Naruto Manga/Anime Discussion Fun Thread!

[Sheldon]

Well I figured I do a thread for those that are following the Manga, or Anime.

Chapter 215 is out with Gaara vs Kimimaro

Its nice seeing Tenten.....even if it was the cover...hopefully she'll do more soon...

I'm impressed with Gaara's new tricks....the Desert Avalanche was quite the visual...

Kimimaro is one tough mofo.....I wonder what his curse seal 2 is like. Next issue should be a lot of fun...

Hopefully they wrap up this fight then, so we can get to Naruto vs Sasuke.

I also hear rumors that after this arc, they'll jump a ahead 3 or 4 years....that should be interesting. I wouldnt' be surprised if Sasuke leaves to train with Orochimaro just before the time lapse....

Opinions thoughts etc?

----------------------------------------------------------

MODERATOR NOTE: This thread has gotten huge and unwieldy. Please feel free to further discuss Naruto in the second volume of this thread here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=229992). Be sure to review the rules in the first post. Thanks!

~DarkBlade

----------------------------------------------------------

[Daemon]

I'm just worried that someone is gonna job in the next couple of chapters.

Considering that Naruto had a rather difficult time working out with Kinimaro and a weakened Rock Lee was able to keep up with a Normal non curse Kiniimaro, and now he goes Curse 2 to fight Gaara-sama...

This is all of course supposed to be done by someone who's working on just will alone as he's supposed to be on his last legs.

[Sheldon]

I'm just worried that someone is gonna job in the next couple of chapters.

Considering that Naruto had a rather difficult time working out with Kinimaro and a weakened Rock Lee was able to keep up with a Normal non curse Kiniimaro, and now he goes Curse 2 to fight Gaara-sama...

This is all of course supposed to be done by someone who's working on just will alone as he's supposed to be on his last legs.

I wouldn't be surprised if Gaara gets pushed to the limit next chapter and has to rely on Rock Lee for some help. But they are gonna have to make Kimimaro pretty damn impressive to push Gaara.

Gaara seems to have improved his speed a lot since the Chuunin exam. Kimimaro seemed to be keeping up with Rock Lee ( although we don't know if he was wearing the weights or not) and he was caught rather easily by Gaara.

[Anon]

I wouldn't be surprised if Gaara gets pushed to the limit next chapter and has to rely on Rock Lee for some help. But they are gonna have to make Kimimaro pretty damn impressive to push Gaara.

Gaara seems to have improved his speed a lot since the Chuunin exam. Kimimaro seemed to be keeping up with Rock Lee ( although we don't know if he was wearing the weights or not) and he was caught rather easily by Gaara.
It's also possible Rock isn't completely healed, and thus, is slower

[HartyPotter]

But this makes you wonder why he didn't use this attack during the tournament, considering the entire stadium was practically sand. He could have killed Sasuke instantly.

[Sheldon]

But this makes you wonder why he didn't use this attack during the tournament, considering the entire stadium was practically sand. He could have killed Sasuke instantly.

I'm thinking Desert Avalanche is a new move. It has been a little while since we last saw him...

[Anon]

But this makes you wonder why he didn't use this attack during the tournament, considering the entire stadium was practically sand. He could have killed Sasuke instantly.
He almost certainly didn't know it yet

[Aubergine~!]

I'm thinking Desert Avalanche is a new move. It has been a little while since we last saw him...

I agree. All the sand trio seem to be packing new moves.

[jed108]

Well I haven't kept up with the manga nearly as much as the anime series so I'm a bit out of loop with these new characters. The furtherest I've seen in the manga was when Itachi shows up and schools some ninjas until Gai Sensei saves the day temporarily. Anyway I'm curious as to who is the favorite character of various posters. For me it is Kakashi.

[Daemon]

Well, if you saw the avatar I had before I changed it to my pic, or my sig, mine is blatantly obvious.

BTW, if any of you Naruto fans on the anime board role play, come play "You vs Naruto" with us on the Rumbles Board

Bah!

his power pales before the unbridled power of the Desert Avalanche!

[yojimbo]

I'm telling you man, Gaara has to equip Rock with a sand shield, then get Rock drunk.

That would be BADASS.

[Aubergine~!]

I'm telling you man, Gaara has to equip Rock with a sand shield, then get Rock drunk.

That would be BADASS.

The world would tremble.

The only bad part about the current storyline is that there are undoubtedly several fangirls out there who will take this as inspiration to write Rock/Gaara slash.

[Sheldon]

I can't wait until the subbed version of episode 84 comes out......
Itachi beating on Sasuke is definitely a good thing!

[Daemon]

I can't wait until the subbed version of episode 84 comes out......
Itachi beating on Sasuke is definitely a good thing!


*insert name here* beating on Jerkface is always a good thing.

Itachi doing it and making it look easier is just the cherry on top.

[Jessie]

What I'm really waiting for is the big Sannin & Kabuto fight. I mean, I'm grateful we've got subbers who are getting out shows the week they come out, but I'm so impatient...

It better not be shortened to like, 3 pathetic episodes.

[Sheldon]

I want to see Kabuto get hit with the Rasengen!

hmmm I wonder what color its gonna be?

I really liked the sannin training scene last episode with Tsunade taunting Jiraiya. That was great!

[Jessie]

Heh. The scanlation of 216 is out. I wonder how I missed this...

[Sheldon]

There us a anruto thread and i wasn't aware?? shame sheldon.
Sorry Slayven :(

back on track 216 is pretty good.....Gaara's panda bear defense was interesting....Poor Rock seems useless in this fight.....I hope it ends next fight. I really want to see Naruto vs Sasuke, even though its inevitable that it won't be resolved nicely....

[Jack]

I been saying for ages that it'll end with Naruto Hengeing into Sakura and talking Sasuke down.

I just HATE that, because the Jerkface deserves to die for what he's done.

[Sheldon]

I want sasuke to be at deaths door, when the reinforments arrive......a huge battle happens with more casualties, and it with Orochimaru and Sasuke dissappearing.....

at this point I'd like to have a 5 year time lapse....

[Aubergine~!]

You know, I had a thought.

If the author of Hikago was writing this, he'd probably end the series with this arc and have Sasuke join Orochimaru.

Then he'd put some crap about how they'll be eternal rivals and all fight to connect the future to the past.

Then I will cry.

But in a jaw manner.

[Sheldon]

217 RAW is out! Holy Crap!!!!!!
The last page is just stunning!!!

You can get is here:
http://xscanmakina.free.fr/naruto217.zip

Inane's version is out now....www.narutofan.com has it.

Poor kiminimaro.....

[Aubergine~!]

Fantastic end to the fight, and the last page... all I can say is bloody finally.

[Jessie]

Yep. I'm not fantastic with all of Gaara's tricks, but this did give us a great chance to see what Kimimaro's capable of.

[Melchior]

Anybody else think that someone has gotten ahold of the Lord of the Ring DVDs recently.... :D

[Expletive Deleted]

How often do new chapters get released/translated?

[Jessie]

New Chapters get released every week. Most of the time, they're up by thursday or saturday.

Has anyone watched the latest naruto episode?

Episodes come out every week, as well. In Japan, they come out on Wednesday. Some of the speed guys may have it ready as a -day release, but you can always expect at least one of the fansubbing groups to complete it by thursday. Anbu, the fansub group with the most consistent image/sound/translation quality, usually gets their versions done on saturday - and that's the slowest release.

[Sheldon]

I watched Bakafish's version of the 85. It was pretty good. Sasuke gets a much worse beat down by itachi than in the manga....it was pretty cool, yet sad at the same time...

[Sheldon]

This site is just awesome......great detail here....
www.leafninja.com

[Aubergine~!]

The latest chapter (218) was pretty boring. Nothing you didn't know would happen. Imo, of course.

[Jack]

While nothing much happened, I felt that certain pages were brilliantly done.

Like page 6, where Naruto is thinking back to Sakura crying that she couldn't stop Sasuke, and as her face gets closer Naruto's face becomes more and more angry and his features more bestial.

And the characterization was spot on, really getting across Naruto's philosophy and how Jerkface has been corrupted from it..

[Jessie]

I was rather disappointed with this one. Yes, I was bored. Yes, I did read the chapter in 2 minutes.

I think I'm gonna take the advice of someone else and just let the volumes collect before reading again, so I can enjoy it more.

[Daemon]

I'm just worried that Jack's prediction is most likely gonna come true now...

[Jack]

Dude, I have a billion predictions. You mean the slash one, right?

[Daemon]

you should know that I automatically disregard your opinion on the more mundane matter....you just seem to have a very slashified mind...even though you condemn it so much...

[Jack]

Feh, you say that now... But we have a billion running bets going with those predictions and you know it!

[Sheldon]

I just took a look at the 219raw!!!!!

The fight has begun and
Sasuke is really owning Naruto.....although Naruto did a great Kage Bushin move.....that 1st hit that Sasuke got off was brutal!!!!! Good thing Naruto has a ton of stamina....

[Daemon]

*sigh*

and let me guess....Sasuke hasn't gone curse 2 yet...hell, not even curse 1 yet right?

damn, will Sasuke's jobbing aura know no bounds....he makes even Naruto job in fics for christ's sake.... :p

[Jack]

He was curse 1 for the first hit, then he complained it was too much power and turned it off. Sigh. The jerkface is supposed to be fast, not strong.

[Jessie]

Look, kiddies!

Episode 88 and chapter 220 are both out.

[Daemon]

Do we really need characterization on Jerkface?

With the exception of Japan isn't he universally despised?

The only thing this chapter adds is some background on Itachi and why he went apeshit.

[Jessie]

No, we do not. I like the little bits on Itachi, and it's better than some fight/dialogue between Sasuke and Naruto.

[Aubergine~!]

Wish they'd just end the damn arc already.

It was ayt at first, but I say it's been going on for too long.

Thing is, this fight'll probably last the entire volume, or possibly beyond that..

[Sheldon]

Any appearance of itachi is a good thing. I think they want us to gain some more sympathy for Sasuke....but I dont think its gonna work.

