Naruto Manga

[Shadow War]

Hello being about 3 years since I posted here, anyway does anyone still read the manga. I still do, it is quite violent and it seems no one is safe from dying. It is good to see the story continuing but I am not sure how it will end, all the manga is looking a sasuke at the moment.

[HolyWhippet]

I suspect only the author knows how it will end. I'm guessing that Sasuke is putting together and elite team to take out his brother. What he will do after that is anyones guess.

What I'm curious about is this, Orochimaru was a lot of help to Sasuke, so it's possible that killing him satisfied the "best friend" requirement for the advanced version of the sharingan.

[SamIam]

I suspect only the author knows how it will end. I'm guessing that Sasuke is putting together and elite team to take out his brother. What he will do after that is anyones guess.

What I'm curious about is this, Orochimaru was a lot of help to Sasuke, so it's possible that killing him satisfied the "best friend" requirement for the advanced version of the sharingan.

hmmm ... perhaps "alliance"? Not sure about the friendship part ... from what I can gather about Orochimaru's past, he was even more insular than Sasuke ... similar in fact to Itachi in terms of the ability or even desire to make friends. It seems that he treats everyone around him as either being useful as a tool ... or not ... hmmmm ... perhaps the primary difference between Itachi and Orochimaru is that Orochimaru appears to have a certain ruthless affection for those who rebel ... to the point of seeming patronage (of course for his own ends, but there seems to be a degree of synergy or shared outcomes vs. Itachis disdain for those of lesser achievements (with the possible exception of Naruto and Sasuke)

The key here IMO is that Sasuke is smart, and thus knows that Orochimaru does have the capacity to make him stronger ... and so, he joins him for the sole reason of advancing his agenda of personal revenge against his older brother Itachi. Sasuke (has been told many times) of Orochimarus manulative nature and penchant for discarding or sacrificing his troops (and has probably witness such examples first hand after he agreed to join.

Thus, (as he states himself) he only cares about the revenge factor, and would do almost anything to achieve it (the notable exception was to kill naruto at the Valley of Finish) Sasuke knows that Orochimaru is evil - in essence, he is symbolically making a pact with the Devil for the power of vengance - at the cost of his "soul". In this regard, Sasuke is much like Shinomori Aoshi in RK.

As such, Sasuke IMO sees Orochimaru as HIS tool for gaining strength ... while knowing full well that Orochimaru has an agenda of his own in terms of using him.

At a guess, I think that Sasuke will need to discover a Sharingan technique that transcends that of the Kalaidescope Eye ... something like ... The Sharingan Eye of Singularity ... (the eye is entirely black with a single red outlined "tri-elipse" in the middle) ... and he accidentally discovers that the only way to get it is to commit the ultimate selfless act by sacrificing all of his ambitions (and his life) for others ...

(hypothetical "beginning" to fit storyline")

A dying Warrior monk on some pilgrimage, encounters an individual (who would go on to form the Uchiha clan) ...
Due to unusual circumstances, the Monk, takes pity on the individual (who is the last survivor of a bandit raid on his village) ... and commences to teach him the basis for the Sharingan eye ... but the monk is killed before the technique is fully passed on ... the monk cautions his new and inpatient pupil that there is a succession technique but that he is not ready for it (for it entails a sacrifice you are not ready for)...

... and as a twist of fate, this individual (who is burning for revenge against the bandits), in a fit of blind rage turns on his master and kills him (made possible by the monk's weakened state -"advanced blood illness") ... and in so doing, accidentally discovers the "dark side" or corrupted ultimate form which is achieved by anger and death. So the secret writings wrongfully build upon the assumption behind tragic killing of the warrior monk.

The key, that the monk failed to pass on was that the ultimate technique is to reliquish all of your earthly desires (Buddhist Enlightenment/Nirvana) ... which fell prey to chance seredipity in the act of killing ones master as translated in the text as "kill your most cherished friend" ...

[Bishdariel]

dont know if killing orochimaru would be enough to activate the mangekyou sharingan. sasuke went to orochimaru because of his seal and that he knew that he would get a lot stronger. and since orochimaru was part of akatsuki, he knows a lot about itachi.

maybe there are also other ways to activate the further versions of the sharingan, like kakashi did.

