Naruto: Take the Fight to the Akatsuki Chapter 320+ Manga Spoilers

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Well, we're well past anything that could be considered "The Road to Sasuke" since that ended with Chapter 310, so its probably time for a new thread.

Some interesting developments in 320. Asuma, Shikamaru, Izuzmo, and Kotetsu meet up with the monks, and plan to go after Hidan and Kakuzu, and Kakashi has something important to show Naruto. And Ichiraku Ramen Comedy.

Plus, Akatsuki Members in Public Restrooms FTW.

[Mog]

More like "Hidden Morgue in the restroom ftw."

Starting to pick up pace, which is a good thing. But something I've noticed. What happened to the Jinchuuriki chick from a couple chaps back? Everyone was saying that she would probably show up again later, but she's disappeared off the map completely. Did they extract her Jinchu on the road or something?

[Timmay]

Zetsu took her I think. I'm guessing they're going to do the extraction later.. don't they need Kakuzu and Hidan to do it?

After going so long without comedy it was a tad irritating to see some slapstick comedy take up half the chapter..

[HellCat]

Zetsu took her I think. I'm guessing they're going to do the extraction later.. don't they need Kakuzu and Hidan to do it?

After going so long without comedy it was a tad irritating to see some slapstick comedy take up half the chapter..

Eh, if handled well comedy in Naruto is a good thing. Injects some life into what has become rather emo-ish...

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Eh, if handled well comedy in Naruto is a good thing. Injects some life into what has become rather emo-ish...

Aside from those stupid 2 pages of Sakura crying in 319, there hasn't been anything really emo in Naruto since Part 2 began.

And the comedy just wasn't that great. It'd have been better if they brought in some of the other genin and done comedy with them, rather then some lame characters we'll probably never see again.

[purplehairedwonder]

Sheesh, talk about Naruto overload. But I am now caught up. Some thoughts:

Back to the ramen shop... poor Naruto can't get his ramen, awww.

I wonder what Kakashi wants to show Naruto now...

And I can't help it, I still like Sasuke. Damn angsty bishonen are just appealing to me :sweat:

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Wow, that's a lot of Naruto in a row...

I can't see how Sasuke can be liked after trying to kill Naruto twice and Sakura though. He's becoming more like Itachi every day.

I get my bishounen fill from Neji.

[purplehairedwonder]

Wow, that's a lot of Naruto in a row...

I can't see how Sasuke can be liked after trying to kill Naruto twice and Sakura though. He's becoming more like Itachi every day.

I get my bishounen fill from Neji.
Yes. Yes it is. :anime:

It's just one of those illogical things that we fangirls have going for us. I'm standing by my belief that he can be saved. Until he actually does the deed of killing Naruto or Sakura (or even Kakashi, though good luck with that), I'm going to stick with it. But I'm a fangirl. You know this.

"My bounty is 50,000 more than Chiriku's." Asuma's face was great there. I suppose that bounty is probably going to do him in. That makes me sad.

[Malex]

I was tired of Sasuke since Itachi came along. I knew that he couldn't save himself in my eyes after getting a beatdown and a mangekyou mindfreak.

The final nail in Asuma's coffin is his considerable bounty since we have the greed-driven Treasurer and his Religious killer partner lurking around.

Perhaps Kakashi will reveal Naruto's relationship to the Yondaime since we seem to be getting answers to many debated questions like Yondaime != AL and Asuma is Sarutobi's son, or just completely different.

[Icer]

Regarding 321, my feelings stay the same-
An upgraded Rasengan with wind chakra, great. How does that help Naruto when his opponents can dodge his Rasengan like hes throwing a wiffleball 30 feet away? Oh well, hopefully it's going to be more than a souped-up Rasengan. But I dont have high hopes.

[Timmay]

Keep in mind that Naruto's rasengan will surpass Yondaime's

[purplehairedwonder]

Hehe, I got a good laugh at Kakashi getting Yamato to pay the bill. I loved his victory sign while Naruto just grins in the background.

Kakashi: Well, you're on your own now. Have fun.

:sweat:

[creeper]

Okay, this is the debate at Narutofan. Did Kakashi copy it or learn it? He made the comment that different translations use as copy, but he also made a comment that would negate the use of the sharingan.

Naruto makes the comment about it being easy to make the new jutsu because he already mastered the form, from his rasengan training. Kakashi says, "If that's true there wasn't much point in inventing my chidori". We all know that the Chidori was created before the sharingan.

Logic would dictate that if he speaking in terms of taking the rasengan to another level by adding his lightning, and unable to, then created the chidori as a consolation.

What do you guys think? I know there aren't definite translations out yet. So what is the deal?

[iMustang]

The new chapter was great. Kakashi's been holding out on us.

[JDNobodi]

Regarding 321, my feelings stay the same-
An upgraded Rasengan with wind chakra, great. How does that help Naruto when his opponents can dodge his Rasengan like hes throwing a wiffleball 30 feet away? Oh well, hopefully it's going to be more than a souped-up Rasengan. But I dont have high hopes.

Where were you two weeks ago when I was making the same complaint on the old thread?

[GWOtaku]

There's no telling what could happen with this Jutsu. Naruto's training is in uncharted territory now, and who knows what "form" his chakra will take to make it work? Its too easy and premature to call the technique simply an upgraded Rasengan, the chapter just explained to us that we pretty much don't know how it will turn out.

But frankly, even if it turns out to be that way more or less its still a huge deal. Completing a technique the Fourth Hokage couldn't? That's major.

[HellCat]

Now if he could just get a freaking promotion...

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Now if he could just get a freaking promotion...


Yeah, word. He should be (from what I hear) above Iruka-sensei now...

[Icer]

Where were you two weeks ago when I was making the same complaint on the old thread?I had hoped this new "original jutsu" he was developing wasn't a rehash of his old one at that time.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

No one said Naruto was only upgrading Rasengan. He's also learned Asuma's Wind technique incase you forgot.

And as I already mentioned on the previous thread, this concept of the Rasengan being easy to dodge is completely unfounded, and the only people to ever dodge have been Deidara, Kabuto, and Sakon.

Loved the Shikamaru/Asuma interaction this week. Looks like Asuma will be gunning hardcore to take down Kakuzu and avenge his best friend.


Now if he could just get a freaking promotion...
"I Don't Care if I'm a Genin Forever, I'll Still Become Hokage!"

Besides, you should realize that rank isn't everything. Shikamaru wasn't the strongest of the Genin, just the one most suited for promotion.

[HellCat]

No one said Naruto was only upgrading Rasengan. He's also learned Asuma's Wind technique incase you forgot.

And as I already mentioned on the previous thread, this concept of the Rasengan being easy to dodge is completely unfounded, and the only people to ever dodge have been Deidara, Kabuto, and Sakon.

Loved the Shikamaru/Asuma interaction this week. Looks like Asuma will be gunning hardcore to take down Kakuzu and avenge his best friend.


"I Don't Care if I'm a Genin Forever, I'll Still Become Hokage!"

Besides, you should realize that rank isn't everything. Shikamaru wasn't the strongest of the Genin, just the one most suited for promotion.

If it stopped at Shikamaru, I'd have no problem. But the whole "Oh, whilst you were away everyone managed to pass the exam and get promoted over you" angle still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The ninjas operate like an army and Naruto is outranked now by at least a few people who are probably worse ninjas then him. He deserves to be on equal standing with his peers once again, especially considering he was supposed to be away for training to make best use of his talent. It's not like he sat around the village for 3 years going "Chunin exam resit?...Nah!"

[Icer]

No one said Naruto was only upgrading Rasengan. He's also learned Asuma's Wind technique incase you forgot.

And as I already mentioned on the previous thread, this concept of the Rasengan being easy to dodge is completely unfounded, and the only people to ever dodge have been Deidara, Kabuto, and Sakon.


He poured his chakra into Asuma's knife. He didnt master the technique in the least. Nor did it look like it was more than just a hey, what kind of things can I do with this moment.

I'm still giving it some time to see if he'll really develop new jutsus to use besides the powered up version 3.0 rasengan, but its still lame as of now.

As for his Rasengan being dodged, ever since he's had it he's barely hit anyone with it. Who did he hit with it exactly? He managed to hit Kabuto after he dodged it for awhile because he grabbed his hand after the kunai pierced it.
Sasuke basically challenged him with his Chidori in a head on battle.
He hit Deidara's bird while he was still reeling from Kakashi's Mangekyou Sharingan, and he hit a clay kawarimi of his.
And he beat a 30% powered Itachi clone with help from Kakashi.
So yeah, from the sample size we've seen, he misses alot. So unless he gets better at infighting no matter how strong his Wind Rasengan is, he'll still have major flaws.

