Naruto Shippuden Episode 245 – Naruto vs Kyuubi! Review / Thoughts

So from the title alone I am sure many expected a lot from this episode, afterall, Naruto vs Kyuubi is a massive battle and with the possibility of Naruto gaining control over the Kyuubi, a lot is riding on it. But then again, maybe episode titles can be deceiving?

Well the answer is yes and no, as while we do see the very start of Naruto vs Kyuubi, it comes right at the end of the episode and has basically left everything for next week instead. But no matter, that at least gives something to look forward to whether you’re an Anime only viewer seeing it for the first time, or if you have already read it in the Manga and simply want to see certain parts animated.

But anyway, what did this episode have then if not Kyuubi vs Naruto? Well what we did get to see is Naruto’s continuing training at the Waterfall of Truth. While before Naruto had little luck in defeating his inner self, after learning more about Bee and Motoi (and with Killer Bee’s encouragement) he decided to try again. This time though things were different, as Naruto realised that fighting against someone who could use all his same attacks and strategies was pointless. Instead of fighting, Naruto instead rejects the idea of hating people for the way he was treated in the early days and proclaims that he will instead believe in the version of him that the villagers of Konoha do – that being the village hero who everyone admires. His inner self protests and rushes to attack, but as he gets close Naruto reaches out and hugs him, thanking him for helping to make him strong, but that now instead of being two seperate entities they would be together and could work as one from now on.

That’s what filled up most of the episode, with a little bit of Bee preparing Naruto to face the Kyuubi by taking him to a secret place behind the waterfall that was specially designed for Jinchuriki to try and master the control over their tailed beasts.

Overall the episode was good but not great, it was a little disappointing thanks to the slightly misleading episode title, but it was enjoyable enough regardless. While not as good as the previous two episodes in this arc, it is still definitely worth your time watching and is fairly enjoyable all things considered. Besides, it also sets up nicely for next week, which if done right could end up one of the very best Shippuden episodes, and is definitely going to be one you don’t want to miss.

Naruto Shippuden Episode 244 – Killer Bee and Motoi Review / Thoughts

Last week as readers of this blog will know, I praised the first episode of Shippuden last week that returned us to canon, and I am happy to say that the quality has kept up with this episode too.

Now the story last week was mostly about Naruto and training at the Waterfall of Truth to gain control over the Kyuubi, but now this week with him having had little success, we are instead treated to some backstory on Killer Bee and Motoi (as you probably guessed from the episode title).

The flashbacks were done very well and the emotion was real as Motoi relayed the story of how Bee became a Jinchuriki and what affect that had on him. As kids Motoi and Bee were best friends, but after a rampaging Hachibi killed his father, Motoi began to despise the Hachibi which came to include Bee who was chosen as the new host. Motoi even attempted to kill Bee because of the hatred he had built up, but when the attack was easily brushed off by Bee, instead of being angry or upset with Motoi, he instead acted as if nothing had happened and stuck out his fist to bump.

That’s the main part of this episode, exploring the kind of relationship between Motoi and Bee. In the Manga I don’t remember being especially fond of this part, but the Anime really has done in brilliantly and I found myself really enjoying it all. At the end as Motoi is being attacked by a giant squid (the same one that appeared in the last episode), he is saved by Bee who despite finally hearing the truth of the past, still acted calm and happy and saying all he remembers is that Motoi is his best friend, a sentiment that moves Motoi to tears.

There isn’t an awful lot of Naruto action (as in the character) for this episode, but sitting back and letting the other characters take centre stage is a refreshing change of pace, and overall it has ended up producing a very good episode of the Anime. Next week shall see a return to more Naruto oriented action as he must face the Kyuubi in battle, and I for one can’t wait to see that happen.

Naruto Shippuden Anime Schedule For January 2012

Normally I probably wouldn’t bother wasting time posting a schedule for Naruto here, especially with the recent months of filler. Honestly I haven’t even watched Naruto since shortly after the canon of the Kage Summit Arc ended, but thankfully not only will it be returning to canon in January, but it also consists of some of my favourite parts from the Shippuden story. For those Anime only watchers,  just know you are in for a treat come January.

Anyway, the full schedule is here:

January 5, 2012 –  Episode 243: Landing! Paradise Island?

January 12, 2012 – Episode 244: Killer Bee and Motoi

January 19, 2012 – Episode 245: Naruto VS Nine-Tails

January 26, 2012 – Episode 246: The Orange Sparkle