Naruto Volume 12: The Great Flight

Every now and then Naruto steps back from the action to give a little background. Then right back into the action. I liked both the fights this volume. Naruto versus Neji was packed with goodness (and the object of the little bit of background). It feels like Naruto's growing as a character. The battle between Shikamaru and Temari was also really interesting. And a character study as Shikamru simply concedes as he sees that he's going to lose anyway.