[ACE2001]

Been keeping up with the manga while not paying attention to Shippuden since the manga is further along. Finished reading chapter 366. Ah yes! The showdown that everyone has been waiting for will happen next week. I wasn't expecing Sasuke and Itachi to meet this quickly. From the looks of it, I want to say that Sasuke is on even part with Itachi, but with the way that Itachi handled Naruto so easily leaves me wondering. Is it possible that Itachi wants Sasuke to join him? Also, there seems to be another Sharingan user as well. In any case, definately can't wait for next week. :)

[Gundam_pilot01]

Hmm, with a brotherly reunion like that it'll only end in bloodshed, but I wonder what Itachi wanted with Naruto, he could have defeated him there and then, but what did he want to talk to him about, something other than Sasuke?

[SamIam]

...hot danges! @@ ... the manga is really heating up ... hmmmmm ....

... back to the manga post haste ...chop chop!

Sam

[Kusunagi]

Someone just died, and man I didn't want him to go out like that!

[ACE2001]

Nah man!!! :( I refuse to believe that he's dead!! :eek: Pain is one serious mofo!! What I'm really looking forward to is the fight between Sasuke and Itachi! It's gonna be off tha chain!! They both have gotten stronger but in the end, I believe that Itachi may come away as the victor as he's far more experienced than Sasuke when it comes to using the Sharingan. Hopefully we'll see them fighting this next chapter! :D

[Kusunagi]

I believe that Itachi may come away as the victor as he's far more experienced than Sasuke when it comes to using the Sharingan. Hopefully we'll see them fighting this next chapter! :D

I think Sasuke has some kinda trick up his sleeve.I can't wait until Naruto find out about... He's going to go super saiyan twice. Tsunade and Kurenai, such bad luck!

[ACE2001]

Just finished reading chapter 384. All signs point to Sasuke having the upper hand, but I can't get rid of this lingering feeling that Itachi is testing Sasuke for something. If you look throughout the fight, Itachi has been pretty calm...a little bit too calm if you ask me. I believe that Sasuke's emotions may get the better of him here. But I must admit, I really didn't believe that Sasuke would dominate right from the get go like that.

[Kusunagi]

I think I stumbled upon something. I think Itachi is manipulating sasuke. I think he actually know's that Sasuke's potential is greater the his and is using him to defeat Madara. Oh and I think Naruto is going to masacre Pain. I think in the fight Pain is going to say something about killing ***** and a fifth tail is going to come out.

[ACE2001]

That's what I believe too...but I really can't read Itachi. It seems as if he has no real desire to kill Sasuke whatsoever while Sasuke is pulling out all the stops. I don't want to accuse Itachi of letting Sasuke "win" but that is what all signs are pointing to.

As for Naruto...boy, I can't wait when he finds out that Jiraya is dead!! :eek: Pain is definately going to be in the fight of his life!! :D Neverthless, I'm curious to see if Itachi is indeed holding back for the sake of molding his brother to become his ally.

[Gundam_pilot01]

Yeah, way to kill of my favourite character :( :(
But yeah I agree that I think the fight between Itachi and Sasuke is far from being over.

[ACE2001]

Just finished reading chapter 385. I can't believe that they've been using Genjutsu the whole time!! :eek: :lol: I'm starting to see that this may be a time consuming battle here. Uchiha Madara is one serious foe that Naruto may have to contend with in the future. Especially since he was able to tame the Nine-Tailed Fox. Which makes me wonder, just why is he doing all this hiding for? :confused:

[Kusunagi]

Even though he is strong, I think if enough ninja rose up against him he would loose. I hope Gaara and Lee are not left out in the future.

[Gundam_pilot01]

That's gotta me the most energetic I've ever seen Itachi as well lol! Next chapters should be something else :D

[Kusunagi]

Oj yeah I agree!!! I this "S" is gonna whup "I's" arse! Im still waiting to see Naruto's reaction when he finds out who's dead.

[Gundam_pilot01]

5 tails when he finds out maybe? :P

[Black_Knight]

Didn't Sasuka's brother just go Super Sayian 3 or some equally stupid ----?

