around since nearly the very beginning.

As far as this chapter, I only have one word: WTF?!?

(bait and switch)

(Froggy Smelting Stick)

(???)

(??!??)

Naruto Chapter 409: Passing Down the Sage Techniques

2008-07-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto is taken to a secluded location to learn about sage techniques, which involves tapping into the energy of one's surroundings.

Serenphoria Says:

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Seriously, Fukasaku and Naruto has got some good chemistry already and I have a feeling that they'll be providing some much needed laughs while truly taking Naruto to the next level.

By the way, FroggyLand is creepy.

I'm surprised the concept behind Sage Techniques (drawing energy from your surroundings) didn't come up earlier, being a concept prevalent in popular culture, such as the Force (and grandpa frog totally pulled a Yoda) and the Quincy (Bleach). This opens up a lot more possibilities.

And they call me Mr. Host!

Take 'um down Mr. Jinchuuriki. Take 'um down.

Naruto Chapter 408: Fukasaku's Proposal

2008-07-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Summary: Sasuke and team goes to find the eight-tails. The Konoha gang suspects Jiraiya's message is about Pain's identity, but results are inconclusive; they await information from the autopsy. Naruto is offered to train with Fukasaku.

Serenphoria Says:

[The Good]

1. A new character at last! Finally, it looks like a jinchuuriki that's not Gaara or Naruto gets some personality. I always felt the other tailed beasts got shafted of panel time. They really teased us with Nibi - I wanted to see more of her. Meh. We'll see what Rambo brings to the table.

Okay, in all seriousness, I think that the eight-tail jinchuuriki can offer some interesting contrast to the cast. Here's a battle-hardened ADULT that seems to have some Western influence in the character design. If he gets a chance to be develop, he could represent a very different kind of life philosophy than has been explored thus far in the Narutoverse. The fact that Sasuke's group is hunting him gives me a little hope that maybe the new guy will be spared (and join them! hohoho!)

2. A non-Sasuke-lover at last! Shika did it indirectly, but Sui, I think, is the first of Sasuke's peers to call out what a pain-in-the-@ss he is. It was a moment where it almost felt like a breach of the fourth wall and a character was acknowledging Sasuke's Gary Stu powers! Any regular reader here knows I love Sui, but now I have another reason to love him more - finally someone not struck blind by Sasuke's god-like existence.

3. Ah, the Student-Teacher Bond! Not that I doubted that Naruto and Jiraiya shared a bond, but I always have this fear that Naruto isn't sensitive enough to recognize it and it's a one-way relationship. Becoming an avenger is not necessarily a good thing *cough*Sasuke*cough* but I love that he feels strong enough to be thusly motivated (I had a bit of an Ed-Maes moment there).

[The Bad] Well, annoying anyway.

1) Worst code-breakers ever: Who reports to a superior with ONE interpretation of a code? I mean, at least reference that you tried other ideas. And Tsunade and the toads just accepted it! Which mean Kishi is telling us it's right, but still! Not believable at all. Maybe Kishi was trying to avoid the readers becoming bored with theories, but again, he could have quickly referenced that they tried other things.

2) Blandest personality ever: Juugo had potential, but he's coming off as such a shallow character. I like it here because I feel like I can control my impulses? When was bloodlust associated with a place? (He better be in a familiar place and have some history with it or something!). I don't know why his one line in half a year irks me so much. Maybe because it seems like such a waste of space - it's like everyone else had a character driven line and Kishi thought, oh no! I forgot to give Juugo any sort of depth! It was like he was totally in his own world. (It may also be my impatience with characters with childlike dispositions)

3) Another Training Sequence: Naruto's off to power up, again. Any bets on whether or not Naruto gets to USE his new skills more than once? Please let the boy advance already!

Naruto Chapter 407: Asking Naruto

2008-07-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

Summary: Shika, Naruto, Kakahi, and Shiho believes the key to the code is in Jiraiya's last book, Icha Icha Tactics. Meanwhile, Sasuke's team is pursuing the eight tails and Pain prepares to attack Konoha with his clones for the nine-tails. (Read 407 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Doesn't the chapter name sound like a title of a contrite romantic comedy? :) Speaking of which...

Shiho got a splash page for her second appearance! All I have to say is that she better turn out really awesome. (beautiful eyes under those glasses and a hair cut. Gah! I'm so shallow). I don't approve of just anyone to even pursue Shikamaru.

I knew if the code had to do with the Icha Icha series that Kakashi would be involved! Using Tactics is especially clever considering the book is not in print and widely available yet. And nice to see that he's got some sense of embarrassment reading the contents of the book, even if Shiho seemed entirely unfazed. At least she's professional!

Lovely touch that Naruto recognized the subtleties of Jiraiya's penmenship, although I'm a little flabbergasted (but not surprised) that Jiraiya made Naruto read his smutty novel. I am having a hard time believing Tactics is the key, though. It's unlikely that Jiraiya wrote with a code in mind and I don't think anyone can recall line-by-line content and associated page numbers (esp. in the face of death). Unless he did. We'll see.

I can vouch for Sasuke.

I would really love to see Sasuke double-cross Madara!

There's going to be some major damage (and possibly another supporting character death) with multiple Pains attacking all at once. Here we go!

Naruto Chapter 406: The Key to the Future

2008-06-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Summary: Shikamaru seeks out people close to Jiraiya to crack the code he left. He also has a heart-to-heart with Naruto about dealing with loss and growing up.

Serenphoria Says:

This chapter was sweet. But first, two little criticisms:

1 - Girl with swirly glasses. Do not like. Reminds me too much of Karin and I have a general dislike of people who don't deserve Shika. Maybe if she was more like Nanao Ise of Bleach fame (pictured left), but this new girl is unkempt and seems sheltered (as in, holed up in the KIB*) and just uncool. Plus, she was unfortunately the person Kishi cast to make Shika look ignorant, which brings me to -

2 - Poor exposition delivery. Kishi missed in his choice of through whom he'd tell the audience about the key to the code. Shikamaru should already know from his work experience (and intellect). The information should have been delivered a different way to keep things in character.

That said, I enjoyed:

1 - Kakashi's memory. In the past, you got the sense that they had a mentor/mentee relationship, but colored by a stand-offish mutual respect. I think this is the first time we see evidence that not only were they closer, but had guys-being-guys moments. Sweet.

2 - Kakashi's concern for Naruto. I'm actually quite pleased that Kakashi asked Shika to check in on Naruto. Not the moment my inner fangirl imagined, but very much in character. He cares, but he keeps an arm's length. Instead, he guides the young'uns to help each other grow. He's the invisible hand that, like Jiraiya, will never get his fair share of acknowledgment until much too late.

2. SHIKAMARU. I won't quote everything, but basically everything he says from the hospital onward is gold. I love his dedication to Asuma's memory and how sweet he is to Kuranai. I love how he's grown to not be afraid of showing that he cares (he may still be laid back and practical, but not actively indifferent - if you can be such a thing). I love his maturity in recognizing they are the leaders now, they are the role-models, and they're the ones who have to step up and make their teachers proud.

And if Asuma had to die for anything plot-wise, it would be for this moment. To allow Shika to have already mourn and heal so that he can empathize with Naruto and help usher Naruto to the next stage of his development.

"Like Asuma and Jiraiya, I want to be as cool as them"

Shika, my dear, you already are.

Sidenote: There's speculation that the numbers correspond to something in Jiraiya's books. While I wouldn't be surprised if they were (pervert to the end) I think Kakashi would have been the one to recognize it (Naruto didn't really get into them). I'm hoping that'll it'll be something between the two of them and we'll finally get a little insight into what they were doing those 2.5 years.

6/29 Edit: I found it interesting that 3 new characters got names (Oyone, Umador, Shiho). Since Kishi took the time to tell us, I expect they'll show up again, though not in a super meaningful way.

*Konoha Investigation Bureau

Naruto Chapter 405: Left Behind

2008-06-20T02:01:00.001-07:00

Summary: Naruto remembers and mourns Jiraiya's passing. Shikamaru is charged with decoding Jiraiya's message.

Serenphoria says:

Yup, meltdown. And blaming Tsunade...oh, sting! And refusing Iruka's ramen offer was an especially nice touch in expressing how much the news was affecting Naruto.

To be honest, I was actually a little annoyed at Iruka for butting in so soon. I mean, 'you can't be depressed forever'? It's only been a few hours. Let the boy mourn! As a reader, I wanted to spend a little more (real) time in that melancholy mood so I definitely felt the pacing was off here. Not enough respect for Jiraiya. And I love 'Ruka and all, but it was a little too predictable that he'd be the one to show up conveniently after a long hiatus to bring Naruto back up. I would have loved it if had been Kahashi since Jiraiya was also more or less his sensei and surrogate father.

Okay, I love that Shikamaru is back and all, but wasn't the message for Tsunade? Wasn't it suppose to be meaningful for her? Well, I guess she's a bit preoccupied at the moment.

A Tsunade flashback next?

Naruto Chapter 404: Falcon and Akatsuki

2008-06-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto learns that Jiraiya had passed away. Madara reveals to Kisame that he's the Mizukage and solicits his help. Sasuke plots to target the elders of Konoha only. Madara proposes that Falcon work with the Akatsuki in return for a tailed beast.

Serenphoria Says:

[The passing of a giant]

Jiraiya-cha~an! It was endearing how fondly the frog sages spoke of Jiraiya. And it looks like we'll hear a little more about Jiraiya's mission/role and Naruto's role in the prophecy! Maybe this is the point where Naruto will start to grow up dealing with the death of someone really close to him and having to shoulder responsibility that is not self-imposed.

Didn't it seem like everyone but Naruto knew about Jiraiya? It might be because they were all afraid how hard the news would be for him, but I'd be a little pissed and that would upset me even more. Kishi avoided Naruto's face for the initial reaction. I think there's going to be a bit of a melt down soon.

[Water and distortion]

So Madara's been hiding out in plain sight as the Mizukage. There's something beyond fishy about Kishi still not revealing Madara/Tobi's face since we already know what Madara looked like via the flashbacks. I'm prepared for Madara to not be Madara at all and someone completely different and the whole story he told was (while most likely true to some extent) a diversion. Or there's a twist in Madara's appearance that actually means something to us. Meaning that if he does look different than we expect, he won't look like a random new person (because that's not very twisty) but familiar.

[The diabolical plan not so diabolical]

Okay, so I guess not doing it his brother's way is a good thing here: Sasuke will not be murdering Konohaians indiscriminately, just targeting the brass. I hope that doesn't include Tsunade - she had nothing to do with the Uchiha Decision.

I really don't know how to read his reaction to the Tailed Beast offer - he didn't seem particularly excited, since he's probably arrogant...er...confident enough that he can meet his objective without a bijuu. And did he ask about Naruto out of concern or calculation? (Sadly, I think it's a bit of both)

[A gap in time]

So seriously, what happened to Hebi and Kisame while the Uchiha boys were mentaling each other to death? Suigetsu was all ready to fight Kisame a year ago before the Uchiha fight started and now it looks like they never got a chance to play.

Naruto Chapter 304: Tears

2008-06-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto recalls his encounter with Itachi in the woods where Itachi asked what Naruto would do if he had to choose between Konoha and Sasuke. After Naruto responds that he would find a way to save both, Itachi gives Naruto part of his power. Sasuke understands now that he saw Itachi cried the night of the massacre and but refuses to take Itachi's eyes for himself, determined to revive the Uchiha clan his own way. (read 304 here)

Serenphoria Says:

[Naru and Ita]

I knew that the Naruto-Itachi encounter couldn't have been as simple as it appeared in chapter 366! Well, no, I was confused, but in retrospect, it makes sense that they'd have a revealing conversation that we can be privy to only after the Uchiha showdown.

I wonder what Itachi was feeling when Naruto said he's a better brother than Itachi ever was. Irony? A knife in the heart? Relief? Maybe little of everything.

Itachi's questions felt very much like a test to see if Naruto was the right person to pass the torch to, to be not just the one to protect Sasuke (possibly from himself) but to do what he couldn't do. While he chided Naruto about being naive (well deserved), I think he was also banking on Naruto's ability to find a way to break the mold.

Itachi's world-view was shaped by boundaries. Even though he was able to see beyond the clan and his upbringing, it wasn't enough for him to actually escape the bonds of his heritage and ninja-dom. Naruto, on the other hand, reminds me of Vash the Stampede - he wants to save the spider and the butterfly - and he didn't grow up with anyone telling him that was impossible. Naruto has proven time and again that he can find a way to be to defy expectation and to redefine the Truths of his world.

I am glad that Itachi called Naruto out on his naïveté though. That boy needs to hear it again. He may be lovable because of his stubborn hold of his ideals, but he's also living in a dream world and needs to grow up. The solution is not beat Sasuke into submission if he doesn't want to come quietly. When it comes to Sasuke (well, a lot of things really), Naruto is stuck in a toddler's solipsic mental state - he needs to get out of himself and recognize other people have their own point of view and not his. I mean, how many times do people have to tell him that Sasuke doesn't want to come back? He always has this confused look, like he can not fathom how a person not want what he wants and not value what he values and copes by ignoring it. I don't doubt Naruto can save both the spider and the butterfly, but he's got a ways to go before he gets there.

On a lighter note, did anyone else joygasm when Itachi bequeathed some of his power to Naruto. Itachi is part of Naruto. I don't know how much more you can solidfy his role as Sasuke's brother. And since Sasuke still has brother issues, it'll get interesting.