It's alarming to me that he's never beaten anyone of consequence with his Rasengan besides the Itachi clone, and perhaps Kabuto (anyone else would have been KO'd there).

[Timmay]

It was harder for him to land a rasengan preskip because of all the awkwardness caused by having to use Kage Bunshins to make it.

[purplehairedwonder]

It was harder for him to land a rasengan preskip because of all the awkwardness caused by having to use Kage Bunshins to make it.
But the Bunshins would disappear before he attacked...


So yeah, from the sample size we've seen, he misses alot. So unless he gets better at infighting no matter how strong his Wind Rasengan is, he'll still have major flaws.
Which really hasn't been that big and he was still getting a grasp on it during most of them. But I do agree that he could probably do with some target practice with the thing.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

322 time!

Naruto goes Kyuubi and has to be stopped by Yamato, while Team Asuma makes the perfect plan to kill Hidan and succeeds. Too bad Hidan can't be killed.

That was a really good plan, though.

[GWOtaku]

Bah, it can't be/better not be real immortality. Orochimaru's been seeking that his whole life and only found an imperfect solution, it'd just be cheap for anybody to have it as an innate skill.

My theories:

-Like elder Toguro from YYH he can shift his vital organs around in his body, making him very hard to kill.
-He has a very, very hard skeleton, or his skin is so tough it can't be penetrated completely
-Like Tsuanade and Kabuto, he's capable of regeneration

[Malex]

I'm thinking that could be dense skeleton and/or skin. That could then attribute to slow reflexes making him "the slowest Akatsuki." If all else fails and he is a real immortal, then just cut off his head.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Well, we finally see what's up with Hidan's ritual. Pretty creepy looking and powerful. We see Asuma's team in a tight bind here. It was cool to see Shikamaru's Kage Nui again, and see Asuma whip out a Katon. This fight is shaping up to be awesome.

And since Asuma recieves the same pain as Hidan, I guess its obvious that he'll sacrifice his own life to kill Hidan. Only question is how they accomplish it.

[Mirai]

If that guy's really immortal, then I predict only Asuma will die, or no one at all. Yet.

It could really be possible for a fake out to occur then auf--er, off Asuma at a later time,

[purplehairedwonder]

Gotta say, Hidan is pretty creepy. Asuma and co. are in a real bind here. I'm looking forward to seeing where this is going.

[GWOtaku]

Not a whole lot going on in chapter 324, but Shikamaru seems to have devised a brillant idea to counter Hidan's jutsu against Asuma. Next chapter ought to be pretty exciting as we find out what it is.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Shikamaru's pwning noobs. Its awesome seeing him do all his strategizing. I'm guessing with the mention of backup arriving in ten minutes, that will come into play as well.

Hope Hidan had his will written, because he's as good as dead now.

[silverwings]

Shikamaru's pwning noobs. Its awesome seeing him do all his strategizing. I'm guessing with the mention of backup arriving in ten minutes, that will come into play as well.

Hope Hidan had his will written, because he's as good as dead now.

haha, yeah. I'm excited to see where this will go. I liked how we sorta got a look into his thinking process.

I still think Asuma is going to have to die, though.:sad:

[KuwabaraTheMan]

haha, yeah. I'm excited to see where this will go. I liked how we sorta got a look into his thinking process.

I still think Asuma is going to have to die, though.:sad:

Yeah, Asuma already has both feet in the grave. I still think ultimately he'll have to sacrifice himself to kill Hidan. It makes sense, and ties in with what he said to Shikamaru when they were playing Shogi.

[Nel]

I'm curious too about what will happen. Always love an Akatsuki fight.

[GWOtaku]

Actually I think its reasonable to believe that Asuma won't die. The purpose of this fight could be big development for Shikamaru. Way back at the end of the chase Sasuke arc Shikamaru resolves to try harder and succeed in completing missions and protecting his teammates. In a way, if his plan works and Asuma gets out of this jam thanks to his efforts, our boy Shikamaru's has come full circle.

Just suggesting an alternative way to look at this. Sometimes a pawn is too well protected by a knight to be worth taking. :)

[H Guggs]

Bah, it can't be/better not be real immortality. Orochimaru's been seeking that his whole life and only found an imperfect solution, it'd just be cheap for anybody to have it as an innate skill.

I don't think his is really immortal, just that he can't get injured. Orichimaru is looking for a way to avoid dying by any means, even old age. I doubt that Hidan is uneffected by old age. He can still die, but when he's really old. He's probably something like impervious.

[Malex]

It's good and all to see Shika think up a way to stop Hidan, but we can't forget that Kakuzu is just standing there. If, and this is a big if, they do kill Hidan, Kakuzu will step up. Unless backup consist of everyone else that was dispatched or a Kage, then Team Asuma will be trouble.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Shikamaru and Asuma prove why they're awesome. Shikamaru defeats Hidan's curse, and Asuma beheads him.

Shame that Hidan managed to survive and is still sort of...immortal. Although he's at a big disadvantage now.

Also, I wonder how the anime will handle this. They changed Gato's beheading to him being pushed off the bridge, but they can't exactly change this...

[silverwings]

So... he's beheaded and still alive? :confused: If his partner doesn't get his body... will he just take someone else? :confused:

I wonder if he's partner is going to fight now or run away. In any case, Shikamaru doesn't look to be in any condition to fight now.

[purplehairedwonder]

Ack, his head has gone flying and he's still yelling at people. That's no good. And Shikamaru isn't any shape to fight... Hmmm...

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Well he could have always borrowed a soldier pill from Chouji off screen...

Plus there's always Plot no Jutsu The Will of Fire.:anime:

[Malex]

Okay now, that was just amazing and insane. Hidan has to be immortal now. Unless it is a curse or something, then Oro got gypped for leaving Akatsuki. Well, maybe we will see Kakuzu skills after all, but I still stand on what I posted last time.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Okay now, that was just amazing and insane. Hidan has to be immortal now. Unless it is a curse or something, then Oro got gypped for leaving Akatsuki.

Nothing indicates Hidan is eternally young though. That's what Orochimaru wants.

[iMustang]

This is the best chapter they've made (at least winthin the last 25 chapters). It's nice to finally see some real action. I would like to see how Naruto's training is going, but in no way at all am I complaning.

[Mog]

New chapters out.

Looks like Asuma's dead next chapter. Unless reinforcements arrive, of course.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Asuma won't die just yet. He'll be wounded pretty badly, though. Kakuzu's abilities also look pretty cool, and Izumo and Kotetsu actually showed off unique abilties.

[GWOtaku]

Argh, things went south fast.

Quick, someone, pull out a Dues Ex Machina! Anybody?

[purplehairedwonder]

Gotta say, I'm a bit disturbed by the whole talking head reattaching to the body :shudder: And now things are looking even worse for Asuma and co. Definitely not good.

[silverwings]

I have to hand it to the Akatsuki leader - pairing the immortal with the guy who can stich him back together? Brilliant planning. :)

Other than that, things are going to go south real soon if help doesn't show up. Shikamaruo's exhausted and Asuma is most likely dead/immobilized.

[Chimera]

I bet Kakuzu is a stitched-together corpse animated by a heart or brain. Satori was a master puppeteer and turned out to be one, and kakuzu seems to know a lot about bodies and human anatomy.

[Jedah Dohma]

Man, definitely not looking good for Asuma, Shikamaru and company. For some reason, I always find the talking head Hidan amusing (creepy or not).

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I don't normally post here on the semi-released scripts/spoiler images, but I'd say


the Revelation of the Akatsuki Leader is a big enough thing to make an exception for!
And with him having a goatee(100% of the important characters to have goatees in this series so far have been members of the Sarutobi clan), my prediction of him being Sarutobi's son/Asuma's Elder brother is very, very likely.

[Timmay]

Aoba and Raidou.. if anyone remembers who they were, made their dramatic reappearance here and kicked some akatsuki ass.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Yeah, its nice to see them, along with Ino and Chouji.

Aoba's new jutsu was actually pretty cool looking.

And Asuma is saved by his Big Brother calling back Hidan and Kakuzu for the extraction.

[silverwings]

Kuwabara, did we see the same Raw? I didn't see a goatee on the AL. Shadows yet, but no facial hair.

Though I did see the double nose piercing. Ouch. :sweat:

[KuwabaraTheMan]

It looks like a goatee to me, although it is tough to tell. But it looks like its coming out from the chin.

Although I'm already looking for evidence to support my long standing theory that Sarutobi's son is the Akatsuki Leader.

[Timmay]

Goodbye Asuma!

[Tash]

This just in: Naruto promotes underage smoking.

They're going to have fun with that when they have to animate it.

