Focusing heavily on Shikamaru.

Naruto returns this episode with Asuma’s funeral in process.  Shikamaru does not attend it, choosing instead to sulk at home. He then walks around, hoping that it helps take his mind of Asuma’s death, but is futile as he interacts with people only to recieve consolations.

Shikamaru is then seen playing a game of shogi with his father. After careful prodding by his father, Shikamaru lets out his anger and grief of Asuma’s death. He then comes up with a strategy to defeat Asuma’s killers, Hidan and Kakuzu.

Chouji recieves a visit from Shikamaru, asking him to go out and seek revenge for Asuma. Chouji, as he without a doubt trusts Shikamaru, accepts. He then visits Ino to ask her about the plan , who accepts at once. Team 10 then visits Asuma’s grave before setting out for their mission.

As they are setting out at night, they are stopped by Tsunade. She says that they are not thinking rationally and are being reckless, but Shikamaru disagrees, saying that he has set up a plan for the three of them. He goes on to say that if he doesn’t set out to seek revenge, he will have the most “troublesome” way of living in regret. Kakashi then volunteers as the leader when it becomes clear Team 10 has no intention of backing down.

Summarizing the review, this episode was once again slow in plot progression. They have been heavy on character development in this episode, specifically Shikamaru’s character. Shikamaru is greatly wounded by Asuma’s death, but he doesn’t want to show it. The scene with Shikamaru and his father playing shogi, is one of the best scenes that have occured in Naruto. Also, Naruto is not picturised even once this episode.

Animation quality was a standard considering that it Naruto. The opening and ending themes remain the same.

And on that note,

See you next, deculture!