Full Games List
Featured Games
New Games
Reviews
Media
Images
Blogs
Game Updates
Images Feedback Summary
Game Design Highlights
Tutorials
Articles
Scripts
Utilities / Plugins
Resources
Engines
Engine Bulletins
What is Makerscore?
Past Events
Achievements
Misaos
Forums
Post History
Chat
New to RMN?
Full Store List
RMN Music Pack (free)
GREDLEN'S OFFICIAL ANIME AND MANGA TOPIC OF FUN AND GENERAL MERRIMENT!
Posts
Gredlen
0
Gredlen
View playlists
CloseI know some of you people out there watch anime (and read manga). Let us begin a grand discussion in a largely unorganized fashion!
What's everyone been watching/reading? What are you looking forward to?
I haven't played many games or watched much anime since the beginning of the year. But I'm making an effort to change that right now!
I finally got around to finishing Honey and Clover II, started (and quickly finished) Nodame Cantabile, wrapped up the final two arcs of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, started on Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, and am almost through with Zero no Tsukaima (just in time to catch up to the second season). I may move onto Hidamari Sketch as well.
On the manga side, I've been obtaining the Honey and Clover manga (only $3 a pop; gotta love the prices for Japanese manga).
I'll probably start buying the domestic release of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (aka When They Cry) soon, and I look forward to seeing the domestic release of the Honey and Clover manga and anime.
I haven't been keeping much tabs on this season's anime (aside from the next seasons of the ones I've already watched), as you might have noticed from what I've been watching.
General thoughts about what I've watched:
Honey and Clover is great. Absolutely my favorite romance series. The manga is entertaining and contains some little things that were left out of the anime, but I definitely prefer the anime. This is one of the rare instances in which I prefer the anime to the manga (where the manga comes first). The voices, animation, and music all really contribute to making this series shine. I would not hesitate to recommend this anime to anyone who is interested in a romance series that isn't aimed at young boys.
Nodame Cantabile was pretty good. I read a volume of the manga in Borders, then decided to watch the episodes I had downloaded and not touched earlier. Once again the voices, music, and, to a lesser extent, animation all make this anime worth watching to people who've read the manga. Especially since this is a series that deals largely with music. Unfortunately, the anime ends before the manga and it's unlikely there will be a second season. There's really no good excuse for this, either, since the manga ended well before the anime began. It's not a terrible place to stop, however. The Nodame Cantabile anime has gotten me reinterested in classical music (especially concertos).
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni ended pretty damn strong. The last episode contains a scene that easily lands a spot in my top 10 dramatic moments in anime. I would definitely like to play the games someday, but it's unlikely they will be translated to English, and it will be a while before my Japanese is good enough. I unfortunately spoiled some of the big reveals of the last arcs, but I'm still fairly in the dark about what will happen, so the second season is something to look forward to! And I LOVE the opening songs.
Zero no Tsukaima is entertaining. I never found the fanservice and crazy antics in Love Hina (or any other harem anime) to be laugh-worthy, but Zero no Tsukaima has actually had me laughing out loud a few times so far. Whether that's a testament to its humor or to how I've changed since high school (when I read Love Hina), I don't know. It's not a thought-provoking or emotionally-touching anime, but it is pretty good at what it does.
After I've finished watching the second season of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Zero no Tsukaima, I'm not entirely sure where to go. I suppose it's not too bad to have nothing more on my plate for a while, though, since it's about time I started hacking away at my video game backlog as well...
What's everyone been watching/reading? What are you looking forward to?
I haven't played many games or watched much anime since the beginning of the year. But I'm making an effort to change that right now!
I finally got around to finishing Honey and Clover II, started (and quickly finished) Nodame Cantabile, wrapped up the final two arcs of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, started on Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, and am almost through with Zero no Tsukaima (just in time to catch up to the second season). I may move onto Hidamari Sketch as well.
On the manga side, I've been obtaining the Honey and Clover manga (only $3 a pop; gotta love the prices for Japanese manga).