[silverwings]

This just in: Naruto promotes underage smoking.

They're going to have fun with that when they have to animate it.

Well, I guess that would depend if it was a one-time thing (in honor of his teacher) or if he'll continue to smoke for the rest of the series. :p

I really liked the chapter; it's been awhile since we've had a moving one like this.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

ASUMA-SENSEI!:crying::crying:

What a freaking sad chapter. Edges out 310, 279 and 280 for my all time favorite chapter of the manga.

Kishimoto, I hate you for killing Asuma like that, but I love you for making such a great chapter.

And yeah, the second a member of the anime crew sees this chapter, they'll probably go "Dammit".

[Rolling Cloud]

Crap! Why did Asuma-Sensei have to go?

:crying: :crying: :( :crying:

[GWOtaku]

Well. Dammit.

I was hoping this wouldn't happen. After chapter 327 I thought maybe they'd caught a break and would be able to treat him.

That was one hell of a sendoff, though. That's one of the best death scenes to come along in quite awhile. Some real development happening here, no way the members of team 10 will be the same after this.

This was a tough arc to watch, but a damn good one. I hope Kishi keeps it up.

[NickWhiz1]

This entire arc is going to give the animators nightmares.

...That is, if the anime ever gets this far :sweat:

[Space Cadet]

This entire arc is going to give the animators nightmares.

...That is, if the anime ever gets this far :sweat:

That is if the anime will get out of filler land.

[Jowy Blight]

I'm honestly having a hard time even caring. Asuma was such a poorly used and developed character.

I just hope Naruto's finished with his new move by now.

[purplehairedwonder]

A thought after reading a translation:


...and do not lose against Sakura in either Ninjutsu or love.
What I'm wondering about here is the latter part. When Asuma says "love," is he referring to Sakura and her old rivalrly for Sasuke's attention? I had been under the assumption that they had gotten past that awhile ago. Does this mean Ino is going to become more involved in the goal of bringing Sasuke back or does it refer to something else?

Hm. Otherwise, I'm surprised he died. I was sure they'd be able to treat him at the last moment but no, he actually did die. I'm impressed.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

He had to use code there. You see, Sakura's done a good job hiding it, but they've actually switched the target of their love rivalry to....Chouji!

Seriously though, I'm not sure. Asuma could have just been speaking generally, although the line jumped out at me, too. Kakashi did say that "Kunoichi are more interested in love", so it could just be Asuma saying "Don't let your rival find love before you do".

[Mog]

Eh, I didn't care much for Asuma so I'm not that sad he's gone. His goodbye was decent, though it's pretty much standard for any dying character.

[Malex]

I have to agree that Asuma was a poorly used character and his death was imminent, but he did get a nice sendoff just like his daddy. I hope people notice that Asuma told Shikamaru who the "king" was AND that Shika had a slightly shocked expression on his face went it was whispered to him. Maybe a slight foreshadowing of sorts? Maybe another argument for AL = Sarutobi's son? Maybe it's just Kurenai?

[rubberchicken]

At the end of the previous chapter I thought Kishimoto was going to chicken out and have him be saved. I'm impressed that he actually stuck to it (although I wonder if he'd made up his mind when he ended 327.) It was a typically melodramatic death scene, and Asuma wasn't the greatest character, but the chapter at least shows that Kishimoto has the balls to follow through with some of these things.

I liked how Shikamaru had to start smoking as an excuse to cry, although the rain kinda made the scene more cliched than it had to be. The last page reminds me of Mustang's "Looks like it's starting to rain" from Fullmetal Alchemist.

[k-day42]

It's Maes Hughes death all over again!!!! T____T

my avi is in honor of Asuma.:crying: btw

[Mog]

It's Maes Hughes death all over again!!!! T____T

my avi is in honor of Asuma.:crying: btw Except Maes actually had some character development and a family that he really, really cared for. That made me feel much worse when he died.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Except Maes actually had some character development and a family that he really, really cared for. That made me feel much worse when he died.

Asuma's gotten about as much development as Hughes got. He has a girlfriend who he leaves behind, and a team that was very close to him.

I'd put this chapter on the same level emotion wise as Hughe's death. Maybe slightly above.

[Strollymonster]

To be fair, pretty much all the jounin aside from Kakashi lack any real development. Asuma, Kurenai, and even Gai really are underused for the most part.

I hope this little arc gives Team 10 a bit more character development, especially Chouji...still my favorite character, moreso now that he's gotten rid of the underwear headband.

[rubberchicken]

Asuma's gotten about as much development as Hughes got. He has a girlfriend who he leaves behind, and a team that was very close to him.
A girlfriend, yes, but one whose relationship with him is barely demonstrated, and a team whose closeness to him is only really shown in the chapter where he dies.

[k-day42]

A girlfriend, yes, but one whose relationship with him is barely demonstrated, and a team whose closeness to him is only really shown in the chapter where he dies.

a relationship that is barely demonstrated.............yet!

and the fact that the team would be at that BBQ restaurant ever so often, and Shika and Asuma playing Shogi every off day they get........the closeness is pretty evident way before this "Asuma Arc" (i'll call it that.)

Ino, however.....dunno if she had as much closeness.....but there was still closeness, none the less.......it's more evident in the boys, especially Shikamaru.

[Jedah Dohma]

Well, this sucks. I had some hope but... wow, you pulled it off, Kishimoto.

(pours some sake in honor of Asuma-sensei)

And I'm interested in the whole "king" foreshadowing.

[Icer]

Would have been surprising if it wasnt obvious 15 chapters ago.

Kishimoto finally kills off a "good" character, the first since 3rd Hokage? Sucks to be a Sarutobi

[k-day42]

Would have been surprising if it wasnt obvious 15 chapters ago.

Kishimoto finally kills off a "good" character, the first since 3rd Hokage? Sucks to be a Sarutobi

hmmm.....It's the Naruto version of the Kennedy Family Curse :crying:

[FinalDragoon]

Konohamaru better watch out then....

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Akatsuki's Grand Plan? To get rich and take over the world.

Anyone out there still think these guys are more important to the story then Orochimaru/Kabuto/Sasuke? *crickets*

Now, that said, its a pretty cool plan the way the Leader put it. We should get some nice side story arcs with the Akatsuki before we return to the main storyline.

[RomanMack]

Yeah, I'm pretty disapointed with their "grand plan". Pretty generic...

[GWOtaku]

Well, it could be worse. I was half expecting some typical plan to steal the power of the demons so Akatsuki could make themselves into nearly omnipotent dieties, or something.

Instead of that shonen cliche, at least their goals make sense in the context of the world. They want to be their own masters instead of being subservent to a country like the traditional ninja village. Being power-hungry and self-serving aren't exactly original villian traits, but there's a difference between desiring mastery and control and having an "I will become the strongest ninja/fighter/insert-title-here in the world!" complex.

That said, I agree with Kuwabara actually. Somehow Orochimaru seems more sinster in comparison now.

[Conan-san]

Akatsuki's Grand Plan? To get rich and take over the world. Well, there's your answer as to why the fillers have been so crap and so many: They want to prepare guys for this team rocket level bumf.

[purplehairedwonder]

I see I wasn't the only one who was underwhelmed by Akatsuki's grand plan. Here I was expecting something... bigger from this group, but their plan ends up being so generic. Orochimaru must have been too villain-y for Akatsuki... so he left :ack:

[FlyByNite77]

Their grand plan is to become rich by creating/faking wars and making money off of it.

Seems like something similar is going on in the Marvel Civil War storyline where the situation has been manipulated by companies which are making money creating prisons or cleaning up the wreckage, etc...

[Timmay]

It's a realistic idea. To me it's not really as cliched as wanting ultimate power or immortality.

[HellCat]

I think most Naruto villians have weak motives. A good chunk of the fandom were sick of Orochimaru's "I will become immortal and learn every jutsu!!" ages ago.

[creeper]

It's a realistic idea. To me it's not really as cliched as wanting ultimate power or immortality.

I'm glad someone thinks this too.

From a creative standpoint it makes sense too, and gives the atatsuki members more depth. We know why the leader does what he does, but the rest of the characters all have their own reasons for joining.

This might bring out more story as they would have explain the true motivation for each character.

This also brings into question why Orochimaru really left.

I don't think anyone ever remembers this: Orochimaru let Naruto live during the chuunin exam because he didn't want to interfere with the atatsuki's plans.

Then this changed during the Sannin fight, as he viewed Naruto's growth as a threat and tried to kill him.

Now he believes that Naruto can kill a few members of the atatsuki.

So it brings back the question: What is Oro really up to?