[Sasu and the Uchiha]

Speaking of which, Sasuke's psychosis regarding his brother is worse than I thought. He refused to follow his brother's plan when he loathed him at the Valley of the End. Now he refuses to follow his brother's plan when he doesn't loathe him. I won't go so far to say that Sasuke is now rediscovering his love for Itachi, but seriously, what does he want? What is he trying to prove? To whom? I'm going to revive the Uchiha my own way. As opposed to who's way? I don't think Itachi (or Madara) had (has) any intention of reviving the Uchiha; quite the contrary.

So there's noise in the fandom that says the convenient resurfaced memory is a plot-device by Kishi, or evidence that Madara is manipulating his memories. While I do think that Madara is being manipulative, I think it's through language (a la Wormtongue) and Sasuke's memory recovery is natural. When something we observe (tears) does not fit into existing mental schema (evil, emotionally detached brother), we tend to ignore it or interpret it in such a way that it does. Check out these two memories: Sasuke remembered his brother at that moment as dark and menacing when he's working with the brother-is-evil schema and remembered the same moment more accurately now that he has a brother-is-loving schema to bucket that memory into.

He refused to take Itachi's eyes. I hope no one else does either. (OMG, Naruto should take them - j/k j/k!)

Naruto Chapter 402: Last Words

2008-06-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

Summary: Sasuke reflects on the past and remembers Itachi's habit of showing affection by tapping Sasuke's forehead and saying 'Sorry, next time.' He also recalls that Itachi's last words were 'Sorry, this is the last time.' Mourning for his bother, Sasuke renames Team Snake to Team Eagle, with their new objective being the destruction of Konoha. (read 402 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Lovely lovely lovely moments of nostalgia; Itachi's actions now have a new feeling of gentleness and sincerity. How could our heartstrings not be pulled by the revelation of Itachi's last words and the affection in his smile.

And then Sasuke goes and gets it all wrong.

Wrong wrong wrong.

So assuming the flashback was Sasuke's (whether real or not) it seems like he's accepted his brother as worthy of mourning. And also, apparently, revenge. He's really a one-trick pony, isn't he? I'm not even going to excuse him for being a maladjusted teenage boy. You do NOT honor your brother by destroying what he sacrificed everything for to protect.

Those new eyes had better be him under hypnosis.

Stupid Sasuke ruining a perfectly lovely chapter. Bah.

(And what happened to Kisame?)

P.S. If Madara could get Sasuke a new shirt, could he not have provided new pants too? Ones that fit and does not require a rope to hold up? Is that too much to ask? =(

Naruto Chapter 401: Illusion

2008-05-23T02:21:00.001-07:00

Summary: Sasuke tries to deny Madara's version of Itachi, but Madara persisted that Itachi valued Sasuke's life more than the village. (Read 401 here)

Serenphoria Says:

I know just moments ago I was trying to keep a healthy skepticism of Madara's version of Itachi, but to be honest, I really want to believe it. It doesn't excuse the fact that Itachi murdered his clan, but being aware of the motivation and self-sacrifice makes him more sympathetic. Both the reluctant villain and an unacknowledged hero in a small measure. And I love that this information (if Sasuke chooses to believe it) opens up possibilities for a whole new type of angst. ANGST!

The explanation for the Itachi Returns arc was interesting and explains his apparent lack of objective and minimal drive to take Naruto. (I'm also intrigued that Danzo's name came up more than once recently...the implication being that he's got a bigger role to play, and by extension, maybe we'll learn more about Sai!) Itachi taking medicine for a disease was news as well. So were the bloody coughing fits unrelated to the condition with his fading sight or battle injuries?

Oh, and I really liked the tie back into the discussion about illusions. So many layers. I love it.

What is Madara's objective?!? Why did Itachi want to keep Sasuke from him?!? What is Kisame and Team Hebi doing all this time? Is Naruto still crying? Narutooooo!

Edit 5/26/08

I completely forgot to mention one of the more interesting points that came up in the chapter and that is Itachi cornered Sasuke to force Orochimaru out. (This reminds me of the method of purging poison by sweating it out). The little white snake that escaped the battle scene (presumably Orochi) and Sasuke's missing cursed seal corroborate this. This has several implications:

1) Sasuke can no longer call upon the power of the cursed seal - thus a power-down
2) Orochimaru doesn't have a (physical) hold over Sasuke - thus avoiding the previously possible kill-Sasuke-to-kill-Orochi scenario

Now, are there now effectively TWO separate Orochi's? The one that broke from Sasuke and the part grafted into Kabuto? Or are these two parts of the same entity and they eventually will need to get back together? (Full Kabuto take-over, anyone?)

(Aww, this would also explain the interest Itachi had when he heard the news about Sasuke defeating Orochi.)

And it's been confirmed that the term 'lover' (as in Itachi's) was 'koibito' in Japanese, which can mean girlfriend/boyfriend, sweetheart, or 'my dear.' That...makes so much more sense.

Naruto Chapter 400: In Hell

2008-05-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

Summary: Madara tells Sasuke that Itachi was a peace-loving person who acted as a double-agent between the Uchiha and Madara and ultimately accepted the mission to eradicate the Uchiha in the name of peace. Madara also claims that Itachi bargained to spare Sasuke's life and had told Sasuke to hate him in order to give him a goal. (Read 400 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Madara's version of Itachi's character is everything fangirls wanted...which makes it highly suspect. I mean, it was the twist we were expecting: Itachi sparing Sasuke because he was the one person he couldn't kill, a tortured soul who had to sacrifice everything for the greater good. It's a little TOO predictable.

I will say that Itachi wanting Sasuke to live being proud of the Uchiha was a nice touch. However, if the Uchiha were as dishonorable as that statement implied, I'm surprised Sasuke wasn't ostrocized as a child for being one. (Unless he was? Or he already isolated himself so much that he didn't notice? Unlikely, since his peers didn't grow up being discouraged by adults to avoid him)

Again, highly suspect.

I'd like to see what counter evidence Sasuke can offer up. I'd be annoying if he's just going to emphatically deny Madara's version on pure stubbornness, though I wouldn't put it past him.

China Earthquake Relief

2008-05-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake has killed an estimated 50,000 people in China's Sichuan province on May 12th, 2008. Please help the relief with your donation at tsinghuafoundation.org.

All donations will be fully (100%) forwarded to Red Cross

China

and your donation will be tax deductible and eligible for donation match if your employer has such program.

It's time to band together as humanity. Thanks!

News
Videos
CNN footage

*This post will likely be deleted at a later date.

Naruto Chapter 399: The Beginning of Everything

2008-05-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

Summary: Madara recounts Senju and Uchiha's rivalry and subsequent truce with the establishment of Konoha. Madara left, feeling betrayed and sought revenge against Konoha. After the Kyuubi attack, the leaders were suspicious of the Uchiha and planted Itachi as a spy. (Read 399 here)

serenphoria says:

Cue the world's smallest violin. Tobi's telling a sob story...

[a failed attempt at sympathy]

I don't know what Kishimoto's intent is, but what I got was Madara trying to get us to sympathize with him but in the same breath makes him seem self-centered and jealous. He used a lot of language to communicate isolation, like he was the lone hero who saw the truth and was unwisely and unjustly turned away from his own clansman whom he wanted to protect.

Protect from what? From the way I see it, it was Madara's fault that they were in danger to begin with:

Madara sought revenge by attacking with the Kyuubi >> Made leadership suspicious of Uchiha involvement when Kyuubi attacked again >> Uchiha suspicious of Leaf's suspicion, breeding rebellion >> Leaf struck preemptively and ordered their massacre.

This part struck me as funny: "There was a dispute over the position of Hokage...everyone the the village and the land of fire choose him"

Erm...that doesn't sound like a dispute to me. More like...unanimous decision and Madara was the only one that had a problem with that. I think he was jest jealous of how much Senju's clan symbol pwns his own.

Naruto Chapter 398: Konoha's Beginnings

2008-05-10T01:39:00.001-07:00

Summary: Madara claims that Itachi massacred the Uchiha on orders from Konoha's leaders and begins to tell the tale of Konoha's origin. (Read 389 here).

Serenphoria says:

I love flashbacks!

[Framing the Story]

I think Kishimoto was very clever having Sasuke question Madara's trustworthiness and then having Madara admitting he can't back up his words so it's up to Sasuke whether or not to believe them. Here, Sasuke is a proxy for the reader - we are just as skeptical and wary of new information about Itachi as he is. (I personally think Sasuke would not even have the curiosity or patience to hear Itachi's story at this point, but he did it for our benefit ^_^). Thus, when Madara says 'You'll have to decide to believe or not, but hear me out,' he's talking to us as well. By not insisting on convincing us he is trustworthy, he in fact becomes more trustworthy. (It's a basic psychology principle that people doing something not their self-interest are more trustworthy)

And by putting the onus on readers to decide truth from untruth, Kishi protects himself from any direction he wants to go. Plot point later that doesn't meet expectations? Well, you can't be upset because it was never 'Truth,' you just chose to believe it was.

This gives Kishi significant leverage to have Madara lie, omit, modify history for his own ends. But I like where it's headed so far...

[Coming of Age and the Loss of Identity]

I really liked the fact that Sandaime was in on the supposed order to get rid of the Uchiha. Through the lens of the Rookie 9 and especially Naruto, Sandaime is the evangelist of Konoha's most cherished values: empathy, kindness, family, connections, the will of fire ... to have been part of such a brutal decision and to have kept this secret to his grave casts him in a different light. The peace that Konoha knows was bought with blood and is still perhaps a facade. It's a slap-in-the-face reminder that Konoha is not the sun-shiney safe haven that we know, but a village in which its main economic trade is mercenary work and have no qualms putting sharp metal weapons into the hands of toddlers.

I think the revelation that Itachi was on orders is a bit of a coming-of-age moment for Sasuke, as it is for us. The scope of your world is bigger than your immediate family. Evil does not start and end with a person. The green glasses are lifted and we find that home is not perfect - far from it. I won't go so far as to say Itachi is a victim of his broken society, but he was used as a tool to fix (or perpetuate?) it.

To overly simplify things, Konoha hides its ugly foundations (with good effect, esp. with the new generation) but the reality is that it still has an ugly core.

[But this is also where I see Naruto becoming the true hero of this tale. His idealism, naiveté, and stubbornness allows him to redefine the values which govern his life, his way of the ninja, and live it out steadfastly. And it's his utter commitment to them gives him the power to shake everyone else's preconceptions of how things are and should be. Unbeknownst to him, he's not just striving to inherit Sandaime's legacy, but to enact real change.]

I had more to say, but I'm sleepy and dying to read the next chapter!

Naruto Chapter 397: The Man Who Knows the Truth

2008-04-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

Summary: Tobi reveals to Sasuke that he is Madara and that Itachi lived to protect the shinobi world, the Leaf village, and Sasuke. (Read 397 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Apologies for the late update. There was so much I wanted to say that I kept putting it off. Thanks people who commented to give me a nudge.

This chapter was chalk full of goodies and food for thought. I'm sure Kishimoto timed the break to give readers plenty of time to speculate and prepare for a twist in our understanding of Itachi.

[Truths, Half-Thruths, and Un-Truth: Reliability of our Sources]

Without taking sides in the Is-Itachi-Evil debate, I think the big question is 'Is Madara reliable?'

Remember that since Tobi revealed himself as Madara (see 364) we knew that Sasuke was integral to his great scheme, whatever it is. Thus, any interaction with Sasuke, and any information he offers will be to manipulate Sasuke towards an end goal. Any 'Truth' that he reveals about Itachi must be taken with a grain of salt because Madara ultimately has an ulterior motive. And to that point, everything we've ever known about Itachi has been based on unreliable sources:

- Sasuke's childhood memories (filtered through the eyes and understanding of a child)
- Itachi's words and illusions (and we know everything he does is to fulfill a purpose)
- Madara's words (which is motivated by his end goal)

The only way we can ever have a clear understanding of Itachi's motivations is to see into Itachi's flashbacks (with mental commentary), which now seems unlikely. I know some people are frustrated about where Itachi's character seems to be headed, but I think Kishimoto has done a masterful job at keeping this particular villain so complex and mysterious. Whatever will be revealed in the coming chapters I'll take as another piece to the puzzle, but certainly not as a replacement for what we've seen already.

[Sasuke's Next Move: Fragile Mental State]

Sasuke is a wreck. His body is drained, he can't control his eyes, and is being told that every 'Truth' that has guided his life was wrong. Mention of his brother still gets a rise out of him - clearly, his brother issues has not been resolved by Itachi's death - something's still wrong, and he can't put his finger on it. Great use of silent panels, the dark backdrop, and nuanced expressions to capture the mental turmoil.

Most interesting to me is that even now, Sasuke is not in control of his fate. Itachi had planned the fight, had the final say, and sought to guide the future by implanting his technique into Sasuke. To protect him or not, even now Sasuke is a puppet. No wonder Sasuke is so dissatisfied.

Unfortunately, Sasuke's fragile state leaves him extremely vulnerable to further manipulation - whether to act due to guilt or to relieve himself from cognitive dissonance. I'm leaning towards the latter.

[aside: I also wanted to note that one thing which has been consistent about Itachi is that his actions always has a purpose. While the fandom was busy wondering if the forehead poke was out of affection or exhaustion, we are again humbled by the revelation of what that action actually did. I think this is something we can keep in mind if we ever try to deconstruct Itachi based on actions we actually witnessed.]

I look forward to what insight Madara has to offer.

Naruto Chapter 396: Introduction

2008-04-06T01:51:00.000-07:00

Summary: Madara abandons his confrontation with Team Konoha to retrieve the Uchiha brothers. The team fails to reach Sasuke first. Elsewhere, Madara introduces himself as a friend and an Uchiha to Sasuke. (Read 396 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Silly me. I actually thought focus would switch to Naruto and gang for a little bit. Nope, just long enough to pull the rug from under Naru again and back to the Uchiha. Yeah, Naruto's a little upset about this too.

