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 Vol. 21, Pursuit

 

Despite Sakura's protestation that she loves him, Sasuke leaves town on his own plan of private vengeance. The new Fifth Hokage, Tsundade, then assigns Shikamaru to gather a team to track down and return Sasuke, consisting of Choji, Neji, Naruto, Kiba and tracker dog Akamuru.

Even with strategic plans, the venture goes south quickly; first Sasuke submits himself to be killed by the Sound Ninja Four, and then our heroes are also beaten by the same, in a deadly, Chakra-sapping trap. Choji's hidden talents seem to come to the rescue. The emotions are raw and threadbare in this volume, as the stakes for salvaging friendships and lives are raised ever higher.

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