Naruto, the hokage!?

[PassiveObserver]

I also found it funny how none of the Pain members decided to prevent the frog from escaping and revealing their secret. They just stood by watching it hop away.

Well the thing is, frogs are always cool. They were probably like "Hey, here comes that frog, fantastic. Maybe he will settle near me and I can put him in a jar with a leaf and a stick to recreate what he's use to"

I like the fact that Jiraiya's whole life was just a series of failures, but he just keep moving. I can admire and identify with that. Now they seem to think Naruto is the embodiment of this 'never give up' attitude, but I myself think it's all about Rock Lee.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Bah. Too sappy. I'd much rather he'd somehow escaped and became a cripple or at the least died in Tsuade's busom- I mean arms.

[Barrelhaven]

Kakashi is going to be a broken man once he learns there won't be any more "novels" coming his way.

[PassiveObserver]

Kakashi is going to be a broken man once he learns there won't be any more "novels" coming his way.

That's assuming Naruto doesn't pick up where Jiraiya left off. Hasn't he proven himself equally capable of writing such novels?

[Zelyhon]

I also found it funny how none of the Pain members decided to prevent the frog from escaping and revealing their secret. They just stood by watching it hop away.I just assumed that, since it was a summon, it could instantly poof back to wherever it came from. Pain wouldn't have had much time to respond to something presumably instant and reflexive like that.

Well, Jiraya's done. The fight dragged a bit much, but for this to be his last chapter was a fitting end for him. Now, can we move on to one of the three other fights we have on deck, please?

[Illjwamh]

I is sad now. :whine:

I mean, I knew it was coming, but I liked Jiraiya. And he and Tsunade don't get any closure now. What a way to end a half-century relationship.

[Barrelhaven]

With Jiraiya kicking the bucket (is it weird that I almost typed it as 'bukakke'?), this leaves us 1 for 1 in recent predictions. So what do you all say for the upcoming matches?

Tobi vs All:
My guess is that Kakashi (and maybe the others) will stay behind to fight Tobi, setting up that Sharingan battle everybody apparently can't get enough of, while Naruto goes on to find Sasuke.
- Winner: Kakashi over Tobi.

Kisame vs Hebi:
Sword duels are awesome. I'm pulling for the fish-man, but I think Sasuke's crew wins out. I also have a feeling this battle could get drawn out with flashbacks, since the two seem to have some history.
- Winner: Kisame gets sushified.

Sasuke vs Itachi:
A stalemate/retreat outcome. Seriously, why would Kishi ever kill off this sugar-pot, when it can be dragged out for another decade or so? Naruto probably makes it in time to guilt Sasuke out of delivering the final blow or something lame like that. Fish-man comes in last second to save Itachi from the brink of death? My, how the fangirls would just eat that all up.
- Winner: Kishimoto.

So those are my preliminary picks, which are subject to change following the inevitable "foreshadowing" tells.

Place your bets now, folks. The Official AA ninja deathpool has begun!

[Zelyhon]

A ninja deathpool, eh? Alrighty, I'll give my predictions:

Tobi vs. All: Tobi's the closest thing we have at the moment to a Final Enemy type of character, so I really doubt that he'll do anything out of the ordinary in this fight. Hell, I have my doubts as to whether or not he's even really there. I really want from this fight a good showing of Team 8's abilities now, and there could still be a possibility of that, even if Tobi isn't there.

Winner: Teams 7 and 8 will chase Tobi off, but since I think his goal is just to keep them from interfering with Sasuke vs. Itachi, he'll still get his way.

Kisame vs. Sasuke's followersThe outcome to this partially depends on Itachi vs. Sasuke. If Itachi does retreat/not die/win (psh), then I see Kisame doing the same. Realistically, though, he's probably going to bite the bullet (or the Zabuza's sword, as the case may be). As long as we get a good fight that shows off Kisame's abilities, I'll be happy.

Winner: Sasuke's followers, though things'll get interesting if Naruto and crew break into the end of this fight to mix things up a little.

Sasuke vs. Itachi: With Uchiha Tobi lurking around, I really see this being Itachi's last fight, when we move into more involvement with Madara and whatever he has planned for Sasuke. With how they've built up to this, I really don't think they can break this off with a "We'll settle this later" this time.

Winner: Tobi, as everyone's just doing exactly what he wants. But Sasuke, for the fight itself.

[Illjwamh]

The only one I've got a clear bead on is Kisame's fight, which I think will come to a stalemate. Sasuke's guys are good, but Kisame is...Kisame. He fought Team Gai at 30% and wasn't even trying to win. I don't think Hebi has a chance of overtaking him.

That being said, they're too new to the story to be killed just yet.

[Akimichi Choji]

All I can say. RIP Pervy Sage...

Tobi vs. All: Honestly, Kakashi may end up being killed in this fight when he grossly underestimates his enemy's sharingan.

Kisame vs. Hebi: Kisame.

Itachi vs. Sasuke: I agree with you Barrel that it may end up being the retreat thing, But I also see Zel's point that this could be Itachi's last fight.

[Barrelhaven]

Tobi vs. All: Honestly, Kakashi may end up being killed in this fight when he grossly underestimates his enemy's sharingan.

I dunno, I just can't see 2 major characters (and both former Naruto mentors) biting the dust within such a short period from each other. Naruto hasn't even gotten a chance to grieve over Jiraiya yet, let alone process the death of another. Ya gotta space these things out, and let each one sink in.

Itachi vs. Sasuke: I agree with you Barrel that it may end up being the retreat thing, But I also see Zel's point that this could be Itachi's last fight.

Ah, throwing your bets into both pots, eh? Safe move. =)

[Illjwamh]

You know what would be awesome? If Itachi killed Sasuke. He would further cement his badassity, and we'd be rid of that annoying little emo. Win all around.

[Barrelhaven]

I didn't even think about that possibility. Over time, Sasuke's name practically became synonymous with Naruto in terms of series' importance. It would be unbelievably awesome if that's the way it went down.

[Akimichi Choji]

I dunno, I just can't see 2 major characters (and both former Naruto mentors) biting the dust within such a short period from each other. Naruto hasn't even gotten a chance to grieve over Jiraiya yet, let alone process the death of another. Ya gotta space these things out, and let each one sink in.

But what would be more symbolic of Naruto taking the baton from the old masters, then the young fox needing to destroy the murderers of his sensei(plural)?

Ah, throwing your bets into both pots, eh? Safe move. =) After my fourth Hokage fiasco, need to get my cred up somehow...

You know what would be awesome? If Itachi killed Sasuke. He would further cement his badassity, and we'd be rid of that annoying little emo. Win all around.

That would...just be...awesome...

[Zelyhon]

You know what would be awesome? If Itachi killed Sasuke. He would further cement his badassity, and we'd be rid of that annoying little emo. Win all around.Man, if that happened, I'd take back everything I've said in the past few months about Naruto falling into a rut. That would be the best twist ever. XD

And don't get me wrong on the Kisame thing. I want him to win, and realistically, he ought to. 30% Kisame was higher chakra than Naruto channeling the Kyuubi (given, pre-time skip Naruto, but that's still a lot of chakra). Beyond that, he's got an awesome sword that eats chakra, and most likely tons of things we haven't seen yet. I want him to win, and he should. I just don't see Kishimoto letting a bad guy win, even if it is just against Sasuke's team.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Wait a sec, if Pein is Anakin does this now make Naruto Luke?

[PassiveObserver]

Wait a sec, if Pein is Anakin does this now make Naruto Luke?

If Sasuke has force lightning does that make him the emperor?

[Akimichi Choji]

Then Kakashi is Obi-Wan and Jiraiya is Yoda. Always thought that little green bastard looked like a toad.

[Illjwamh]

I just don't see Kishimoto letting a bad guy win,
Despite the fact that he just did, and Jiraiya died as a result.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I'm not sure anyone really considers Hebi to be the good guys :P

[Natsuke Takeda]

I consider them "more people I personally don't care about as much."

since I can't see them every playing ANY huge role period after itachi.

[Zelyhon]

Despite the fact that he just did, and Jiraiya died as a result.Fair enough. You do have a point there of one I overlooked. There's Asuma too, as well as the third. However, each of them falls into the more mentor-ish category, who I'd see as more likely to die.

I do hope that Kisame wins, or at least doesn't die in this fight. Upon giving it a bit more thought, I don't think this will be the last fight for Kisame, because the foundation for a big fight between full chakra Kisame vs. 8th Gate Gai has been laid already, which would mean that either I'm wrong that that's in the future, or Kisame's not going to die in this fight.

This could also just be another 30% Kisame to hold them there. With Kisame's chakra capacity, he'd be able to keep Hebi there for a while.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Nothing much will come out of the Hebi fight. It'll be a chance to show off their fighting potential and nothing more - Similarly with Tobi. The main is Itachi vs Sasuke. Of course, we know already a few things:
- Sasuke won't be killed. He probably won't even be defeated after all this build up.
- Itachi won't "just die". We know too little about his motives and his involvement in Akatsuki. Plus, he was the one who set up this match in the first place so there needs to be something he has in mind other than being killed.

Given this, one likely outcome would be that Sasuke proves to be stronger than Itachi and then choses to be a good guy and not kill him afterall. There is also the chance that Itachi changes the playing field with a surprise and/or plot twist. Possible trump cards include the true nature of the Uchiha Sharingan, the Jinchuuriki and Pain and Tobi.

