Recent Naruto Manga (Chapters 400+)

[uc pseudonym]

He has indeed. With the American Shonen Jump recently I was reminded that back when Shikamaru went against the 9 Sound ninja I thought "It's nice that this manga lets even minor characters have their moment to shine." As things turned out, Shikamaru is pretty much one of the main characters and there are plenty we haven't seen in a while.

I'm irked that Naruto beat Kukazu. His jutsu is powerful in a good way, but the trick he used to make it connect wasn't that intelligent and I still just don't want him to be able to beat an Akatsuki. If he'd gotten his opening due to the others' efforts that would have been fine.

Anyway, though, off to a new arc. Hopefully with some new characters.*

*And by "new" I mean ones we haven't seen too much of recently, not another Sai.

[MasterDias]

Like Team 8, perhaps.

But yeah, what Kishimoto needs to do is another arc similar to the Chuunin Exams and Sasuke chase arc, where the secondary characters get to shine individually, and are not just reduced to "battle commentary" like Ino and Choji basically were for this arc.

[Sai]

BABY?? ;_; I wasn't quite expecting that...

[MasterDias]

Well, I suppose the signs were there in previous chapters. But, I guess this means Kurenai won't get any battles any time soon.

I am guessing Team 8 will have some focus next arc and some...action...I hope. Shino and Hinata haven't done anything since the Chuunin Exams.
Although, I would prefer if it's not another case of 'fight the Akatsuki duo.' That would just get too predictable.

Although, with the ending of this last chapter, next arc could have something to do with Sasuke.

[uc pseudonym]

From the very first moment Kakashi was introduced in American Shonen Jump, back when I was first getting into the series, I wondered when (or if) the main characters would surpass him. It turns out I don't have to guess at the exact time. Personally, I feel this is too soon. I don't buy Naruto actually being that strong (in the sense that it feels realistic).

The thing about Shino and Hinata (as much as I like their characters) is that together they've only had three fights in the entire series. It wouldn't surprise me if they only have one or two fights in the second part as well. Hopefully they'll be good, at least.

But, I guess this means Kurenai won't get any battles any time soon.

She should probably be grateful. It's not the best time to be a second generation shinobi.

[MasterDias]

So, 343.

I predict Sasuke vs. Orochimaru gets interrupted but it might have interesting repercussions. It appears that Sasuke really doesn't want Orochimaru to take his body, unlike the stuff he was spewing to Naruto and Sakura.
And we have another comparison to the Legendary Three, this time from Orochimaru...

Meanwhile, there's only like three people including myself posting here anymore. Wasn't there a number of others here way back when? Has everyone else completely lost interest or something?

From the very first moment Kakashi was introduced in American Shonen Jump, back when I was first getting into the series, I wondered when (or if) the main characters would surpass him. It turns out I don't have to guess at the exact time. Personally, I feel this is too soon. I don't buy Naruto actually being that strong (in the sense that it feels realistic).

I'm fairly critical of this as well.

[uc pseudonym]

I hope your prediction is correct, because if Sasuke were to crush (or even just defeat) Orochimaru I would be more disappointed in Naruto than I have ever been. Sasuke saying "I've learned everything I can from you" is already irksome, unless he's wrong about this.

Orochimaru is in the superlative category of Naruto, a level above Kage. In my opinion anyone in this category should never be beaten easily or surpassed (certainly not by some teen) or you damage the integrity of your power system. If the day comes when a Sannin-level shinobi isn't anything special Naruto will have become another DBZ in a very bad way. Plus, unless Kishimoto is setting up for the characters to fight demons that are even stronger than this level, I don't see where he'll go from here.

Furthermore, Orochimaru has been set up as the major villain of Naruto for a long time. Akatsuki seems to have taken somewhat of this role as well, but I liked that the story had three major forces instead of the general two. I like to believe that authors have things fairly well planned out, but if Orochimaru isn't significant in the rest of the plot I will be disappointed.

Meanwhile, there's only like three people including myself posting here anymore. Wasn't there a number of others here way back when? Has everyone else completely lost interest or something?

Often times many of the members posting here have not been ones heavily involved in CAA itself, so I assume that many of them drifted to other forums at some point.

[MasterDias]

So, I'm not really sure where Kishimoto is going with this...but man, has Sasuke gotton arrogant in the past several years. Naruto or someone needs to knock him off of his high horse. Uchiha geniuses indeed.

I wasn't expecting to get an Orochimaru flashback however...

