Naruto Volume 49: The Gokage Summit Commences

This feels like the beginning of the end.  I can't imagine Naruto not being Hokage by the end of this arc, and once he's fulfilled his dream, is there much point in continuing the story?

Naruto Volume 48: The Cheering Village

Unlike Bleach, Naruto has really grown in both attitude and in story telling.  Naruto is no longer the brash "act before thought" youth that he was in the beginning of the series.  Now, he's not only more powerful, he's more mature.

Naruto Volume 47: The Seal is Destroyed

Epic battle.  Really well built up through the preceding pages and then the huge payoff.  It might have just been a big fight scene but it was rewarding.

Naruto Volume 46: Naruto Returns

Naruto gets a pretty epic re-entrance in this volume.  It's hard to imagine that he'd get here when looking at where he came from.  Things are really building up.  Not good that Kakashi is having a heart to heart with his dead father.  I don't want this to be the end of that character.

Naruto Volume 45: Battlefield, Kohona

Massive battle. Watching Sasuke throw down was pretty amazing and Naruto's training session was interesting. He really is growing and those in Kohona are starting to notice. I fear for Kakashi though. I know Kishimoto is not afraid to kill main characters, but he's one of my favourites.

Naruto Volume 44: Senjutsu Heir

Once again Naruto nearly brings me to tears. There was a lot more emotion than I expected from Naruto when he found out about Jiraiya's death. Tsunade breaking down once she was by herself was very moving too.

And then there's Sasuke. I want him to find out he's been lied to. He needs to join back up with Naruto. Though at this point I expect that Naruto is the only one who would welcome him back. Now that they're trying to bring down the eight-tailed fox it won't be long before he comes looking for his old friend.

Naruto Volume 43: The Man with the Truth

This volume was huge!  Double size almost.  I can see why it was done, there was no real spot to split the story into another volume and it does bring the whole arc with Sasuke and his brother to a close.  It was an amazing battle.  And, as always, Kishimoto lets his character shine through even when it's just a fight. 

I don't know how I feel about Sasuke switching his revenge to the whole Konoha village.  It's going to set up conflict between him and Naruto again.  Though, I suppose they might see eye to eye on it.  Both their lives have been affected by decisions the ruling council thought would save the village.

Naruto Volume 42: The Secret of the Mangekyo

So it's revealed that Jiraiya looks on Naruto like a grandfather because his name was taken from one of Jiraiya's books.  That's so sweet.  It made his death in this volume more poignant.  I was quite touched when I read it.

Naruto Volume 41: Jiraiya's Decision

I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  And it had very little Naruto, instead focusing on his mentor Jiraiya.  Seeing consequences of decisions is a big message in this arc and this was a prime example.

Naruto Volume 40: The Ultimate Art

Heading for the showdown between Naruto and Sasuke.  This volume is working to show how accomplished Sasuke is.  If he's that cool and Naruto has a chance then Naruto has to be that cool as well.

It's classic Gandalf action.

Naruto Volume 39: On the Move

Both Naruto and Sasuke have stalkers, but Sasuke's is much creepier.  In fact, Sasuke's whole team is much creepier than Naruto's.

I like the thinking in this one.  Looking for Itachi to find Sasuke is a good idea.  I don't know what they'll do once they find Sasuke.

Naruto Volume 38: Practice Makes Perfect

Naruto's really shaping up into a ninja.  He doesn't let failure grind him down (which he's never had a problem with) but now he's also able to learn from his mistakes.  Something he wasn't really doing before.

Sasuke, on the other hand, is heading down the dark path.  I don't know how much of it is him and how much of it is the curse mark.  I know these two will come head-on against each other eventually and it's not going to be pretty.

Naruto Volume 37: Shikamaru's Battle

The manga carries Naruto's name but he doesn't appear until the last chapter.  This one's all about Shikamaru and revenge.  Kishimoto has had characters say that Shikamaru is a tactical genius but he hasn't really had the opportunity to really let the character shine.  That's what this volume is about.

Naruto does show up at the end as the cavalry.  I'm a little afraid at what he might face with his new skills.

Naruto Volume 36: Cell Number 10

Wow!  Death.  I wasn't expecting that.  Maybe I'm just to used to Western comics where no death is permanent.  As usual, the fight scenes were really good but the parts that really stand out for me are Shikamaru's reaction to his mentor's death.

Naruto Volume 35: The New Two

Very innovative idea.  All those multiple doppelgangers that Naruto can make had to be good for something.  This is a "leveling up" episode that I actually enjoyed.

Naruto Volume 34: The Reunion

This is not going to end well.  I can tell.  Naruto is not going to want to take no for an answer and that's the only answer Sasuke is going to give.  It's got Stolkholm Syndrome written all over it.

Naruto Volume 33: The Secret Mission

You don't want to make him angry...  You wouldn't like him when he's angry.

At least the plot moves along a little.  But the Hulk sprang to mind.

Naruto Volume 32: The Search for Sasuke

They've let Naruto out on another mission - to find Sasuke.  I don't know if it's a good idea to let Naruto essentially walk into the belly of the beast but I guess that's what makes a challenging story.  And they've found a surly replacement for Sasuke.  And he's a spy.  Great.

Naruto Volume 31: Final Battle

This is it.  The big showdown to rescue Gaara.  And it almost works too.  Although it does give the opportunity for big sacrifice.  I think I would have enjoyed this one had most of the character development scenes not already been said in the last arc.  Kishimoto doesn't really tread any new ground with this one.  Naruto's positive attitude seems to be the theme.

Naruto Volume 30: Puppet Masters

With the focus mostly on Sakura it's a chance to see how much she's grown since the last arc.  A lot.  I like her character and it often seems she's overlooked by the guys.  Which makes sense I guess.  So it's nice to see her really holding her own.