Shonen Beam

[scanlation by Binktopia]

Perfect, Guy. It’s a blowfish. You’re absolutely right.

I did not expect a scenario where Killer Bee is the voice of reason.

… nevermind, he’s been outsmarted by a sword.

Excellent observation

The Leaf Whirlwind is a sight for sore eyes. It’s been too long since either a Guy or a Lee fight.

No time wasted opening up the gates. Whether or not this will be the decisive fight we’ve been hoping for, it should at least be an exciting one.

Guy is thrown across the island and summons a giant turtle for use as a launching pad. This is great stuff.

A waterfall made of sharks! I’m reminded of a particular YTMND. Nonsense aside, this fight has an appropriately huge scale.

A testament to how awesome the side characters are

Finally, a traditional shonen all-or-nothing face-off between Guy and Kisame. What an action-packed chapter.

Final Flash: Great chapter. Also, it seems this must be the final battle between these two. I can’t see either of them pulling out much better techniques than this, unless Guy opens one too many gates.

[scanlation by Binktopia]

Holy hell what a jarring cover page. I was not ready for that.

Understatement (noun) def. 1: See above picture

Guy is not just on the cover page, but he’s actually here in the story. What a pleasant surprise. It’s about time to see some of the side characters reintroduced into the main plot.

When we first saw Naruto’s new chakra diagram, it seemed to me to be a visual representation of the change inside of him. Instead, it’s actually an outwardly-visible change in his appearance. I have to say, I don’t particularly care for the design. The head is okay, but the bits that look like the inner workings of a car aren’t so great.

But is he four-wheel drive?

The effect Naruto’s new chakra has on the environment around him is a telling sign of just how powerful he’s becoming.

Of course, sensing Kisame inside of Samehada and using his father’s teleportation technique are an even stronger sign.

Guy is back for mere moments before providing a moment of comedy. That’s entirely befitting of his character, I suppose.

While I’m excited to see Guy and Kisame set to fight, I’m worried that this could again not be the final conflict between the two. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Zetsu come and rescue him, or some similar fight-postponing plot device used.

Final Flash: Hugely promising increase in power from Naruto, and much-appreciated plot progression. Good chapter.

[scanlation by Binktopia]

Heartfelt dialogue between Minato and Kushina. This is as emotionally engaging as Naruto has ever been.

The Third Hokage watches on as someone uses the Dead Demon Seal from within the confines of a barrier. Interesting parallel, there.

Incredible piece of action as the Kyuubi pierces both Minato and Kushina, but is stopped just short of Naruto.

Maybe Naruto is a little lucky after all

Unbelievably powerful parting moment between Naruto and his dying parents. Kushina’s motherly speech and Minato’s typically concise reply are perfect complements to each other and to the gravity of the scene. I readily admit to tearing up a little.

True tragedy

Back in pseudo-present time, Naruto thanks his parents and Kushina fades away. Fantastic emotion.

Final Flash: This flashback has been without question some of the very best shonen of the year. This chapter was a suitably magnificent conclusion.

[scanlation by Binktopia]

What a pleasant cover page. Pity our protagonist has never had a taste of this kind of life. Kushina’s hair being in the shape of Kyuubi’s tails is an excellent touch.

Brilliant skill displayed by Minato. In particular, Flying Thunder God is an excellent technique with (apparently) an interesting limitation to it.

Kishimoto has been on a fantastic streak lately, producing some of his best artwork in recent memory. It’s not even just the grand-scale attacks and flashy techniques, either; something as simple as the transition of control over Kyuubi has been shown through the art rather than wasting space with excessive dialogue.

Clear, explanatory art

Hugely powerful scene between Iruka and his parents. In fact, all these scenes involving present-day jounin back when they were young and comparatively helpless carry so much weight. This effect could only have been achieved in the manner that Kishimoto structured the overall story. Extremely well done.

Stunning family moment between Minato, Kushina, and young Naruto. Kushina instantly gains credibility as one of the toughest females in the series, and not just for the lack of competition in that category. Her genuine smile despite obvious pain is impressive and uncharacteristic of most other Naruto females.

Sakura can only dream of being this good of a character

In the same scene, Minato’s sadness is overwhelming. Again, the art shines, most specifically in one small, yet precisely detailed, panel:

Moving

Closing out the chapter, Minato prepares the ultimate sacrifice to resolve the situation. As with seemingly everything else in Naruto lately, the final page is very well-drawn.

Final Flash: Fantastic chapter.

[chapter link]

Is it wrong that I thought “I didn’t know Sasuke had a sister” before it clicked that that’s Itachi?

It’s fun to see all these other characters so many years ago.

Fantastic artwork of the entire village of Konoha under attack.

Nice scene of Minato standing on his own head

Incredible technique used by Minato. I hope we get to see more of his skills before the inevitable happens.

Showing techniques like he’s using to catch up to Minato is the only way for Kishimoto to legitimize Madara. Until now, we’ve only been told of his strength. We need to see it.

Interestingly, Madara neither confirms nor denies his identity. This supports the theory that “Madara” is not Uchiha Madara at all.

Excellent sequence of panels showing the kunai passing through Madara’s head. Kishimoto has drawn this chapter very well.

More great skill displayed by Minato. This is a good fight.

Final Flash: Strong chapter, especially considering it’s a flashback.

[chapter link]

No more Naruto and Sasuke scenes, please. Even as babies. Actually, especially not as babies.

This is still brutal. Poor Naruto. Nothing goes significantly right for him for a good twelve years.

Manga's unluckiest baby?

I’m admittedly a little confused as to the exact mechanics with which Madara frees the Kyuubi. He uses the Sharingan to peer directly within Kushina right to the Kyuubi, which then somehow strengthens it to the point of breaking the seal himself? The pillars surrounding Kushina don’t seem to have any particular markings that would indicate a jutsu of some kind. I’m willing to accept that Madara is capable of freeing Kyuubi, but I’d appreciate a little more clarity.

It’s unfortunate the only time we get to see Minato in action is when he’s nowhere near fighting at full strength, given his concern for Naruto and Kushina.

Very sad last couple pages.

Final Flash: Fairly good chapter. This flashback has been sad, but its impact has been lessened by Madara’s lack of legitimacy as a villain.