Naruto chapter 457 – 459: Quick Review
Aug. 9th, 2009 02:18 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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chuunin_archiveNaruto chapter 457 – 459: Quick Review
By Zapenstap
I love the new developments in Naruto. I said I would write about them last week, but I ended up not having time as I wanted to update White Rain (done—yay!) and then discovered two hours of Kakashi Gaiden animated (awesome). That the White Rain chapter had the same theme of teams coming together that’s in Kakashi Gaiden was entirely coincidental, lol. Kakashi Gaiden was so sad though. Hearing Kakashi cry was really…. O_o. I loved it ^^
And at the same time, the Naruto Manga is climbing to this emotional high that has me very excited. Usually, we are left to guess what the characters in Naruto are feeling as few Shinobi are typically not wildly expressive, but these last few chapters must be gearing up for an emotional reunion between Naruto and Sasuke (or assassination attempt….eek) because Kishimoto has been letting us into the hearts of even the most taciturn characters these last few chapters.
I can’t cover everything. There is too much going on! I’d really just like to highlight some things:
NaruSaku VS SasuSaku
Some people are freaking out about NaruSaku. I think the love triangle has been present from the beginning so it doesn’t bother me at all, even though the fic I’m writing is SasuSaku.
Kishimoto is very clever in deliberating setting up a shipping war the way he has. It isn’t clear how it’s going to fall out, and to me, either choice is a good ending. It’s just that NaruSaku is one type of love story and SasuSaku is another.
NaruSaku: NaruSaku is a sweet coming-of-age story. As the story stands right now, Naruto is the better man/better choice for Sakura (sorry, Sasuke fans, but it’s true) as Naruto is stable, becoming increasingly more impressive, and committed, but of course, Sakura has to want him/see him that way. The story in this case requires Naruto to outshine Sasuke (the badass, sexy choice) and win the girl. That is always a good story.
SasuSaku: SasuSaku is a gritty redemption story. I don’t think anyone, even Sakura, wants to be with Sasuke as he is now (except in fun, angsty fic). I think the hope has always been that there’s goodness/kindness in Sasuke that has been tarnished/buried/blighted by a slew of misfortune and his choice to pursue a path of hate and vengeance. If Sasuke manages at any point to put these things behind him and revert to the guy Naruto remembers in Team 7, then Sakura becomes part of the goodness/happy ending in Sasuke’s life.
EITHER way, Kishimoto has written in feasible alternative happy endings with all the other possible matches (NaruHina being my personal favorite…). My personal thought is that Kishimoto intends to redeem Sasuke and put him on equal footing with Naruto as a choice for Sakura…and then just leave it unresolved in oh-so-frustrating Shounen fashion. But maybe not.
These last few chapters emphasize the love triangle between Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. I wrote in the Naruto Essay (the one where I analyze Naruto's character) that Naruto’s promise to Sakura to bring back Sasuke was incredibly significant to Naruto. Sai confirms that in these chapters. Naruto sees that promise as something he must absolutely not give up on, because he loves Sakura, because he loves Sasuke, and because it is his Way of the Ninja. Naruto equates his ability to keep promises to his personal valuation of himself as a man and as a Shinobi, which is why he can’t confess his feelings to Sakura until he keeps the promise he made to her.
How Sasuke's Decisions Affect Everyone
Meanwhile, Sai tells Sakura that the promise has become a curse, because it is becoming increasingly impossible to keep due to Sasuke’s choices. The magnitude of what Naruto promised, given that Saskue is now an international criminal, weighs Naruto down in anguish.
I don’t think the point of this is to show that Naruto shouldn’t have made the promise, or that his belief in himself (especially regarding other people) is faulty/ridiculous. That would invert the message of the entire story.
What it shows is that Sasuke’s selfish/negative choices (albeit, they make sense from his point of view) have a colossal effect, a very harmful effect, on countless other people. I think this is the point because several other things back it up.
