Naruto Chapter 653 Review

Last week’s chapter ended with what could be one of the final confrontations between Naruto and Obito, with Naruto trying to reason with his enemy. The main enemies within Naruto always seem to share traits with the main protagonist and once again Naruto points this out to Obito, explaining just how alike they are and that they just took different paths. Regardless of what Naruto says though, Obito continually disputes his claims, arguing for his own actions and tries to back them up with reasons of his own. This angers Naruto which leads to a flashback scene of Obito’s, allowing the reader to become even more accustomed with this enemy who has been causing trouble for over a hundred chapters.

The flashback admittedly is sweet, mostly focusing on the bond between Rin and Obito. It shows how important Rin was to Obito and how he felt about her which is snapped out of when Obito continues to argue against Naruto’s claims. The main dispute is about what it takes to be a good Hokage, with Naruto snapping at Obito once again when he makes excuses for his behaviour. Another flashback interrupts the current passage of time, still focusing around Obito and Rin but later in their lifetimes. Obito has been wounded and is being tended to by Rin and is making excuses for his behaviour. Rin disapproves of this and brings to light what was said in the first flashback, making the scene quite emotional and shows us a depth of Obito we hadn’t seen before. The final segments of the chapter show Naruto questioning Obito about his most recent actions with the Juubi, pleading with him to give up the war and accept his fate. It ends with an emotional cliffhanger which makes me eager for the next chapter.

This chapter isn’t one packed with action but is instead here to help us develop understanding and inside empathy for Obito it seems. It’s not a bad chapter but it’s also a little dull. Despite the relatively slow pace of the chapter it’s a welcoming break from the high speed action we’ve had for a few chapters and also allows us a deeper view of Obito.

Rating: 6/10

Naruto Chapter 652 Review

After last week’s incredible cliffhanger we’re thrown straight back into the action with the reaction to that important strike against Obito. We’re brought up to date on just what Naruto’s plan was by a bit of inner thinking by one of the characters with praise shining onto Naruto. Naruto’s plan was to release the tailed beasts’ chakra from Obito’s body and then steal back the chakra that was stolen from them. This faces a few difficulties with some of the tailed beasts but Naruto’s friends once again come to each aid with regards to stealing back this chakra. It soon becomes clear that this plan is working.

It really is pleasing to see that Naruto, once a loner in the village of Konoha, is receiving such warm attention not only from his friends but from the entire ninja world as his importance is visible to each and every one of them. Considering I’ve read this manga from the beginning it has truly been enjoyable, albeit annoying at times, watching Naruto develop into the ninja he is in this chapter. It’s almost as if I’m proud of Naruto myself and this pride is further justified as Naruto begins to question his actions after seeing into Obito’s thoughts and feelings as a result of being linked to his chakra now. He’s quickly reassured by everyone’s assistance though.

The final few pages of the chapter are far less action orientated but pack a heavy emotional blow as Obito and Naruto face off in some sort of sealed off solitude. It seems that Obito is beginning to regret his actions, much to his surprise but Naruto is quick to speak up, doing what he does best and talks honestly about his feelings and how he can understand Obito’s. The chapter doesn’t end on a cliffhanger this time but it does end with Naruto making a powerful declaration which admittedly made me smile. I think this arc is nearing completion as I can’t see much more the author can add to this enemy.

Rating: 7/10

Naruto Chapter 651 Review

Chapter 651 of Naruto begins where the previous chapter left off; showing the combined powers of Naruto and Sasuke as they unite to try and end the conflict between the united ninjas and Obito. Obito’s words the previous chapter have been unable to spark the despair within Naruto and so he and Sasuke vow to keep fighting until the bitter end. This determination is continually confronted by Obito who vows that it is futile to stand against him and his powers which he’s collected. It’s clear that neither side is going to be swayed verbally which keeps the tension and action high.

Naruto knows he isn’t alone in this battle and utilizes the entire force of the Konoha ninjas with which he’s grown up with and formed bonds with in his plan. Considering the hardships during Naruto’s background, to see the entire village standing behind him is really heart-warming and this almost makes me proud of Naruto’s accomplishments. He might not yet have reached his dream but he’s definitely going down the right path towards it.

During this chapter a weird occurrence happens to Kakashi, he becomes able to see through Obito’s line of vision whilst also being able to hear Obito’s words in his head. Whilst not explained within this chapter I believe this is due to Kakashi possessing one of Obito’s Sharingan eyes although he’s never been able to experience this happening before. I do hope it gets explained as it is an interesting addition to the current plot progression.

With the combined power of his allies Naruto performs one final strike against Obito, sparking a strange sensation for Obito. It seems, in my perspective, that Obito begins to see a different future, one that would have happened if he hadn’t let the darkness possess his heart and had instead not given in to that darkness. This is quite heart touching too as it gives the reader a sense of how events could have been if different choices had been made in the past. This ultimately climaxes with what could potentially be one of the final segments of this Ninja War arc and I’m excited to see what next chapter brings.

Rating: 7/10

Naruto Chapter 650 Review

After a truly heartwarming chapter last week, this week the allied forces go straight into an offensive against Obito. Using all their powers combined they’re working together to try and put a stop to Obito’s schemes. Whilst Naruto and Sasuke work together to fight Obito, the remaining ninja and samurai attempt to destroy the 10 tails. All the while, after gaining the upper hand once again, Obito questions Naruto’s reason for fighting, to be told it’s Naruto’s Ninja Way. The chapter ends with Naruto and Sasuke once again rising up to fight Obito.

The action definitely increases in this chapter and there is still an overwhelming sense of a warming heart from the dialogue selected. Despite the fact this war has been going on for so long now, since Chapter 515, it feels like we should finally be approaching a climax to this battle yet the writer seems to be avoiding this inevitable act as long as possible. Another good chapter though but feels a little dragged out now.

Rating: 6/10