Naruto Chapter 485 – So We Meet Again

Post Author: Bob

Chapter 485 turned out pretty much as predicted: some action but mostly talk. My opinion on this week’s chapter is a little mixed, it was a bit too predictable what Naruto would say and how Sasuke would react. I was somewhat surprised Naruto and Sasuke would repeat their scene at the Valley of the End so quickly after their reunion; it was bound to happen but I thought it would occur much later. The thing that disappointed me in this chapter, though, was Naruto’s immediate reaction after what happened last week.

Even though I knew the chances were nil, I was expecting Naruto and the others to give Sasuke a good thrashing before they started talking. Sasuke is riding so high on his recent achievements right now that giving him a bloody nose via Naruto’s fists could bring him down to earth and maybe, just maybe, knock some sense into him. My ideal scenario for how this chapter should have unfolded would be for Naruto to lose his composure after seeing firsthand Sasuke make an attempt on Sakura’s life, and pretty much clean his clock. I mean, after Naruto said all that stuff last chapter about deciding how to deal with Sasuke after seeing him for himself, this would be the natural reaction wouldn’t it?

Regardless of prior bonds, if a former friend attempts to murder a close friend right in front of my eyes, my initial reaction would certainly not be to tell the attacker that “I understand why you did it.” In Naruto’s case, most of the information he has received so far is from the mouth of Madara, so he is basing his “understanding” on what could very well be fabricated lies or half-truths. This is why Naruto’s reaction to this situation confuses me. Certainly, Sasuke’s hatred for the leaders of Konoha is justified after what happened to the Uchiha clan; but there is no “understanding” about how murdering Sakura, someone who had no involvement in that event, would serve any purpose other than to feed the hunger of a homicidal maniac. If I were in Naruto’s shoes at that moment, I would definitely not be able to keep my cool.

Naruto must really have faith in his ‘third option’ for dealing with Sasuke, but I’m still baffled by how he just brushed aside what Sasuke had just done. If he was a few seconds late, Sakura would probably be either dead or seriously injured right now, but Naruto doesn’t even say a word to her after arriving on the scene. His attention is entirely focussed on Sasuke and all he says in Sakura’s defense is to remind Sasuke that “she is part of Team 7 too”… so does that mean it would have been alright to attack Sakura if she wasn’t part of team 7? I wish Naruto would have shown even a little more concern about Sakura’s wellbeing in this scene, this is his chance to score major points with her but he’s only providing more proof that he is as obsessed with Sasuke as Kishi is.
Ever since they arrived on the scene, Sakura, Kakashi and Naruto have been fighting amongst themselves about who gets to attack Sasuke next. This encounter with Sasuke is so clumsy and poorly managed when compared to their last reunion. Even though the result from the meeting in Orochimaru’s lair was nothing to praise about, at least the team stuck together in the end. But this time, Kakashi, Naruo and Sakura all arrive on the scene separately and each has their own way of dealing with Sasuke: Kakashi has the will and ability to kill Sasuke, Sakura intended to kill Sasuke but has neither the ability nor will, and Naruto has the ability to kill Sasuke but has no intention to. There seems to be so much confusion that Naruto even uses a clone to hold Kakashi down so he can go head off Sasuke’s attack, potentially putting his sensei at risk. If Naruto would go that far in order to make sure he is the one that deals with Sasuke, then he must have already made up his mind on the course of action he will take.

As for the Chidori & Rasengan clash itself, I liked how it was reminiscent of the same scene three years ago, but this time Naruto has matured more and will choose the option he did not have last time. My only complaint is that, unlike last time, the build up to this scene is pretty much non-existent so it takes away from how significant this event actually is. Naruto was also scratched with Sakura’s kunai, which according to Kakashi is poisoned, so I’m betting Naruto is probably going into this in a weakened state – how convenient (does this scenario remind anybody of the battle between the Sannin?). I’m still having trouble accepting the blind faith Naruto has in rehabilitating Sasuke; usually when someone is actively committing serial murders, it’s a sure sign that the kiddie gloves need to come off. But maybe I should have more faith in our main character and this ‘third option’ he’s putting his life on the line for.

Oh, and good for you Karin. It’s difficult to get out of an abusive relationship, but you just took the first step. Here’s a piece of advise for girls, ‘bad boys’ may be fun to flirt with, but don’t take them home ;p