I'll probably start buying the domestic release of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (aka When They Cry) soon, and I look forward to seeing the domestic release of the Honey and Clover manga and anime.
I haven't been keeping much tabs on this season's anime (aside from the next seasons of the ones I've already watched), as you might have noticed from what I've been watching.
General thoughts about what I've watched:
Honey and Clover is great. Absolutely my favorite romance series. The manga is entertaining and contains some little things that were left out of the anime, but I definitely prefer the anime. This is one of the rare instances in which I prefer the anime to the manga (where the manga comes first). The voices, animation, and music all really contribute to making this series shine. I would not hesitate to recommend this anime to anyone who is interested in a romance series that isn't aimed at young boys.
Nodame Cantabile was pretty good. I read a volume of the manga in Borders, then decided to watch the episodes I had downloaded and not touched earlier. Once again the voices, music, and, to a lesser extent, animation all make this anime worth watching to people who've read the manga. Especially since this is a series that deals largely with music. Unfortunately, the anime ends before the manga and it's unlikely there will be a second season. There's really no good excuse for this, either, since the manga ended well before the anime began. It's not a terrible place to stop, however. The Nodame Cantabile anime has gotten me reinterested in classical music (especially concertos).
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni ended pretty damn strong. The last episode contains a scene that easily lands a spot in my top 10 dramatic moments in anime. I would definitely like to play the games someday, but it's unlikely they will be translated to English, and it will be a while before my Japanese is good enough. I unfortunately spoiled some of the big reveals of the last arcs, but I'm still fairly in the dark about what will happen, so the second season is something to look forward to! And I LOVE the opening songs.
Zero no Tsukaima is entertaining. I never found the fanservice and crazy antics in Love Hina (or any other harem anime) to be laugh-worthy, but Zero no Tsukaima has actually had me laughing out loud a few times so far. Whether that's a testament to its humor or to how I've changed since high school (when I read Love Hina), I don't know. It's not a thought-provoking or emotionally-touching anime, but it is pretty good at what it does.
After I've finished watching the second season of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Zero no Tsukaima, I'm not entirely sure where to go. I suppose it's not too bad to have nothing more on my plate for a while, though, since it's about time I started hacking away at my video game backlog as well...
My favorite anime/manga are Azumanga Daioh, Yotsuba&!, and 2x2 Shinobuden.
Azumanga and Yotsuba&! are made by Kiyohiko Azuma, and are basically comedy/daily life types. I thought Azumanga was hilarious, and Yotsuba&! is really cute and will make you smile. My avatars will usually be of either Azumanga (Sakaki would be most common, though I have a Tomo quote as my user title), or a scan from Yotsuba&!.
Azumanga Daioh is a 4 panel comic strip style, while Yotsuba&! is more like short stories. They're both really good, it took me a little while to get into Yotsuba&!, but now I look forward to reading more. There are 4 mangas of Yotsuba&! out right now (And 4 Azumanga Daioh mangas), so I'd recommend you pick them up. There are 3 more mangas that are fan translated for Yotsuba&!.
2x2 Shinobuden is a comedy too. It's different from the previous 2 and can get just plain stupid at times. Still, some scenes were absolutely hilarious. Plus, Shinobu is cute. I have 2x2 Shinobuden wallpapers for my desktop, and on occasion I'll make Shinobu as an avatar.
Otherwise, I don't really watch anime or read manga. I have read Tenchi Muyo manga, while they can be funny at times, they get really formulaic. I do prefer the manga to the anime, though.
I've watched some of Haruhi Suzumiya, and if it weren't for Haruhi, it would be really boring to me. I haven't watched all that much of it to judge it like that, though.
I've only been able to watch some clips of Lucky Star. I like it so far, too bad I can't find full episodes of it. Also too bad that the characters look like they're 5 years old or something, and they're in High school.
