2023: the final reading log of the year

In this post, I talk about a couple of books and graphic novels that I read this year, specifically the ones I liked and the ones I didn’t like.

More thoughts on ‘Naruto’: Kishimoto mishandled 2 important themes

Last month, I finished rereading Naruto, and after finishing up the final chapters, I wondered if the story ended in a satisfying way. I noticed that the two following themes of the series were often contradicted by a character’s actions or statements. Revenge When it comes to Sasuke’s revenge plot against Itachi, almost everyone told…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes Arc + Finale

The final arc of the Naruto series continues with the emergence of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. As the battle rages on, Sasuke’s cold remarks make Sakura feel uneasy about herself and Sasuke. Later, the team successfully defeats Kaguya; however, the alliance with Sasuke turns sour when Naruto and Sasuke decide to settle their dispute with another match….

Revisiting the Shinobi World: Birth of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki Arc

The Naruto series by Masashi Kishimoto continues with its 18th arc, Birth of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki. The war only continues to escalate now that foe and enemy alike join forces to stop the incarnated Madara Uchiha. Birth of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki Arc The Birth of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki arc spans from chapters 640 to 677,…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: Fourth Shinobi World War Arcs

The sixteenth and seventeenth arcs of Naruto continue with the Shinobi World War. As the allied forces push themselves to their limits, many others are forced to confront their pasts. Dead enemies and comrades arise with Kabuto’s jutsu (Edo Tensei). And although Naruto and Killer Bee were forced to go into hiding due to the…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: Fourth Shinobi World War, Countdown Arc

The fifteenth arc of the series continues with the conclusion of Kakashi’s encounter with Sasuke and the major villages’ preparations for war. While preparations are being made by both sides of the conflict, Naruto embarks on another training session. However, this time, Naruto trains with Killer Bee, the Jinchūriki from Kumogakure. Naruto must confront his…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: The Five Kage Summit Arc

The fourteenth arc of Naruto continues with more politics, revelations, and accusations. In this arc, I finally get what I wanted to see more of: the political aspect of the Shinobi World. While that part of the arc was entertaining, I couldn’t help but think about the strange way that the story built up to…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ Pain’s Assault Arc

Note: I use the names Pain and Nagato interchangeably throughout this post. The thirteenth arc of Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto continues with Taka’s attempt to defeat the Eight Tails’ host. At the same time, Pain and his lookalikes move to attack Konohagakure to capture Naruto. Recap of the Previous Arc The Fated Battle Between Brothers…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ The Fated Battle Between Brothers

The twelfth arc of the Naruto series by Masashi Kishimoto continues with the Uchiha brothers’ battle, harsh revelations, and Naruto’s new training. Although the series stagnates with another training session, it flourishes wonderfully with the complexities that build due to the Uchiha clan’s history and its massacre.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant Arc

The eleventh arc of the series continues with Jiraiya’s daring mission and Konoha’s pursuit of Sasuke. Readers are also finally given a better look at the founders of the Akatsuki. Recap of the Previous Arc After Sasuke defeats and absorbs Orochimaru, Orochimaru’s devotees wreak havoc. Word spreads quickly and Tsunade deploys Team 7, Team 8,…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ Itachi Pursuit Arc

The tenth arc of the Naruto series by Masashi Kishimoto continues with Sasuke Uchiha finally taking action against Orochimaru and his older brother Itachi.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ the Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc

Naruto continues with its ninth arc, the Akatsuki Suppression Mission, which features another training session with Naruto, and Team 10 (aka: Asuma’s team) fight against Hidan and Kakuzu. There is a lot to love about this arc, specifically the emotional rollercoaster that Kishimoto puts his readers through. However, there are other things that I did…