Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ The Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Arc

Masashi Kishimoto’s series continues with another tumultuous event as Naruto and Sakura are teamed up with the mysterious Sai and Yamato, Kakashi’s temporary replacement. The Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission arc is fast-paced and thrilling. Naruto and Sakura are desperate to find Sasuke Uchiha after his defection.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc

Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto continues with Part 2 of the series. For what seems like the very first time since the story began, Kishimoto places more focus on Sakura Haruno, one-third of the main trio, in the seventh arc.  The Kazekage Rescue Mission arc is charged with incredible action, great character development, and an emotional…

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ Kakashi Gaiden Arc

The Naruto manga series continues to amaze with a formal introduction to Kakashi Hatake’s character. Of course, Kakashi’s character already had an introduction way earlier in the series when Team 7 was formed (back in the first arc). However, not much was known of him until this point of the series. Before the Kakashi Chronicles—or Kakashi Gaiden— arc, Masashi Kishimoto painted him as a generic “cool” character who is both wise and strong. However, a good story needs imperfect characters, and Kakashi is among them.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc

The Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc is, by far, one of Kishimoto’s most impactful subplots of the series. Although there are some things that I did not like, the arc remains one of the best.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ Search for Tsunade Arc

The Naruto series by Masashi Kishimoto continues with the fourth arc, Search for Tsunade, which comes after Konoha Crush. So far, the fourth arc is the shortest in Kishimoto’s series. It also inches readers closer to the turning point of the story.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ The Invasion of Konoha Arc

Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto continues with the Invasion of Konoha Arc, or more commonly known: the Konoha Crush arc. This part of the story picks up right after the Chūnin Exams where Orochimaru and Sunagakure ninja began their assault against Konohagakure. I remembered most of this arc, thanks to the anime. There were several moments that made me enjoy the plot of the arc, specifically Gaara’s heart wrenching backstory, Shino and Shikamaru’s involvement in Team 7’s pursuit of Sasuke and Gaara, and the death of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto’, The Chūnin Exams Arc

The story continues with the exciting Chūnin Exams arc! Rereading the series made me come to the realization that I have forgotten a lot of details. Aside from the background details, one thing that stood out to me in this arc was the characters’ uncertainty. Sakura’s lack of confidence in her own strengths and abilities is prominent in this arc. Her shining moment was when she found her resolve to protect her teammates. However, Sasuke and Naruto also find themselves in a similar situation. Their hesitation is triggered by their fear of stronger opponents, though the weight of their realizations differ.

Revisiting the Shinobi World: ‘Naruto,’ Prologue—The Land of Waves Arc

I first read Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto in mid-2014 and I loved it. I decided that I would read it again this year, 2023. So far, the story is as I remember it: the first arc is full of great art, simple storytelling, and memorable characters.