Naruto: manga through volume 19

[rachelmanija]

Someone refresh my memory, since it's been so long since I read the volumes where he was introduced: What exactly does Orochimaru want? Do we know what he has against Konoha? Also, is he one of the legendary three ninjas, along with Jiraiya and Tsunade, or is Kakashi the third?

When the chuunin exams devolved into "OMG! Orochimaru and his resurrected and non-resurrected ninjas are attacking Konoha! Everyone run to defend it!" I expected there to be a massive battle involving everyone we've met so far, but that... didn't happen. I was a little disappointed. Also, I was not terribly invested in the Third Hokage, so his death didn't have a big impact on me. (The flashback to Kid! Iruka crying over the grave of his parents did.) Loved the flashbacks to Jiraiya and his crew as baby ninjas, though.

I was very pleased with the introduction of Tsunade, since this manga needs more kick-ass kunoichi, and that she became the Fifth Hokage. As for her giant slug... that was very strange. As was the most bizarre jutsu yet, Jiraiya teleporting people into the esophagus of his giant frog. Ew.

All the same, much as I like Naruto, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, I missed the rest of the old crew in this arc. I'm hoping the next arc will get back to them.

No sign yet of Gaara or the other Sand Village ninjas.

Jiraiya is a much better teacher than Kakashi.

Finally, if I had Uchiha Itachi as an older brother, I would probably have a chip on my shoulder too.

Comments

Re: PS

[octopedingenue]

And so say all of us.

Re: PS

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

I mean, even apart from the moral and ethical issues, how can he possibly think that, regardless of the fringe benefits, becoming [spoiler]'s [spoiler] is in any way likely to help him achieve his goals? Nitwit.

Re: PS

[octopedingenue]

Sasuke is my adopted nephew and I adore him, but? His logic is apparently special ninja logic. Sometimes he just needs someone to kick him in the face and feed him ramen and tell him everything will be okay. And kick him in the face some more.

The chapter with Sakura was lovely, though.

I hope you like this arc (I did), because you're going to be in it a while. I mean. Like. Years. So get comfortable!

Re: PS

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

I am liking it very much! I thought it could not possibly get better than when [spoiler] showed up, and then [spoilers! eeee!] showed up and I almost died from joy.

Re: PS

[octopedingenue]

[spoilers]SHIKAMARU/TEMARI OTP[/spoilers]

Re: PS

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Posts crossed! I just posted on that very subject.

PS. I went looking for an Iruka and Naruto icon and found this one-- is that OK?

PPS. How do you do white space?

Re: PS

[octopedingenue]

[font color=white]white text here[/font]

with the [ ]s replaced by the less than/greater than signs.