[Kusunagi]

5 tails when he finds out maybe? :P

SCHWEAT???

[Gundam_pilot01]

Didn't Sasuka's brother just go Super Sayian 3 or some equally stupid ----?

Like I said that's the most lively I can recall Itachi EVER being, never knew he was capable of cracking a smile no matter how evil or otherwise :p

Naruto will no doubt feel remorseful and mournful about you know who, I can only wonder if he will go Kyuubi over it though, I mean big style.

[Black_Knight]

Well doesn't matter to me since I just saw the picture of 4chan and you couldn't pay me to follow it.

[HolyWhippet]

Regarding the current issues (the fan translated ones) I'd have to be somewhat suspicious about what Madora is telling him. On one hand it does somewhat fit, however there are a few gaps in the story. Firstly, Itachi obtained the mangekyo sharingen by killing his best friend, another member of the clan. No explanation was given for this. It's possible the other guy found out what Itachi was up to and had to be silenced or that Itachi killed him knowing he'd have to die later on anyway.

The more telling problem is the nine-tailed fox. Madora claimed he had nothing to do with the fox attacking the village. But when Sasuke spoke to the fox inside of Naruto's mind, the fox's first thought was that Sasuke must know Madora. Why would that be unless Madora had met the fox in the past?

[DraniX]

No, the more telling problem is that we allowed this wretched series to invade our shores.

[Kusunagi]

WOW... his eye's look like his been doing accid to long!

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Regarding the current issues (the fan translated ones) I'd have to be somewhat suspicious about what Madora is telling him. On one hand it does somewhat fit, however there are a few gaps in the story. Firstly, Itachi obtained the mangekyo sharingen by killing his best friend, another member of the clan. No explanation was given for this. It's possible the other guy found out what Itachi was up to and had to be silenced or that Itachi killed him knowing he'd have to die later on anyway.

The more telling problem is the nine-tailed fox. Madora claimed he had nothing to do with the fox attacking the village. But when Sasuke spoke to the fox inside of Naruto's mind, the fox's first thought was that Sasuke must know Madora. Why would that be unless Madora had met the fox in the past?

I was gobbling up Madora's version pretty well until reading your post. The friend thing isnt a big deal, by that point Itachi was already being pressured by other clansmen and his father. The fox thing is more difficult. I actually prefer the version in which Itachi isn't evil. However, due to Madora's claim that the 3rd felt that peace could be made and the involvement of Danzo I think it is possible that Madora and/or others used Itachi themselves. Afterall, Itachi was ANBU and Danzo is too. Its possible that Danzo's warhawk methods were used on Itachi, and the 3rd was unable to prevent the outcome.

Danzo opposed the 'peaceful' hokage line, as did Madora. Ordinarily I wouldnt go this tinfoil but with a drama like this its hard to guess what direction this will take =/

[Kusunagi]

I love the fact that they added what seems to be a black character, however why does he have to be so cheesy?

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

I just hate feeling like the author is going to have Sasuke win, just cos Sasuke is awesome and omg, what if he beats Naruto blahblah.

Going into that fight, did anyone really think it'd be interesting? The 8 tail host is about as red-shirt as they come. I just can't decide whether his weird attitude means it wont neccessarily being a boring proof of Sasuke's awesomeness, or whether it means it'll be so boring they had to give him some 'tude to make up for the lack of anything else that would impress the readers.

[ACE2001]

Hmm...I think the fight between the 8-tailed and Sasuke will be interesting...if not for a minute. They're just adding some fluff to it right now. Im looking for Sasuke to end this pretty quick, considering his sharigan has evolved into a whole nother level.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Its just so shallow. If you stripped everything else way, we'd see Mike Tyson vs 10yo boy. I think its a bit sick and lame when authors jump on that fanservice bullshit wagon.
Frankly, I'm sick of Sasuke. He needs to die. They wont of course. Not pretty boy all the girls go "squee" for him Sasuke. They should though. The moral depravity of his behaviour is beyond what a stupid speech by Naruto should cure.
Maybe he can be killed by an angry little boy who hates him for what he and Orochimaru did to the boy's older brother....

