Naruto, the hokage!?

[Illjwamh]

If Kishimoto has Naruto take down a foe that Asuma couldn't handle (let alone Asuma with the help of Shikamaru and nearly 2 dozen other shinobi), then he will have lost all credibility.

[LCeh]

For me, reading Naruto is sort of like waiting for a train wreck. I keep wondering if it's going to royally screw up and have some ridiculous events happening, and some already happened (Like Sasuke pushing back Kyuubi, seriously, wtf?), but I hope they won't continue to happen.

[Illjwamh]

Heh. That's an interesting way of putting it. I guess I still read it out of hope. It was so good for so long, and I keep hoping he manages to find his way back to that.

[jetfire]

It's just seemed like that since Naruto got back from training with Jiraiya, that it's been mission after mission, constantly. He gets back, and they pretty much go straight to the sand country to do their mission with saving Gaara. Then they get right back, Sai is introduced, and they go on the mission to find Sasuke. Then they got back, and without much character interaction, they go right into training. However, the training started to grow on me, and got a bit interesting, but right when it was getting interesting, Akatsuki is now invading, and yet another fight will break out. I know it's an action series, but earlier on, they focused much more on character relationships and interaction than this. Now it's almost fighting all the way through. Sure there can be a bit of character development during some missions, but certainly not as much as earlier. And I think that's why I enjoyed Naruto more before the time jump. It's weird that I complained about the same thing with Bleach in the Bleach thread. Naruto's problem isnt as apparant, but it is getting fairly close.

[Dreamescape]

I don't really think the fighting is all that bad. I mean, we already know who these characters are. Although, there are some things left unanswered. But because of the time-skip, I think people are curious to see how each of the characters we know have grown and want to see what kind of cool jutsu they're gonna pull out this time (at least I am. I can't wait to see Team Kurenai in action. The next chapter will have Shika and Asuma kickin ass as well). The Akatsuki are supposed to be this badass deam team of S-class nin too so they have to be hyped up for Naruto (and the rest of the original genin) to take down. The plots kind of revolved around Oro taking Sasuke's body as a container at a certain time and Akatsuki coincidentally wants to make it's move for the Bijus around the same time. And the time-skip was of the purpose for Naruto to get stronger and come back in time to help stop all this. So all the fighting makes some sense.

I agree though that it does seem like Naruto just got back into Konoha with his training. And now, we find out the 2.5 years wasn't enough so he's got to train s'more. It makes sense in adding depth to the nature of chakra and it's usage and everything, but something tells me this series is not ending any time soon.

[oompa loompa]

personally im just happy the manga is staying away from the crappy 50 episode filler train the anime is undergoing, i think the plot starts finally at episode 195,

im just happy that akatsuki is in it, you never see them in the anime that and the fact that we finally get to see someone other than kakashi's team fight after they got older , i mean dammit i wanna see Kiba and friggin huge akamaru beat the shit outta sumthin, and Chouji looks friggin awesome

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Now that I've read some better translations, I'm having a feeling that the Azuma-team story might coincide with the training very well. Firstly, we'll get to learn more about the wind element chakra from Azuma [and possibly more if the Monk is his mentor like I suspect].
I have a feeling those particular Akasuki members may have related abilities too.

[Illjwamh]

Just read 319. The translation was mediocre, but good enough. Naruto's training is really coming along - almost too quickly to be plausible - and it looks like the story with Asuma's team is going to get going here pretty soon.

I don't get what that one page with Sakura was about, though. It seemed like a complete non-sequitor.

[jetfire]

It was a decent chapter, but what I really want to see is what Naruto will actually do when he's done his training. Here's hoping that he'll learn some actual techniques next, and not something bigger like "sever the mountain with your chakra" or something.

And that one page with Sakura felt really out of place. I almost have no clue what it meant. Either she's crying because of Naruto or Sasuke for some reason. Maybe for not wanting them to fight again.

[KiraraKim]

And that one page with Sakura felt really out of place. I almost have no clue what it meant. Either she's crying because of Naruto or Sasuke for some reason. Maybe for not wanting them to fight again

The scene with Sakura was actually my favorite part of the last chapter. I think she was simply remembering the time that the 3 of them were together and happy and she was crying about that.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Just read 319. The translation was mediocre, but good enough. Naruto's training is really coming along - almost too quickly to be plausible - and it looks like the story with Asuma's team is going to get going here pretty soon.

I don't get what that one page with Sakura was about, though. It seemed like a complete non-sequitor.
I think it was to emphasise the rememberance of Sasuke whilst at the same time mirroring Asuma's thing with his "ball and chain", whats-her-name.

I like the way Naruto's training is moving quickly. It's completely different to how he trained with Jiraiya and also shows a way for him to become a genius that rivals Sasuke in his own revolutionary way.
Kakashi's reputation is very well deserved.

On a side note, I have even more of a feeling that things aren't going to bode well for Asuma. I hope that at least his knives will be inherited.

On a side note, is anyone else thinking Naruto's wind elemental is starting to look a bit Kaze-no-Kizou [á la Inuyasha]? I'm hoping that the manga-ka will give us something new and interesting instead.

[jetfire]

On a side note, is anyone else thinking Naruto's wind elemental is starting to look a bit Kaze-no-Kizou [á la Inuyasha]? I'm hoping that the manga-ka will give us something new and interesting instead.

You mean the whole thing with making two flows of chakra give friction against each other or something to create wind, similar to Inuyasha finding the wind scar between the two sources of demonic energy? That's exactly what I thought at the time.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

It's more that even Bleach's Ichigo has a sodding projectile-spam move now and we really don't need another one. Either kishimoto gives us an interesting technique or we officially change Naruto's name to Goku.

Stealth and close-quarters wins over fireball wars any day of the week [yes, even weekends and bank holidays].

[jetfire]

Chapter 320

Okay, now if Kakashi's coming onto Naruto, I'm going to officially stop reading this manga.

Other than that, pretty much nothing has happened in this chapter. Although we do know that those 2 Akatsuki members are really going to want to kill Asuma when they find out he has a bounty of 50000 bucks on his head.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I didn't appreciate the "comedy relief" with the ramen cooks. Please leave the filler to the anime, Kishimoto :)

[jetfire]

I didn't appreciate the "comedy relief" with the ramen cooks. Please leave the filler to the anime, Kishimoto :)

Exactly what I thought. Here I was, waiting for something to happen, and all we see is Naruto drooling over ramen that isn't ready yet for about 5 pages. I've had enough filler as it is.

[bigal60]

i hate naruto ok dont get pissed please

[jetfire]

i hate naruto ok dont get pissed please

Thanks for adding that bit of information. You really contributed to the discussion of this thread *pats bigal60 on the back*

[DarkKanti]

LOL

I love it when someone skips any kind of discussion on the topic, and posts their distaste for the show/manga, even though nobody asked. Was the name of the thread, "Do you like Naruto?" No. Did anyone even ask if you liked the show? No. This thread is for discussion, not for posting your opinion on the manga (an opinion, I might add, no one cares about). And then, to top it all off, asking us not get pissed after that. Who the **** cares if you don't like Naruto? I sure as hell don't. There are plenty of people who don't like Naruto, and many for good reasons. Personally, it seems to me that alot of people simply don't like it because its become one of those things thats cool to dislike, which is the category you seem to fall into. I believe that because you honestly don't seem bright enough to see the glaring flaws in Naruto, but still seem to think its ok for you to go on a message board and post your disliking for it. Really. Good job! :thumbup:

Seriously, though, I love it, absolutely love it when people do that. They sooooo aren't doing it to +1 their post counts or anything. No, that couldn't possibly be the reason. It's obvious that they want to further the conversation along by bringing an unwanted and unexplained opinion to the thread, a noble effort to say the least. Good going, man. Good going.

I only write all this, because I know the culprit won't come back to check on this thread, now that they already got their +1.

320
Bah, fricken lame. Instead of seeing the super cool new jutsu, we get crappy comedy. I mean, the comedy was really bad. It didn't even crack a smile. "OH NOES! I DROPPEDED DA RAMEN! I BE SO SILLY!"

F'ing lame.

It looks like the possible Asuma fight coming up should be pretty good though.

[Dreamescape]

Yeah, the comedy wasn't all the funny. But Asuma's sash reappeared out of no where. It's been gone for the past couple of weeks. Next week should bring back some action though. Can't wait to finally see what Asuma can do being a master of the wind element. Maybe it'll give some insight as to what Naruto might come up with for his new jutsu?

[KiraraKim]

Hmm I seem to always like the scenes that everyone else dislikes (such as last week with the Sakura scene) I thought the Ramen scene was cute, I feel we haven't had a scene like that in awhile. Ramen is part of who Naruto is. :D

But honestly I am more interested in Asuma in Shikamaru and what they are off to do then any new jutsu that Naruto is going to learn. Although I am a little intriuged in what Kakashi has to show Naruto I also expect it will be somewhat of a letdown.

[DarkKanti]

Hmm I seem to always like the scenes that everyone else dislikes (such as last week with the Sakura scene) I thought the Ramen scene was cute, I feel we haven't had a scene like that in awhile. Ramen is part of who Naruto is. :D

I actually agree. After training so much it makes sense that they take a little ramen break. I just felt the execution and comedy was lame. :/

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

KAZE NO JUTSU!

*cough*

[jetfire]

Chapter 321:

Crap. Well, it appears that Naruto's jutsu will be a beefed up version of rasangan. Basically, he's told that Rasangan is a half complete jutsu. So he'll probably come up with a "full" jutsu that is twice as powerful as it. It may not be the same shape, but I'm guessing that it will be another all out attack. Yay.

On the other hand, I can't wait to see Shikamaru's fight. I hope to see some good strategic, old school fighting in Naruto once again. The only thing that really irked me about this chapter is that the title page said that Shikamaru's fight is in this chapter, yet he's only in the last 3 pages (and they havent even fought yet).