[NeoSapien]

I have a couple random Naruto continuity questions and possible answers.

1. How old are Naruto and his fellow rookie genins?

At the start of the manga, Naruto is definitely 12. The Kyuubi incident happened 12 years ago, and he was specifically a newborn then. We would assume that Sasuke and Sakura are roughly the same age, but Naruto failed his graduation exams twice, thus staying back two years and Sasuke and Sakura certainly did not fail their exams or their 1st survival mission afterward (since they had no idea what to expect from it), so logically they could never have stayed back. Therefore Sasuke and Sakura are about two years younger than Naruto, around 10 or so. This is hard to believe, since neither seems to be that young. (Plus, both are taller than Naruto, very unlikely with a two-year age difference just before puberty.)

We must either accept that Sasuke and Sakura are 10 (and maybe they are; I have only been into Naruto for a couple weeks and may have missed something) or create some other explanation. Perhaps the Third Hokage had high hopes for Naruto and enrolled him in the academy two years early. Naruto would have barely passed every year until he reached the graduation exams. This could also add an extra layer of isolation between Naruto and his peers; he would be younger than them for every year until his last, and to them he would be the dunce who failed twice.

2. How the hell did Rock Lee pass his graduation exams? If he knew no ninjutsu or genjutsu and had below-average taijutsu, he would be even worse than Naruto, who failed the same year Naruto passed. Was it a paper test that year? Was Iruka ludicrously lax on Rock Lee and unfairly harsh on Naruto? Or did Rock Lee master the basic skills necessary to pass, but they are too simple to count as "true" ninjutsu or genjutsu?

[Cowlander]

The generally accepted opinion is that their all about 12-14 at this point. This still makes since with Nar fgailing twice. If the acade3my exams happen any where near as often as the Chunnin(twice a year i think) then he could at the most be one year past them. With the way the world is set up most likey grad exams happen at the rate of about 4 a year(like finals every quater in mid/high school). That'll keep a steady flow of recruits. If you go by the theory that the higher the rank the less often it happens that'll also say that the academy exam happens fairly often making them all even more closer to the same age.

As far as Rock Lee, I think the also accepted general theory is that he had a diffenent teacher. That different teachers have different qualifications for graduation. If you got a teacher who specializes in Taijutsu why would he have your final be on ninjutsu something hes not intimately familiar/comfortable with. It wouldnt make since for say Gai to do the exam(we have no clue how teachers are assigned in Naruto) and he made the final be on Kage-Bushin. But it would make perfect since for Kakashi to have that as his final.

[Melchior]

I would put Team 7 at about the same age (maybe 13 at this point). From what I have rationalized, and this is only based on intuition for the most part, is that most families have their kids taught the basics at the Academy's early years, and then have in-depth family training at home. Unless something unusual happens, this continues until about 12, where the kids get their last standardized lessons and then take the exam. The two exceptions I can think of are Naruto and Kakashi. Kakashi became genin at a young age, though he was clearly stated as a genius and probably skipped early grades. Naruto lacks the family to normally take care of him and teach him family techniques, and thus was enrolled early and more heavily in the Academy in order to keep him occupied/taken care of. Since he clearly understands the mechanics and basics behind techniques (make seals, this is supposed to do that, etc.), he probably went through the first grades quickly (no one wanting to teach 'that kid' longer than they had to), up until the last year where you actually had to correctly perform the techniques to graduate. This is where Naruto proceeded to fail.

On a side note, anyone else ever think of Naruto as possessing a 'reverse-bloodline' ability. Instead of possessing a handful of truely unique, powerful, mass-chakra consuming moves, he suffers from massive amounts of chakra and difficulty performing any sort of move. This is due to the large quantity of foreign chakra that is constantly flowing into his system, which must then be mixed and added with Naruto's.

As for Rock Lee.... I think he just got a waver on the last year. Naruto was clearly able to do ninjutsu, he was just incapable of doing it well at that point. From everything shown, Lee cannot do ninjutsu at all, and the teachers and his classmates know this. Since it was not his fault for not doing the techniques, as well as honestly trying to make it up with his taijutsu and possibly some pressure from Gai, Lee probably only had to pass any and all other parts of the final.

[sehthan]

In Naruto terms, Rock's inability to do ninjutsu could reasonably be seen as a disability - it might have seemed unfair to his instructors to hold that against him. One assumes he was solid enough on his other skills to warrant a special exception - and once given that exception, he worked his ass off to prove he deserved it.

As for Naruto, it seems resonable to assume he might have started at the academy at an earlier age than Sasuke or Sakura, since they don't seem to too stricly enforce any rules concerning age there. But don't some of his flashbacks show him as a kid with guys like Kiba, who graduated at the same time as him but presumably didn't fail twice?

Given his impatience to become a ninja, maybe Nartuo opted to take the graduation exams early?

[sehthan]

[QUOTE=Melchior]

On a side note, anyone else ever think of Naruto as possessing a 'reverse-bloodline' ability. Instead of possessing a handful of truely unique, powerful, mass-chakra consuming moves, he suffers from massive amounts of chakra and difficulty performing any sort of move. This is due to the large quantity of foreign chakra that is constantly flowing into his system, which must then be mixed and added with Naruto's.
QUOTE]

That's an interesting take on it. I suppose having an ovewhelming amount of chakra could make it harder to control your techniques, but if Nartuo had been drawing on all that chakra all along I'd think his failures would have been more spectacular. When Naruto's techniques fail they just fizzle. And Gaara never seems to have similar difficulties.

Whereas Rock can't use ninjutsu at all, I think Naruto's problem is just that he's a bit slow. And until fairly recently, unfocused. For whatever reason, it took him a long time to get the hang of using his chakra. But once he finally "got it," the dam burst. He's picked up some powerful, obscure techniques really quickly; he clearly had far more potential than he was given credit for, and not just because of his chakra grande.

[sehthan]

Some minor spoilers here if you're not up on the current storyline...

So the manga has made a point of repeatedly drawing a parallel between the Legendary Three Ninjas and our trio of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. Now, the Naruto/Jiraya and Sasuke/Orochimaru correlations are pretty obvious, and with the current arc the younger two have even taken up roles as proteges of the older pair. But the comparison really breaks down with Sakura/Tsunade.

Other than both being The Girl, Sakura and Tsunade seem to have little in common. Although bright and even somewhat talented, Sakura has not really distinguished herself as a ninja and doesn't really seem commited to doing so. Tsunade, on the other hand, seems to deserve her legendary status. She's tough, she's Freakishly Strong (as all good anime/manga tomboys should be...) and she's clearly very skilled. And before she let her grief consume her she was clearly dedicated to serving her village as a ninja (didn't we see a young Tsunade with the Anbu?). Hell, even after years of wallowing, she's still formidable and serious enough to become Hokage.

I keep waiting for Sakura to get serious about being a ninja, but at this point it's hard to imagine her ever hanging with Naruto and Sasuke the way Tsunade can hang with Jiraya and Orochimaru. I do wonder, though, if Sakura might not follow a similar path to her teammates' and become Tsunade's protege, perhaps taking up medical ninjutsu? She certainly has the intellect for it...

[Daemon]

Jack, is the one that says after this current arc he hopes that we end up seeing Sakura begin training under Tsunade.

He was also the first one to point out the Sakura and Slug parrallels.

[Expletive Deleted]

I do wonder, though, if Sakura might not follow a similar path to her teammates' and become Tsunade's protege, perhaps taking up medical ninjutsu?I've been assuming that's the direction they're going, too. With all the parallels between the two groups, it makes sense.

Maybe I missed something, but was it ever explained why the legendary Three Ninjas are . . . well, legendary? We know they're powerful and they've done impressive stuff over the course of the series, but I don't recall anything being mentioned about their exploits of years past.

[Melchior]

Should be noted that Tsunade's freakish strength is, from Jiraiya's ramblings, something she has possessed since she was practically a genin.

"I suppose having an ovewhelming amount of chakra could make it harder to control your techniques, but if Nartuo had been drawing on all that chakra all along I'd think his failures would have been more spectacular. When Naruto's techniques fail they just fizzle. And Gaara never seems to have similar difficulties." sehthan

Well, its less the fact that it is a ton of chakra, and more of the fact that it is foreign chakra AND his own that have to be molded. Until he gets the stuff down pat, it just does not want to mold into anything, and that is what causes the technique to fizzle. What's worse is that his body is already partially used to it, as shown by how much easier Naruto was able to stand on water once Jiraiya removed Orochimaru's interfering seals. Once he really trains with a technique, he uses it pretty easily, but his body has learned how to channel it all that way. If Naruto is ever deprived of the Nine-tails, I would expect his stamina to drop terribly, but for his efficiency and learning speed to jump up.

As for the Naruto vs. Gaara problems, I think that is simply due to the way they are sealed. Naruto has pretty much free reign from the Nine-tail's personality, and gets a ton of chakra. Gaara does have to deal with Shukaku's personality, but his seal grants him access to the racoon's techniques, at astonishingly low chakra cost. The only way Naruto is getting free techniques from the Fox would be if the Fox managed to break through that seal and take over (or Naruto suckered the Fox into teaching him something while in that dream-world).

As for the three Legendary Nin? Probably started when they ransacked their Genin exam, and went on from there.

[sehthan]

Well, its less the fact that it is a ton of chakra, and more of the fact that it is foreign chakra AND his own that have to be molded. Until he gets the stuff down pat, it just does not want to mold into anything, and that is what causes the technique to fizzle. ... If Naruto is ever deprived of the Nine-tails, I would expect his stamina to drop terribly, but for his efficiency and learning speed to jump up.
.
I can buy that, but I'd say he's getting pretty used to mixing the chakra at this point. It seems to be increasingly less of an obstacle for him, and if he was suddenly without it his skills would probably actually suffer for a while while he adjusts to life *without* all that foreign chakra he's gotten used to. He'd effectively have to relearn how to perform ninjutsu - like an artist that injured his hand and had to learn to draw again (that happened to Kia Asamiya, right?)