[Illjwamh]

Given this, one likely outcome would be that Sasuke proves to be stronger than Itachi and then choses to be a good guy and not kill him afterall.
Right, that makes sense.

Sasuke's life:

"I will devote myself to revenge, making killing my brother my only goal."

"I'm going to attack him now even though I'm nowhere close to strong enough because I hate him that much."

"This shit isn't working. I'm going to betray my friends, family and everything I've ever known so I can get strong enough to kill him."

"Now that I've done that, I'm going to sell myself to a man who is as close to the devil as possible to gain said power."

"I'm strong now, and to prove it I'll kill Orochimaru. Now I'll assemble a team whose sole purpose will be to make sure no one gets in my way when I kill Itachi."

"I have him now. He is defeated and one blow away from death. My revenge and life's work is nearly complete. God, how I hate him. How I've dreamed of this moment."

"Meh, never mind."

*walks away*






Yeah. Don't see it happening.

[Barrelhaven]

Yeah. Don't see it happening.

As stupid and nonsensical as that may seem, I can totally see it happening.

I'm beginning to get the idea that Itachi has an ulterior plan in the works that may somehow involve manipulating Sasuke to aid his cause. We can all tell that those two just won't die, so there must be some other purpose that'll get in the way of them finishing their battle.

[Illjwamh]

Itachi's been manipulating Sasuke since he (Sasuke) was seven. Why should he stop now?

And considering Itachi knows full well that A.)Sasuke is at the very least capable of killing the likes of Orochimaru and Deidara, and B.)Sasuke is bent on killing him, there has to be a reason for him to arrange a meeting between them.


Maybe he has some crazy new revelation about the Uchiha massacre that will totally retcon everything we've come to believe and will completely blow Sasuke's mind, causing him to question what his true purpose in life should really be.

Maybe he has a death wish.

Or maybe he's just a cocky bastard who's not scared of his little brother at all.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

It might not be that much of a retcon since I had a look at the original flashback and noticed some special foreshadowing - thus why I brought up the secret of the Uchiha.

"It's over Itachi! I have the [moral] highground!"

[Akimichi Choji]

Maybe he has some crazy new revelation about the Uchiha massacre that will totally retcon everything we've come to believe and will completely blow Sasuke's mind, causing him to question what his true purpose in life should really be.

*cough*

I think I may have fanfictioned that possibility already

*cough*

Sasuke is going to get his ass handed to him. For 2 reasons.

1. It's Itachi.

2. It's Sasuke.

Sure he's got motive, and it's been his life's ambition to kill Itachi. But he's a whiny little BITCH! Of course thats no reasons for him not to win, but if you think about it, isn't it?

[PassiveObserver]

Well when it comes to the fight between Itachi and Sasuke I think winner is quite clear. Orochimaru will emerge from the fight victorious. It'll be revealed that he was just hiding out in Sasuke's body waiting for his moment to take control of a real Uchiha.

[Barrelhaven]

Well when it comes to the fight between Itachi and Sasuke I think winner is quite clear. Orochimaru will emerge from the fight victorious. It'll be revealed that he was just hiding out in Sasuke's body waiting for his moment to take control of a real Uchiha.

Don't even joke like that. Kishi may actually be out there taking notes. =(

[jetfire]

*cough*

I think I may have fanfictioned that possibility already

*cough*

Sasuke is going to get his ass handed to him. For 2 reasons.

1. It's Itachi.

2. It's Sasuke.

Sure he's got motive, and it's been his life's ambition to kill Itachi. But he's a whiny little BITCH! Of course thats no reasons for him not to win, but if you think about it, isn't it?

Hey, Anakin Skywalker started out as a whiny little emo bitch, but in the end, he killed Obi-Wan. With the trend that Naruto follows, Sasuke will eventually win, because he's one of the good guys. And we all know that badass goodguys in Shonen always defeat their opponents, whether they stay alive and win, or take their advesary down with them.

What I predict, is that Kishimoto will try to make us think that Itachi has killed Sasuke somewhere in the battle, and Sasuke will miraculously make a comeback, or that Itachi will "kill" Sasuke and get away, but Sasuke will recover and live.

Also, I just came to a sudden revelation that for the final battle in this manga, Naruto and Sasuke will work together, and combine their stupid Rasangan and Chidori as one to kill the final villian. If you think about it, Pain is Naruto's fight, and Itachi is Sasuke's. That just leaves Madara, who will probably be more powerful than both villians combined. I also have an eerie image of the Rasanchidori looking like a kamehameha, since it will have the power of a ransangan, and the speed and stretching capabilities of chidori. Why have I brought this up? Maybe I'm just bored, or maybe this manga is just so damn predictable.

I don't know about everyone here, but Naruto and Sasuke have a similar relationship displayed in other forms of japanese media, like Sora and Riku from Kingdom Hearts. You have the lighthearted guy and the cool, calm, badass guy. First they were friends, then they fight, then badass gets mad and leaves, then lighthearted guy goes on a long quest in search of badass guy, then they reunite and join forces to kill the final villian. See a pattern?

[Barrelhaven]

Hey, Anakin Skywalker started out as a whiny little emo bitch, but in the end, he killed Obi-Wan. With the trend that Naruto follows, Sasuke will eventually win, because he's one of the good guys. And we all know that badass goodguys in Shonen always defeat their opponents, whether they stay alive and win, or take their advesary down with them.

What I predict, is that Kishimoto will try to make us think that Itachi has killed Sasuke somewhere in the battle, and Sasuke will miraculously make a comeback, or that Itachi will "kill" Sasuke and get away, but Sasuke will recover and live.

Also, I just came to a sudden revelation that for the final battle in this manga, Naruto and Sasuke will work together, and combine their stupid Rasangan and Chidori as one to kill the final villian. If you think about it, Pain is Naruto's fight, and Itachi is Sasuke's. That just leaves Madara, who will probably be more powerful than both villians combined. I also have an eerie image of the Rasanchidori looking like a kamehameha, since it will have the power of a ransangan, and the speed and stretching capabilities of chidori. Why have I brought this up? Maybe I'm just bored, or maybe this manga is just so damn predictable.

I don't know about everyone here, but Naruto and Sasuke have a similar relationship displayed in other forms of japanese media, like Sora and Riku Kingdom Hearts. You have the lighthearted guy and the cool, calm, badass guy. First they were friends, then they fight, then badass gets mad and leaves, then lighthearted guy goes on a long quest in search of badass guy, then they reunite and join forces to kill the final villian. See a pattern?

Didn't that already happen in DBZ, too? It's been a while since I've watched the show, but I could totally picture Goku and Piccolo/Vegeta combining attacks like that against a common foe.

And I really hope Naruto doesn't head down that path. It's been cliche-riddled and DBZ-ified, for sure...but, I'm just hoping against hope they don't completely give into the extreme of lamery.

[Natsuke Takeda]

....or for the very rarity... we can have Sakura killed, and the two final remaning members, Sasuke and Naruto, fighting the bad guy in her honor >.>

I can see them meeting in the cemetery and stuff lol

[Shadowmage]

....or for the very rarity... we can have Sakura killed, and the two final remaning members, Sasuke and Naruto, fighting the bad guy in her honor >.>

I can see them meeting in the cemetery and stuff lol

Yes, Naruto will be with Hinata and Sasuke will be with Ino... Hey! It all works out! Let's kill off Sakura for the climax.

Personally, I don't care who wins what battle. I highly doubt this manga can truly surprise me no matter who wins. Let's say Sasuke wins: "Okay, I saw that coming since like volume 1." Let's say that he loses: "Gee, I guess he'll be back for another round." Let's say it ends in a tie: "Crap, not again." Ditto to all of the other fight scenes. No matter what route this manga takes, I would have forseen it in some form.

[Barrelhaven]

What if Itachi reveals to Sasuke that he's not really his older brother, but actually a future-version of Sasuke himself? Then, distraught by the news, Sasuke decides to give up his life goal of revenge, and begin traveling the world, befriending and imprisoning the many creatures he encounters into tiny balls, only to battle them against other trainers. Sakura and Ino finally realize their love interest is a lost cause, leading them going down on each other "2 girls 1 cup"-style. Before Naruto can even react to all this, a large spaceship arrives to Earth and recruits him to train and fight in an intergalactic tournament that will decide the fate of the universe. When it's all said and done, Pamela Ewing suddenly wakes up and realizes it was all just a dream.

How about that, hotshot? Would you have seen that coming?

(yes, I was that bored)

[Shadowmage]

If Kishimoto can pull that off without having me bash my skull in against a wall, I'll dub the guy a genius.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I think that Itachi could only ever be killed by Sasuke alone or a greater villain. There's too much character investment to have it be otherwise. Still, Itachi will never die until he is defeated by Sasuke.

[Illjwamh]

383 is out.

Jiraiya is officially dead. His message was successfully delivered, but we still have no idea what it means. Tobi rocks, which makes sense because it appears conclusive that he really is Madara (I still have no idea how that works). Itachi is just as badass as always, and I really hope he hands Sasuke his ass.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Did Itachi just say something about his death being "recreated"? Yeah, he's going down.