Did Kishi always use the white flare for Sharingan activation? I wonder if it has any significance.

I'm a little worried about Kakashi. He's probably really straining his body to use the Mangekyou. And why though? They are not actively engaged with the enemy right now? And I'm still very curious as to how he got it in the first place.

And I think I've given up on the Tobito Theory. Madara's face is not messed up enough to be Obito's.

Maaw. Look at Sasuke's sad face. He looks a little numb and lost. But more interestingly, I'm wondering about the one Sharingan. It's too distinct to be a trick of the shadow. There hasn't been an instance in the past where anyone with two Sharingans activated them separately, but Sasuke's left Sharingan did matured more quickly than his left (the third tomoe on the right didn't appear until the Valley of the End), so it could be the case that his left matured to the next level. This is the same eye that we were shown 'bleeding' two chapters back.

The juxtaposition with the panel above may also be significant, and signal that Madara had somehow influenced one Sharingan to activate (the one that mirrors the eye he presumably doesn't have).

Naruto Chapter 395: The Mystery that is Tobi

2008-04-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

Summary: Team Konoha puzzles over Tobi's abilities, who seems to somehow literally disappear/cease to exist. Zetsu reports to Tobi/Madara that Sasuke defeated Itachi, but suffered damages. (Read 395 here)

Serenphoria Says:

Nothing too deep this time, but a lot of really great moments:

- Shino: I love how everyone else calls out really complicated names for their jutsu and he utters such simple commands for his. (Fly. Spread. Swarm.) I think it fits him perfectly. I also noted a quirky speech pattern in which he doesn't just explain what's going on, but prefaces by verbalizing the implied question. Silly Shino.

- Kiba: He totally missed. I love how he tries futilely to salvage his dignity.

<-- read right to left --

- Zetsu: He reports to Tobi? How many of the others are in cahoots? So far Pein, Konan, Itachi, and Zetsu knows Tobi isn't just a goofball.

- ExclamationFace!Kakashi: He saw Tobi's Sharingan. I'm dying to know what he's thinking.

- Naruto: "Yo, Aloe Vera!" - I nearly died. I love you, Naruto.

*ah hem* Am I the only one who gave pause at Naruto's command of 'Suck him dry, Shino!'? First snaketongue!Orochi and now this. Maybe it's just me... :(

Naruto Chapter 394: Sasuke's Victory

2008-03-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Summary: Zetsu is in disbelief that Itachi had lost the battle. Smiling, Sasuke collapses next to his brother. Meanwhile, Team Konoha figures out that their offensive attacks are going through Tobi/Madara and Shino prepares to counter. (Read 394 here)

Serenphoria* (aka SnowyOwl) Says:

After two months in real-time we see Naruto and co. again, but not without having gone through a really exciting battle with the Uchiha brothers. There was both a sense of closure and continuation; a conclusion to a chapter, but not the story. We were giving some significant answers, but more questions arise:

Is Itachi dead?:

I hope so, it was a fantastic send-off. However, Zetsu's words and word choice make me nervous:

"Itachi is dead? That Itachi isn't dead?"
"His movements are completely different. He even looks different..."**

Though in any other reading this could be interpreted as Zetsu's utter disbelief that the peerless Itachi had been defeated, I wouldn't put it past Kishimoto to use this as misdirection and use this as a clue that there is another, or a real Itachi elsewhere. We've already seen that it was possible for Akasuki members to channel a percentage of there power and fight by proxy.

What I'm hoping for is more insight into the speculated pre-injury. As suggested by zapenstap, the deterioration of Itachi's eyes (and perhaps even more) drove Itachi to seek Sasuke's eyes even though it hadn't matured to its Mangekyou form. At this point, I'd really like any new information to make Itachi's character more human and vulnerable, rather than finding out the real him is out there somewhere and 10x more powerful.

What's happening with Sasuke?

I don't think Sasuke is dead. Based on the fight, the more likely scenario is that Itachi is dead (or close to) and Sasuke is just exhausted. Sasuke pushed himself until he was out of chakra, but was saved from being trounced because he had two trump cards: Cursed Seal level-2 and Orochimaru. Yes, CS2 does cause some damage to the body, but he's been in that state before and it's never come close to killing him. Itachi, on the other hand, was very obviously suffering from internal injury.

The battle is over, the adrenaline dies down, and exhaustion takes over. Anyone who gets sick after an intense week of finals knows how it feels to have your body fall apart when you finally let it.

So what's with the bleeding eye and creepy smile?

I think the bleeding eye is symbolic, since it closely mirrors the effect of Itachi's Amaterasu but clearly Sasuke's not performing any jutsu in particular right now. I don't know of what yet though... (Okay, so actually my gut reaction was: Kyaa! he's achieved a form of Mangekyou! He thought of Itachi as his closest friend! because the blood dripping from the eyes didn't quite match the blood from Itachi's hands). And the smile is a combination of him being really glad it's over and letting exhaustion take over (or him realizing he just evolved his eyes and smiling at the irony).

Of course, if I was to offer a conspiracy theory, I'd say that Itach had somehow transfered into Sasuke's body >.<

[Transitions]
The transitions were very deliberate, expecially the one from the Uchiha battle ground to Madara's eyes. Transitions and juxtapositions are usually important and this one especially gave me the creeps. Seems like Madara is keeping an eye out on the Uchiha battle, if not having a direct hand in it. Or perhaps it's just another reminder of how terrifying the Uchiha bloodline is and there are still powers we have yet to realize.

Again, zapenstap has a very interesting theory that I wish I came up with!***

[Team Konoha]
Glad to see them again, and I look forward to a slightly more light-hearted fight (no crazy emotional burdens and history to worry about. Unless, of course *cough*Obito*cough*)

Wow, it took a lot of people a long time to figure out Tobi's a phaser. Didn't we discuss this in the post for chapter 358? They obviously don't read X-men in Fire country. Except Shino. He seems like a guy who would.

And when did Kakashi start using the Sharingan?!? On no, already? I have more anxiety over Kakashi than anyone else in the group. I blame you for my rising blood-pressure! (please don't die!)

And Shino looks like he's about to unleash some awesomeness. I can't wait!

*SnowyOwl will now be posting as serenphoria for consistency. Sorry for any confusion.
**Binktopia's translation is much more colloquial: "Itachi passed out? No, you don't think Itachi's dead?!" This would make any speculation of a real!Itachi moot, but from the deliberate emphasis on "That" Itachi in FrankyHouse's translation makes me think they did a more accurate job expressing the ambiguity offered by the original Japanese, whereas Binktopia took some liberty in interpreting.
***I'd like to disclaim that I wrote most of this post before reading zapenstap's analysis. Similarities are coincidental, or the product of us both reading into the same things :)

Naruto Chapter 393: My Eyes

2008-03-17T00:50:00.000-07:00

Summary: Itachi's Susano'o deflects all of Sasuke's last-ditch attacks and backs Sasuke into a corner. In great pain, Itachi approaches to take Sasuke's eyes, but pokes him on the forehead instead and collapses. (Read 393 here)

Serenphoria*(a.k.a SnowyOwl) Says:

Still in a bit of euphoria over this chapter. It's narrative and drama pushed to the limit: Our boy Sasuke backed so far into a corner, his chakra spent such that he has to resort to throwing things in a desperate attempt to just get Itachi the *bleep* away from him, scared but probably resigned that he's lost, and then...

Completely and utterly DENIED!

In every way, whether or not Itachi is dead, Sasuke has been denied his vengeance, purpose, identity and hope of peace.

If Itachi is dead: Though Sasuke pushed Itachi to the limit, he did not kill Itachi. It was the side-effects of the techniques Itachi used (to great effect, I might add) that killed him. Sasuke was not on the offensive when Itachi collapsed. This is not vengeance.

If Itachi is not dead: Itachi is still in a state in which he can not defend himself. What will Sasuke do now? Kill him in cold blood? This is just murder and will not taste of vengeance at all.

Not unless Sasuke pulls a Grimmjow** and bring his opponent back to life/health to fight again will it feel like vengeance. This is unlikely.

What of Sasuke's identity? He's defined himself as an avenger, and now that has been denied. He has worked and convinced himself that he's the strongest (with a string of high profile victories to substantiate this self-view) and Itachi came out clearly the stronger of the two. Sauske's surprise and resistance to the cursed seal and Orochimaru manifesting tells me he wanted to win by his own power. The fact that they did manifest is a clear sign that Sasuke, by himself, was out of the game long before it was over.

And realizing his limitations, what is his purpose now? His resolve to go after Madara next would be futile at his current level. His options for new mentors are next to nil. Aside from team Hebi, he's estranged himself from his allies (at least, he'd never ask the Leaf for help). What now?

Throw in a parting gesture from Itachi that is reminiscent of a time when Sasuke viewed it as affection, and you've got one stunned and confused Sasuke.

As much as I want to read it as Itachi admitting a little regret and affection, it really can't be anything more than him being a royal jerk and messing with Sasuke's head for life. There's no doubt Itachi really did want those eyes; it would hardly make sense for him to risk so much self-injury for anything else, but he knew the moment before he smiled that he wasn't going to live and made a deliberate decision to poke Sasuke's forehead.
He's proved that he's not a caring brother, but a gesture that has such a powerful association with botherly love for Sasuke, it's going to pit Sasuke's heart against his head and drive him batty.

So the future? Hard to say what Sasuke's next step is going to be now that probably every outcome he's envisioned has been upturned. Hebi could help him clear his head, but I hope not before we see what goes on between Suigetsu and Kisame. And there's still Team Konoha vs. Madara. I see that battle as a quickie with Madara testing them out and then leaving. That scenario doesn't lend itself to another long, drawn out battle worthy of following the Uchiha confrontation because it doesn't have the emotional drive behind it. Unless, of course, there is a reunion. You know of what I speak.

This post is getting long. The last thing I want to say is, what's up with that snake? I'm hoping that the white snake is a metaphor for healing and not Orochimaru escaping. (The markings on the eyes make me think the latter.)

*this is SnowyOwl's moniker for other fandom related things. I'll be using serenphoria here starting now to keep some consistency. Feedback on the change is welcomed. **From BLEACH. Sorry for the spoiler.

Naruto Chapter 392: Susano'o

2008-03-13T01:01:00.000-07:00

Summary: With Sasuke out of chakra, Orochimaru manifests himself to confront Itachi. However, Itachi seals Orochimaru with Totsuka, the spiritual sealing sword that Orochimaru has been searching for his whole life.

SnowyOwl Says:

I so called it. Orochimaru appears andI think Zetsu said it best: "Always barfing stuff up and coming out of snakes' mouths...he grosses me out."

Interesting move by the author: Orochimaru's relationship with Sasuke now parallels Kyuubi's and Naruto's relationship (their exchange about power deliberately similar). While it irks me that Naruto is becoming less and less 'special,' juxtaposing different reactions to similar situations may prove useful for characterization. Or, as this has already been done with Gaara, this is setting up for an opportunity in the future Naruto to mature and help Sasuke through this situation. Assuming that Orochi lives (most likely, as I don't see what else Sasuke has up his sleeves) his parasitic relationship with Sasuke is still nascent, whereas Naruto has already conquered Kyuubi's temptation for power.

If nothing else, perhaps it will give Sasuke some empathy for Naruto's circumstance.

Naruto Chapter 391: With the Thunder

2008-03-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Summary: Sasuke channels lightning from a storm he incited and attacks Itachi. Itachi survives by summoning what he claims to be his last weapon, Susano. Itachi acknowledges that Sasuke, who has activated the second level of the cursed seal, has become very strong. (Read 391 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

This chapter was both epic and funny. Leave it to Sasuke to use nature to boost his own power, which is both resourceful and ridiculous. But at least his method was slightly more explainable than Pein's super-natural powers.

Moment 1: Itachi was BLOWN out of his muumuu!

Moment 2: Sasuke's I-did-it! happy dance (oh Sasuke, you know the they're never really dead until you kill them with your own hands)

Moment 3: Whoa, that's the first time we've seen Itachi without the Sharingan

And finally we see Susano, the last of the trio of deities (is it still an eye-jutsu? I wonder what it does?). Itachi just announced that this was his last resort. I guess it runs in the family.

And if cursed-seal two is any indication, Sasuke's out of his own natural chakra. I guess it's time for Orochi to come out and play.

(and where there's Orochi, there's Kabuto...and when Kabuto and Sasuke are together, Orochi can put himself together again...oh...this could be fun...)

Naruto Chapter 390: The Final Jutsu

2008-02-28T23:52:00.000-08:00

Summary: Itachi attacks Sasuke with the Amaterasu but Sasuke escapes below ground and counter-attacks with a new fire technique. Itachi dodges the attack. At a standstill and both out of chakra, Sasuke prepares his final attack. (read 390 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

Wow, Itachi looks like he's in a lot of pain and it's fascinating to look at (I reread the chapter a couple of times just to look at the panels again). I think it's because it's the first time we've EVER seen him that beat.

Very exciting chapter: excellent action, well executed.

And Sasuke totally called Itachi out on his bluff (pwnd big brother!)

But I said it once, and I'll say it again. Why do Naruto ninja insist on telling the opponent their weakness? Yeah, hi, I'm completely out of chakra. I have one more move and if it doesn't work I'm screwed. GAH! And when does trapping someone in your psyche mean absorbing all their techniques?! I swear the Uchiha are just a bunch cheaters.

