Recently Read: Naruto Volume 27

 

Naruto Vol. 27, "Departure", is a respite between the story's Part 1 and Part 2 (volumes 28-72).Its downtime involves healing, camaraderie and renewed commitments. Understanding they have two and a half years before Orochimaru can completely claim Sasuke's body and soul, Naruto leaves to train with Jiraiya, while Sakura studies to be a mission medic under Tsunade's instruction.

Before Part 2 begins the series' time-jump, creator Masashi Kishimoto tells a flashback/side story: insight into Kakashi's past and the mysterious origin of his covered eye. If you're a fan of Kakashi (I am), this is essential reading.

In a brief preface, Kishimoto states that "...I don't think Naruto needs to be broken up into parts". Why did he, then? Was it editorial decree? I'd love to learn more about the inner workings of this series. 

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Recently Read: Naruto, Vol. 18: Tsunade's Choice

Naruto's Ninjutsu training continues, with our protagonist making progress on controlling his chakra to greater effect. Orochimaru and Kabuto, meanwhile, approach the potential Fifth Hokage, the gambling Tsunade, with a proposition: the healing of Orochimaru's damaged arms for the bringing back to life of Tsunade's dead brother (so like Naruto in physical resemblance and spirit) and her dead boyfriend. When mentor Jiraiya and Naruto finally track down Tsunade and aide Shizune; she has yet to make a decision, knowing that her acquiescence to Orochimaru can mean the destruction of Konohagakure. Beautifully rendered art, powerful pacing, suspenseful sequences and mysterious characters - in short, superior storytelling - make this another compelling chapter in one of the greatest manga stories.

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Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 17

 

The narrative gets slowed down a bit in Vol. 17, to the story's benefit. The first half pits the evil Itachi and Kisame against Sasuke, Naruto and Jiraiya, with a disturbing flashback involving the senseless murder of Sasuke and Itachi's parents. The remainder of the book involves Jiraiya's training of Naruto, with scenes of the reckless, gambling-addicted Tsunade on the side. Along the way, Orochimaru tends his wounds and plans revenge. Sakura seems to sadly be getting shunted to the side in the current storylines; she's relegated to three small panels in this volume.

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