[HellCat]

Orochimaru is paper thin to me. He has been ever since we saw him have to somewhat suck up to other characters, like Tsunade and Sasuke. Considering when he was introduced I felt he worked quite well as a threatening villain, that's a long fall down. Now, he's like Naruto's own Mr Burns.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Orochimaru is an interesting villain, because his actual motives aren't really about taking/over destroying the world. He wants to 'set things in motion' according to himself. I find that pretty darn cool.

Of course, Kabuto's ambitions that are 'in even greater darkness', are more interesting, but we've yet to really find out what those are.

Orochimaru is like an evil Naruto, though. Both Naruto and Orochimaru change and influence people to bring them over to their side. At this moment, Orochimaru is probably the strongest ninja to have ever lived(since we've yet to see what Kabuto is really capable of), so he still remains the #1 threat.

[rubberchicken]

So after all that buildup, their goal is "to control the world?" Meh. Seen it.

[creeper]

Orochimaru is paper thin to me. He has been ever since we saw him have to somewhat suck up to other characters, like Tsunade and Sasuke. Considering when he was introduced I felt he worked quite well as a threatening villain, that's a long fall down. Now, he's like Naruto's own Mr Burns.

He wasn't sucking up, as much as he was being polite. Tsunade was his comrade. He made it clear to her that he knows her weakness, and he's not intimidated by her one bit.

Orochimaru has simply taken a backseat because the plot has forced him into a situation where he has an inferior body. Do you think Oro would be sitting by if he had a body that could work to his own potential? That is what the whole "Sasuke, body take over" subplot is for.

I don't view Oro to be "paperthin" because there is still too much for him to reveal about himself. We still do not know his true plans. We still don't know why he truly left the atatsuki or what happened to his original body. Right now we can only guess at his true motives.

[HellCat]

He wasn't sucking up, as much as he was being polite. Tsunade was his comrade. He made it clear to her that he knows her weakness, and he's not intimidated by her one bit.

Orochimaru has simply taken a backseat because the plot has forced him into a situation where he has an inferior body. Do you think Oro would be sitting by if he had a body that could work to his own potential? That is what the whole "Sasuke, body take over" subplot is for.

I don't view Oro to be "paperthin" because there is still too much for him to reveal about himself. We still do not know his true plans. We still don't know why he truly left the atatsuki or what happened to his original body. Right now we can only guess at his true motives.

He sucked up to/played Tsunade to a degree. Been a while since I've read it, but I remember alot of "Tsunade, it's me, your old friend". Whenever Orochimaru is crippled/put in a weakened body he becomes a dull character. I'm sure you could fairly say it's supposed to make him more snake like but I'm sick of him popping up briefly, having a fight with the central characters then running off again. I found that when he was operating from the shadows he was more effective and interesting. Now, he's dull and cowardly "Well, off to my next hidey hole with Kabuto and Sasuke. Hopefully someone else will kill the Akatsuki before they kick my arse!". He needs to become a major player again, not just run, hide and lust over Sasuke's sharingan.

[Jowy Blight]

So after all of that secrecy their goal is revealed to be just another generic take over the world plot?

Man, what a letdown.

[Icer]

I should have known not to expect any creativity from Kishimoto in regards to Akatsuki's goal. Incredibly stupid

[creeper]

I should have known not to expect any creativity from Kishimoto in regards to Akatsuki's goal. Incredibly stupid

It depends how you look at it. The current reason that the atatsuki have to fight pretty much forces deeper issues for each individual member. Everyone that joined obviously isn't in it for just world domination. Each, have their reasons and the their goal. The atatsuki leader just revealed the group goal. Nothing else.

See for me, I see the big picture, not the teeny tiny one. If you want to keep up with the author and where the author "might" be going, you have to think a few steps ahead. If you only look at one piece of the puzzle, than you don't get the full picture.

That's the fun of the ride. A lot of people miss this, because they are inpatient, or simply because it wasn't what they wanted themselves. You have to remember that we're still in the begining of part 2. We probaly have a lot more to go. What would be the fun, if everything is revealed now?

[rubberchicken]

Well, what's the fun when the big dramatic revelation is as cliched as they come? They've been building up to this for a while, but seriously. I could've guessed "they wanna rule the world" without being told.

[Mog]

Well, if everyone's so whiny about the Akatsuki's goal, how about we make up a better one?

1) They use the Jinchiruuki to take over the world. Pretty much what there plan is now.

2) They use the Jinchiruuki to destroy the world. Because they can always fly to a new world when it's done.

3) They take over all the villages, over throwing all known rule. Refer to #1.

4) They take over their world and then move on to Soul Society. Pretty sure they couldn't take the Gotei 13.

5) They use the Jinchiruuki to become demi-Gods. Same end result as #1/#2.

6) They form their own country and accept missions like the other major villages. Kinda small compared to the other options.

7) They collect the Jinchiruuki and absorb their powers into themselves. Then they combine their powers to form a Megazord. They take over the world.

So really, the end result is pretty much the same. They're just going about it a different way. They're going a Money-->Power-->World domination route. And I see nothing wrong with that.

[Timmay]

Well, if everyone's so whiny about the Akatsuki's goal, how about we make up a better one?

1) They use the Jinchiruuki to take over the world. Pretty much what there plan is now.

2) They use the Jinchiruuki to destroy the world. Because they can always fly to a new world when it's done.

3) They take over all the villages, over throwing all known rule. Refer to #1.

4) They take over their world and then move on to Soul Society. Pretty sure they couldn't take the Gotei 13.

5) They use the Jinchiruuki to become demi-Gods. Same end result as #1/#2.

6) They form their own country and accept missions like the other major villages. Kinda small compared to the other options.

7) They collect the Jinchiruuki and absorb their powers into themselves. Then they combine their powers to form a Megazord. They take over the world.

So really, the end result is pretty much the same. They're just going about it a different way. They're going a Money-->Power-->World domination route. And I see nothing wrong with that.Pretty much the way I feel about it.

Their overall goal is really mostly just the goal of the leader, as can be shown by Hidan not knowing what the goal was before he joined.

If you think about it the ninja who make up Akatsuki are all in the Bingo Book so they don't really have anything like a home. If Akatsuki's plan succeeds this would change though.

[djthomp]

I vote for 7. That would be awesome.

[Jowy Blight]

You guys don't seem to understand the problem many of us have with the Akatsuki's goal.

It's not that it's a bad plan, it's just really boring.

[silverwings]

Well, for those of you that thought it was boring, what did you expect it to be?

Yeah, the goal they want (take over the world) seems pretty dull... but the way they are going about it (make themselves the only military power so they become super rich in the process) is at least interesting.

Plus, that's the goal of the group. Each person probably has a reason for joining the group, which we don't know yet.

[FinnMacCool]

How about "They use the bijuu to destroy the Hidden Villages and hunt down all of the missing-nin. When they're the only ninjas left in the world, the nine Akatsuki members would be virtually invincible." I realize this sounds a lot like world domination, but, the way I see it, gaining the power/freedom to do whatever you want is different from controlling the political, military, and economic institutions of various countries. The second option is pretty cliche and kinda boring, while the first is a little more original and fits the Akatsuki's individual, eccentric personalities much better.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Well, if everyone's so whiny about the Akatsuki's goal, how about we make up a better one?

1) They use the Jinchiruuki to take over the world. Pretty much what there plan is now.

2) They use the Jinchiruuki to destroy the world. Because they can always fly to a new world when it's done.

3) They take over all the villages, over throwing all known rule. Refer to #1.

4) They take over their world and then move on to Soul Society. Pretty sure they couldn't take the Gotei 13.

5) They use the Jinchiruuki to become demi-Gods. Same end result as #1/#2.

6) They form their own country and accept missions like the other major villages. Kinda small compared to the other options.

7) They collect the Jinchiruuki and absorb their powers into themselves. Then they combine their powers to form a Megazord. They take over the world.

So really, the end result is pretty much the same. They're just going about it a different way. They're going a Money-->Power-->World domination route. And I see nothing wrong with that.

8. They open a disco.

Or maybe just 6, I don't know.

[purplehairedwonder]

8. They open a disco. And when other shinobi arrive there is... Panic! At the disco!

*rimshot*

*silence*

Fine, I like #7.

I agree that there is going to be more to it due to the motivations of the indivudal Akatsuki members, but I was just expecting something new. But since that's what we've got going, I'm more interested in each of the individuals now.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

And when other shinobi arrive there is... Panic! At the disco!

*rimshot*

*silence*
This cracked me up.:p


Fine, I like #7.

I agree that there is going to be more to it due to the motivations of the indivudal Akatsuki members, but I was just expecting something new. But since that's what we've got going, I'm more interested in each of the individuals now.

I agree. The Databook outright mentions Itachi has his own motives, and hints Kisame is hiding something.