Final prediction: Sasuke's final jutsu is likely not that jutsu. He used a hand seal before Orochi stopped him (ch. 309), which would imply chakra manipulation. Sasuke claims he is out of chakra, so whatever trump card he has may not require any.

Naruto Chapter 389: Sasuke's Strategy

2008-02-18T03:37:00.000-08:00

Summary: Since Sasuke is able to escape Itachi's genjutsu, they fight with ninjutsu. Itachi's vision suffers from the side effects of using Tsukiyomi and Sasuke is able to wound Itachi with a windmill shuriken. Then, while fighting fire with fire jutsu, Itachi uses Amaterasu. (Read 389 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

Sasuke pulled out the wires. Yay! I must say, nice play by Sasuke. I am still in shock that he caused bodily harm to the heretofore untouchable Itachi. He bleeds after all. And apparently in the eyes too. Disassociating it completely from Heroes Season 2 (in which this visual was wasted), I really like this concept: Itachi is not only paying a long term consequence for using the Mangekyou, but paying every time he uses his techniques. Even he doesn't get to be powerful for free.

Naruto Chapter 388: The Gap Between Our Power

2008-02-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

Summary: Itachi shows Sasuke an illusion of his eyes being plucked out, but after activating the cursed seal, Sasuke overcame the Itachi's Tsukiyomi eye-technique. Sasuke boasts that his hatred will make his dream of defeating Itachi a reality. Itachi responds that he will make the illusion of taking Sasuke's eyes a reality and prepares to use another eye-technique. (Read 388 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

There's something morbidly fascinating about seeing Sasuke in pain. He just does it so ... prettily. Chouji, Shika, Naru, Kiba, and the like just wouldn't have looked the same. Anyway...

Not surprised it was an illusion, though I'd be mighty disappointed if someone doesn't leave the battle damaged in some way; otherwise, it would feel as if the story hadn't moved forward.

More thought provoking for me in this chapter wasn't how Sasuke got out of the illusion and plans on defeating Itachi (though, once again zapenstap has nice theories [1, 2]) but with all this talk of illusion vs. reality, I'm having a hard time figuring out what is happening 'in the real world.'

Note:
ch. 385 - Sasuke spears Itachi on the throne => illusion plane A (IP:A).
ch. 385 - Fly-trap sees the brothers standing still => Reality
ch. 386 - Itachi makes a crazy face and reveals his motive => (IP:B)
ch. 386 - Itachi says Sasuke must have seen his true self => (IP:A or Reality)

Where A !=B but B is not necessary a sub-level of A.

Then they fight and Sasuke gets plucked. This is where it gets confusing. Either (a) they were in Reality at the beginning of the shuriken fight and Itachi uses Tsukiyomi during the fight, or (b) the whole fight including the plucking happened on the same plane, which must be an illusion, because Sasuke then breaks out of it. Either way, the plucking happens in an illusion. What then, is Zetsu reacting to on page 3 when the reader sees Sasuke clutching his bloody eye-socket?

Most likely, it is scenario (a), since there are shuriken scattered on the ground when Sasuke breaks the illusion (and is most likely back in Reality and Zetsu has lot's to say); Itachi probably Tsukiyomi'd him right as the clone dispersed (see picture) and Sasuke never really slammed into a rock. So does that mean that Zetsu was caught up in the eye-plucking Tsukiyomi (which would have some interesting implications for the jutsu)? Or was he observing something outside the reader's knowledge (perhaps he was surprised both suddenly stopped moving)? Or maybe Kishimoto made a continuity error and I'm focusing way too much on the wrong thing. Yes.

Zetsu. How convenient that white!Zetsu is so ignorant and asks all the questions the reader would have wondered about. Poor Black!Zetsu, he must get so annoyed with himself.

Nice continuity with the one-winged demon (cue crazy-killer music)* - Sasuke busted a wing fighting Deidara. However, did Itachi know? I wonder how much detail he is responsible for when creating illusions, and how much is an interaction with the victim's mind. Perhaps he just makes the rules ('relive worst nightmare') and the victim fills in the rest...

*reference to One-Winged Angel, Sephiroth's theme from Final Fantasy VII.

Naruto Chapter 387: Reality

2008-02-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

Summary: Itachi states that Sasuke can not defeat him without the Mangekyou, but Sasuke believes he can win through his hate. The brothers fight and Sasuke is cornered and Itachi reaches for Sasuke's eye... (read 387 here)

Snowyowl Says: Go read zapenstap's thoughts on Sasuke here, because I agree 100% with her thoughts.

But to summarize: Is it beyond Kishimoto to disfigure Sasuke? Not at all, and in fact, it would make for some excellent drama; a turn of events he probably has been setting up from the start. Kishimoto has set us up to dislike Sasuke, and the moment we begin to sympathize with him by revealing his monster of a brother, Kishi will cut him down. Because now we care.

It's still too early to tell if the fight we see now is in fact 'Reality' or just another layer of illusion, and there are still many paths to go down: who was screaming? will the fight be interrupted?

I feel pretty confident, though, that neither brother will die; it's just a matter of who gets to keep whose eyes :) There is awhile yet for the story to end, and being one of the driving forces for the narrative, Kishi is likely to keep Itachi around until the end, and Sasuke around to pursue him. As he is now, Sasuke is still not ready or deserving to defeat Itachi in the narrative sense. He hasn't completed his journey, has not yet reached that mental maturity that will grant him his victory. There are still some things that he needs to discover and realize, and I bet my left eye Naruto's going to be the one to help him get there.

Sidenote: Seeing the fuuma shuriken again was a treat. I really wanted to see some wires though, I've always loved the grace and strategy behind Sasuke's use of tools. Ah well...

Oh, and the summoning seals tattooed on his wrist totally reminded me of Fullmetal Alchemist! Tenten should try that instead of carrying around those scrolls.

Naruto Chapter 386: My New Light

2008-01-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

Summary: With genjutsu, Sasuke probes Itachi's mind and discovers that the Mangekyou can reach its final form when the eyes are transplanted between brothers, bypassing blindness and granting immortality (?). He realizes that Itachi had always meant for them to fight to the death, as they have each others 'spare' eyes. (Read 386 here)

Snowyowl Says: Wow, this heavy chapter deserves a long post!

Well, what do you know. An Inner-Itachi!

Regular Itachi:

Inner-Itachi:

I'm glad Inner-Itachi is chatty, because we finally have an answer to the long-standing question: what does Itachi want with Sasuke? Poor Sasuke, if he wasn't so arrogant, his sense of self-worth would be shot with people keeping him around just for spare parts (Oro for his body, Ita for his eyes, and Naru...er...Sakura for his heart!)

(On a side note, ever notice that of everyone who wants his body, Sasuke runs away from the girls and towards the guys?) *ducks tomatoes*

[Big Brother]
At first, I was a little disappointed that Itachi kept Sasuke around for something petty like 'I don't want to be blind' or something cliche like 'I want immortality.' However, upon reflection, Itachi is driven by neither - Itachi has always been ambitious and struggled to escape the confines placed upon him by tradition, expectations, and his own mortal shell. He is not at heart a megalomaniac, but simply put, he just wants to be the best. Obtaining the final stage of the Mangekyou is the next step. What I find a little ironic is that he is desperately trying free himself from 'this wretched clan's destiny' by perpetuating the tradition of filial bloodshed.

I was so pleased that Itachi holds contempt for Madara. That's so...Itachi. While I accepted the idea of mentor!Madara, it didn't sit well that Itachi had stayed, and was apparently, still under him. Now we know that Madara himself was just another stepping-stone. This chapter solidified my view that Itachi does not need relationships like most, but fosters them based on how he can benefit.

[Little Brother]
Wow. I'm actually rooting for Sasuke. Not because he's a bit more sympathetic, but for the first time, his character represents hope. He didn't grow up knowing and accepting his clan's past and if he feels at all disgusted or ashamed he could take this chance to not just revive his clan, but change it. I'm not sure how to interpret his reaction to the Forth's name, but the fact that he reacting to Konoha gives me a little hope that he may realign himself with the Leaf.

If Sasuke ends up plucking out Itachi's eyes out for himself I'll be so disappointed.
Check out the last panel. Someone's gonna get whooped. Reminds me of a certain someone before he buried someone alive for all eternity.

[Questions]

-Does the transplant itself grant immortality?

Inner-Itachi only confirmed that it 'gave birth to a new eye-technique' and that having a new host gave the Mangekyou an 'inextinguishable light.' However, I read this as bypassing the side-effect of blindness. When Itachi said 'achieve true immortality' does he mean that literally or figuratively?

-Do the transplanted eyes already need to have the Mangekyou Sharingan to work?

From Itachi's words in the past and his disappointment that Sasuke doesn't have the Mangekyou would suggest that one needed the transplanted eyes to already have the Mangekyou. I'm confused because Itachi seems to want to continue the battle. Of course, that was Inner-Itachi speaking. Outer-Itachi may want to just disable his brother and walk away until next time.

-Did the Uchiha's bloody practice still occur up until the massacre?

It's only been five generations since Madara and the First Hokage, yet from Sasuke's memory it seemed as if the Uchiha had renounced that past and prized strong clan bonds. Is this another case of Sasuke's rosy selective memory, or is Itachi being overly dramatic? It's true history can be erased but if Itachi's claim that killings had been happening for decades, then at the very least Madara's bloody legacy is something that Fugaku's generation was aware of.

-Did Madara seriously just pluck his brother's eye out?

I'm going to give Sasuke-clone the benefit of the doubt and say he was under the Mangekyou's spell. Because any healthy person dumb enough to sit there and let a weak dying person dig his eyes out while he's awake deserves it.

Final note:

I don't know if it was intentional, but the panel with Madara's hand and saying sorry echoed Sasuke's memory of Itachi poking his forehead and apologizing. Creepy foreshadowing.

Naruto Chapter 385: The Secret of the Mangekyou

2008-01-23T23:56:00.000-08:00

Summary: Sasuke asks Itachi who the third Mangekyou Sharingan user is, because he figured he was Itachi's accomplice in killing the Uchiha, and thus next on his hit list. Itachi tells him it's Uchiha Madara, his mentor, and an immortal who was the first to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan. It's true power is the power to tame the nine-tailed fox, but the price is blindness. (Read 385 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

I was pleasantly surprised that Sasuke asked an unexpected question. It was forward-looking and action-oriented (this is what I'll do next) vs. what I expected, (i.e. Why'd you do it?) which would have been backwards-looking, as Sasuke has been this entire time. Granted, his mission is rooted in the past, but at least his mind isn't trapped there. The question also dispelled any theories that Sasuke had planned on dying with his brother (end of mission).

Madara = immortal, confirmed. But it still doesn't rule out the possibility that Madara is inhabiting Obito's (dead) body. Ew. It actually makes a lot of sense that Itachi had a mentor who gave him direction, nurture and validate his sense of superiority, and helped extinguish the Uchiha. A lot more sense than 'Itachi just is,' or Itachi just decided to,' anyway.

For an in-depth discussion about Itachi's philosophy and personality, go read zapenstap's Itachi Analysis Essay. The ideas there are consistent with Itachi's motives, which are revealed in the next chapter if the spoilers prove true.

By the way, don't read spoilers. They...spoil stuff.

On a side note, yes Itachi may be going blind, but at least his eyes make funny noises. Swuuu!

Naruto Chapter 384: Two Roads Diverge

2007-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Summary: Sasuke and Itachi fight with taijutsu and genjutsu. Throughout the fight, Sasuke says he has a question for Itachi.

SnowyOwl Says:

I haven't been this excited about a chapter in a while! The chapter didn't engage me at first because the taijutsu sequences were confusing and a bit mundane, but once the strategy kicked in it was an adrenaline rush to the finish. I'd like to see this animated to clear up what was going on at the start, and hear Sasuke cuss out his brother. Oh yes.

If you're a regular reader, you know I'm not a Sasuke fan, but I gotta give him props once again for looking cool and thinking ahead. First using the Chidori as the bait to get Itachi to jump and then striking the other Itachi when the first was revealed as an illusion. The first illusion readers could smell a mile away, but I feared Sasuke would fall for it again in the heat of the moment. Glad to see the boy can learn. And check out his crazy-face. There is absolutely no doubt or regret in his mission.

Now, the question is how many layers of illusions are there? It seems highly improbable that Kishimoto dragged out Jiraiya and Pain's confrontation over a month and the Uchiha confrontation, which he's been building up to since the beginning of the series, would end in one chapter. There will be at least a flashback (I hope) from Itachi's point of view.And I just wanted to comment on the intensity of the latter half of the chapter. The layout worked well, the content and execution of the panels were well chosen to enhance key moments - great use of sound effects and a feeling of suspended time in all the right places. And the dialogue: OMG. I almost want to see this live-action.

What's the question!?!

Witherwing writes:

Oh man! The second half of this chapter was CRAZY! I do have to admit that my favorite part was the non dialogue though. Let me recap some of the highlights:
Thwack
Swip
Grab
Swsh
Push
Tink
Fwish
Wobble
Squeeze
Sshooom
Slice
Yank
CRASH!

I hope that they're saying these thinks out loud as it happens.

I agree with Snowyowl. I don't think that the anticipated confrontation can be finished in one chapter. But then again, we all remember the Sasuke-Orochimaru fight. ::facepalm::

Now Sasuke will finally get to ask Itachi, "why do you have those funny marks under your eyes?"

Naruto Chapter 383: The Epilogue, and the...

2007-12-30T00:40:00.000-08:00

Summary: Jiraiya, having encoded the true identity of Pain on his summon, sinks under water and is satisfied with the circumstances of his death. Meanwhile, Team Konoha prepares to confront Tobi while Sasuke confronts Itachi.

