Naruto manga 235+ (SPOILERS)

[Keiichi]

Well it seems all the fighting is over with for now. As kakashi heads back to Leaf villiage with naruto we catch up with our battered and wiery Nin. All who are undergoing emergency treatment (Nejis' operation was freaky looking). Its looks like everyones going to be ok (Even chouji). Poor Shika broke down and cried. And if Temari being right there with Shika was'nt any indication those two are getting togeather I don't know what is.

[JetMaster5]

Where the heck did you get the translated version so early? I checked at Naruto EX and NarutoChuushin and they don't have it.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

So, is Chouji okay? Shikamaru could be crying out of happiness, but he looks really sad to me in that last panel, but everyone else seems so cheerful.

[Keiichi]

I looked over the raw. I think Shikas crying cause he feels responcible everyone getting Injured and nearley getting killed. From what someone on anouther board said Shika promised this would not happen on his next mission.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

That sounds reasonable. So, the question is, what now? Where do we go from here?

[Tash]

That sounds reasonable. So, the question is, what now? Where do we go from here?New saga! (and it's about time. I'm sure everyone was getting sick of the last one...)

[joshualane]

That sounds reasonable. So, the question is, what now? Where do we go from here?
The Akatsuki (and Orochimaru's past) seems like a reasonable choice... especially after seeing one of them at the end of the Naruto/Sasuke fight.

[Mog]

I'm glad Neji is alright. I want him to play a bigger part later on in the series. He's the perfect middle man between the intellectual types like Shikamaru and the fighting types like Lee.

My prediction is the next arc will introduce the Akatsuki member we saw at the end of the last arc along with his partner (Remember that it was mentioned that the Akatsuki always travel in pairs). However, the guy could have been Orochimaru's partner and he may be going solo now.

[Conekiller]

I wanna see more of Shino!

and Lee's ok now, too so, more of him!

I wonder if we're going to get re-assigned teams now that Sasuke's gone, Sakura's sole purpose for being a ninja is voided (she only wanted to be with Sasuke, if memory serves) Hinata and Ino don't seem to be up to much lately. So we may see an updated pod roster. Myabe the Sand nins will be incorporated into them (fanboy dream, but still cool beyond words)

Plus I'd like to see how such a faliure of discipline on Sasuke's part is going to affect Kakashi.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I'm glad Neji is alright. I want him to play a bigger part later on in the series. He's the perfect middle man between the intellectual types like Shikamaru and the fighting types like Lee.

My prediction is the next arc will introduce the Akatsuki member we saw at the end of the last arc along with his partner (Remember that it was mentioned that the Akatsuki always travel in pairs). However, the guy could have been Orochimaru's partner and he may be going solo now.
The partner system was introduced after Orochimaru left, so there isn't anyone who is without a partner in the group.

[Keiichi]

My guess is that the Venus fly trap is his partner. It could be a summons or somthing since it talked.

[Mog]

The partner system was introduced after Orochimaru left, so there isn't anyone who is without a partner in the group.

Are you sure? I could have sworn that Orochimaru made ten menbers, and when he left they dropped down to nine.

[Icer]

Are you sure? I could have sworn that Orochimaru made ten menbers, and when he left they dropped down to nine. Nope, Jiraiya specifically states there were 9 members, then Orochimaru left, then they split into pairs of two.
If they've added someone since then, we dont know. Or if they dropped the whole pairs of 2 thing either.

[Keiichi]

looked over the translated ver. Great chap. And things should really be interesting next week when Sakura confronts naruto. I really hope she makes naruto agitated and makes naruto tell her off.

Naruto: you know what sakura I used to think you were a special girl. But now I see the truth. Your just a bubble headed selfish little girl who's obssessed with a boy who's the sole reason for her becoming a ninja in the first place. I still indeed to keep the promise but not because of you anymore but because its my way of the ninja *walks off*

[Mog]

The new chapter should be out tomorrow, but I decided to suggest to everyone that if you haven't already, download a video of the new opening. It's pretty damn good and it shows all the main players together in the Sasuke pursuit arc.

[Conekiller]

The new chapter should be out tomorrow, but I decided to suggest to everyone that if you haven't already, download a video of the new opening. It's pretty damn good and it shows all the main players together in the Sasuke pursuit arc.
The song itself is nowhere near as catchy and "oh yeah!, this show RULES" as "Go!"

and that ending theme I think "OMGWTF" describes it perfectly (it's still better than that ear piercing 4th ending)

[Keiichi]

Looked over the raw. Team 7 seem to be offically disbanded now with Sakura going to train under tsunade (Though I bet Shizune will supervise most of it) and naruto will no doubt go back to Jir to complete his training with him. Poor Kakashi's out of a teaching job. :p I would'nt be surprised if a time skip happens now. Maybe a year or two.

[Mog]

Yeah, the raw was pretty good. I need a translation, though. There was a lot of talking in this one.

As for the future jump, I wouldn't be surprised, but I would be mad. There's so much they could do right now that it would be stupid to simply jump ahead to the future to see Sasuke's "advanced angst" form. They need to work a little more on the history of Konoha, they need to introduce a few of the lower members of the Akatsuki, and they need to show what Orochimaru's position is right now. I mean, he just lost 5 of his best soldiers and won't even get Sasuke out of it. He must be pissed.

[Keiichi]

I think Sasuke went to Oro. I'm sure he wants to learn how to control the cursed seal better. Plus with his injuries there'd be no place for him to turn to now. Not to mention him walking into the darkness was no doubt a big hint thats where he was going.

[Anime Otaku]

and that ending theme I think "OMGWTF" describes it perfectly (it's still better than that ear piercing 4th ending)Yeah...A Naruto head making faces, then bouncing? Psychidelically(sp?) colored still shots of Naruto? Lyrics that seem rather random? (/off-topic)

[Tash]

Looked over the raw. Team 7 seem to be offically disbanded now with Sakura going to train under tsunade (Though I bet Shizune will supervise most of it) and naruto will no doubt go back to Jir to complete his training with him....
...
...
Let me be the first to say:
...
...
Good. It's about time.

[Conekiller]

Looked over the raw. Team 7 seem to be offically disbanded now with Sakura going to train under tsunade (Though I bet Shizune will supervise most of it) and naruto will no doubt go back to Jir to complete his training with him. Poor Kakashi's out of a teaching job. :p I would'nt be surprised if a time skip happens now. Maybe a year or two.
yay! Sakura may finally become relevant!

[FlyByNite77]

OMG...Sakura training under Tsunade and becoming USEFUL?
The Red Sox miraculous comeback against the Yankees and now mayhaps winning a world series?


Yes Folks. That's the Apocalypse knocking on our doors...

[Keiichi]

From what I've heard 337 indicates that a 3 year time skip is coming up pretty soon. Can't wait to see what the gang looks like then. Though this could be a clue (http://www.shoryuken.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38809) Its supposed to be from an artbook that came out a while back.

[Icer]

From what I've heard 337 indicates that a 3 year time skip is coming up pretty soon. Can't wait to see what the gang looks like then. Though this could be a clue (http://www.shoryuken.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38809) Its supposed to be from an artbook that came out a while back. That's a fan made image

At least I'm pretty sure that it is

[Keiichi]

Well I did say supposidly you happen to have any of the art books Icer?

[Conekiller]

That's a fan made image

At least I'm pretty sure that it is
I don't think so, there are a variety of images featuring the main cast in non-usual clothing made for the calendars and such.

if that is a fan made image...damn, that's a great fan made image....

[Teek]

Yeah, that's not fan made. That's a Kishimoto original that was in the first Naruto anime guidebook. (If I remember correctly) I'll have to check my edition when I get home.

[FlyByNite77]

wow. Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke look great in that image. If we get a timejump to that? I'd be a helluva happy camper.

[Duke]

From the new intro and such (Which really, really sucks compared to "Go!!!"), you'd kinda think that Naruto would join up with Shikamaru's team, since he has nowhere else, really, to go. (Unless he joins a group with Lee, Shino, and Sakura, but who would lead them?)

[Mog]

I just looked over the raw of 237. It's basically Naruto and Jiraiya talking, so I have no idea what's going on.

[Zero Angel]

From the new intro and such (Which really, really sucks compared to "Go!!!"), you'd kinda think that Naruto would join up with Shikamaru's team, since he has nowhere else, really, to go. (Unless he joins a group with Lee, Shino, and Sakura, but who would lead them?)
just out of curiousity...you have read the manga right?

[Duke]

just out of curiousity...you have read the manga right?
Yea, I have. Up until Shikamaru saying he will get better. (actually, from Naruto & Sasuke's fight up until Shikamaru's ambition.)

I just don't think they'd make a group of Naruto, Lee, Sakura, and Shino, unless Kakashi is actually going to lead them or something.

[FlyByNite77]

From the new intro and such (Which really, really sucks compared to "Go!!!"), you'd kinda think that Naruto would join up with Shikamaru's team, since he has nowhere else, really, to go. (Unless he joins a group with Lee, Shino, and Sakura, but who would lead them?)Who knows. With team leaders being dispatched on solo missions I'd guess some of the younger kids would go on missions themselves. You'd need one or two others to get promoted to Chunnin though. Neji seems to be capable of pretty good analysis so he might get a promotion. I can't see Naruto becoming a team leader though, so I doubt he would.

