Raine's Wrap-Up- 339

Raine_Joybringer · Jan 29, 2007

~~Raines Wrap-Up 339~~

~Chapter 339: New Technique!~

I havent done one of these in a while, I have to apologise! Its been a very busy time for me. But finally getting around to doing a Wrap-Up is great. And speaking of great things- what a chapter! Well, lets get to it then, shall we?

~One Disappointment?:~

Actually just first, I need to say that Ive been a little sad we havent had any proper front covers in a while... but I suppose I shouldnt complain. Were being treated to an awesome story, not to mention its not long now until Shippuuden starts! In any case though, I wonder what will be the feature of the next cover when we finally get one? Im sure the colourists will be happy for one at least.

~Shikamarus Determination! The End of Hidan?:~

We saw Shikamarus plan start to make sense last chapter when he created that hole. After all, how would you get rid of someone who is immortal? You cant kill them, so logically the only way to stop them is by putting them in a situation they cant get out of. In this case, Shikamaru used a hole to trap Hidan and then bury him.

You gotta feel sorry for Hidan I suppose. No, not that hes been buried alive, but because hes just had his head served on a platter (in a matter of speaking). Not only was Hidan defeated by Shikamaru, but his whole purpose of playing judge to mortals has been cut short. For once, he got a taste of his own kind of punishment with Shikamaru playing judge on him! And what a way to go; laughing all the way, just like the madman he is.

Of course, I think that we shouldnt exactly count Hidan out just yet. Just as falling off a cliff is never an indication of death, being buried alive is pretty ambiguous. In a way, this makes me remember the old Aladdin Disney movies, where although Jafar was defeated, he appeared once more the next movie after being dug up. So for all we know, Hidan could appear again in the future after having been dug up by someone. But hopefully that day wont arrive.

Shikamaru... wow, what a kid! He finally got his revenge. Even when he was on the verge of chakra exhaustion, he was still a step ahead of the bunch. I think its really quite the possibility that hell end up as a world-class shinobi one day (if he already isnt one!). He might not become Hokage because of his laziness, but I can definitely see him as being on the Konoha council someday.

I dont know if anyone saw my comment on what is the King Asuma was talking about in the Questions still to be answered topic in the Toshokan, but I have to believe that he may have meant that The Will of Fire is it. It would seem to make sense that a villages determination to prosper would be what rules.

~Narutos Growth! What is that Jutsu?:~

Hm, well firstly I have to admit something I was little confused on... and that is why Kishimoto didnt include any reactions from either Ino or Chouji when Kakuzu said Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki. I guess it isnt exactly important at the moment? Either way, they must have heard.

Okay, back to it. Kakashi has given the scoop on Kakuzu to Yamato and Naruto. And we know that the guy still has three more spare lives up his sleeve. Its like some kind of twisted video game, thats for sure. And Kakuzu is one hell of a scary looking boss! Naruto is really going to have to step up to the challenge for this one!

But, I think were really starting to see how much hes changed now. Hes gotten a lot more serious, and its obvious that his whole style of battle has evolved. Remember the first time he came face to face with Deidara and Sasori? Yup, he charged right in without thinking. This time is entirely different- he tested Kakuzus strength first and analysed the situation without putting himself in a needless risk (though, we do have to remember that he was also pretty emotional last time with the death of Gaara. Still, he has become a lot stricter with himself now).

Heh, you know, Im pretty sure that I got it right once before when I said that Kakashi injured his hand testing either a Chidori or Rasengan against Naruto. And you gotta love that flashback. I think that Kakashi seeing the vision of Yondaime and his similarity with Naruto is the last step in finally acknowledging Narutos strength and potential. It really is possible now that he sees Naruto as a worthy (or even greater) ninja he could be proud to work alongside with, just as he did with the Fourth.

And now to the highlight of this chapter, finally seeing (well, half-seeing) the fruition of Narutos hard work- Fuuton; Rasen Shuriken!

I know there will probably be a few of you that are a bit disappointed with the Rasen Shuriken (either from the similarity to the Destructo Disk from DBZ or because it isnt exactly big and flashy...), but you need to think about it a bit more because it is actually quite ingenious in terms of Naruto creating it.

Yes, thats right, Naruto created it. The form had to be thought of first before it was created. It didnt just appear as he was going. And it is very clever. Naruto took what Asuma said to heart about wind chakra being a natural slicing tool. What better than a giant bladed edge? I hadnt thought it would come to that, thats for sure! I had figured itd be something like what we saw previously with the big tornado. Though, I dont think I should cast that idea aside just yet either- weve yet to see what more the Rasen Shuriken can do apart from sit in Narutos hand and look pretty.

Another thing to mention here is that maybe this isnt so dissimilar from Narutos first encounter with Deidara and Sasori... and perhaps Kishimoto is a lot sneakier than we think. Remember that Naruto also used a giant shuriken the first time? Now theres something to ponder! Was Kishimoto borrowing from that idea, or had that been a clue this entire time?

~Wrap-Up!:~

And finally, I need to say that I love the expressions in this chapter: Shikamarus its over look; Hidans face after Shikamaru said he was his god at the moment; the little sweat drop on Kakuzus face as he saw Narutos jutsu; and finally, Narutos look of focus and determination.

I don't really have a prediction, but were going to see big things next chapter, that's for sure! So I hope youre as excited as I am!

jester065 · Jan 29, 2007