Hasn't it been suggested that Naruto and the nine-tails' chakra are starting to meld anyway - at what point does the nine-tails' chakra stop being foreign and just start being a part of him?

[Daemon]

I was under the impression that Naruto's chakra is not mixing, unless he's actively asking for from the fox or he goes berserk.

Thats the one advantage I'd give the anime over the manga. Whenever Naruto uses his technique's you just see his normal blue chakra, especially in the Gaara match.

At the begining of the Neji duel it was all blue then when he asked for assistance his chakra turned red.

So it was my understanding that the reason why he failed so often in the begining was because he didn't have the control neccessary and noone taught him how.

[Melchior]

Well, first things first.

To reply to sehthan:

You are certainly right about how losing it will also screw up Naruto's control. In my mind, the loss of the Nine-tail's chakra would be due to a draining from Itachi's group (hey, a ton of power in an easily capturable container! Like rolling a beer keg into an out of control frat party), and would probably drain Naruto as well, thus having Naruto building up from scratch anyway. In other words, I have never considered a loss other than one that was crippling to Naruto as well.

As for mixing and molding the chakra? Yep, he's definitely getting better. From my earlier comments, I meant to show that Naruto is at least as skilled at molding chakra as his classmates, but has to deal with a messed up chakra system that meant he had to work even more to get a technique to work. So, he managed to almost catch up with two years more work, and then put himself through the ringer even more by learning his two juunin level techniques under severe time restrictions.

And yes, their chakra is merging anyway, but who knows the actual rate of absorption/adaption.

Daemon: Let's handle this somewhat backwards.

"So it was my understanding that the reason why he failed so often in the begining was because he didn't have the control neccessary and noone taught him how." Daemon

I agree that he was lacking control and no one was teaching him how. On the other hand, I: 1. doubt many people tried, and 2. place the lack of control from the chakra difference that as of yet, no other Leaf ninja seems to suffer, and has personal knowledge on handling.

"I was under the impression that Naruto's chakra is not mixing, unless he's actively asking for from the fox or he goes berserk.

Thats the one advantage I'd give the anime over the manga. Whenever Naruto uses his technique's you just see his normal blue chakra, especially in the Gaara match.

At the begining of the Neji duel it was all blue then when he asked for assistance his chakra turned red." Daemon

The color seems to be simply who is lending the lion's share of the chakra. If the Nine-tail's is doing it, the chakra is red. If it is Naruto's normal chakra (which has absorbed the Nine-tail's), then it shows blue in the anime. Personally, I think it should be yellow due to Naruto's talk with Jiraiya, but hey, that's my own silly opinion. :)

Naruto's chakra is almost certainly mixing with the Nine-tail's. I believe it has been specifically mentioned, as well as indirectly shown. The visual evidence comes from one of the character's you mentioned, as well as the fight. Take Neji's special view of the chakra pathways of a normal ninja, and then his view of Naruto. Naruto's seal has ADDED an entire spiral structure to Naruto's pathways, centered on his navel. The Nine-tail's power boost comes from the center of the spiral, and rolls around the spiral and then into the Naruto's body. Now, the spiral is shown both before and after Naruto pulling power from the Nine-tail's, so it is almost certainly a valid chakra carrying pathway when not pulling the extra power. That, combined with the seal and some of Jiraiya's comments when looking at what Orochimaru's seals did to the seal on Naruto (remember, Jiraiya trained the Fourth, so he probably has some idea what his student did), makes me believe that Naruto is probably constantly absorbing at least some of the chakra the Nine-tail's is putting out while caged in Naruto's belly. The big question for me is whether or not the extra chakra is a permanent addition to Naruto's normal amount, or just a small boost.

Well, I have read over my reply, and I think it makes sense. On the other hand, I know it from my side of the screen. So, if you want more explanation, just ask. You want to just call it all dribble and ignore it, feel free to tell me. I definitely will not have any hard feelings about that.

[sehthan]

As for mixing and molding the chakra? Yep, he's definitely getting better. From my earlier comments, I meant to show that Naruto is at least as skilled at molding chakra as his classmates, but has to deal with a messed up chakra system that meant he had to work even more to get a technique to work.

I'd agree with that. I'd also agree with the notion that he suffered from a lack of personal tutelage early in life. Poor kid had mulitple handicaps in that regard.


And yes, their chakra is merging anyway, but who knows the actual rate of absorption/adaption.

True. One has to wonder what it actually means for their chakra to be merging, as well. Will Naruto eventually completely absorb the Nine-tails, or will the Nine-tails start to gain more influence over Naruto? Assuming the Fourth had the time and ability to really work up a favorable seal, I'd say the former is more likely. The latter would just result in the Nine-tails eventually becoming a threat to the village again. Unless the seal was simply meant to contain the Nine-tails, period, and the fact that Naruto is drawing on it indicates that the seal is "leaking." In which case, all bets are off.

[Chi Illy]

Are the anime and manga at the same point storylinewise, or is one ahead of the other?

[Sheldon]

The manga came out first and is about 70 chapters ahead of the anime.

[Jack]

Actually, when he isn't using the Kyuubi's chakra Naruto's Inner Coil System looks the same as everyone else. Check chapter 100. In the anime they show it differently, but that's secondary canon.

[Melchior]

My apologies Jack. I try to keep the differences between the manga and anime separate. Your correction on chapter 100 does indeed invalidate part of statement. I still believe it is a constant leaking, based of Jiraiya's statements and how Orochimaru's seals (which in this case are apparently NOT on any pathways) screwed up Naruto's control.

[NeoSapien]

The Ninetails's primary effect on Naruto is to boost his stamina and healing factor well above the norm. Naruto recovers from injuries and exhaustion as efficiently as RPG characters in inns. Because of this tremendous stamina, even Naruto's personal "yellow" chakra has deeper reserves than any other Genin. I agree that this is caused by a steady, low-level flow of the Kyuubi chakra out of the seal, revitalizing Naruto. Oddly, Naruto's great stamina and healing remained active even with Orochimaru's Five Element Seal in place, as shown in the battle with the genjutsu-wielding Rain-nins and when Hinata's ointment appeared to instantly heal Naruto's cut and Kakashi commented on how only Naruto heals that fast. Orochimaru's seal seemed to only prevent greater, more direct transfers of the Kyuubi's chakra to Naruto, with the secondary effect of making Naruto's control even worse than it was originally.

[OverMaster]

Do we really need characterization on Jerkface?

With the exception of Japan isn't he universally despised?



It would amaze you to know how many 'Jerkface' Western fangirls I've met on the Net...

And a lot of those girls are *scary*...

By the way, could someone tell me if the Naruto game for PS2 is any good?

[Daemon]

It would amaze you to know how many 'Jerkface' Western fangirls I've met on the Net...

And a lot of those girls are *scary*...

By the way, could someone tell me if the Naruto game for PS2 is any good?


Yes well fangirls are a whole 'nother species that I won't touch.

They're distantly related to the Yaoi obsessed variety if I'm not mistaken.

[Melchior]

Yep, the teenage fangirl group are the most obsessive people on the planet (and boy, they can be SCARY!!).

As for Naruto, yep, the Kyuubi seems to have permanently increased his stamina. Either his body has become used to having and using all that extra power and has tried to keep up, or the monster's chakra really is a part of him now. I doubt that any of the other Rookie 9 will be ever able to match him in sheer power/stamina, though most seem to have a bit more skill.

[Daemon]

Yep, the teenage fangirl group are the most obsessive people on the planet (and boy, they can be SCARY!!).

As for Naruto, yep, the Kyuubi seems to have permanently increased his stamina. Either his body has become used to having and using all that extra power and has tried to keep up, or the monster's chakra really is a part of him now. I doubt that any of the other Rookie 9 will be ever able to match him in sheer power/stamina, though most seem to have a bit more skill.


not that most of them only have more skill than him at the moment.

look what the boy turned out for the Chuunin finals after 1 month of training under a teacher that was giving him more attention than his jounin instructor.

Then look at what the boy does the 2nd time that teacher "trains" him in another month.

We only now need is for Gai to show him the ropes for a month or so...cause that seems to be the magic number for Naruto... :D

[Sheldon]

Naruto with Taijustu training from Gai would be a force! If only Jiraiya let him wear the jump suit!!!!

Anyone else enjoying the Itachi flashback? He's becoming a much more complicated charactered that I thought he was.

[LoneWolf21]

Probably for the best I decided not to skim through the thread eh? I've only been keeping up with the series through the english translations from Viz/Shonen Jump USA so I'm more than likely _way_ behind you guys.

Still I've been getting a kick out of the series. I do wish I can gone and bought one of those fairly nifty Naruto headbands (the icons being made of some sort of metal) when I was at Anime Expo, but around 30 bucks for it just seemed a little steep.

Anyway, where I'm at right now, iirc the team just started the classroom written exams (with Rock, that girl who's name I forget that seems to have a thing for Naruto, and that friendly guy with glasses who's name escapes me, among others), rather amusing to see Naruto's reaction to the insane terms the've been given to work with. I do remember being a bit suprised when Sasuke took those needles for Naruto from pyscho kid, although I didn't think he was "dead dead" for a minute, just "Marvel/DC dead", and of course, I was right.

[Jack]

Man, you know that it'll take about 10 years for Viz to catch up with where the manga is in Japan?

We don't download it because we're thieves. We download it because that's a hell of a long time to wait.

www.narutofan.com

Yeah, I buy the official Viz ones too, but I'd hate to have to wait that long for it. And also because I'm very interested in the differences between translations, but that's just me.

[Sheldon]

Here is an ftp site with issues 1-213 in one big zip + all the episodes......you can find it here (ftp://naruto:naruto@18.247.4.123/)

I got the info on Narutotalk.

[Daemon]

Probably for the best I decided not to skim through the thread eh? I've only been keeping up with the series through the english translations from Viz/Shonen Jump USA so I'm more than likely _way_ behind you guys.

