Recently Read: Naruto Vol. 24, by Masashi Kishimoto

 

Naruto's complex narrative, previously in danger of becoming repetitious, picks up in Vol. 24 with the very welcome return of Rock Lee. Also welcome: the return of the Sound Ninja Four, now fighting on behalf of Konoha.

Meanwhile, the story ping-pongs with great suspense between Shikamaru's entanglement with Tayuya and Gaara and Rock Lee's battle with the body-horror based Kimimaro. There are also alternating interludes with Lady Tsunade, working behind the scenes to confront Lord Orochimaru's threat, and the schemings of Orochimaru and Kabuto. 

The art is, as always, amazing. 

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Recently Read: Naruto, Volume 19

 

Naruto Volume 19, "Successor", reveals Tsunade's choice: will she heal Orochimaru's hands in exchange for the rebirth of her loved Dan and Nawaki, or instead commit to be the new Hokage? Most of the book encompasses one intense battle involving not only Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Naruto, Shizune and Kabuto, but the toads Gamakichi and Gamatatsu. These latter two, joined with Tsunade's pig Tonton, offer some very funny commentary on the proceedings, giving levity to a deathly dangerous situation. For sustained and complex thrills and drama, Masashi Kishimoto's manga can't be beat.

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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. 10

The preliminary portion of the Journeyman Ninja Selection Exams end with, in part, an epic battle between the friendly Rock Lee and the quiet and mysterious master of sand, Gaara. Lasting 85 pages, the intricate test reveals hidden strengths of both physical and mental powers. Meanwhile, the spy Kabuto and Orochimaru plot against the ill Sasuke, and Naruto gets a new trainer, Master Ebisu. Writer and artist Masashi Kishimoto also tells of the life-changing event of seeing Otomo Katsuhiro's art for the first time. All in all, another exciting and involving chapter in the series

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