Naruto 696: Naruto and Sasuke (3)
Sasuke explains how he will succeed in bringing peace to the world.
Naruto fails to dissuade Sasuke from implementing his plan.
Tired of talking, Sasuke launches an all out assault against Naruto. Thanks to Kurama, we know what attack he is using.
Naruto prepares to defend himself as the battle intensifies.
Sasuke senses his imminent victory....
but as usual he has underestimates Naruto.
The chapter ends with the two rivals charging at each other using what may be their final best attacks.
SASUKE
Sasuke has further elaborated on his plans. And I'm still stunned and amazed that he thinks that a plan that is a mish-mash of failed ideas from others who have failed can still succeed. Even Naruto sees the obvious flaw in his plan. It seems like there is no way for him to change his mind. And yet this is a shounen manga. That combined with Naruto's previous TNJ history, how can it not end with Sasuke changing his mind? Do I really believe this or am I just trying to convince myself?
NARUTO
Naruto may not want to kill Sasuke, but their rivalry is clearly alive and well. Naruto still wants to and needs to prove to Sasuke that they are equals. And now he is fighting seriously. He is not going to hold back anymore. While his clone jutsu is hardly original, his use of a Kurama clone to gain nature energy was clever.
What really caught my eye was the statement Naruto made = "Fight me, I want to defeat you properly. But not the way you are now!!!" What exactly does he mean?
THE END
So what happens next? So close to the end I'm not going to speculate, I'm just going to go along for the ride and see what happens. Reading Naruto has been a long and bumpy road, but I have enjoyed every moment, the good and the not so good. All good things come to an end. And its time for this journey to end.
Thank you Kishimoto for all your hard work. Good luck in your future endeavors. And many thanks to all you fellow fans at narutoforadults. Our many conversations were truly enjoyable and enlightening.