[PassiveObserver]

Well, it would appear Jiraiya is officially gone, until he comes back as a force ghost of course. All I can say now is Naruto better get strong fast or he his thoroughly boned.

[Akimichi Choji]

I hate to disagree, but I don't think Jiraiya is dead. Lets just say, I have this hunch...

Madara = Awesome...

Sasuke = Dead? :D!

Now theres another guy better then Pain? That Venus fly trap dude... Come on man!

[Zelyhon]

I hate to disagree, but I don't think Jiraiya is dead. Lets just say, I have this hunch...

Madara = Awesome...

Sasuke = Dead? :D!

Now theres another guy better then Pain? That Venus fly trap dude... Come on man!
I don't see how Zetsu being able to hide in things makes him better than Pain, except at quick movement over long range and stealth, which seem to be his strong points. Zetsu's always lurking around, but I don't see how that makes him stronger than anyone.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Well, it would appear Jiraiya is officially gone, until he comes back as a force ghost of course.Use TheChakra Naruto...

[Akimichi Choji]

Oh, for some reason I thought Pain had called Zetsu master at some point... Just read it over, my bad...

So if Jiraiya had known Pain's real identity, he would have pwned him. Hmmm... This just leads me back to my suspicion that he's the Fourth...

[PassiveObserver]

This just leads me back to my suspicion that he's the Fourth...

No. (I really don't think I need to defend this opinion so I won't)

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Oh god not this again. lol

[Illjwamh]

This just leads me back to my suspicion that he's the Fourth...
Oh GOD.

[Barrelhaven]

Clearly, the Fourth is actually Tobi, who robbed Madara's grave and stole his eye. Clearly.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

He also has the first Jinchuuriki which is the father of the Kyuubi, the eighteen tails!

[Akimichi Choji]

I know it's stupid(theres a bigger chance of Sasuke beating Itachi(HAH!)), but if thats what ends up happening...I'm gonna throw it in your guys' FACES!

[Natsuke Takeda]

>.> even if you /were/ right.... I don't think anyone would appreciate Kishimoto doing that. The Fourth should be kept as a good guy, considering he seems to be the best symbol of heroism to date in the Narutoverse. It /would/ be a twist, but I think it does more harm than good, especially on naruto's image.

...and it would just make everyone connect TOO MUCH AGAIN. We already have three LIVING Uchiha and one extra Sharingan user.... We don't need this >.>

[Zelyhon]

I know it's stupid(theres a bigger chance of Sasuke beating Itachi(HAH!)), but if thats what ends up happening...I'm gonna throw it in your guys' FACES!Remember a few pages ago? When you said you needed to get your credibility up after your "fourth Hokage fiasco"? Yeah, any you may have built up just went out the window again.

Fine. If it happens, you can throw it in our faces. Meanwhile, if it ever happens, I know I at least will stop reading the manga, as it would have become too absurdly stupid for words to describe.

Fortunately, though, it's never going to happen.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

If anything else, you'll need to learn to eat some humble pie ^_^
Also, this has all become a matter of you wanting to be right because it is YOUR truth rather than anything to do with the facts or the story. The essence of truthiness?

[Akimichi Choji]

If anything else, you'll need to learn to eat some humble pie ^_^
Also, this has all become a matter of you wanting to be right because it is YOUR truth rather than anything to do with the facts or the story. The essence of truthiness?

Hmmm, this Colbert induced revelation has taught me the error of my ways. This still leaves a question though, who is Pain? I mean if Jiraiya had known, he would have killed him... That doesn't make any sense... I think we can toss Nagato and Yahiko out of the loop, but whose left afterwards?

[Zelyhon]

Hmmm, this Colbert induced revelation has taught me the error of my ways. This still leaves a question though, who is Pain? I mean if Jiraiya had known, he would have killed him... That doesn't make any sense... I think we can toss Nagato and Yahiko out of the loop, but whose left afterwards?

A guess that just came to me is based around the fact that Pain did keep calling Jiraya "sensei." So it is possible that whoever it is was a student of Jiraya's. Do we know anything at all about those students who Jiraya trained alongside the Fourth? Someone who trained along the Fourth Hokage would most likely have the power for a lot of what Pain does, would call Jiraya "sensei," and wouldn't be the first guess, especially once Jiraya sees the Rinnengan and forgets all other alternatives.

Whoever it is has to have been following Jiraya for a while in order to gather all the ninja who make up Pain. He's obviously able to incorporate some of their abilities into himself, which could account for the Rinnengan. Or, if not that, Kakashi's already demonstrated that a relatively low-level medical ninja can transplant eye based bloodlines. In all likelyhood, Pain isn't any of the bodies we've seen. Instead, he's someone back in the body room simply remotely controlling the servants he picked up as he followed Jiraya's books.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Does anybody wonder if there is a greater significance of Kakashi reading Jiraiya's books? Recent chapters seem to suggest that the books are encoded with the knowledge that Jiraiya has accumulated over the years lol

[Akimichi Choji]

It may just be that since both were Naruto's sensei at a point in time, Kishimoto wanted something to connect the two other then that. But if those books really did mean something, well that would be awesome...

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Yondaime [The Forth] was Kakashi's teacher and Jiraiya's student. Teaching link goes:
K<-Y<-J
Funny thing is that Kakashi was the Sasuke of his team, changed by the loss of Obito. I wonder who Yondaime trained with before he was jounin.

[Akimichi Choji]

There is no way in HELL Itachi is dead. Am I the only one who thinks when theres a fight, reading the chapter takes no time at all?

[PassiveObserver]

Apparently snakes pwn crows, but I guess that's pretty obvious. I do wonder what question Sasuke wishes to ask though.

[Zelyhon]

Apparently snakes pwn crows, but I guess that's pretty obvious. I do wonder what question Sasuke wishes to ask though.

Probably something about why he really killed everyone or whatnot.

I'm personally just shocked that one of the major ninjas in Naruto did something ninja-y.

[Illjwamh]

Ha! Yeah really, eh? Some actual ninja-like stuff going on. When's the last time that happened?
Am I the only one who thinks when theres a fight, reading the chapter takes no time at all?
No, I'm with you. They always seem hella short because since there's no dialogue it takes no time at all to read through it.



And Itachi ain't dead. That's one thing I think we can all agree on.

[Barrelhaven]

Those genjutsu clones have clearly broken the fight scenes in the Naruto world, and the latest chapter is just another shining example of it. It's got to be the most retarded, over-used gimmick in ALL of shounen action anime...and that's quite a list to beat out. Even SSJ powerups and my-kamehameha-is-bigger-than-yours attacks got nothing on this.

We have here, arguably, the most anticipated match-up in the manga between two jutsu masters, who could probably pull of every technique in the ninja-verse...and how does it play out? Clones galore. Gimmicks that we can spot a mile a way. Just pathetic.

[Shadowmage]

Hey, if Itachi croaks after such a short fight, I'll honestly say that I didn't see it coming. It would be pretty anticlimactic, but I can't honestly say I saw that coming.

[Natsuke Takeda]

to be honest, while I did want a long battle between the brothers, it's actually saving us the trouble of seeing moves that are seemingly pulled out of asses... more. lol

And let's be honest, for a while the actual capturing of Itachi has been overly overshadowed (wierd word choice >.>a) by this prophecy and other things, such as a certain OTHER Uchiha's presence.

What would have been cooler? Tobi kicking BOTH the emo-brothers of Uchiha. But we'll settle for the kicking ass of Konoha's Search Party.

[Akimichi Choji]

If it doesn't come out this week, I'm going to be PISSED!

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Sorry to break it to you but that was the actual ending to Naruto.

[Natsuke Takeda]

And next up, is the threequel, Naruto Super Shuippuden.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

385.
Well that was predictable. Now I just need to see a translation to find out what exactly he said. It looks like all the things I mentioned before: The truth behind the massacre, the secret history Itachi found, the ability to see the Kyuubi and Madara Uchiha.

[Illjwamh]

Yeah, pretty much.

I'm seriously disappointed to learn that Itachi didn't kill all the Uchiha by himself. It significantly diminishes his badassity.

[Barrelhaven]

Those genjutsu clones have clearly broken the fight scenes in the Naruto world, and the latest chapter is just another shining example of it. It's got to be the most retarded, over-used gimmick in ALL of shounen action anime...and that's quite a list to beat out. Even SSJ powerups and my-kamehameha-is-bigger-than-yours attacks got nothing on this.

We have here, arguably, the most anticipated match-up in the manga between two jutsu masters, who could probably pull of every technique in the ninja-verse...and how does it play out? Clones galore. Gimmicks that we can spot a mile a way. Just pathetic.

...and the fun continues. Seriously, I wonder how many more times they're gonna play this "clone kills clone kills clone" gimmick before the two inevitably decide to retreat and fight another day (so they can drag out future chapters down the road).

[triggerman]

well i guess im alot easier to please than most of you becuase i actually liked the chapter and i really like the idea of how itachi and sasuke are fighting. Its like they are fighting with their minds. I think it is kinda cool. and all this new found developement make me kinda wonder if kakashi knows any thing about the blindness and the "real" truths about the sharingan. Also does this mean naruto will never be able to best a uchiha that can use mangekyuo, since like those eyes allow them to control the nine tails. and even from the begining i found the fact that itachi killed an entire clan of sharingan members was so rediculous im glad he had the help of madaara make more since.