Shikamaru's character has really been built-up so I think he'd have a more prominent role in the manga, maybe as the new team leader to whatever group Naruto is in.

Sakura may even not be in a team and might just remain in Konoha to get the training as Tsunade's apprentice.

[Youko Recca]

From the new intro and such (Which really, really sucks compared to "Go!!!"))Don't believe him...they're basically equal. "Go!!!" maybe barely edging it out.

[Keiichi]

From the new intro and such (Which really, really sucks compared to "Go!!!"), you'd kinda think that Naruto would join up with Shikamaru's team, since he has nowhere else, really, to go. (Unless he joins a group with Lee, Shino, and Sakura, but who would lead them?)
He's going off to Train with Jir for 3 years.

[Jowy Blight]

From what I've heard 337 indicates that a 3 year time skip is coming up pretty soon. Can't wait to see what the gang looks like then. Though this could be a clue (http://www.shoryuken.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38809) Its supposed to be from an artbook that came out a while back.
I knew we'd get a time skip at some point. How else would any of the characters achieve their goals? I'd hope that a few more characters are at least Chunnin level after the skip. I really don't want to go though that forest of death crap again.

[Duke]

Don't believe him...they're basically equal. "Go!!!" maybe barely edging it out.
Bah. This new intro sucks even more than "Rocks." (I thought it wasn't possible. :P)

[Conekiller]

Bah. This new intro sucks even more than "Rocks." (I thought it wasn't possible. :P)
ROCKS is holy! (Ok, the actual animation thant went along with it was lame...)

Nothing beats the craptitude that was the 4th ending. barely any animation and the song is ear-bleedingly obnoxious. At least the 3rd OP had a catchy tune to counter balance the shrill voice.

[Duke]

ROCKS is holy! (Ok, the actual animation thant went along with it was lame...)
...I hate ROCKS. Go!!! is the best OP, followed closely by Sadness into Kindness, then Haruta Kanata.

Nothing beats the craptitude that was the 4th ending. barely any animation and the song is ear-bleedingly obnoxious. At least the 3rd OP had a catchy tune to counter balance the shrill voice.
Yea, but at least it wasn't as bad as Wind. :P

[Zero Angel]

...I hate ROCKS. Go!!! is the best OP, followed closely by Sadness into Kindness, then Haruta Kanata.


Yea, but at least it wasn't as bad as Wind. :P
hey, i like wind.

[Mog]

hey, i like wind.

So do I. Most Naruto fans praise "Wind" as the best ending. The opening is usually split with "Haruka kanata" and "Go!".

[Youko Recca]

So do I. Most Naruto fans praise "Wind" as the best ending. The opening is usually split with "Haruka kanata" and "Go!".
This is my responce...mirrored.

[Duke]

So do I. Most Naruto fans praise "Wind" as the best ending. The opening is usually split with "Haruka kanata" and "Go!".
Meh, I can't stand the horrible singer to actually like the song. Haruka Kanata is decent and catchy, but the singer "over-sings." My favorite ending is "Harmonia," followed by "Viva Rock," and "Shooting Star." The current OP & ED suck (except for the psychadelic Naruto faces in the ED).

[Icer]

Yeah, that's not fan made. That's a Kishimoto original that was in the first Naruto anime guidebook. (If I remember correctly) I'll have to check my edition when I get home.
Strange, when I first saw it at least a good few months ago everyone said it was fan-made. I'm interested to know if it really is in the artbook now.

[Conekiller]

Meh, I can't stand the horrible singer to actually like the song. Haruka Kanata is decent and catchy, but the singer "over-sings." My favorite ending is "Harmonia," followed by "Viva Rock," and "Shooting Star." The current OP & ED suck (except for the psychadelic Naruto faces in the ED).
That's jsut the Engrish, but now that I think about it, i cna't imagine WIND without it.

Harmonia is annoying as well, with it's breathy voices and monotonous tune. but it still beats the hiddeous 4th ending.

I love Rocks for 2 reasons, the awesome "classic rock" feel I get from it and "Rocks to the chest" is one of the best lines ever

[Anime Otaku]

Hmm...Rocks was nice, but not my favorite. Haruka Kanata was good, Kanashimi wo Yasashisa Ni had good lyrics, but a bad singer(so...high-picthed...), I liked Go! a lot, the new OP is pretty good, but that could jsut be the novelty factor speaking.

ED-wise, I didn't like Wind much/at all(visuals mediocre, song bad(Engrish aside...)), Harmonia was decent, Viva Rock rocked(pun intended), ALIVE sucked, Ima Made Nando Mo is one of my top 5 favorite anime songs, Ryyuusei was meh, and the new ED is...unique, to say the least. I don't like it, but it's so WEIRD(both visual(psychadellics!) & lyric-wise) that it makes up for it somewhat.

[Teek]

Strange, when I first saw it at least a good few months ago everyone said it was fan-made. I'm interested to know if it really is in the artbook now.I still have yet to check my copy, I'll try to remember tomorrow morning and give you an update.

[Teek]

Sorry it took so long, just checked my copy and it is in the first Naruto animation guide book. Is a nice little fold out picture, on the flip side of the fold-out is a nice map of the world that shows where most of the main characters come from.

[Tash]

Not to sound rude, but wouldn't you guys like to discuss this week's chapter?


(just between us, my connection is too slow to read Naruto, so I follow what's going on by listening to the discussion :sweat: )

[Teek]

Chapter 238 is definately nice.

"Part One" of the Naruto series is now over, we get to see all nine Akatsuki in their shadowy glory and each of the Genin is on their way to becoming bad ass in the next three years. (Except for Tenten and Hinata it seems.) Heh.

[Conekiller]

Chapter 238 is definately nice.

"Part One" of the Naruto series is now over, we get to see all nine Akatsuki in their shadowy glory and each of the Genin is on their way to becoming bad ass in the next three years. (Except for Tenten and Hinata it seems.) Heh.
no love for Tenten and Hinata :crying: ?

I found the dialogue between Jiraiya and Naruto in the previous issue very odd. The whole time J is trying to convince Naruto to "forget sasuke" (I'm sure that's Kishimoto's way of trying to convince the fandom too:evil: ) but it seems as if Naruto still holds on to his Sasuke obsession, and Jiraiya condems him for it, but then they're all like "ok so, you're comming with me anyway". I'm like.....wha?

[Duke]

no love for Tenten and Hinata :crying: ?
I wouldn't be surprised if Hinata becomes a support/medic ninja, a la Sakura. Hinata just isn't all that good at fighting.

I found the dialogue between Jiraiya and Naruto in the previous issue very odd. The whole time J is trying to convince Naruto to "forget sasuke" (I'm sure that's Kishimoto's way of trying to convince the fandom too:evil: ) but it seems as if Naruto still holds on to his Sasuke obsession, and Jiraiya condems him for it, but then they're all like "ok so, you're comming with me anyway". I'm like.....wha?
Jiraya wanted to teach Naruto no matter what, and to try and prevent Naruto from becoming like him. However, Naruto is as stubborn as they come, so Jiraya just said "oh, all right." Kind of like a parent finally relenting and buying a toy for their 3-year-old.

[Mog]

Yeah, that Jiraiya/Naruto speech confused me as well, but the message got through. Naruto would train with Jiraiya and not give up on Sasuke like Jiraiya did on Oro.

And I liked the newest chapter. Neji will get stronger with his uncles help, Lee is already wearing Gai out, Sakura is actually good now, and all the other genin are getting more serious. While a Kakashi side story is nice, I wish Kishi would just jump the three years for next week. Oh well.

Let's go Akatsuki!

edit: Wait a second Duke. Hinata isn't a good fighter? Rethink that. Just because she lost to Neji, that doesn't make her strong? I would rank her in the top 5 Leaf Genin fighters behind Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, and Lee. Shino might be better, but we haven't seen much of him to compare him to the others.

[Conekiller]

Shino might be better, but we haven't seen much of him to compare him to the others.
I'm sure Shino would have graduated Chuunin as well, had he been allowed to compete in the big tournament. He's one of the most clever of the Leaf gennins.

[Mog]

I'm sure Shino would have graduated Chuunin as well, had he been allowed to compete in the big tournament. He's one of the most clever of the Leaf gennins.

Yeah, but like I said, we haven't seen enough of him to get a good analysis. He is clever, I will give you that, but we don't know what he's good at or what he's weak against. My gut says that water skills, or area attacks in general, would just wreck him by killing off his bugs. We can only assume that his bugs are his biggest strength, so for his biggest strength to get killed off so easily makes him look kind of bad. That's really all an assumption, but hopefully he'll get some fighting in the next arc so we can actually see what he's capable of.

Also, the newest Naruto game will have Shino in it, so that might shine some light on his skills and abilities.

[Go-chin]

Going back to the subject of the manga...I think they need to skip all of the 3 year training, then just say what important happened during flashbacks.

Also, Sakura needs to have a bigger rack after this 3 year period of time. It'd be a shame if she didn't.

[Icer]

A Kakashi story would have been great.
But not in the middle of a time skip.

Damn you Kishimoto.:D

[Keiichi]

All nine Akatsuki memebers were in that cave? I only saw 4 shadows one of a very tall fellow (maybe the plant dude). I hope the Kakashi side story last a couple a chaps.

[Duke]

All nine Akatsuki memebers were in that cave? I only saw 4 shadows one of a very tall fellow (maybe the plant dude).
I saw what could be 7 shadows.