Still I've been getting a kick out of the series. I do wish I can gone and bought one of those fairly nifty Naruto headbands (the icons being made of some sort of metal) when I was at Anime Expo, but around 30 bucks for it just seemed a little steep.

Anyway, where I'm at right now, iirc the team just started the classroom written exams (with Rock, that girl who's name I forget that seems to have a thing for Naruto, and that friendly guy with glasses who's name escapes me, among others), rather amusing to see Naruto's reaction to the insane terms the've been given to work with. I do remember being a bit suprised when Sasuke took those needles for Naruto from pyscho kid, although I didn't think he was "dead dead" for a minute, just "Marvel/DC dead", and of course, I was right.


I will forgive you for your lack of knowing names. I was like the the first month that I have found the good book.

Learn the names well my son.

Name which you've forgetten btw are; Hinata, Kabuto and Haku.

[LoneWolf21]

Thank, I'll try and do a ittle better wih names. Since I just started the series, and didn't have the gn's handy with me, the name's sort of slipped for me. Still, I've really been enjoying it. Alhough given his preferred type of reading material, I'm suprised Naruto didn't try the "Ninja Centerfold" move on Kakashi (not that it would worked mind you, but I digress) during the "grab the bell" training exercise.

By the way, thanks for the head's up on the translation zip stuff. I just may check it out.

[Daemon]

Well if I'm not mistaken.

Most of the Genin's don't know what Itcha Itcha Paradise is, as Kakashi is pretty careful with that book. :D

Naruto only finds out what it is when he meets the writer of the book.

[Jack]

Thank, I'll try and do a ittle better wih names. Since I just started the series, and didn't have the gn's handy with me, the name's sort of slipped for me. Still, I've really been enjoying it. Alhough given his preferred type of reading material, I'm suprised Naruto didn't try the "Ninja Centerfold" move on Kakashi (not that it would worked mind you, but I digress) during the "grab the bell" training exercise.

By the way, thanks for the head's up on the translation zip stuff. I just may check it out.
Also, there's a gradual move away from the comedy of the early chapters. In fact Naruto only uses the Sexy no Jutsu one more time in the manga to date.

[Melchior]

Actually, I am pretty certain that Naruto knows better than to try to perform "Sexy no Jutsu" in a real fight, so he just saves it for non-serious moments against people he knows are perverts.

[Daemon]

Oh hoooh...

anyone following the anime?

Seems that they're making Naruto even more Badass in the anime than in the manga.

Seems that he only gets 3 days to master the Rasengan instead of the week in the manga, at least according to the previews from the end of 91

[Kyuubi]

Oh hoooh...

anyone following the anime?

Seems that they're making Naruto even more Badass in the anime than in the manga.

Seems that he only gets 3 days to master the Rasengan instead of the week in the manga, at least according to the previews from the end of 91


You might of gotten a bad sub or something, he is given the full week by Tsunade in the last episode.

[Daemon]

Truly?

nuts I thought Anbu-Aone were doing a pretty good job of translating.

[Kyuubi]

I used Shin-Otaku, one of them might have screwed up.

[Z-man]

http://homepage.mac.com/spookyelectric1/NarutoLicensed.html

I hope we can all follow the fun adventures of Nathan, Sean, and Sakura on the show "Nathan."

[Daemon]

I ask that we all have a moment of silence on this sad sad day as our dear friend Naruto has died and left us sad in his wake.

[Kyuubi]

http://homepage.mac.com/spookyelectric1/NarutoLicensed.html

I hope we can all follow the fun adventures of Nathan, Sean, and Sakura on the show "Nathan."



It's fake, look at the url and then what the page looks like.

[Daemon]

Man, I'm seriously hoping that Naruto gets some respect after he beats the crap outta jerkface and hauls his ass home.

I mean after seeing ep 92, and yeah he did get a whole week to do it, this guy has 3 jounin level technques, two of which he learned in a month apiece and the third in one afternoon, and the boy can't seem to get any respect. Or maybe I'm just reading too many fics...

[Jack]

You mean you expect the regular peoplem to respect him after the demon child beats the shit out of their beloved genius?

He deserves it, yes. But will he get it? Unlikely.

And it's 2 Jounin class techniques and one Sennin class technique! Come on, the only people we know learned the Rasengan are Naruto, Jiraiya and the Fourth. And even Tsunade calls it the impossible technique.

But then no one actually knows that he knows the Summoning no Jutsu or the Rasengan, do they?

[Melchior]

Well, now that you mention it.... :D

Just as many people outside the Leaf know he can Summon as in the Leaf:
The Sand Trio, Jiraiya, Tsunade (assumption due to being Hokage and all), and Sasuke. And Shukaku, but I doubt he should count.

While he has mentioned it, Naruto has yet to actually show/use the Rasengan near anybody other than: Orochimaru, Kabuto, Tsunade, Tsunade's helper, the pig, Jiraiya, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi.

Next inter-Village competition that comes up, Naruto is going to start dropping surprises in everyones' lap. :D

[Sheldon]

I doubt we'll even see the next Chunin Exam. After this arc a time jump in the next logical step.

Is there gonna be a manga chapter this week? I know last weeks was canceled, because Kishimoto needed to go on a information gathering trip. But has it been announced that it will appear this week?

[Jack]

Well, now that you mention it.... :D

Just as many people outside the Leaf know he can Summon as in the Leaf:
The Sand Trio, Jiraiya, Tsunade (assumption due to being Hokage and all), and Sasuke. And Shukaku, but I doubt he should count.

While he has mentioned it, Naruto has yet to actually show/use the Rasengan near anybody other than: Orochimaru, Kabuto, Tsunade, Tsunade's helper, the pig, Jiraiya, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi.

Next inter-Village competition that comes up, Naruto is going to start dropping surprises in everyones' lap. :D
I meant the regular people, not the main characters. Because most of them have already acknowledged him anyway (though not as much as he deserves, dammit!)

But yeah. Naruto is teh jaw. I just wish he'd start summoning frogs who aren't Gamabunta or Gamakichi. We know there are a whole load of ones in between, dammit! But he's never tried to summon while he had his proper levels of chakra anyway. He's always been exhausted so far in the series (or he's had to pull out Gamabunta) when he's done it. First Jiraiya was making him exhaust his chakra with the water walking training, then he'd already fought Neji earlier (and he was conflicted and didn't really want to fight Gaara) then he'd been doing the Rasengan training nonstop for a week.

I think there'll be a time gap as well. Well, I'm not sure, but it would be exactly the right time.

That or the manga will finish, which I find slightly unlikely.

[Aubergine~!]

225's out, and well, I was wrong about the flashbacks being over.

But they sure as hell are now.

And things seem to be going in the general direction that I thought they would.

But the most intersting part of the chapter had to be Itachi's revelation that there was another who could use the special Sharingan.

Anyways, good enough chapter, and it's got Shikamaru and Chouji in it, which somehow helps cancel out the total Jerk-facedness.

[MKTerra]

Just finished what I've missed of the Zabuza arc, after finding a scanslation source.

That was great :o Look forward to reading the rest over time :)

[Aubergine~!]

Just finished what I've missed of the Zabuza arc, after finding a scanslation source.

That was great :o Look forward to reading the rest over time :)

Over time? I'm pretty sure either Anon or Jessie read the whole thing in like a weekend.

Of course, they're crazy and jaw, so yeah.

[Aubergine~!]

Just read 226.

And we go straight to the Chidori vs. Rasengan bit.

I don't like this. It seems too short. I'm guessing someone else shows up at the end, because they've just both used their ultimate moves.

Kabuto maybe?

Of course, there's always the possibility that after this, Jerkface goes into Curse Seak lvl. 2 and Naruto goes berserk so they can do it again, but I hope that doesn't have to happen.

Well, decent chapter, if a bit short.

And no Naruto next week again?

Bah.

[Daemon]

Just read 226.

And we go straight to the Chidori vs. Rasengan bit.

I don't like this. It seems too short. I'm guessing someone else shows up at the end, because they've just both used their ultimate moves.

Kabuto maybe?

Of course, there's always the possibility that after this, Jerkface goes into Curse Seak lvl. 2 and Naruto goes berserk so they can do it again, but I hope that doesn't have to happen.

Well, decent chapter, if a bit short.

And no Naruto next week again?

Bah.

Hey don't knock it. There could've been another flashback.

I mean hell half of volume 25 was a flashback, so whats another volume or two of flashbacks???

[Melchior]

Well, I've always expected Itachi and Kisame to try another go at capturing Naruto while he is away from protectors, and has been worn down (they would have to haul him off quickly, so exhausted is important). The question is whether or not they would move before Sasuke manages to 'kill' Naruto.

[MKTerra]

Hah, caught up :) This stuff is pretty good... :D

So that's why everyone calls him Jerkface :p Sheesh, it's possibly worse than Terra's reversal in animated TT O_o

I am irrationally fond of Tayuya. Guess I'm just a sucker that way O_o At any rate, looks like she's dead now (but dang, that was a pretty darn powerful attack).

[Daemon]

Hah, caught up :) This stuff is pretty good... :D

So that's why everyone calls him Jerkface :p Sheesh, it's possibly worse than Terra's reversal in animated TT O_o

I am irrationally fond of Tayuya. Guess I'm just a sucker that way O_o At any rate, looks like she's dead now (but dang, that was a pretty darn powerful attack).

What!? do you think I didn't have my reasons for dubbing him Jerkface???

[MKTerra]

Well, up until relatively recently he wasn't maladjusted to that extent... :p

[Aubergine~!]

Hey don't knock it. There could've been another flashback.

I mean hell half of volume 25 was a flashback, so whats another volume or two of flashbacks???

Point. At least the flashbacks are over (for now...).

And Melchior, yeah, the Akatsuki moving in sounds possible.

[Expletive Deleted]

Naruto Dominates Bookstore Graphic Novel Sales (http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/5503.html)

Nifty, eh?