And is it just me, or have we all been complaining non stop about this manga forever? I guess it can't be helped, but maybe we should try and think of some positive things to say.

One other thing that I'm glad about is that Naruto is creating his own jutsu by himself. It's nice to see that he's actually gotten far enough to train completely on his own, which gives him a bit more individuality than simply being taught how to do everything.

[Kei]

I go to catch up, only to find that Naruto is learning Rasengan +1.

**** you Kishimoto.

Also, more foreshadowing to Asuma's death plz.

[Illjwamh]

There's no way that guy is dead. It was just too easy, even for Asuma and Shikamaru. Plus, his partner had just finished talking about how impossible he was to kill. I just want to see if he wastes them all or if they manage to take him out eventually anyway or if his partner joins the frey or whatever. It should be good, in any case. Away from the training for a while.

[annie14892]

Naruto is going to make his own attack!?Wow..We're not even close to that on the anime..

[jetfire]

There's no way that guy is dead. It was just too easy, even for Asuma and Shikamaru. Plus, his partner had just finished talking about how impossible he was to kill. I just want to see if he wastes them all or if they manage to take him out eventually anyway or if his partner joins the frey or whatever. It should be good, in any case. Away from the training for a while.

It's probably just a shadow clone, since I'm sure that he can't just survive getting stabbed twice in his vital areas without feeling pain, just because he's tough.

[Illjwamh]

Well yeah, that's what I meant. He's either performed some type of clone or substitution, or maybe something crazier that we don't even know about yet. I didn't mean to imply that he can withstand giant stabbings.

[whiteshadow]

well i read acouple an now i just go on online and read the rest

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

It's most likely that Mr. Stabby McStabbed is genuinely hard to kill, possibly undead body, probably all relates to his "rituals" and "religion".

[Illjwamh]

You know, my brother suggested that too, and I honestly didn't even think of it. Totally spaced it. Makes sense, though.

[jetfire]

I just read 323. It's a pretty fun fight right now, and it has some very good potential if it's animated in the same way as the Naruto vs Sasuke fight. Also, for a second I thought the religious Akatsuki member was pulling off a Greed (from FMA), by having his skin change like that. I thought that at first, since he is giving the impression that he's invunerable, like Greed's ultimate shield. But it's probably something more similar to Orochimaru's seals.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I just read 323. It's a pretty fun fight right now, and it has some very good potential if it's animated in the same way as the Naruto vs Sasuke fight. Also, for a second I thought the religious Akatsuki member was pulling off a Greed (from FMA), by having his skin change like that. I thought that at first, since he is giving the impression that he's invunerable, like Greed's ultimate shield. But it's probably something more similar to Orochimaru's seals.
He's not pulling a Greed. There's a big difference between immorality and invulnerability.
The form is witch-doctor or voodoo-doll based. It looks like the nature of his curse is sado-maso in that injuries and pain he recieves are given to his victim. There seems to be an on-going theme in Akatsuki where one member of each duo will have a hidden "form".

ps; JF, could you make use of the spoiler tags on the day of a release please? :)
I know we don't normally use them on this thread, but a 24hr grace period would probably be a good thing.

[Illjwamh]

I don't see why it's necessary, since there's no reason for anyone to be reading or posting in this thread unless they've read the latest chapter. Nevertheless, I'll humor you for now until we reach an official decision on the matter.

You appear to be right on the nature of his abilities, though I don't think it's a curse or a different form or anything. More like body paint/tattoos activated by a jutsu, much like Tsunade, you know? And I think him tasting a sample of Asuma's blood is what allowed him to do it. Assigning a target, so to speak.

[jetfire]

He's not pulling a Greed. There's a big difference between immorality and invulnerability.
The form is witch-doctor or voodoo-doll based. It looks like the nature of his curse is sado-maso in that injuries and pain he recieves are given to his victim. There seems to be an on-going theme in Akatsuki where one member of each duo will have a hidden "form".

ps; JF, could you make use of the spoiler tags on the day of a release please? :)
I know we don't normally use them on this thread, but a 24hr grace period would probably be a good thing.

I honestly didn't think I was spoiling that much. I just stated that the fight would look very impressive if it were animated, and that one guy's skin changes colour. I don't see how that spoils the story, or gives anyone of a huge indication of what he will do. If I said that in a chapter, Naruto powered up more than I've seen him do it before, would I being ruining the story? And yes, I know he's not pulling a Greed, since I stated something along the lines of "For a second, I thought he was pulling a Greed". Also, even if I thought that his skin change looked like Greed's transformation, I'm not saying that he was officially copying the move.

And 24 hour grace period? You could have forgotten to check up on the new Naruto chapter 2 days after it was released and read this thread, and it wouldn't have made a difference. I'd recommend that before looking into this thread, you think to quickly check if there's any new chapters for the week. Whenever I havn't read a new chapter, I refrain from checking out this thread until I've read it. I usually hold off on reading this thread through Tuesday to Thursday, incase a new chapter comes out.

And if I am going to list something that is more of a spoiler to the story than my first post for this chapter, then yes, I will use spoiler tags.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Fair enough. I'm not really that bothered. I wasn't trying to have a go, it just seemed like a good idea at the time :P

And yes, I know he's not pulling a Greed, since I stated something along the lines of "For a second, I thought he was pulling a Greed". Also, even if I thought that his skin change looked like Greed's transformation, I'm not saying that he was officially copying the move.
Chill dude. I'm just saying it looks like the nature of the transformation and its properties look different.

[jetfire]

Fair enough. I'm not really that bothered. I wasn't trying to have a go, it just seemed like a good idea at the time :P


Chill dude. I'm just saying it looks like the nature of the transformation and its properties look different.

I wasn't upset or anything. I was just stating a previous statement to make it more clear for you, since you assumed that I thought that the transformation was just like Greed's. I should have stated in the first place that it reminded me of Greed.

And I can't help but notice that you edited your post, telling me to chill, after you previously stated that you're not really bothered.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I wasn't upset or anything. I was just stating a previous statement to make it more clear for you, since you assumed that I thought that the transformation was just like Greed's. I should have stated in the first place that it reminded me of Greed.

And I can't help but notice that you edited your post, telling me to chill, after you previously stated that you're not really bothered.
Lets just put it all down to communicative misunderstandings on my part. Probably just me going bonkers.

[Ninja Realist]

I go to catch up, only to find that Naruto is learning Rasengan +1.

**** you Kishimoto.

Also, more foreshadowing to Asuma's death plz.

I admit that this shit is pretty lame, but Kishimoto has given us a pretty cool fight here, with Asuma, the two chuunins with the big ass kunai, and Shikamaru. For one, any fight with Shikiamaru in it is almost automatically going to be cool. Two, Asuma is a pretty interesting dude, whose fighting style is rarely witnessed. Three, nameless guys may have bland fightiung styles, but a four on one fight is much more interesting than a one on one fight. Finally though, Hidan is just ****ing cool.All the Akatsuki so far have been pretty bad ass, not to mention they've had some pretty interesting techniques, and Hidan is keeping this up. The voodoo thing is pretty badass, and so is his cool manic, scythe swinging fighting style. I mean I can deal with lameness if Kishimoto keeps producing cool fights like nthis every now and then.

[Kei]

I really do enjoy Hidan's design and concept alot. I'm sure he'll be badass in whatever Naruto fighting game he makes his way into.

But still, I'm bothered by all the little hints and such that Asuma is going to bite it. Since it seems that under Hidan's technique, they seem to share pain, I bet Asuma deals himself a killing blow to take Hidan out, double KO style. There are two paths from there: A) He dies. B) He gets healed by Tsunade.

More than anything else, its nice to finally see Izumo and Kotetsu in action. These guys have been in the manga since nearly the beginning, and we haven't really seen much of anything that they can do.

I have to admit also, Kishimoto is presenting a nice crisp and cleanly drawn fight here, I'm pretty impressed considering I didn't really like the Naruto vs. Orochimaru and the Sasuke encounter.

[Natsuke Takeda]

chpt 324:

Well well, he's a freakin human voodoo doll, lmao

That's kinda original. he's probably the most likeable akatsuki person there, aside from Toby. (it's Toby, right?)

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

324
Oh yeah! This is a classic Shikamaru fight. Go Shika go!
I'm guessing that the secret to this voodoo-jutsu is to do with the marking on the floor. Maybe if they move him out of the circle..
Of course, the 2nd Akatsuki will mix things up.

[Ninja Realist]

324
Oh yeah! This is a classic Shikamaru fight. Go Shika go!
I'm guessing that the secret to this voodoo-jutsu is to do with the marking on the floor. Maybe if they move him out of the circle..
Of course, the 2nd Akatsuki will mix things up.

Here's just another little guess:

After Shika, Izumo, and Kotetsu take out Hidan, Kakuzu leaves him to die and runs away which leaves us guessing what his abilities are :( . Hidan will probably say something like, "I'm glad I can finally die" before epxiring, and Asuma will possibly sacrifice himself to finish off Hidan.

On another note, I find Kakuzu's character awesome, and totally hilarious. I mean he's weraring the stereotypical Ninja Gear (Balaclava thingy and head protector) as well as "freaking out and killing people all the time".

[jetfire]

After reading this chapter, I've come to the conclusion that Shikamaru is quite possibly my favourite character in this series. He's got an interesting personality, and the most interesting way to fight. This is what the combat in Naruto is supposed to be all about. The tension of the fights Shikamaru has, as well as the strategies involved is what's keeping this series alive for me. I wish we could see more fights like this.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Chapter 325

You know... Hidan's kinda... annoying. That, and his "ability" is cheap and it feels as if Kishimoto is running out of ideas on custom jutsus. His ability and jutsu seems kinda... predictable.