[Kusunagi]

Hmm...I think the fight between the 8-tailed and Sasuke will be interesting...if not for a minute. They're just adding some fluff to it right now. Im looking for Sasuke to end this pretty quick, considering his sharigan has evolved into a whole nother level.

But we all know what happens the the 8 tail, lets review the facts!

Sasuke is sasuke and a mian character
8 tails is black (he's gonna die) lol, so sad but true.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

He might not kill him. He'll defeat him for sure. But maybe he'll not kill em out of resistance to Akatsuki or memory or Naruto or some darn thing.
Bloody stupid fight tbh. A good story would have Sasuke defeated and the 8 tails talk to him about Naruto or something.

[ACE2001]

Well, the 8 tails is handling Sasuke pretty well right now, but of course we know that Sasuke will turn the tables on this battle. So far though, the 8 tails hasn't shown any weakness for Sasuke to exploit. He's pretty much beat all of Sasuke's teammates down. Maybe Sasuke should engage him in a lyrical rap battle and see what happens?:lol: But yeah, Im looking for this fight to drag on for at least two more chapters before Sasuke finally unleashes his true power. I just have a feeling that he's gauging just how strong the 8 tails is right now before tapping into his true strength.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Of course he is handling him pretty well. Like I said, if fans of the series really truly saw how utterly dull many of the conflicts are they'd be turned off. Its like the manga is ruled by democracy rather than storytelling. Thats why I hate it when things become too popular. The soul is torn out and replaced by a reassuring buddy program.

[ACE2001]

Read this week's chapter. My my. To think Sasuke and gang would have such a hard time taking on the 8 tails! The guy hasn't even broken a sweat. Sasuke was really close to death there with Karin saving his butt. It's pretty cool that he's able to suck the Chakra out of her so that he can restore his strength. That being said, they havent gained any ground on the 8 tails. See how this plays out, one of Sasuke's members may end up dying...sacrificing their life for Sasuke. I would predict that Karin would be the one.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Really?

It looked to me like the obligatory (and before mentioned) demonstration that his opponent is "tough" right before Sasuke opens up a can of "Akira Jesus Yamato" on him.

Like I said, if the opponent didn't seem like a challenge, fans would be offended and dislike Sasuke for being a prick. This way, fans can have cake (Sasuke overcoming odds) and eat it too (Sasuke not being a total jerk).

I'll admit I was briefly excited when I thought 8 tails would actually get away. Then they pointed at him and its like "ah, now we see the glorious rally in which Sasuke re-aligns the deflector array and who the ---- cares that that is a Borg ship with massive power and potential...can't have anything threatening the main characters now can we?"

[ACE2001]

Challenge? Sasuke is getting manhandled right now!:lol: Im pretty sure that the 8 tails could've probably beat him and his gang if serious. Im wondering what type of technique the 8 tails will do now...Does he even have a weakness? These few chapters will tell the tale...although odds are Sasuke should be victorious.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Oh yeh, he is getting "manhandled". Kinda like how in all those KungFu/fighter movies the hero will get smacked a few times, and then suddenly rally.

How many times has Naruto been in "serious" danger but not really? Like in the Shippuden movie where the girl saw him die. Who actually believed the movie would end with Naruto dead? That is my point. Its merely a device. It has no power in the hands of writers like those who created Naruto. A *real* storyteller would weave such a complex and interesting pattern that Id have no clue what is going to happen. Sadly those are few and far between and investors prefer to stick with what is safe (Sasuke merchandising)

[ACE2001]

Well...things have just went from bad to worse for Sasuke! If he has any hidden tricks up his sleeve, he better release them now! The guy is serious trouble. At this point, it would take a hell of a miracle for his team to win this battle. They got caught underestimating his strength and now they are locked in a tight battle with the 8 tails. Didnt think the guy would be so overwhelming here!! Not to mention he's kicked it up a notch and Sasuke's Sharigan is all but useless against him? Somebody is going to have to make a sacrifice to save Sasuke...I still predict Karin. In any case, it would be wise for them to retreat and regroup at this point. Nothing more can be gained from fighting this battle.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Remember that line where the guy says "nobody since my brother has dodged that attack" ?