[Daemon]

I was wondering what each of your top five battles are?

these are mine:

1) Naruto vs. Gaara
2) Naruto vs. Kabuto
3) Naruto vs. Neji
4) Kimimaru vs. Naruto/Lee/Gaara
5) Orochimaru vs. Sarutobi tied with Sennin Showdown

Naruto vs. Neji might've made the #2 spot if it wasn't for Naruto's line of "Until I become Hokage.....I refuse to die" for the 2nd fight.

[Kyuubi]

Lee vs. Gaara
Naruto and Sasuke vs. Lee
Tsunade vs Naruto
Kakashi vs Zabuza
Sasuke vs. Gaara

The short fights are some of my favorites, but Lee vs. Gaara was the best.

[Jack]

I was wondering what each of your top five battles are?

these are mine:

1) Naruto vs. Gaara
2) Naruto vs. Kabuto
3) Naruto vs. Neji
4) Kimimaru vs. Naruto/Lee/Gaara
5) Orochimaru vs. Sarutobi tied with Sennin Showdown

Naruto vs. Neji might've made the #2 spot if it wasn't for Naruto's line of "Until I become Hokage.....I refuse to die" for the 2nd fight.
As I told ya yesterday..

1) Naruto vs Gaara
2) Naruto vs Neji (my favourite sequence in the entire manga, but more for the conversation than the fighting)
3) Naruto vs Kabuto (bumped up a place due to the extreme badassitude of that line)
4) Lee vs Gaara
5) Sennin Threesome

[Aubergine~!]

I was wondering what each of your top five battles are?

1. Naruto vs. Neji, great fight, and character development for all (even Lee, who isn't there)
2. Gaara vs. Lee, way too much cool sh!t for one battle
3. The battle on the Wave Country bridge, because the last few scenes with Zabs and Haku are perfect
4. Orochimaru vs. the Third, because we finally got to see a kage-level battle and it was jawsome
5. Naruto vs. Kiba, the fight is one of the best moments in the manga. By far

Sennin Threesome

Bastard.

[MKTerra]

Found a site with some interesting character pictures :)

http://www.cyberconnect2.jp/naruto/sup_char/sup_char.html

Edit: Ah, here's the main page...

http://www.cyberconnect2.jp/naruto/main.html

[MKTerra]

And a nice pic of Rock Lee (http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~ajiurido/naruto/NARUTO_lee2.html)...

[Melchior]

From what I can tell, most of those look like images for the newest Naruto versus game. Looks to have more characters than I thought, too.

[Daemon]

From what I can tell, most of those look like images for the newest Naruto versus game. Looks to have more characters than I thought, too.


it looks that way too. If you look at a couple of the screenshots you'll see buttons that look like circle, square, triangle and x.

[Aubergine~!]

From what I can tell, most of those look like images for the newest Naruto versus game. Looks to have more characters than I thought, too.

Think the two ???s at the bottom are the first two Hokages...

This game's looking good.

[Aubergine~!]

227 is out.

*Spoilers*



More Jerkface/Naruto rumbling, and I'm thinking Naruto goes psycho next chapter. That Chidori ain't hitting, folks.

[Jack]

Well he's grown claws now, and the only other time that happened when he went berserk was vs Haku, and we all know that was when he was channelling more of the Kyuubi than ever since.

That blood in the last panel is Jerkface's.

[NeoSapien]

Actually he had the fangs and claws vs. Kimimaro too. I'm leaning towards the blood being Naruto's, as the preview text says that the Chidori hit him. But it's probably a mostly deflected hit that will heal in seconds.

[Jack]

I don't remember him having the claws then, but whatever. He was using the KB which divides chakra anyway. Plus I'm pretty much ready to SvFL that fight since berserk Naruto couldn't do anything to regular Kimimaro.

[Jessie]

Over time? I'm pretty sure either Anon or Jessie read the whole thing in like a weekend.

Of course, they're crazy and jaw, so yeah.
Don't listen to this guy. I read it during the normal workweek, over about 3 days. Really, downloading all the separate chapters is the biggest trouble.

[Sheldon]

I'm thinking he gets hit......goes kyuubi and heals up the giant hole in his body and beats the holy hell out of Sasuke, lets his guard down and then Sasuke goes lvl to and cheap shots naruto.....then the reinforcements come...

[Aubergine~!]

Don't listen to this guy. I read it during the normal workweek, over about 3 days. Really, downloading all the separate chapters is the biggest trouble.

Bah, close enough. You people are still nuts.

[Sheldon]

I'm thinking he gets hit......goes kyuubi and heals up the giant hole in his body and beats the holy hell out of Sasuke, lets his guard down and then Sasuke goes lvl to and cheap shots naruto.....then the reinforcements come...
Damn.....I was pretty close on that last prediction....now for the 2nd part of it...

btw I can't wait for the translation. Inane better work fast!!!!

[Jessie]

Anyone else faithfully ddownloading (and loving) the fansubs?

[Sheldon]

I am....#229 was great.....Naruto gave Sasuke such a beating....it was amazing....

[Jack Zodiac]

Naruto's in "Goku mode" right now. Sasuke could, somehow, get his Mangekyou Sharingan and he'd still get trashed by Naruto. :D

[Slayven]

Naruto's in "Goku mode" right now. Sasuke could, somehow, get his Mangekyou Sharingan and he'd still get trashed by Naruto. :D
Or Naruto could kill or cripple him. either way would be good

[Jack Zodiac]

Nah. Sasuke's gotta' live long enough for Itachi to kill him. :D

[Jack]

Nah. Sasuke's gotta' live long enough for Itachi to kill him. :D
Or, in Fangirl World, make love to him.

[DDutchman]

I read issue 230 of Naruto RAW (with a seperate website offering textual translation.)

I'm stunned. Sasuke beat down Naruto with his powerup. This didn't surprise me (and I was even glad to see it happen.) But this issue ends the same way issue 228 did. He get's powered up by the Fox Demon.
What the hell was the point of him doing it the first time? So is 231 going to end with Sasuke going Curse Seal 2 and being stronger then Naruto (for a single issue.)
Urgh I feel liked I was watching an episode of DBZ.

Sorry it just seriously made me go "geh." That's right "geh."

[Daemon]

well the translation is out.

however I'm rather pissed.

the Mastered Sharigan is supposed to be extremely draining according to Kakashi.

So how is it saving him chakra?

Not to mention he's winning against this Naruto without using his seal of suck.

[NeoSapien]

Kakashi's mastered Sharingan is very draining because Kakashi doesn't have an Uchiha body. Whereas Itachi leaves his mastered Sharingan on full time. Also, Sasuke said that his entire body is now as strong as when he was using the cursed seal earlier (level 1). Hopefully this means he'll skip straight to level 2 next chapter and end this damn fight! The worst case scenario is Sasuke and Naruto each getting 2 more powerups (Naruto would reach "Kyuubi level 4" in that case. :evilangry ).

[Daemon]

okay latest chapter news.

color me unimpressed.

Kim's Curse 2 looked a hella lot more threatening than Jerkface's, hell most of the sound 5's curse 2 looked more threatening, Tayuya not so much but what can you expect from a chick? ;p

No Third Sharigan Eye or anything like people were speculating.

I seriously hope this arc ends in a few more chapters tops. I'm sick and tired of this arc thats spanned from volume 19 and on.

I mean Where's the Gaara love?

he only had 3 measily chapters.

Hopefully Jerface gets broken or some such and we can finally be done with it.

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

Not to mention Naruto looks like a dorky fusion of himself and a cabbit, now.

I mean, look at the scenes where Sasuke is using the Katon against him. Tell him Naruto doesn't look like a spaz!

[MKTerra]

Kim's Curse 2 looked a hella lot more threatening than Jerkface's, hell most of the sound 5's curse 2 looked more threatening, Tayuya not so much but what can you expect from a chick? ;p
Tayuya is hot! :p *kills self*

Kimimaro looked like a friggin' saurian, yeah. The thick eyebrow markings were interesting; made him look pretty different, kinda like going from Avril Lavigne to, uh... Frida Kahlo? :p

Yeah, Sasuke's is just plain (except the hair, which looks kinda silly. If he tied it back he'd look like Mitsurugi 2P :p). Though, the relative lack of horns, etc. does make it stand out from the other lvl 2's in its own way.

[Jack Zodiac]

He's got the look of that fake Super Saiya-jin 5 picture that was floating around the internet years ago when that Dragonball AF rumor was spread.

Yeah, lame. But Naruto's Kyubi aura's just as lame. This whole fight's getting lamer and lamer by the chapter. I hope Kakashi can cut it off so we can move the hell on, finally.

[NeoSapien]

The arc is either almost completely over or still quite a ways from being done, depending on whether Sasuke is the "boss" or not.

The shortest way the arc can end:

Sasuke beats Naruto down, again. Kakashi shows up. Sasuke escapes to Hidden Sound, either unable to kill Naruto or with the Mangekyou Sharingan thinking Naruto is dead. Kakashi takes Naruto back. The End. But this is not going to happen (I hope) since it would be anticlimactic in the extreme.

The way I think the arc might conclude:

(The chances of any of this happening are squat, but I'll put in spoiler space to be safe)

Kakashi discovers that Sakura is following him. There is a bit of foreshadowing for this: Sasuke said that neither Kakashi nor Sakura were there to interrupt them early in the fight, and now Kakashi is coming. When Team 7 splits up, all of them should be present. Meanwhile, Sasuke and Naruto are stalemated. Sasuke is too fast/strong and Naruto is too well-protected for either to win. Sasuke tries his last Chidori and is about to kill Naruto but is blown back when Naruto transforms into a gigantic fox, completing the parallel to Gaara. Naruto finally loses control and an immobilized Sasuke is saved by Kakashi; Sakura confronts the fox monster and Naruto reverts to normal. Angst ensues, accompanied by flashbacks. Finally everything is sorted out with Sasuke seeing the error of his ways etc. Then Orochimaru and Kabuto show up and we go into the final battle of the arc: Naruto vs. Orochimaru with Kakashi vs. Kabuto on the side. Naruto manages to defeat Orochimaru and is just about to strike the final blow when Sasuke literally stabs him in the back, gaining his eye upgrade. Sasuke leaves with Oro and Kabuto, giving a variation of Itachi's speech to Sakura. But Naruto is still barely alive and Sakura uses her latent gift for healing to save him, thus proving herself worthy of becoming Tsunade's apprentice. Back in Hidden Sound, Orochimaru learns that Naruto has survived and flashes back to Naruto's last words while standing over him: "I said I was going to kill you, Orochimaru. I don't take back my words! That - is my nindo!" Orochimaru postpones his planned attack on Konoha indefinitely. Then, time skip.