That's just me. And I kinda knew that even with his head cut off, he'd still be alive and.. angry. *shrugs*

Interesting, but not as exciting as I thought it would be.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

What is interesting to note is that this is very a-typical of a Shikamaru-duel on may fronts.

1) Shikamaru has always been pitched against girls
2) Shikamaru has never killed a person, the only person to die has been when he had outside help finish his fight.

Of course, he's always worked well as part of a team too. It'll be interesting to see if he can formulate plans whilst avioding attacks on the fly.

[jetfire]

2) Shikamaru has never killed a person, the only person to die has been when he had outside help finish his fight.

But he didn't kill anyone in this chapter. Unless you meant that he had intent to kill, which I think he has had before.

Anyways, it was a pretty fun chapter in my opinion, and I hope the fight is pretty much finished. It would be the perfect length, and wouldn't be dragged on.

[Illjwamh]

My reaction (with apologies to Will Smith): That...is a man's...head.

[jetfire]

Chapter 326

Oh for f***'s sake. That's just ridiculous. Now we're back at square one again (with the exception of Asuma being stabbed). I don't think Asuma will die just yet, but probably sometime in the fight. He may also pull off a Kiba of some sort (their bodies are linked, so maybe if he puts an explosive tag on himself or something, it will obliterate voodo guy there). And I bet backup may arrive at just the right time. Either that, or Asuma will sacrifice himself to kill voodo guy, and Shikamaru will find a way to defeat the other Akatsuki member (I'm not that good with the Akatsuki names, since there are so damn many of them, and we don't see them that often).

[Ninja Realist]

Kakuzu has a pretty cool technique. I gues he is held together by strings or something.

[Corpse]

the entire time whathisface's head was off, all i could think of was the black knight from monty python.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The coolest way to finish off these two [who work together quite well] would be if their powers were somehow turned apon eachother. The main jutsu of this fight being the prime suspect.

[Natsuke Takeda]

....Chapter 327

As anti-climactic as it gets. Absolutely no point in the battle other than a show of skills.

Next Chapter: Oh my! Asuma's life hangs at the balance in yet another chapter of Konoha General Hospital!!! >.>

Honestly, what has happened... lmao

[jetfire]

I havent read Chapter 327 yet, but I do have somewhat good news. I have a strong feeling that the Naruto anime will catch up with the manga fairly soon (possibly after one more filler season), because as you can see in the new ending credits, you see an image of Naruto switching back and forth between his younger and older (with his new black and orange outfit) self. So it'll be nice to see the manga portion animated within due time. Just letting you all know, since you're absorbed in the manga, and possibly wouldnt think to give the anime version a view because of the long filler arc.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Anti-climax and dissapointment just as things were getting good.
So now begin's Shikamaru's training arc.

[Illjwamh]

Well, it was interesting, anyway. And it was cool to see Ino and Chouji again, even if they didn't do anything.

So Ino's learning medical ninjutsu too, eh? Is this a thing with kunoichi or something?

[Ninja Realist]

So Ino's learning medical ninjutsu too, eh? Is this a thing with kunoichi or something?

Becuase womenfolks can't fight.

[WookieInMaShoo]

I havent read Chapter 327 yet, but I do have somewhat good news. I have a strong feeling that the Naruto anime will catch up with the manga fairly soon (possibly after one more filler season), because as you can see in the new ending credits, you see an image of Naruto switching back and forth between his younger and older (with his new black and orange outfit) self. So it'll be nice to see the manga portion animated within due time. Just letting you all know, since you're absorbed in the manga, and possibly wouldnt think to give the anime version a view because of the long filler arc.

I am still waiting for the 8th box set, but I am still wondering when part II will be animated. I guess there is no set date and maybe I should start reading a translated version of part II. Should I wait for the anime and ignore the manga for now, or should I go ahead and read the manga?

[Two-twenty]

Also, more foreshadowing to Asuma's death plz.
You totally called it.

[KiraraKim]

I think we all saw Asuma's death coming. I don't think Kishimoto understands the word subtle.

[Illjwamh]

But he's not dead yet!

[General Suburbia]

That's not his problem. His problem is that he refuses to kill anyone. Good characters, bad characters, pointless characters.

[Illjwamh]

That's not true. He killed that one guy. Whatsisname. Dosu. In fact, the entire Sound genin squad bit it. And Sandaime Hokage. And Yondaime Kazekage, though we didn't ever actually meet him, we saw his corpse.

Yes, I'm being nitpicky. :p

[KiraraKim]

But he's not dead yet!

Apparently he is in chapter 328.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Alright screw the spoilers we all read it by now.

Asuma bit the dust, and Shikamaru's gonna smoke more cigs than a.... I don't know any anologies for that one.

So bad climax AND a death.

wtf, lmao.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Even though the fight leading up to the death could've been done better, this chapter was really nicely done. I do wonder if Shikamaru might actually become Hokage one day. I'd like that.
It would also fall into my theory of Naruto eventually being the nth Hokage one day.

[Two-twenty]

I do wonder if Shikamaru might actually become Hokage one day.
Nah, that'd be far too troublesome. :P

[Natsuke Takeda]

Hey. Question, can I link a topic from a site to here to discuss? I just saw this topic and I think it's worth discussing. Some guy has a large thread in a certain well-know site that states that he spoke to Kishimoto and "kish" told him many parts of the ending. I'd like to discuss the validity of the post and see what you guys think about it.

[jetfire]

Hey. Question, can I link a topic from a site to here to discuss? I just saw this topic and I think it's worth discussing. Some guy has a large thread in a certain well-know site that states that he spoke to Kishimoto and "kish" told him many parts of the ending. I'd like to discuss the validity of the post and see what you guys think about it.

It's a lie. There's no way that Kishimoto would be so stupid to give out his ending to anyone. He's just creating a thread to gain attention and fool people.

And I expected Asuma to die for a long time, with the obvious foreshadowing given. I will admit that it was a very well done chapter, but it didn't hit me that emotionally, since we didn't see a ton of Asuma throughout the series. It was still depressing though.

Plus, I wonder if this means that Shikamaru will get addicted to cigarettes or start smoking out of depression. He probably won't, but out of all of the teams, I think that he would be the most likely of doing it. Remember the stoned looks he gives when looking at the sky sometimes?

[Illjwamh]

It did hit me emotionally, not so much for Asuma, but for Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji. We've gotten a lot closer to them.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

It did hit me emotionally, not so much for Asuma, but for Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji. We've gotten a lot closer to them.
I like this team alot. Along with Naruto's team7, they were very much the underdog group of the chunnin exams. They didn't even seem the have a special "prodigy" member like Sasuke either.
Even their main character, Shikamaru, doesn't have any particularly amazing powers. He just gets by using his smarts and proper teamwork. His easy-going, lazy attitude making him a fan-favorate.

I'm rooting for Ino-Shika-Chou to rise to the top.

I also have a feeling that one day Hinata might blossom too, becoming Konoha's "princess" hokage :)

Naruto for the Ninth, place your bets now!

[Natsuke Takeda]

Chapter... I forgot.. the new one.

......I officially don't care anymore. To follow up Asuma's biting of dusting with THIS is literally beyond my thought.

And wow.. THAT'S THE PLAN. WOW.

I'm done, dude. For the past year I caught up with the manga and now I realize that Akatsuki. Blows.

I'll come back after Christmas >.>

[Zelyhon]

Well, while I don't mind revealing a bit of Akatsuki's plan, my main problem is that it seems this just comes down to a simple "take over the world with a massively complicated plan that if we can do the plan, we could probably conquer without going through with the plan" situation. I was expecting, or rather hoping, for something a little more involved and interesting than that. Alas.

[Illjwamh]

Why do bad guys always have to come up with the most ridiculously elaborate plans imaginable? Seriously.

I must confess I am interested to see what Naruto's figured out, though.

[jetfire]

I must confess I am interested to see what Naruto's figured out, though.

Ransangan x2. There you go.

And to be honest, I didn't expect their plan to be different from what it is. In fact, I basically have a feeling like I know what the outcome is going to be for the rest of the manga, since it's so easy to predict so far ahead. The fun that is meant to be had, is just watching how it turns out. But there's one thing that I really didn't expect with their plan. They used the word "economy". I'm surprised a shonen manga (especially Naruto) would use such a word. As for the plan itself....meh. They'll take over the world. But what else would you expect from them? To devise the world's biggest tea party? C'mon.

[Illjwamh]

But taking over the world is so cliche. I was honestly hoping for something a little more sinister.

[jetfire]

But taking over the world is so cliche. I was honestly hoping for something a little more sinister.

Such as? I don't know how you can get more sinister than killing everyone or ruling over everyone on the planet, even though it's so cliche. I guess the only step above that is becoming a god, but that's been done so many times before. I don't know...in some form or another, they want to harm people. I can't see any original way that they can do this, and see any original reasons for them to do it.

[Barrelhaven]

As for the plan itself....meh. They'll take over the world. But what else would you expect from them? To devise the world's biggest tea party? C'mon.

At least that would've been slightly disturbing. This plan seemed really, really bland, especially with all the lead up to this point. You'd think the big bad Akatsuki would come up with a scheme a little darker than just crashing the ninja stock market.

[Shadowmage]

You'd think the big bad Akatsuki would come up with a scheme a little darker than just crashing the ninja stock market.
Have you ever seen Speed Grapher? Or better yet, footages of stockbrokers jumping off towers during the onset of the Great Depression?

Crashing the stock market is a very effective way to create a pandemonium.

As for the story itself, the Naruto manga is moving slower than Berserk. For a mange released weekly as opposed to ever other week, this is saying something.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Needs more white cat petting and manical laughter. MWAUHAHAHAHA

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

ch330 :)

[Natsuke Takeda]

It didn't do anything... but very interesting chapter.