[Naraku]

no love for Tenten and Hinata :crying: ?

I found the dialogue between Jiraiya and Naruto in the previous issue very odd. The whole time J is trying to convince Naruto to "forget sasuke" (I'm sure that's Kishimoto's way of trying to convince the fandom too:evil: ) but it seems as if Naruto still holds on to his Sasuke obsession, and Jiraiya condems him for it, but then they're all like "ok so, you're comming with me anyway". I'm like.....wha?
Um...why would Kishimoto be trying to convince the fandom to forget about his favorite character? :rolleyes: Don't be stupid. ;)

I wonder how old some of you are, though. Jiraiya and Naruto's conversation was one of the most insightful in the series to me, and proved just how determined Naruto is. The jist: Jiraiya was trying to convince Naruto to forget about Sasuke, because his past with Oro mirrored theirs, and his ended badly, with him eventually just giving up on Orochimaru. He said that Naruto would be a fool to keep going after Sasuke. Now, Naruto knows this, so at this moment he can give up on Sasuke (and clearly live with regret for the rest of his life, as Jiraiya sadly does) or he can choose to not give up, even though it will be painful, too. This is the second moment where I believe Kishimoto is trying to prove that team 7 are not the Sannin, no matter how similiar they seem. (The first was when Sasuke showed regret & sadness over what he had done to Naruto). Naruto will not be Jiraiya. He won't give up on Sasuke. After he says this, Jiraiya is clearly sad (thinking he's doing something quite foolish), but he's also clearly touched, which is why he tells Naruto, that he is a fool, but he would be a moron to just go after them without his training. I think Jiraiya is secretly hoping Naruto brings back Sasuke and proves him wrong.

In anycase, I really look forward to the inevitable fight between Jiraiya and Orochimaru one day. They seem like what Naruto & Sasuke would be if they didn't have such a strong bond.

[Icer]

All nine Akatsuki memebers were in that cave? I only saw 4 shadows one of a very tall fellow (maybe the plant dude). I hope the Kakashi side story last a couple a chaps. There are 9 shadows.

The last 2 images are not seperate, they are one big splash page. All 9 are present.

Meaning they either replaced Orochimaru, or there was originally 10.

http://img98.exs.cx/img98/6416/Akatsuki.jpg

[Teek]

I'm thinking it might be possible our Kakashi side-story will be a flashback which will come to involve a character that will reappear 3 years from now. Meaning maybe one of the Akatsuki is another person Kakashi knows, maybe the one who killed Obito?

So we'll get our nice Kakashi backstory finally and then bam, when Akatsuki shows up. We'll get a Kakashi v. Mystery Person Part II.

[Conekiller]

Um...why would Kishimoto be trying to convince the fandom to forget about his favorite character? :rolleyes: Don't be stupid. ;)

I'm not being stupid, silly maybe, but not stupid. I know Kishimoto said waaaayy back when the series started that Sasuke was his favorite character, but I really wonder if that still stands. Sasuke has become a traitor to his country, rejected his companions, and tried to kill his best friend. SURE HE'S A VERY LIKEABLE CHARACTER (note the caps = extreme sarcasm)

I wonder how old some of you are, though. Jiraiya and Naruto's conversation was one of the most insightful in the series to me, and proved just how determined Naruto is. The jist: Jiraiya was trying to convince Naruto to forget about Sasuke, because his past with Oro mirrored theirs, and his ended badly, with him eventually just giving up on Orochimaru. He said that Naruto would be a fool to keep going after Sasuke. Now, Naruto knows this, so at this moment he can give up on Sasuke (and clearly live with regret for the rest of his life, as Jiraiya sadly does) or he can choose to not give up, even though it will be painful, too. This is the second moment where I believe Kishimoto is trying to prove that team 7 are not the Sannin, no matter how similiar they seem. (The first was when Sasuke showed regret & sadness over what he had done to Naruto). Naruto will not be Jiraiya. He won't give up on Sasuke. After he says this, Jiraiya is clearly sad (thinking he's doing something quite foolish), but he's also clearly touched, which is why he tells Naruto, that he is a fool, but he would be a moron to just go after them without his training. I think Jiraiya is secretly hoping Naruto brings back Sasuke and proves him wrong.
I'm almost 24.

I had to re-read that whole scene (which makes sence when you explain it that way) Because at first it seemed as if Jiraiya would not take naruto away if he still held onto Sasuke. But then at the end it seems they came to some telepathic understanding.

[Youko Recca]

That was really good at making the Akatsuki look formidable. They still ain't got nothing on Genei Ryodan, but their good villains none the less.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

That was a great chapter. Hinata, Shino, and Tenten are finally back. Seriously, wasn't this Hinata's first appearance since she fainted during Naruto and Neji's fight? She's back, and great. Sakura also seems to be doing quite well in her training, and after this is done she should be quite the ninja. And we saw the paths for just about everyone(except Kakashi, but after 5 years we should finally be learning what his deal is, it seems)

Its the manga that keeps getting better. Welcome back to the supporting cast, hope to see more of you soon.

[devon rehab]

All I can realy say is that I'm glad Hinata is back. Hopefully when we see the characters again after the three years of traning Hinata will have improved and start to have a more important role in the story.

[FlyByNite77]

All I can realy say is that I'm glad Hinata is back. Hopefully when we see the characters again after the three years of traning Hinata will have improved and start to have a more important role in the story.I figure with Hinata's Dad having a better personality now and working together with Neji on his training, he's probably going to work with Hinata a bit more too. I'd almost say Neji would be in ANBU, except he probably thinks he's too pretty to have to wear a mask ;)

[Youko Recca]

I'd almost say Neji would be in ANBU, except he probably thinks he's too pretty to have to wear a mask ;)
In that case I don't think he would enjoy being a ninja period. I'm interested to see what other tricks Neji can learn with his new training.

[Teek]

That's an interesting comment. After the three year jump, will any of the current Genin be ANBU members? Which do you think is most likely to be ANBU? I'm thinking Shino.

[Zero Angel]

actually i think Shino would be a great ANBU member...but he would also be a good doctor character too, considering the fact that the bugs can also drain poisen out of victums.

my guess at possible ANBU members though : Shino, Neiji, Kiba.

all three of them either have capabilities to track really well or have the potential of killing someone very very quickly.

as far as characters are concerned i would also love to see not only some of the characters advance but i would also love to see a more grown up Akamaru. instead of being just a puppy he would be more feral and wolf looking...like his parents wolves.

Hinata could go two ways though. i can see her dropping out of being a ninja in lue of Neiji being the stronger of the two of them as well as seeing what her younger sister can do.

[Duke]

Quick question. IIRC, the ANBU that healed Hinata back at the Chuunin Exam was Kabuto, correct? Are we positive that he actually healed her and didn't introduce some sort of condition into her? He is as much a medical expert as Tsunade is.

[Tallaid]

I don't think I want to really see anyone become an ANBU during this time skip that seems like something I wouldn't want to miss. We've seen just how difficult it is to become a Chuunin It must be way harder to join ANBU. Really I hope the time skip isn't an entire 3 years at once and instead we get to see flashes of what's happening every chapter for a few months worth of chapters instead of learning about it all through various flashbacks that will come up later. I guess I'm just the kinda guy who doesn't like seeing everyone advance so fast. If we come back and Naruto's a Chuunin and Neji's in ANBU and everyone's almost as powerful as Juunin I think it's just kinda ruined one of my favorite aspects of the show, the feeling that the main characters are not the strongest in the world. I don't want to see all the Genin progress to say the strength of Kakashi unless it happens very gradually and realistically. Ah well I'll see how it turns out after these chapters on Kakashi.

[Tash]

Quick question. IIRC, the ANBU that healed Hinata back at the Chuunin Exam was Kabuto, correct? Are we positive that he actually healed her and didn't introduce some sort of condition into her? He is as much a medical expert as Tsunade is.You're not the only one who thinks that. I've seen that suggested in a few of Hinata's charicter bios.

[Naraku]

I'm not being stupid, silly maybe, but not stupid. I know Kishimoto said waaaayy back when the series started that Sasuke was his favorite character, but I really wonder if that still stands. Sasuke has become a traitor to his country, rejected his companions, and tried to kill his best friend. SURE HE'S A VERY LIKEABLE CHARACTER (note the caps = extreme sarcasm)
All you have to do is ask yourself this. Who is the single character who's had the most character development in this series to this point? The answer is clearly Sasuke. Even Naruto hasn't been developed as much as he has. He also beat Naruto in their fight, and is the only genin who can go head to head with him. Also, in the new artbook that just came out, Naruto & Sasuke get a majority of the pictures, and in Kishimoto's comments on the pictures in the back of the book, he simply gushes over Sasuke's character design, depth, and just says he's most delighted with how he came out as a character. You'd think the man were in love with Uchiha Sasuke.

And even if he did try to do all of those things that you said (which he has), he has also, at the same time, been given good reasons for doing all the things he does. Most Sasuke haters just choose to ignore that part.