Azumanga and Yotsuba&! are made by Kiyohiko Azuma, and are basically comedy/daily life types. I thought Azumanga was hilarious, and Yotsuba&! is really cute and will make you smile. My avatars will usually be of either Azumanga (Sakaki would be most common, though I have a Tomo quote as my user title), or a scan from Yotsuba&!.
Azumanga Daioh is a 4 panel comic strip style, while Yotsuba&! is more like short stories. They're both really good, it took me a little while to get into Yotsuba&!, but now I look forward to reading more. There are 4 mangas of Yotsuba&! out right now (And 4 Azumanga Daioh mangas), so I'd recommend you pick them up. There are 3 more mangas that are fan translated for Yotsuba&!.
2x2 Shinobuden is a comedy too. It's different from the previous 2 and can get just plain stupid at times. Still, some scenes were absolutely hilarious. Plus, Shinobu is cute. I have 2x2 Shinobuden wallpapers for my desktop, and on occasion I'll make Shinobu as an avatar.
Otherwise, I don't really watch anime or read manga. I have read Tenchi Muyo manga, while they can be funny at times, they get really formulaic. I do prefer the manga to the anime, though.
I've watched some of Haruhi Suzumiya, and if it weren't for Haruhi, it would be really boring to me. I haven't watched all that much of it to judge it like that, though.
I've only been able to watch some clips of Lucky Star. I like it so far, too bad I can't find full episodes of it. Also too bad that the characters look like they're 5 years old or something, and they're in High school.
Gredlen
0
I completely forgot ADV has finally started doing the rest of the Yotsuba&! manga. I'll have to buy vol. 4 next time I have the money.
My favorite character in Haruhi was Yuki. I'm a real sucker for girls with glasses (<3 Zero no Tsukaima's Tabitha). Generally not a fan of Rei clones, but those two get much less-than-threes from me.
My favorite character in Haruhi was Yuki. I'm a real sucker for girls with glasses (<3 Zero no Tsukaima's Tabitha). Generally not a fan of Rei clones, but those two get much less-than-threes from me.
Code Geass's last two episodes were finally released! While they provided absolutely no closure, damn did it end on an even more dramatic note than the last episode months ago. Here's being very excited for season 2!
Seirei no Moribito is absolutely FANTASTIC. While there's some issues with pacing, you have to see it up until the 3rd episode to REALLY appreciate the dynamic show. The directing is amazing.
I totally agree on Zero no Tsukaima... it's about the only high fantasy show out (that's decent, at least).
Bokurano is a show EVERYONE must watch. While I'm a little upset at the way it's handled compared to the manga (the manga is so much more tragic that I'm in tears at the end of almost every arc)... it's kids growing up and dealing with the hard consequences of life when they're chosen to pilot a giant robot to save the world.
(Man I watch a lot of shows...)
Finally, Dennou Coil is a very sweet, endearing show with great animation and a really interesting plot. Think of life mixed in with virtual reality (They seriously form their hands like a phone and put it up to their ears to use the phone--how cool!).
All of these get my highest recommendation.
Finally, Lucky Star is my feel-better anime. After the new director for episode 4, it's been great. Especially with all the jokes made of other anime. The lead character is an otaku who plays MMORPGs all day!
Seirei no Moribito is absolutely FANTASTIC. While there's some issues with pacing, you have to see it up until the 3rd episode to REALLY appreciate the dynamic show. The directing is amazing.
I totally agree on Zero no Tsukaima... it's about the only high fantasy show out (that's decent, at least).
Bokurano is a show EVERYONE must watch. While I'm a little upset at the way it's handled compared to the manga (the manga is so much more tragic that I'm in tears at the end of almost every arc)... it's kids growing up and dealing with the hard consequences of life when they're chosen to pilot a giant robot to save the world.
(Man I watch a lot of shows...)
Finally, Dennou Coil is a very sweet, endearing show with great animation and a really interesting plot. Think of life mixed in with virtual reality (They seriously form their hands like a phone and put it up to their ears to use the phone--how cool!).
All of these get my highest recommendation.
