Naruto Chapter 303 Review

Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Scanslation: Jichjuuriki

[SPOILER HEAVY]

Ah well, it wouldn't be a Shonen Jump manga without at least one infuriating anti-climax a month. All the speculation of last week is officially floated with yet more exposition from Sai on Danzou's intentions to overthrow Konoha. Sai explains his role as double agent between Danzou and Orochimaru, with his allegiance to Danzou. Sai explains that to pre-empt the inevitable double-cross from Orochi he must act as an intermediary between the two, using his abilities to cause what he writes in ink to fly away and inform Danzou of Orochi's activities, keeping him one step ahead.

Sai continues to reel off the distinctly familiar 'I'm just a tool etc etc.' that crops up in Naruto just a wee bit too often. I hope the four-year 'reset' doesn't go for the storylines too, with Kishimoto just doing analogues of the same old stuff. Granted, we still don't know enough to draw these conclusions yet; the fanboy in me hopes and prays for a double bluff with lots of twists, but considering the snails pace that things are going at currently I wouldn't be surprised if its all filler and little else. So far, annoyingly, it just seems to be the same old rubbish, right down to the parallels between Sai's blond brotherly bond and the Two Brats. Naruto gives a nice demonstration of his conviction in saving Sasuke, but it's nothing we haven't heard before. I'm still at lengths to remember these golden days between Naruto and Sasuke, too. Sasuke always seemed like a bit of an arse-hole to Naruto.

I'd be lying if I said this story-line isn't rapidly starting to wear thin. The scene where Kabuto discovers an empty cell was simply lazy and highly irritating. The artwork remains fairly uninspiring, too. Kishimoto needs to pull his finger out now the grace period for this arc has officially ended.