Shikamaru looks better with the smokes lol

[Two-twenty]

Shikamaru is so incredibly badass. At the end of this chapter it actually seems, for a change, like he wants to fight. Team 10 versus Hidan? I sure as hell hope so! Because Shikamaru's and Ino's powers will definetly make for an interesting fight if put against Hidan.

[Illjwamh]

ch330 :)
Yesh.:cool:

Akatsuki's newfound lameness aside, I'm really looking forward to seeing Team 10 kick some ass.


My only question now is: when do we get to see Team 8 in action again?

[Ninja Realist]

Boring and silly.

You'd think that Konoha would hit the two akatsuki with a larger team and with the best they had rather than just a couple of kids.

[Natsuke Takeda]

that IS wierd... they now send one team against Akatsuki members when the first team who had three experienced members couldn't even win.

And seriously... I'm starting to believe that this IS now DBZ. They can be considered Earth's Special Forces now since everything is relied on them. Let the older more experienced members of Konoha fight, now you guys. I don't care HOW much a genius Shikamaru is... That's still dumb.

[Zelyhon]

Boring chapter. I like Shikamaru and Team 10, but they really ought to send more than just 4 or 8 people, especially if they know where a major threat to the security of the Leaf is going to be. In that case, you break out all of the heavy artillery.

On the plus side, however, we got to see Ibiki again for the first time in forever. That's always a plus.

[jetfire]

Notice how everyone complains about 80% of the Naruto manga now? It just seems like a hate thread now. I know the manga hasn't been the most original lately, but I think this is what we'll have to settle for now. I just can't see the rest of the manga making a complete 360 turnaround. Personally, I'll just try and appreciate it for what merits it has left, and if those mertis run out, then I don't have to keep reading. It's kind of sad to see how things are turning worse (for the manga and for the readers).

[Illjwamh]

Am I the only one who noticed Tsunade say that all 18 teams in the field are being diverted to Akatsuki's present location? It's not just team 10. I think you guys are just looking for stuff to complain about now.

And it looks as though my wish to see team 8 again may come true after all.

[triggerman]

well i liked the chapter....shikamaru does look extreamly bed ass when he smokes and i think that the three of them are Jounins aren't they? or atleast shikamaru is..right? plus i think we are all underestimating the power of shikamaru's brain and the ability to stratigize..he already fought those two once and he'll have the advantage beleive me...also it's not just them 3 kakashi is now going and i think he has a whold bad of tricks we still haven't seen. Also im guessing that naruto is almost done and when he is he will probably follow up...so then there will be one hell of a team ultimately lead by a super genius in Shikamaru. Also u have to remeber that all the other members where dispersed to other area's of Konoha and outside of konoha..i think that this group can handle it. we don't even know how far the other two team 10 members have progressed...but i must add tha i want to see Kiba, Hinata, and shino in action agian....i love kiba.

[Illjwamh]

Man, Shikamaru is freaking badass. I know I've said it before, and I'll probably end up saying it again. Ino's trick this week was pretty cool, too. That's the way to do recon if I've ever seen one.

[jetfire]

This chapter was certainly interesting, and I love how the manga has focused on the smart battles recently. If the manga/anime was named Shikamaru instead of Naruto, I don't think I could ever get bored. And Akatsuki coming after Naruto might be pretty exciting, as I can see the chaos that's about to take place in Kohona.

[triggerman]

i knew that this up comming fight would be extreamly interesting because shikamaru is probably the greatest mind, stategiclly in konoha atleast if not the whole manga...i mean everytime he fights "kishimoto-sensei" never ceases to amaze me with the type of things shikamaru deos. it is amazing no one would have ever though of using chakra blades and the kagamane jutsu togther like that...like jetfire said i love how the battls are more like actual how i pictured ninja battles would be...smart, filled with twist, lots of action, and great jutsu....and personally the only fight i enjoyed that had naruto in it was when he faught sasuke at the water falls and some of the garaa joint but all his other ones where not what i expected a ninja fight to be... and i don't think i would mind either if the named was changed to "Shikamaru"

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Shikamaru: The Manga
I like the sound of it already :) The clever [and not overpowered] use of Team 10 and their abilities makes for great reading and almost makes up for the stuff that came before.

[Shadowmage]

The clever [and not overpowered] use of Team 10 and their abilities makes for great reading and almost makes up for the stuff that came before.

I'm just waiting for Naruto to come out of nowhere and ruin this fight.

[Natsuke Takeda]

By the way.. aside from the new jutsu, has Naruto ever used "that move" yet?

[triggerman]

no i don't think so....but if he did use "that move" the only thing that i could think of is when he was fighting with Orochimaru and he turned into that little demon fox blood covered thing and then did that black matter bomb thing that took out like half the forest.

[Shadowmage]

By the way.. aside from the new jutsu, has Naruto ever used "that move" yet?

When they mentiona "that move," the only thing I can think of is the suicide jutsu. If this is correct, I doubt we'll be seeing it until the end of the manga... Unless Naruto magically learns how to create a kage bunshin that can use the technique.

[jetfire]

Chapter 333:

Ah, now this is one of the reasons I got into Naruto in the first place. This is one of my favourite chapters in a while. I love Kakashi's last line at the end of the chapter. Badass. However, my only real problem with the chapter is that Chouji just ripped off Sonic the Hedgehog. And I guess the nature manipulation explanation was a little too obvious, if you have ever played an rpg before.

[Illjwamh]

Or if you know anything about Chinese tradition/mythology/etc..

Chouji's move reminded me of the one Jiraiya used against Orochimaru. I honestly didn't think about Sonic the Hedgehog until you just mentioned it.

Kakashi was pretty badass, though. That made the chapter for me.

[Shadowmage]

If that Akatsuki member dies, I'll stop complaining about the pacing... for now.

As for the elemental affinities, I think that lightning and earth should switch places. I mean water conducts electricity so it should be weak against it while earth should block out lightning, not enhance it. Oh well, it works for the plotline, so I guess I'll just have to deal with it.

[Ninja Realist]

Noooooooo, Kakuzu was so freakin cool. Why do they have to kill him off? Why not lame ass Deidara or Hidan?

[Zelyhon]

I actually really liked Sonic Chouji. Good new move for him. I highly doubt that Kakuzu's dead. Injured, yes, but not out of it yet. I wouldn't complain if he were, but I'm not expecting one hit from Kakashi to take him down, no matter how well planned and placed.

[jetfire]

I actually really liked Sonic Chouji. Good new move for him. I highly doubt that Kakuzu's dead. Injured, yes, but not out of it yet. I wouldn't complain if he were, but I'm not expecting one hit from Kakashi to take him down, no matter how well planned and placed.

Yeah, it's most likely a shadow clone that got hit by chidori, but I would have found it more satisfying if Kakashi actually killed him in one shot. It'd be the shortest fight ever within Naruto.

[Shadowmage]

Yeah, it's most likely a shadow clone that got hit by chidori, but I would have found it more satisfying if Kakashi actually killed him in one shot. It'd be the shortest fight ever within Naruto.

Looking back at the manga, the fact that Kakuzu is still talking after getting his heart decimated says something. Either he's going to come back with a vengeance or he is about to spout out his dying soliloquy.

[Illjwamh]

Keep in mind that the chidori was designed for one-hit kills. It's an assassination jutsu.

And I wouldn't be surprised if Kakuzu trailing off there was him dying and we've heard his last words already.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

In shonen jump manga, a villain never dies until they've revealed their "True Ultimate Form", sadly.
No doubt, the Chidori has at least forced that hand.

Earth being weak against electricity is not a big deal if you think of how Kazuzu's skin became like metal. But if you've ever done any physics or electrician work the "Earth Wire" might say different :)

oh yeah,
KATAMARI CHOUJI -> CHOUJI THE HEDGEHOG

[Shadowmage]

Earth being weak against electricity is not a big deal if you think of how Kazuzu's skin became like metal. But if you've ever done any physics or electrician work the "Earth Wire" might say different :)


My pet peeve is how earth can be strong against water? I mean look at the Grand Canyon. Electricity would make a lot more sense, but then again, the whole "element strenght/weakness" bit is a plot device.

Oh by the way, they say that Naruto is being replaced by Naruto Z... er Naruto Shippuden. Any thoughts or opinions?

[jetfire]

Oh by the way, they say that Naruto is being replaced by Naruto Z... er Naruto Shippuden. Any thoughts or opinions?

Yeah, I think the new name sounds pretty stupid. Doesn't it translate to Naruto: Hurricane Chronicles, or Naruto: Typhoon Chronicles? Basing the name off of a single type of attack sounds pretty irrelevant to me. And I think they gave the series this subname just so the series wouldnt look as long, since you could technically divide both series by name. However, Naruto is still Naruto, so even if they are dividing the 220 or so episode Naruto series from the new name, the series will really end up being around 500 eps or something. This is another reason why I prefer to stick to the manga.

[Natsuke Takeda]

It's Naruto: Shippuden aka Hurricane Chronicles, based on his wind arts.

It's irrelevant, lol.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Wasn't Shippou the kitsune [fox demon] in Inuyasha?

[Shadowmage]

Wasn't Shippou the kitsune [fox demon] in Inuyasha?

Yup!

Finally! Watching 167 episodes of that melodramatic crap payed off!

*Shadowmage goes and cries in a corner.

[Illjwamh]

This is done frequently, and for varying reasons. Ranma 1/2 was renamed Ranma 1/2: Nettohen after 1 season because it was cancelled and then picked up again, so it was a "different series", even though everyone knew it wasn't.

Seriously, shows have been renamed for less than a 3-year time jump, and everyone's still going to just call it Naruto, so who cares?