Finally, Lucky Star is my feel-better anime. After the new director for episode 4, it's been great. Especially with all the jokes made of other anime. The lead character is an otaku who plays MMORPGs all day!
BadLuck
2270
First and foremost, my favorite and most reviled anime both at the same time, Mai HiME and Mai Otome. The former being one of the most incredible and heart-breaking stories I've ever seen (so much so that I never, ever want to watch it again) and the latter being a little less brilliant but a little more fun and starring one of my favorite characters.
I'd say anyone that hasn't watched at least the first season of School Rumble is very much missing out. It's a little like Azumanga Daioh, only with guys in the mix as well and the two main characters are absolutely golden. Unfortunately, SR it started to get away from what made it great near the end of the second season.
Haruhi Suzumiya is definitely one of my favorites. Kyon and Haruhi are really entertaining, while all the other characters are just odd enough to be out of place in a really good way. The story itself is pretty interesting, I think. Haruhi being... who she is... I find to be compelling. I totally didn't expect it. And the fact that we don't know if it's even true or not, especially in stark contrast to the humor of everything, is really quite unsettling for me. Good stuff!
Zero no Tsukaima I liked for the first 10 or so episodes of the first season. But they slowly got away from what made the show cute and funny and started to get into a more serious story. I have no problem with a serious story, but they've got a cast meant for a comedy and they stopped being funny. Particularly Louise for, who is supposed to be a bumbling mage, rarely screws stuff up later in the series or at all in season 2.
I'd say anyone that hasn't watched at least the first season of School Rumble is very much missing out. It's a little like Azumanga Daioh, only with guys in the mix as well and the two main characters are absolutely golden. Unfortunately, SR it started to get away from what made it great near the end of the second season.
Haruhi Suzumiya is definitely one of my favorites. Kyon and Haruhi are really entertaining, while all the other characters are just odd enough to be out of place in a really good way. The story itself is pretty interesting, I think. Haruhi being... who she is... I find to be compelling. I totally didn't expect it. And the fact that we don't know if it's even true or not, especially in stark contrast to the humor of everything, is really quite unsettling for me. Good stuff!
Zero no Tsukaima I liked for the first 10 or so episodes of the first season. But they slowly got away from what made the show cute and funny and started to get into a more serious story. I have no problem with a serious story, but they've got a cast meant for a comedy and they stopped being funny. Particularly Louise for, who is supposed to be a bumbling mage, rarely screws stuff up later in the series or at all in season 2.
Shadowtext
120
I loved Honey and Clover and Haruhi Suzumiya, but my favorite anime in recent times has been Ouran High School Host Club. There was just something wonderful about the way it was handled, in terms of both humor and heart. I really want to pick up the manga because I understand it takes a slightly different path.
I understand the creator has another manga out that's been running in the American Shojo Beat lately. I've been considering subscribing, since of the two manga serials I'm aware of in this country, it's definitely the one most likely to have something I'll like in it, and it'll give me a chance to try out this new one, too.
I understand the creator has another manga out that's been running in the American Shojo Beat lately. I've been considering subscribing, since of the two manga serials I'm aware of in this country, it's definitely the one most likely to have something I'll like in it, and it'll give me a chance to try out this new one, too.
Gredlen
0
I completely forgot I haven't finished watching Ouran High School Host Club. I have the whole series sitting around on my HD, too. Guess I'll get around to that next.
Ephiam
8579
I'm currently watching One Piece. Currently it is my second most liked series out of all those I have seen. Definitly surpasses Naruto and Bleach and anything of the like. However, I have to watch the subs seeing as how there are no good english versions. What 4Kids done to the anime was horrible. They basically ruined the chances of it becomming as popular as...well...say Naruto. They even wanted to get their hands of that anime as well. Great thing they didn't. It's a good thing, though, that FUNimation is now going to dub One Piece. I will finally be able to stop watching subs!.....once I catch up to where they are picking up from -.-
Darken
3952
My reccomendations this season (without spoiling too much):
Seirei no Moribito
Like Forever An Ill Fate said, it is awesome. However I find it starts to slow down abit when Balsa decides to hide in an old house. Then again I'm predicting they'll have to go off again.
