Naruto Chapter 317 Review

Summary
We open with Deidara and Akatsuki newbie Tobi confronting the aquatic behemoth Sanbi, also known as the three-tailed Bijū. Tobi shows trepidation over tackling it, suggesting Deidara should do the honours, but Deidara commands Tobi to prove his worth. Rather than take the opportunity to do so Tobi runs for his life exclaiming that Kisame should be dealing with water-types. A mounted Deidara labels this pathetic and readies a fish-like explosive clay model. It dives down to meet the face of the Sanbi and Deidara detonates, causing a massive spike of water that sends Tobi flying. We cut away to find Yamato meditating surrounded by nine torched idols and three piles of indiscernible powder. He pushes out his left hand to reveal the kanji ‘Za’ (‘gathering’, ‘position’) written on his palm. Kakashi enquires about how well the Kyūbi chakra suppression is going, calling Yamato by the name ‘Tenzou’. Yamato replies in the affirmative but requests that Kakashi calls him by the name Yamato rather than Tenzou. Meanwhile, Naruto and his numerous clones continue their training, attempting to split leaves and bickering amongst themselves over their varying success; one clone in particular is doing well with a leaf almost split entirely in two. Naruto asks Kakashi if anyone else in Konoha is able to alter the nature of wind and Kakashi confirms there is, but he’s probably busy playing Shougi (Japanese chess). We cut away to Shikamaru checkmating Asuma, deciding on his reward of a free meal after the next mission. Naruto rowdily appears and enquires about some assistance and Asuma decides Naruto’s payment will have to be a meal of Yakiniku after their next mission. Shikamaru exclaims annoyance at this and Naruto agrees regardless. Asuma pulls out two short-bladed weapons and reveals them as his chakra blades, which are forged from special metal that can channel the user’s chakra. He hands one to Naruto and asks him to do so and an aura of chakra appears around it. Naruto notes that it looks different from Asuma’s. Asuma continues the lesson by explaining that wind alteration involves splitting chakra in two and grinding them together to form a fine, sharp shape. Naruto disputes the merits of doing this to an already-sharp weapon like the blades and Asuma produces a practical example by telling Naruto to throw it at a nearby tree. He does so and Asuma throws his, with Naruto’s blade becoming lodged in the trunk and Asuma’s cutting through it neatly and causing a sizable crater of damage in a rock behind. Asuma explains that he limits his chakra use for safety and if he didn’t the blade could have easily gone through the rock. He continues to explain that in a fight with bladed weapons, the sharpest usually wins. He notes the wind affinity is a rare trait and explains that if Naruto requires any further assistance it will cost him a meal of Yakiniku for Team 10 each time. Naruto disappears to teach the troops his new insight and Asuma comments guiltily on the membership of Chouji in his team, to which Shakamaru shows irritated disdain. We conclude with Tsunade receiving bad news about the fallen Bijū and the presence of Akatsuki in the Fire Country. Tsunade demands they will not leave the country and calls for the dispatch of the new 20th Legion.

Thoughts
First I should apologise for the lack of a 316 review. I’d been meaning to do it, but I’ve been seeing my father in England and I’ve been so busy since that I figured carrying on to the next instalment would be more practical. I might write a quick summary later for completists’ sake, but no promises.

The advent of the colour pages this week was a big surprise and they’re beautifully done. They have the air of a marker pen about them, but it’s probably more the print quality than any reflection on Kishimoto. Personally, I like it. The double-page spread of the nine Akatsuki members is especially cool; it being entertaining to see what hair/face/etc colour they all have (it being as bizarre as you’d imagine). The art in general this week was particularly note-worthy with a reasonable balance of action and chat - all with good amounts of detail and expressiveness. I wonder if there’s any correlation between the chapter placement in volumes and the art quality. I’m more inclined to think Kishimoto operates on need:quality basis (especially with the colour pages this week), but it’d be interesting to look at in depth.   

Story-wise, things are ticking along at a nice pace now. Perhaps it’s my shameless bias but Asuma’s lecture felt less boring than Kakashi’s. It’s probably unfair that Asuma had weapons to compliment his, but still . . . he honoured the key to success with these kind of scenes in Naruto: teach by example. Violent, violent example. He also underlined his cunning/rugged good looks by asking for meals in exchange for teaching. I dread to think how much it costs to feed Team 10 for one very particular fatboy reason. Naruto clearly got gypped and we laughed heartily as a consequence. 

The big whosawhatnow? came from Tsunade’s revealing of the 20th Legion, whatever the fook that is. My theory is some kind of anti-Akatsuki task force. Hopefully they won’t be filled with emotionally dead zombies like Sai, but judging by Konoha’s recent morally backwards practices it wouldn’t be a surprise. They will win extra points if it does actually involve the undead. Even more if Asuma leads it and we get to see a lot of the maligned supporting cast kick some arse.

Conclusion
This was another fun chapter. It had the faint smell of filler about it, but nothing as horrendous as its anime brethren. Generally speaking, I’d say Kishimoto is using his time well - even if he continues to piss me off with the lack of detail on these Bijū battles. Deidada and Tobi made a nice change from Hiden and Kazuku; both seemingly more likable and charismatic. Deidada’s dispatch of the three-tails seemed a bit straight-forward, but we're used to abbreviated Akatsuki fights these days. I know a lot of people are getting impatient with the Naruto manga, but it still has the spark that keeps my interest. At least it hasn’t reached Bleach levels of ridiculousness, eh? :x

Seeing as 317 was Asuma-tastic, here's a treat. Blame my father's built-in webcam. I've downgraded to a goatee!

Comments

[Ashley]

You, sir, have forfeited your Asuma-factor! A mere goatee pales in comparison to the full-bearded glory of Asuma. Facial hair aside, I have to agree with you on Asuma's little lesson being much more interesting than Kakashi's. Hell, even Yamato looked put out having to listen to him drone on. Oh where has the perverted teacher we all know and love gone?!

[Hige]

Well, after having my grandmother call me a Jew and then make vaguely anti-Semitic comments I decided it had to go. I might get lazy again and let it run free.

Pervert-senin FTW! :D

[sssmokinnnnnnnn...........]

u smoke pardner?...

[mi fccio tua mamma]

cojone

[Yashaness]

lololololol. Failness. I couldn't watch past the first 14 episodes because Naruto BEGAN as ridiculousness.

[MisaTange]

cool

[MisaTange]

cool

[naruto manga]

cool azuma shot, hehehe