While it's nice seeing Shikamaru be awesome, it's even more nice to see other characters develop, bloom, and die, serving themselves up as significance for others. That disturbed feeling in my heart is a great counterbalance to the optimism inherent in these books.

Asuma, we shall miss you. ( )

I'm halfway through this series and absolutely loving it. Here I was thinking I'm over Manga and Anime because I'm an adult now. Naruto proved me wrong.

Its got action, good story-line and plot twists. Its more than just a fun read. The tale weaves in themes of friendship, perseverance, sacrifice, revenge and war. You gain inspiration. You see the characters mature, physically and mentally.

With my perception changed, I may have to reread Fullmetal Alchemist (my all-time favourite) and start reading another Manga once I finish this.

Full manga review at https://anushanarasimhan.com/2015/12/19/naruto-manga-review/ ( )