For example, Naruto taking physical hits for Sasuke. This was just an opener to the amount of grief and pain that Sasuke is causing the people who love him. Now we have Sai telling Sakura that Naruto is being worn down by the reliance everyone is putting on him to fix the Sasuke problem (and all other problems). We have Sakura in tears over the pain she has caused Naruto by loving Sasuke. And most recently we have seen the other Genin suffering.
We have known since the Wave Arc that it is a Shinobi standard that Missing Nin be killed by Hunter Nin. This is because of the trouble they cause given that—independently acting or not—the village of a Shinobi’s birth is responsible for the actions of their people. This is why the Raikage calls a summit demanding that something be done about Sasuke rather than just doing it himself. As a result (well, sorta; it was a good excuse), Danzou ordered Sasuke assassinated.
The Leaf Ninja Sasuke grew up with are in turmoil. Ino is in tears. Shikamaru feels like the responsibility is his, since he failed to bring Sasuke back when there were more options. It’s not that they all have to love Sasuke as much as Sakura and Naruto, or sympathize with him, but I’m sure they all would have preferred to see him restored over seeing him killed.
It’s not clear exactly what Shikamaru plans. It may be that the Leaf Genin want to assassinate Sasuke themselves rather than let the Cloud Nin do it, because of the war it might provoke, but it’s also possible that Shikamaru has another plan, or more likely, several plans, depending on how things go. Shikamaru might intend a “redo” of the mission he first failed at, to bring Sasuke back to the village (for questioning? for trial…? unclear how this would work given Danzou’s order) now that he is older and wiser and the situation is much more serious. However, if that goes astray, or isn’t possible, assassinating Sasuke is not out of the question.
Meanwhile, even Naruto has shown that he no longer understands Sasuke. The scene where Naruto is trying to figure Sasuke out is quite poignant. He is in tears or close to it, and because he doesn’t have the pieces, he doesn’t know how to help. All he can wonder is if Sasuke has gotten what he wanted, if it helped or hurt, and if he is really just a common criminal now. Isn't there any way to fix things?
What is great about this is that, as an audience, we better understand Sasuke. We know that he didn’t kill the 8 Tails, that he hasn’t really killed anybody innocent, and that his reasons for not returning to Konoha are because Konoha (more specifically Danzou) has done him a great evil.
Now the question is what will happen if Naruto is enlightened by the same revelations? On one hand, Sasuke is a criminal. He’s consorting with criminals. He did try to kill the 8-tails. He’s a missing nin. And Danzou ordered his assassination. On the other hand, Sasuke’s criminality is more circumstantial than damning and it was the actions of the village out to kill him that drove him this direction (though it was still his choice).
We may be reaching the crossroads that Itachi predicted: Naruto will have to choose between the village and Sasuke. Sakura herself may be bringing Naruto that choice.
Danzou is Dastardly! But...
It helps Sasuke’s case that Danzou is increasingly being shown as someone we wouldn’t mind seeing disposed. Not only was he party to the order that Itachi murder his own family (I still cry for Itachi), but he also has Shisui’s Sharingan eye. Obviously, he got it from Shisui after Itachi killed him. But this raises a lot of questions. Was that death also ordered? Was there a reason for Shisui to die or did Danzou just really want a Sharingan? How else does this further complicate Itachi’s backstory? Should we wonder if the use of Shisui’s powers (to change the thoughts of another person) contributed at all to the destruction of the Uchiha Clan (via Danzou perhaps)?
And further… Does Kabuto know about it? Is that why Danzou wants him killed? I’m starting to think Kabuto knows a lot, as he is probably responsible for transplanting the eye.
The fact that Danzou is manipulating everything and everyone to cover up his dirty laundry is inevitably going to result in his downfall (eventually) but he can do a lot of damage before that day. If Sasuke brashly rushes in and tries to kill the Hokage out of vengeance, without explaining why (or even if he explains), that will just make Sasuke a “known criminal” rather than “suspected criminal”. If Danzou survives the attempt (which I actually think is likely), Sasuke will be in real trouble.
