The 8th set of the hit ninja-fantasy
Naruto spans the end of Season Four (2004) and the start of Season Five (2004-2005). The first episodes conclude the battle between Jiraiya, Lady Tsunada (who will become the Fifth Hokage), and Naruto on one side, and Orochimaru and his henchman Kabuto on the other. The combatants invoke numerous
jutsu and summon three animals often linked to supernatural warriors in Japanese folklore: a toad, a snail or slug, and a serpent. This duel between good and evil includes some of the most dynamic fight sequences in the
Naruto continuity. A subsequent visit to a hot spring turns into a farce as Jiraiya lives up to his nickname of "Pervy Sage," and Naruto mistakenly tries help a pair of would-be bill collectors. The battle against Orochimaru has left the Hidden Leaf Village short of trained ninja: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura are sent to protect a runner in a high-stakes race in the Land of Tea without Kakashi-sensei to supervise them. Naruto proves his growing strength and maturity, not through his use of battle techniques or magical
jutsu, but by demonstrating his dedication to his friends and to completing his mission. Everyone's favorite ninja-in-training remains a knucklehead, but he's a knucklehead with some admirable qualities. It all adds up to one of the most satisfying installments in this popular series. (Rated T+ Older Teen; suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, toilet humor, grotesque imagery, tobacco and alcohol use)
--Charles Solomon
Reader Reviews