Plus, Hidan obviously had his own reasons for joining(given that he didn't even know the groups goal).

[KuwabaraTheMan]

After two weeks, we get Chapter 330.

Naruto appears to have finished the Wind Rasengan. And of course, we get the funeral for Asuma. Some more questions now, such as what Asuma wanted Shikamaru to tell Kurenai, and now what Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji are doing.

The most logical guess is going after Hidan, but that seems like it might be a little soon for them to kill him.

[rubberchicken]

Pretty much:

Relevant stuff: Naruto figures out his new trick, Team Asuma goes a-hunting.

Stuff that's just kinda "there": Kurenai gets the news, the funeral, and Kakashi's declaration of his homoerotic love for Naruto.

Why did this take two weeks? Any guesses?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Why did this take two weeks? Any guesses?
Because the life of a weekly manga-ka is extremely harsh and they need time off every once in a while.

Also, other relevant info: Kurenai lives in the freaking slums. Did you see that place?

[sarita]

Good Chapter.

I am getting kind of tired of the training...so I hope it ends soon. Poor Naruto's been at that waterfall for a while now. :p

Oh, Kurenai...:(

Like the shot of team 10 at the end. Wherever they're going, I hope they kick butt and take names.

...So Sarutobi's other son's probably sweating it right now, huh? :sweat:

[purplehairedwonder]

I am getting kind of tired of the training...so I hope it ends soon. Poor Naruto's been at that waterfall for a while now. :p
Well it looks like Naruto is about done with his new technique, so yay for that, right?

Shikamaru seems to have officially taken up smoking.

Poor Kurenai... I wonder what Asuma wanted Shikamaru to tell her.

And now the question becomes where Team 10 is off to.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Poor Kurenai... I wonder what Asuma wanted Shikamaru to tell her.
"Even though Asuma is dead, and you're probably feeling lonely, Shougi isn't the only thing I've always beaten him at...Just throwing that out there."

It is so.

And I immagine InoShikaCho are after Hidan, although it could also be something to do with the King.

[purplehairedwonder]

"Even though Asuma is dead, and you're probably feeling lonely, Shougi isn't the only thing I've always beaten him at...Just throwing that out there."
o.O

And I immagine InoShikaCho are after Hidan, although it could also be something to do with the King.
I would think they wouldn't be in a very good position to go after Hidan at this point, but what do I know? ;)

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Well, if Kakuzu hadn't been present, Asuma and Shikamaru would have achieved a Flawless Victory.

With carefull planning(and Shikamaru now having a sword and Chakra Knuckles), I think they've got a shot.

Although it could be something related to the 'King' as well.

[purplehairedwonder]

Although it could be something related to the 'King' as well.
I'm more inclined to think it's something like that, considering that scene with Shikamaru playing Shougi on his own.

[FlyByNite77]

How much would it suck if Sasuke is actually the 'King'

hahaha... Just saying... :p

It would be nice to see Team 10 get some reinforcements from Sand just because I want some more Shika-Temari banter. :o

At least Naruto won't be at that waterfall anymore.

[rubberchicken]

I'll bet Team 10 is going out training :gir:

[GWOtaku]

I like how Shikamaru is picking up Asuma's old habits and even his techniques. You just know he's gonna develop into a badass later. Deadly skill and a brilliant mind, I'm looking forward to it.

[King Cocopuff]

Wow, Konohamaru must not be feeling so good now, with his grandfather and Uncle dead.

...what a minute. Asuma's his uncle? Then where the heck are his birth parents?!

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Wow, Konohamaru must not be feeling so good now, with his grandfather and Uncle dead.

...what a minute. Asuma's his uncle? Then where the heck are his birth parents?!

Off leading a group of S-Class missing-nins....

[King Cocopuff]

Off leading a group of S-Class missing-nins....

Excuse me for my ignorance, but does this mean they pursue missing-nins or they ARE missing-nins that left the village?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Excuse me for my ignorance, but does this mean they pursue missing-nins or they ARE missing-nins that left the village?

I'm saying I think Konohamaru's dad is the Akatsuki Leader.

[k-day42]

^ me, too.

Shika's fandom is gonna skyrocket!!!

[Jedah Dohma]

Nice chapter.

Like seeing Shikamaru picking up Asuma's smoking habits.

And glad to know Team 10 are off... hopefully to track down Hidan. Who knows?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

331 time.

Hey, Ibiki still exists! First time we've seen him since the Invasion of Konoha. And he's just as good as ever.

Boring-sensei teams up with Team 10. Hopefully he won't get in the way too much. He'll probably hold off Kakuzu until Team 7 shows up, while Team 10 takes on Hidan.

[purplehairedwonder]

Ah, so I was wrong after all. Figures.

Team 10 + Kakashi are after Hidan, Naruto has a day to finish up his technique, Ibiki lives, Shikamaru is a badass, and Akatsuki is on to the next vessel.

Interesting. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[creeper]

331 time.

Hey, Ibiki still exists! First time we've seen him since the Invasion of Konoha. And he's just as good as ever.

Boring-sensei teams up with Team 10. Hopefully he won't get in the way too much. He'll probably hold off Kakuzu until Team 7 shows up, while Team 10 takes on Hidan.

Wouldn't it be interesting if it turned out to be Naruto already? No...wouldn't it be interesting if it was one of Naruto's bushins in disguise.....Imagine Sakara going to the training grounds and finding Naruto, Kakashi, and Yamoto.

[Mog]

333 is out.

We get an elemental strength/weakness analysis and Kakashi impales Kakuzu.

Not too shabby.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Kakashi actually does something. Granted, Kakuzu seems pretty comfy for a guy who just got impaled, so I immagine he'll be pretty fine next chapter, and we might even see his 'Berserker Mode' some time soon.

Maybe he can do the whole world a favor and take Kakashi out.

[purplehairedwonder]

But I still like Kakashi :p How convenient for them to explain the weaknesses of the elemental manipulations, then have Kakashi use it. Crazy how it all works out, huh?

I really liked this little exchange:

Naruto: So I've got the right affinity for Sasuke.
Yamato: Right, only wind can beat lightning.
Naruto: No, I mean the only thing that can save a fire from dying and give it more power is wind.
Yamato: True.

So sue me, I still like Sasuke too :anime:

[iMustang]

Wow, the end caught me off guard. I can't wait to see this fight, all of Kakashi's fights are good in one way or another.

[Jedah Dohma]

Good chapter this week. Kakashi got Kakuzu there and now we know one of his (Kakuzu's) abilities.

I doubt he's done, though.

[Icer]

The ending would have alot more impact if there wasn't a 99.9% certainty that wasn't the end of Kazuku. We all know he has to use his super jutsu, which is then countered by another super jutsu, followed by the super super secret jutsu, and then finally the "really did you think that was my final jutsu" jutsu.

[FlyByNite77]

What do ya know its Pokemon lessons via Naruto... :p

[rubberchicken]

The ending would have alot more impact if there wasn't a 99.9% certainty that wasn't the end of Kazuku. We all know he has to use his super jutsu, which is then countered by another super jutsu, followed by the super super secret jutsu, and then finally the "really did you think that was my final jutsu" jutsu.

Followed by Naruto showing up and using the "5-tailed fox" jutsu.

[Mog]

Like anyone isn't suprised, Kakuzu is still alive. Seems that his "immortality" is linked to masks around his body. They remind me of that one thing from Spritied Away.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Yeah, I find Kakuzu's ability interesting. Seems he's able to use all 5 elements, which makes him a very formidable enemy in that regard.

[purplehairedwonder]

Masks... can't say I was expecting something like that. Interesting. If Kakuzu can use all the elements, this is going to be a more difficult fight than Team 10 was anticipating.

[rubberchicken]

The beginning's utter failure to surprise me is partially redeemed by seeing big evil parasites burst out of Kakuzu's back.

[Jedah Dohma]

As I expected, and no surprise, Kakuzu survives and what a kind-boggling ability he has. Masks are not quite what I was expecting but nice regardless. Guess his immortality are all linked to the masks somehow on his body.

Yikes, he can use all of the elements. Definitely not going to be an easy guy to take down that's for sure.

Good chapter. Things are definitely not looking great for Kakashi and Team 10.

[GWOtaku]

So now we have at least two Akatsuki immortals? I really hope this doesn't turn into a pattern: Konoha owns an Akatsuki only to find he has a deus ex machina secret that won't allow him to die, Konoha ninjas regroup, rinse and repeat...until Naruto arrives with his new jutsu, anyway.