[Ninja Realist]

And Kakuzu is still standing, much to everyone's chagrin. Except me. I must admit I think this guy is completely bad ass and I would have been completely dissapointed if he had died that easily. Like, the villains are the only reason I keep reading Naruto. The heroes are so dull, and have such boring fighting styles that the main reason I keep reading is to see all the tricks that the Akatsuki members have up their sleeves.

[Shadowmage]

I admit Kakuzu's jutsu is interesting enough to justify his survival. I just hope the manga doesn't pull off another "we'll meet again" ploy.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

My prediction is that the turnaround will be with the Voodoo-jutsu. This fight won't finish until the trick behind this is revealed and exploited. Kakuzu's jutsu seems to suggest each mask contains a different elemental. It is possible he stole body parts of different Ninja for this. It might be that the real Kakuzu is inside the body as a mask and those strings.. the rest of him is just added flesh.
I'm not quite sure why Hindan can't die yet.

Either way, these two have become the best villains sofar. I haven't seen evil teamwork like this in a long time.

[triggerman]

yeah i agree with the last few comments. kakuzu is really interesting...who know something that cool could come form the waterfall country..or village or what ever. i think that these two as a combo are way better than kisame and hitachi...and they are more interesting to watch fight....and did anybody else notice that kakshi pulled off a double chidori like off the ps2 game. i though that was cool...i'm gonna love this fight.

[Illjwamh]

So we found out how Kakuzu creates his immortality. I must say, it's pretty awesome. If you've read 335 already, you know what I'm talking about, and if you haven't, what are you doing in here? Go read it first!

[jetfire]

My prediction is that the turnaround will be with the Voodoo-jutsu. This fight won't finish until the trick behind this is revealed and exploited.

Chapter 336:

Man, PsychoSaiya-jin, you are good.

And I've officially come to the conclusion that Naruto should be killed off, and Shikamaru should replace him as the main character, since he's leagues more interesting. This fight represents what had gotten me into being interested in this manga.

[Ninja Realist]

Ok but here's what I don't get. When Hidan stabbed himself, did it kill one of Kakuzu's hearts? Or all of them?

[jetfire]

Ok but here's what I don't get. When Hidan stabbed himself, did it kill one of Kakuzu's hearts? Or all of them?

He was gripping one heart, but it could have very well killed all of them if his blood stream is connected to all his hearts. The only thing that could mess this up is if he some veins which contained one type of blood, which connected to a few hearts, and if he had some other different veins which contained another type of blood that connected to the other hearts (so that the needle would only kill a few hearts and not them all). Yeah, it seems far fetched, but I wouldn't doubt the story pulling something like that out of it's ass. But if that was indeed the finishing blow, then I am very satisfied with the result.

EDIT: Actually, I misinterpreted the situation. Of course only one heart would be killed if it's from one stab. However, if Hidan doesn't catch on, he may stab himself multiple times, killing all of the hearts.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

While I'm pretty pleased that everything has gone as I've hoped, I have a feeling that those 2 have at least one more card up their sleeve.

I still don't know the secret behind Hindan's immortality. If his is linked to Kakuzu's (remember how he sew Hindan's head back on) then you may have them joining to form one nasty monster. Similarly to how Gaara monster'fied after being beaten by Sasuke.
..and in that case I could see Naruto jumping in. I wouldn't mind that too much.

We all know Naruto is going to make his classic "suprise" entrance like always, but his style has always been a monster-fighter than a 1v1 brainer.
It would be a great demonstration of his new super-jutsu and wouldn't undermine Shikamaru's fight in any way.

Also note that the last 2 heart-masks are Air and Fire types, very relevant to Naruto right now.

[Illjwamh]

Man, that was freaking awesome. Every time I think Shikamaru just can't get any cooler, he proves me wrong. Absolutely incredible.

I'm with Jetfire here. This fight represents everything that is interesting and engrossing in this series.

[Kei]

Hands down the best fight so far in part 2. I'm actually finding myself excited for the next chapter, that hasn't happened with me and Naruto for quite some time now.

[KiraraKim]

Shikamaru is the best character in Naruto hands down.

[Zelyhon]

I totally agree with everyone. Quite honestly, this fight is of a level Naruto hasn't been at in a while and I am quite enjoying it. I wonder, now that Shikamaru's effectively tricked Hidan into a: being fairly defenseless and b: turning his back on him, what his tactic is. I'd make a guess, but based on how the rest of the fight has gone, I'd probably be wrong.

Also, PSJ: There are now three hearts left; fire, wind and *lightning*, which could mean that Naruto'll show up to fight something with Sasuke's exact same elements, which might be interesting.

[Barrelhaven]

Okay, I'm sort of confused how Shikamaru pulled that off, so maybe one of you fellas can enlighten me.

I understand that Kakashi passed off Kakuza's blood sample to Shikamaru before they split, but how did Shikamaru get it into Hidan's system? Unless I blatantly missed a page, no where in their battle in the woods did Hidan come in contact with that blood. The blood from his scythe was clearly from slicing Shikamaru's face, wasn't it?

On page 15, in the last panel, you see something fall out of Shikamaru's pocket, which I assume to be the blood sample. Does that mean he somehow injected Hidan when we weren't looking or something? Even still, wouldn't drinking some of Shikamaru's blood after slicing him with the scythe still affect Shikamaru in some way?

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The blood from his scythe was clearly from slicing Shikamaru's face, wasn't it?
Nope, that was what Shikamaru wanted Hindan to think. The blood Hindan used was his partner's.

[Barrelhaven]

Nope, that was what Shikamaru wanted Hindan to think. The blood Hindan used was his partner's.

I guess that's what I'm confused about. How exactly did Shikamaru make that swap? After Hidan took a swipe at him with the scythe, he had a cut on his cheek. So during that time, did he somehow take out the vile of blood, pour it onto the scythe, then give himself a little cut on the cheek all within that split second? And assuming he could've done this, don't you think Hidan would've noticed, since he was staring directly at him?

[Ninja Realist]

I guess that's what I'm confused about. How exactly did Shikamaru make that swap? After Hidan took a swipe at him with the scythe, he had a cut on his cheek. So during that time, did he somehow take out the vile of blood, pour it onto the scythe, then give himself a little cut on the cheek all within that split second? And assuming he could've done this, don't you think Hidan would've noticed, since he was staring directly at him?

Suspend your disbelief?

Plot hole?

[Barrelhaven]

Suspend your disbelief?

Plot hole?

Meh, I was just wondering if I was missing something. In the last page, Shikamaru seemed to be holding some sort of syringe in his hand. I was thinking maybe he injected Hidan or something before hand? Whatever, though. It's still a pretty neat idea.

[Zelyhon]

Shikamaru's hand went in front of his face to "block" the attack. He probably scratched it himself while the sword took the blood capsule that was in his hand.

[Kei]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/kei_neko/22112_vip150777_122_407lo.jpg

Predictable no jutsu!

[triggerman]

where did u get this from? and i am really interested to see how naruto fights this Akatsuki member and to see if naruto has become more like a ninja in his fighting tactis since his demon fox chakra was held under control during his trainig.

[Illjwamh]

I guess that's what I'm confused about. How exactly did Shikamaru make that swap? After Hidan took a swipe at him with the scythe, he had a cut on his cheek. So during that time, did he somehow take out the vile of blood, pour it onto the scythe, then give himself a little cut on the cheek all within that split second? And assuming he could've done this, don't you think Hidan would've noticed, since he was staring directly at him?
He's a ninja.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Chpt 337

I don't know if the fight will end, or is only beginning... dun dun dun.

[triggerman]

He's a ninja.

this is real farfetched and whatnot but what i think might have happened is that shikamaru took a blood clotting pill or something like that and then injected kazuku's blood into his system which he got from kakashi after he drew blood from him after he chidoried his ass. that is the only thing i can think of other than that i am completely lost...and even still i am jiv lost lol.

[Illjwamh]

Man, who didn't see 337 coming, eh? I was looking forward to them finishing the fight on their own, too.

By the way, what the hell happened to those 20-some-odd other teams that are out hunting the Akatsuki as well? Are they taking a shit break or something?

[Shadowmage]

By the way, what the hell happened to those 20-some-odd other teams that are out hunting the Akatsuki as well? Are they taking a shit break or something?

Don't forget, Konoha is a very large territory. It will be unwise to focus all of one's military strength in a single location. That would result in security breaches all around the country such that Akatsuki (or Orochimaru) can just walk right in.

Imagine, the entire cast of Naruto fights and kills these two Akatsuki members, returns home to find Konoha burned to the ground. You never, ever, create even a 1% possibility of such a scenerio.

[triggerman]

Don't forget, Konoha is a very large territory. It will be unwise to focus all of one's military strength in a single location. That would result in security breaches all around the country such that Akatsuki (or Orochimaru) can just walk right in.

Imagine, the entire cast of Naruto fights and kills these two Akatsuki members, returns home to find Konoha burned to the ground. You never, ever, create even a 1% possibility of such a scenerio.

hahaha, that would be funny. But I really hope naruto fights like a ninja this time around. I though that is how he would be after hanging with Jiraiya but that was not the case.

[KiraraKim]

I finally read 337, Sai really needs a new costume. :)

I did see this development coming but I am still excited for the next chapter.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Okay so I just saw the shippuden anime preview.

any guesses as to what the jutsu name would be? I'm guessing Hurricane something.

[ruju]

any guesses as to what the jutsu name would be? I'm guessing Hurricane something.

it's called gufuusuika no jutsu. my japanese is pretty bad but I think that means suspended hurricane or something like that.... I think that the idea of the move is to hold down a powerful surge of wind (btw, gufuu means either a tornado, typhoon or a hurricane and suika means being penant and hydration. and oh !!! suika also means watermelon ^_^)

[Natsuke Takeda]

it's called gufuusuika no jutsu.

