Naruto 356

Should be done now!

Number 356: Engagement...!!

Color Spread

Text:
A climate of tension descends upon the Shinobi World! My friend, wait for me! A boy runs through the rain!!

Page 1

Text:
An unparalleled artist of explosions. A goof-off newcomer. Akatsuki's makeshift mismatch of a duo closes in on their target... is it Naruto, or perhaps...!?

Page 2

Text:
Who was watching Sasuke!?

Frame 3, Sasuke:
Come out... whoever you are

Page 3

Frame 2, Sasuke:
Anything new?

Frame 3, Bitch-lover:
The scent still isn't clear... But we are getting closer and closer

Frame 6, Bitch-lover:
Really close...

Page 4

Frame 2, Bitch-lover:
... Dammit... The scent's moving away now...

Page 5

Frame 1, Yamato:
Naruto... Hinata... You know what to do

Frame 2, Naruto:
Yeah...

Frame 2, Hinata:
Yes

Frame 6, Naruto:
You're...

Page 6

Frame 1, Kabuto:
Looks like I wasn't hiding well enough...

Frame 3, Yamato:
Yakushi Kabuto, huh... Back in the village you're listed as a wanted criminal and there're orders to restrain you upon confirmation of target... But to have you come to us... You've got quite the nerve...

Frame 4, Kabuto:
Well, I have a little something to talk with Naruto-kun about...

Page 7

Frame 2, Naruto:
Is it true that Sasuke killed Orochimaru!?

Frame 3, Kabuto:
Heh, nothing but Sasuke, same as always... But yes... It's true

Frame 4, Kabuto:
More importantly... I've brought a little present for you, Naruto-kun

Frame 6, Sasuke:
That outfit... You're...

Page 8

Frame 1, Tobi:
So you're Sasuke-kun, huh? Mmm... You sure do look a lot like Itachi-san!

Frame 3, Tobi:
Damn you're scary!!

Page 9

Frame 5, Deidara:
KATSU
(deidara's "detonate" phrase)

Page 11

Frame 1, Deidara:
Heh!

Frame 3, Yamato:
And just what is that?

Frame 3, Kabuto:
Information on Akatsuki that had previously been gathered by our organization

Frame 4, Naruto:
Why did you bring that?

Frame 5, Kabuto:
Why? To give to you

Page 12

Frame 1, Yamato:
So are you planning on trying to make a deal with us or something?

Frame 1, Kabuto:
No... I don't expect something like this to be much of a bargaining chip... Especially when dealing with Konoha...

Frame 2, Yamato:
Well then what? Unlike Orochimaru, it's not like Akatsuki's after you, right?

Frame 3, Kabuto:
This is a mere present... A token of thanks for Naruto... Akatsuki *is* after Naruto, after all...

Frame 4, Naruto:
A token of thanks...?

Frame 5, Kabuto:
You see... After Orochimaru died... I found myself not knowing who I was, again...

Page 13

Frame 1, Kabuto:
Without knowing parent or country, I was taken in by the enemy... From a young age I've moved about countries and villages as a spy... To me things like countries, villages... They hold no firm reality in my mind

Frame 2, Kabuto:
That was, of course, until I found myself under the wing of Orochimaru-sama... But that presence once again left me

Frame 3, Kabuto:
Who am I anyway... The pain of not having an identity... I'd think you should understand... Naruto-kun

Frame 4, Kabuto:
Am I Uzumaki Naruto... Or am I the Nine-Tails... I'm sure you asked yourself such in the past, the victim of the heartless gazes of people surrounding you

Page 14

Frame 2, Tobi:
Looks like he's got some skills

Frame 2, Deidara:
Hah... I still can't believe that Orochimaru was done in by a brat like this... H'm

Frame 4, Deidara:
Oh, such malice, I like these eyes of his, Tobi! H'm!

Frame 4, Tobi:
I'm gonna have to apologize to Itachi-san after this...

Page 15

Frame 1, Kabuto:
But you...

Frame 2, Kabuto:
You chose to believe in your own power, that you are Uzumaki Naruto... With great persistence you overcame the gazes directed at the Nine-tails

Frame 3, Kabuto:
And that's why you came to know your own identity... gaining the respect of friends along with that realization

Frame 4, Kabuto:
But I... I never attempted to surpass Orochimaru-sama, and merely clung to his great power

Frame 5, Kabuto:
But now I truly understand how you felt... You made me become aware

Frame 6, Kabuto:
I decided I too wish to be like you, Naruto-kun... And for that reason...

Page 16/17

Frame 1, OrochiKabu:
With Orochimaru-sama now integrated into this body, I plan on finding a new me, one stronger than Orochimaru-sama himself

Frame 5, OrochiKabu:
Finding a new me... That's a lesson you taught me... And also the reason for the thanks... Naruto-kun

Frame 6, OrochiKabu:
Orochimaru-sama is the symbol of rebirth... And as a goal, a greatness meant to be exceeded by me, he'll continue to live inside me

Text:
The great serpent escapes death... and lives on!!

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