So there could be quite a bit more to come in theory.

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

The way I think the arc might conclude:

(The chances of any of this happening are squat, but I'll put in spoiler space to be safe)

Kakashi discovers that Sakura is following him. There is a bit of foreshadowing for this: Sasuke said that neither Kakashi nor Sakura were there to interrupt them early in the fight, and now Kakashi is coming. When Team 7 splits up, all of them should be present. Meanwhile, Sasuke and Naruto are stalemated. Sasuke is too fast/strong and Naruto is too well-protected for either to win. Sasuke tries his last Chidori and is about to kill Naruto but is blown back when Naruto transforms into a gigantic fox, completing the parallel to Gaara. Naruto finally loses control and an immobilized Sasuke is saved by Kakashi; Sakura confronts the fox monster and Naruto reverts to normal. Angst ensues, accompanied by flashbacks. Finally everything is sorted out with Sasuke seeing the error of his ways etc. Then Orochimaru and Kabuto show up and we go into the final battle of the arc: Naruto vs. Orochimaru with Kakashi vs. Kabuto on the side. Naruto manages to defeat Orochimaru and is just about to strike the final blow when Sasuke literally stabs him in the back, gaining his eye upgrade. Sasuke leaves with Oro and Kabuto, giving a variation of Itachi's speech to Sakura. But Naruto is still barely alive and Sakura uses her latent gift for healing to save him, thus proving herself worthy of becoming Tsunade's apprentice. Back in Hidden Sound, Orochimaru learns that Naruto has survived and flashes back to Naruto's last words while standing over him: "I said I was going to kill you, Orochimaru. I don't take back my words! That - is my nindo!" Orochimaru postpones his planned attack on Konoha indefinitely. Then, time skip.

So there could be quite a bit more to come in theory.

You are (relatively) God.

[Daemon]

although I've already suspected that Jerkface would side with Orochimaru since around halfway through this last arc, so we'll just haveta wait and see.

Cause so far I'm two for two on this arc.... :p

[Doom]

No offence Genma, but if what you said did happen I'd vomit.

I think the fight is winding down (maybe 2-3 more issues in it.) At this stage, we're more interested in the aftermath then the fight itself.

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

Yeah, just let someone win (I don't even care who, now), so we can watch what happens afterward.


If either goes through another transformation, I'll scream in terror.

[Jack Zodiac]

I'd settle for the short, anti-climactic ending where Sasuke joins Orochimaru and Naruto and Kakashi return to Konoha, as long as it meant this crap roller coaster was over.

Your long ending would only make me angrier at the manga. :p

[NeoSapien]

Chapter 232 is sort of out (the Japanese raw and various translations) and...

I expected Sakura to be on the cover, and lo and behold, she was! Though, given the recent covers of Kakashi, Sasuke, and Naruto, it isn't very surprising. Also, Naruto finally experiences side effects to his mainlining Kyuubi chakra, forcing him to make a one-handed Rasengan. And Sasuke sprouts wings. Makes sense given Kimimaro's form and the Earth/Heaven seal thing. Plus, the fight is almost over. I'm leaning towards Sasuke winning the clash; if Naruto wins, they will just chat again and the emotional stuff here will be rendered pointless. Then again, the end of the fight is pretty momentous by itself.

[Draconomicon]

If either goes through another transformation, I'll scream in terror.

Just saw the Raw version also and..... *Covers ears*
Oh, and please, someone should kill Sasuke.... NOW!

[Doom]

Its omminous, this fight is going to end badly and at great cost. My big query now is hoe many arcs are left in the story? It could be just one more but given its popularity I'd like if there were another 3+ season/arcs to go.
As Naruto is at its best when it involves the supporting cast some more stuff in Konoha please :)

[NeoSapien]

There has to be an Akatsuki super arc, preferably set a few years in the future. It's likely there would be a couple more as well.

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

Just saw the Raw version also and..... *Covers ears*
Oh, and please, someone should kill Sasuke.... NOW!

*Obliges, and makes Draco's caution worthwhile*


AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!


*Ahem*

There is a chance Naruto could win this clash, and still end the arc without more conversations. All we have to do is hope the energy backlash knock's Sasuke TFO.



More likely, though, Kakashi will get there next issue, and find Sasuke gone. Naruto beaten and bloodied on the ground, looking like a total loser. Kakashi then looks all melancholy, picks up Naruto, and heads back home with everyone else.

Because we know the writer just has to give angsty, vengeful Sasuke the victory.

[NeoSapien]

More likely, though, Kakashi will get there next issue, and find Sasuke gone. Naruto beaten and bloodied on the ground, looking like a total loser. Kakashi then looks all melancholy, picks up Naruto, and heads back home with everyone else.

Because we know the writer just has to give angsty, vengeful Sasuke the victory.
Well, he does. :( Sasuke has to get to Orochimaru or the entire arc will be a complete waste of time. And, on the bright side, it will be interesting to see how Naruto reacts to his loss and his failure to keep the promise made with the nice guy pose (if he does lose). It is getting repetitive how Naruto always wins and beats sense into his opponents. Has a shonen manga hero ever failed with the stakes so high before?

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

*Points up to his post, having read 233's raw version*


Twenty points for me!

[NeoSapien]

*Points up to his post, having read 233's raw version*


Twenty points for me!
Have you no respect for the dead? :evilangry
Alas, poor Naruto. I knew him, Horatio. A ninja of ... oh, who am I kidding? Still, Sakura better get there quick.

[Sheldon]

*Points up to his post, having read 233's raw version*


Twenty points for me!
Genma's so smart.....

The aftermath of all of this is going to be so cool

[Daemon]

*Points up to his post, having read 233's raw version*


Twenty points for me!

although if Jerkface does actually Side with Orochimaru and he's not just in the bushes off to the side bleeding out(yay!)

Then I called this one months ago in chat, around the same time I was vocal about me wantting Gaara to show up.

*swipes Genma's points* :D

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

although if Jerkface does actually Side with Orochimaru and he's not just in the bushes off to the side bleeding out(yay!)

Then I called this one months ago in chat, around the same time I was vocal about me wantting Gaara to show up.

*swipes Genma's points* :D

*traps Daemon in a Sasuke-angst flashback loop*

Ha!

*Takes back points*

[Daemon]

*traps Daemon in a Sasuke-angst flashback loop*

Ha!

*Takes back points*

Fortunetly I just recently got my Angst Booster shot right after that Jerkface flashback arc.

Your time loop does nothing to me!!!

[Doom]

Crap the 234 RAW is up.

Holeeee crap, just when you thought there was going to be abreak from all the fighting, bidness appears to pick up.

A fight no-one saw coming!

Spoilers:
If Kakashi doesn't win this one, everything is going to go to hellI Dark times ahead, or time for Kakashi to grab back some jaw?
U-Decide!

[Melchior]

Not really unexpected, actually. That group would be keeping an eye as best they could on their target, and now he's practically defenseless with almost no back-up. Now is the perfect time to strike.

Looks legit, by the by.

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

It may look like there's no backup coming, but you just know Shukaku is going to make an appearance, allowing Kakashi to get away.

[NeoSapien]

Eh. I would be surprised to see yet another fight in this arc. The Akatsuki flytrap dude may want to report to his comrades before engaging Copy Ninja Kakashi and a possibly crazy powerful Naruto without backup. After all, he didn't step in to grab Naruto before Kakashi showed up.

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

Just goes to show how crazy durable (as well as having a good healing factor, and quick recovering chakra reserves) Naruto is. He supposedly caught the bad end of the Rasengan/Chidori confrontation, and he's already starting to wake up.


Bet whatever wounds he gained will be gone by the next comic.

[NeoSapien]

Naruto didn't seem to have any wounds. The "Chidori" Sasuke hit him with in the last chapter was just a chakra-charged punch that didn't tear Naruto's clothes or knock him out, as he was still conscious on the next page. My guess is that Naruto burned himself out with his own power, in a total body effect of what happened to his left arm earlier.

[Sheldon]

I do like the little twist with Sasuke refusing to be itachi's puppet and not killing Naruto.

That flytrap guy is creepy.

[Aubergine~!]

Rejoice, for the Never-ending story has ended!!!

And it looks like the next fight will be Kakashi vs. Flytrap Akatsuki guy.

Good times are a-coming!

[Sheldon]

why was the fly trap dude doing hanging out in the middle of no where?
One should not question the ways of the fly-trap dude....his ways are the mystery that bind us all together.....


or


fans complained that we haven't seen Kakashi kick any ass for a long time so Kishimoto threw him in there to appease us......well I was hoping it would be kabuto, but that will have to wait

[Melchior]

why was the fly trap dude doing hanging out in the middle of no where?

Waiting for his partner to come back with the ninja tacos he said he was going to get. Then they would take the KOed Fox boy and high-tail it out of there before something else happens.

Of course, now Kakashi has shown up and FT has to move out.... if his name is Kodoma I'm going to scream.

On a side note, did anyone find it silly that there are 9 (I think) members of the Akatsuki, yet they supposedly always travel in pairs?

[Jack]

Waiting for his partner to come back with the ninja tacos he said he was going to get. Then they would take the KOed Fox boy and high-tail it out of there before something else happens.

Of course, now Kakashi has shown up and FT has to move out.... if his name is Kodoma I'm going to scream.

On a side note, did anyone find it silly that there are 9 (I think) members of the Akatsuki, yet they supposedly always travel in pairs?
Firstly we don't know that for certain, and secondly that makes for 4 pairs and one big boss dude/tte.