[Duke]

I don't think I want to really see anyone become an ANBU during this time skip that seems like something I wouldn't want to miss. We've seen just how difficult it is to become a Chuunin It must be way harder to join ANBU. Really I hope the time skip isn't an entire 3 years at once and instead we get to see flashes of what's happening every chapter for a few months worth of chapters instead of learning about it all through various flashbacks that will come up later. I guess I'm just the kinda guy who doesn't like seeing everyone advance so fast. If we come back and Naruto's a Chuunin and Neji's in ANBU and everyone's almost as powerful as Juunin I think it's just kinda ruined one of my favorite aspects of the show, the feeling that the main characters are not the strongest in the world. I don't want to see all the Genin progress to say the strength of Kakashi unless it happens very gradually and realistically. Ah well I'll see how it turns out after these chapters on Kakashi.
Yea, you'd have to be at least twice as strong as Kakashi to even be considered ANBU, and none of the Genin are anywhere near Kakashi yet. I believe there were only about 2 dozen ANBU or so originally, right?

[Naraku]

I guess I'm just the kinda guy who doesn't like seeing everyone advance so fast. If we come back and Naruto's a Chuunin and Neji's in ANBU and everyone's almost as powerful as Juunin I think it's just kinda ruined one of my favorite aspects of the show, the feeling that the main characters are not the strongest in the world.
Um, what? Fast? From what we've seen so far, this is one of the sorriest group of Genin to have ever existed. if they aren't ANBU when they come back, then they're nothing more than pathetic. Kakashi was an ANBU when he was TWELVE. If Neji isn't an ANBU by the time this timeskip is over and he's SIXTEEN, then he is far from a freakin genius. And Naruto better be much more than Chuunin in strength when he comes back. HE IS BEING TRAINED PERSONALLY BY A SANNIN FOR THREE YEARS. I EXPECT TO SEE HIM HEAD TO HEAD WITH AKATSUKI MEMBERS WHEN THIS TIME SKIP IS OVER.

[Duke]

Um, what? Fast? From what we've seen so far, this is one of the sorriest group of Genin to have ever existed. if they aren't ANBU when they come back, then they're nothing more than pathetic. Kakashi was an ANBU when he was TWELVE. If Neji isn't an ANBU by the time this timeskip is over and he's SIXTEEN, then he is far from a freakin genius. And Naruto better be much more than Chuunin in strength when he comes back. HE IS BEING TRAINED PERSONALLY BY A SANNIN FOR THREE YEARS. I EXPECT TO SEE HIM HEAD TO HEAD WITH AKATSUKI MEMBERS WHEN THIS TIME SKIP IS OVER.
You mean Itachi, not Kakashi.

And Itachi is the exception, not the rule.

[Naraku]

You mean Itachi, not Kakashi.

And Itachi is the exception, not the rule.
Oh wait, no, that's right. Kakashi was an ANBU at age TEN.

[Keiichi]

Where did you read the Kakashi was an Anbu at Ten? If I remember right Itachi was the youngest ANBU ever.

[Conekiller]

And even if he did try to do all of those things that you said (which he has), he has also, at the same time, been given good reasons for doing all the things he does. Most Sasuke haters just choose to ignore that part.
I don't ignore it, I just won't call it an excuse. Most of the main cast cast has had tragic pasts.

Neji, Rock Lee (less as much as the others tho) Gaara and Naruto himself. all of them have "gotten over it" some how. Sasuke has not. Sasuke has held onto his anger, his rage, his jealousy. All this has boiled inside of him while he doesn't accept help form others. He hasn't changed at all since he was first introduced.

I take that back, he has changed, for the worst. He's become more jealous. More angry and violent toward those around him, toward those who care for him and (supposedly) he cares for as well. I just can't accept this. Naruto has changed aot since he was first introduced. He's matured far more thna Sasuke has. Go re-read the first handful of Mangas and I dare you to tell me that the Naruto now is the same as the blissfull idiot who cowered in fear at Zabusa and Haku.

MOst characters have evolved, Sasuke hs devolved. I understand he went thru a seriously traumatic experience. That's no excuse for doing what he's done. He needs to swallow his pride and ask for the help of his allies.

[Icer]

Yea, you'd have to be at least twice as strong as Kakashi to even be considered ANBU, and none of the Genin are anywhere near Kakashi yet. I believe there were only about 2 dozen ANBU or so originally, right?You have your information messed up...Jounins are stronger than ANBU.

It's been showcased enough (Kabuto easily killed like 4, and hes on Kakashi's level), as well as the fact that Kakashi was in the ANBU, and now a full fledged Jounin teacher.

And I've never seen that there was a limit on ANBU members, it's just like the swat of Konoha.

Most of the male genins have shown us that they are as strong as Chuunins at least. In 3 years time, it's not far fetched to think they will all be in ANBU or at least Chuunins about to become ANBU.

[Duke]

You have your information messed up...Jounins are stronger than ANBU.

It's been showcased enough (Kabuto easily killed like 4, and hes on Kakashi's level), as well as the fact that Kakashi was in the ANBU, and now a full fledged Jounin teacher.

And I've never seen that there was a limit on ANBU members, it's just like the swat of Konoha.

Most of the male genins have shown us that they are as strong as Chuunins at least. In 3 years time, it's not far fetched to think they will all be in ANBU or at least Chuunins about to become ANBU.
I thought ANBU were the best of the best of the best.

[Naraku]

I don't ignore it, I just won't call it an excuse. Most of the main cast cast has had tragic pasts.

Neji, Rock Lee (less as much as the others tho) Gaara and Naruto himself. all of them have "gotten over it" some how. Sasuke has not. Sasuke has held onto his anger, his rage, his jealousy. All this has boiled inside of him while he doesn't accept help form others. He hasn't changed at all since he was first introduced.

Um...Hell yeah Neji, Naruto and Gaara (Rock Lee's past is NOT "tragic") have gotten over it. Let's see, Naruto has MANY friends now, most of the village does not hate him anymore, in fact, after they saw the Chuunin exam, many clapped for him and admire him now. He even has his own fanclub (Konohomaru's group"), Let's see...Gaara's father IS DEAD, and therefore not trying to constantly KILL HIM anymore. He's been shown that Love is stronger than hatred thanks to Naruto. Neji learned that all his hate towards the clan was UNJUSTIFIED because his father chose his own death, and is now being trained by his Uncle, who he used to hate. Hmm, seems they don't hold onto it because all their problems are WRAPPED UP IN NICE, TIDY LITTLE PACKAGES.

What about Sasuke? Oh yes, he still has his older brother, the source of all his problems, ALIVE, WELL, AND EVIL. He is chasing down his best friend for god knows what reasons, maybe to kill. Sasuke is still POWERLESS to stop him, too. His family...hmm, STILL DEAD, memories made ever the fresher everytime Itachi comes back to use the Mangekyo on him to make him relive that day. On the other hand, he does have a child molester after him offering him power. Well, Kakashi is useless, beaten by Itachi in less than a minute. No one in Konoha currently can train him or even take on his twisted brother themselves...so clearly training in Konoha WILL NOT WORK. Accepting help from Konoha...Is that another word for USELESS?

[Conekiller]

What about Sasuke? Oh yes, he still has his older brother, the source of all his problems, ALIVE, WELL, AND EVIL. He is chasing down his best friend for god knows what reasons, maybe to kill. Sasuke is still POWERLESS to stop him, too. His family...hmm, STILL DEAD, memories made ever the fresher everytime Itachi comes back to use the Mangekyo on him to make him relive that day. On the other hand, he does have a child molester after him offering him power. Well, Kakashi is useless, beaten by Itachi in less than a minute. No one in Konoha currently can train him or even take on his twisted brother themselves...so clearly training in Konoha WILL NOT WORK. Accepting help from Konoha...Is that another word for USELESS?
Ok, I'll give you that (Itachi continues to acutally mentally torture Sasuke? I don't remember that....) I still beleive that he is acting selfish. It is still no excuse for trying to kill Naruto. I'll forgive everything up to that "long awaited fight" after that, he has lost all my sympathy. all I see is someone who is mad for more power to accompish a selfish goal, no matter what or who gets in his way.

Not to mention the obvious-to-everyone-but-Sasuke situation that Orochimaru is just using him. Sure, he's got a 3 year lease now, but once that opportunity arises, Sasuke will be putty in Orochi's hands awating his next big power upgrade, when all he's gonna get is death.

[Naraku]

Ok, I'll give you that (Itachi continues to acutally mentally torture Sasuke? I don't remember that....) I still beleive that he is acting selfish. It is still no excuse for trying to kill Naruto. I'll forgive everything up to that "long awaited fight" after that, he has lost all my sympathy. all I see is someone who is mad for more power to accompish a selfish goal, no matter what or who gets in his way.

Not to mention the obvious-to-everyone-but-Sasuke situation that Orochimaru is just using him. Sure, he's got a 3 year lease now, but once that opportunity arises, Sasuke will be putty in Orochi's hands awating his next big power upgrade, when all he's gonna get is death.
Only once during that fight did he try to kill Naruto. No one seems to have noticed this, but the final time Sasuke & Naruto used Rasengan & Chidori on each other, Kishimoto made it a point to show that they both pulled their punches. Sasuke closed his fist (The Chidori is a piercing attack that requires his hand to be straight, like a sword, and this nullified it) and Naruto aimed for Sasuke's forhead protector instead. Yes, he tried to kill Naruto. It's what Itachi was setting him up for since he left his village, making him believe that he would one day need to kill his best friend to beat him. But in the end Sasuke decided not to kill Naruto, and he will never try to again. Thus the whole "I will not be your puppet" speech he made after winning the fight & running off.

