BUT, cool battles, crazy villain powers, and something I’m very excited about... politics! I NEVER EVER care about fictitious politics, but Naruto has me genuinely caring about who the next Hokage will be, and how it will effect the nations. It’s a bit reminiscent of Book 4 of Korra. In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum, that's true, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum."

Naruto Box Set 2: Volumes 28-48 with Premium (2) (Naruto Box

That's why I brought down my rating to 3 stars . After the time leap , even the interesting characters became boring . *Looks at you Gaara* Another thing I found annoying in this series is the attention given to Sasuke . He might be a main character , but that doesn't mean his story is fun . Masashi Kishimoto (岸本 斉史 Kishimoto Masashi) is a Japanese manga artist, well known for creating the manga series Naruto. His younger twin brother, Seishi Kishimoto, is also a manga artist and creator of the manga series O-Parts Hunter (666 Satan) and Blazer Drive. Two of his former assistants, Osamu Kajisa (Tattoo Hearts) and Yuuichi Itakura (Hand's), have also gone on to moderate success following their work on Naruto.Some people say Naruto has “asspulls” in logic, where the author just makes something random up for conveniency sake. And I suppose I see some signs of that, but this is SHŌNEN MANGA, something that is published weekly, not a novel written by a scholar who had all the time in the world before seeking publication. I’ve seen these “asspulls” in One Piece and even some seinen manga. That’s the downside of rapid production, less forethought. What the hell do you know about it? It’s not like you ever had a family in the first place! You were on your own right from the beginning! What makes you think you know anything about it, ah? I’m suffering now because I had those ties! How on earth could you possibly understand what it feels like to lose all that!?” - Sasuke, to Naruto This was the defining moment for me in the manga . Before this point , Naruto was your regular fast paced shōnen manga , but had a unique style, strong storyline . The art was full of life . And after this point , it became drab , convoluted . Kishimoto tried repeating the same formula . Naruto faces stronger foe , trains and becomes stronger . Repeat .

Naruto Box Set 2 - (Naruto Box Sets) by Masashi Kishimoto Naruto Box Set 2 - (Naruto Box Sets) by Masashi Kishimoto

You never abandoned me, no matter how hard I tried to close myself off. . . . You should have hated me for what I did. But you never stopped regarding me as your friend, even when I tried my best to destroy that very feeling.” - Sasuke, thinking about Naruto in chapter 698 After one and half month of commitment I finished this manga series . It took me a lot to convince even myself . So if you aren't ready to commit to this 72-volume series yet , I'd suggest you start reading some other short manga series . I must be honest, I was hesitant to get into Naruto because I hear it gets startlingly bad in the final parts. But after reading the second box set, I am proud to say it is still enjoyable! After the time jump, the characters are all dressed much cooler, have better powers and many many questions get answered. I don't think there's any other story in this world that makes me as emotional as "Naruto"(especially anything w/ the character of Sasuke Uchiha, who might be my favorite fictional character). And for that, I have to give it 5 stars. "Naruto" has a special way of digging into your heart and making you feel things you didn't know you were capable of feeling for fictional characters."Naruto" and my favorite book, "Ender's Game" are the two stories that really pushed me into wanting to be a writer, I think.

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The series is so much more emotional, thought-provoking, and impactful than one would think; it looks "kiddish" at first, but it's anything but. Some of my favorite quotes from the series are... It's been more than two years since Naruto left to train with Jiraiya. Much has happened while he has been away, and new threats to the ninja world have emerged. Can Naruto prove his worth and rescue his friend Sasuke? People live their lives bound by what they accept as correct and true. That's how they define 'reality'. But what does it mean to be 'correct' or 'true'? Merely vague concepts ... their "reality" may all be a mirage. Can we consider them to simply be living in their own world, shaped by their beliefs?" Just because someone is important to you, it doesn't necessarily mean that, that person is good. Even if you knew that person was evil... People cannot win against their loneliness.”

Naruto Box Set 1 | Book by Masashi Kishimoto | Official Naruto Box Set 1 | Book by Masashi Kishimoto | Official

The second Naruto Box Set and the start of the Shippuden part of the story. This set features volumes 28 48 at a substantial savings over buying them individually, along with an exclusive mini-comic containing the pilot story of the series and a full-color, double-sided poster. I will always be there for you. Even if it’s only as an obstacle for you to overcome, even if you do hate me. That’s what Big Brothers are for.” - Itachi to Sasuke The selfish desire of wanting to maintain peace causes wars, and hatred is born to protect love ... When a man learns to love, he must bear the risk of hatred." Later in the series, I have to admit there are issues with the writing. The plot dragged. A lot. But I think this box set (volumes 1-27, pre-shippuden in the anime) is a complete masterpiece. It does an amazing job of delving deep into the personas of SO many characters. In particular, I think Sasuke had a STELLAR character arc here, which is why he became my favorite character - why I got so invested in him and stayed that way, even when his writing wasn't as strong later. At the same time, the external plot was also tight and engaging.