SnowyOwl Says:

[Of Jiraiya]
I'm really glad Jiraiya was able to die a noble death and that his summon actually got away in time so he did not die in vain. The feeling of floating gently down into the water was executed nicely and was...peaceful. Thank you for your spirit and adding depth and motion to the series. I hope you'll get acknowledged and a grander send-off later in the series.

[Of Team Konoha]
Nice. No beating around the bush, just ready to fight. I'm used to be super-amused by Tobi's speech patterns, but again, knowing that Madara* is under the mask (or some incarnation of Madara - I haven't let go of the Mad Tobito theory yet) makes me so nervous. What are you playing at Tobi?! Loved the page where every character had a line - Kiba bringing up the fact that Shino missed out during the Rescue Sasuke arc (and rubbing it in) and Sai observing more bonds (poor boy must be so confused) - yay!

[Of the Uchihas]
Ooo! Nice one-liner from Itachi ("Let's see how good your eye-sight is"). And here we go. I'm not sure if this is THE confrontation, or another tease, but I have a feeling that Itachi really does have something to tell Sasuke (in other words, Kishimoto has a plot point for the readers) live or die. It pains me to say it, but I'm betting that Sasuke's the one coming out on the other end when all is said and done between those two.

Naruto Chapter 382: His Real Decision

2007-12-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Summary: Jiraiya is mortally wounded, but inspired by Naruto fighting spirit and the memory that the Fourth wanted Naruto to be like Jiraiya, Jiraiya wills himself to write Pain's true identity on his toad summon as his last act.

SnowyOwl Says:

A moment of silence for the Great Jiraiya-sensei.

.
.
.

I know it's not confirmed, but if Jiraiya is revived in some way after that noble and bittersweet send-off, that would just be cruel. He was always one of my favorite characters for his complexity, a truly good-hearted person who could never quite win.

The flash-back was lovely, a quiet domestic moment between two legends and my already anxious heart was tugged hard learning that Jiraiya was Naruto's god-father. It adds so much more depth and insight into Jiraiya's motivations and interactions with Naruto in previous chapters. The tragedy for me is that this whole time Naruto had family and never knew - and Jiraiya was never acknowledged by Naruto as family (that honor is reserved for Iruka an Sasuke) even though Jiraiya could arguably have given him the most.

May you find peace in death and honor in your legacy.

Naruto Chapter 381: His True Identity

2007-12-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

Summary: Jiraiya realizes that all of Pain's bodies resemble people Jiraiya had known in the past. He dismisses his frog summons and decides to leave his barrier in a suicidal attempt to confirm Pain's true identity.

SnowyOwl Says:

Jiraiya is a piece of fried dead meat. All manga tropes point to his demise: the parting conversation with Tsunade and her lingering thoughts and dim hopes, the build up of the rin'negan's power, his own resolution to risk it all -- how can he NOT die after making that kind of heroic declaration? He'd lose face if he didn't sacrifice himself. But I'm putting my bets on him finding a way to communicate what he finds out and it finding a way to Tsunade.

This chapter gave us a really nice twist. It seems to imply that Pain is a concept (heh. wordplay). That is, Pain is not an individual, but perhaps would manifest differently to different people. Jiraiya's confronting him, thus he appears to Jiraiya as people from his past. Perhaps a very elaborate genjutsu to disarm the opponent.

Or, Pain just has real beef with Jiraiya and decided to hunt down people Jiraiya knew in preparation for this day. Man, that would be screwed up.

I only had a small moment of annoyance with this chapter: of course we didn't really see this coming: all these 'past' characters had never been introduced before (like when first!Team Jiraiya was intro'd) but the presence of Yahiko saved it.

Naruto Chapter 380: That Face

2007-12-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

Summary: Jiraiya is confused about Yahiko and Nagato's relationship to Pain's identity. Team Hebi encounters Kisame and only allows Sasuke to pass to meet Itachi. Team Kakashi meets Tobi.

SnowyOwl Says:

So much to love about this chapter, especially the fact that the plot finally seems to be moving along.

First, Pain. See! Yahiko isn't really dead dead, and my feeling that Nagato had somehow inherited Yahiko's philosophy actually panned out (sort of). I'm still not sure which way it went: did Nagato 'absorb' Yahiko, or did Yahiko 'absorb' Nagato. Or was it possibily mutual such that if Jiraiya asked 'where's Yahiko?' Pain would have answered 'he died a long time ago.' This is by far the most intriguing part of the whole Jiraiya/Pain arc.

Team Hebi next. An even more exciting than Sasuke meeting Itachi is Suigetsu meeting Kisame. I was positively giddy when they met up because I could imagine how giddy (in the masculine sense) Sui was. Friendly opponents: what a breath of fresh air from all the do-or-die matches going on.

Team KakashiiiiNooooObiTobito! Good-boy!Tobi is back, but now his easy-going, immature attitude has an air of malice now that we know he is also something completely different. Is it an act or is it a dual personality? I'm hoping for the latter and betting on the former. And he *is* a phaser!

Sakura: Another freak. Why does this happen every time we try to find Sasuke-kun? Figured out you're in a serialized work of fiction yet?

Itachi: *sits regally* Sasuke, what do your chibi-eyes see?
Sasuke: I keel you dead!
Itachi: *is disappointed*

Come on Sasuke, you know if Itachi is asking you that question there's something much more important than your revenge at hand. Think outside the box please?

Naruto Chapter 379: Jiraiya's Decision

2007-12-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

Summary: Jiraiya capture Pain and his clones and kills the three Pains. In reality, Pain evaded death and summons six 'Pains' (including the ones Jiraiya believed he killed). Jiraiya has an epiphany about the truth about Pain.

SnowyOwl Says:

It wasn't hard to guess that Pain hadn't actually died - he and/or Jiraiya had not explained/had a flashback about the nature of his existence yet! Death by giant stone kunai is too unspectacular for Pain.

There were a few panels I found interesting to look at: I really liked confused!Pain and Pains-in-block-of-Jello. The big warrior frogs were a treat too; I hadn't seen that level of detail in a while and echoes patterns from Nibi (Two-Tails) and Sai's paintings.

And OMG did Jiraiya just lose an arm? I think that just sealed his fate: I highly doubt that Kishimoto is going to let a one-armed ninja to exist in his world. What is he going to do? Go home to Tsunade and have her fix it? Or get her sympathy and retire? Six Pains against a one-armed man and two bickering frogs - this does not bode well. All I can hope for is that Jiraiya leaves a message, or a curse, or a lesson that affects Pain (even if he won't admit it) and moves the plot along.

Here's hoping...

Witherwing Writes:

Sorry for being dead the last 2 months but finals are rolling around again. I promise to do better in January. If you're interested I added my two cent's into the chapters below. Well more like one cent. It's not that much.

Man, that narrator again on the fist pannel. Because of that, you new that Jiraiya didn't win. He didn't get to ask 'what are you.'

I was having fun pulling a few Star Wars parallels. First there was the fact that Pein is Anakin and Jiraiya is Qi Gon. He thinks his pupil will bring balance to the force and his will, only on the side of EVIL! Then Jiraiya got his arm chopped of and I was like no way! Of course Qi Gon didn't get his arm chopped off but a lot of other people did.

All that fighting and pulling out the best moves and nothing happend. Pein doesn't even have a flesh wound. I'm just waiting for Tsunade to come to his rescue or better yet...Itachi. Okay, so I have no proof for that remark put what a plot twist, huh.

Naruto Chapter 378: One-on-One

2007-12-01T22:52:00.000-08:00

Summary: Jiraiya and the frog summons execute a plan to obscure the vision of all but one of 'Pain.' (read 378 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

Sorry for the late update. I didn't realize I skipped this chapter until now, which speaks to how engaging the story has been the last couple of weeks. Still not so impressed by hermit-mode. As a former choral singer, it was slightly annoying reading through the frogs' excuses about singing together; they've had years to coordinate - I was jaded from the start that these summons were really worthy of Jiraiya.

Witherwing Writes:

So after being Pein's teacher for 3 years, Jiraiya still has no idea what Pein is capible of. Hm.... what was he doing during that time?

Well it's good to know that he can figure it out quickly.

Ah the narrator: Certain victory lies ahead. And with that Jiraiya's fate is sealed.

Naruto Chapter 377: Hermit-Mode

2007-11-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Summary: All of Jiraiya's attacks are blocked. (Read 377 at One Manga)

SnowyOwl Says:

Not too much to say. The bickering frogs were a weak attempt at humor and came off annoying and inappropriate given the situation they are in. And why are ultimate defenses always in the form of ridiculous animals? (Gaara's Tanuki defense anyone?) It there something lost in translation or cultural that I'm missing?

Looks like Pain can see through his summons' eyes. In that case, those three really shouldn't stand next to each other if they want to take advantage of that.

I love Jiraiya and all, but I'm getting bored. Can we go back to Naruto (or Sasuke) already? I'm having Kiba and Suigetsu withdrawls.

Witherwing Writes:

A few thoughts -
Who are the two that were summoned? Ninja's under a spell? Puppets? What's with the piecings? Not cute!

Is anyone else weirded out by how uncool Jiraiya's jutsu is? Hair-needle barrage? The crouching, the punching. So not hip.

Naruto Chapter 376: The Destined Child

2007-11-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Summary: Jiraiya enters hermit mode, accompanied by two elderly toad summons. They believe that Pain is the prophesized 'destined child,' Jiraiya's student who will either bring peace to the world or destroy it. Pain summons two humans to join the battle. (read 376 at One Manga)

SnowyOwl Rants:

- Hermit-mode -
Looks ridiculous in an un-awe-inspiring way. I was hoping the most powerful of the sannin would have a really cool-looking mode, but I suppose it's consistent with his goofy persona.

[side note: I am actually disappointed he had a 'mode' at all. Through a literary lens, the good guys win and persevere by being true to themselves. It's the bad guys who go against nature and draws power from external sources and thus, mutate themselves.]

- Prophecy -
Instant negation of Naruto's (the title character still, mind you) value of making one's own future. And the quick conclusion that Pain is the destined child is either blatant misdirection or the characters are really dumb. The froggy hermits experienced preposition confusion. It isn't that Pain will bring peace or destroy the world. He will bring peace by destroying the world. The most obvious counter-conclusion is that Naruto is the destined child who will bring peace as a leader/influencer of leaders or tragically destroy it as Kyuubi.

SnowyOwl Raves:

- "Jiraiya-chan" -
*grins* yeah, he was young once.

- Destined Pervert -
"You will become a pervert without equal..." I laughed pretty hard at that. What a pointless prophecy, and self-fulfilling perhaps? I wonder what is the book that he was destined to write that will change the world. Was it meant to be part of Icha Icha or something else entirely.

Witherwing Writes:

I was so distracted by the warty nose (and overall wartyness of everything else) that it has eclipsed all else in this chapter.

Naruto Chapter 375: Ni Dai Sennin

2007-10-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Summary: Pain attacks Jiraiya with a series of summons. Jiraiya response by summoning the two great hermits. (read 375 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

Lots of action, not much plot, which is fine after a healthy dose of flashback and monologuing. I fear for Jiraiya though, if his life depended on a self-deprecating frog. I seriously wanted to shake that frog, or put him in therapy, or something...and unless it's for some reverse psychology jutsu, he really shouldn't be saying how weak he is out loud.

No idea what Pain is up to, but I did find it intriguing that all his summons have his eyes like he hypnotized them. And that bird reminded me of Birdramon (Pain, I feel your loooove)*.

Finally, Jiraiya, WTH? Why did your eyes turn froggy and your nose turn big? Don't tell me you turned yourself into a frog! I'm afraid of what's in the shadows.

*reference to Digimon Adventures

Witherwing Writes:

I totally loved the digimon reference. It made my night.

Naruto Chapter 374: Growing into a God

2007-10-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Summary: Pain sees himself as a God of peace and reveals his plan to end all wars by creating a forbidden jutsu using the tailed beast that could destroy whole countries in seconds and thus create a world of pain and fear in the survivors. Jiraiya and Pain call out their summons and prepare to battle. (Read 374 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

Jiraiya was right: Pain is a comedian. Notable Quotables:

...since you're going to die, I can tell you my plans.
...but I, living in an infinite universe of pain...
I am a God of Peace, after all.

I can not believe he pulled the 'since you're going to die, I can tell you my plans' line. Pain obviously hasn't crossed off item #7 from his to-do list. Man, can that guy head-trip or what? I'm also a little disappointed that Kishimoto is drawing parallels to the atom bomb so blatantly. While I understand the theme is extremely important to the Japanese, it feels flat and cliche...at least implement horrific destruction in a more creative way that consistent with the Narutoverse and not just settle for the mushroom cloud. The real-world reminder completely pulled me out of the story and I think takes away from the message that Kishi is trying to present.

That said, at least Pain's "real" plan is a little less lame than "Then, we'll take over the world!" I'm intrigued as to why he's taken up Yahiko's philosophy. Either a) Pain came to that conclusion himself b) When Yahiko died he took on the mission of his fallen comrade, or c) Pain = Nagato + Yahiko! I wouldn't be surprised at all if "he's been dead for a long time" is meant in the "Vader killed your father" way.

I'll be saying this a lot, but I love Jiraiya. Perhaps the greatest advocate for peace are those that have lived and seen it all, and yet still possess a child's hope and humanity. Gambatte!

Witherwing writes:

I Live! Yes, contrary to popular belief, I'm not dead. Take a moment to gather yourselves. Much thanks to Snowyowl for working hard.

Oh Pein, Of course he has to start monologuing. It's the protocol for all baddies. I'm getting a Folken (escaflowne) vibe from him. He's trying to start the war to end all wars. Redirecting fate! But what I don't get is how Tobito fits into all this. Is he the mastermind behind this plan. It doesn't really seem like he's pulling the string behind Pein because Pein seems to be pretty self-motivated.