If he "lost" your sympathy during this fight, I find it hard to believe he ever had any to begin with. No one knew much about what Sasuke went through that night until his entire backstory was revealed in that fight. No one knew that he was so devastated that night that he was almost driven to the point of suicide by drowning. No one knew that Itachi was his idol. And although it could've been suspected, no one knew just how much the Itachi/Sasuke story paralleled the Sasuke/Naruto story.

Also, Sasuke KNOWS Orochimaru means to use him. He KNOWS he wants his body. This is why, when Sasuke gets to Orochimaru, he says "GIVE ME POWER, NOW" Orochimaru still plans to train Sasuke within those three years. So, Sasuke's plan is to get power quickly, while he can. After that? Run, be Oro's body, or kill him are the options left to him.

[Duke]

(Itachi continues to acutally mentally torture Sasuke? I don't remember that....)
Remember when Itachi totally pwned Sasuke at the hotel? That's the mental torture. Naruto's super-increased-strength-that-allows-him-to-beat-opponets-Sasuke-couldn't didn't help much. :P

[Youko Recca]

Stuff
Hmm, have I met you somewhere else before? Your solid Sasuke defence seems familiar....

[Naraku]

Hmm, have I met you somewhere else before? Your solid Sasuke defence seems familiar....
Dunno...I've posted here in the past, tho.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

You can stand up for Sasuke all you want, I don't care. But saying he's evolved is laughable.

In Sasuke's first appearance he was an angsty character determined to kill his brother and seeking power at any cost.

Now Sasuke is angsty, determined to kill his brother, and is selling himself out and abandoning people who have done nothing but care about him for power.

Your right, that shows a whole lot of development. And a lot of your claims about other characters are completely wrong. Gaara's trauma had nothing to do with his father, he was disturbed before then, and would have been scarred for life. Gaara was able to see he was wrong, make ammends with those who he had mistreated, and start a new philosophy on life. Naruto only won the respect of others because he worked his freakin' ass off for it, and never gave up, no matter what. It wasn't wrapped up in a nice little package, he worked on fixing his problems.

Sasuke basically threatens Kakashi, tries to kill Naruto, and then treats Sakura with absolutely no respect at all. How's that any kind of development. He's an unlikeable jerk, in every manner of speaking. Kiba has had more development than Sasuke.

[Naraku]

You can stand up for Sasuke all you want, I don't care. But saying he's evolved is laughable.
I suggest you go back and re-read my threads. Don't read one line & then type a half-assed quick opinion because you hate Sasuke alot. I prefer arguments, not one-sided character bellitlements that only Sasuke-haters seem to like to type up.

Geez, even Sakura haters give better arguments most of the time.

Seriously, were you thinking when you typed up "Gaara's trauma had nothing to do with his father". I mean, are you STUPID? Ok, let me spell out for you exactly how Gaara's trauma had EVERYTHING to do with his father, so that you now understand the story.

Gaara's father...the one who SEALED THE DEMON WITHIN HIS SON. Ok, if you want to ignore that...we have Gaara's uncle, the one who taught Gaara about love & that crap. Didn't like Gaara secrtly, but that doesn't matter. Wouldn't have broken Gaara's strangle hold on sanity by trying to kill him had it NOT BEEN AN ORDER FROM HIS FATHER. Who's the one sending assasins after him that he has to kill...Oh No, Look out, IT'S HIS FATHER. Who put the demon within him that causes all his problems? Say it with me boy....GAARA'S FATHER.

I'd like to point out the obvious holes in your other arguments, but I feel like I've just wasted time typing that previous paragraph up, because I'm sure that the only thoughts going on in your mind now are "Food, water, sleep, and HATE SASUKE MOOOOREE"

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I suggest you go back and re-read my threads. Don't read one line & then type a half-assed quick opinion because you hate Sasuke alot. I prefer arguments, not one-sided character bellitlements that only Sasuke-haters seem to like to type up.

Geez, even Sakura haters give better arguments most of the time.

Seriously, were you thinking when you typed up "Gaara's trauma had nothing to do with his father". I mean, are you STUPID? Ok, let me spell out for you exactly how Gaara's trauma had EVERYTHING to do with his father, so that you now understand the story.

Gaara's father...the one who SEALED THE DEMON WITHIN HIS SON. Ok, if you want to ignore that...we have Gaara's uncle, the one who taught Gaara about love & that crap. Didn't like Gaara secrtly, but that doesn't matter. Wouldn't have broken Gaara's strangle hold on sanity by trying to kill him had it NOT BEEN AN ORDER FROM HIS FATHER. Who's the one sending assasins after him that he has to kill...Oh No, Look out, IT'S HIS FATHER. Who put the demon within him that causes all his problems? Say it with me boy....GAARA'S FATHER.

I'd like to point out the obvious holes in your other arguments, but I feel like I've just wasted time typing that previous paragraph up, because I'm sure that the only thoughts going on in your mind now are "Food, water, sleep, and HATE SASUKE MOOOOREE"
Gaara's father was responsible for the demon, but his being alive or dead wouldn't change that. His father's assassination attempts weren't the source of Gaara's mental instability, and his being dead wasn't going to magically make Gaara sane again. That is what I meant by saying that.

And I'd be glad to hear how you can say that Sasuke has "evolved" from an angsty kid set on gaining power and killing his brother to an angst kid set on gaining power and killing his brother.

[Youko Recca]

Dunno...I've posted here in the past, tho.
Yeah. You just sound like Lost World, a member from some other board I visit.


As for this little discussion on Sasuke, I'm probally neutral. On one hand he hasn't really had much more development in his character like some others but then again he doesn't seem to deserve the endless ridicules. It'd be alright if it wasn't dished out in large quantities though.

[Duke]

Personally, Sasuke's temporament is OK for me simply because it allows Naruto to be developed more. I always love 90% of the stuff Naruto does no matter what, so any development for him is OK for me. :p

[Naraku]

And I'd be glad to hear how you can say that Sasuke has "evolved" from an angsty kid set on gaining power and killing his brother to an angst kid set on gaining power and killing his brother.
Hmm, well, if you word it that way, can you tell me how naruto has developed from "Loudmouthed kid who wants to become Hokage to loudmouthed kid who wants to become Hokage"?

Just because these characters have single-minded goals does not mean they have not developed.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Naruto has progressed quite a bit, before he was constantly throwing a fit and making a scene about being the Hokage and trying to standout as much as possible(see his picture taken and the prank he pulled on Kakashi), and didn't take anything seriously.


Now he is very forward about being the Hokage, but not obnoxious about it, and has matured a lot in terms of how he expresses himself, no longer pulling pranks and trying to stand out for the hell of it.

Sasuke just seems to be more of the same. But even regardless of if Sasuke evolved, there's the fact that I just don't like him, because he's an arrogant jerk who sold his friends out for power and doesn't care about anyone except himself.

[Naraku]

But even regardless of if Sasuke evolved, there's the fact that I just don't like him, because he's an arrogant jerk who sold his friends out for power and doesn't care about anyone except himself.
And this explains why it's meaningless debating you. You don't want a discussion, or even to be proven wrong. You just want to exist with your meaningless hatred of a fictional character.

Though, you must have at least slept through chapter 233, because he quite clearly still cares a great deal about Naruto.

But nevertheless, I hope you at least realize that Sasuke isn't going away. Because he is Kishimoto's favorite character, he will continue to share the spotlight with Naruto, redeem himself eventually, and (as this manga is so predictable anyway) probably eventually become the second most powerful ninja in Konoha (Naruto would be number one). And he'll most likely be one of the few along with Naruto (and probably Gaara) who will end up fighting the Akatsuki. He'll also be the one to kill Itachi, and most likely Orochimaru as well.

[Keiichi]

I don't think he'll kill itachi. That would be playing into his hands and doing exaclty what he wanted him to do. I think he'll probley come close to it but won't do it. This act may bring itachi back to his senses which he'll then probley sacrifice his life saving sasuke from an akatsuki member. Kind cliche I'll admit but I think it would work.

[Duke]

I can't wait until Naruto airs on Toonami so we can have these kind of discussions with the rest of TZ. :)

[Naraku]

I don't think he'll kill itachi. That would be playing into his hands and doing exaclty what he wanted him to do. I think he'll probley come close to it but won't do it. This act may bring itachi back to his senses which he'll then probley sacrifice his life saving sasuke from an akatsuki member. Kind cliche I'll admit but I think it would work.
Hm, actually that would be kinda cool.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

And this explains why it's meaningless debating you. You don't want a discussion, or even to be proven wrong. You just want to exist with your meaningless hatred of a fictional character.

Though, you must have at least slept through chapter 233, because he quite clearly still cares a great deal about Naruto.

But nevertheless, I hope you at least realize that Sasuke isn't going away. Because he is Kishimoto's favorite character, he will continue to share the spotlight with Naruto, redeem himself eventually, and (as this manga is so predictable anyway) probably eventually become the second most powerful ninja in Konoha (Naruto would be number one). And he'll most likely be one of the few along with Naruto (and probably Gaara) who will end up fighting the Akatsuki. He'll also be the one to kill Itachi, and most likely Orochimaru as well.
If Sasuke was a more likeable character I wouldn't mind it. But just because Kishimoto likes Sasuke doesn't mean he'll be redeemed. Plenty of writers like their villains a great deal, but keep them villains. Sasuke will most likely die a villain, but have no regrets about being evil as long as he killed Itachi.

