NARUTO 668: THE CRIMSON SPRINGTIME BEGINS
After failing to land a blow on Madara in the previous chapter, Gai makes his decision.
We are now treated to a series of flashbacks highlighting events in Gai's early years. We also are introduced to his father, Dai.
As the two walk through the village, they are subjected to ridicule by a couple of random civilians. Dai seems oblivious to their taunts, all the while imparting his words of wisdom to his son. Gai doesn't react.
When they come across two fellow ninja who insult his father's status as a genin Gai shows displeasure by throwing a rock at them.
Later at their home, when Dai asks him to explain his actions, they get into a conversation about death and the meaning of victory.
We get Gai's explanation.
During a father-son training session, Dai tells Gai about the forbidden jutsu.
As the flashbacks continue, we see Gai as part of a 3-man squad come across the infamous Seven Ninja Swordsman of the Mist. But they are not alone, Dai has followed them. Determined to protect his son and fellow ninja, he prepares to use "that" jutsu.
Back to the present, Gai has completed the process to open the 8th gate and rushes at a surprised Madara.
I have to say, this was one of the most effective uses of flashbacks in the manga. The scenes between Gai and his father were quite touching. We see how Dai ingrained all of his ideals into Gai that he in turn has passed down to Lee. The same ideals that Lee will no doubt pass on to his own son.
I was surprised at the somewhat serious tone the chapter took. Even more surprising, there wasn't any slap stick humor inserted into this dialogue to soften the gravity of the subject. Most shounen manga don't directly deal with the subject of death, let alone the death of a parent. But it is not unusual for a child to have worries about a parent dieing. I thought this was very realistic and even pertinent to the audience that the manga targets. The panel where Dai embraces his son is moving. You can see in this chapter how Kishimoto's writing is directly influenced by his life experiences, i.e. the death of his father and his relationship with his own children.
Throughout the manga, Gai has played Kakashi's friend and rival with comedic flair. And now we see there is much more to this man. Kind, funny, passionate, and even serious at times, he is determined to protect all that is important to him at the cost of his life. Now we get to see how Lee steps up to the plate and fills the void his sensei will leave behind. I have high expections for the upcoming chapters. I really hope I'm not disappointed.