Yeh. Like that isn't the opening stage for a sudden "woah, wow, Sasuke so badass!"
I'll admit they're going slower about it than I expected so I fear being wrong, but Naruto has failed to deliver on so many occasions that I just cannot believe the writers would put an interesting twist into the series.

Sharingan does more than illusions too.

[ACE2001]

You're right about Sharigan.

As for this weeks chapter....is it just me, or is it getting worse and worse for Sasuke and his team? They pretty much admit that they're no match for him. Oddly enough, Sasuke remembers Sakura, Naruto and Kikashi in this time of crisis. In any case, he made his move. I believe that will be the final attack from him. If it doesn't prove effective, then that may be wrap. Also, his eye was bleeding a bit so Im wondering what are going to be the consequences of this attack one he pulls it off. Badly beaten and injured while Naruto is gaining an even higher power plus Itachi sealed something inside of Naruto. Now as its stands, Naruto will be twice as strong as Sasuke when those two happen to meet again.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Naruto is merely closing the gap. He needs sage power to be sannin similar. Sasuke is already sannin-similar by defeating Orichimaru (obviously neither are going to exceed their former masters just yet).

Another boring chapter as far as Im concerned. Just more "dramatic" build up for Sasuke's eventual success. It'll be interesting if his little revelation about the value of comradery will have any long term impacts, but I suspect that mr Ox-man is as he always was- dead on arrival.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

And there you have it. The only interesting fights that Sasuke or Naruto will have will be against each other. I want Sasuke to die but he is just too damn popular.

[ACE2001]

Pengi...your hate for Sasuke is amazing!:lol: I thought the battle could've went either way. One thing's for sure, Sasuke was definately lucky in this battle. If this were a strictly one on one fight, he would've lost. In any case, now that is over, Im wondering what his next move will be. As for Naruto, he's getting a hang of being one with nature. Makes me a little excited wondering how powerful he will be by the time this is done. Not to mention he has the power of the Nine Tails inside him plus whatever power Itachi gave to him...He's going to be something dangerous.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

You and I are also following Claymore. Let me demonstrate through Claymore why I get so pissy at Naruto.


In Claymore, the story centres on Clare, who is driven by a desire for revenge over Teresa's death. When Clare goes up against her first awakened being, even though she reveals powers and abilities previously unseen, she is still nowhere near its level.
When she encounters Duf, its a hell of a fight, and even then she can do little more than annoy it.
When she encounters Ophelia, all she could do was run.
When she fought the awakened beings in the north, she was useful but not the be-all, end-all.

Even after the 7 year jump, she is only an equal with Miria, and still probably inferior to a #1 and certainly to Teresa and any of the abyssal ones.

You cannot predict the outcomes of her fights. You cannot rely on her showing off new powers. Even after this long, its impossible to know how this will end. Does she kill Priscilla? Does she forgive her? Where is it going?

Naruto by contrast...Naruto will always win. His version of hardwork is always taking the shortcut. He doesn't suffer and evolve like Clare. He spouts the same ---- as a young man as he did as a brat teenager. You know that he cannot lose unless he comes back to victory within a few chapters. You can be reasonably certain that Naruto will become Hokage, or at least have the position opened to him.

Sasuke is a trash character. The very cheapest form of antagonist. In order to contrast the blonde boy with blue eyes, loud voice and friendly dreams they give us a boy with dark hair, black eyes, quiet voice and a desire for vengeance. Whilst we can be reasonably certain that Clare will take a lead role in whatever conflict arises at the climax, we still don't know who the players are. Watching Naruto and Sasuke fight their way to each other is just a pain in the arse. Personally I think it'd be interesting if Sasuke killed Naruto and in doing so realised his faults and become Hokage as a form of repentance. However, based on Naruto's interactions with other characters I'd say we're going to see a fight, Sasuke will probably lose, there will be long tear filled speeches, and that'll be that.
The youngest healthy character to really die so far has been Azuma. Everyone else was an old man/woman who had lived our their life or that guy from the tournament with the nasty sounding cough. What a copout.

[HolyWhippet]

The youngest healthy character to really die so far has been Azuma. Everyone else was an old man/woman who had lived our their life or that guy from the tournament with the nasty sounding cough. What a copout.