And if this manga is so predictable, as you insist, why continue reading it. I know I certainly wouldn't keep reading it if I thought it was predictable. Sasuke still cares about Naruto? I'm not so sure about that, he didn't kill Naruto, but if he cared about him he wouldn't have left Konoha in the first place. The only reaosn he left is to become stronger, which shows what a self centered guy he is.

[Razor]

Emotions aren't that black and white... O_o

[Naraku]

If Sasuke was a more likeable character I wouldn't mind it. But just because Kishimoto likes Sasuke doesn't mean he'll be redeemed. Plenty of writers like their villains a great deal, but keep them villains. Sasuke will most likely die a villain, but have no regrets about being evil as long as he killed Itachi.

And if this manga is so predictable, as you insist, why continue reading it. I know I certainly wouldn't keep reading it if I thought it was predictable. Sasuke still cares about Naruto? I'm not so sure about that, he didn't kill Naruto, but if he cared about him he wouldn't have left Konoha in the first place. The only reaosn he left is to become stronger, which shows what a self centered guy he is.
Clearly you missed the entire point of chapter 238. I don't know how much clearer Kishimoto needed to be than to show them both divert their attacks and show a clear flashback of them holding hands as children to show that they are still connected and care about each other.

Seriously, kid...stop being blind. Do these pictures show you "pure evil"?

Image One (http://img3.imgspot.com/u/04/312/10/narutoch233p08.png)
Image Two (http://www.narutochuushin.com/main.php?category=multimedia&page=manga/&subdir1=chapter233/&subdir2=chapter233_14)

DOES THIS LOOK LIKE EVIL TO YOU?

Image Three (http://www.narutochuushin.com/main.php?category=multimedia&page=manga/&subdir1=chapter233/&subdir2=chapter233_16)


If so, you seriously need to stop reading this story, because you quite clearly do not undertsand pictures.

And if you weren't able to predict what would happen in this manga, most recently the fact that Sasuke would actually get away from Konoha....then quite frankly I wonder if you've ever read a story before. There hasn't been mush in this story that hasn't been predictable enough for any seasoned reader to figure out.

But, delude yourself all you want.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Sure I knew Sasuke would leave Konoha, he made his ambition quite clear. I'm not saying he's pure evil, although he is certainly going down that path and Kishimoto has been setting him up to follow Orochimaru's path from the start. A young, brilliant ninja who everyone thinks is so great, but walks down the wrong path out of a search for even more power. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are following the paths of the Sannin. Sasuke won't return to Konoha, because he is going to become like Orochimaru, a dangerous missing-nin with his own ambitions. Besids the fact that he would not be allowed to return to the village following his actions, why would Sasuke want to.

What has Sasuke ever done to make it seem like he would want to return, he has been constantly insulting the way things work there. Sasuke is an interesting character, but only as a villain. Sasuke is a guy who chose the wrong path, and he was given a chance to go on the right path several times, and Kakashi went out of his way for Sasuke. Sasuke made his choice, though, and choices are what seperate us.

[Naraku]

Sure I knew Sasuke would leave Konoha, he made his ambition quite clear. I'm not saying he's pure evil, although he is certainly going down that path and Kishimoto has been setting him up to follow Orochimaru's path from the start. A young, brilliant ninja who everyone thinks is so great, but walks down the wrong path out of a search for even more power. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are following the paths of the Sannin. Sasuke won't return to Konoha, because he is going to become like Orochimaru, a dangerous missing-nin with his own ambitions. Besids the fact that he would not be allowed to return to the village following his actions, why would Sasuke want to.

It's been made quite clear throughout the series, MANY times that while Naruto, Sasuke, & Sakura may resemble the Sannin superficially, they ARE NOT the Sannin. They will be different, and won't make the mistakes that the Sannin made. This point was just re-emphasized in chapter 237.

Geez, man, just the fact that Naruto & Sakura won't give up on the point of bringing him back means he'll come back eventually. It could be arguable now that, along with becoming Hokage, bringing Sasuke back is Naruto's most primary goal in this series. Why is he going to train with Jiraiya for three years? He didn't say it was to become Hokage. He specifically wanted to become stronger so that he can bring Sasuke back.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Naruto certainly wants too, but Jiraiya even emphasizes that he felt the same way about Orochimaru when he was younger. Naruto will try, but Sasuke has already left, remember the scene of him dissapearing into the darkness? That was a symbol that Sasuke has now officially chosen to be evil. 238 even reaffirms this, with Sasuke saying "Give me power, now!!!". He is driven now by nothing but power. I immagine that Naruto will attempt to save Sasuke, but in the end will be forced to kill him.

[Zero Angel]

you know...through all of the arguements being made i cant help but feel one thing about Sasuke as everyone is talking...

Star Wars was good for a couple of really great reasons, one of which was a character that was one of the ultimate villans in all of movie history : Darth Vader. Vader was one of those villans you loved to hate, and once you got more of what had happened to him, his backstory and his history (the original trilogy) you come to love the villan that much more.

Sasuke has kind of taken that route in the manga. he has become this fallen hero who will do anything to accomplish his goals. in Sasuke's eyes, killing his brother will allow him to rest and finally allow him the chance to die in peace, remember the fight with Haku, when he thought he was dying? he was regreting that he wasnt strong enough to kill Haku, and by default, kill Itachi.

i also think that you are giving to much credit to Sasuke. he is your typical cliche'd angsty teenage fallen from grace characters now. while he didnt kill Naruto i dont think he would be beyond crippling him to the point that he wouldnt interfere with his ambitions. i also think that there is a very strong chance that Sasuke will be taken over by Orochi by the time the flash forward will be done with.

Sasuke hasnt de-evolved...he has simply grown in a different direction then the rest of the characters. his not reaching out for help from his friends is not a matter of him not caring but a matter of just, that is the way he is. he never really askes for help either, he sort of demands it...kind of like how Orochiamaru operates. now...does this mean that Kishi is sharing the spotlight? we could use a DBZ reference here and throw in the fact that at the end of the series it wasnt Gohan that was saving the day...it was the two biggest rivals throughout the entire things...Vegeta and Goku. again i could see the direction of the manga heading that way.

either way...i dont think anyone can argue that all the characters have grown (even minor characters) but in their own way. and i dont think that anyone can argue that there will be another fight between Sasuke and Naruto...here is the thing though, when it happens, i think it will mirror the fight between the Three Sanin that happened in one of the earlier chapters, only this time it will be Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke fighting it out.

[EroSennin]

The only reaosn he left is to become stronger, which shows what a self centered guy he is.Isnt Naruto about to leave Kohona to become stronger? I dont see you calling him self centered.

In fact almost all of Narutos motives are to become stronger. When Jiraiya asked him to come on an important mission with him Naruto said he didn't want to. He wanted to stay and learn the chidori from Kakashi. It wasn't until Jiraiya offered to teach him a more powerful move that Naruto agreed.

[Duke]

Isnt Naruto about to leave Kohona to become stronger? I dont see you calling him self centered.
Naruto is certain to eventually return, though. Sasuke's still in doubt.

[Naraku]

Naruto certainly wants too, but Jiraiya even emphasizes that he felt the same way about Orochimaru when he was younger. Naruto will try, but Sasuke has already left, remember the scene of him dissapearing into the darkness? That was a symbol that Sasuke has now officially chosen to be evil. 238 even reaffirms this, with Sasuke saying "Give me power, now!!!". He is driven now by nothing but power. I immagine that Naruto will attempt to save Sasuke, but in the end will be forced to kill him.
Say it with me, Naruto & Sasuke ARE NOT Jiraiya and Orochimaru. If Kishimoto just wanted to make them carbon copies of the Sannin, he would have made the story ABOUT THE SANNIN. There's no point to this entire manga if they just mirror their forebearers. Do you not see that?

[Icer]

Isnt Naruto about to leave Kohona to become stronger? I dont see you calling him self centered.

In fact almost all of Narutos motives are to become stronger. When Jiraiya asked him to come on an important mission with him Naruto said he didn't want to. He wanted to stay and learn the chidori from Kakashi. It wasn't until Jiraiya offered to teach him a more powerful move that Naruto agreed. Naruto isn't betraying his friends, comrades, and village to pursue strength though.

So it's not comparable.

[Conekiller]

Naruto isn't betraying his friends, comrades, and village to pursue strength though.

So it's not comparable.
That, and he's off to ge stronger for the benefeit of others. Sakura is the one who wants Sasuke bakc so badly, and since Naruto is such a close friend of hers (wow...remember when she HATED him.....) he vowed to do so. He is going off to get stronger out of neccessity. (and if it just so happens to cooincide with his own personal dreams, then its a win-win situation)


I must also admit, upon closer inspection of my opinions, that when I first started following this sereis NONE of the main characters were remotely likeable to me. Kakshi and the cool ninja fights were the only thing that kept me comming back. Soon after I was treated to the Chuuin exam arc, which gave lots more interesting characters to focus on. It also gave us more development for the main 3 gennins. As time went on, we follow Naruto (seeing as his name's the title) and witness him actually gettin better. He's training, learning new abilites, trial and error, and all that jazz. We see him putting his effort there, we witness his struggling.

