Naruto Chapter 693-694 – The Fated Battle: Hokage

The fated battle finally begins… – colour by Desorienter

Beyond the madness that has gotten a hold of Sasuke and twisted his perception of the world and what he deems “necessary”, there is some logic to the method he has proposed in bringing about a revolution for the shinobi world. Regardless of Sasuke only focusing on the negatives the current shinobi model has brought about, centralising evil onto oneself in order to unite a world does hold a certain potential to reduce conflict, but at the same time it also opens the gates of uncertainty and insanity. Does Sasuke really believe that inducing negativity in others and having it directed at himself will truly save the world and lead it to lasting peace? Just like Madara and Kaguya, Sasuke fails to see the overarching effects his actions will have on the individual and the world they will perceive themselves living in.

Naruto Chapter 692 – Sasuke’s Revolution

The inevitable battle between Sasuke and Naruto begins – colour by DEOHVI

I suppose it was fated for the Naruto vs Sasuke conflict to be the climatic event of the series and thanks to this chapter such a scenario has been set-up. Honestly, while I had expected it, after all the developments Sasuke had gone through after meeting Itachi and realising that revenge isn’t the path that will lead to a positive end, I began to think Sasuke was starting to redeem himself and open his eyes to the actuality of the world and suffering. Apparently though, I was wrong, even after meeting Itachi and hearing him out, Sasuke still intends to fuel destruction by destroying the shinobi system, which includes taking out all five of the Kages. All I can say is I am disappoint Sasuke.

Naruto Chapter 691 – The End Of The War

Happy 17th Birthday Naruto!

So it seems official, the fourth Shinobi War has ended. With the congratulations and emotional farewells taking place this chapter, it seems hard for Kishimoto-sensei to twist it into a new development of an antagonist returning or a new one appearing, especially after the thoughtful message Naruto left with his dad to pass on to his mother. The mirroring against Kushina’s message to Naruto in chapter 504 was fantastic, Kushina is so going to bawl her eyes dry when she hears what Naruto wants to tell her – what an awesome family.

Naruto Chapter 690 – Kaguya Sealed

Kaguya, along with the Shinju, are sealed inside the Chibaku Tensei seal

Now that Kaguya has been sealed with the Chibaku Tensei jutsu, I am left confused about her purpose in the story and the role she ended up serving. Why did she even need so much chakra in the end? And most importantly, where does the Shinju fit in all of this? Was it the Shinju controlling Kaguya, in order to gather all chakra in one point, or was it actually Kaguya controlling herself (and the Shinju chakra), intending to gather chakra to end humanity? Without knowing the circumstances that forced Kaguya to act in the way she did, I can’t understand the role she was meant to serve in the story =/.

Naruto Chapter 671 – The Fate Of The Future

The pieces of Naruto are finally falling into place, where will these two lead the future to?

What a fantastic chapter following the previous great chapter. With the information we have learned from Hagoromo all the elements in Naruto that seemed out of place and disjointed are finally coming together into a story that is pushing themes that are relevant to life and decisions. The fates Naruto and Sasuke bear have finally come to light and through them and their decisions, a new path into the future can be forged. Everything both Naruto and Sasuke had to live through in the previous 670 chapters all set-up the place they find themselves in right now. With the future being entrusted to the two of them, it is going to be really interesting and exciting to see where they help guide it.

Naruto Chapter 670 – Ootsutsuki Hagoromo

The Rikudou Sennin, Ootsutsuki Hagoromo appears! – rendered by NarutoPants

What a surprise, I definitely was not expecting Hagoromo, the Rikudou Sennin to appear all of sudden in Naruto’s inner self while Naruto struggles between the borders of life and death. But how necessary and enlightening it is that we have it, a lot definitely was explained and made clear about the story and history of chakra and the conflict behind the Uchiha and Senju. It is also interesting to note that Naruto and likely Sasuke can right the wrongs made centuries ago that has created consequences existing even today, with a decision. Naruto will definitely be up to ending the insignificant feud started centuries ago, but will Sasuke?