Recent Naruto Manga (Chapters 400+)

[uc pseudonym]

I am happy with the most recent chapter; we actually learn more about Akatsuki (and quite possibly their overall number). It appears there is one team we have seen nothing of and the leader, who has always caught my eye the most (he also appeared in the dark scene before the Kakashi Gaiden). I must wonder as to their motives, but at least we have more evidence now. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say we have a new demon with terrifying power that they want to unlock.

[Hitokiri]

In terms of translators, I also generally use Inane.



At least in appearance. Lee (or Tenten, but Lee especially) could both have radically different fighting styles.

True, we have yet to see how well thier skills has progressed.

[Hitokiri]

Sorry bout the double post but I just read chapter 255. We finally get to see the true nature of Akatsuki and another one of the members (besides Kisame). He seems to able to use plants or like a far sighted technique.

[Kaori]

I believe that this particular member has already appeared--back at the end of the battle between Naruto and Sasuke. It is interesting to see this character in a bit more detail, however.

[Hitokiri]

I believe that this particular member has already appeared--back at the end of the battle between Naruto and Sasuke. It is interesting to see this character in a bit more detail, however.

Really?

Was he the guy hiding in the sand after the fight?

Oh ok. I just found it. That's intresting.

[uc pseudonym]

The member in question is my personal favorite of the Akatsuki at the moment, so it was interesting to see more of him. I was somewhat surprised that only two of the members were shown in this chapter (the others being mere silhouettes) when we actually know the identities of several.

A question that may not be answerable at the moment: is Itachi present with his partner? I would think that with his team, Gai would be the victor. However, if Itachi is present the stakes have been significantly raised.

I have another question, but this is merely inviting speculation: do you believe that any other member of Akatsuki will be more powerful than Itachi? It is reasonable to believe that the last battle will be between the shinobi with the greatest strength (presuming that something else entirely is not unleashed), and it is likely that Sasuke will fight Itachi. Given that Sasuke is Kishimoto's favorite character, this seems possible to me.

[Lady Arianrod]

I have another question, but this is merely inviting speculation: do you believe that any other member of Akatsuki will be more powerful than Itachi? It is reasonable to believe that the last battle will be between the shinobi with the greatest strength (presuming that something else entirely is not unleashed), and it is likely that Sasuke will fight Itachi. Given that Sasuke is Kishimoto's favorite character, this seems possible to me.

Wow, I haven't been here for a while. Anyway... I think that Itachi is definitely not the strongest character in the series. There is always a mysterious member of the team (in this case, Akatsuki) that emerges for the final battle.

Regarding the Sasuke vs. Itachi fight... We probably won't see Sasuke for at least a few months, but I am looking forward to that fight.

I still don't know why Kishimoto loves Sasuke so much. I mean, he didn't even give him a unique story or personality... He's quite a boring cliche at times, but he used to have his moments.

[MasterDias]

Well, I've just read chapter 256. It's getting rather interesting. We learn exactly how many demon beasts exist in the world.

And, speaking of Itachi...

[Mave]

Eh does anyone know what's going with Gaara? What are they doing to him?

[Kaori]

This is a good chapter--it is nice to see Gai's team in action, and the upcoming battle should be interesting.

Eh does anyone know what's going with Gaara? What are they doing to him?

All I know is that they are trying to extract Shukaku from him. What effect this will have on Gaara if successful is anyone's guess.

[Hitokiri]

Fianlly, I get to see Kisame fight. He has been a characte ron intrest for me.

[uc pseudonym]

I agree; this was a good chapter. It answered a number of questions I have been pondering and featured more characters after the break.

Personally, I hope that Gai's fight is ended with an actual death, instead of merely someone running. However, it should be interesting in any case. As for Itachi, it is interesting to see him; I suspect this fight will be interrupted (possibly by Sasuke). However, it will be interesting to see if Kakashi has improved in any major way.

All I know is that they are trying to extract Shukaku from him. What effect this will have on Gaara if successful is anyone's guess.

I think it is likely that he will survive, but lack Shukaku. It will be interesting to see if this cripples his fighting ability.

[MasterDias]

Alright. I read chapter 257. It's moving rather slowly but it was interesting in any case. Neji, Lee, and Tenten didn't do very well against Kisame and proceded to get themselves in a tight situation.

The actual Kakashi vs. Itachi and Gai vs. Kisame fights are supposed to be next week.

[Kaori]

I thought that the pacing of this chapter was about the same as that of other recent chapters--not particularly fast, but also not intolerably slow. Aside from an interesting revelation about the Sharingan, the chapter was fairly unremarkable.

[kaji]

Aside from an interesting revelation about the Sharingan, the chapter was fairly unremarkable.

I would agree. But I have to admit that I was surprised that Neji was caught so easily by that technique. You would think he could easily expel any such trap using his Hakkeshou: Kaiten... Oh well, I guess we will see what happens.

-kaji

[kaji]

I guess I spoke a little too soon.



-kaji

[Hitokiri]

I was kinda confused with the fight with Naruto and company against Itachi. Good chapter nevertheless.

