Naruto Shippuden

Episode 134: Banquet Invitation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 2:30:00 -0800

Sasuke arrives at one of the Akatsuki hideouts, having followed in Itachi's footsteps. When Sasuke is about to enter the hideout alone, his older brother Itachi finally appears before him, only to be revealed as an illusion created by genjutsu. The fake Itachi instructs Sasuke to come to the Uchiha hideout. Meanwhile the Leaf ninja are also going after Sasuke. Naruto uses his Shadow Clone to locate Sasuke's whereabouts, but just then the Akatsuki member Tobi appears and enters battle against the Leaf ninja.

Happy Birthday, Jiraiya!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 6:00:00 -0800

Seems like only yesterday (last month actually) that we had a double helping of anime episodes featuring the Pervy Sage. As fate (or good timing -- Jiraiya's known for good timing, even if he shows up when you least expect it) would have it, we now get to celebrate his birthday this month. One thing we know for certain is that if there's one person in Naruto who would take advantage of a birthday to party down, it would be this man!

For the occasion, enjoy the latest character data wallpaper and a tribute by Stephen Bajza below, and be sure to wish the Toad Master (or is it Frog? So hard to tell them apart sometimes) a happy day in the forum!

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Happy birthday, Jiraiya! It’s time to break out the cake and party favors; he’s going to want a celebration in style. Naruto’s very own mentor is rounding out another year of writing novels, working with frogs [Shippuden Episode 91 “Orochimaru’s Hideout Discovered”], and oh yeah, being one of the legendary sannin! He loves the festivities and has a whole lot to celebrate, so let’s make it a big one!

Considering how laid back he seems, Jiraiya’s an interesting guy with an interesting life. Being one of three people who’ve ever attained the sannin rank, you’d think he’d be more serious. Fortunately he’s absolutely not the strict teacher you feared in school -- he’s liable to strike a cheesy kabuki pose as soon as guide you on the path of high-ranking ninja-dom. Sometimes, though, that party spirit can be taken a tad too far… [Original Series Episode 86: “A New Training Begins: I Will Be Strong!”] But as long as he’s reminded that there’s a student waiting, he’s right on track! (And don’t interrupt the kabuki poses, that annoys him.)

One of the hardest things to miss about Jiraiya is his utter dedication to “research” (*cough* perversion *cough*). He’s made a ton of money off the “Make-Out” novel series but for better or worse, his love for females is well-documented [Original Series Episode 177: “Please, Mr. Postman!”]. It’s a strange match made in heaven when someone who’s mastered the “sexy jutsu” finds a powerful ninja who’s habitually distracted by pretty women. [Original Series Episode 53: “Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!”] But let’s cut him some slack, it’s not like he’s totally lecherous: he learned to respect and fear Tsunade before she became leader of an entire village (but only after a trip to the hospital!).

Despite his quirks, he wouldn’t be the master of shinobi style we know and love without a healthy appreciation for timing. When it comes to the members of the Akatsuki, he’s all business. [Original Series Episode 94: “Attack! Fury of the Rasengan!”] We should also mention that Jiraiya’s version of a workout isn’t the kind you order from a 1-800 number! Good thing Naruto has an enormous amount of willpower, he needs it to get through Jiraiya’s training. Like they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you a deadlier ninja, so getting pushed off a cliff is a very effective method! [Original Series Episode 56: “Live or Die! Risk It All To Win It All!”]

So here’s to our man Jiraiya, the one who’ll rescue you from the Akatsuki and a dull night!

Naruto Shippuden: The Movie

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 6:00:00 -0800

Like a nine-tailed fox spirit unleashed upon the land, the Naruto Shippuden movie is out today, and it's out everywhere!

DVD: Naturally, we've got the uncut DVD of the movie (both dubbed and subtitled versions) in the VIZ Media store.

iTunes: You can also download the dubbed uncut version of the movie straight from iTunes.

PlayStation Network: To download the dubbed uncut version of the movie from PSN, log in to your account and look under VIDEO --> OWN --> GENRE --> ANIME.

Enjoy the movie, and be sure to chat about it in the forums!

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Story summary:
A long time ago, a powerful spirit drove the world to the brink of destruction, and now an evil power has brought it back. Naruto’s latest mission is to protect Shion, a priestess from the Land of Ogres, whom the spirit is after. Shion is the only one with the power to seal away the monster, and she has the never-failing ability to predict someone’s fate. Her latest prediction: Naruto will soon die. Naruto’s only hope for escape is to abandon Shion to the evil spirit, which would mean her death and the end of the world. But that’s not Naruto’s style, and he decides to face her fatal prediction head-on—and die!

