Recent Naruto Manga (Chapters 400+)

[nightblade]

Personally I liked the chapter, and just a question... they said fully-fledged shinobis, does that mean they're Chuunin-level (or rank, level duh but rank?)

Also, leading into a very cool chapter it seems. I think we won't be seeing Sasuke for a bit to further integrate his mysteriousness into the plot. Though a guy, Naruto looks good. Though we haven't seen an "official" colored picture of him, he looks older, taller, etc. He seems to have matured (despite the perverted ninjutsu technique), and probably sports some of Jiraiya's techniques.

Personally, I can't wait to see some of the favs, like Rock Lee, Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, Shino, etc. They've grown to, ne?

[TroutNinja]

It seemed to me that Chuunin may be a level that can be skipped, or maybe even just a title. Kinda like being a Drill Sergeant in the army, you don't need to be one to become an officer.. but it helps.

[MasterDias]

Judging from how difficult the Chuunin Exams were, I would say it would be rather difficult to pass all the way to the elite Jounin without having been promoted to Chuunin first.

[uc pseudonym]

With three years of training, however, one can progress a great deal. I presume that during this time they did not ever take the Chuunin Exam. However, I would say that all shinobi titles are merely titles, not guages of power. High rank indicates high power, but low rank does not indicate low power.

I think Kishmoto's reasoning behind it (at least in this chapter) is to provide some comic relief. Though whether or not people find it funny.... *sigh*

My feelings exactly.

[Lady Arianrod]

Is anyone else looking forward to seeing Naruto and Sakura take on Kakashi? Personally, I can't wait.

Oh, and the perverted thing was pretty unnecessary.

[Kaligraphic]

re:chuunin - aren't chuunin described as being "commander-class"? defining a class indicates that there are probably other members of that class. At least, that's how I remember it - I'll have to go dig out the chuunin exam chapters. Also, with the exam producing maybe 8 chuunin in a good year, the number of squads must be artificially restricted (like the test at the beginning of the series with the bells) or another method of selecting squad leaders must be found.

Anyway, chuunin are basically squad-leaders, but Kakashi was functioning as a supervisor, not a squad-leader. He was outside of the squad itself. Essentially, it seems like the team is now Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura, rather than being Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura, with Kakashi supervising. I take the "equal Konoha shinobi" bit to mean that they're now full ninja, rather than part ninja, part trainee. Personally, I rather doubt that Naruto could have become a Konoha jounin without visiting Konoha. Still, we'll see what happens next chapter. (lemme guess, Naruto dies and the series is re-titled Sakura, right? )

Oh, and L. Arianrod - the perverted ninjutsu bit was to keep Sakura from thinking too highly of Naruto.

[Lady Arianrod]

Oh, and L. Arianrod - the perverted ninjutsu bit was to keep Sakura from thinking too highly of Naruto.

I know, but the scene with Konohamaru was bit much. He's still only 10/11 and he's aspiring to be even more perverted than he is now (turning into a naked woman and whatnot). I do think that the part with Naruto still being a pervert is justified in a way (he's still immature), but I'm still uncomfortable with Konohamaru being so ecchi.

[Lady Arianrod]

Wow... I just skimmed chapter 246 (raw). When it's translated I'll offer better commentary. =)

[Psycho Ann]

Skimmed it as well. Wow. But for the record, why do I have the feeling I know exactly what Naruto said to Kakashi in the end? XD

[Aka-chan]

I just read it (raw, so I skimmed a little of the talking but translated the rest for my brother.) XD A bit anticlimactic, but I laughed anyway, and, if the battles start getting really serious again, I think I'll be glad of this one. It's nice to see Naruto and Sakura catching up again too. ^__^

[Cognitive Gear]

Man... I am loving this new develpoment in the story.... I just wish that I understood everything I can read......... and that I could read Kanji....... XD

[Mave]

I enjoyed Chap 246, especially when Sakura demonstrated her skills XD! The match seemed kinda short (EDIT: I know it was a long battle but it's too bad we don't see the other moves hehe) and I almost felt bad for Kakashi. It's as if he had to fight both Jiraiya and Tsuanade at the same time and yet, in the end, the bells were lost to something that simple. XD XD

While I look forward to seeing how the other characters have grown, I don't really look forward to seeing Sasuke again. Just the thought of it frustrates me....Sigghh how is this going to end?

[glitch1501]

havent been in this thread in a while, im really lovin the new chapters

[nightblade]

Yeah, it's about time Sakura was a genuine addition to the team. But it seems that the power isn't from strength, but from properly-released chakra (as it says in the manga). But Sakura has almost gone Tsunade-ish, it kinda bugs me. While she still has an individual personality and such, it isn't as much so, and I'd like to see her deviate from Tsunade a bit more. Naruto is still more himself but a lot smarter, more skilled, etc (Like a standard "Power-up" from most anime/manga) but with the same personality quirks.

[uc pseudonym]

Having read this chapter in a language I understand, I will now comment. At least, I would, if I had something greatly important to say. I thought the developments were interesting, but I fully expected Sakura to pick up Tsunade's style. Also, I was pretty certain they'd get the bells by something pretty lame.

[Kaori]

Yes, it was predictable for Sakura to become similar to Tsunade, but I agree with nightblade--the parallels between Naruto's team and the Sannin are a bit excessive. I did, however, find the explanation of Sakura's newfound strength interesting. I had thought the sudden change was slightly hard to believe, despite the fact that it was only sudden from the point of view of us as readers, not for the characters themselves. Explaining her power in terms of chakra rather than just muscular strength made the change somewhat more plausible for me.