[Akimichi Choji]

You know, Itachi must have spent a fortune at Ikea or he is just magically pulling those ****ing chairs out of his ass. Boring chapter, gotta agree with Barrel on the retreat.

[triggerman]

You know, Itachi must have spent a fortune at Ikea or he is just magically pulling those ****ing chairs out of his ass. Boring chapter, gotta agree with Barrel on the retreat.

im sure u know this but from the very beginning it was all genjutsu. they never even left from the places they where originally standing, i guess i liked it.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

There is no chair.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

More talking. Looks like there's a SSG3 (Super-Sharingan 3) now. Guessing from raws, the requirement looks to be taking the eye of another sharingan-user.

[Kei]

Itachi was all party @ my house

[Illjwamh]

Wow, that one really threw me. I wasn't expecting anything like this at all. Who'd have guessed Itachi was so crazy? He always seemed the cold, calculating evil son-of-a-bitch to me. I guess he still kind of is, but this is a side of his character I would never have anticipated.

The story of Madara was cool, and the fact that he founded Akatsuki (as opposed to Pein, which was what I always assumed). Itachi's true ambition is awesome as well. In other words, I've never enjoyed a chapter where nothing actually happened more than I did this one.

[Natsuke Takeda]

>.> it was kind of...

well... seems character development for Itachi went to hell, like Kabuto lol

[Shadowmage]

Chapter 386

Well, talk about providing a good explanation for the last 384 chapters of angst. I didn't think Kishimoto could come up with such a clever reason and make it look cool.

Regardless, Itachi needs to send his application to Baccano! His insanity is wasted in in Naruto.

[Zelyhon]

Thank you, Kishimoto. Thank you for not making Itachi turn good!

I liked this chapter more than I've liked any of them for a while. That not only made a decent amount of sense, but was also pretty cool.

[Akimichi Choji]

More talking. Looks like there's a SSG3 (Super-Sharingan 3) now. Guessing from raws, the requirement looks to be taking the eye of another sharingan-user.

Very true, but I liked the chapter. Itachi is one evil SOB, and in my opinion Sasuke is screwed.

[Barrelhaven]

Yeah, I'm on board with the revived enthusiasm for Naruto. Now, if Itachi actually succeeds and takes Sasuke's eyes (probably won't happen), then I'd be really won over. His villainy would become legendary. To complete his masterminded manipulation perfectly would be too great of a twist...it'd send Sasuke off the deep end of despair (and possibly death), which is something I'm sure all of us are looking forward to.

Then to have 2 crazy uber-Uchihas in Madara and Itachi face off against each other? That'd be beautiful.

[Illjwamh]

Yesh.


Also, it would mean Sasuke would be left to succeed as a ninja without the bloody Sharingan, and I would absolutely love to see that.


Edit: And here's a crazy idea: Why don't they trade? If all you need is your brother's Sharingan in order for it to work forever, they could just swap and everybody's happy. Except, you know, all the Uchiha that Itachi killed. But whatever.

[Shadowmage]

Yesh.


Also, it would mean Sasuke would be left to succeed as a ninja without the bloody Sharingan, and I would absolutely love to see that.


Edit: And here's a crazy idea: Why don't they trade? If all you need is your brother's Sharingan in order for it to work forever, they could just swap and everybody's happy. Except, you know, all the Uchiha that Itachi killed. But whatever.

Well, Itachi is going blind. Don't think Sasuke likes cataracts.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Since Sasuke now has Orochi-snake healing powers, wouldn't they just grow back? :)
In the end, this is all just the image that Itachi has chosen to show Sasuke. This is what he says is his true self. It all looks to be some elaborate plot to get Sasuke to kill his own brother - probably to make him strong enough to take on Madara.

[Akimichi Choji]

Well, Itachi is going blind. Don't think Sasuke likes cataracts.

Yeah but weren't Madara and his brother both going blind from the mangekyo, and then when Madara stole his brother's eyes he wasn't anymore. Thats also what enabled him to get the super saiyan 4 eyes. But I theorize that something about killing a family member is what helps them get the eyes. Like when Sasuke tried to kill Naruto to get super saiyan 2, and when Itachi went ape-shit to kill the whole clan. Although I guess this is debunked since Kakashi got the Mangekyo and he didn't kill Obito... But in a way he did kind of cause his death.

[Illjwamh]

But that's not what led to him getting it. Whatever it was occurred between Parts 1 and 2.

[Shadowmage]

Yeah but weren't Madara and his brother both going blind from the mangekyo, and then when Madara stole his brother's eyes he wasn't anymore.

If I recall correctly, only Madara was suffering from the illness (or the advanced form of the illness). His brother was in better shape than him, so switching over was probably only beneficial to Madara.

[Illjwamh]

Still though. Ideally, siblings should just hold off on using the Mangekyou until they both have it and then exchange eyeballs. It's not that hard to figure out. I guess since the only two people to ever go through this process are sociopaths who are completely out of their minds it wouldn't occur to them.

[Akimichi Choji]

Still though. Ideally, siblings should just hold off on using the Mangekyou until they both have it and then exchange eyeballs. It's not that hard to figure out. I guess since the only two people to ever go through this process are sociopaths who are completely out of their minds it wouldn't occur to them.

Yes but that would require being cooperative, smart, and patient. Not any of the qualities normally possessed by maniacal villains if my memory serves me. And since its possible only Madara's eyes were deteriorating, maybe he was using it more then his brother. Being the more ambitious one. Same for Itachi vs. Sasuke, even though Sasuke doesn't even have it yet.

[Illjwamh]

This is a little off-topic, but I have to say I think it's really cool that the Mangekyou Sharingan looks different for everybody.

[Akimichi Choji]

This is a little off-topic, but I have to say I think it's really cool that the Mangekyou Sharingan looks different for everybody.

It does? I had no idea...

[PassiveObserver]

Amazing a chapter that actually explains something! I was convinced we were going to see fake sasukes and itachis killing each other over and over again for several more chapters. This chapter gets bonus points for showing that Itachi is completely insane.

[Itachi Uchiha]

Still though. Ideally, siblings should just hold off on using the Mangekyou until they both have it and then exchange eyeballs. It's not that hard to figure out. I guess since the only two people to ever go through this process are sociopaths who are completely out of their minds it wouldn't occur to them.

Considering that they have to kill their best friend first (to even get the mangekyou), why would they have any qualms about killing their siblings after that?

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

387
The shurikens are back! Finally some decent ninja fightin's

[PassiveObserver]

I for one await susuke's eyes getting plucked from his emo noggin'. I really don't see it happening, but how entirely awesome will it be if it does.

[Shadowmage]

I for one await susuke's eyes getting plucked from his emo noggin'. I really don't see it happening, but how entirely awesome will it be if it does.

If Kishimoto follows CLAMP, then Sasuke will only lose one eye. Thus, he'll be forced to wear an eyepatch.

Then again, there's always Kingdom Hearts.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

If they did do the CLAMP thing and swap a single eye each it would be very cool.
http://animenfo.com/anime/character/image/1057_63207.jpg

[Barrelhaven]

If it turns out to be yet another clone, I'm ending it right here.

[Akimichi Choji]

I agree if it's another clone, I may have to end my weekly Naruto reads and switch to Bleach...

I already lost Jiraiya, half the reason I EVER watched/read Naruto. And since the other half is never in the show anymore(though he is in my sig and avatar thanks to barrel), I just may have to call it kwitzville.

[Illjwamh]

Holy crap! Did you guys just read the same chapter I just read? I thought that was awesome. Sasuke got owned in less than a minute, and Itachi really is taking his eyes. It wasn't just big talkin'!

This is the kind of stuff I've been waiting for.

[General Suburbia]

Holy crap! Did you guys just read the same chapter I just read? I thought that was awesome. Sasuke got owned in less than a minute, and Itachi really is taking his eyes. It wasn't just big talkin'!

This is the kind of stuff I've been waiting for.
There's always a chance that it's a clone or some trick. It's happened too many times before so you can never write off that possibility.

[Barrelhaven]

It's definitely make or break time for the Naruverse. Things will either be mind-blowingly awesome or just pure suck...there's no middle ground here. With this seemingly amazing twist, Kishi has the opportunity to solidify Itachi in the Hall of Fame for badass psycho villains and make the Naruto manga relevant again. Please don't botch it up.

Having said that, I say the odds are Sasuke gets out of it with a deus ex machina jutsu, and only a slight chance Itachi actually pulls this off. Where are you guys putting your money on this one?

[Illjwamh]

Halfway? Maybe Itachi gets one eye and then Sasuke escapes with his other one.

Barring that, I really do think Itachi wins here.

[Natsuke Takeda]

One eye ish funneh.

You first have Emo Sasuke.

Now you'll have Emo Sasuke with the emo hairstyle that covers one eye! Kishimoto has heard your call!

[Illjwamh]

Maybe he'll do a freaky piano/dance routine with a hot chick in the place where his ex-girlfriend works.

[Akimichi Choji]

Halfway? Maybe Itachi gets one eye and then Sasuke escapes with his other one.

Barring that, I really do think Itachi wins here.

