Naruto Chapter 322 Review

Summary
Asuma and Shikamaru continue their detachedly affectionate conversation, but Asuma warns his Niju Shotai comrades that his concerns over Chiriku are more an issue of potential danger rather than sorrow over his death. Kakuzu continues his chat with the disgusting corpse man, explaining that, as much as he hates him, Hidan is the only person Kakuzu can team with. This is because Hidan is ni impossible to kill and Kakuzu is a short-tempered old fucker who tends to murder anyone who annoys him, so they serve as a good match. Naruto continues his nature manipulation training and inadvertently releases part of the Kyūbi, causing Yamato and Kakashi to drop a bollock. Yamato releases his wooden idols, they subdue Naruto and Yamato warns Kakashi of the possible damage this might be doing to Naruto. Kakashi explains their lack of options and Yamato grudgingly accepts. Asuma & co launch a surprise attack on Hidan and initially seem to succeed, but with our previous insight into Hidan's invincibility the chapter ends on a rather ominous disdain from Hidan as he dismisses the two blades jammed in his sides.

Thoughts
Wait, was that some action? Anyone would think this is a Shonen Jump manga.

This was an enjoyable chapter. When Kishimoto understands how weekly action comics should work he does it with a serious amount of style. Not to say there has to be action in every chapter of Naruto, but there needs to be a degree of excitement or dramatic impact. Even the science lessons can be entertaining when done with an understanding of the audience reading the comic (i.e. mainly pubescent boys who like ninjas and fire). Thankfully 322 has enough ADD scene changes to make things seem brisk and fresh-paced.

Yamato finally gets to do his thing even if he still comes across as Kakashi's favourite biatch. I genuinely hope we get a bit more back-story with Yamato. He's one of those characters that doesn't have much of an extravert personality but inspires affection nonetheless. I reckon he could probably take Kakashi in a fight, too. Do the creepy Face jutsu then wood him in the nads and the old fogy would crumple on the floor moaning about his 'rrhoids. It sounds like the ultimate omake. Or some really upsetting yaoi.

Asuma and the Niju Shotai spring into action and take on Hidan while he waits alone. I'm terrified about what's going to happen next with this battle. I'm tempted to say either Izumo or Kotetsu will die, but Asuma has had lots of attention this volume and dramatic conventions have taught us that when incidental characters get elevated like this something important is going to happen. It could easily be Kishimoto wanting Asuma to have a larger role in the manga, which is cool, but I'm still pretty suspicious. This fight with Hidan is going to be brutal. It better be, I demand pay-off!

A solid chapter with a clear promise of kewl actionz next week, unless Kishimoto decides to completely poop out on us. There's no need to explain the amount of GRR that will cause if it happens. Asuma & Shikamaru FTW!

Comments

[Naruto Manga]

it was brutal enough! :)