[Lady Arianrod]

Yes, it was predictable for Sakura to become similar to Tsunade, but I agree with nightblade--the parallels between Naruto's team and the Sannin are a bit excessive. I did, however, find the explanation of Sakura's newfound strength interesting. I had thought the sudden change was slightly hard to believe, despite the fact that it was only sudden from the point of view of us as readers, not for the characters themselves. Explaining her power in terms of chakra rather than just muscular strength made the change somewhat more plausible for me.

Agreed. Her precise chakra control is very cool in this chapter. Even though she's not as Sakura-ish as she once was, I still can appreciate the fact that Kishimoto is finally treating her like an equal to Naruto. Sakura's come a long way, but... I don't want her to change too drastically. I just think that deadly Sakura is just another side to this developing character.

The next chapter looks interesting, however... What secret does Shikamaru have? Is he dating Temari?

[Mr. SmartyPants]

[quote="Lady Arianrod"]The next chapter looks interesting, however... What secret does Shikamaru have? Is he dating Temari? ]

that would be pretty cool!

[MasterDias]

I enjoyed this chapter as well. It's good too see that Sakura has developed her skills nicely. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the other genin (or whatever they are now) and Shikamaru.

As for romance, well it hasn't played a large role in the series so far and it has all been one-sided crushes. We'll see whether Kishimoto adds any more. I did notice that Sakura appeared to be blushing a little around Naruto.

[Psycho Ann]

Anonymous: Actually, yes, my predictions are more accurate than I thought XD What other way can you get Kakashi to close his ears and eyes?

And as for Sakura, it does bug me a bit on how similar to Tsunade she is now, but hopefully Kishimoto would show some deviation on that path later on (why do I have the feeling Sakura can, or will be able to, summon Katsuyu? -__- ).

Aaaaaa, no offense to NaruSaku fans but I really really really hope Sakura is still faithful to Sasuke. I really admire her for her faithfulness to him.

As for the Shikimaru secret... hopefully something about Akatsuki just so we can get on with the arc.

[uc pseudonym]

No, no; I'm eager to go on an extremely lengthy tangent that has nothing to do with the real plot.

Personally, I sincerely doubt they'll be any time-consuming romance. Possibly a sub-plot, but we'll see.

Somewhat on topic, my team in "Change" is seeming more and more satirical as this series progresses. It is almost enough to make me want to go back and rewrite it to make it clearer that I'm satirizing the exceedingly numerous parallels between teams.

[Lady Arianrod]

No, no]

Just wishful thinking. But I do wonder what his secret is....

Somewhat on topic, my team in "Change" is seeming more and more satirical as this series progresses. It is almost enough to make me want to go back and rewrite it to make it clearer that I'm satirizing the exceedingly numerous parallels between teams.

Where can I find this fanfiction? On caa.net? It sounds funny.

[uc pseudonym]

It isn't at all; satire wasn't the goal. I wrote it quite some time ago, so ideally I'd like to rewrite it before putting it before the general audiance of this thread, but that is not practical. If you truly wish to read it, it can be found in the Writing forum here on CAA. Alternately, you could follow the link:
http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=5837

[Lady Arianrod]

It isn't at all]quite[/i] some time ago, so ideally I'd like to rewrite it before putting it before the general audiance of this thread, but that is not practical. If you truly wish to read it, it can be found in the Writing forum here on CAA. Alternately, you could follow the link:
http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=5837

Thanks for the link. My apologies for misunderstanding the satire.

[_Sin_]

[Spoiler=Ranks]
Gaara - Kazekage (to be expected, eh?)
Temari/Kankuro - Jounin
Neji - Jounin
Everyone but Naruto - Chuunin
Naruto - Genin
[/Spoiler]

[Spoiler=Shikamaru/Temari]
It seems they are getting closer and closer although Shika said that he was just seeing off a Sand representative since he's an examiner for the next Chuunin Exams that will be held in Konoha. Love is in the air ^_^;
[/Spoiler]

[blkmage]

I liked 248.
[spoiler]Gaara vs Akatsuki[/spoiler]

[Aka-chan]

Personally, I have to say I was very pleased with Gaara this chapter. (I will admit that I was fangirling over how good looking he's gotten now that he's older, but that is not very relevant.) I'm not going to spoilerize what I'm saying because it's been several days and every should have read it by now. At any rate, I liked that he didn't kill the Akatsuki girl right off; he's showing calculating restraint in his fighting (like knowing that he'll need some questions answered) rather than the "kill for the sake of killing" mindset he had a few years ago. I always liked him, but I'm pleased at how how he seems to have matured.

[ANBUxLORA]

oh yeah soo... i sGAARA kazekage? or something i didnt quite catch that... and well im looking forward to seeing SASUKE again! one of my favorite characters >:] i do have a feeling that hes in some communication with OROCHIMARU now because its been like almost 3 years? and remember then orochimaru only needed 2 years or something for his newest body... i think that made sense =.=

[Aka-chan]

Yes, Gaara is indeed Kazekage at this point. Sasuke will probably show up some time soon, and he has been with Orochimaru for quite some time, so it will be interesting to see the changes that have taken place. For now, though, I’m quite contented to be watching the non-Sasuke characters, as I feel their time in the spotlight is long overdue.

[nightblade]

I'd like to see the Rescue Team now. Like Chouji, Kiba, Neji (we know he's jounin but still....). As well as Shino, Ino, and the rest of them.