If you look closely at the manga.. you can see that the jutsu you stated seems to be a combo between Yamato-teichou and Naruto.

It's more likely to be from Yamato, though. I DOUBT they'll make Naruto's jutsu THAT low profile, otherwise it would be just any other technique out of the blue.

Naruto's technique is obviously an all-or-nothing shot, as his arsenal always consists of high chakra-eating jutsu.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too good. Too bloody good. I expected something but I didn't expect anything nearly as baddass as that. Damn :D

I had a feeling he would pull something off as I noticed the shadow cleverly creeped all over Hindan but damn I never realised he was going to pull off something as brilliant as that.
If Shikamaru wasn't a jounin before this he certainly will be now. I'll say it again; Shikamaru for Hokage. Yamikage, Kagekage, GARkage!

[Natsuke Takeda]

My my my.

Seems backup wasn't needed after all, ne?

It's time to face facts, if anything, Shikamaru is probably the strongest of the original Genin so far, with the exception being Sasuke, and probably Naruto, since my instincts say his Kaze Jutsu will be take out Kakuzu for sure.

Top notch battle. I'll take back the DBZ comparison if ya don't rub it in my face >.>

Let's face it, though. If not for Shikamaru's development being played out as much as the Sannin pupils, I don't think the arc would have been any better.

EDIT: I'm also wondering how the team thing will go. They don't need senseis anymore, right?

Also, is Shikamaru a Chuunin or Jounin? I didn't catch his promotion, I kinda forgot >.>

[Shadowmage]

Chapter 338

Win.

[Kei]

I am offically Gar for shikamaru.

[jetfire]

All I have to say is

OWNED.

Absolutely, and frigginly, utterly, owned.

And smoking is always bound to get someone killed.

[DarkKanti]

Excellent chapter!!!

Shika re-affirms his own awesomeness and kicks absolute ass.

If Shikamaru wasn't a jounin before this he certainly will be now. I'll say it again; Shikamaru for Hokage. Yamikage, Kagekage, GARkage!

Oh yeah.

[Illjwamh]

I second everything people have already said. That was the ultimate in awesome.

I wonder what Sai and Sakura are going to do when they get there, haha.

And Naruto will probably handle Kakuzu well enough, with minimal help from Ino and Chouji. I say this last bit because what other reason could Kishimoto have for leaving them with Naruto instead of his own team?

Also, is Shikamaru a Chuunin or Jounin? I didn't catch his promotion, I kinda forgot >.>
As near as I recall, the only one mentioned to be jounin level as yet is Neji, which would make Shikamaru a chuunin. No doubt he never expressed any interest in becoming a jounin, and thus was never tested for it - however they do that.

Bet they won't give him a choice now, though. :p

[Barrelhaven]

My my my.

Seems backup wasn't needed after all, ne?

That makes me wonder if Hidan is really finished or not, since it would be sorta weird to write in Sakura and Sai rushing off to Shikamaru's aid when it's ultimately uneventful. Then again, the whole dramatic cig-farewell scene seems to shut the door on that subject pretty conclusively. Maybe another Akatsuki member will pop up for them or something.

Anyway, I hope this "new" Naruto added some clever tricks to his skill set rather than just another suped-up Kamehameha (now with elements!) or whatever.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Seeing as Kakuzu's tenticle things are very fast, who's willing to bet Naruto has learnt to move like the wind or something similar?

If Hindan were somehow alive, it would probably reveal the secret to his "immortality" and he'll most likely now be some kind of inhuman monster like Kakuzu is. Either way, with Sakura's "healing" Shika should be right as rain :)

edit: I take it back about Naruto's new technique. From spoiler pics I've seen it is going to be pretty boring.
In all honesty I'd say that the Rasengan is the worst thing that ever happened to Naruto.

[triggerman]

ha ha that is so funny that u say that cuz it might be tru...and if ur spoiler pics are acurate and it is another boring uneventful fight that is just crazy. How is kishimoto san going to do something like that.. after all the trainging naruto went through he still isn't a real ninja. that sucks i hope ur wrong psycho cuz that would be very disappointing, and i hope that hidan is dead becuz that would just be crazy if he comes back again

[Natsuke Takeda]

chapter 339

....Oh come onn....

Don't tell me I waited this long for THAT justu >.> It's another Rasengan and I know they said Rasengan was incomplete and it's only half-finished, but... I thought it would be more... visual

I mean it looks like a Rasengan with 4 points... It better turn into a huge ass tornado >.> lol

ugh.

EDIT: Oh dear god... I thought of the Destructo Disk >.> SORRY!

[Barrelhaven]

I know it wouldn't be as dramatic of a battle, but Shikamaru should just take Hidan's scythe and poke him in the heart a few more times while he's stuck in that pit. Kakuzu would be finished without anyone even breaking a sweat.

[Illjwamh]

I know it wouldn't be as dramatic of a battle, but Shikamaru should just take Hidan's scythe and poke him in the heart a few more times while he's stuck in that pit. Kakuzu would be finished without anyone even breaking a sweat.
Haha. Yeah, really, eh?


As far as the Rasengan Shuriken goes, I may be in the minority on this, but I thought it was actually pretty cool. He finally has a technique for mid and long-range combat. And he's starting to act like a ninja. Sort of.



And I thought of the Kienzan, too. :p

[Barrelhaven]

Haha. Yeah, really, eh?


As far as the Rasengan Shuriken goes, I may be in the minority on this, but I thought it was actually pretty cool. He finally has a technique for mid and long-range combat. And he's starting to act like a ninja. Sort of.



And I thought of the Kienzan, too. :p

The idea of an all-purpose attack doesn't interest me as much. IMO, it's far more entertaining watching flawed characters cleverly think of ways to maximize their strengths to compensate for their weaknesses (see Shikamaru), as opposed to characters using the same, bluntly direct super weapon over and over (see DBZ).

Naruto started out ninja-y with his quick thinking versus Zabuza, but ever since he learned the Rasengan and unleashed that Nine-Tails power, he's become less and less creative with his strategy. I'm hoping that the writer, despite introducing a new, over-the-top attack, will not venture away again from what made the manga so entertaining.

[Two-twenty]

Holy God, Shikamaru is so effortlessly badass.

First the cigarette flick and now he's buried Hidan alive. Sakura and co. will turn up to help and see Shikamaru, uninjured, saying "You're too freaking late, how troublesome" and smoke another cigarette.

As for Naruto, I'm all for this new power because it seems like his actually planning for a fight, rather than just charging in. I'm up in the air as to whether or not I like his new power. If he uses it creatively, good, if he just chucks it, tss.

[Kei]

...aaaand all I could think about in Hidan's condition was the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Shoot me now.

[ruju]

gawd T_T sry about my last post I though that the gufuusaika was narutos technique but it seems to be a combination between naruto and tai T_T
I apologize for my mistake T_T

[Itachi Uchiha]

naruto's new technique... buwahahahahaha! It's a dud!

[Shadowmage]

naruto's new technique... buwahahahahaha! It's a dud!

I'm sure Naruto's next technique would be making his "Shuriken" even bigger. Wait a second...

[jetfire]

I knew that his new technique would just be a Rasangan X2

And this chapter was pretty pointless. It pretty much just ended the exact same way that the last chapter did. He could have just said his last line from this chapter, at the start of the chapter and cut to the chase. But then I guess there wouldnt be any "tension".

[Illjwamh]

No, this was a setup chapter. It's getting us prepped for what he's going to do to defeat this guy.

The screwup was an interesting touch. It was a sweatdrop moment during a high-tension sequence, and we haven't had one of those in a while. And in addition to that, it reminded us that Naruto is still Naruto.

What's going to happen is that he's going to do his technique again, but Kakuzu, not being a retard, is going to see right through it. Just like Ino said, you can't expect to fool someone like him with the same thing twice. Only what's going to happen - in typical Naruto fashion - is that the feint is not actually going to be a feint, or the real attack after the feint is going to be another feint, or something like that, and Kakuzu is going to be all arrogant and victorious right before his guts explode all over everybody and ruin Ino's hair.

[jetfire]

I know the purpose of the chapter being a setup. It's just that I've seen it so many times before, that it tends to make some fights drag out a little too long. By this point, I've come to terms with the fact that these 2 Akatsuki members are powerful. It's just that with so many setups, or struggles in power, that I just wish some of the fights would end quicker than others. I would have been more shocked if Naruto used his smarts and actually killed him in this chapter. It's just that because I knew that it would last longer, that it's beginning to get a little grating on the nerves.

I also think it would have shown that Naruto really has grown if he didn't screw up. However, if he did win right away, then I guess people would complain about a power imbalance. Still Kakuzu has been weakened quite a bit with all of the fighting that's happened before, so it is a bit of a handicap.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I'm hoping that now Naruto is going to have to pull of a tactical maneuver of Shika-proportions to land his trump in Kakuzu. His foe also has his 3 hearts so they may come into play. I'm sure there has to be one more surprise in store.

[edit] All this makes me miss the bigass Windmill Shuriken from early Naruto.

[Zelyhon]

So...he doesn't actually throw the Shuriken? It's a freaking *close range weapon* that just looks like a Shuriken? Laaaaaame. I expected someting a little more...diverse from his normal attacks.

[jetfire]

I just thought that I would let everyone know that the Naruto anime fillers will stop after the next episode, at episode 221. So it's finally official...but does anyone even care anymore?

I just wish the manga would end relatively soon, so the anime doesn't have to go through another huge filler spree again...

[Illjwamh]

Pfft. 50 bucks says there'll be another time jump before the story ends.

And I've known about the end of the filler for a while. I've got it marked on my calendar and everything. Finally, after nearly two years, I can start watching Naruto again.

[Angi]

So. Can you lend a piece of information to one who doesn't want to read the whole thread? I want to know what episodes are filers so I can just skip then and watch them sometime later. Please???