Aren't you forgetting the ninja that died during the Chuunin exams? Or the sound ninja that Orochimaru sacrificed to ressurect the first and second hokage? Don't forget Zabuza and Haku.

Technically Gaara also died.

[Pengi_Ken-Ohki]

Aren't you forgetting the ninja that died during the Chuunin exams? Or the sound ninja that Orochimaru sacrificed to ressurect the first and second hokage? Don't forget Zabuza and Haku.

Technically Gaara also died.


Ninja who died during exams = Ninja with nasty (terminal?) sounding cough.
The sound ninja who were sacrificed were also sacrificial characters. They were in only a few episodes before their death, and only as bad guys. Zabuza and Haku is ditto. They were barely in the story.


Even Lee got to recover from Gaara's damage, and Gaara didn't die. He "died", he didn't die. The kind of death Im talking about, is the death that deeply upsets fans or is highly unpredictable. I think its a bit cheap these days to kill off the main character like in Cowboy Bebop, Rurouni Kenshin [anime], but playing the yin-yang game with Sasuke & Naruto is actually less interesting to me than Vash/Knives, Kenshin/Shishio, Spike/Vicious. The story of Vicious was never explained, but for the others, you can at least understand where they're coming from (Knives saw the dilemna of the spider vs the butterfly, Shishio was betrayed by his cause).

Sasuke is basically an extremely selfish character who powerups like Griffith in Berserk. ie he gets it from favours rendered at the price of his dignity and his soul. Itachi went through hell to protect his village and his brother. Yet Sasuke throws it all away on the words of a stranger. Sasuke is obsessed with his own pain yet has no problem with allying himself with murderers who create that pain on a regular basis, and even (as evidenced by his ox fight) takes up the sword himself and becomes that sort of person. Itachi is dead. That Sasuke clings to his hate is proof he is just a selfish child.

TBH, I'd much rather learn about Orochimaru's path. Why Jiraiya liked him so much, and why he went down such a dark road. Was it power for power's sake? I don't know, and I think it'd be more interesting to know.

[HolyWhippet]

Sasuke is basically an extremely selfish character who powerups like Griffith in Berserk. ie he gets it from favours rendered at the price of his dignity and his soul. Itachi went through hell to protect his village and his brother. Yet Sasuke throws it all away on the words of a stranger. Sasuke is obsessed with his own pain yet has no problem with allying himself with murderers who create that pain on a regular basis, and even (as evidenced by his ox fight) takes up the sword himself and becomes that sort of person. Itachi is dead. That Sasuke clings to his hate is proof he is just a selfish child.

I'm not so sure about that, in one of the last few manga Sasuke indicates he isn't neccessarily working for Akatsuke. I think the exact translated quote was something like "We aren't being used by Akatsuke, we are using them".

[Gundam_pilot01]

Which pretty much shows how selfish he is right there.

Never been a fan of Sasuke myself, my fave character has always been Jiraiya so you could guess what my reaction was when he went :p
The Naruto series, which I enjoy, does show a common pattern that hasn't really changed in how things happen with regarding to battles and also one or two other aspects. Take the movies for example (Not counting Bonds, I ain't seen it yet so can't add it to the rest) are more or less the same, Naruto meets someone, they argue straight away and....... I'll assume you can see where I'm going with this so I'll save you the effort. :p

[HolyWhippet]

Which pretty much shows how selfish he is right there.


I'm thinking its more of a case of keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer. Only without keeping his friends particularly close.


Never been a fan of Sasuke myself, my fave character has always been Jiraiya so you could guess what my reaction was when he went :p
The Naruto series, which I enjoy, does show a common pattern that hasn't really changed in how things happen with regarding to battles and also one or two other aspects. Take the movies for example (Not counting Bonds, I ain't seen it yet so can't add it to the rest) are more or less the same, Naruto meets someone, they argue straight away and....... I'll assume you can see where I'm going with this so I'll save you the effort. :p

This is the Naruto manga thread. The TV series is something different, especially the filler. Naruto doesn't always get annoyed with people in the manga. Sasuke and Sai are about the only main ones - and Sai pretty much brought it upon himself.

[DraniX]

Indeed, I think I brought many things upon myself over the years.

[DraniX]

But how we survive... is what makes us who we are.