Claymore
Probably my most anticipated anime this season. Though the animation of the fights do suck abit, the story is kickass. It has a very bezerk feel to it, except the main fighting characters are all women! I'm thinking of switching to the manga because I heard the anime is leaving out some bits.
Darker then Black
Story's kinda confusing, but it's a great detective/super-human series. I really like the characters, specially the main one.
Sola
I liked it, it was a combination of action and romance/harem. I'm not a fan of drama/romance/harem but this anime's story and action got the better of me.
Gurren Lagann
Ho boy, this anime just kicks ass. At first the story seems really undetermined, but you really don't care because the action and turn of events are so fast paced and fun. I highly reccomend this for any fan of anime. It breathes a new fresh air of adventure and story telling. It's not your usual mecha.
As for the other popular ones...
Lucky Star I just don't seem to like, I'm not too fond of japanese humor, sure its funny but its not enough to make you ROFL or something. Code Geass just seems like an anime that took the ideas from Death Note and Gundam and was thrown at CLAMP to make.
Some old anime I missed, but decided to watch:
Noein
Fucks with your mind, it's an amazing anime though.
Initial D
As a fan of cars and driving, this anime just kicks all ass. It's an anime about street racing, the music and the 3D car action went together really well. It's a long series, and after finishing season 4, I'm waiting for the 5th.
Seirei no Moribito
Like Forever An Ill Fate said, it is awesome. However I find it starts to slow down abit when Balsa decides to hide in an old house. Then again I'm predicting they'll have to go off again.
Claymore
Probably my most anticipated anime this season. Though the animation of the fights do suck abit, the story is kickass. It has a very bezerk feel to it, except the main fighting characters are all women! I'm thinking of switching to the manga because I heard the anime is leaving out some bits.
Darker then Black
Story's kinda confusing, but it's a great detective/super-human series. I really like the characters, specially the main one.
Sola
I liked it, it was a combination of action and romance/harem. I'm not a fan of drama/romance/harem but this anime's story and action got the better of me.
Gurren Lagann
Ho boy, this anime just kicks ass. At first the story seems really undetermined, but you really don't care because the action and turn of events are so fast paced and fun. I highly reccomend this for any fan of anime. It breathes a new fresh air of adventure and story telling. It's not your usual mecha.
As for the other popular ones...
Lucky Star I just don't seem to like, I'm not too fond of japanese humor, sure its funny but its not enough to make you ROFL or something. Code Geass just seems like an anime that took the ideas from Death Note and Gundam and was thrown at CLAMP to make.
Some old anime I missed, but decided to watch:
Noein
Fucks with your mind, it's an amazing anime though.
Initial D
As a fan of cars and driving, this anime just kicks all ass. It's an anime about street racing, the music and the 3D car action went together really well. It's a long series, and after finishing season 4, I'm waiting for the 5th.
Mewd
1501
The last anime I watched was the 1969 Toei Children's anime The Wonderful World of Puss 'N Puss.
I am on the CUTTING EDGE here.
That film was a nostalgia drenched childhood favorite of mine, though. I am surprised it got a DVD release, but pleased.
I am on the CUTTING EDGE here.
That film was a nostalgia drenched childhood favorite of mine, though. I am surprised it got a DVD release, but pleased.
Gredlen
0
I just finished watching Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai 6 and all I have to say is...
I want to take Hanyuu home with me.
Au au au~
I want to take Hanyuu home with me.
Au au au~
Shadowtext
120
Everything I've heard about Higurashi suggests that the girl your just posted pictures of is probably a serial killer.
Note that I haven't actually watched Higurashi, but it's fairly notorious.
Note that I haven't actually watched Higurashi, but it's fairly notorious.