[Illjwamh]

From 135 on are all fillers. Skip them all.

The new real ones start again next thursday.

[triggerman]

Just read chapter 341....and it was better than i expected it to be. the rasengan shurinken is better than imagined much bigger and better than the original. All in all the chapter was pretty cool.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Just read chapter 341....and it was better than i expected it to be. the rasengan shurinken is better than imagined much bigger and better than the original. All in all the chapter was pretty cool.

But what I was looking for was something different from the Rasengan. It's true that the jutsu is supposed to be a completed version of the Rasengan, I wasn't looking for a jutsu that can be easily said as a Rasengan Upgrade. This jutsu is supposed to leap bounds over the original incomplete jutsu, but in my opinion, it still fails to impress me. In actuality, the fight with Naruto couldn't have even lasted half an hour.. Probably 15 minutes and the fact that it took out 3 hearts (3 hearts, right?) when it's only halfway done makes it seem very anticlimactic. I don't know if Kakuzu is done for, but the fight felt verrrry short and not much to revel on.

If it was me and this jutsu is as badass as it seems, then maybe the complete jutsu would not need to be close range.. or any range at all. The jutsu is completely controlled and isn't limited to any range at all. It is, after all, wind, and wind can carry forward or whatever direction easily, tornados and hurricanes can prove that >.>

But honestly, the victory felt a bit bitter and much to look to for. It's definitely nowhere near Shikamaru's signature finish styles but I wasn't looking for such a high-par ending with Naruto, but this didn't feel as decent.

What I fear is that this move will open other moves that create massive craters when utilized. I'm not looking for that, there are plenty of other manga and anime that do that. I don't want Naruto to be a powerhouse of incredible exploding make-giant-crater jutsus. He's a shinobi after all, and I doubt anyone can become a Hokage through sheer one-shot power hits alone. While I do believe the move was powerful, I still believe Sasuke has the better balance of everything. So far, Naruto utilizes all kinjutsu-type techniques. While I do like that he's using Kage Bunshin much more effectively, I don't want to see Kage Bunshin followed by an all-or-nothing shot. Obviously Naruto isn't a strategist, but I'd like to see more flow in this battles. This recent fight was cut very short. The guy's gotta do something different, because all his fights include starting off with Kage Bunshin, then following with a miracle shot. There's only so much you can do with miracles before it's as if you've seen it all.

Right now, Naruto consistency with his technique has left much to wonder if he'll pull anything that shocks me. I'm not surprised this move took out an Akatsuki member, but it's almost as if Naruto is in hack mode and when he's almost done for, he pulls off the miracle (John Cena everyone >.> He's cool but geez)

Perhaps this wouldn't have been so bitter if this fight was before Shikamaru's ending instead of following up such a great signature finish.

So far, Naruto has been a generic hyperactive hero. I'm hoping something will change.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The thing is that with the way Naruto can use kagebunshin now he could easily gain years of experience in no time at all and become a good strategist. Shame that it probably won't happen. The Raisenpan was everything I thought it was going to be and I hate it for it. Kakashi's Raikiri is still much more interesting. It would have been better if the new attack was a close range cutting attack rather than a 0-range fireball.

[Shadowmage]

So...he doesn't actually throw the Shuriken? It's a freaking *close range weapon* that just looks like a Shuriken? Laaaaaame. I expected someting a little more...diverse from his normal attacks.

If he could throw it, Naruto would effectively become another generic character from Dragonball Z.

So Naruto's new technique is a "one hit KO" attack. Not bad, but I don't see anything new about this save the fact that Naruto himself has to carry the attack to his opponent.

Anyways, "Atomic Bomb No Jutsu!"

[Illjwamh]

The one good thing to come out of this is that they'll really play up Kakuzu's death in the anime, so it'll be fun to watch. Other than that, it's really no different from just about every other victory Naruto has ever won since he learned the Rasengan. Even in the movies, which are as far from canon as it's possible to be, he always finishes with one of those. I'm always the first (and probably loudest) one to vehemently oppose comparisons to Dragonball Z, but the Rasengan really has become the Kamehameha of Naruto. There's no other way to say it.

[General Suburbia]

Um, question. I haven't been to the Naruto site in months (nor seen the anime or manga), but after finally visiting the site, I hear the the fillers are finished, but the anime is too. So is another Naruto series coming out or is it just finished and done with?

[Barrelhaven]

But what I was looking for was something different from the Rasengan. It's true that the jutsu is supposed to be a completed version of the Rasengan, I wasn't looking for a jutsu that can be easily said as a Rasengan Upgrade. This jutsu is supposed to leap bounds over the original incomplete jutsu, but in my opinion, it still fails to impress me. In actuality, the fight with Naruto couldn't have even lasted half an hour.. Probably 15 minutes and the fact that it took out 3 hearts (3 hearts, right?) when it's only halfway done makes it seem very anticlimactic. I don't know if Kakuzu is done for, but the fight felt verrrry short and not much to revel on.

If it was me and this jutsu is as badass as it seems, then maybe the complete jutsu would not need to be close range.. or any range at all. The jutsu is completely controlled and isn't limited to any range at all. It is, after all, wind, and wind can carry forward or whatever direction easily, tornados and hurricanes can prove that >.>

But honestly, the victory felt a bit bitter and much to look to for. It's definitely nowhere near Shikamaru's signature finish styles but I wasn't looking for such a high-par ending with Naruto, but this didn't feel as decent.

What I fear is that this move will open other moves that create massive craters when utilized. I'm not looking for that, there are plenty of other manga and anime that do that. I don't want Naruto to be a powerhouse of incredible exploding make-giant-crater jutsus. He's a shinobi after all, and I doubt anyone can become a Hokage through sheer one-shot power hits alone. While I do believe the move was powerful, I still believe Sasuke has the better balance of everything. So far, Naruto utilizes all kinjutsu-type techniques. While I do like that he's using Kage Bunshin much more effectively, I don't want to see Kage Bunshin followed by an all-or-nothing shot. Obviously Naruto isn't a strategist, but I'd like to see more flow in this battles. This recent fight was cut very short. The guy's gotta do something different, because all his fights include starting off with Kage Bunshin, then following with a miracle shot. There's only so much you can do with miracles before it's as if you've seen it all.

Right now, Naruto consistency with his technique has left much to wonder if he'll pull anything that shocks me. I'm not surprised this move took out an Akatsuki member, but it's almost as if Naruto is in hack mode and when he's almost done for, he pulls off the miracle (John Cena everyone >.> He's cool but geez)

Perhaps this wouldn't have been so bitter if this fight was before Shikamaru's ending instead of following up such a great signature finish.

So far, Naruto has been a generic hyperactive hero. I'm hoping something will change.

I share your feeling that this fight seemed a bit too quick 'n easy. Kakuza has proved to be an interesting foe, so surely he deserves a better sendoff than just that. It definitely felt anti-climatic...

Anyway, overall, I'm not too disappointed with Naruto's progress. He hasn't become a master strategist (like a Shikamaru), obviously, but it would be sort of out of character for him to become so. In this encounter with Kakuza, I'm pleased he integrated some things he learned from his training (employing shadow clones as a means to glean information), as well as showing some clever, albeit simple, strategy in using the Rasengan clone as a decoy. The tactic seems to fit him well...not very elaborately planned, and relying a lot on risky odds (as he would've been easily killed if Kakuza decided to wipe out the clones first).

I'm hoping they'll build off this, and we'll get to see Naruto develop not only in terms of Rasengan upgrades, but as a strategist as well.

Um, question. I haven't been to the Naruto site in months (nor seen the anime or manga), but after finally visiting the site, I hear the the fillers are finished, but the anime is too. So is another Naruto series coming out or is it just finished and done with?

I find it sort of odd that you seemingly discovered that the fillers are finished off the Naruto site, then come here, in the manga section no less, to determine whether more episodes of the anime are coming out. Wouldn't it have been easier just checking the Naruto site you were originally on? Anyway, to save you the trouble of taking a minute to do a google search, the fillers are done (for now) and the anime is returning to the manga content once again. To jazz it up a bit, they decided to add 'Shipuuden' to the end of the title.

[General Suburbia]

I see. I was just confused about the "Shipuuden" part.

[madpierrot]

First time posting in this thread so I'll try to throw down my throughts of the manga that takes place at the point that the TV series is about to pick up on.

Naruto's training seem to be the biggest waste ever. For 2 and a half years he's training with one of the strongest people in the world of naruto and what does he learn... nothing. No awesome new jutsu, no super techique, he comes back older. Oh and the one that that it seems like he did pick up kinda has the downside of killing him so that got me mad.

Throw this in with the general idea that Naruto needs more Jutsu's and it makes the Jiraiya training even more annoying. I mean he only really knows 3 and the one new one he just learned is a variation of one of his old ones. I mean come on, for this show being about jutsu's for the main character to know 3 it's pretty weak.

Those are pretty much my major beefs with the newest stuff. I love Naruto, but if I had to pick out two things that bother me more then anything it's those two by far.

Something I loved though recently that they threw in was the idea of everyone having a element with their chakra. Personally the different and unique jutsu's are what make the show a winner and throwing in one more winkle I loved. It just seems like a cool concept that they can really expaned upon.

Personally I think they will give him a second somewhere down the line. My take on it: Naruto has to have 2 if not for the reason that they will need a second element to drag the show out more, haha. But I feel that we will see a second with one of these four senarios A) his second is water b/c it's just his second B) he gets like fire or all five from the nine tails b/c his chakra has it's own element C) he gets water from the 9 nails or D) the nails tails gave him wind b/c it's overpowering his chakra still and his own is actually water. To be honest I think those all make perfect sense and one has to be true. I mean all the good ninja's have at least 2 and well... he's naruto, hurricane is in the title so water and wind seem to fit and he's got wind to hurt sasuka's lightning and will get water to hurt his fire.