Of course, a lot of the outcome depends on how everyone reacts to knowledge of Sasuke’s reasons for vengeance. Sasuke is likely to say something about it when he makes his attempt on Danzou’s life. What will the Kages think? Will they even believe it? I can see Gaara being more amendable to hearing Sasuke’s story and possibly pardoning him given his own history and friendship with Naruto. I can see the Raikage feeling sympathetic to Sasuke over Itachi’s tragedy, and remembering Naruto’s plea to forgive him, considering how he has acted on the possibility that his brother was kidnapped, but I’m not sure what he will believe or do.
More interestingly, as Sasuke’s “truth” spreads, what will Naruto do? What will the other Genin do?
And now back to tasty ficcage.
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no subject
Date: 2009-08-09 09:55 pm (UTC)My money's on Sai.
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Date: 2009-08-10 04:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-08-09 11:18 pm (UTC)though is pretty clear to me that Naruto has Sasuke in first place since a long ago, there are still some vestiges of his crush for Sakura. Which Sai wrongly mistook by "love" or at least he and sakura said so, We haven't heard it from Naruto;This kinda reminds me at the moment when Sakura was saying "he is in love with me" , while Naruto was laying angsty thinking about Sasuke,hmmm.
no, I'm not against Narusaku, cuz is pretty clear that kishi will let them as a final pairing, cuz wouldn't be "normal" that the main character didn't end up with his childhood crush, don't ya think?
i like where this review is going
Date: 2009-08-09 11:20 pm (UTC)I like NaruSaku, but I'd actually prefer an ending like this all the way. (And SasuSaku does indeed have angst!appeal~)
"What [Sai's scene with Sakura] shows is that Sasuke’s selfish/negative choices (albeit, they make sense from his point of view) have a colossal effect, a very harmful effect, on countless other people... It’s not that they all have to love Sasuke as much as Sakura and Naruto, or sympathize with him, but I’m sure they all would have preferred to see him restored over seeing him killed... The scene where Naruto is trying to figure Sasuke out is quite poignant. He is in tears or close to it, and because he doesn’t have the pieces, he doesn’t know how to help."
I love this section to oodles and pieces. This series has been rather melodramatic for years, but in the last month or two, the chapters have been increasingly emotional and (to an extent*) realistic. The characters are beginning to see things the way they actually are rather than the way the plot demands it. The situation Sasuke has left them in appears pretty hopeless, especially to Naruto, but the characters are behaving as true as they have ever been in a long time. It's kinda shaken me out of my apathy for the series, and it really makes one want to root for Naruto even more. I hope someone ends up happy.
NaruHina's not my favorite, but irl, you at least remember to thank a person for saving your life. This hasn't happened yet because the plot hasn't called for it, and for the most part, Naruto is still plot-driven at the expense of common sense things.
"I’m starting to think Kabuto knows a lot, as he is probably responsible for transplanting the eye."
Interesting theory, and it's def possible that it will prove true (at very least, the first part of that sentence). Kabuto's character is one that has the potential to hold a lotta weight in the series in how he affects the plot, so I'm hoping he plays some part yet
and that Kishimoto hasn't forgotten the guy.Re: i like where this review is going
Date: 2009-08-10 04:42 am (UTC)I hope the story gets better and better for the wind-up and all the apathetic readers regain interest. I've enjoyed it all along, but it's definitely at a "peak" of goodness right now!
I don't know if Naruto REMEMBERS Hinata's confession. He's been shown to forget things that happen around the time he goes foxy, so he may either not remember at all, or remember suddenly later, or the plot just hasn't gotten around to it yet. Even if NaruHina doesn't happen, I'm still proud of Hinata :)
Kishi has not forgotten Kabuto! Since Danzou brought him up, I'm pretty sure he'll become important.
Re: i like where this review is going
Date: 2009-08-10 12:30 pm (UTC)Honestly, all this over a freaking fictional relationship that may or may not happen?