After a huge revelation of Itachi truly being insane rather then what seemed to be a cool, calculated ninja. I would have to say he has to take at LEAST 1 eye.
I mean, after reading this, and being in Sasuke's place, wouldn't you just give them to Itachi? I mean, he kind of deserves it.

[Barrelhaven]

...And there we have it. The manga still sucks.

Yet another "illusion" trick to completely reset the past events, yet another "deus ex machina-jutsu" or "sheer will attack" out of no where to escape impending doom, and it seems next week will feature yet another "my kamehameha attack is bigger than yours" chapter.

Fun times are back again.

[Akito]

I bet Kishimoto's laughing his ass off as he's screwing with readers' heads by giving them false hope that something actually might happen.

Me, I'm going back to not reading Naruto, just as it has been for the last couple years.

[Akimichi Choji]

Why is it, the manga still sucks, with another DO NOTHING chapter, and I still can't wait for next weeks?

[PassiveObserver]

I feel alright about it. Sasuke still has time to lose his eyes. I'm just going to hope that they've got all the illusion techniques out of their system so they can get down to some actual fighting.

[Illjwamh]

Well god dammit. It really looked like he'd lost an eye. I guess I should have expected it by now.

What I thought happened was that after losing one, Sasuke pulled out his uber-jutsu out of sheer desperation to get away. That I could have accepted. Then it showed him with both eyes and I was all, "WTF?" Then it's revealed that it was all another goddamn illusion. I think Kishimoto's just too much of a p**** to actually injure Sasuke in a way that would be permanent and irrevocable. Or he's infatuated with him.

[Zelyhon]

Y'know, this chapter really had me excited at first that Sasuke lost his eye. Not because I don't like the character (which is true, but that's not the only reason I wanted it to happen), but because it would have been a really interesting direction to go, with Sasuke only having one eye. Alas, though, it seems things are just going back to normal.

The one highlight of this chapter was just something my mind jumped to randomly. The way they're talking about Itachi using Amaterasu, I got the mental image of him using a summoning to call up the Amaterasu from Okami to fight against Sasuke. XD

[Barrelhaven]

The one highlight of this chapter was just something my mind jumped to randomly. The way they're talking about Itachi using Amaterasu, I got the mental image of him using a summoning to call up the Amaterasu from Okami to fight against Sasuke. XD

Haha, that would be far cooler than anything I've seen in Naruto lately. But yeah...another chapter gone and again nothing has changed.

[General Suburbia]

****ing lame. What else is new?

[Barrelhaven]

This blogger (http://www.seaslugteam.com/archives/2008/02/11/jemima-no-jutsu/) raises an interesting point:

On the other hand, I suppose it is better to see the illusion than to see what is really happening. Poor flytrap guy (Zetsu) has spent the last few chapters watching two guys stand around; he’s so bored he’s started talking to himself!

I bet flytrap ninja could've easily just sauntered up to Sasuke and butchered him to death while he was busy standing around and genjutsu-ing up Itachi. That would've saved us loads of grief.

[Illjwamh]

But then Itachi would have killed him for disposing of his spare eyes.

[Barrelhaven]

Well, at least that would've been interesting.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

New developments from the worlds most anticipated game of Eye Spy:
"Gothier than Thou"- Body art seal vs BLACK TEARS
Also, Kame-hame-ha.

[Natsuke Takeda]

>.> I /still/ don't get how he pulled that off... Wasn't Itachi kind of like.... using another jutsu or something...

It's getting kind of idiotic >.>;

[Barrelhaven]

....and it seems next week will feature yet another "my kamehameha attack is bigger than yours" chapter.

Huzzah.

[Akimichi Choji]

May have been another useless chapter, but Itachi is still kickin' it.

[Illjwamh]

That one went by really fast.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The best thing in that chapter was Sasuke's shuriken techniques. His technical skills were what made him, and the Naruto-manga/anime, popular in the first place - as opposed to the ZOMG-NU-JUTSU-POWA stuff.

[PassiveObserver]

Alright, here's my prediction, and by prediction I mean 'what I want to happen because it would be totally awesome'. In his current weak state Sasuke will be unable to suppress Orochimaru who will then make a glorious return by killing both Uchiha while stealing their eyes/bodies. Now the downside to this is that it'll never happen and Sasuke will end up winning this fight, but a guy can dream can't he?

[Akimichi Choji]

Now the downside to this is that it'll never happen and Sasuke will end up winning this fight, but a guy can dream can't he?

First, that would be awesome.

Second, Sasuke will kill himself while killing Itachi.

[Illjwamh]

I like how he said it's "Just like Amaterasu, impossible to avoid", mere seconds after he successfully avoided Amaterasu.

[General Suburbia]

I doubt Itachi will bite the dust next week. The next chapter is titled, "trump card." Someone has ANOTHER surprise up their sleeve.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

What are the bets on Sasuke using Kakashi's reality-warp move or something similar? Either way, get on with it!

[Natsuke Takeda]

If he does happen to use that move of Kakashi's... then Kakashi's mangekyou was useless.

[General Suburbia]

I doubt Itachi will bite the dust next week. The next chapter is titled, "trump card." Someone has ANOTHER surprise up their sleeve.
LOL

What did I tell you guys? eh? eeehhhhhh?

[Zelyhon]

LOL

What did I tell you guys? eh? eeehhhhhh?

NEXT TIME: "The conclusion"

I'll believe it when I see it, at this point.

Honestly, it was a pretty cool technique of Sasuke's, if it weren't so absurdly stupid that he could use something like that with basically no energy left. That, and way too far above what any other elemental jutsu we've seen so far can do.

[Natsuke Takeda]

391:

....*burns the manga*

What bullsh*t on a stick.

[Barrelhaven]

I'm so glad I'm not paying for this shit.

[Illjwamh]

I've been waiting for Susano-o to make an appearance. I knew Itachi wouldn't go out before we saw it.

[PassiveObserver]

Well, at least there's still a chance of Sasuke getting his eyes scooped out.

[Akimichi Choji]

I'm so glad I'm not paying for this shit.

Your paying for it with your time. That alone is worth far more then this mindless drivel.

Although I will continue to read...go figure.

[PassiveObserver]

I have yet to see the whole of chapter 392, but I think....I spy...an Orochi. Gasp.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

391 was doing really well, 'Shikamaru' levels of good, until the next "ultimate final justsu" had to crop up.
Didn't even realise there was a 392 out yet, PO.

[PassiveObserver]

391 was doing really well, 'Shikamaru' levels of good, until the next "ultimate final justsu" had to crop up.
Didn't even realise there was a 392 out yet, PO.

I've only caught a few spoiler pictures so far, and a few supposed translations. They seem to match up, so they seem legit.

[Natsuke Takeda]

392

Wow... There's Orochimaru...

...and there goes Orochimaru >.>

[Barrelhaven]

Man, Freud would've had a field day with that chapter. Swords, snakes, oral fixation...oh my.

[Shadowmage]

Man, Freud would've had a field day with that chapter. Swords, snakes, oral fixation...oh my.

The guy would probably conclude that Kishimoto has supressed homosexual desires for Orochimaru.

[Akito]

Man, Freud would've had a field day with that chapter. Swords, snakes, oral fixation...oh my.
That's some pretty impressive foreskin you've got there, Orochimaru. (http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8251/orocj6.jpg)

[Akimichi Choji]

That's some pretty impressive foreskin you've got there, Orochimaru. (http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8251/orocj6.jpg)

Oh my... That was, funny?


Anywho, I actually think this chapter was great. Rather then make a slow stop for an Orochimaru segment, he's just bitched by Itachi almost immediately. I was wondering how Orochimaru thought the only way for Sasuke to beat Itachi was through him, Itachi was a far better ninja then Oro.

[PassiveObserver]

I was wondering how Orochimaru thought the only way for Sasuke to beat Itachi was through him, Itachi was a far better ninja then Oro.

I personally take offense to that. He took on the four tailed Naruto as if it were a game, that's damned impressive stuff. His mistake this time around was his hubris, had he known that sword had some sort of crazy genjutsu sealing affect, he would have dodged it instead of just getting sliced. Either way, he'll eventually take over Kabuto, so there's still hope for Orochimaru's return. All in all I feel good about it. Since Sasuke can no longer draw power from Orochimaru one can assume he can no longer heal himself like he did before. If he had zero chakra before, he's got even less now. It would seem that there's no way for Itachi to lose now, but I still feel somehow Sasuke won't die, which is just stupid. He better lose some eyes when this battle is through.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The thing with Orochimaru is he is very much a self-made man-made monster. The hydra technique alone draws similarities with the fabled Orochi. Either way, I just knew that Sasuke's recent upgrades couldn't have come without a cost. Still, every chapter that this fight goes on for has me more and more worried that this won't be the end of Itachi just yet.

[Akimichi Choji]

I personally take offense to that. He took on the four tailed Naruto as if it were a game, that's damned impressive stuff. His mistake this time around was his hubris, had he known that sword had some sort of crazy genjutsu sealing affect, he would have dodged it instead of just getting sliced.

You know this, how?

I don't know about you, but he looked like he did not see that coming.

[Illjwamh]

I was wondering how Orochimaru thought the only way for Sasuke to beat Itachi was through him, Itachi was a far better ninja then Oro.
Maybe, maybe not. But I think that given Orochimaru's own experience and skill, he would have a better chance of beating Itachi than Sasuke (especially if he had Sasuke's body - and eyes).