[rubberchicken]

So now we have at least two Akatsuki immortals? I really hope this doesn't turn into a pattern: Konoha owns an Akatsuki only to find he has a deus ex machina secret that won't allow him to die, Konoha ninjas regroup, rinse and repeat...until Naruto arrives with his new jutsu, anyway.
shhh you'll give it away

[Jowy Blight]

until Naruto arrives with his new jutsu, anyway.

Which will work once and he'll miss with constantly for the rest of the series.

Naruto is a good example of why you never give a main character an easy to use instant kill move.

[Kyuss]

That or I'm hopeful they at least make it more interesting than immortal Akatuski agents versus the average joes.

I honestly thought Kakashi had him.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Wow, Kakuzu fought the First Hokage sometime in the past? That's unexpected. It'll be interesting if Team Yamato shows up, and Kakuzu is already experienced in fighting Mokuton users.

And Kakuzu saying there's no such thing as Immortality is obvious foreshadowing to Hidan's demise. Plus, Shikamaru did it again, with a briliant strategy.

[Grenzer]

Kakuzu is the best villain this series has had in a long while (Hidan is cool as well). I know Kishi is setting him up for a brutal death, but I really hope Kakuzu pushes Team 10 and Kakashi beyond their limits before this is over. Kakashi has not had a battle this exciting since he battled Zabuza, and he might never again, so I want it to end on a high note.

[purplehairedwonder]

Damn... now that was an interesting chapter. Kakuzu has a prolonged life, but there is no such thing as immortality. That means Hidan can die. Not a whole lot else to say, other than I'm looking forward to seeing what pops up next. I love seeing Kakashi and Shikamaru being badass :p

[rubberchicken]

Hidan: doo dee doo I shall take your blood lolz
Shikamaru: oh noes
Kakuzu: arg wtf
Kakashi (flashback): doo dee doo I shall take your blood lolz
Shikamaru: Owned.

[Kaiser0120]

Hidan: doo dee doo I shall take your blood lolz
Shikamaru: oh noes
Kakuzu: arg wtf
Kakashi (flashback): doo dee doo I shall take your blood lolz
Shikamaru: Owned.

Freakin' priceless, that needs to be a sig. XD

[Kyuss]

It is interesting that Kakazu fought the first. I'm hopeful he didn't kill him since that would kind of suck. Still Kakashi pulled a number on him in any case and Shikamaru certainly has a plan. I'm hopeful it was indeed inspired by Asuma. (Nice revenge from the grave.)

[Jedah Dohma]

So Kakuzu fought the First? Well, that's a surprise.

Shikamaru once again proves why he is the prep-god bad ass. ;)

[Baseball]

I wonder if Shikamaru is going to use all of those explosion notes to have Hidan blow up in such a way that he can't be stitched back together. Violent, but practical.

[FlyByNite77]

I wonder if Shikamaru is going to use all of those explosion notes to have Hidan blow up in such a way that he can't be stitched back together. Violent, but practical.

I was actually wondering if Shikamaru really did plan to sacrifice himself hold Hidan in the shadow jutsu and blow them both up together. During the whole Chunnin exams it was noted how Shikamaru was the best tactical choice for a leader because he'd be willing to sacrifice himself for the rest of the team to live and complete a mission.

[Kyuss]

Maybe but that seems like a little much, even for Shikamaru. Unless he's got a way to perhaps use Hidan's "immortality" for himself.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Yeah, definitely looks like a great chapter. Great to see Naruto, Sai, and Yamato again!

[Mog]

Chapters out. Sakura is there, too.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Chapters out. Sakura is there, too.

She was already known to be there from the spoiler.

I just don't care about Part 2 Sakura.

Damn, Shikamaru came THAT close to beheading Hidan.

[Rolling Cloud]

She was already known to be there from the spoiler.

I just don't care about Part 2 Sakura.

Damn, Shikamaru came THAT close to beheading Hidan.

Almost nobody likes Part 1 Sakura and now people don't like Pt. 2 Sakura. When is she going to shine in people's eyes?

[purplehairedwonder]

Sweet chapter. It doesn't seem fair that such a good plan only got one of Kakuzu's hearts, but I suppose it's not surprising. Shikamaru came so close to getting Hidan; now the question is what else he has up his sleeve. Glad to see Naruto and co. show up, even if it was at the last possible minute (of course).

[iMustang]

Beautiful, great way to end the year. Maybe now we'll actually get to see Sai fight. We've seen his abilities, but have we seen them in a fight? Naruto has got to be the Weekly Jump Winner.

On a side note, Deidara is confermed for Narutimate Accel.

[rubberchicken]

I was going to try my hand at making another funny, but this chapter was pretty dull. Mostly it's just Shikamaru telling Hidan stuff we already know, followed by Naruto and company showing up. Meh.

Choji took out another heart, though (or was it Hidan?)

[Jedah Dohma]

Naruto ends 2006 on a good note (manga-wise). Great to see Naruto, Sai, Sakura and Yamato back in action. Now, we'll see if Shikamaru can truly finish off Hidan next time.

[Kyuss]

I'm actually more curious to see the interplay between Yamato and Kakazu, considering who's DNA he (Yamato) is carrying along side what Kakazu said about his first Konoha fight.

But considering both he and Naruto joined justus together...does tend to make it look like Kakazu isn't coming out of this alive.

[King Cocopuff]

On a semi-related note, this (http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/DTHV/Gamakichi.jpg?t=1167879602) picture seems to hint that Naruto maybe will be able to summon Gamabunta's son Gamakichi, whose grown up some (Either this is official or this is extremely good fanart, so don't take my word for it).

[delariean]

On a semi-related note, this (http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/DTHV/Gamakichi.jpg?t=1167879602) picture seems to hint that Naruto maybe will be able to summon Gamabunta's son Gamakichi, whose grown up some (Either this is official or this is extremely good fanart, so don't take my word for it).


They have confirmed over at leafninja.com that this is indeed an official pic:D

[Timmay]

Shikamaru 1, Akatsuki 0.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Shikamaru is amazing.(Although not as great as Kiba...)

And Hidan...isn't so fast on the uptake now, is he?

[Rolling Cloud]

Shikamaru is amazing.(Although not as great as Kiba...)

And Hidan...isn't so fast on the uptake now, is he?

I'm kinda late to the party here. Why is he amazing?

EDIT: Never mind, figured it out. Shikamaru's turning into a mini-Asuma. :anime: :D

[HEATXZ]

Wohoo Hidan is dead Go Shikamaru
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/9160/photoshophidancopybc1.jpg
*I made this by myself*

[Baseball]

This is literally the coolest thing Shikamaru's done in Naruto ever. I thought the blood capsule was pretty amazing, but this just takes the cake. Well done.

[Timmay]

This is literally the coolest thing Shikamaru's done in Naruto ever. I thought the blood capsule was pretty amazing, but this just takes the cake. Well done.
I can't actually think of a cooler thing ANYONE has done.. other than maybe Zabuza's death rush where he killed ninja with his teeth.

[Kyuss]

Four stars for Shikamaru on this one. He got his revenge. I just wished he had inserted a bomb into Hidan and detonated it too.

[iMustang]

Probably the best way I ever seen an enemy destroyed in Naruto. Although I wish Sakura & Sai wern't sent away. I was really hoping to see Sai's skills in a fight for a change.

[purplehairedwonder]

Amazing chapter. Completely and utterly badass. I got a little choked up at the scene of Asuma supporting Shikamaru. Really amazing.

[EroSennin]

Yea this was a great chapter. Best chapter in I dont know how long.

[rubberchicken]

He's probably still not dead.

[Baseball]

He's probably still not dead.
Even if he isn't, his body is completely destroyed, and his remains will fall to the bottom of the hole. Then Shikamaru can bury him there for all eternity.

[Furu]

He's probably still not dead.

To paraphrase the great Major Payne, "if he still there, he ain't happy".

[Mog]

Well, Hidan isn't dead.

And Naruto is now ripping off Kuririn. Who saw that coming?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Well, Hidan isn't dead.

Of course not, he's immortal.

But he's already lost.

[Grenzer]

Of course not, he's immortal.

But he's already lost.

It would be funny if Hidan's head is taken back to Konoha after this arc ends so they can interrogate him for information about Akatsuki's activities.

[Kyuss]

Not sure so much as funny as "Nice way to get someone to talk."

Maybe.

[rubberchicken]

What are the bets that a future story arc involves his head being retrieved by Akatsuki so that they have to find a way to kill him for real next time?

[GWOtaku]

He's been "killed" twice now, I think he's done. Besides, let's be serious, he'll never be a defeated in a cooler way than what happened last chapter.

