Naruto x 682 Review: Betcha Never Seen This Before

This week’s manga chapter of Naruto is one of the best I’ve read in years. Kishimoto really out did himself, and it was nice to see the old Naruto back. So, let’s get to it.

Last week’s chapter ended with a cliffhanger about the secret technique Naruto and Sasuke decided to use against Kaguya. I saw about fans wondering about this technique. Some were excited while others didn’t like the idea of another ‘new powerful technique’, something that has become a staple in Japanese shonen manga. A new powerful villain comes, and out of nowhere the protagonist finds a special technique to fight them. I was expecting some sort of a Naruto/Sasuke fusion, something they already did during the war. However, when Naruto mentioned practicing the technique in secret, even more than his trademark Rasengen attack, I knew something weird was about to happen. Surely, Kishimoto wouldn’t think of making Naruto use ‘that’ technique. I reached the next page and voila! Naruto released his ultimate attack, the ‘Sexy No-Jutsu’ on Kaguya, the mother of all Shinobi. Well played Kishimoto, well played.

I don’t think anyone was expecting Naruto that. The title clearly foreshadowed it, but I was definitely expecting a more conventional attack. After all the fighting that has gone on throughout the war, it was refreshing to something new. This might get some fans to react. However, for me, it was one of the best things that could’ve happened. It showed that even though Naruto isn’t one of the brightest ninjas in the world, he is one of the most unpredictable, and that gave the protagonists an opening in order to attack Kaguya. Something I noticed about the Jutsu was that Naruto’s clones had different faces. In the past whenever Naruto used such a technique, his clones would turn into female versions of himself. Does this mean that Naruto doesn’t think he’s handsome enough to use his own face?

Sakura and Kakashi were still present on the battlefield, being held above the lava by Naruto’s clone. But I’m still waiting for them to do something. I’m also waiting for an explanation about Obito being revived by Naruto. I have a strong feeling Obito will end up giving his last eye to Kakashi and allow him to say a proper good-bye. Sakura’s character was more or less used for comedic effect this week, and yes, she again showed concern about Sasuke-kun during the battle.

Even though Naruto and Sasuke did their best to seal Kaguya, she was still too powerful for them. She transported everyone (again, I have no idea why she would teleport Sakura and Kakashi too) to a world made of ice, and dimension-jumped out of the hero’s sealing technique. I really want to know more about Kaguya as a character, where she came from, etc. and why there’s the same castle seen in all the dimensions. She also did something I think a lot of villains should do. She separated Naruto and Sasuke’s team by sending Sasuke to a dimension made of sand. I think that move says a lot about Kaguya as a character. She’s the kind of villain who isn’t over-confident about her abilities. She knows that Naruto and Sasuke have to coordinate attacks in order to seal her, so the best solution was to separate them and kill them individually.

I’m really looking forward to next week’s issue. I don’t think Naruto and Sasuke are strong enough to fight Kaguya individually. Now looks like a good time for Sakura and Kakashi to aid those two in battle. Maybe Kakashi will get Obito’s eye and travel to where Sasuke is? Or send Sakura there? If there are to be team-ups, I think Sasuke and Sakura need to work together. This will allow Sasuke to see that she isn’t useless, even if they aren’t able to defeat Kaguya on their own.

What did you think of this week’s issue of Naruto? Did the Sexy No Jutsu take you by surprise? Will Team 7 be able to take down Kaguya now? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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