Oh and do we think he can summon powers from the tailed-animals. Notice: the lobster thing looks a lot like the three tail. But notice: The iguana thing looks really gross. What's with it's tail?!

I second the Jiraiya comment. I sure hope he doesn't meet his death by Pein (heheh, bad pun intended). But all signs lead to the Rome. I mean, he set his affairs in order. Finished training Naruto, met up with old students. Maybe he'll pull out a yellow crayon* story and talk Pein back into humanity. Here's hoping.

*Reference to Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Naruto Chapter 373: The Student/Teacher Era

2007-10-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

**Updated 10-21-07**

Summary: Jiraiya discovers that Negato possesses the Rin'negan, the greatest of the eye techniques, but decides to teach the kids ninjutsu regardless. Negato is shaken by his own actions (killing a hostile nin) and explains that he wants to protect Yahiko and Konan no matter what. After three years of training, Jiraiya expresses his confidence in the kids' ability to fend for themselves and leaves for Konoha. (read 373 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

I really love flashbacks. Here we see the Rain kids before their convictions and paths were set and a glimpse of what could-have-been. Now I'm really, really curious as to what happened to them. What betrayal, what tragedy or cruelty did they go through to make them so distrustful of 'outsiders' and so protective of themselves? Where is Yahiko?

[Of Yahiko]
As much as he looks like Juugo, I don't think that Juugo and Yahiko are the same person. Juugo's affliction is genetic, and there was no indication in the flashback that Yahiko ever goes into crazy-killer-mode. But goodness, he was the Naruto of the last generation. Checkout his eager face and his cry face. Give the kid some whiskers and a headband and there you go.

[Of Negato and Konan]
Does anyone else think they're siblings? Same dark, limp hair, same build. They were together even before they met Yahiko and are together still. There's unquestioning loyalty (both ways). Maybe the Rin'negan is recessive and only Negato got it.

[Of Jiraiya]
He spent 3 years out there! While I admire his humanitarianism, didn't he have duties in Konoha? Konoha really sucks at keeping track of their nins. His heart-to-heart with Negato was really sweet (did you notice that he was the only one that said thank you when Jiraiya left? They totally had a special bond) but what a terrible exit. He didn't give the kids a chance to prepare emotionally for his departure -- I bet this second experience of abandonment is what screwed them up!

[Of the Rin'negan]
Take that Sasuke! You have the lowest form of eye techniques!

Witherwing writes:

Yes, that's right, an update here too, albeit a short one.

Nagato and Konan being siblings, I can see that. I just hope that he didn't go all crazy and kill Yahiko. That would really stink. Man, that two of them have no emotional ties to Jiraiya at all. I mean, they are ready to kill him. Do you think it's because he left them so long ago?

I really want to know what Nagato's eye-jutsu does. Is it the reason that he could change into other bodies with lots of piercings on it? Or maybe it's just used to make him really crazy looking so that nobody will mess with him.

I like the flashbacks too. I really like seeing what the older generations were like before Naruto took place. But I guess if the story was set earlier, then the manga would be called Jiraiya or something...

Naruto Chapter 372: The Weeping Country

2007-09-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

Summary: We learn that Jiraiya had raised and trained three orphans from Rain Village: Konan, Yahiko, Nagato. Jiraiya heard rumors that all three had since died, but with Konan revealing herself, he surmises that the others are alive as well, and that Pain is one of the other two. (Read 372 here)

SnowyOwl Says: (what is this? A timely post???)

Well, the theory that Pain and Konan being Yondy's teammates lasted all of one chapter. So many crazy reveals lately, I should just stop speculating (humph!). But the Akatsuki duo were Jiraiya's students. Probably his firsts! You can tell that he was younger when he was taking care of the Rain kids than when he was a jounin sensei from the length of the tattoo under his eyes.

Aw, Jiraiya's such a softie! I'm beginning to agree with him that he's not cut out to be Hokage; he feels just a little too much and his approach is to save one person at a time. We saw that with his lifelong pursuit of Orochimaru and now he's trying to assuage his guilt for having a part in the war by taking care of three kids. He'd never be able to get past the one-on-one relationships to look at the big picture and act on it like a Hokage would need to. He loves hard, so he falls hard too.

Those kids were so precious, which makes how they turned out all the more tragic (you were the kindest of the kids). Konan seemed much livelier as a child, I wonder if Pain brainwashed her - she seems a little stoned and without self-will now. And Yahiko was intense! I really like that kid; he's hurting really bad and he's got conviction that reminds me a lot of young!Naruto...only a bit warped because he wants peace by making everyone understand suffering first-hand. (Way to make us think he's Pain, Kishimoto!) He looks suspiciously like Juugo - I think Kishi is running out of character designs.

Finally, Nagato. It's always the quiet ones. He's snapped, the poor boy. And I bet he hides under his bangs because he's got some sort of a bloodline limit or something because Jiraiya got freaked out by it. What is it? What is it!?! I knew that kid was a bad egg when I read his name and immediately thought of Legato (said slow and with a low voice) from Trigun. Oh! I hope he didn't use Yahiko as his first body!

Random Comments:

-Check out that gi-normous fish! Dude.

-And Whaa? Where did that hostage come from? Wasn't he trapped in the frog?
-Jiraiya drenched Konan with oil after commenting on her womanliness. Perv. (heh)
-And his hair shot out like a third arm! I'm okay with him coming out of a frog, but even in the Naruto-verse, the hair-thing still seems so weird.

Naruto Chapter 371: Old Friends

2007-09-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

Summary: Naruto's clone is dispelled by Sasuke and Team Konoha gives chase with Naruto in the lead. Meanwhile, Jiraiya is discovered and Pain orders Konan to kill Jiraiya. Both Pain and Konan knew Jiraiya from the past. (Read 371 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

So Mad Tobito sees Sasuke's potential as a hawk? So he goes from a snake to a sharp-eyed, aerial predator? Mmmm, is that what his abominable flesh-wings alluded to? Interesting that Itachi is associated with the crow. Two birds. I'd like to see where this analogy goes. (I'm tellin' ya, the Uchiha brothers are going to work, if not together, at least towards the same ends (see previous post))

Deidara!Pain. So cool. So nice of Kishimoto to identify Pain with piercings so we know who he is when he's using different bodies. Which brings me to...

OMG Pain and Konan know Jiraiya! Pain called him sensei. They...could be his old students!

Jiraiya doesn't know Pain by the name 'Pain.' (I thought I'd get that Pain guy) and most likely Pain is not walking around in his original body. So, if the kid with the dark hair pulled up is Konan, then it's possible that the third kid is Pain. Oh, they had a falling out! They could have been Yondy's teammates. Now they're after his kid and out to kill Jiraiya. This is so tragic!

Or...in some dramatic twist, they're actually after the Kyuubi to finish whatever Minato started! They're actually good! Yeah...not so much.

Jiraiya, again, so bad at stealth. You got found out in two seconds. Really now...

Naruto Chapter 370: A Premonition

2007-09-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Summary: Jiraiya takes out the key to Naruto's seal, which had been stored in his body for safe keeping. He tells the summoning frog connected to the key to go to Naruto should anything happen to him and he reveals that Minato had split the Kyuubi's chakra in two and had only sealed the 'Yang' half in Naruto. Jiraiya also voices his suspicion that the Kyuubi attack on Konoha 16 years ago may have been a direct summon and that the founder of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Madara, had the ability to control the Kyuubi. (read 370 here)

SnowyOwl Says:

Homework Time! Checkout this LiveJournal post. It gives a pretty good breakdown of the Uchiha facts to date (and some theories to boot) so I don't have to.

Okay?

So with the reveal of Madara having had power to summon the Kyuubi and that Tobi is somehow connected to Madara or the idea of someone siccing the Kyuubi on Konoha 16 years ago, here's what I thought:

The lives of our major characters are much much more complex and closely tied than previously thought.

My conviction that Itachi has a much more complex motivation and greater future role than we were led to believe only grew stronger. Previously, Naruto's relationship with the Uchiha brothers seemed like a separate issue from Naruto's fate as the Kyuubi vessel. It's not uncommon to see the complaint that the series should be renamed 'Sasuke' or 'Uchiha.' Why was Sasuke and Itachi's past and present relationship given so much time and presented in a way that doesn't relate back to Naruto, the title character? Lately, I've been thinking that it's been one huge set up, and that ultimately, Itachi and Sasuke will play a huge role in Naruto's fate.

The direction we've been led to believe these past few years has been some combination of Sasuke with/without Naruto fight and kill/spare Itachi. However, with Itachi's cryptic reaction to news regarding his brother, his lackluster effort in actually capturing Naruto yet going out of his way to "talk" to him, his heretofore indifference to his brother and now sudden call to confront him...leads me to think that when Itachi said 'Let's end this," he was not referring to their one-sided feud at all. I think he's going to finally reveal to Sasuke his true intention and ask his little brother, who has/may have surpassed him, to help him accomplish his goals. Let's end this misunderstanding. Let's end Madara's reign of hate, let's end Tobi's maniacal scheme, let's throw a wrench in whoever-the-villian-is' plan by ridding/manipulating/saving the Kyuubi via his vessel. Let's end this.

Maybe.

(Come on, like either of the Uchiha brothers are going to die when the story is really starting to pick up?)

The fact that Jiraiya acknowledged the hole in his Madara theory (that Madara was alive several generations ago) is also telling. It is not likely that Tobi is Madara. However, this doesn't eliminate the possibility that Tobi is some incarnation of Madara, or someone who inherited Madara's abilities. This could be through blood, or like Yamato, through experimentation. I still feel the evidence supporting the Tobito theory is significant though and the fact that there is a history of soul-switching in the Naruto-verse (Orochimaru building off of existing research), it very well may turn out that Tobi is Obito possessed by Madara. I guess we can call him Mad Tobito.

Moving along. When the toad suggested the Minato was motivated to seal yang!Kyuubi in Naruto out of parental love, Jiraiya (a total softie) rejected it and said 'no, Minato had a GOOD reason.' So if not love, what about Naruto made him a strategic vessel? What could Yondy know about this child that gave his vision of the future the best chance to come true? According to Jiraiya, Minato seemed te base his actions on more practical, concrete facts and reason and not something vague like 'he's my son so I know he'll grow up to harness Kyuubi's power and use it for the good of the village.' What is it, Yondy!?!

Oh, and this chapter finally answered my question about the soul-sealing jutsu. I wondered why if the jutsu locked the sealed and the sealer in everlasting battle inside a shinigami, why was it necessary to seal Kyuubi in Naruto? Who is battling Yondy in the shinigami's belly? I guess the Yin half is...

I could say more, but this post is getting really long. Here's a little something to thank you all for coming back despite my delay in posting. Naruto the Abridged, episode 15 and 16! If you haven't seen the rest of the series, do yourself a favor and start at episode 1. Oh, and 16 references this. The fandom referencing the fandom (and I recognized it). Wow. On to the next chapter!

Naruto Chapter 369: About Pain

2007-09-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

**Update 9-17-07**

Summary: Jiraiya learns that Pain is regarded as a mysterious deity who single-handedly defeated Amagakure's leader and won the civil war. Meanwhile, Pain prepares to hunt the intruder and switches with one of the multiple 'copies' of himself.

SnowyOwl Says:

All I'z gots to say is, Jiraiya's in for a lot of Pain (bad pun completely intended. Sorry.)

That, and I was tickled by the young!Sannin flashback. How interesting that the title 'Sannin' was forced upon them rather than something that grew and adapted organically. I always thought it was a name Konohaians used to honor them, but I think that having the enemy acknowledge them speaks even more to their strength...although, it's slightly condescending too, since they took a new name in exchange for their lives. The power to name is the power to control, is it not? The characters are becoming ever the more complex.

I'm with Jiraiya: what is Pain? The organic, natural associations with him is giving way to the more cold and scientific. A mad scientist that experimented on himself? The product of a mad scientist? Will each of the clones have a specific ability and he'll have to switch himself out for different circumstances (unlikely, that would be highly inefficient) or will Jiraiya and co. have to beat Pain multiple times?

And is Naruto still standing in the clearing dumbfounded over that awkward confrontation with Itachi?

Witherwing writes:

Man these chapter titles are too ambiguous. heheh

I loved the sannin flashback as well. Something about the three of them fighting together really makes me happy. And it makes Orochimaru look so normal. I'd think that the enemy nameing them would be more of a way to mock them then to recognize them.

Jiraiya certainly stinks at intimidating people.
I'm going to turn you into a frog.
Did you hear me???
FROG
...
I go back to tickling you.

So we know that Pain controls the weather and has never lost a fight. But yet, he listens to Tobi. Why is that? And he's hero worshipped in this country. Could pose as a problem. Are we sure that those are clones? I just thought that all the Akatsuki slept in the same room...which would be a little weird. But Tobi's one of them. And one's fatter then the others. And there are six of them left but that wouldn't explain the quotation marks on 'Akatsuki.'

Naruto Chapter 368: Reconnaissance

2007-09-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

**Update 9-17-07**

Summary: Jiraiya captures and prepares to interrogate two men about Pein. Meanwhile, Pein sends Konan, his Akatsuki partner, to locate the intruder (Jiraiya).

SnowyOwl Says:

Waaah! Toad House! So cool! ::geeking out:: I always thought that Jiraiya was the most awesome (skilled, well-adjusted...) of the sannin, but this clinches it. I'd like to see the other two do that with their summons.