Tri-tail
20
The Five Killers looks pretty neat. I only go out of my way for Bebop-like anime. There was this other one that reminded me a bit of some Jules Verne, so that one was A-OK too. Fruit Basket has a strange place in my heart, as well. :-[
I better stop before I admit liking too many animes.
I better stop before I admit liking too many animes.
Gredlen
0
I recently bought some Melty Blood and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni trading figures. Here's what I got (in crappy camera phone quality):
Of all the characters in the set (Arcueid, Ciel, Len, Hisui, Kohaku, Akiha, and Sion), I'd say Akiha and Sion were probably at the bottom of the list of the characters I wanted. Which isn't to say that I didn't want them, but I was really hoping for Hisui. Still, Kohaku and Akiha also make a good duo.
Poor Satoko lost a game, so now she has to wear a collar for the rest of the day. Rena is ecstatic. Mion is amused.
"Hauu~~~"
Of all the characters in the set (Arcueid, Ciel, Len, Hisui, Kohaku, Akiha, and Sion), I'd say Akiha and Sion were probably at the bottom of the list of the characters I wanted. Which isn't to say that I didn't want them, but I was really hoping for Hisui. Still, Kohaku and Akiha also make a good duo.
Poor Satoko lost a game, so now she has to wear a collar for the rest of the day. Rena is ecstatic. Mion is amused.
"Hauu~~~"
demondestiny
889
That is a cool manga collection. I read manga books a lot and some of my favourites include
Rorouni Kenshin.
Hunter X Hunter.
Zombie Powder.
One Piece.
Naruto.
I especially like these books as they are nothing like the anime. The books contain the storyline as it is over in Japan and make the book popular just like the anime is. Over here shows like One Piece and Naruto have been made by 4 kids. The company has especially spoiled it as it has left out all the violence and horror plus i dont know where they got the actors for them shows.
Rorouni Kenshin.
Hunter X Hunter.
Zombie Powder.
One Piece.
Naruto.
I especially like these books as they are nothing like the anime. The books contain the storyline as it is over in Japan and make the book popular just like the anime is. Over here shows like One Piece and Naruto have been made by 4 kids. The company has especially spoiled it as it has left out all the violence and horror plus i dont know where they got the actors for them shows.
Mewd
1501
You know what's a good anime I just rented?
Mushi-Shi.
It's like a really mellow druidic X-files or a Twilight Zone. Really clever story ideas that are wrapped up in each episode, but in a continuous world.
Mushi-Shi.
It's like a really mellow druidic X-files or a Twilight Zone. Really clever story ideas that are wrapped up in each episode, but in a continuous world.
Gredlen
0
Speaking of Naruto Shippuden... Chapter 367 of the manga was recently scanlated. I kind of stopped following the anime, but I am still following the manga.
Massive spoilers for Chapter 367 of the Naruto manga:
Massive spoilers for Chapter 367 of the Naruto manga:
Seriously, don't read if you just follow the anime:
The ZOMG BIG REVEAL was finally made this chapter. As everyone already knew, the 4th Hokage was Naruto's father. I wouldn't normally be too excited about this, but it was done pretty well. In addition to revealing that information, they also finally reveal his name: Namikaze Minato. I like it a lot. It's a strong yet gentle name, which seems to fit his character very well.
It's also neat that they mention the mother, Uzumaki Kushina. I wonder how it is that a ninja from a different country ends up hooking up with the Fire Country's greatest hero? Though Jiraiya does say "the former Whirlpool Country"...
Jiraiya is obviously going to die soon, against the Akatsuki leader. I don't think it will be immediately, since Naruto will need to be there. Tsunade will probably end up dying as well, though not soon. Kakashi might be strong, but his demeanor just doesn't suit a Hokage, so the next Hokage will almost certainly be Naruto. However, Naruto isn't quite ready yet.
Then again, with the return of "Root", I suppose a certain something could conceivably hit the fan...
I get the feeling that Naruto will somehow (probably through Kakashi) learn Minato's teleporting technique. I'm wondering when he will find out who his father is. Hopefully we'll see some character growth as a result. Personally, Naruto's hyperactive gung-ho style (which has been toned down a bit after the timeskip) is a little grating.