Orochimaru is in the superlative category of Naruto, a level above Kage. In my opinion anyone in this category should never be beaten easily or surpassed (certainly not by some teen) or you damage the integrity of your power system. If the day comes when a Sannin-level shinobi isn't anything special Naruto will have become another DBZ in a very bad way. Plus, unless Kishimoto is setting up for the characters to fight demons that are even stronger than this level, I don't see where he'll go from here.

Furthermore, Orochimaru has been set up as the major villain of Naruto for a long time. Akatsuki seems to have taken somewhat of this role as well, but I liked that the story had three major forces instead of the general two. I like to believe that authors have things fairly well planned out, but if Orochimaru isn't significant in the rest of the plot I will be disappointed.

Yeah, but something has been bugging me about Naruto power levels recently. Orochimaru stated, I believe, that he couldn't handle Itachi which is why he went after Sasuke, and yet Itachi+Kisame ran away from Jiraiya and we've never been given any evidence that Jiraiya is stronger than Orochimaru. In fact, Orochimaru held off both Jiraiya and Tsunade even with damaged arms (although it's been awhile since I read that fight so I don't remember it very clearly.)
So, who's stronger than who here? Or are people overestimating each other?

[uc pseudonym]

Generally speaking I'm not a fan of Orochimaru, but after Sasuke's speech I was really kind of hoping he'd win. Though I wouldn't like it, I would have been willing to accept Sasuke being on par with him. But it looks like this battle will only be for Sasuke to show off (especially if the text about next chapter ending the battle proves true), in which case I'm highly annoyed. The fact that Orochimaru is flashbacking is a sign he might actually die.

The only good thing I have to say about this is that at least it seems Orochimaru is being given some motivation.

Yeah, but something has been bugging me about Naruto power levels recently. Orochimaru stated, I believe, that he couldn't handle Itachi which is why he went after Sasuke, and yet Itachi+Kisame ran away from Jiraiya and we've never been given any evidence that Jiraiya is stronger than Orochimaru. In fact, Orochimaru held off both Jiraiya and Tsunade even with damaged arms (although it's been awhile since I read that fight so I don't remember it very clearly.)

The fan in me would rationalize by saying that Itachi might not be any stronger than Orochimaru, but much too strong for him to use his body-switching jutsu successfully.

However, the cynic in me (especially strong given recent developments) would suggest that perhaps Kishimoto was merely trying to inflate the threat of individual villains at different times without thinking it through.

[MasterDias]

Generally speaking I'm not a fan of Orochimaru, but after Sasuke's speech I was really kind of hoping he'd win. Though I wouldn't like it, I would have been willing to accept Sasuke being on par with him. But it looks like this battle will only be for Sasuke to show off (especially if the text about next chapter ending the battle proves true), in which case I'm highly annoyed. The fact that Orochimaru is flashbacking is a sign he might actually die.

The only good thing I have to say about this is that at least it seems Orochimaru is being given some motivation.

I'll be annoyed if Orochimaru dies here as well. Given everything that has built up, it would strike me as extremely anti-climatic. Also, given that Orochimaru says he predicted that this would happen, I will be disappointed if he didn't have a back-up plan for this situation, after all the planning he did in the Chuunin exams/invasion of Konoha.
But, Orochimaru did look really sick in this chapter, so I don't know.
And, Kabuto is still a wild card here.

The fan in me would rationalize by saying that Itachi might not be any stronger than Orochimaru, but much too strong for him to use his body-switching jutsu successfully.

However, the cynic in me (especially strong given recent developments) would suggest that perhaps Kishimoto was merely trying to inflate the threat of individual villains at different times without thinking it through.

Ah, I suppose this makes sense.

[Kurama]

Kabuto Must Live!!!!

[uc pseudonym]

I would be most pleased if we soon learn he was actually manipulating Orochimaru all along (and he's the Akatsuki leader, for that matter). The way he left, I would almost think he knew this was going to happen and decided not to try to fight Sasuke?

Long term, I wonder what will happen to Kabuto. Earlier they seemed to set up a rivalry between him and Kakashi, and I wonder if that will be furthered.

[MasterDias]

345 has a disturbing cover.
I really wonder if he'll actually reveal who's in control of the body next chapter or will he leave everyone hanging? Regardless, I highly, highly, highly, highly doubt either one is gone for good.

2.5 years with Orochimaru has turned Sasuke into an ice cube. He was almost completely emotionless during this entire thing.

[Kurama]

Long term, I wonder what will happen to Kabuto. Earlier they seemed to set up a rivalry between him and Kakashi, and I wonder if that will be furthered.

I am hoping the same thing! I got this gut feeling that he plays a huge role in this series!