I'm sure Sasuke went thru a similar ordeal while training with Kakshi, but we dont' see it (sure, int he anime there was that bitwhere Gaara paid them a visit , but I'm not sure if that's filler or not) but not being there to see it. We're forced to fill in the blanks. We know Sasuke is a "genius" so it should be easier for him to learn new things as opposed to others ( likeability dropping...) when he does show up with this fancy new attack (granteed, that was effing cool) he's all smug about it (not calm, collected like Shino, or Shikamaru would be, but...smug) The he feels overwhelmed by what Naruto can accomplish (granted, he had help form the Kyuubi deus ex machina....) he gets all jealous and holds that in, letting it fester until it becomes a viloent rage. Sure, Naruot has gotten jealous of Sasuke before (the tree climbing incident comes to mind) but the difference here, is that Naruto DOES something about. He makes up for his deficiency with sheer strength of will. Whereas Sasuke jsut holds it in and looks for the "easy out"

[Keiichi]

Well the Manga returns this week and the Kakashi back story arc begins.

[Conekiller]

I thought therre was no SJ this week at all....

[Keiichi]

Well sombody posted a script at NF. Maybe they released its happend before.

[EroSennin]

I thought therre was no SJ this week at all....
That was last week there was no Naruto. This weeks should be out by tomorrow morning

[Keiichi]

Well I looked over the raw. Its nice to finally see Yodamie alive and well we also meet Obito who was revealed to be from Uchica clan after much speculation. Though he appears to be goof up which is a surprise since we're used to memebers being strong. We are also introduced the Sakura like Rin. Can't wait to see where this gose.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Having read the translated version, it was very interesting. Kakshi's a lot different back then, even criticizing others for being late. And the first use of the Chidori at the end of the chapter looked awesome. Obito will probably die after activating his Sharingan, and Kakashi will somehow take it from him, at least, I guess that's what happens.

[Mog]

Having read the translated version, it was very interesting. Kakshi's a lot different back then, even criticizing others for being late. And the first use of the Chidori at the end of the chapter looked awesome. Obito will probably die after activating his Sharingan, and Kakashi will somehow take it from him, at least, I guess that's what happens.

Obito will probably die after activating the Sharingan, but I think he'll actually give his eye to Kakashi as a present for not giving him a gift earlier.

[kaine23]

Enjoying this storyarc so far. maybe sometime during it Kakashi discovers "Make Out Paradise". :D

[Tash]

Enjoying this storyarc so far. maybe sometime during it Kakashi discovers "Make Out Paradise". :DI remember readin somewhere that he started readin it on his eighteenth birthday. (I have no idea how accurate that is)

How old is he in this? (I have to catch up before readin this chapter)

[Keiichi]

Obito will probably die after activating the Sharingan, but I think he'll actually give his eye to Kakashi as a present for not giving him a gift earlier.
yeah I think it'll be a present as well.

[JDNobodi]

After spending the last four days reading all the manga chapters from NarutoChuushin and getting caught up in the story, I have one question-what in hell happen to Mitarashi Anko? Did she become a forgotten character like Lunch did in DBZ? She dropped out of existence during the chuushin finals. I find it hard to believe a character with strong connection with Orochimaru would be forgotten.

[Duke]

After spending the last four days reading all the manga chapters from NarutoChuushin and getting caught up in the story, I have one question-what in hell happen to Mitarashi Anko? Did she become a forgotten character like Lunch did in DBZ? She dropped out of existence during the chuushin finals. I find it hard to believe a character with strong connection with Orochimaru would be forgotten.
Dunno. She should have showed up during the attack at Konoha at least.

[Conekiller]

Anko was in the 4th Theme song animation (Dressed in a kimono and grinning goofily) and she is the shop owner in the second Game cube Naruto game. I'm sure she'll turn up, the first examineer showed up in the recent anime filler arc.

I like the peek into Kakshi's past. Kakashi was kind of a jerk, Obito is a huge slacker and the chick...hans't done much. It'll be interesting to see how Kakashi mellows out as we've had pletny of hints at what's to come.
Also intersting to see such a ... outspoken Uchiha member. As oposed to the introverted prett boys we've otten used to.

[JetMaster5]

Why is it that all genin teams in Naruto must have: A loud-mouth girl, a genius who's a jerk, and a loud-mouth, happy-going kid. Can't we get more variety besides that?

[Conekiller]

Why is it that all genin teams in Naruto must have: A loud-mouth girl, a genius who's a jerk, and a loud-mouth, happy-going kid. Can't we get more variety besides that?
hmmmm

Hinata, Kiba, Shino: Jerk? Kinda check. Genius, Kinda check. Loudmouth Girl.......nope

Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji: Loudmouth Girl, check. Genius, check. Genius jerk....nope. Loudmouth , happy-going kid.....nope.

TenTen, Neji, Lee: Loudmouth girl....nope. Genius Jerk, check. Loudmouth Happy going kid...kinda check.

way to generalize there, buddy.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Why is it that all genin teams in Naruto must have: A loud-mouth girl, a genius who's a jerk, and a loud-mouth, happy-going kid. Can't we get more variety besides that?
Nothing about Rin seemed loudmouthed, she seemed compassionate, but not loudmothed.

Shikamaru isn't a jerk, nor is Shino, Hinata and Ten-ten aren't loud-mouthed, neither is Chouji, Gaara's team doesn't fit that at all, either.

The only teams that actually fit that are Naruto/Sasuke/Sakura and Jiraiya/Orochimaru/Tsunade, who are supposed to have many parrallels between them.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Chapter 240 is out, and it has a big surprise. We see the Yondaime in action, but more importanly, we find out about Kakashi's family. Apparently, his father Hatake Sakumo, was a ninja on the same level as the Sanin, who was disgraced when he chose to save his comrades rather than completing the mission and eventually killed himself.

Wow, just when you thought you had Kishimoto figured out, he throws a huge surprise into the mix.

[Keiichi]

Yeah things are getting really interesting now. I wonder if Kakashi and his father were the only members left of their clan. Also I wonder if Jir will teach naruto Yondaime's teleportation jitsu it would come in really handy against the sharingan.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Yeah, that teleportation technique was awesome. I wonder if the Hatake clan has an advanced bloodline? We've only seen Kakashi really fight one time, so it'd be interesting to see if he has another ability that makes him even more badass.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

241 has been released, and this one gets further into the Gaiden. Rin gets kidnapped by Stone-nins, Kakashi wants to continue the mission while Obito wants to save Rin, and gives the "Those who don't value the lives of their friends are lower than trash." speach. This story is fairly interesting, even if it isn't groundbreaking.

[Keiichi]

Just read chap 241. Now we know where Kakashi got his famous "those who don't take care of their comrads are worst than trash" line.

[Keiichi]

Well we finally know how Kakashi loses his eye though it was a little predictable that Obito was going to get his Sharingan right when he needed it. Though I expected him to have three dots but like sasuke he starts out with two.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I expected him to get the two dot Sharingan, because it wouldn't make sense for him to start with three.

And it looks like Yondaime uses those Kunai to teleport, interesting.

[Keiichi]

Mixed feelings about 243. I'm kinda disapointed that Obito was killed off so early. Also the fact that somthing as difficult as an eye transplant could be done by a mere gennin and in a cave of all places. I guess Rin's skills are far beyond her years. Finally Kakashi can make the Sharigan evolve but he can't turn it off. Yeah that makes alot of sense. But I guess Kakashi's backstory will be coming to a close soon and we'll be back to the current story line in which 3 years have passed.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I thought it was handled pretty well. Obito's death was touching, at least somewhat. Kakashi only getting the two dot sharingan was the only way he could get it, unless there was a timejump, and I had actually expected the latter, so it was a bit of a pleasant surprise. Next chapter will be the last chapter of the Gaiden, so soon we'll be able to see post timejump characters.

[Keiichi]

Wow we must be the only ones keeping up since we seem to be the only ones commenting of the latest chaps. Anyway I wish this has been longer. I wonder if Rin is going to die in the next chapter.

[JDNobodi]

Wow we must be the only ones keeping up since we seem to be the only ones commenting of the latest chaps. Anyway I wish this has been longer. I wonder if Rin is going to die in the next chapter. I have been following the chapters, but I don't have anything worth while to say about it.

However, KuwabaraTheMan mention somebody named "Yondaime". Is he the Forth Hokage?

(Edit) I've just looked over the raw for 242 and 243. Looked very good, but I don't know fully what is going on because I haven’t learned to read Japanese yet.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Yondaime means "Fourth", so Yondaime Hokage is the Fourth Hokage. And, yeah, there certainly hasn't been a huge slew of people posting in this thread as of late.:sweat:

[Mog]

Yep, I called it. Obito dies and gives his eye to Kakashi, but I was surprised that Rin was able to transplant it on the spot. I guess Ninja medical training is extremelly advanced.

[Keiichi]

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/667/yume24.jpg

I hope naruto resembles somthing like this when we see him.

[kaine23]

Now this is getting good!

[EroSennin]

Final chapter is out in RAW Japanese. I didnt think we were getting one this week so it was a pleasant surprise.

I cant wait to see this arc animated. It might just seal the deal with 4kids not picking it up.

[Keiichi]

Kakashi's backstory certainly did'nt disapoint though I kinda wish it had been longer. Can't wait for the second half of naruto to start.

[JDNobodi]

Well, I've just glance over the raw and read the previous chapters. Obito's death has more meaning now that I understand what he said before he gave his eye to Kakashi. I thought this arc was going to be a bit longer. I thought Obito was going to live longer after getting the Sharingan, but the author killed Obito right off.

