The world of Naruto is one of the ninja. In this world, ninja are raised and trained in hidden villages through out the lands. The main village of these ninja is called Konohagakure or the Hidden Leaf Village. The titular character, Uzumaki Naruto, is a young boy who has had a powerful fox demon sealed inside him when he was very young. Naruto Shippuden takes place many years after a friend of Naruto has betrayed his home village. Naruto now comes across a new group of villains, known as the Akatsuki, who have abducted Gaara.
Highlights
Right off the bat we are seeing the continuing fight between Might Guy and Kisame, an odd fellow who looks to be half fish and was once a member of the Land of Water. He fights with a big sword that is capable of sprouting out spikes that harms anyone other than himself from using it and a master at Water based jutsu. Naruto on the other hand is having a hard time fighting against Itachi, the brother of Naruto’s friend who had left. While Guy is able to handle his fight, Naruto finds himself under the genjutsu of Itachi.
Following the fight and learning what the Akatsuki are up to, as well as learning more history on the Tailed Beasts (the name of those who keep the term used for people like Gaara and Naruto is Jinchuriki, or Demon Host.), the two groups rush to where Gaara is held in an attempt to save him.
Overall
I wish Naruto Shippuden Volume 4 was longer, I really do. The fights were enjoyable, as was the music. But at only four episodes, it ends just when it gets good. I will say that the Akatsuki members are very unique in their own way. From Itachi’s fire jutsu, Kisame’s water jutsu, to even Zetsu, who looked like a cross between a Venus Fly Trap and that one alien from the old Star Trekshow, was all cool.
Even bits after the credits that explain the people, places, and clothing of Konaha, was funny at moments. But the fact remains that I wish this volume was longer. Even eight episodes would have been great, but at 4 min with only trailers and online content for Extra Features, I can only say that this would be good for any fan of the Naruto franchise.
ComicsOnline gives Naruto Shippuden Volume 4: 4 out of 5 shuriken.
