Kita ze Inbou! - キタぜ陰謀!

[ Episode 80-87: Race to Catch up ]

YOSH!

[ Episode 80: Last Words ]

Pretty straightforward episode for me. If this episode didn’t make you cry or at least feel like crying, even just a little, then you must be a robot or are cold as ice. I felt that Asuma’s death was handled very well, especially given how the flashbacks were used between Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji.

As much as I feel that Asuma’s death felt a little forced since he never really did anything significant before this arc, I still have to say it was a very emotional episode. The thing is that you can clearly tell that there is an emphasis on Shikamaru, and that’ll be a sign for future episodes that’ll show who is really the heart of team 10.

[ Episode 81: Devastating News ]

So we get more progress with Naruto trying to better his new technique and also learn about Akatsuki’s true goal. At first it might sound complex but it is rather simple, even if you don’t know too much about economics. It’s a pretty ambituous plan though no matter how simple it sounds. Anyway, everyone finally founds out about Asuma’s death at the end of the episode and their reactions are to be expected. I imagine Kurenai will be taking it the hardest though…

This arc has been great, but I have to say that this episode is clearly the worst of them. Mainly because of the Akatsuki leader’s “plan”. Akatsuki are careless monsters that can take over the world and destroy it at their own whim, so why the heck would they care about money!? It’s like if Aizen would want more money in his bank account if he destroys Karakura town, it’s just stupid.

[ Episode 82: Team 10 ]

Easily one of the best episodes I’ve seen in Shippuuden. Without action even. This episode is a great emotional piece that not only looks at Shikamaru but also focuses on Konoha as a whole. Everyone else in the village not directly affected continues to live their lives as they have been like before while Shikamaru (and the others I assume) have to cope with the loss of a comrade and find their way back to living how they were before the tragedy occurred. That includes giving Hidan and Kakuzu their just desserts for what they’ve done.

Also I must say that I liked the coloring scheme used. It really gave off an almost dream-like atmosphere throughout the entire episode. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing more of this type of Konoha in future episodes.

You know, I’d never expect 5 minutes of Shikamaru playing Shougi would make great entertainment. It really proves that Shikamaru really should be the main character of the show as he show a lot more growth in 4 episodes than Naruto done in 300. You can also tell this arc has been invested with a lot more care than any of the other episodes, and what would lead to some of the best episodes of the show yet.

[ Episode 83: Locked On Target ]

An awesome fight has begun! Shika shows off his smarts yet again by successfully capturing Hidan and Kakuzu. However, the latter managed to get free while the former is being used by Shika to attack. It’s pretty funny to watch even though it is all serious business going down. I can’t wait for the others to get involved and for Naruto to appear on the scene now.

The fight between Kakuzu and Hidan against Shikamaru and Kakashi has begun. Oh… Chouji is there too? Sorry for leaving you out Chouji. Anyway it’s good to see Kakashi fighting seriously ever since the Zabuza arc, proving yet again how cool he really is. It is also good that despite the fact Shikamaru is insanely intelligent, Kakuzu still serves an equal opponent to his intellect.

[ Episode 84: Kakuzu's Ability ]

Man I forgot how crazy Kakuzu’s abilities were. Dude can use pretty much every element in addition to high-level techniques of that particular element. Geez. I’m still surprised that Kakashi could have absorbed/deflected that huge lightning jutsu though. Does that mean that anyone can do the same if the jutsu used against them matches their innate elemental affinity?

You know, after watching the filler arc, I am not entirely amazed that Kakuzu can use every element, because the hot chick did that as well. I do have to say that Kakuzu is more devastating and he is not facing a Naruto, an inept ninja. I know I don’t write a lot, but that’s usually a good sign, because I don’t complain for a change.

[ Episode 85: Terrifying Secret ]

I’m totally loving the animation and fighting that’s going on right now. The style is reminiscent of Ep 133 of Naruto and that’s a very awesome thing. All the movements and techniques flow together smoothly and nothing is stiff. That said, this is one of my favorite battles thus far in Shippuuden. Kakashi is showing just why he is so awesome while Shika, Ino, and Chouji are showing the results of their growth over the years even if they’re seemingly being overwhelmed by the freak-show Kakuzu. If he was a normal person he’d be dead already but the bastard has 4 hearts. That’s just not cool. He’ll be getting a rude awakening soon though, as will Hidan now that he’s alone in that forest with Shika.

FINALLY. This is what I wanted from Naruto Shippuuden! GREAT ANIMATION! I have to say it wasn’t as over-the-top as episode 133, but it was great to watch non-the-less. It was definitely the best fight scene since episode 26 and seeing Kakashi fight was a treat. This also marks the first episode of Ino actually contributing to the effort, only to be thrown away like a used rug. I believe that if she battled Sakura today, the latter would easily have the upper hand.

[ Episode 86-87: The Will of Fire is Passed On, A New Technique Bursts Forth! ]

Awesome episode is AWESOME. Shika’s plan is revealed, Kakuzu is down to three hearts, and Team 7 finally arrives. Firstly, I gotta say I laughed so hard at how Hidan got owned. Not only did he destroy his own partner’s heart but he also got captured AGAIN in a series of explosive tags. His immortality must suck hard now that he will spend forever in that huge hole in the Nara forest. Oh well.

Kakuzu is one ugly bastard. It’s about time he gets destroyed and that’s where Naruto comes in with his new technique. The Rasen-Shuriken looks and sounds pretty damn awesome if you ask me. It’s easily his strongest technique to date (anime-wise) and causes some pretty nasty damage. Can’t wait to see it in full action next episode.

First of all, the Shika vs. Hidan confrontation was akin to the Neji vs. Kidoumaru from the last show. I have to say, I liked the twist when Hidan actually killed one of Kakuzu’s hearts rather than Shikamaru’s. Not a lot happened in that fight, but I found the result satisfying and the aftermath is an excellent closure to Shikamaru’s storyline.

Now for Naruto, boy I never really expected to write that word in this post at all but he is finally relevant again and he sure is different. With blue kyuubi eyes and a new outlook on battle techniques he is more interesting to watch. I just find it a little weird that a giant monster like Kakuzu is about to kill everyone and the rest of the gang just want to have Naruto “test” his Rasen Shuriken on him. Sure it looked awesome, but what if it didn’t work? Why have so much faith in his jutsu? Either way great episodes and now to the epic finale.