[purplehairedwonder]

Besides, lets be serious, he'll never be a defeated in a cooler way than what happened last chapter.Indeed and that, I admit, made 339 feel like a bit of a letdown, but I do realize it was a buildup chapter for what's coming. I liked the shot of Kakashi seeing the Fourth in Naruto. I'm looking forward to seeing the full extent of Naruto's training thus far now. Should be good.

[Captain Highwind]

Not sure I understand Shikamaru's "revenge."

So his clan's going to keep him in that pit forever?

Won't that be a little tiring? Seems like he'll escape if he's determined enough.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Not sure I understand Shikamaru's "revenge."

So his clan's going to keep him in that pit forever?

Won't that be a little tiring? Seems like he'll escape if he's determined enough.

How can a head escape from such a deep hole?

His body is in pieces.

[FireStarterLE]

How can a head escape from such a deep hole?

His body is in pieces.

Plus he has quite a few tons of rocks on top of him to boot. So even if he's a determined head, moving rocks will be hard to do without any arms

[Kyuss]

Even just using his mouth to manipulate dirt, rocks, and such, Hidan's not coming out for at least a few hundred, maybe even a millennium. And then what? He's still a head. Not like he'll be able to float or do much. Trust me, if he manages to some how get out, it won't before Shikamaru's great to the 6th power's grandson comes of age, if then.

In other news, it looks like Naruto has learned to make a Kurrin type blast, not bad. The other aspect to this is that it can be combined with another jutsu. Perhaps this way, both Naruto and Sasuke can finish off Itachi.

[FireStarterLE]

*OT Naruto Anime: Akatsuki*

if you have seen yet, the first three episodes (ep numbers 1-3) for "Hurricane Chronicles" has been revealed with the first one being a 1 hr special. Feb. 15th cant come soon enough :sad:


Ep 1: Homecoming
Ep 2: Akatsuki, Action Begins
Ep 3: Fruits of the Training

[djthomp]

Not sure if I ever saw a statement about this...are they doing Kakashi Gaiden?

[Kyuss]

I would like them to but I'm not exactly betting much on that.

[Web Head]

Not sure if I ever saw a statement about this...are they doing Kakashi Gaiden?
My guess is that they'll do it at some later time as an OVA. Maybe Kishimoto told the anime team that they should hold off on it now because of coming development regarding Yondaime's character.

[Jedah Dohma]

Yeah, Hidan's pretty much done.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the extent result of Naruto's training. He pulls off his own version of the 'Destructo Disc' as it seems. Indeed, the training has done more than just develop a new technique. He's grown and we'll see that maturity develop.

Nice image of the Fourth in Naruto from Kakashi's point of view.

As for the Kakashi Gaiden, they'll probably turn that into an OVA or TV special (like DBZ did for the Bardock and Trunks specials).

[GWOtaku]

As for the Kakashi Gaiden, they're probably turn that into an OAV or TV special (like DBZ did for the Bardock and Trunks specials)

It could make for a good theatrical movie, too.

[Kyuss]

Movie, OVA, either is fine. Regardless I think it would give much of the "non-insider" aka non fan sub peoples/non-manga peoples something to further their understanding of this world.

[FireStarterLE]

Ch 340

Well looks like Naruto is using this fight to finally grow up into a better ninja. Hopefully the next chapter will be the one where we see the "Fruits of the Training"

[KuwabaraTheMan]

This chapter was a little lame. Essentially, nothing was accomplished. Kind of a letdown, as the manga had been moving pretty nicely for the past few months.

[FireStarterLE]

This chapter was a little lame. Essentially, nothing was accomplished. Kind of a letdown, as the manga had been moving pretty nicely for the past few months.

Yeah, i was kinda hoping for a "Naruto is much stronger now after all his training and he's gonna kill him on his first attack" situation ... but alas ... :(

[purplehairedwonder]

I have to admit, I was expecting something a bit more when the last chapter was such a setup chapter... and instead we get two in a row. A bit disappointing, though it was cool to get a real good look at Naruto's new attack.

[RedNinja84]

The manga finally picked up after a while and I was let down by this chapter. I hope the fight ends next chapter so we can continue the story.

[Captain Highwind]

Five teaming up against one?

I thought you knew better than to say something like that, Kakashi. This is a Shonen manga.

[Kyuss]

Just because it's a Shonen story doesn't mean Kakashi is stupid enough to accept that kind of fallacy. Indeed Kakashi strikes me as a great pragmatist, seeing the world as it truly is.

I will also agree with what others have said, that attack fizzle wasn't what I was expecting nor did I feel that was 100% acceptable from my standpoint. But we'll see. Perhaps Naruto will do a clever ninja move instead of just being his headstrong self.

[Mog]

I thought it was stupid. Kind of a "one step forward, two steps back" kinda thing. I mean, he got the thing working. Then when he uses it, the thing fails. If Naruto really has improved that much, shouldn't he know by now not to use a move unless he's positive it will work? I mean, he had the kill and it failed. Now Kakuzu knows what to expect, and shouldn't fall for it again.

However, Naruto will probably get lucky and the destructo-rasengan will work the second time.

Needs more Brooke.

[GWOtaku]

Well, this is an in-progress technique. I figure Naruto will either nail it, take it to the next level, or improvise with yet another new technique.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

And COMPLETELY making up for last week, Kakuzu has been PWNT by Naruto.

Arc over.

That was downright awesome, and it looked amazing.

[Mog]

Fawning over how cool it actually looked when it worked aside, I was a bit shocked at how easily Kakuzu was caught in it. You'd think an S rank ninja that's lived hundreds of years would have fairly proficient dodge skills against a skill he's seen twice, yet he was caught completely off-guard by few kage bunshin.

The Akatsuki is looking less and less powerful as the members are introduced. I'm starting to see why Orochimaru left.

[Grenzer]

Fawning over how cool it actually looked when it worked aside, I was a bit shocked at how easily Kakuzu was caught in it. You'd think an S rank ninja that's lived hundreds of years would have fairly proficient dodge skills against a skill he's seen twice, yet he was caught completely off-guard by few kage bunshin.

The Akatsuki is looking less and less powerful as the members are introduced. I'm starting to see why Orochimaru left.

Hidan and Kakuzu sort of strike me as being the "B-Team" of Akatsuki. They were powerful enough to be a serious threat to most ninjas they came across, but they were not Kage or Sannin level. I assume that Itachi and Kisame are the strongest field team, because the Leader trusts them with capturing the Kyuubi. Zetsu, the blue-haired girl, and the Leader himself are all possibly Kage level as well. I seriously doubt that the rest of the Akatsuki will consider this defeat a huge setback, the Leader might have even been expecting this to happen considering his behavior earlier in the arc.

As for Naruto's new attack, I really like it. It's about time Naruto gets an uber level technique that can wipe the floor with even the strongest of ninjas. He is the main character, and after stalling for a year Kishimoto reminded us why. Now we can really move forward with all of the other things that have been in the background for such a long time.

[Nel]

I really liked Naruto's attack, but I still wanted more of an actual battle to see if he's improved his other skills as a ninja as well, not the miss-miss-hit battle this was.

[rubberchicken]

Wait, so why were Chouji, Ino, Sakura, and Sai here again?

I hope to God this doesn't turn into a trend of "ninja teamwork fails, so Naruto saves the day yet again with his ULTIMATE ATTACK." The stress on teamwork and strategy has been Naruto's strongest element, but if fights keep turning into <shadow clone/overwhelming Naruto force> I'm going to lose any interest in continuing.

[FireStarterLE]

Crap ...... Naruto vs Kakuzu Part 2: Complete!

Now that that is over I wonder who we join in on next

[Captain Highwind]

Yeah, just like I figured: Spaghetti thrown into a ceiling fan.

The nuclear explosion was overdoing it a bit though :sweat:

[Kyuss]

In my book, when it comes to power, there's no such thing as "overdoing it."

[purplehairedwonder]

And that's the end of Kakuzu, though I admit I was expecting this to last at least another chapter. Naruto's attack is definitely badass, though. I agree that he was caught in it pretty easily, but I also give props to Naruto for using a clever tactic to get to him.

I'm looking forward to seeing this animated :)

[Jowy Blight]

I think Naruto's new move will be missing the enemy just as much as the Rasengan did.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I think Naruto's new move will be missing the enemy just as much as the Rasengan did.

So almost never then?

Because the Rasengan rarely missed, and I'm not sure where the concept that it missed a lot originated from.

[Jowy Blight]

So almost never then?

Because the Rasengan rarely missed, and I'm not sure where the concept that it missed a lot originated from.

Other then Kabuto and the fake Itachi, I don't recall it ever connecting with anyone the way it was supposed to.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Other then Kabuto and the fake Itachi, I don't recall it ever connecting with anyone the way it was supposed to.

Sasuke, Deidara, Kakuzu, Kakashi.