Minus points for the worst disguise ever. And why do they always have to reveal themselves before interrogating the captives? Stay in disguise and the captives can't positively identify you later! Crazy ninjas ::shakes head::

Jiraiya threatened to tickle them into submission. I love Jiraiya. Please don't die because of the Akatsuki. You need closure with Orochi/Sasuchi/Kabuchi. ::sad face::

Anyone else notice it's Suigetsu who calls out concerned for Sasuke? ::secretly fangirling:: It's nice that Kishimoto is showing good team cohesion (in a funny, disfunctional/functional kinda way) and not just Karin being obsessive all the time.

Only the Japanese would come up with origamifying yourself as a super-power. And make it look so lovely. Deathly beauty. Beware of paper cuts!

Witherwing writes:

Jiraiya - Tickleing to death seems very Monty Python-esque. I love how the two ninjas were like 'there aren't any pubs down here on the bottom level'. 'Hey look a pub on the bottom level, let's go in.' Nope, not suspicious at all.

Konan turns herself into paper. I guess that's why she has to wait until Pein stops the rain otherwise she's usless. On a side note I hope that that's a lip ring and not a wart.

Naruto Chapter 367: Itachi and Sasuke

2007-08-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

**Updated 9-17-07**

Summary: Sasuke defeats Itachi, only to find out it was a clone and was told to meet Itachi at the Uchiha hideout to 'end this.' Tsunade expresses concern for Jiraiya's safety as he prepares to confront the leader of the Akatsuki. They discuss hokage, past, present, and future, and reminisces about Naruto's parents.

SnowyOwl Says:

[The Uchihas] - Despite the title, this chapter really wasn't about them, but a few quick words anyway. Bunshin or illusion, I thought the Sharingan was suppose to see through it. Or his emotions prevented him from seeing clearly. Even if Itachi deems Sasuke worthy of a face-to-face fight now, it goes to show that Sasuke's got a ways to go and he's the one that doesn't know Itachi. Like Itachi would go down that easily!

There were two instances in this chapter that made me indescribily happy (two in one chapter? surely you jest...)

1) Kakashi acknowledged as Hokage material.

Yay!! And it was done so off-handedly, like there was never any question. I'm stoked that Kakashi finally got the canon recognition he deserved. He's not just some genius machine-like ninja, but a human who humbles himself, recognizes his own weaknesses, and yet keeps working to better himself and who has internalized the Will of Fire.

Plus, this allays my fear somewhat for Tsunade's sanity. I really thought she was going to let teenage Naruto take over when she steps down.

2) Yondaime has a name!

And it's not Arashi (too bad, I liked that better than Minato). Lot's of things gleaned from the sannin's conversation:

Naruto took his mother's maiden name. OMG is he illigit? Or perhaps they did that to conceal the fact that he's Yondy's son. Now that it's canon that Naruto is son of a hokage, it's good that it was hidden from him. If he knew, I can imagine:

1. extra bitterness that his dad would screw him like that (wow, the Gaara/Naruto parallels are only getting stronger)
2. extra pressure to live up to his lineage, and
3. Naruto being the cockiest brat in the village.

I'm kinda bummed that Naruto is an Uzumaki because his mom's from Whirlpool country (are you kidding my Kishimoto?! Whirlpool is not even an element! The country's probably some seceded part of Water Country. Meh.) I've always liked the idea that the swirl was symbolic of Konoha (see Leaf symbol) and that Naruto was generically named after the village because he was born without a family name. But no, named after some dinky country named after an appliance.

And now we know why Naruto is a wind-type and prone to swirly-jutsu. Yondy is a kaze (meaning wind, of course) and mommy is an Uzumaki (swirl).

One thing I thought was interesting is that Naruto's relationship with Yondy was revealed so casually. I take that to mean that Kishimoto either built it up so that the relationship was obvious, or that it had become so obvious that there was no point trying to dramatize the reveal. (Tsunade: ah, Naruto is so much like his father, that... NEXT CHAPTER: Naruto's Father is?!?). Kishi could have include pictures of mom and dad though, instead of Tsu and Jirai just talking - it's a comic! Use images and words simultaneously!

Finally: Pein made it rain and gets paranoid when someone walks around in it? Man, that must suck.

Witherwing writes:

Men-gomen ^_^;;

Ah Sasuke, he just revealed his newly-learned moves to Itachi. Now he's lost the advantage. It's the same as before only this time he's not screaming. Now they are heading back to the Uchiha hideout which Sasuke just came from and I can picture them fighting in a big underground arena with cat statues on the side.

Poor Tsunade - I bet she knows that she's sending her closest friend to his doom. I mean it's a given. They've had their last drink together, remenisced on the past, and he has refused her help should he get into trouble. But perchance he could pull a Sasuke and hide in the stomach of his frog seeing as he does that anyway. (why didn't sasuke use a smaller snake?)

The 'rents - What do we know about Namikaze Minato and Uzamaki Kushina?
Naruto looks like his dad but has the personality and fighting style of his mom. Kushina was a tomboy, always talking, and had red hair but she grew up to be very beautiful. Does that mean that they grew up together? It makes me wonder what the fourth's personality was like to fall for her. Loud as well? Well he was gifted and determined.*fanart by orin - depiction of Kushina

Naruto Chapter 366: Brothers

2007-08-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

Summary: Itachi refuses to fight Naruto, claiming that he wanted to talk, but leaves to meet Sasuke before he does. Jiraiya and Tsunade reminisce and discuss their role in the future.

SnowyOwl Says: Quick update because I want to read the next chapter!

Itachi/Naruto confrontation recap:

N: Let's fight!
I: Let's talk.
N: No, we fight because I'm a better brother. You can tell from the bags under my eyes.
I: No, we talk. But first let me cast you in an illusion because I like showing off my crows.
N: Man, you got me again. Ok, let's talk.
I: Oops, gotta run!

Seriously, Itachi. That's what I call inefficient use of time and effort. Unless the whole point was to screw with Naruto's head, or stall him. Or he really did want to know why Naruto is obsessed with his brother (check out that smirk). All I'm saying is that if Itachi really wanted to talk to Naruto, he would have: the shadow clone could have stayed and the real Itachi could go deal with his foolish brother.

I have no idea what going on and if anything is real. Where's the rest of team Hebi? Why is Sasuke in a cave? Why are his sandals so girly?

S: Who are you?
I: It's me, Sasuke.

Check out Sasuke's shocked face. And this whole time he thought he was Sasuke. (heh)

And the Sannin? Either Jiraiya's going to kick the bucket (smiling) soon, or this really was a filler chapter.

Witherwing writes:

Fight scene extended:

Naruto: I attack you with my bunshin.
Itachi: I defeat them.
Naruto: I won't fall for that trick again for I have wised up.
Fight: over

Oh the irony. Naruto is chasing Sasuke who he sees as a brother who has abandoned him while Sasuke in turn, is chasing the brother who abandoned him. Was that really Itachi? What's with the disapearing crows act? It's like he's Dracula but not.

Sasu-Ita confrontation (which I know Snowyowl already mentioned. I just really get a kick out of it)

S: flip-flop, flip-flop,
I:...
S: who is there?
I: It is I, Sasuke.
S: If you are sasuke, who am I?
I: You are a cod fish.

So that third wanted Jiraiya to become the fifth which we knew from before but it's interesting how the Third wanted someone with Naruto-esque qualities. It'd be really weird to succeed his student though.

Naruto Chapter 365: Chasing Itachi

2007-08-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

**--Updated 8-26-07--**

Summary: Team Hebi senses they are being tracked and decides to avoid confrontation to concentrate on finding Itachi. Karin and Juugo confuses Team Konoha by using birds to split up Sasuke's scent. In response, Naruto scatters his clones to look for Sasuke, only to have one of them encounter Itachi instead.

SnowyOwl Says:

Erm...Karin's starting to creep me out. Did anyone else feel 'raper' vibes? Maybe she bought perfume, but my first thought was that it was a sedative to take out Sasuke, or the other boys.

Rapage aside, I'm really enjoying Hebi's team dynamic. When it comes to their mission, they discuss, collaborate, and think in terms of each other's skills to form plans. I'm still surprised that Sasuke is so team oriented ("we move as Hebi") but maybe I shouldn't be, since he was the one who helped Team 7 pass the bell test. Team 7 just didn't do it for him.

- How did Hebi conclude that Leaf-nin were after them? (???) As far as Hebi knows, they are doing the pursuing; the confrontation with Deidara was the first indication that they were being pursued (and as far as Sasuke knows, it's because Dei had a personal vendetta against him, and not because the Akatsuki in general is interested in him)
- Major points for Sasuke and Kishimoto for the new shirt! Regretfully, I have to take those points back for failure to change his ridiculous pants and rope-belt. And for magical healing powers. Come on! Humph.
-I still don't get Juugo's bird powers. Is it innate? I don't think Juugo was ever trained as a ninja. Seems like he was just some dude who had crazy uncontrollable powers and then he got locked up.
-And worse. Map. Ever. They should use Google Maps.

[Not Hebi but still Uchiha]

Itachi is getting interesting. Thus far, he's just some non-emotive guy that half-heartedly collects jinchuuriki and looks at people and either scares them or pisses them off. Now we have enigmatic storm symbolism, odd reactions to news about Sasuke, and now a confrontation with Naruto.

Oh. You know that it wasn't a coincidence. And odds are, Itachi is interacting with a clone and knows it. If so, the purpose would be to divulge information, not to capture Naruto. What will you reveal Itachi-san?!? (Or it's a trap. Where's Kisame?)

I think what we know about Itachi is not entirely reliable, since the only information we have is through heresay and a 7-year-old's memories. I mean, has any adult said anything more than 'Itachi wiped out his clan?' Were there witnesses? Was their only source Sasuke? Yes, Itachi answered 'to measure my capacity' to Sasuke's 'why brother?' but can we trust Itachi to speak the truth? The only crimes we know for certain is that he Sharingan'd Sasuke and Kakashi; everything else is conjecture.

I'm not trying to redeem Itachi if he is a sociopath, but now with the complication of Tobi-the-Sharingan user, and suspicious I-know-more-than-I-let-on behavior, I think there is a really exciting possibility for a twist. Itachi seems really intelligent, which is why neither capacity-measuring nor world-domination seem to be his true motivation. Or maybe I just really, really want to believe Itachi is smarter and more complex (anything but world domination! That's so lame!)
To conclude: "There's no time to think!" That's so Naruto ^_^

Witherwing writes:

Again just a few quick notes since I seem to be once again a few weeks behind.

If you look on page 3 they really are traveling in a really big pack. I mean, in that one shot you can see 7 ninjas and 7 nin-dogs. I wonder why Karin was only able to sense one dog. What about Kakashi's dogs? Shouldn't they have more experience or somthing?

Gotta love Kiba: Shut up and let me concentrate!
Like yelling at Naruto isn't distracting.

Karin = creepy

Sasuke - Now that he have his fancy healing powers, that kinda puts Sasuke on the same level as Naruto. For the final fight, they'll be forever locked in combat.
There are two ways to interpret Sasuke's reaction to the leaf following them. He either doesn't want the leaf to get involved in his fight and in running away is protecting them or he doesn't think that they are worth his time and in running away is saving himself a lot of trouble. I think it's the latter since this is poopy-Sasuke we're dealing with here.

What's with the bird with the letter tied to it's leg perched above Naruto?

Naruto Chapter 364: The Objective

2007-08-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

**updated 8-7-07**

Summary: Itachi is confident that Sasuke is alive despite Zetsu's report. The team from Konoha arrives at the explosion's epicenter and with Kiba's tracking skills, they pursue Sasuke's trail. Meanwhile, Tobi is revealed as the mysterious person ordering Pein to capture the Kyuubi jinchuuriki and that he has a Sharingan.

SnowyOwl Spazgasms: 0.0~!

I'll get the comments about the big reveal out of the way first, because that's what the fandom is buzzing about!

Tobi nooooo! I was honestly surprised since I was expecting someone much more nefarious to be the master of the leader - like Kabuto or the guy who wanted to be Hokage (Sai's boss, whatshisname?). But the most nefarious of them all was Tobi! Oh, how you've played with our hearts Tobi, making us love you! The moment we finally have more supporting evidence that Tobi = Obito is the moment I suddenly DON'T want Tobi to be Obito. More on that later. Just to lay it out there, here are the theories about Tobi:

1) Tobi = Obito
2) Tobi = Some unknown Uchiha
3) Tobi = Some unknown non-Uchiha
4) Tobi != Tobi, but is someone else dressed like Tobi (hey, he doesn't have any other distinguishing feature besides the mask)

As it stands, Theory 1 is the most probable, since:

a) 'My power' implies that he is an Uchiha (he's born with it), not someone who acquired the Sharingan externally (like Kakashi)
b) The mask's construction suggests that Tobi only has one Sharingan, the right one (Obito gave his left Sharingan to Kakashi)
c) We only saw the regular Sharingan, not a Mangekyo Sharingan, so we can't compare it to Kakashi's Mangekyo Sharingan to eliminate the possibility that Tobi is Obito.

Even though the evidence supports the Tobito theory, at face value, I hate it! Right now Tobi seems very evil and powerful and like he's taking his "good boy," cheerful, funny persona and throwing it in our face. So, the alleviate this cognitive dissonance:

Tobito Corollaries:

1) Tobi is Obito and he is aware of his identity as Uchiha Obito.
2) Tobi is Obito and he is NOT aware of his identity as Uchiha Obito
3) Tobi is Obito and he is NOT aware of his identity as Uchiha Obito, and/because he is POSSESSED

Ok, may the last one was a stretch.