I never read the manga until the filler arc ruined the show. I loved Naruto and perfer the anime to the manga and can not wait to see these volumes animated. It should be some great stuff.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Chapt. 342

Odd finish. Very odd. I've yet to understand just went on is that chapter, especially with Shikamaru.

What's with Kurenai wearing a wedding ring? I didn't yet what happened, cause if she's wearing a wedding band and Shikamaru's all "I'll protect your kid when he's born".. then... o.o;

And dammit Naruto isn't he king I guess? iono anymore!

Yeah >.>

*gets ready for class*

[Pedro The Hutt]

Naruto's training seem to be the biggest waste ever. For 2 and a half years he's training with one of the strongest people in the world of naruto and what does he learn... nothing. No awesome new jutsu, no super techique, he comes back older. Oh and the one that that it seems like he did pick up kinda has the downside of killing him so that got me mad.

Well, Jiraiya did warn him not to use THAT jutsu before they set off to save Gaara... but usually there is all but a few pages between the first mention of a THAT jutsu and it actually being used, so this is some kind of awesome record because it's been over a year now (in our time) and he still hasn't used it. XD So there might still be a bit of hope.


As Natsuke Takeda.... Asuma-sensei's the father, you silly dolt, oh look, there go the Kurenai fanboys into mourning.

So... now that since the start of the timeskip Teams 7, Gai & Asuma had their chances to shine, logically it would mean that Team Kurenai will ride out next. About time too. o:

[KiraraKim]

Chapter 342

Well it looks like Shikamaru has lost his carefree attitude. At least he still said his famous bothersome line when his father beat him at Shogi. We also finally learned who the "King" was Asuma was talking about. I wasn't expecting it to be the next generation. I really hope Kishimoto continues to use Shikmaru a lot because he is such a great character. Although I am hoping to see more of the other characters as well

[Zelyhon]

If he could throw it, Naruto would effectively become another generic character from Dragonball Z.

So Naruto's new technique is a "one hit KO" attack. Not bad, but I don't see anything new about this save the fact that Naruto himself has to carry the attack to his opponent.

Anyways, "Atomic Bomb No Jutsu!"

I dunno if a single distance attack would put it into the DBZ category in my view. Given, if he threw it to just be a generic blast, then maybe, but if he threw it and it was able to do something unique-ish, it might be better. I mean, they said that wind was best at close-mid range, right? A mid-range attack might not be that far out of the question, some sort of support attack to allow him to harry the opponent while setting up his bigger attacks, maybe? That's just my thought, though. I see something that looks like a Shuriken and I expect a distance attack.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Chapter 342

Well it looks like Shikamaru has lost his carefree attitude. At least he still said his famous bothersome line when his father beat him at Shogi. We also finally learned who the "King" was Asuma was talking about. I wasn't expecting it to be the next generation. I really hope Kishimoto continues to use Shikmaru a lot because he is such a great character. Although I am hoping to see more of the other characters as well
I liked it too. I think that Shikamaru will still be carefree since his role model was never all too serious himself. I'm also glad that he found someone to play shogi with.
I'm mostly relieved that Naruto didn't turn out to be the "King" afterall.

[KiraraKim]

I liked it too. I think that Shikamaru will still be carefree since his role model was never all too serious himself. I'm also glad that he found someone to play shogi with.

Yeah I know I just meant he isn't going to shy away from responsibility when it matters. Of course Shikamaru never really was lazy when it counted and that is what I always loved about his character. Besides the fact that he is a brilliant strategist.

[Pedro The Hutt]

I thought the next generation thing was rather straightforward, it's pretty much the exact same sentiment that the Third Hokage had.

And I just realised that I miss the days when the Naruto opponents were normal people with special abilities. XD They could be killed normally. These latest Akatsuki all seem to have some special trait for cheating death repeatedly. Especially with Hidan and Kakuzu it's almost as if Kishimoto feels compelled to upstage the most extravagant and bizarre things seen in both DBZ AND Akira. Ahhh... Zabuza, you will be missed. (And heck, even Orochimaru is beginning to look normal compared to the Akatsuki bunch. XD)

[triggerman]

i loved that chapter. Shika grew up a lot and we find out the what-cha-called it is pregnant...and shika is deff like one of the strongest characters in the manga. I mean he single handily beat an akatsuki and well he is the shit. and i actually like narutos' new jutsu its kinda cool. im just glad that both those guys are dead. for real. And basically the king is always changing and never certain? cuz it is always the next generation.

[Pedro The Hutt]

Silly you, Hidan isn't dead, he's just cursing through a layer of big rocks that Shikamaru should come back so he can bite his legs off. (That yellow bastard!)

[KiraraKim]

Ooh great chapter

343

Not only do we have a cute Naruto/Sai/Sakura/Kakashi scene Sasuke has challenged Orochimaru. I am sure something will stop Sasuke from defeating Orochimaru because that would be too good to be true. But I wasn't expecting these developments.

Also Naruto's new jutsu is not something that he can use lightly since it does damage to his body.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I really liked alot of things in this chapter that have already been mentioned but I found the drawing of Sakura a little bit awkward :S

For once, I am left with no idea how things are going to turn out next chapter.

[Natsuke Takeda]

o.o;

I am indeed in awe.. Sasuke's.. well... cool >.> Then again, he was always like that.

It kinda sucks that Sai's back to a supporting role. It doesn't seem like he's gonna play a bigger part, least not soon anyways.

EDIT: Now that i think about it, I don't like how chakra can be so easily seen now from Naruto and Sasuke.. it used to be such a shoker.. now it's.. just normal.. Especially from Sasuke and his little Blade. The blade remind you of Ichimaru Gin, anyone? lol

[Illjwamh]

Holy bad word for poo! @_@

The end of this chapter is something I saw coming...from the previous page. It was awesome, and even if neither of them die, it's going to be exciting.

Sai being a mood-killer was quite funny, even if a tad disappointing.

[Shadowmage]

If Orochimaru dies and stays dead, my opinion of the Naruto manga will go up five points.

[KiraraKim]

I think that would be too good to be true. Oh but how I wish we could get rid of Orochimaru. :(

I don't like Sasuke that much but if he killed Orochimaru for real he might move up to my favorite character by default.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Now that I think about it, Sasuke killing Orochimaru wouldn't be as odd as it first seemed. Naruto has managed to take out an Akatsuki single-handedly. Sasuke's rival-status depends on showing him being just as powerful and seeing as Orochimaru is ex-Akatsuki...

That being said, I doubt he'll kill him in this one fight. There's too much dramatic potential with those two for one to die without witnesses. I'll wager an interference like, say, Kabuto intervines.

There was also some foreshadowing on Kabuto's true form/bloodline waaaay back, so we still need to see that. Chances are he is part monster.

[Kei]

Chances are he is part monster.

Or has a Bijuu. Thats my guess.

[Illjwamh]

Or has a Bijuu. Thats my guess.
If he did, Sasori - an Akatsuki member - wouldn't have been using him as a spy.

Interesting theory though, and it would've been cool.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Or has a Bijuu. Thats my guess.hmmm if I remember, the hints were more to something in his bloodline. He is the adopted son of a doctor afterall.

[Pedro The Hutt]

Sai being a mood-killer was quite funny, even if a tad disappointing.

Pish posh, this is a Shounen Jump manga, there is no room for any real romance in 95% of those. XD

[triggerman]

i mean u do have a point but it did seem as though sakura was about to like...affectionately feed naruto or something like that. sai did kill the mood but i feel it was best for the manga. we don't need all that in here not yet anyways. the fact that kurenai is pregnant is enough for me. I just can't wait to see the other characters in action like Kiba, Shino, and Hinata and them. We saw a lil bit or choji and ino but nothing impresive. Its was kinda sad though how she realized that sakura would crush her if they fought again.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Sasuke's transformation is just as lame as we remember. It looks like it belongs in 666Satan, not Naruto.

[Illjwamh]

Man, wtf? Orochimaru is a snake? It was all right when it was just the heavy symbolism, but now it's just silly.


Though I must admit I never really minded Sasuke's demon form. It's no more out-there than the rest of them were.

[Barrelhaven]

I'm not a fan of the whole "transformation" gimmick in the first place, and Sasuke's doesn't do much to change my mind either. It sorta reminds me of Busou Renkin (why the hell am I still watching that?) after the whole "Victor-ization" process.

I guess it was unavoidable, but I don't really like the fact that Sasuke and Naruto have become so powerful already. Relatively speaking, they're still kids compared to Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, the old Hokage, Kakashi, etc., yet they're possibly already stronger than they are. I miss the days where Team 7 were just scraping by.

[Natsuke Takeda]

And so, I have solid proof just how unshinobi things have just taken >.>

I think they're running out of ideas for bad guys. Seriously, we had immortals in Hidan and Kakuzu, what can one-up that? Perhaps a one-finger death technique!!! o.o

We have monsters who can't really be called summons now, can they >.> I mean.. man, did they like.. run out of jutsus or something?

But aside from that, I'd like to also denounce my distaste for the leader of akatsuki. It's not that he's eeevil or anything, cause that's cool and all, but when I saw that small glimpse of him back in earlier chapters, I didn't really like how the man who's probably the strongest shinobi ever right now had facial piercings near the point of a punk rocker (pardon the stereotype~). It just doesn't seem to fit the bill IMO.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

If I remember, the transformation comes from Orochimaru's seal, therefore - through the seal - he still has some curse-control over subordinates. Like he did with Anko. I'm still surprised Anko never talked properly to Sasuke about it. Maybe he would have chosen differently with that knowledge.

[Illjwamh]

I doubt it. He knew exactly what he was doi