[uc pseudonym]

I'd be amused if Orochimaru actually won and Sasuke is gone (imagine what that'd do to Naruto and Sakura, given their world seems to revolve around him) simply because it would be original. However, like you I'm certain that won't happen. I wonder about Orochimaru, though. Even with development he seemed to be brushed off as a villain.

345 has a disturbing cover.

Yeah. I've been wondering for a while if the author is actively catoring to yaoi fans...

[MasterDias]

I'd be amused if Orochimaru actually won and Sasuke is gone (imagine what that'd do to Naruto and Sakura, given their world seems to revolve around him) simply because it would be original. However, like you I'm certain that won't happen. I wonder about Orochimaru, though. Even with development he seemed to be brushed off as a villain.

That would definetely devastate Naruto and Sakura given that getting Sasuke back is essentially a central plot thread that drives them now. But Naruto still follows typical shonen conventions so that's extremely unlikely to happen.
Orochimaru...I don't know. If he lost here, this would be un utter waste of his character...

Yeah. I've been wondering for a while if the author is actively catoring to yaoi fans...

I don't know if he goes out of his way to do it, but he likely throws things in here and there(those close up shots of Naruto and Sasuke during their battle for instance).
He's always made Orochimaru out to be rather disturbing character though, so this is probably what he was intending here with this cover. But, while I certainly find yaoi disturbing in and of itself, I really, really, really, hope no one stoops low enough to write SasukeXOrochimaru fanfiction....

[uc pseudonym]

Well, it looks like we're not in any suspense. Overall I think this was a good move, because it's not like anyone would actually believe Sasuke was absorbed. However, since it seems Orochimaru is really defeated, I have lost all faith in this manga being seriously planned. He'll probably be back once to interfere with Sasuke from within, but unless I'm surprised it looks as though he's essentially removed from play.

He's always made Orochimaru out to be rather disturbing character though, so this is probably what he was intending here with this cover. But, while I certainly find yaoi disturbing in and of itself, I really, really, really, hope no one stoops low enough to write SasukeXOrochimaru fanfiction....

It's not so bad because Orochimaru is generally creepy, yes. It was the positioning that got to me, as well as some of the possessive language involved.

And about the fanfiction bit, I'm afraid it's already much too late...

[MasterDias]

Well, it looks like we're not in any suspense. Overall I think this was a good move, because it's not like anyone would actually believe Sasuke was absorbed. However, since it seems Orochimaru is really defeated, I have lost all faith in this manga being seriously planned. He'll probably be back once to interfere with Sasuke from within, but unless I'm surprised it looks as though he's essentially removed from play.

I rather doubt Orochimaru is gone for good. But how are Naruto and Sakura ever going to catch up to Sasuke now?
But I don't know. I've never really been sure what to think about the planning and progression of Part II. I thought most of Part I had been pretty well planned out (especially the Chuunin exams, which most people agree is the series' strongest arc), and he probably had Sasuke's defection planned out early on as well. But now in Part II, a number of things felt like plot stalling, and nearly all of the old secondary characters from Part I haven't really done anything. And now this Sasuke defeating Orochimaru thing came out of nowhere.

If that Danzo guy tries something, and Naruto & co. wind up having to face enemies and hostile politics at home, I will like it, as that should add some complexity.

And about the fanfiction bit, I'm afraid it's already much too late...

Blghhh...

[uc pseudonym]

Your opinion regarding Plot I and Plot II is very much the same as my own. But in my mind the most important part of planning is the end, therefore unless the series really comes together I feel the value of earlier planning is much reduced.

But how are Naruto and Sakura ever going to catch up to Sasuke now?

I don't particularly like the way this has been handled either. If Orochimaru was significantly stronger than Kakashi (judging from their interaction during the Chuunin arc) then Sasuke utterly outclasses him. Even Naruto seems to be stronger than him now.

Actually, you could argue that all the old shinobi in Konoha (except perhaps Tsunade) are obsolete. I suspect the other shinobi of this generation will prove able to fight on this level as well, of course.

If that Danzo guy tries something, and Naruto & co. wind up having to face enemies and hostile politics at home, I will like it, as that should add some complexity.

You know, I had forgotten about him (like Sai, he seems thrown in too abruptly). I would like that as well. One of the reasons I'm irked that Orochimaru is no longer an immediate threat is that I was hoping for a complicated conflict in which there were more than just two opposing sides.

[MasterDias]

Your opinion regarding Plot I and Plot II is very much the same as my own. But in my mind the most important part of planning is the end, therefore unless the series really comes together I feel the value of earlier planning is much reduced.

