I'm done reading Naruto. The fights are just "oh, we'll add more information and rules so the end seems shocking." I don't like that, I like, "let's battle each other until we have nothing left of ourselves."

Also, the story focusses more on combat than theme, which is the least of my interest. The fights can be meaningful but they're generally there for cool points.

Orochimaru is not an interesting villain (Gaara is a little). I do not care about Orochimaru's plans and I know nothing of his backstory to sympathize with him (and that over the course of a THOUSAND pages!)

But worst of all, I don't think the Chunin exams should have lasted 8 volumes. Despite it's interesting premise and few highlights, this arc slogged and has distasted what I enjoyed about Naruto so far in the first place.

Key Takeaways:
-A good fighter is not necessarily the strongest. Someone who excels in planning and strategy may be an even more important member to a team. (relating that to my life, to pursue my dreams, intelligence and strength are equally viable routes. Just focus on my limitations and build my best possible self.) ( )

Sasuke's fight was a bit interesting, but way too short. Gaara's creepy, of course.

What really has me going is the big surprise! Let's get the big show on the way! ( )

Shit's gettin' reeeeeal.

Sasuke just...isn't all that impressive to me? I know everyone else is enthralled with him because of his clan and expectations and everything, and I don't DISLIKE him, but I just don't feel that same level of excitement that everyone else in the series does where he's involved. Obviously he's "on a different level" and he serves the purpose of rival for Naruto, but I find a lot of other characters more exciting and interesting. I'd also find his constant copying of other peoples' techniques more interesting if it wasn't 95% Sharingan and 5% effort and blending them together. That's not all he's got in his arsenal, as he's also pretty smart, but...meh.

I do have to say that, first reading/watching this series in middle school, I just found Lee annoying and goofy. But as an adult, I have a much better appreciation for him (and other characters) and his struggles as a ninja who can't do anything but taijutsu. He's a really solid character, and his perseverance is admirable. ( )