Still, every chapter that this fight goes on for has me more and more worried that this won't be the end of Itachi just yet.
And that's a bad thing? Itachi is the greatest villain in the series.

[Akimichi Choji]

Maybe, maybe not. But I think that given Orochimaru's own experience and skill, he would have a better chance of beating Itachi than Sasuke (especially if he had Sasuke's body - and eyes).


It doesn't matter if he's stronger then <name> or has done <verb> in the past. Did we not just see him get pwned by Itachi?


**EDIT**

If anything, Sasuke put up a far better fight.

[Zelyhon]

It doesn't matter if he's stronger then <name> or has done <verb> in the past. Did we not just see him get pwned by Itachi?


**EDIT**

If anything, Sasuke put up a far better fight.

Sasuke also had some defense against the ZOMG ULTIMATE ATTACKS Itachi's pulling out left and right. Not that that necessarily makes him better, but it is something to keep in mind.

And am I the only one now hoping for the ending where Sasuke somehow manages to kill Itachi, then Zetsu, who's just been lurking nearby at full power for the whole fight walks up and takes down the now defenseless Sasuke? I'd laugh so hard at that.

"Hey, great job taking down Itachi. Normally, I'd be no match for someone like you, but you're all out of moves. *CHOMP*"

[Shadowmage]

Chapter 392

I lol'ed

[General Suburbia]

Figures. The Naruto tweens don't kill people, so Kishimoto had Sasuke's brother finish off Orichimaru for him.

[Barrelhaven]

Yeah, at least DBZ had Goku nuking the **** out of the bad guys.

[edit] Neat? I didn't realize AA censored language. I guess I don't curse often enough to notice.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

It's more like only Jounin can kill it seems. The Sand trio and Negi have killed. I'm not sure if Shikamaru counts now but he's definately up for promotions :)

[Barrelhaven]

Actually, now that I think about it, didn't Naruto and gang rack up some kills in the movies? I don't remember them vividly, but all I know is that the badguys weren't exactly taken off to Ninja Prison afterwards, so something must've happened to them. Do those kills still count?

[General Suburbia]

If you're talking about the snow ninja thing, I don't remember any deaths. If they were, it was offscreen so nothing remained clear. Either way, the movies aren't canon.

[Illjwamh]

Chouji killed Jiroubou. Don't forget about that.

[PassiveObserver]

I'm gradually becoming very confused about the abilities of the shinobi in the realm of Naruto. You'd hope that you could create some sort of ninja hierarchy where you could fairly clearly define who was stronger than who, but the way things turn out that hardly seems possible. For instance, the 3rd hokage wanted Orochimaru to be the 4th hokage, which would imply that he was best ninja they had (and that's before all the forbidden jutsu). Of course this doesn't happen and Minato is chosen instead. Minato was apparently awesome, as during the great ninja wars people were essentially told to run for their lives if they saw him. Then you have to take into consideration guys like Itachi. Graduated way early, could do all this crazy stuff at a very young age, yet when faced by Jiraiya he ran scared (even with the backup of his fishy friend). Now Itachi has effectively 'killed' Orochimaru was relative ease. So the question is, how does this all make sense?

[Akimichi Choji]

Chouji killed Jiroubou. Don't forget about that.

I did, didn't I?


Minato was apparently awesome, as during the great ninja wars people were essentially told to run for their lives if they saw him. Then you have to take into consideration guys like Itachi. Graduated way early, could do all this crazy stuff at a very young age, yet when faced by Jiraiya he ran scared (even with the backup of his fishy friend). Now Itachi has effectively 'killed' Orochimaru was relative ease. So the question is, how does this all make sense?

Jiraiya > Itachi and Kisame

Itachi > Orochimaru

Minato/The Yellow Flash/the Fourth/Naruto's Mama's baby daddy > Everyone

[Illjwamh]

Minato/The Yellow Flash/the Fourth/Naruto's Mama's baby daddy > Everyone

Quoted for absolute truth.

[PassiveObserver]

And right when the eye taking was immanent Itachi decides to take a nap, way to ruin everyones fun Itachi.

[General Suburbia]

Itachi deserves to lose. You use your best, practically invincible move at the very end of the fight, when you're just about to die and have no strength left whatsoever. ****in dumbass.

[PassiveObserver]

Itachi deserves to lose. You use your best, practically invincible move at the very end of the fight, when you're just about to die and have no strength left whatsoever. ****in dumbass.

I think what it came down to was that Sasuke wanted to destroy Itachi and Itachi just wanted a couple of eyes. Were his focus not to keep Sasuke somewhat intact, I'm sure he would have just killed Sasuke in the first few minutes. What I'm really interested in is what's up with the snake at the very end of the chapter.

[HidekiMotosuwa]

And right when the eye taking was immanent Itachi decides to take a nap, way to ruin everyones fun Itachi.



Itachi practically had no pupils and his eyes were bleeding unlike Sasuke who turned off his Sharigan Itachi kept his on thus I think he's not taking a nap but I believe he's pretty much dead. I also agree if Itachi went full bore instead of trying to keep Sasuke a little intact he would have won early on, as for that snake I think its Oorochimaru that's how he escaped Itachi's seal justsu.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Are you somehow suggesting that Orochimaru might sneak in like a scavenger of some sort?

[Akimichi Choji]

I don't think he's dead. But if he was, it would still be worth it. I bet it would still eat Sasuke inside to know he wasn't the one to DIRECTLY bring about Itachi's demise. Now he knows he died of exhaustion, and could almost easily have taken him out at any time.

[Shadowmage]

Just as long as Oro doesn't take over Itachi I'm fine.

[triggerman]

Just as long as Oro doesn't take over Itachi I'm fine.

And i think that you just jinxed it. lol. That was an interesting fight, and like most already said itachi probably could have offed him earlier if i wasn't trying to keep his eye in tact i mean he could have finished him with ametaratsu the first time but he stopped it. i just wanna see some other fights happen now. and i guess that sasuke really isn't all that after all...i think itachi really could have handled his ass sooner.

[Natsuke Takeda]

AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!

Cheer up Emo Kid!

[Illjwamh]

Man, WTF? That's how Itachi dies? Exhaustion? Are you effing kidding me?

[Natsuke Takeda]

The gods are cursing kishimoto as we speak

[Illjwamh]

They damn well better be.

[triggerman]

i though it was touching how he died though. As he was grabbing for Sasuke's eyes he misses and hit him on the forehead like he use to do him back when Sasuke was younger. I was real sweet. lol but i hope we can finally get to some of the other fights, and i wanna know what Jiraiya stamped on that frogs back.

[Kakkoii]

Well, there isn't really a point in taking his eyes anymore if he's gonna die. As for hitting him on the forehead, I didn't see any of that. All I saw was his fingers slide down his face covering it with blood.

[PassiveObserver]

I'm not entirely sure Itachi's dead. I'm going to hold on to the faint hope that it was a clone he didn't quite give all of his power to, which would be a real kick in the nads to Sasuke after all that work. Either way, now is the time for Zetsu to chow down.

[triggerman]

Well, there isn't really a point in taking his eyes anymore if he's gonna die. As for hitting him on the forehead, I didn't see any of that. All I saw was his fingers slide down his face covering it with blood.

i don't think that he did it on purpose i just think it was accidental how it happened thats all. and why was sasukes eye bleeding or was that just the blood running down his face from where itachi touched him at? *Gasp* OMG was he Ametarasu!!!!!!!?????? lol sike naw hell no he wasn't. lol but i did think it was weird blood was dripping from both sides of his eye which, to me, made it appear he was actually bleeding from it and not just that blood was dripping down over or around it. who knows?

i wonder what bull ish reason kishi is going to give to why itachi was not at full strength or spitting up blood during the match. I though for a second there Sasuke was gonna grab himself a new pair of peepers...but he doens't need to right cuz he cant use Mangekyou Sharingan right? just curse lv. 2?

[Akimichi Choji]

Itachi isn't dead, and that probably wasn't Itachi as Pass said. Shino finally gets to do something, good thing?

[Zelyhon]

...The end of this chapter made me more pleased with Naruto than I've been in a long time. XD

[Natsuke Takeda]

....so.... was itachi a good guy or a bad one >.>;;;; cause that little ping to the forehead on Sasuke kinda means a lot of things. Like basically...

...I have no idea what's going on.

And for some reason... I have lost interest in Shino fighting the Tobi dude. Why?

Simple... we already know there's more to Tobi/Madara/Whateverthehellheis than meets the eye. To have Shino beat him doesn't say much, regardless of how cool or powerful Shino is.

[PassiveObserver]

Space-time ninjutsu, well isn't that just fancy. I think this basically means they're boned while fighting tobi, unless they can find a way to anchor him to this dimension...or something.

[Akimichi Choji]

"Oh, hey guys!"

That was just classic.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Well space/time yadda-yadda has now been linked to the "Yellow Flash" Yondaime which means, more than likely, Naruto will be learning this stuff too. A bit of a shame in a way since the techniques are getting less and less inspired. I was hoping Naruto would learn to use his clones in more imaginative ways.