Re: i like where this review is going
Date: 2009-08-11 12:45 am (UTC)Re: i like where this review is going
Date: 2009-08-11 01:32 am (UTC)Re: i like where this review is going
Date: 2009-08-11 01:51 am (UTC)Anyway, this is a Naruto forum, yes? ^^
I would love to see a Naru/Saku ending--ideally with an epilogue showing some of the next generation and how the village has changed since Naruto was a kid. But I think your idea is more likely: a few suggestive panels to keep fans happily writing fanfic for ever and ever.
I wouldn't hate a SasuSaku ending if it was believable (what you said earlier about redemption and so on)... Right now though I honestly just don't see the chemistry or any basis for a future healthy relationship. Sasuke repeatedly showed that he had little to no regard for Sakura, even as a teammate, and Sakura's love hasn't been shown to be more substantial than a school-girl crush. They are just teenagers after all and somewhat emotionally warped at that.
NaruSaku I find more satisfying because it's clear that both parties in this case do have a mutual regard and respect for each other. I think Sakura deeply loves Naruto(philos, not eros)--now whether this love will turn into something romantic is yet to be seen, but the seeds are there.
I also adore Hinata as a character, but I think NaruHina would be a bad relationship unless Hinata can deal with her self-esteem issues and get Naruto down off that pedestal she's enthroned him on. Naruto's personality is so big that he'd crush her without intending to.
Gah, sorry. Didn't mean to write an essay on pairings. Hmm. This may be the first time that I've done that actually. I don't really comment on fanboards as things tend to get out of hand when shipping is discussed...
Re: i like where this review is going
Date: 2009-08-10 08:34 pm (UTC)Great review, BTW.
no subject
Date: 2009-08-10 06:32 am (UTC)I really liked this line. I think Naruto would side against Danzou with Sasuke but not against the village as a whole. But then I suppose killing the Hokage would be an act against the village wouldn't it...
no subject
Date: 2009-08-10 07:57 am (UTC)I know there are some rumblings here and there that folks are getting tired of the series and the numerous eyes, but I'm totally loving right now.
At the end of the day I hope Naruto will someway/somehow be able to get to Sasuke and set him straight. But at the same time, if he does come back to the light how is he going to fit back into everyday village life? Look at what Naruto had to put up with as an innocent little kid with a fox unknowingly sealed in his body. Sasuke is going to be dealing with a lot more than whispered grumblings and stares. Some people are beyond saving.... (I've never liked Sasuke so I have no mercy for him).
P.S. Just throwing this one out there... I think Danzo is going to turn out to be a good guy. He seems ultra-dastardly, but I think he is working for the good of the village, like Itachi.
no subject
Date: 2009-08-11 01:05 pm (UTC)Set him straight? Really? ;]
...sorry. XD XD
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Date: 2009-08-10 12:18 pm (UTC)I personally would prefer this to be NaruSasu vs. NaruSaku. XD XD
"My personal thought is that Kishimoto intends to redeem Sasuke and put him on equal footing with Naruto as a choice for Sakura…and then just leave it unresolved in oh-so-frustrating Shounen fashion."
Oh, yes. ♥♥ I hope this happens. Better than the oh-so-frustrating-pair-the-leading-male-with-the-leading-female Shounen fashion, which I don't think can really apply in Naruto. XD
"And at the same time, the Naruto Manga is climbing to this emotional high that has me very excited."
Kishi has somehow managed to further complicate every plotline he ever wrote in the span of these recent chapters. XD I'm holding on to the faith that he will tie them all up in a spectacular fashion that will leave me breathless. Unlike you, I sadly didn't really find most of these latest chapters (Kage meeting etc.) terribly exciting...? D: I don't know. I think I took issue with the total abruptness of it all and the really very un-politician-like way in which most of the Kages conducted themselves. S: I did love the little scenes in each chapter though; the ones with Sai (wow, his character has GROWN ♥), Naruto, Sakura, Rookie 9 etc. - Kishi writes emotion very well. <3
Love your reviews, as always. [:
no subject
Date: 2009-08-10 12:28 pm (UTC)As such, Danzou for 6th Hokage and to kill Sasgay as well.