Kita ze Inbou! - キタぜ陰謀!

[ Episode 57-58:
Deprived of Eternal Sleep & Loneliness ]

This is more like it. It seems as if there are finally capable writers doing the original stuff for Naruto. It’s kind of funny that I’m enjoying the beginning of this arc more than I did the previous canon stuff (mainly after the KN vs. Oro bit). Attributing it to one being completely new to me and the other being something I already read probably wouldn’t be too much of a good reason. So, I suppose I’ll have to chalk it up to my interest in how this original arc is going to tie in with the canon material given that they’re using the Fire Temple and monks which will be used later (in canon). Asuma is another important element as well for various reasons which will be revealed later on in canon as well.

As for the episode itself, I really enjoyed the majority of it. The stuff with Naruto and Sai was absolutely hilarious and had me rolling in laughter. Sai really needs to learn some common sense soon or else Naruto will be beating him down for his questionable actions soon. The initial fight between Naruto and Sora was pretty damn good and the second was impressive as well. I think that’s the most I’ve seen Naruto use hand-to-hand combat in a LONG time. Sora is being hinted strong at being a Jinchuuriki though if he’s one of the main ones…he won’t likely be around in the future because of the Akatsuki. Anyway, I’m looking forward to the rest of this arc and Team Asuma’s eventual appearance.

The filler arc officially starts with this episode and to be honest, I liked what I saw for the most part. If we compare it by specials, I say this was the best one ever since the first two episodes because nothing felt dragged, but that’s the advantage of filler one would assume.

It is a little hard reviewing those two episodes separately but I’ll try my best. I liked 57 more than I did 58 for one main reason: the fight scene. It was beautifully animated, albeit being filler. The moment Naruto used a regular Kage Buushin and the music builds up you know something cool is about to happen. The battle reminded me a lot of Kimimaro vs. Rock Lee back in the good old days with Sora using blades the same manner Kimimaro used his bone blade with Naruto jumping all around like Rock Lee. In 58 there was another fighting scene that emphasized hand to hand combat, but the animation wasn’t nearly as fluid as the earlier fight. Transitions were stiff and there wasn’t any impact or flow. It was a more interesting fight than most of what Shippuuden has done so far, though.

Sora seems like the most typical character one can add to Naruto. His personality is akin to Naruto; loud-mouthed, arrogant and cocky, hence their bickering. While I don’t mind this type of character, I just found it weird because Idate of the Tea Country arc had the same personality until he changed throughout the arc and I fear it’ll happen again. At least Sora fights Naruto back, and doesn’t hold back even when Naruto teases him. We are still not sure why Sora is hated by the other Fire Temple monks (Naruto, Gaara and now him, I am really tired of the “he’s like me!” crap), but I hope it’s not going to be a measly reason for Naruto to repeat that speech.

What amazed me is the fact the writers actually came up with a story that makes sense this time and had one of the actual characters, Asuma, interwove in it without feeling too forced. Like the opening animation and the addition of the evidence of this episode, he is going to have a major role, probably fighting the main bad guy (KAZUYA NAKAI SWEET).

The jokes with Sai still pack a punch as he is doing what the book tells him, but it appears he doesn’t understand to whom the advice is given and who to apply it on. This causes confusion in Naruto, and an eventual outburst as Sai puts his hand on his shoulder. I can’t blame Naruto, if you wear a shirt that has the torso part completely bare the guy cannot be straight! It is a little ironic how from a mysterious character he turned into comic relief, but in that context it works surprisingly well!

Ever since episode 54 the series has been great, and it is a little ironic that a filler arc is saving the canon material, as that was the problem of the first Naruto series. Sora seems a little too generic to my taste but I hope when they explain his origin he’ll be fleshed out in a different and riveting way. Good job Shippuuden, the first special I watched that didn’t suck in a long time.

Episode 57: 8/10
Episode 58: 7.5/10

P.S.
The single for Sunao na Niji by SURFACE is finally out! I recommend everyone to download it somewhere because it is definitely better than the TV version (which was okay).