True. Kishimoto does claim he knows how he wants the series to end, in one of his interviews, I think. But, we will see if he manages to pull it off.. or not.

Actually, you could argue that all the old shinobi in Konoha (except perhaps Tsunade) are obsolete. I suspect the other shinobi of this generation will prove able to fight on this level as well, of course.

And wasn't Kakashi supposed to know 1000 jutsu or something? It feels bizarre for his old students to outclass him this easily.

Actually, you could argue that all the old shinobi in Konoha (except perhaps Tsunade) are obsolete. I suspect the other shinobi of this generation will prove able to fight on this level as well, of course.

Although, how many of them have really had impressive showings even in Part 1. Jiraiya and Tsunade did, Kakashi did, and maybe Guy]You know, I had forgotten about him (like Sai, he seems thrown in too abruptly). I would like that as well. One of the reasons I'm irked that Orochimaru is no longer an immediate threat is that I was hoping for a complicated conflict in which there were more than just two opposing sides.[/QUOTE]
Well, to an extent at least, I suspect that there are still currently three sides. Sasuke was quite hostile to Naruto and co. last time after all. Although, whether he's being made out to be a villain or more of an anti-hero, I can't say as his behavior is quite irrational to me.
And we still know basically nothing about Kabuto's motivations...

[Kurama]

*Random fact: Orochimaru`s Jap voice actor is a GIRL 0.0 Random fact end*

Poor Kabuto, I hope kabuto will still be a important role in the manga. T.T

[uc pseudonym]

True. Kishimoto does claim he knows how he wants the series to end, in one of his interviews, I think. But, we will see if he manages to pull it off.. or not.

I haven't read or don't remember that interview. He's actually made me worry slightly with some of his comments I've read recently (in Shonen Jump). Some of them seem to imply he's doing things as they seem good to him. If he at least has an ending in mind I can hope the manga will improve as it draws near it.

And wasn't Kakashi supposed to know 1000 jutsu or something? It feels bizarre for his old students to outclass him this easily.

It certainly does. Plus, all Naruto really has is one big damaging jutsu. To be able to compete at this level it feels (to me, at least) as though he would need a great many to fit different situations.

Although, how many of them have really had impressive showings even in Part 1. Jiraiya and Tsunade did, Kakashi did, and maybe Guy]
Good point. Like most shonen series, Naruto focuses on the young generation rather significantly. Still, there's a slight difference between a character we presume is powerful (for example, we didn't see Guy do much of anything until fighting the Akatsuki clone) and knowing that they don't really matter anymore. There are enough young shinobi to take out all the Akatsuki members with fights to spare.

Well, to an extent at least, I suspect that there are still currently three sides. Sasuke was quite hostile to Naruto and co. last time after all. Although, whether he's being made out to be a villain or more of an anti-hero, I can't say as his behavior is quite irrational to me.
And we still know basically nothing about Kabuto's motivations...

That's a good point. Sasuke has taken over Orochimaru's role somewhat, though I've always felt any arc involving him will be purely focused on his rivalry with Naruto. I could be surprised though.

I more or less get the feeling Kabuto is being written off. Sasuke certainly seemed to...

*Random fact: Orochimaru`s Jap voice actor is a GIRL 0.0 Random fact end*

Really? I remembered his voice as being very deep, but perhaps my memory isn't quite accurate.

[Kurama]

it is really deep but she is able to do it o.o Shes so cooL!

[uc pseudonym]

My thoughts on the new chapter vary. On one hand, it seems that Sasuke is gathering an army. That's not something I particularly care about (though it has potential to make things more interesting/complex later). Rather, I'm most intrigued by all the references to the beginning of the series. This might have been planned, though I'm inclined to doubt it, but I'm glad he's drawing off some old resources anyway.

On the other hand, my thoughts on a certain thing involving Konohamaru: ...

[MasterDias]

I haven't read or don't remember that interview. He's actually made me worry slightly with some of his comments I've read recently (in Shonen Jump). Some of them seem to imply he's doing things as they seem good to him. If he at least has an ending in mind I can hope the manga will improve as it draws near it.

Oh? Was it that interview that they had in one of the last few issues? Which particular comment struck you that way?

I don't think I ever read the particular interview (or it could just have been author's comments somewhere) that I was refering to either. I believe that I heard it second hand.