[kaji]

My guess is that when Naruto dispatched that Itachi clone it triggered some sort of Genjitsu or illusion technique. Naruto might be asleep or more likely just caught is one of Itachi’s illusions. But I guess we will see.

-kaji

[uc pseudonym]

And I only managed to read the previous chapter yesterday...

I guess I have no real comments, outside of this question: is it Itachi's highest technique that causes the deterioration of his eyes, or use of the advanced Sharingan?

[kaji]

I would guess that it is the over use of the Sharingan its self, as Kakashi wouldn’t really have had much (if any) exposure to an advanced Sharingan (like Itachi’s) to draw such a conclusion. His conclusion most likely came from the experience with his own Sharingan.

Well, that’s my guess. But who can be sure if Kakashi’s estimate would hold true for an Uchiha (who are born with the Sharingan) or perhaps that the advanced Sharingan is a perfect form that doesn’t have this side effect.

Hmmmmmmmmm.

-kaji

[uc pseudonym]

It seems I have caught up by this point. I would be highly skeptical that Gai's fight has actually ended, but if this is true it would signal a depature from much of the series. I highly doubt this.

It was good to see Neji use a skill he should logically have, and also to find out Gai's fighting style. As for the Itachi fight, I can't say I have any comments at this point, other than that I am generally suspicious of everything when one fighter is a genjutsu master.

[Mave]

I am very very behind in this series now that my main source of Naruto scanslations has come to an end (Thienz). T__T

Anyone care to update me about this? Or suggest another scanlation source? (no IRC pls).

[blkmage]

narutofan.com?

[uc pseudonym]

I'm afraid that we'll have to ask you to PM other scanlation sources because as time goes on they could become a legal liability.

As for recent chapters, I'm not sure what to comment. I think I'm getting bored with puppet jutsu, and I'd like to see more of Gai's team or Kakashi's fight. You would think they'd want to show multiple fights at once (it makes the series last longer), but they're remaining fairly focused.

[Aka-chan]

Hm...is no one keeping up with this anymore?

I'm not sure what to think of Sai. I mean, I want to like him because he draws and actually uses that in battle, but other that...he's REALLY annoying.

I just want to see Orochimaru again...

[uc pseudonym]

Why this thread has dropped I have no idea. But I'd be happy to discuss recent events with you. There are two planes of discussion, really.

First, the basic recent events. I have developed a strong disliking for Sai and I sincerely doubt that will change. Their new Anbu leader (I'll learn his name later if I end up caring enough) is interesting and I have yet to form an opinion about him.

It seems apparent that this mission will involve Orochimaru and Sasuke. I'm surprised this is happening so quickly. Part of me wonders if Masashi Kishimoto is doing this to bolster popularity, given how much Sasuke's return has been anticipated.

But the second plane is looking at this arc overall. I must admit that I am slightly worried about Naruto (the series, not the character). Many of the elements are being introduced for the first time, not naturally arising from the plot that has come before. That causes me to fear that this really hasn't been planned out and is being written one arc at a time. This fear was augmented when he took a week off for planning after the recent Akatsuki fight.

[Yeito]

Oooh, I've been keeping up with the recent Naruto chapters too!

And I agree with you! I totally dislike Sai. >/ He makes me mad. I just don't like him..... he's up to something. And I haven't set a dead on opinion of the anbu guy either, but I'm not liking him all that much either. I really do wonder why he was able to use a certain jutsu, know what I mean?

I really wanna see what Sasuke looks like after three years. Cause after that one month disappearance of his during the chunnin exam, he had noticeably longer hair when he returned. o_o; And a new outfit.

As for the second plane you were speaking of UC, I actually hadn't thought about that before. But you present a very interesting point and it does make me worry a wee bit as well.

PS: I loved it when Sakura punched Sai :3 It made my day.

[Myoti]

Finally managed to get caught up, and yeah, I dislike Sai as well (is it just me, or does appear to have some fascination with... um, you know? O_o ).

Oh, and some previous chapters:

Yay! Gaara didn't die! And he can still control sand!

But good gosh, Deidara just doesn't die! And now we're back at nine Akatsuki members (that is, if Tobi did indeed become one). I'm interested in seeing Zetsu in action, as well as uncovering the identity of their leader...

And yes, where is Sasuke?! XO

As for recent chapters, I'm not sure what to comment. I think I'm getting bored with puppet jutsu, and I'd like to see more of Gai's team or Kakashi's fight.

Ditto. I was like "Puppets, oh this is interesting." Then it kept going and I was like "Make it stop already!!" and even when it did, their "confrontation" kept going. >_>

[Aka-chan]

I agree it seems to be coming just an arc at a time, which is too bad. Do you think the characters involved in this arc will be mostly new characters, or do you think the older ones will get more than just a Konoha cameo or two? I don't think it's a good idea to reinvent the cast in the middle of a series. For instance, will the spy end up being someone we already know?

[Yeito]

Has anyone read 287 yet?

Well... I dunno what Sai's obsession is with certain attributes of the human body, but he needs to get over it cause he's creepin me out. Seriously.

[spoiler]And who is the randomly hooded figure? o_O [/spoiler]

Oh and I loved the
[spoiler] instant mansion jutsu! xD [/spoiler]