[triggerman]

yeah ur right...but it seems like he has a long way to go if that is the case. or then again he can just use the clones to help speed up the process. or would it be cool if he could like make clones and then travel his psyce between them so basically say if he made clone that travel all the way around the world but then naruto could like swap places with it. like the clone would now be back in konoha and naurto now all the way across the world . that would be ill.

[Akimichi Choji]

So, another chapter that didn't really add anything. Not surprising, but at least it sets a good stage for next week.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

At least this is doing better than the anime... which isn't saying much. Are we going to have Zombie-Itachi now?

[PassiveObserver]

So, another chapter that didn't really add anything. Not surprising, but at least it sets a good stage for next week.

Agreed, would have been nice if something remotely cool happened though.

[Akimichi Choji]

Zombie-Itachi now!

Pass, I think Psy just came up with the AMAZINGLY cool thing.

[Natsuke Takeda]

I just realized that it seems Sasuke has even more potential to get more emo than before >>

[PassiveObserver]

I just realized that it seems Sasuke has even more potential to get more emo than before >>

Yeah, now he must seek vengeance against the guy who killed his brother, that's got loads of emo potential.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

He's going to launch magic missile at the darkness.

[Natsuke Takeda]

I may be an idiot for saying this but...

Anyone notice that the original concept of Sharingan is destroyed >> It used to be a copy bloodline... now.. it's... God >>

[Natsuke Takeda]

Chapter 397

....>> I called it a long time ago I think.

But seriously... sheeesh >> and to boot they don't even show the damn FACE >>

[Itachi Uchiha]

lol
Itachi was the good guy, who only seemed like the bad guy, to protect the world? bah, I really didn't see that coming... unless Madara is lying, of course.

[PassiveObserver]

Apparently eye techniques can be passed on by a single tap on the forehead, fancy that.

[Illjwamh]

Interesting.

I remember thinking long ago that Itachi actually being a good guy would be an awesome twist. Now I'm not so sure, but I'm willing to give it a few more chapters before I pass final judgement.

[Akimichi Choji]

...so he threatened itachi that if he didn't join, he would kill the entire Uchiha clan...

*cough*

So, some of the details may seem a bit sketchy, but I believe a boo-yah is in order.

Boo-Yah

I'm gonna THROW IT IN YOUR GUYS FACES!

Oh do not fret past-Choji, I will.

[Illjwamh]

No, that's stupid and doesn't make any sense. If Itachi joined up with him to prevent him from killing the entire Uchiha clan, why did he turn around and kill the entire Uchiha clan himself? It would seem contrary to his motivation, wouldn't you say?

More likely it was something akin to learning Madara's secrets - by any means necessary - and then using them against him. For the good of the world rather than simply his clan.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

*cough*

So, some of the details may seem a bit sketchy, but I believe a boo-yah is in order.

Boo-Yah



Oh do not fret past-Choji, I will.I don't remember reading him actually saying that. Am I a chapter behind?

[Natsuke Takeda]

In my honest opinion, this turnaround of Itachi is more along the lines of Kishimoto being broken by the fans than staying his original course. He just wants to please the fanboys and girls kinda by keeping Itachi's significance alive, and I think that's hurting the story.... as much as it already is >>;

But I believe he should have kept Itachi a bad guy. I kinda knew there was more to Itachi than just badness, and that tap to the forehead in Sasuke's memory obviously had some sort of significance, but I'd rather Itachi have some sort epiphany and protect sasuke, rather than plan this entire series out.

When you think about it, Itachi didn't protect Sasuke at all, he just turned the guy emo and frankly near the point of insanity. How can you say you protected your brother when he defected from the village you were trying to protect, tried to give a bad-guy group more power by extracting a demon from your brother's best friend, and drive your brother to the point where he makes a contract with an evil snake and his homo-like apprentice?

It's all according to plan, ne?

Sasuga Itachi-san.. desu ne. ><

[Akimichi Choji]

So, some of the details may seem a bit sketchy

Just for reference, there was a reason I said that. I didn't get it entirely right, no. I just said that Itachi wasn't evil and for some reason did what he did to save Sasuke, my details were "sketchy" but the meaning is there.

When you think about it, Itachi didn't protect Sasuke at all, he just turned the guy emo and frankly near the point of insanity. How can you say you protected your brother when he defected from the village you were trying to protect, tried to give a bad-guy group more power by extracting a demon from your brother's best friend, and drive your brother to the point where he makes a contract with an evil snake and his homo-like apprentice?

When you think about it, we have no idea what happened yet. In fact, the only thing we know is that he did INDEED protect his brother. So why question what was just confirmed? Almost undoubtedly, everything you just commented on will be addressed in the next chapter.

[triggerman]

every one doubted me when i said that last tap on the forehead that itachi gave sasuke was both significant and sentimental. I called it. it was quite obvious to me. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

i don't feel like going back and searching for my exact quote but if you don't believe i called it who cares cuz i did. lol
but in other news that crazy that he can just do that but i doubt that any o'l person can do it though i think its possible for one of a few reasons
1. bcuz sasuke is a fellow uchiha member and witness all of the jutsu that itachi transfered to him via the sharingan
2. Just because Itachi is a beast and can do thing like that, and not many other people can

And just a thought maybe itachi was being controlled my Madaraa since he was a youth because he knew how potentially strong he could get. and Itachi was only able to fight his control over him in spurts. and like during that fight he fought him off and did the last ditch effort to help protect sasuke and even back when he could have killed him that night in Konoha he fought of the control of Madaraa and did not kill sasuke but instead made sure he could become strong enough to beat him so that he could also beat Madaraa. or somthing lik that.

[Shadowmage]

Wow, this went down possibly one of the worst routes I thought of. This is stuff you see in fanfics and in Saturday morning children's cartoons. Oh wait, I'm not really the target audience for this, am I?

[Barrelhaven]

every one doubted me when i said that last tap on the forehead that itachi gave sasuke was both significant and sentimental. I called it. it was quite obvious to me. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

First of all, I went back to check and all you said was that it was "touching" and "accidental". That's a far cry from calling it.

Secondly, not everyone doubted you, because barely anyone even replied to you.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Look, I just ask the questions I wanna ask, nothing more nor less. If it gets answered next chapter, more power to you. The only thing I know is that even if the answer made sense, it's still almost BS regardless. It basically dismantles Sasuke's structure of revenge and makes a lot of stuff that's happened near pointless.

So if it fails to satisfy the question, then whatever.

I didn't question anything that wasn't confirmed. It's up to my own opinion whether or not Kishimoto's explanation is bullsh*t or not, and most of the time, it goes towards BS. Refer to Jiraiya and the Prophecy, 2nd aisle to the left.

[Akimichi Choji]

Look, I just ask the questions I wanna ask, nothing more nor less.

All you did was ask the obvious cliffhangers the chapter left us with. Continuing on your "but he didn't protect him at all" shpeal, of course he must have. No it doesn't look like he protected him, thats how its supposed to be. But obviously he did, as Madara will surely fill us in next chapter.

It basically dismantles Sasuke's structure of revenge and makes a lot of stuff that's happened near pointless.


Thats the point...

Its a twist, if you haven't noticed.

It's up to my own opinion whether or not Kishimoto's explanation is bullsh*t or not, and most of the time, it goes towards BS.

I don't know why your defending your opinion of Kishimoto's explanation for Itachi not being evil yet, we won't find out what it is until next week. If its BS, its BS. But lets not jump the gun here, because frankly I look forward to any explanation whatsoever.

Optimism, ftw?

[Natsuke Takeda]

*scratches head and shrugs*

Errr.... okay.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I believe Natsuke Takeda is trying to say that the writing hasn't been very high quality as the recent events have been a bit anti-climatic and lame compared to the incredible build up. I'd have to concur with this and Shadowmage's earlier statement. I'm clearly not the target audience. Images of Gintoki from Gintama's "I'm too old for this now. I should really stop buying Jump every week but I can't." come to mind.

What really stings is that there are brilliant moments every now and again, normally involving the side cast; Shikamaru, Neiji, Rock Lee, Kakashi etc. It's just that for some stupid reason the main cast is the let down.

[Akimichi Choji]

What really stings is that there are brilliant moments every now and again, normally involving the side cast; Shikamaru, Neiji, Rock Lee, Kakashi etc, and Choji of course It's just that for some stupid reason the main cast is the let down.

/fixed

and

/agree

[triggerman]

First of all, I went back to check and all you said was that it was "touching" and "accidental". That's a far cry from calling it.

Secondly, not everyone doubted you, because barely anyone even replied to you.

what eva. touching= emotional=sentimental, and i was saying about the tap was, maybe it was supposed to look accidental but i noticed that maybe it was not. how bout that. :moon: lol
but any ways sasukes got a lot of people just free loading his body like it for rent. he like the poster child getting possessed lol. well maybe not. chapter was okay but im really easy to please from what i get be every one else's reactions.

[Kakkoii]

I disagreed with you in what was portrayed in the manga. I thought that Itachi's fingers made one whole sliding motion across Sasuke's face. Nonetheless, I still don't feel that it was emotionally touching or moving; just a really horrible twist.

[Illjwamh]

*Kishimoto leans in from the side of the screen. He reaches to his neck and pulls off a mask to reveal that he is in fact...M. Night Shyamalan!*

Shyamalan: What a twist!