Now the question is, if he's been pulling the strings the whole time, why was he not part of the group from the beginning? Or, did he gain influence of the leader (Pein) after the establishment of the group? Is the true objective of the Akasuki Tobi's objectives, or was goal of *ahem* taking over the world the true original objective? If Tobi did come into the picture later, did his goals replace the original, or is it in addition?

From the suspicious way Itachi is acting, I feel like only a select few know the true objective of the group and the rest are just pawns. Big, powerful, monster pawns, but pawns. Hm...interesting that the two Uchiha are in the know...

Moving along, I have some Awesome points to award:

-Kisame: Accuses Itachi of 'crying' over Sasuke's death and lives. Points!
-Kiba: Impresses Kakashi. Looks good. Smells good. Points!
-Suigetsu: Totally deserved to be pummeled into a puddle, but his witty quip to Karin earned him a bucket of Awesome points. Points!

Just...whatever happens next, don't kill Kakashi please!

Witherwing wonders:

Oh man! Tobito! Noooooo! I'd like to think that Snowyowl's corollary 1 is right. I mean, squished by a boulder, it's got to do something to your brain. Or it could be like Morph from the x-men animated series where he was taken in by the bad people and brainwashed to do their bidding.

I heard a theory where someone thought that Tobi is actually Uchiha Madara probably brought on by the line in the above Tobi picture. While this goes with thoery number 2 I don't think it's possible for these reasons.
1) Madara would be really, really, ridiculously old.
2) Mentioning Uchiha Madara's power could mean that all Uchiha power comes from Madara.
3) It would not explain why he wears the one-holed mask.

Pain: Heheh, his name is Pain... I still don't understand how Tobi has rank over him. Since he's never been deafeated in battle...or has he? He could be under the Sharingan's power or maybe just really likes Tobi and his plan to take over the world!

Storm: What is the storm supposed to symbolize? The turmoil of the world. The inner battle rageing in Itachi? The special effects used to make Shadowking more menacing?

Kiba? A super smeller huh? Man it must stink to be him. Having to smell everything all the time from miles away. Not to mention Naruto. How do you improve your sence of smell and can you turn it off? Better than a nin-dog. Amazing...

Best part of the chapter: Page 10 when Sasuke falls asleep while sitting up. ^_^

Naruto Chapter 363: Sasuke's Death

2007-07-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

***Updated 8-7-07***

Summary: All parties noticed the huge explosion caused by Deidara. Zetsu report to the Akatsuki that Deidara (and probably Tobi) died with Sasuke. In reality, Sasuke summoned and hid in Manda, Orochimaru's snake, and escaped into the summon's dimension before regrouping with Team Hebi (Manda died in the process). Meanwhile, an unidentified character charges the Akatsuki leader, Pein, with the task of capturing the Nine-Tails.

SnowyOwl Says: Lots to say for this chapter. You can all thank Candalabra for reminding me to update! :)

[They call him genius for a reason] - I gotta hand it to Sasuke this time. Escaping into the summon's dimension to escape nuclear-bomb-sized explosion was clever. But 1) if he was at his limit, where did he find the chakra needed to summon?, and 2) why Manda? I mean, that's overkill. Only Naruto can accidentally summon a creature that big. There must have been a bigger-than-human but more-chakra-efficient snake he could have summoned (unless unlike the toad family, contracts with a snake didn't extend to other snakes?). Anyway, this puts a serious damper on my theory that there would be an epic next-generation sannin battle between the former Team Seven. Maybe Sasuke can find an even bigger snake before then, but it just wouldn't be the same. Maybe Kabuto can fuse with it and bring it back from the dead ::shudders::

[Depth-perception is Moot in the Narutoverse] - The explosion occurs far into the horizon and behind a mountain and all of Team Hebi is worried about Sasuke. How in hell's bells did Sasuke even get that far? My brain hurts.

[Anti-Sakura is still Sakura] - I thought it was amusing that Karin the Sakura stand-in has the inverse personality as young!Sakura. Whereas Inner Sakura was brash and Outer Sakura was more shy with Sasuke, Karin is shy internally and brash outwardly with Sasuke. Inverse or not, because she reminds me of old SasukeFanGirlUseless!Sakura, Karin bugs me. Maybe unfairly so, but she does.

[Deception in the dark and the Shadow King] - Intrigue amongst the Akatsuki! I'm very surprised to meet someone in a position to order the leader of the Akatsuki around and there seems to be even more conspiracy surrounding Sasuke than originally thought. There's obviously an ulterior motive if Pein lied about Sasuke's survival to the others. Perhaps to prevent anyone*coughitachicough* from intervening? Ooo! What is that master plan? How is Sasuke and the capture of Kyuubi related (if at all)? I have a tingling feeling that the new Shadow King may be someone we already know...

[You gotta love the bad guys] - Word, Kisame. My respect for this guy grows every time he appears. And you know Tobi isn't dead. Zetsu was confident Sasuke died and is totally wrong; Tobi being 'probably' dead must mean he's not dead at all. (Unless the announcement was part of the conspiracy?) And Pein and the girl (I think the fandom already dubbed her 'Blue' but I'm not sure) seem very cool in a powerful-yet-level-headed way. I can't wait to see more of them and hopefully level-headed != boring. For some reason, I really like this frame:

Witherwing writes:

Gomen, gomen for the late update once again.

Man, talk about your misleading titles. For a moment I thought it was true because, well, he blew up and then there's the title, and the people saying he's dead. I mean, after Orochimaru died in two seconds nothing will surprise me anymore.

[The genius of Sasuke] Maybe Sasuke wasn't at his limit. Deidara only assumed that he was because he was having trouble standing. Maybe it was a physical limit but not a chakra limit.
How did Suigetsu have the scroll for summoning? Did Sasuke tell him that if the snake fades after it feels like he is dead, summon the giant snake? What would have happened if he wasn't summoned back? He would have been digested by Manda.

Gotta love Suigetsu's one-liners (page 13) 'Ah, he died.'

I'm sad to say that I agree with Karin, even injured, Sasuke looks cool.

[Manda] Maybe Manda was one of a kind and din't have little snake babies for Sasuke to use. Or it might take too long to hatch another basilisk under a frog.

[The bad guys] I wonder how the akatsuki learned to halogram themselves to comunicate. That's better than star wars.
What's with Pein's crazy eyes? There like Kurenai's. Kinda.

Next chapter, Shadow king revealed!

Naruto Chapter 362: Masterpiece

2007-07-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Summary: Deidara and Sasuke are both too exhausted to fight. Deidara doesn't answer Sasuke's demand to know the whereabouts of Itachi; instead he yells that he can't stand the Uchiha brothers for their indifference to his art and, in a final attempt to defeat Sasuke, Deidara turns himself into a bomb and creates a gigantic explosion.

SnowyOwl Says:

Ooookaaaaay....In at attempt to keep this blog PG-13, I'll refrain from--*ahemcough* well...

Alright, what's up with these freaky Akatsuki?!? Where does Deidara keep his other organs? What's with the Jack-o-lantern black mass of Doom? Before, Naruto and Gaara were set apart as jinchuuriki by transforming bodily in some form. That's why they were frightening. So now everyone's a monster? Next to Zetzu the Plant, Kakuzu the Tentacle, Hidan the Headless, and Deidara the Bomb, Itachi and Kisame seem really normal.

One reason the series is so captivating is because the characters have amazing abilities despite being human. Somehow, having Deidara transforming into something like Naruto in 4-tail Kyuubi form undermines Naruto and the other jinchuuriki somewhat. And if the Akatsuki can subdue full-on biju anyway, why do they even need to capture them? They can just sic different Akatsuki members on defenseless countries and hire the rest of the team out to 'control' the crazy. (Hidan, I choose you!)

But, I am glad that Deidara went out with a bang. I've been waiting for it for the past few chapters now; there was really no other way for him to go that wouldn't disrespect him as a character. He went on his own terms, in the form that he admired most.

I was struck by his last words though. His beef with the Uchihas is they look down on him and what he holds dear, with indifference, without acknowledgment. This trait seem to extrapolate to everything else (as another explosive blond found). They're arrogant, they take things for granted, as if the world owes them something; things desirable are not earned but deserved, and that which they don't desire is beneath them, and thus the world holds no wonder for them. The tragedy of the Uchiha is that they are gifted with the most amazing eyes that refuses to see.

Witherwing writes:

Ummmm..... O_o I have no words. What do you think Deidara's mom was thinking when her son was born with three extra mouths? Ew! Was the reason he had to keep it his last mouth sewn up because it would have eaten his shirt otherwise?

I don't see why they don't try to take over other countries just by themselves. I mean, they've already captured the Kazekage. The other ones should be a piece of cake. But I guess they just want more power.

Those eyes again. It's not enough that the Uchihas are messing up their own lives but they have to take everyone down with them. I feel that Deidara thinks that the Uchihas are looking down on him because he, in fact, feels inferior. I mean, Sasuke knows this was a tough battle, he just learned not to show his emotions since he was really small. I don't know, I didn't feel that there was any arrogance when he was looking he was just stoic. Cause when you lose your cool, you just might blow up.

Naruto Chapter 361: Weakspot

2007-07-12T00:37:00.000-07:00

**Updated 7-18-07**

Summary: Sasuke is caught inside a C4 bomb, but survives by defusing the microscopic bombs in his body. Both exhausted of chakra, Sasuke lands a punch on Deidara and tells him how he strategized against Deidara. Deidara's earth jutsu are weak against lightning.

SnowyOwl Says:

Again, I'm pleased that Sasuke didn't win the fight easily - the boy CAN get hurt, even if he's got his Spinny Eye of Insight. It reminds me of his fight with Lee, where he knew what he needs, but couldn't execute. And it reminds all of us that he's not invincible, which gives Itachi/Kabuchimaru an opportunity to give him a beatdown and Naru & co. a reason to believe he's in danger and save him.

Though, I don't see how turning the chidori on himself could have hurt: the electricity is generated from his body, so it's already there. Like how Pyro can't really get burnt. And it's nothing new that Sasuke can see chakra, so were the bombs emanating chakra from underground?

Sasuke...punched Deidara. The ninja known for his graceful and well-planned style won with a fist to the face. Reminds me of Naruto winning his epic fight with Gaara with a head-butt.

Verdict: mixed. A bit annoying that Sasuke got everything right (no one but Shika and Kaka gets the honor, and they make mistakes too!) but vindicated because the execution wasn't effortless.

Finally, here's a little something to thank you loyal handful of readers: Naruto the Abridged.* Watch it. Love it. You're welcome.

*Rampant with swearing and character/show bashing. You have been warned.

Witherwing Writes:

No one ever said that Sasuke was invincible. I mean, he works hard for what he can do. He just has a sucky attitude about it afterwards. He's like the Prince of Tennis, only less likable. I don't think that it was the chidori that hurt him. Maybe he's just tired. Ew, now he has all these dead clay bugs in his bloodstream. A little insight to what Shino must feel like.

Don't worry all Sasuke proved was that he can analyze situations and do some misdirection. He still has yet to prove that he can plan 40 steps ahead and leave Deidara's head in a ditch somewhere.

And while we have mentioned Naruto's head-butt-of-doom, I'd also like to remind you that he also did the thousand year of pain. Hehe.

Naruto Chapter 360

2007-07-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

**Updated 7-18-07**
Summary: Deidara creates a gigantic bomb in his likeness, which breaks down into microscopic explosives that is inhaled by living organisms. Deidara celebrates as Sasuke disintegrates, but this short lived as Deidara is punctured in the chest by the real Sasuke, who reveals that he had trapped Deidara in genjutsu. The table turns once more, as the injured Deidara turns out to be bunshin, and the real Deidara grabs Sasuke from below and reveals that he has trained his left eye to counter the sharingan.

SnowyOwl Says: Hmm. No chapter title?

So many misdirections, I didn't think I'd survive all these emotional turns. Gah! He's dead. Oh no, he's not! No, yes he is! blah!

-What the? Why did Dei make a ginormous bomb of himself? Perhaps in his warped mind narcissism is the highest form of art?

-I got to cheer with Deidara twice! I'm very happy that Sasuke is needing to work for his victory (oh, you know he'll win - whether or not something/someone interferes is another matter).

-Everyone looks much better without that Akatsuki muumuu (even the crazy sewn-up guy), and Deidara is no exception. But curse you Sasuke for cutting up Dei's arms! Oh wait, he is already.

-When did Cursed-Seal Sasuke lose a shoe?

-I had a very visceral reaction seeing the panel with Sasuke disintegrating. I knew it couldn't end that way (although it would have been four kinds of awesome if it did! Abrupt and simple like Orochi - and wouldn't that throw Naruto and the whole story for a loop!?). But I was seized with a sense of futility and bittersweetness. It was something in illusion-Sasuke's expression of panic, anguish, and the way he looked like a doll or puppet crumbling (rather than something of flesh and blood) and scattered in the wind into nothingness. Even though it didn't turn out to be real, I like to think that it reflected something real in Kishimoto's characterization of Sasuke.

Witherwing writes:

Oh man, Kishimoto got me both times!

Does anyone else find the jumbo Deidara really funny? Just think about how much clay he had to up-chuck to make it that big. And where do you go to practice something like that? And what's Garuda? Maybe the name of his Dei-doll?

Sasuke: dusts
Me: Gasp
Deidara: dies from Sasuke
Me: gasp
Deidara: is alive
Me: gasp
Aw man so exciting.

So Deidara uses his right eye usually because his left eye is usless unless hs is countering genjutsu. I mean, he had it closed then opened the other. (see page 11) Is that why he wears that binocular thing on his eye?

The training of the left eye. How does one do that without something to practice with? Maybe he got Itachi to unknowingly use it on him.

Next: the fight continues!