Oh and look, FT was talking with someone... or thing.. possibly the fly trap itself, which could well be his partner.

[NeoSapien]

The 9th member of Akatsuki resigned to pursue his own ambitions of immortality, world domination, revenge and, uh, attempted child molestation. So, there are only eight now, though Fly Trap Man could count as two if he has multiple personalities. (Could this lead into development/massive powerup for Sakura?)

[onizuka]

so wheres a good place to download the manga in big bunches at once so i can catch up.

i'm up to date with the anime. but i can see that the manga is a lot further ahead so i'd like to check that out as well.

[MKTerra]

My source is Naruto Chuushin (http://www.narutochuushin.com/main.php?category=multimedia&page=manga
). Don't need to register, even :) Though, the loading pauses once in a while, and you may want to get Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org) to ward off the popups (I've never seen how many there are, but they're there...).

[Lord Darkwolf]

He's Alive !!!!! Alive !!!!!! Hahahahhahahaahhahaaha !!!!!!!!!!!

[onizuka]

My source is Naruto Chuushin (http://www.narutochuushin.com/main.php?category=multimedia&page=manga
). Don't need to register, even :) Though, the loading pauses once in a while, and you may want to get Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org) to ward off the popups (I've never seen how many there are, but they're there...).

thanks very much.

[Daemon]

Who saw the new intro to Naruto on ep 104?

Its was pretty good and it almost made me remember when jerkface wasn't such a jerkface...

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

And now we just have to wait for the Sakura/Naruto confrontation.



Don't make me lose even more respect for you, 'kura.


At least say 'nice try', thank him, and smile.




Cry about Sasuke, slap him, or something else, and I will pray for some random missing-nin to come after you.

[MKTerra]

Yay, everyone made it! :o And some more char development for Shika and, maybe, Temari :)

Hm, Shika's father said "Thank" in that one panel. Wonder what he meant...

[Sheldon]

Yay, everyone made it! :o And some more char development for Shika and, maybe, Temari :)

Hm, Shika's father said "Thank" in that one panel. Wonder what he meant...
Shika's dad just got cut off by Shizune.

Great issue....its so nice seeing everyone again. Especially Shikamaru.....that guy rules!

[MKTerra]

I know, but what do you think he was going to say? "Thank you"? "Thank Shikamaru"? I think it'd be awesome if it was Shika who figured out the treatment to save his best friend, showing what he's really capable of when motivated, but I doubt even he could have unraveled the red pill's secrets in such a short time...

[Melchior]

I know, but what do you think he was going to say? "Thank you"? "Thank Shikamaru"? I think it'd be awesome if it was Shika who figured out the treatment to save his best friend, showing what he's really capable of when motivated, but I doubt even he could have unraveled the red pill's secrets in such a short time...

But it was an antler from a Nara family deer that provided a significant part of the antidote. Who knows, maybe the deer are a little hobby of Shika's when he wants an excuse to go out and watch the clouds.

[Sheldon]

I think he was thanking Tsunade for the complement concerning their families drug mixing manual.

[We R. Venom]

Rejoice, for the Never-ending story has ended!!!

And it looks like the next fight will be Kakashi vs. Flytrap Akatsuki guy.

Good times are a-coming!

Very dragonball-ish. That fight was long as well. But just like DBZ thats a good thing. Naruto really is going the same route. Here's a bad guy, someone beat him, except here. Theyre are 9 freakin akatsuki to pick from. It could get annoying.

[Sheldon]

Its more than just the fight. The little character moments are what makes Naruto so great.

[We R. Venom]

No, i was just saying the fight was long. They talked for a long while then fought. But theres a lot of other stuff that makes naruto good. The fights are average, its not even why i like the show, save rock lee's "mamouri toshi toki."
opening gates dB moment. the gates fights will be the best in naruto. those are the only fights there i can actully complimeant, if they do them well. The characters are the best part, cuz the author doesnt drive the story as much. its occational with naruto. but its just gonna take a while, thats all.

[Sheldon]

Ok new issue has been out for a few days. As many have predicted Sakura is going to be trained by Tsunade. I wonder what the next storyline is going to be about. I always thought there'd be a time skip.

Plus who is "That man" who is going to meet Naruto next issue? Jiriaya?

[sehthan]

Plus who is "That man" who is going to meet Naruto next issue? Jiriaya?
Or maybe Itachi?

[Sheldon]

Interesting point. Sasuke refers to itachi as a "certain man" he has to kill....

We do know that the Ataksuki observed the fight, and are more aware of naruto's power levels.....

[Sheldon]

did a new chapter come out this week?

Its supposed to be out anytime now!!!!

Grrrhh.....those scanner people should hurry up!

[Sheldon]

While the Raw isn't on Narutofan's site yet, their forums have a link to it.

http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=5518

They also have a translation.
Jiriaya comes to talk with Naruto, takes him as his apprentice, tells him they have about 3 years before Oro can take Sasuke's body, and roughly the same time before the ataksuki strike again, so they must use that time to get ready. Naruto is determined to get Sasuke back, and argues with Jiriaya. Jiraiya tells him that he tried to the same with Oro, but it was useless. The issues ends with Naruto and Pervert Sannin getting ready to go on their journey.

[Slayven]

While the Raw isn't on Narutofan's site yet, their forums have a link to it.

http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=5518

They also have a translation.
Jiriaya comes to talk with Naruto, takes him as his apprentice, tells him they have about 3 years before Oro can take Sasuke's body, and roughly the same time before the ataksuki strike again, so they must use that time to get ready. Naruto is determined to get Sasuke back, and argues with Jiriaya. Jiraiya tells him that he tried to the same with Oro, but it was useless. The issues ends with Naruto and Pervert Sannin getting ready to go on their journey.
*hoping for a hianta naruto tender goodbye*

[Doom]

*hoping for a hianta naruto tender goodbye*

*Joins the prayers*

Heh though thinking about it with Naruto being so well, obtuse the best thing Hinata could do is stick her tonngue down his throat, tell him she loves him and to come back and leave...after that he might get the message.
In any case I'm hoping for just ONE page of Naruhina before the time skip.

[Daemon]

yeah it definetly looks like we're going to be getting a flashforward now, probably in five or six chapters.

One or two per character for development.

[Jack]

*hoping for a hianta naruto tender goodbye*
There best be some Naruhina. Best be. Or I shall be having a....... disagreement with Kishimoto.

[NeoSapien]

There best be some Naruhina. Best be. Or I shall be having a....... disagreement with Kishimoto.
If Naruto has a moment with any girl in 238, it'll be with Sakura. Hinata's chances of making an appearance are only slightly larger than Tenten's.

[Slayven]

If Naruto has a moment with any girl in 238, it'll be with Sakura. Hinata's chances of making an appearance are only slightly larger than Tenten's.
they said that about neji and chouji surviving

[Slayven]

yeah it definetly looks like we're going to be getting a flashforward now, probably in five or six chapters.

One or two per character for development.
I hope Jirayi teaches him that hair move he used against Oromarchi. Man are they really pushing the senin return angle? Sakura training with tsunade, jirayi with anruto, and sauske commiting asshatery

[Deskad]

Naruto why? Why do you care? Forget Suckscockura and Jerkface, you are so much better than they!

[Jack]

Naruto why? Why do you care? Forget Suckscockura and Jerkface, you are so much better than they!
Nah. It's a testament to Naruto's awesomeness that he cares so much for such crappy friends.

Just imagine what he'll be like when he has some REAL friends!

[Jack]

I hope Jirayi teaches him that hair move he used against Oromarchi. Man are they really pushing the senin return angle? Sakura training with tsunade, jirayi with anruto, and sauske commiting asshatery
Is it me or have we not yet seen that much awesomeness from Jiraiya?

Orochimaru's feats speak for themselves.... brought the First and Second back to life, killed the Third in an epic battle, manipulated everyone in the Chuunin Exam, developed immortality techniques etc

And Tsunade is the legendary medic nin, able to perform operations and save people who should be dead. And is freakishly, freakishly, immensely, stupidly strong and so on.

Jiraiya is..... a pervert who summons toads. His only really good showing is when he rescues Naruto from Itachi and Kisame. Admittedly in the Sennin Threesome he was under the affects of a drug that messed up his chakra and stuff, and he did effortlessly summon the Destroyer Toad to kill the giant snakes attacking Konoha. But his deeds don't really stack up against the other two members of the Sannin.

[Daemon]

Well because we've only see Jiraiya in three fights, of which only two he personally participated in and of those two only during one of them was he operating at normal levels.

We can infer that Tsunade is badass by pretty much assuming that anything Kabuto can do she can probably do better at least thats my opinion on Tsunade.

[Jack]

Well because we've only see Jiraiya in three fights, of which only two he personally participated in and of those two only during one of them was he operating at normal levels.

We can infer that Tsunade is badass by pretty much assuming that anything Kabuto can do she can probably do better at least thats my opinion on Tsunade.
I get that, I'm not doubting that he's on the same level as Orochimaru and Tsunade, but we just haven't seen anything from him yet to prove it.

[Doom]

Well because we've only see Jiraiya in three fights, of which only two he personally participated in and of those two only during one of them was he operating at normal levels.

We can infer that Tsunade is badass by pretty much assuming that anything Kabuto can do she can probably do better at least thats my opinion on Tsunade.

Yeah right,let's see her Turn Invisible.

Kabuto's a NINJA who can turn invisible. That automatically makes him a super bad ass ninja.

(One thing. When he was helping Orichimaru fight in the Sanin battle. Who's Chi was being used to summon Mamba and the other giant snake? Kabuto's or Orichimaru?)

As for Jiraiya, Itachi wasn't sure he could defeat him even with the help of his shark like partner. And we all know Orichimaru fears Itachi.

[Daemon]

Well in the anime we saw that Kabuto used Orochimaru's blood and did the seal's; however I think Oro powered it with his Chakra. Otherwise Kabuto could probably stash Oro's blood somewhere and save it for a rainy day.