As for the recent chapter:

Sasuke's squad: Well, he probably is recruiting them to fight Akatsuki, but I'll approve if some of them wind up fighting our massively underused secondary characters from Konoha.
But this basically answers a question I had on why Orochimaru's bases were so empty. Apparantly, he locked all of his subordinates up except Sasuke and Kabuto, if this chapter is any indication...

The Land of the Waves: I agree. This is something else that sort of came out of nowhere, but it is kind of nostalgic seeing that bridge again. I remember when I first started reading Naruto several years ago. Now how did Zabuza's sword avoid getting stolen for the past three years?
Hmmm, wonder if this means that this Suigetsu guy will fight Kisame...

Konohamaru's "jutsu:"
Er, I don't really know what to say. Do his parents/guardians/whatever know what kind of stuff he comes up with?
Naruto is a bad, bad influence...

I more or less get the feeling Kabuto is being written off.

I don't know. I'd figured we would probably get some sort of backstory on him at some point.

[uc pseudonym]

Oh? Was it that interview that they had in one of the last few issues? Which particular comment struck you that way?

I had two comments specifically in mind, one from the most recent interview and one from further back. Unfortunately, I don't have my Shonen Jumps here at the moment so I can't direct you more specifically. However, in one of the interviews he was asked about what he still wanted to do in the series and he said something about he tries to include new ideas as he thinks of them, which doesn't sound like good writing to me. He also indicated he hadn't done much romance yet, but I'm not sure what that implies.

In the more recent interview, it was what he said about Sasuke making the series come together. When I reflected about how Sasuke-focused the series was this comment struck a negative chord with me. The elements I have hope for are related to Akatsuki and larger forces, not Sasuke's obsession. To be honest I'm not particularly fond of how many of the arcs focus so much on him. So hearing this comment made me negatively inclined, though it isn't anything terribly specific.

Hmmm, wonder if this means that this Suigetsu guy will fight Kisame...

I would much approve (though Guy has a bit of a rivalry with him). Basically because I think a battle between swords might have better choreography than average.

I don't know. I'd figured we would probably get some sort of backstory on him at some point.

One could hope; all we know is about being found after a battle. But in recent battles he hasn't mattered (he actually just gets knocked aside when Naruto fought Orochimaru in four-tails form).

[MasterDias]

I had two comments specifically in mind, one from the most recent interview and one from further back. Unfortunately, I don't have my Shonen Jumps here at the moment so I can't direct you more specifically. However, in one of the interviews he was asked about what he still wanted to do in the series and he said something about he tries to include new ideas as he thinks of them, which doesn't sound like good writing to me. He also indicated he hadn't done much romance yet, but I'm not sure what that implies.

Now that I've thought about it, I vaguely recall a similar comment to what you described although I don't think it was in the recent one as I couldn't find it when I looked. Yeah, that would be weak writing, at least if you take it like it sounds.
Although, one would hope that the comment was bad phrasing and something got lost in translation... but with recent chapters...I don't know.

I don't really remember a romance comment, but it's not like shonen action manga usually have very much romance anyway.

In the more recent interview, it was what he said about Sasuke making the series come together. When I reflected about how Sasuke-focused the series was this comment struck a negative chord with me. The elements I have hope for are related to Akatsuki and larger forces, not Sasuke's obsession. To be honest I'm not particularly fond of how many of the arcs focus so much on him. So hearing this comment made me negatively inclined, though it isn't anything terribly specific.

Yeah, the series is really "Sasuke-centric."
I don't hate him (like a lot of fans seem to) but I'm not sure I've ever been satisfied with how his character has been handled. I would prefer for him to have some actually character development again...

[uc pseudonym]

The first comment was definitely from the older interview. At the time I tried not to make too much of it, considering that it was a translation, but as more recent arcs have seemed more random it has floated back to the surface.

I don't hate him (like a lot of fans seem to) but I'm not sure I've ever been satisfied with how his character has been handled. I would prefer for him to have some actually character development again...

I was fairly ambivalent about him, at least before he got as arrogant as he currently seems. He is my favorite of the central three characters, but that doesn't say terribly much.

[MasterDias]

Eh, I'm fairly indifferent to this new character, and she has weird mood swings. But I guess I'm kind of curious as to what her "unique abilities" are since they apparantly attracted Sasuke's attention.

But, so far, for being Orochimaru's subordinates, Sasuke's new companions seem less vicious than all of the other Sound ninja we've seen in the series.

[uc pseudonym]

I find it interesting that the series has shifted to Sasuke for so long. It appears what you said earlier about him forming another side of the conflict is coming true, what with the subordinates he's gathering. The character introduced in the next chapter seems pretty colorless to me so far but I worry more about the next one.