Naruto 571

Guy and Kakashi really should have had more of a chance to fight. They’re obviously out of their league against tailed beasts, but they’re far too interesting as characters to be relegated to such a small appearance. A couple of the many unwelcome resurrection-fights should have been omitted in favor of giving these two some action.

The buildup towards the unveiling of Naruto’s new form is being handled very well. Showing a character from obscure angles is effective if not original, and Kakashi thinking that Naruto was Minato, even to the point of seeing his silhouette, is a splendid touch. A new look for Naruto without a corresponding strength upgrade would mean nothing, however, and this display of blinding speed and the ability to reflect five Bijuu-dama are both indications that Naruto has greatly improved.

Kakashi makes an extremely flattering mistake

As for the unveiling itself, Kishimoto couldn’t have been much more impactful than Naruto at long last standing on top of Kurama, who sends the other Bijuu flying. Naruto’s new look is good, with the rough chakra lines from the first incarnation of his Kyuubi Chakra Mode being refined into an overall sleeker design. The more pronounced outfit is a welcome change as well, and his cloak gives him an appropriate resemblance to his father. It’s still somewhat odd how the bandages on his leg are visible through his chakra transformation but other aspects of his actual clothing aren’t, though. Kurama also benefits from a slight redesign, as his form now incorporates Naruto’s chakra lines for thematic consistency.

A great visual representation of Kurama's acceptance of Naruto

Some of the action during the ensuing fight is difficult to follow, unfortunately. The battle is on such a large scale between such huge creatures that anything less than full page-width panels makes the action cluttered and confusing. This is a real pity, because Naruto’s first ever fight with Kurama completely on his side is a great moment, and it warrants a correspondingly great action sequence.

It might only be a cheap laugh, but Guy’s “Destroy All Monsters” joke is completely disorienting. At best, it’s a throwaway line, and at worst, it again calls into question the inconsistent level of technology and similarity to the real world of the Naruto universe.

Ending the chapter in the middle of such a massive attack is a frustrating tease, but it does make for a fairly good cliffhanger. Naruto must surely win the battle of Bijuu-dama here, but whether that will be enough to subdue his opponents remains to be seen.

Final Flash: All the two-page spreads did well to make such an important moment in the series feel correspondingly enormous. This fight among tailed beasts is interesting, but the real excitement will come when Naruto faces off with Tobi.

[scanlation by MangaStream]