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Itachi finally meet once again... only for Itachi to disappear. Dammit.
This will inevitably lead to Itachi revealing something huge about the Uchiha clan, which will definitely deal with Madara and the Mangekyou Sharingan, as well as Itachi's reason for massacring them. There has to be something more to Itachi than just murdering his entire clan, while leaving Sasuke alive. His motives go beyond merely serving Akatsuki. I wouldn't be surprised if Sasuke kills Itachi soon. Itachi doesn't seem to have any intention of killing Sasuke.
I was really looking forward to seeing what Itachi had to say to Naruto as well. I'm sure he was going to tell Naruto that the Akatsuki leader himself was going after him, but there had to be something more.
I'm glad the whole "Root" plot thread wasn't forgotten. I was beginning to get worried that all the things introduced earlier were going to be totally ignored in favor of Sasuke's return to the limelight.
Here's hoping for a forthcoming explanation for how Kakashi got the Mangekyou Sharingan (possibly in relation to Itachi's big revelation). And hopefully Sai's "brother" will be revealed in time (likely when "Root" takes action, if it doesn't end up being a non-factor). I'm pretty sure there are other things I'm forgetting.
Anyway, I'm really loving the recent pacing of the Naruto manga. The reveals and plot twists keep on coming, while most of the boring, pointless fluff is being left out. It's unfortunate that the anime is dragging out the most boring part of post-timeskip Naruto, but maybe the good stuff will move along at a good pace. I'd watch it again if that happened.
It's also neat that they mention the mother, Uzumaki Kushina. I wonder how it is that a ninja from a different country ends up hooking up with the Fire Country's greatest hero? Though Jiraiya does say "the former Whirlpool Country"...
Jiraiya is obviously going to die soon, against the Akatsuki leader. I don't think it will be immediately, since Naruto will need to be there. Tsunade will probably end up dying as well, though not soon. Kakashi might be strong, but his demeanor just doesn't suit a Hokage, so the next Hokage will almost certainly be Naruto. However, Naruto isn't quite ready yet.
Then again, with the return of "Root", I suppose a certain something could conceivably hit the fan...
I get the feeling that Naruto will somehow (probably through Kakashi) learn Minato's teleporting technique. I'm wondering when he will find out who his father is. Hopefully we'll see some character growth as a result. Personally, Naruto's hyperactive gung-ho style (which has been toned down a bit after the timeskip) is a little grating.
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Itachi finally meet once again... only for Itachi to disappear. Dammit.
This will inevitably lead to Itachi revealing something huge about the Uchiha clan, which will definitely deal with Madara and the Mangekyou Sharingan, as well as Itachi's reason for massacring them. There has to be something more to Itachi than just murdering his entire clan, while leaving Sasuke alive. His motives go beyond merely serving Akatsuki. I wouldn't be surprised if Sasuke kills Itachi soon. Itachi doesn't seem to have any intention of killing Sasuke.
I was really looking forward to seeing what Itachi had to say to Naruto as well. I'm sure he was going to tell Naruto that the Akatsuki leader himself was going after him, but there had to be something more.
I'm glad the whole "Root" plot thread wasn't forgotten. I was beginning to get worried that all the things introduced earlier were going to be totally ignored in favor of Sasuke's return to the limelight.
Here's hoping for a forthcoming explanation for how Kakashi got the Mangekyou Sharingan (possibly in relation to Itachi's big revelation). And hopefully Sai's "brother" will be revealed in time (likely when "Root" takes action, if it doesn't end up being a non-factor). I'm pretty sure there are other things I'm forgetting.
Anyway, I'm really loving the recent pacing of the Naruto manga. The reveals and plot twists keep on coming, while most of the boring, pointless fluff is being left out. It's unfortunate that the anime is dragging out the most boring part of post-timeskip Naruto, but maybe the good stuff will move along at a good pace. I'd watch it again if that happened.