The only time I recall it actually missing was against Deidara the first time.

[RedNinja84]

I bet the next team they take on is Zetsu and the unknown member of Akatski.

[Scirel]

I bet the next team they take on is Zetsu and the unknown member of Akatski.


They seem way too strong for that because of their closeness to the leader.

Maybe Deidara and Tobi? We need to find out more abut tobi and Naruto can perfect the wind rasengan against deidara.

Hopefully team kurenai will be involved in some way as well...

[rubberchicken]

Hopefully team kurenai will be involved in some way as well...
Hopefully people who aren't Naruto, Kakashi, or Shikamaru will actually do something.

[RedNinja84]

Yeah I really miss Team 8 and Hinata.

[Kyuss]

Most of us Hinata fans do as well.

I am also hoping that, like others, our speculation on Tobi's origins coincides with that of another former leaf Genin.

[iMustang]

There's only three characters I'm still waiting to see in action:

Hinata, Kiba, and Sai. I want to see Hinata and Kiba's new battle skills because they're personal favorite characters, but as of today we still have not seen Sai's skills in a fight.

[Tash]

I am also hoping that, like others, our speculation on Tobi's origins coincides with that of another former leaf Genin.
How much do you want to be that Tobi is really Yamato, and he'll end up fighting either Naruto or Kakashi? >_>

[Kyuss]

Tash,

I gather you must be trying to be humorous, because honestly logic and what some people have said earlier about Tobi and another Naruto character makes more sense to me. That is, based on the physical evidence we have so far.

[Timmay]

Tash,

I gather you must be trying to be humorous, because honestly logic and what some people have said earlier about Tobi and another Naruto character makes more sense to me. That is, based on the physical evidence we have so far.

Dead Obito + Masked guy with generic haircut = physical evidence?

[Kyuss]

I was more referring to the fact it seems Tobi has only one eye.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

It's a Shônen serial, Tobi has got to be Obito.

[Timmay]

I was more referring to the fact it seems Tobi has only one eye.
One of Obito's eyes was nothing but a socket at that point, and the other one, if it wasn't already crushed by the giant rocks, probably got crushed by the tons of extra rocks after the second doton.

[Rolling Cloud]

One of Obito's eyes was nothing but a socket at that point, and the other one, if it wasn't already crushed by the giant rocks, probably got crushed by the tons of extra rocks after the second doton.

ARIGATOU, Thank you! :anime:

[Malex]

I say just keep the inane theory open until proven wrong just like the "Kisame is the NEW Jinchuuriki" and "Yondaime is the Akatsuki leader" theories.

Sadly, many of these are forced down some people's throats by those who won't listen to reason. It's just sad how most of the internet is like that.

On to the chapter, wow. That was insane. Kakuzu is now dead, but I don't like how easy he lost to Naruto. I can understand the raw power of the Rasengan Shuriken, but making Naruto too fast for Kakashi's Sharingan is just wrong. I thought Kakashi said that Naruto would be able to get stronger than Kakashi with new jutsu not easily out rank him across the board.

I'm just hoping they collect Kakuzu's corpse just to make sure Zetsu doesn't get the ring and give it to Akatsuki replacement #2.

[rubberchicken]

I predict: They bring Kakuzu's corpse home to analyze his secrets, then he activates his remaining two hearts and starts wreaking havoc in the Leaf village.

That's what I'd do, at least.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I predict: They bring Kakuzu's corpse home to analyze his secrets, then he activates his remaining two hearts and starts wreaking havoc in the Leaf village.

That's what I'd do, at least.

Those other 2 hearts were both vaporized by Naruto. We saw the masks break.

[FireStarterLE]

I'm just hoping they collect Kakuzu's corpse just to make sure Zetsu doesn't get the ring and give it to Akatsuki replacement #2.

I'm not sure if they know it works that way or not, but if they dont know they probably wont ...... but hey, whose to say the ring wasnt vaporized with that blast?

You know if they did know it worked that way and the ring survived, Naruto should get it and take it directly to Sasuke, tell him to get it over with and come back :)

[EroSennin]

On to the chapter, wow. That was insane. Kakuzu is now dead, but I don't like how easy he lost to Naruto. I can understand the raw power of the Rasengan Shuriken, but making Naruto too fast for Kakashi's Sharingan is just wrong. I thought Kakashi said that Naruto would be able to get stronger than Kakashi with new jutsu not easily out rank him across the board.

Hes not faster then the sharingan. What Kakashi said was the Rasengen Shuriken was so devasting he couldnt see how many times it cut Kazuzu.

[Tash]

Tash,

I gather you must be trying to be humorous, because honestly logic and what some people have said earlier about Tobi and another Naruto character makes more sense to me. That is, based on the physical evidence we have so far.
I'm sorry, but I feel the need to personally adress this:

There IS a lot of evidence to support Yamato = Tobi. First of all, look at when Tobi is fighting the beast. The moment he gets hit, there's a sudden cutaway to Yamato sweating. (plus, he says that keeping the beast sealed isn't very hard, so he has no reason to be sweating and out of breath) Second, Kishimoto seems to go out of his way to point out that Yamato's wood clones are very advanced, which explains how he can be in two places at once. Third, Tobi somehow takes down the weakened beast with one hit. We know that Yamato has beast sealing powers. Last but not least, they physically resemble each other. They both have similar hair and long faces.


If nothing else, it's a very strong possiblity.

[rubberchicken]

Hes not faster then the sharingan. What Kakashi said was the Rasengen Shuriken was so devasting he couldnt see how many times it cut Kazuzu.
Which in Shonenspeak means that it was too fast to follow.

[GWOtaku]

Er, if Yamato were really an Akatsuki member why would he train Naruto and not simply kidnap him for the organization when he had the opportunity? I'm really not seeing this theory, it seems very half-baked.

[Tash]

Er, if Yamato were really an Akatsuki member why would he train Naruto and not simply kidnap him for the organization when he had the opportunity? I'm really not seeing this theory, it seems very half-baked.
He joined Akatsuki as a spy.

[Mog]

The Yamato=Tobi theory is good, but I still think the Obito=Tobi us the better of the two. Sure, Obito got crushed by tons and tons of rocks.

But there are ninjas that can get cut into tiny pieces and still live. When you look at it that way, being crushed by rocks does not mean instant death.

Both theories provide good evidence, and neither will fade away until Tobi is eventually shown. Simple as that.

[FireStarterLE]

But there are ninjas that can get cut into tiny pieces and still live. When you look at it that way, being crushed by rocks does not mean instant death.

Both theories provide good evidence, and neither will fade away until Tobi is eventually shown. Simple as that.

The first person to be thought of should be Hidan, and he probably isn't the only person with the ability to survive the things he went through ... so surviving rocks (and still having the ability to regenerate?) and leave shouldnt be that hard of a task for one who possesses the ability to do so, it's really not that far fetched of an idea to think they could be one and the same

And Tobi only sees through his right eyes, Obito lost his left. So if that plays true Tobi should really fight with Kakashi and Kakashi alone

[Timmay]

Obito was an Uchiha, but I'm certain he wasn't the only Uchiha on the battlefield at that time. He was also crushed, and lost half of his sharingan. I fail to see why someone, an enemy no less, would stitch him up when there were plenty of better specimens.

And I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt Yamato is Tobi, doesn't make any sense to me for them to stretch Yamato out like that, what with having him double as an Akatsuki and a team 7 leader and later having to be responsible for controlling Kyuubi during Naruto's training.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

One could be the good Obito and the other the bad, this is Shônen after all.

[FireStarterLE]

gah, only "aftermath" stuff and Sasuke killing (or rather already killed) people

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Nice chapter. The King is the next generation of the Leaf. Kurenai is pregnant(wow, NO ONE saw that coming AT ALL:p), Shikamaru still can't be Shikaku.


gah, only "aftermath" stuff and Sasuke killing (or rather already killed) people

Sasuke didn't actually kill them, though...

He says they aren't the ones he wants to kill. I assume he is refering to Itachi, Naruto and Sakura.

[Captain Highwind]

Nice chapter. The King is the next generation of the Leaf. Kurenai is pregnant(wow, NO ONE saw that coming AT ALL:p), Shikamaru still can't be Shikaku.

oh so it was a surprise. I thought I missed a chapter...:sweat:

Oh, Sarutobi--you pimp, you! :cool:


Sasuke didn't actually kill them, though...

He says they aren't the ones he wants to kill. I assume he is refering to Itachi, Naruto and Sakura.

They weren't even ruffed up too much really...

[Mog]

oh so it was a surprise. I thought I missed a chapter...:sweat:



They weren't even ruffed up too much really...
If you look close, one has a kunai right in his ass. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw it.