[Genma:TheDestroyer]

Geez, they're pushing the 'past repeats itself' angle so much I'm surprised they haven't started tattooing 'future replica of Tsunade' on Sakura's large forehead. That scene with Orochimaru and Jiraiya smacks it home with the subtleness of a hammer to the nads.

[Jack]

Yeah right,let's see her Turn Invisible.

Kabuto's a NINJA who can turn invisible. That automatically makes him a super bad ass ninja.

(One thing. When he was helping Orichimaru fight in the Sanin battle. Who's Chi was being used to summon Mamba and the other giant snake? Kabuto's or Orichimaru?)

As for Jiraiya, Itachi wasn't sure he could defeat him even with the help of his shark like partner. And we all know Orichimaru fears Itachi.
That was Itachi after using his Mangekyou Sharingan (which is a MAJOR chakra drain) twice. He was pretty much stated to be running on empty.

[Doom]

That was Itachi after using his Mangekyou Sharingan (which is a MAJOR chakra drain) twice. He was pretty much stated to be running on empty.

Not so much. He said that when they were on a hill overlooking the town where Naruto and Jiraiya were staying. (And this was at least a day after he had used his Mangekyou Sharingan on Kakashi, so he should have recharged by that stage.)

It seemed that Itachi knew he could beat Jiraiya straight up (and wasn't sure with help from his firend.) Note also how quickly Itachi bolts when Jiraiya shows up.
I took Itachi's whole speach to be how badass Jiraiya is (unless your my brother and interpret them as talking about Naruto, which if was true I'd vomit. I really would.)

Well in the anime we saw that Kabuto used Orochimaru's blood and did the seal's; however I think Oro powered it with his Chakra.
Well if this was true, don't you think Orochimaru could have lent the dude some Chakra so he could heal himself after Naruto attacked him?

[Jack]

Not so much. He said that when they were on a hill overlooking the town where Naruto and Jiraiya were staying. (And this was at least a day after he had used his Mangekyou Sharingan on Kakashi, so he should have recharged by that stage.)

It seemed that Itachi knew he could beat Jiraiya straight up (and wasn't sure with help from his firend.) Note also how quickly Itachi bolts when Jiraiya shows up.
I took Itachi's whole speach to be how badass Jiraiya is (unless your my brother and interpret them as talking about Naruto, which if was true I'd vomit. I really would.)


Well if this was true, don't you think Orochimaru could have lent the dude some Chakra so he could heal himself after Naruto attacked him?
Oh you did not just doubt the Jack.

Same day, bitch. Chapter 147, page 16.

Kisame "Itachi. I advise you against using your eye so many times in a single day."

Running on empty, bitch redux. Chapter 148, page 7.

Kisame: Why is a retreat necessary... for you...
Itachi: Well if it is true about Naruto then there is no need to be hasty... Also my body must be rested at the same place for a while... Not to mention, until Tsukoyumi (literal: moon, name of the Mangekyou technique he uses) becomes the Amaterasu (sun) we should not use it.

Notice also on that page how Itachi has for the first time dropped his Sharingan and reverted to his regular eyes.

[NeoSapien]

(In response to my doubting there would be any scenes involving Naruto/Hinata)
they said that about neji and chouji surviving

Well, the 238 raw is out with text translation (links available at forums.naruto.com) and...
...I have to eat my words, again. Slayven, you are batting 2 for 2 on predictions. :cool: Hinata appears as much as any other character in the chapter and her crush on Naruto is brought up. I now see a greater chance of Naruto/Hinata actually happening in the future. On the other hand, Hinata chickened out on saying goodbye and thought on how she must work hard too as she watched Naruto leave (the little stalker) instead of something more openly romantic. While Hinata obviously has a crush on Naruto, she never thinks of him as a romantic partner but rather as an inspiration to better herself. I think Hinata's large role in this chapter was closure on her crush which played such an important part in the Chuunin Exam. We will find out for sure when Naruto returns and we see the reactions of Hinata and Sakura to him.

Other developments: The pairings of Shikamaru/Temari and Lee/Tenten are looking pretty certain (check out Tenten's eyes looking at Lee!), and Ino/Chouji is hinted at, too. Sakura is now more useful than a dead fish, in fact she brings one back to life. The Hyuuga are no longer dysfunctional. Naruto is most definitely the son of the Fourth Hokage (Evidence: chapter cover and notable scene inside). We see the rest of Akatsuki, albeit in very poor lighting. And most importantly, the next few chapters will be all about Kakashi! Will we find out his past, see his face, or just watch him read Come Come Violence for 200 panels?

[Slayven]

(In response to my doubting there would be any scenes involving Naruto/Hinata)


Well, the 238 raw is out with text translation (links available at forums.naruto.com) and...
...I have to eat my words, again. Slayven, you are batting 2 for 2 on predictions. :cool: Hinata appears as much as any other character in the chapter and her crush on Naruto is brought up. I now see a greater chance of Naruto/Hinata actually happening in the future. On the other hand, Hinata chickened out on saying goodbye and thought on how she must work hard too as she watched Naruto leave (the little stalker) instead of something more openly romantic. While Hinata obviously has a crush on Naruto, she never thinks of him as a romantic partner but rather as an inspiration to better herself. I think Hinata's large role in this chapter was closure on her crush which played such an important part in the Chuunin Exam. We will find out for sure when Naruto returns and we see the reactions of Hinata and Sakura to him.

Other developments: The pairings of Shikamaru/Temari and Lee/Tenten are looking pretty certain (check out Tenten's eyes looking at Lee!), and Ino/Chouji is hinted at, too. Sakura is now more useful than a dead fish, in fact she brings one back to life. The Hyuuga are no longer dysfunctional. Naruto is most definitely the son of the Fourth Hokage (Evidence: chapter cover and notable scene inside). We see the rest of Akatsuki, albeit in very poor lighting. And most importantly, the next few chapters will be all about Kakashi! Will we find out his past, see his face, or just watch him read Come Come Violence for 200 panels?
chouji does deserve some prime ino. but lee and ten? that si out of left field. well Lee ahs enough personalty to cover both. imagine a few years down teh road and we see the proud heir of the Lee Clan

[Infinity Chameleon]

I've relented and am downloading the chapters one by one. Probably by the weekend I'll be caught up.

[Infinity Chameleon]

Thirty chapters read so far. It's better than my initial impressions.

[Jack]

Thirty chapters read so far. It's better than my initial impressions.
That's when it starts getting good.

[Sheldon]

Kakashi's Gaiden is gonna rule!

[Infinity Chameleon]

Okay, I'm 45 chapters in, and thus at the start of the 2nd part of the Chuunin Examination. I had to take a few hours off to commute to and from an evening class.

Random Observations
#1: Nearly everyone has very ugly hair.
#2: Byakugan is much freakier looking than I previously believed.
#3: Kakashi may be a great ninja but I don't think I'd like having him as a teacher, nor do I think I'd do particularly well as one of his charges. Oddly, I find myself drawn to Morino Ibiki. I like his style.
#4: Sasuke isn't as bad early on as I hear he becomes. If his early characterization had held, I don't think he'd be likeable exactly, but he wouldn't be a creature whom gets held in contempt.
#5: Anko scares me.
#6: Gai scares me for entirely different reasons.
#7: Anyone who says Sarutobi Asuma (the jounin) and Sarutobi (3rd Hokage) aren't *somehow* closely related is on crack. I don't know how they're related exactly, but it's damn obvious that they are.
#8: Sakura is useless. *Inner* Sakura could actually be of some value. Too bad they aren't switched.

[Infinity Chameleon]

Sixty chapters in.

Thoughts:
#1 -- Sakura isn't nearly as cold to Naruto as some would contend.
#2 -- Orochimaru, at first, doesn't seem as threatening as I think he should.
#3 -- I don't like the curse seal concept at all.
#4 -- Gaara is *sick*.
#5 -- In cool looks factor, even first-stage Sharingan beats Byakugan by miles.

[Aubergine~!]

#5 -- In cool looks factor, even first-stage Sharingan beats Byakugan by miles.

But the Hyuuga fighting style outclasses everything. There's just so much style there.

[Jack]

Ooh, a 238 observation that just occurred to me.

Hiashi was there when Neji talked to Hinata about seeing Naruto... And he didn't explode with rage about his daughter being interested in the demon fox child. Naruto has won over one of the village leaders already!

[Infinity Chameleon]

But the Hyuuga fighting style outclasses everything. There's just so much style there.

Having just completed Chapter 81, and having seen the Hinata vs. Neji fight, I would have to say I concur.

[Sheldon]

Ooh, a 238 observation that just occurred to me.

Hiashi was there when Neji talked to Hinata about seeing Naruto... And he didn't explode with rage about his daughter being interested in the demon fox child. Naruto has won over one of the village leaders already!
Good Point. I'm sure that word of his fight with Gaara has spread amongst the village leaders. Plus him going to train with Jiraiya gives him more credence. Maybe they are seeing the resemblence with Yondaime.

[Sheldon]

Naruto changes lives.
I can't wait til inane's translation get up. The current on Narutofan has is pretty crappy quality.

[Slayven]

Naruto changes lives.
I can't wait til inane's translation get up. The current on Narutofan has is pretty crappy quality.
the translated title text always sounds weird. Naruto is like sammy

[NeoSapien]

Good Point. I'm sure that word of his fight with Gaara has spread amongst the village leaders. Plus him going to train with Jiraiya gives him more credence. Maybe they are seeing the resemblence with Yondaime.
Speaking of Naruto's resemblance to Yondaime, could the hinting have been any more blatant? I'm half convinced that even Naruto has some idea about the Fourth's relation to himself, given his "Watch me" wave.

[Slayven]

Speaking of Naruto's resemblance to Yondaime, could the hinting have been any more blatant? I'm half convinced that even Naruto has some idea about the Fourth's relation to himself, given his "Watch me" wave.
well anruto is not stupid. he can be pretty perceptive and alot deeper then people think

[Slayven]

I just realized hanabi means fireworks in japan. interesting

[Sheldon]

I just realized hanabi means fireworks in japan. interesting
Very interesting.

Kakashi's name me