Thread: Naruto Chapter 408

I really don't think strength is the issue so much as purpose, yes, aside from Sasuke, his team members aren't nearly as strong as the other members of Akatsuki but I don't really see that as an issue. Each member of Akatsuki seems to have been brought into the fold because they had a specific purpose (even though that hasn't been confirmed both Pein and Madara have implied it). Sasuke and his comrades have now filled that void, in the sense in that they are assisting in the next step of Akatsuki's plan. Being an Akatsuki member doesn't necessarily require a specific level of skill, just as being a jounin or chuunin doesn't necessarily indicate ones ability, Sasuke is a Genin but is significantly stronger than most Jounin.

The bigger question for me is why would Madara want Sasuke to be associated with Akatsuki? I was under the impression that Madara wanted Sasuke to start the war so that Akatsuki is not implicated. That way he can get revenge and destroy Konoha while retaining his ambiguity, making Sasuke look like the leader behind the attack on Konoha. If he is waltzing around in an Akatsuki uniform though, that seems unlikely to happen. I suppose only time will tell what Madara's true intentions are for Sasuke.

As far what happened with Naruto this chapter, I think everyone expected things to turn out as they have. My only worry is that Naruto will magically ascend to Pains level in no time, that would be a true shame. I hope Naruto grows immensely during his impending training but I will be very disappointed if it puts him on Pain's level. I think Naruto should face Pain but with a team and still loose forcing Tsunade to step in and save him, dieing in the process, or something along those lines. As it stands, it will be a tall enough order for Naruto to catch up with Sasuke, let alone Pain.

I was particularly amused by the comments of the members of Hawk about Sasuke's eyes. It is good to see Kishimoto realizes what kind of an upgrade he has given Sasuke and is having the other characters take notice of it. I found Suigetsu's comment to be particularly funny and appropriate, it really mirrors the response of the readers I think.

I think it was a great chapter.

I dont know if we should consider them as Akatsuki. Maybe just a part of them, I still believe Sasuke has no real interest in joinning them. He after all, has just renamed his own team. He's simply cooperating with them, so he can gain what he wants.

And I'm not too sure that the 8-tails is an octopus (although having 8 "arms" would go with the 8 swords). Hasn't it always been said that it's a snake? That scupture sure looked reptilian so I'll stick to the snake theory until more detail can be made out.

Thats was only a theory, made long time ago based on practically nothing. It was a good theory, but yeah.

Originall posted by purple filth
Will Sasuke ever get a power up that puts him at some disadvantage? Damn....

I wonder if Naruto will get to do his training since Pain is coming after him.

A powerup, thats puts him at disadvantage? Doesnt make sence.
Besides, he cant do anything but gettin more powerfull. He's an Uchiha with MS, the way he's goin is up. But you guys are still thinking that Sharingan = Instant win. Madara have been beaten for petes sake, so put some faith in Naruto.

Origianlly posted by Artifice.
The bigger question for me is why would Madara want Sasuke to be associated with Akatsuki? I was under the impression that Madara wanted Sasuke to start the war so that Akatsuki is not implicated. That way he can get revenge and destroy Konoha while retaining his ambiguity, making Sasuke look like the leader behind the attack on Konoha. If he is waltzing around in an Akatsuki uniform though, that seems unlikely to happen. I suppose only time will tell what Madara's true intentions are for Sasuke.

Remember, Madara doesnt exist within that group. Pein is still the head of the group officially. So, he doesnt loose anything by letting Sasuke walking around in that cloak. The others have no idea that Madara is still alieve and kicking. I dont think he cares if everybody learns about Akatsuki, he might even pull it off as Sasukes was the head of the group. Might not happen though.

Originally Posted by Raszagal

Remember, Madara doesnt exist within that group. Pein is still the head of the group officially. So, he doesnt loose anything by letting Sasuke walking around in that cloak. The others have no idea that Madara is still alieve and kicking. I dont think he cares if everybody learns about Akatsuki, he might even pull it off as Sasukes was the head of the group. Might not happen though.

Yes, that is true, I suppose I was just thinking that it would be to his benefit to keep Sasuke disassociated with Akatsuki so that when the time comes Sasuke will be the primary target of other countries and such rather than Akatsuki. Though I suppose that when considering that Madara seems to be planning to lend Sasuke Bijuu in the attack that would implicate Akatsuki anyways, since Konoha already knows they are gathering Bijuu. Also, in retrospect, I really don't think Madara intends to keep himself hidden for long if Konoha falls and he likely intends to dispose of Sasuke not long after. Madara seems to need Sasuke for something, my guess is, for another power up of some kind and/or to reverse whatever damage or limitations have been put on him. Whatever it is, the way Madara talks about Sasuke makes it sound like it is of the highest importance to him right now.

That was a pretty good chapter. I bet Hawk is like overheated in their unifroms, they're wearing Akatsuki cloaks over their cloaks for Hawk/Snake, over their normal clothes! And I wonder if Naruto will be able to make it in time, seeing as how Pain's on the move.

Naruto will never make it in time.
probably Tsunade will die at Pein's hands'

It's funny, how almost every fight against the bad guys. The bad guy is getting jumped.

The most interesting thing to me is that the 8-tails is from the same village as the 2-tails.

i cant remember, but was the 2-tails one that was practically given to akatsuki or was it one of them which was protected by their village?...just it would be interesting if they were both from the same village, but were treated differently

Originally Posted by R3dKnight

Naruto will never make it in time.
probably Tsunade will die at Pein's hands'

It's going to be rush hour for Konoha and Naruto. And yeah, Tsunade will certainly sacrifice herself to gain time.

Originally Posted by Bledge

Jiraya felt Nagato inside the body he captured.

When did that happen?