(edit) BTW, Monkey D. Luffy, where did you get that picture.

[Keiichi]

Blah this really sucks. The Manga is going on Hiatus for a month. And I found the pic on NF forums.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

It does suck, but hopefully it means that Kishimoto will be putting a lot of effort into the first chapter of Part 2. Maybe it will be the same length as the first chapter of Part 1 was.

[EroSennin]

Yea 1 more month until Part 2 begins but on the bright side it looks like they've released a color manga of the movie.

[JetMaster5]

Does anyone have the official word on why Naruto manga's on hiatus for one month?

[Conekiller]

So....when we get the Manga back in a month...it WILL be after the 3-year Jump?


(Waits for the female nins to be HAWT!)

[Youko Recca]

(Waits for the female nins to be HAWT!)Yeah, hopefully Kishimoto can do something with Sakura and Hinata to make them attractive. The others will just get a boost. Can't wait for Temari.


And this month thing is gonna hurt. With the one hour episodes and now this? It's like they want the anime to catch up.

[Conekiller]

Yeah, hopefully Kishimoto can do something with Sakura and Hinata to make them attractive. The others will just get a boost. Can't wait for Temari.


And this month thing is gonna hurt. With the one hour episodes and now this? It's like they want the anime to catch up.
Dunno what you're talking about.... I recently bought the UZUMAKI art book and theres at least one pic in there of Sakura and Hinata each where they're smokin (then I remind myself they're 12/13)

then again, till Tsunade I was always partial to Kin (the Sound nin, hey that rhymes)

[KuwabaraTheMan]

There's no need to worry about the anime catching up. If they get too close, they can do filler episodes about what happens during the time gap, like Dragon Ball and DBZ did.

Hinata-chan will be super hot after the time jump, and her and Naruto will hook up, just like Shikamaru and Temari, and Ino and Chouji.

[Keiichi]

So....when we get the Manga back in a month...it WILL be after the 3-year Jump?

Yeah. Atleast we still have One Piece and Bleach to keep us entertained. I think I'll start up a new thread once the manga starts up agian.

[Youko Recca]

Dunno what you're talking about.... I recently bought the UZUMAKI art book and theres at least one pic in there of Sakura and Hinata each where they're smokin (then I remind myself they're 12/13)
I was never fond of Sakura at all, the attension she even got astonished me. She seemed like a last resort. And Hinata...knowing her touch could kill me is scary. Imagine her trying to massage Naruto/you after a hard days work and oops...the muscles around your vertebrae and shoulder blades are folded inwards. Need I mention the jugular? No thank you.

Here's hoping they get an upgrade. All the other girls are okay though. Nothing out of the ordinary, except being killers.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

How dare you say such words about Our Lady Hinata!:mad:

This means war!

[JetMaster5]

I guess no one's got the official word on it...

[Keiichi]

http://www.udanstraight.com/images/NARUTO24_0168.jpg

Someone on Naruto Fan found this in Vol 24 (which I think just came out). Rather this is just random artwork or maybe a rough draft of what naruto may look like when the manga returns is unknown.

@jetmaster: There has been no offcial word as to why its going on hiatus. Maybe Kishi wants to gather some "data".

[Duke]

Yeesh, Naruto's face there looks awful.

And for the love of God, I seriously hope that Naruto does NOT wear that stupid fishnet shirt. Shikamaru looked OK in it, but Anko looked terrible (especially without her jacket) in it. Please let Naruto not wear that stupid thing!

[Keiichi]

Yeah I agree with you there the face is horrible. I think the cloths suit him though. Hopfully he won't wear that orange suit that he's had since day one we don't want anouther goku.

[JetMaster5]

Maybe it's the lips, but Naruto looks bad in that picture.

Well, since the manga's on a hiatus, let's do a review. What do you guys think of the manga's so far, overall?

[JDNobodi]

The manga has been slow at times, but the overall story has been great.

And for the love of God, I seriously hope that Naruto does NOT wear that stupid fishnet shirt. Shikamaru looked OK in it, but Anko looked terrible (especially without her jacket) in it. Please let Naruto not wear that stupid thing!
Funny, I feel the opposite about Shikamaru and Anko. Men should not wear fishnets, even Naruto.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

The manga's been great in my opinion. The last arc was a little slow, but outside of Naruto vs. Sasuke the speed wasn't really that bad, and there were lots of moments. Kishimoto really excells in foreshadowing future events and setting stuff up long in advance, and the characters and fights are good as well. And, in my opinion, so far each arc has surpassed the last, so that bodes well for the manga's future.

[Duke]

Yeah I agree with you there the face is horrible. I think the cloths suit him though. Hopfully he won't wear that orange suit that he's had since day one we don't want anouther goku.
I think that he'll wear something similar to that whenever he's not in a Konoha Ninja uniform (assuming that he gets to Chuunin & Jounin level).

[JetMaster5]

IMO, I felt like the manga was at it's best during the Chunin Exam. Afterwards, it just sort of went down. The Tsunade arc wasn't awesome. The Sasuke arc could've been pulled off better (although it was still good). And Kakashi's side story was kind of boring.

Yea, I felt like the manga went down. But it's still entertaining.

[Keiichi]

The Sasuke recovery arc is very controversial. Some felt it made naruto to DBZ-ish. Anyway I think the manga is still good but not as good as it first started. I'd like to see naruto go out on missons to other countrys and such facing different and more powerful foes. While the Chuunin exam arc was good it started this whole secret war between leaf village and Orochimaru who I'm kinda tired of. He's become the naraku of Naruto.

[Icer]

I get the feeling the whole Orochimaru conflict is coming to a close. Especially with the Akatsuki saying what they did in the last real chapter.

[JetMaster5]

Sasuke's arc...DBZish? The whole manga was DBZish. Drawn-out fights, fight after fight, power-ups.....

But in the end, it was still entertaining, and that's what counts.

[Keiichi]

Yes there were some DB elements through out the manga but the Sasuke recovery arc really over did with the power ups and the final power struggle between Sasuke and Naruto.

[Youko Recca]

It was a good arc overall. Pushed the characters to the point where now they'll be determined to get better. The best thing about it was the returns. It was a nice setup for the things to come.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Sasuke's arc...DBZish? The whole manga was DBZish. Drawn-out fights, fight after fight, power-ups.....

But in the end, it was still entertaining, and that's what counts.The fights were never that drawn out, they're still shorter than Dragon Ball fights are, and the Akimichi Pills and the Curse Seal have been the only "power-up" in the whole series. Even the so called "dragged out" Naruto vs. Sasuke was only 7 chapters once you remove the flashbacks, which doesn't even compare to DB fights.

A tad dragged out, yes. "Dragon Ball"? Hell no.

[Conekiller]

With the manga on temporary hiatus, and with the time-jump comming up I'd like gather what you all think might occcur in the near future. What will change, what will stay the same? your thoughts..


Mine: Expect to see more Chuunins. After the fiasco that was the previous Chuunin exam , it wouldn't Surprise me if Tsunade would just revert to (what I beleive was) the older promotion system (there seemed to be a hell of alot more Chuunin/Jounins running around as adults nowadays than compared to the current day passing class).

Seeing Shimaaru promoted over the others shows that intelligence, not just brute force and a strong will is waht gets you ranked. With that in mind, I expect to see some of the main cast now as Chuunins. Probably Shino and maybe Neji as well. Kiba , Chouji, Lee andNaruto don't strike me as the " team leader" type anyway. Hopefully Ino, Hinata and Tenten have been busy getting better as well. Although recently Ino and Hinata have seemd to just flat out stopped being ninjas. O_o

-Tsunade's face on the mountain. After 3 years, I'm sure it'll happen, the 4th was a young guy, but it seems like they got his face up there pretty quickly (I doubt it was after he sacrificed himself..could someone confirm this...)

-Konohamaru and co now having graduated the academy and possibly studying under Kakashi (seeing as his team have moved on to bigger and "better" teachers..the Sannin)

-More of Ibiki and Anko (pipe dreams)

-I'd like do see some re-designs too, but nothing too drastic. While I know it's odd for a ninja, I just can't picture Naruto wearing anything other than bright friggin Orange. In other words, similar outfits, but different enough to make them look older. I expect the teachers to keep theri same appearences (How many Zebra-print robes does Kurenai have!?)

-Less Orochimaru. He's cool and all, but the more we see him soundly defeated (oooh, pun not intended) the less "cool" he becomes.

-More Rock Lee. it's been a while, but ol Fuzzy Brows is back, let's hope he stays that way.

-Naruto + Hinata :awwwwwwwww.

[Keiichi]

If anything I expect to see more of Oro since he's basically the main villain though I think his days are numbered as the Akatsuki will finally be making their move. I also susspect we'll finally go into Kabuto's background and why he is with Oro. Anyway my preditons.

The first part of the 2nd half will start things off by re-introducing us to Naruto and the others. Then things will shift to the upcoming final battle with Oro.

After Oro is defeated the Akatsuki will make their move. Perhaps cause trouble in anouther Country and have Naruto and some others travel there.

A tournament. To try and show the leaf has regained its strength Tsunade will have the village participate in some tournament. More than likly Naruto will once again encounter the Akatsuki who are pulling strings from behind the sceans.

[Duke]

I expect Naruto to still be a showboat and claiming to be a great hero, but have matured quite a bit and isn't as hardheaded as he used to be.