[PassiveObserver]

*Kishimoto leans in from the side of the screen. He reaches to his neck and pulls off a mask to reveal that he is in fact...M. Night Shyamalan!*

Shyamalan: What a twist!

Seeing as M. Night Shyamalan's next movie is about killer plants zetsu is quite the fitting character to have as a sidekick.

[Soul]

I disagreed with you in what was portrayed in the manga. I thought that Itachi's fingers made one whole sliding motion across Sasuke's face. Nonetheless, I still don't feel that it was emotionally touching or moving; just a really horrible twist.
err
Itachi only hit Sasuke's fore head..
i know this isnt a spoiler so
Since Itachi always did that to Sasuke when he wasnt in Akatsuki yet...
he always did that to Sasuke...(spoiler comes)

In their battle
instead of Itachi going for Sasuke's eyes..he hit his forhead to not only remind him of the past but to pass the Mangekyou Sharingan's devastating Jutsus(Tsukuyomi,Amaterasu,Susanoo)..probably the reason why he collapsed and died .at 1st i was pissed since Sasuke already took out Deidara..1 OF MY FAv.then Next was Itachi but..since Itachi transfered his Eyes then Sasuke is like Itachi Ver.2.0 with better eyesight and less Sacrifice XD...genius prick who loves and cares about his brother so much lol

-_-

[Illjwamh]

I may have said this before, or something like it, but here goes:

If Itachi and Sasuke had been halfway intelligent, and Itachi had really been out to save the clan, as he claims, then they should've just switched eyeballs. Mangekyou and no blindness for everyone!

[Kakkoii]

err
Itachi only hit Sasuke's fore head..

It's all in chapter 393, reread it if you want to.

[Itachi Uchiha]

I may have said this before, or something like it, but here goes:

If Itachi and Sasuke had been halfway intelligent, and Itachi had really been out to save the clan, as he claims, then they should've just switched eyeballs. Mangekyou and no blindness for everyone!

Itachi liked the whole evil badass reputation he had, and he was afraid he'd never live it down if he just took his brothers eyes and didn't kill him. Making his only choice to save his brother, the world, and his reputation... to poke his brother on the forehead and die.

[Truten]

I'm having trouble finding good translations from chapter 384++ can any of you help? If you can please PM me. Thanks a bunch!

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Back to the founding of Konoha and possibly ROOT? Kishimoto might just have clawed this series back from the brink ^_^

[Natsuke Takeda]

I've noticed there's quite a lot of flashbacks in manga lately >>

[PassiveObserver]

I'm excited about the prospects of future issues of this manga, but 398 was sort of annoying. From the last chapter we already know that Madara knows the truth about Itachi, and in this chapter all he manages to do is restate that several times, and just barely edge his way into starting what will hopefully be an awesome story. Screw suspense, get on with the damn story.

[Barrelhaven]

Yeah, I'll bite, too. It's weird that the storylines in Naruto that I find most interesting are the ones without the two main characters involved.

[Akimichi Choji]

I though when they began the history so late in the chapter that it might be a long one... Nope...

[triggerman]

i hope that actually show the fight between first and madaara. that will be awsome.

[Akimichi Choji]

i hope that actually show the fight between first and madaara. that will be awsome.

But you know whats not awesome? Child illiteracy...

[Illjwamh]

Hahaha!

Choji is on my win list for today.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Chapter 399 (the most recent one? I forgot the number)

So... is Madara good? Bad? Just who's the good guy? And since when the hell where the Uchiha better than the Shodai Hokage at controlling the Kyuubi?!

[Barrelhaven]

I dunno...the history is all a blur to me now after 399 chapters. They could very well say the Uchiha were a clan of space pirates and I wouldn't be able to say for sure whether that was true or not.

Regardless, I sorta do like the political back-stabbing going on. It's just a shame the legend of Itachi will end up sissy-fied.

[Illjwamh]

So it seems ol' Tobi/Madara has decided to unveil his greatest technique:

Retcon no jutsu!

[PassiveObserver]

Now maybe it's just me, but I think Madara is full of crap. Sure, maybe he believes some of what he's saying, but it's got to be a half truth at best.

[Akimichi Choji]

I hate to say it, but I loved the chapter.

[Pedro The Hutt]

So it seems ol' Tobi/Madara has decided to unveil his greatest technique:

Retcon no jutsu!

Considering I haven't bothered reading Naruto since before the new year, do tell what's been retconned this time. =D

[Illjwamh]

Itachi wasn't evil after all; he actually killed the entire Uchiha clan on orders of Danzou and the village elders, and the Third was aware of this. It was done to save the Uchiha and Konoha.

So Madara says, anyway.

[Pedro The Hutt]

Retcon no jutsu indeed. That makes little sense considering afterwards Itachi joined an evil organisation, never showed any remorse for what he did , and it also takes a great big wee over the memory of the Third. Not to mention several mentions in the manga that the Uchiha were a well respected family... and the Sharingan being considered a second to the Byakugan... and you certainly don't save families by killing them...

Good grief, that does remind me why I quite reading. XD

[oompa loompa]

ya this whole justifying itachi thing just isn't working out...

Y cant he just be a badass evil guy that everybody can enjoy?

o yeah..... cuz this is a shonen jump..... sh1t

[Shadowmage]

o yeah..... cuz this is a shonen jump..... sh1t
I honestly fail to see the correlation.

[Natsuke Takeda]

He probably never read Death Note O.o

[Illjwamh]

Well, I have to say, he may not be evil anymore (which kinda sucks, but whatever), but Itachi still is and always will be a total badass.

[General Suburbia]

He probably never read Death Note O.o
Death Note was horrible.

[Shadowmage]

Okay, I just finished the latest chapter, and I actually like the direction this is going. I like it when the show takes old plot elements and connects the dots into an intriguing web. It makes it seem like the writer knew what he was doing when he dispensed all that crap.

Anyways, for those of you who are hating this manga... At least it's not Inuyasha.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/1210913077926.jpg

[Pedro The Hutt]

Well, I have to say, he may not be evil anymore (which kinda sucks, but whatever), but Itachi still is and always will be a total badass.
As long as he has black nail polish at his disposal. =p

[Natsuke Takeda]

Now when I think of it, this actually balances out the Uchiha clan a little... a LITTLE. I mean, after all, Uchiha seems to be second fiddle to the long line of the Senjuu (whatever the other clan's called).

Then again, suddenly, Byakugan now seems totally worthless, since the Uchiha seem to have been here... for a loooong time. >>

Okay, so still unbalanced.

[PassiveObserver]

I'm still not seeing what sort of angle madara is playing here. Is all of this suppose to convince Sasuke to not hate him and support his cause?

[Barrelhaven]

So it's finally complete. Itachi's legacy is totally crapped on and left to swirl down the toilet.

He loves his clan sooo much, he figures the only way to save them is to kill them. That's all fine and dandy, considering the alternative was WWIII (I'm still not sure how that makes sense), but If he was really a good guy who apparently wanted world peace, then why the hell was he working with Amatsuki to revive the Kyuubi of all things? Isn't that like the complete opposite of happy fun times? Madara has to be full of it, or this is absolutely the dumbest thing I've ever read.

Since he knew both sides of the story, Itachi could've aided the Hokage in peace talks, or at the very least, killed the masterminds on both sides. I'm sure the entire Uchiha clan wasn't warmongers and there must've been some other kids who didn't know what was going on like Sasuke. So if Itachi could've afforded to let Sasuke off the hook, why didn't he let the other kids or innocent people live too?

And finally, spurring on your little brother to devote his life to vengeance and fighting isn't exactly "protecting" him. Neither is trying to take his eyeballs. If he really wanted to save his brother, he should've just let poor little bro lead a normal life and become a baker or something. It's not like the only 2 occupations in the world are ninjas and dead people.

[Akimichi Choji]

He loves his clan sooo much, he figures the only way to save them is to kill them. That's all fine and dandy, considering the alternative was WWIII (I'm still not sure how that makes sense), but If he was really a good guy who apparently wanted world peace, then why the hell was he working with Amatsuki to revive the Kyuubi of all things? Isn't that like the complete opposite of happy fun times? Madara has to be full of it, or this is absolutely the dumbest thing I've ever read.

Actually the entire point was that he loved the village so much, he would sacrifice his clan to help it. As I have already said, I like this direction too. As for his involvement with the Akatsuki, I am assuming Madara will explain that at some point. My guess is Madara probably blackmailed him into working with/for him.

[Pedro The Hutt]

Because Itachi being the slightest bit evil (I'm sure killing your best friend to gain a technique is perfectly explainable, too) is suddenly a taboo now.

[DarkKanti]

It's not like the only 2 occupations in the world are ninjas and dead people.

Have you ever even read Naruto?

[Illjwamh]

Because Itachi being the slightest bit evil (I'm sure killing your best friend to gain a technique is perfectly explainable, too) is suddenly a taboo now.

He was gonna kill them all anyway; might as well get a new technique out of it.

[triggerman]

He was gonna kill them all anyway; might as well get a new technique out of it.

same way i feel but more so i fill like he felt in order to kill to whole clan he had to have eyes that were stronger than any other in the clan so that he could complete his mission. Im guessing he probably didn't even know about the mangekyou sharingan until either madaara told him about it or a konoha higher up told him about it and how to achieve it so that he could finish the mission.