Happy Birthday, Sasori!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 6:00:00 -0800

There's just something cool about puppets and dolls, even when they scare the heck out of you (don't even get us started on Chucky). And we should also salute those who are pulling the strings, even if he is a bad guy. So in the proper birthday spirit, we send our best wishes to Sasori, who certainly made a huge impact on the Shippuden story and treated us to some amazing battle sequences along the way. Enjoy a new character wallpaper, read Stephen Bajza's tribute below, and contribute some well-wishes in the forum.

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Sasori of the Akatsuki might still look like a little kid and that makes him adorable. Don’t pinch his cheeks though – he will probably have one of his creepy puppets stab you.

Everyone knows about sand sibling Kankuro and his mastery with puppets, but we should also respect Sasori’s genius. [Shippuden Episode 7: “Run, Kankuro”] It’s just something that happens when you spend your whole life building deadly dolls. Sasori has certain in-depth knowledge of his puppets that gives him an edge over poor Kankuro. [Shippuden Episode 8: “Team Kakashi, Deployed”] It’s a good thing both ninja use chakra to control their weapons, because a pile of tangled twitching puppets would make for a very lame battle.

Generally, someone who kicks everyone else’s butt at something gets kind of bored during fights, and Sasori is no exception. However, even though he can mop the floor with Kankuro, his very own grandma provides a bit more of a challenge (with some help from Team Kakashi). [Shippuden Episode 20: “Hiruko vs. Two Kunoichi!”] Everyone enjoys a little arts and crafts session with the family but this is flat-out ridiculous. While some people might have fond memories of crocheting and baking cookies with their elder relative, Sasori spends quality time unleashing one of his most powerful jutsu. [Shippuden Episode 26: “Puppet Fight! 10 vs. 100!”] One can only imagine what a birthday party with Sasori and Granny Chiyo would be like…

When you wish Sasori a happy birthday, do it with open arms! Despite the fact that most Akatsuki ninja are hard to please, Sasori only really wants one simple thing. [Shippuden Episode 27: Impossible Dream”] Whether we should really give it to him on his birthday is a different question.

PSN Pulse: Naruto Spotlight

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:55:00 -0800

PlayStation Network's weekly Pulse program (Nov. 5 edition) has a nice spot on uncut dubbed Naruto Shippuden episodes, which are now available straight from PSN. Episodes 1-6 are already out, with the Shippuden movie scheduled to be released next week. Just look under TV Shows > Anime > VIZ Media in the PSN store.

Episode 133: The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 2:30:00 -0800

Having lost his arm, Jiraiya is outmatched by the six Pains now appearing before him. Of the six, the one called Tendo is revealed to be Jiraiya's former student Yahiko. Jiraiya is still puzzled by the Rinnegan's true powers, but before he can gather his thoughts, he is forced back into battle. After barely managing to defeat one of the Pains by dragging it into his barrier, Jiraiya comes across a possible answer to his question. Realizing that now is the time to make his selection as prophesized by the Great Lord Elder, Jiraiya risks his very life to uncover the mystery behind Pain.

Hot Topic: Which Akatsuki Member Has the Coolest Abilities?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0800

With Orochimaru's birthday last week and Sasori's birthday coming up this weekend (Nov. 8, mark your calendars!) we're having a nice little run of baddie celebrations on this site. So in that spirit, this week's hot topic centers on the, er, unique abilities of the Akatsuki. Sure you love to hate 'em because of the dangers they present to our heroes, but even those of us on the side of right and good can appreciate the interesting skills they bring to the table. Which Akatsuki member do you think has the coolest abilities? Sound off in the discussion forum!

Vote for Your Favorite Sasuke Episodes

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

We've just finished up our Jiraiya anime special, but another is on the horizon for November -- a pivotal two-parter focusing on our favorite intense ninja, Sasuke.

As we get ready for the special, mosey on over to the discussion forum where we have a poll about fans' favorite Sasuke episodes. Your votes will determine which episodes we feature, so exercise your democratic rights!

Episode 132: In Attendance, the Six Paths of Pain

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 3:30:00 -0700

Jiraiya completes his Sage Mode transformation to battle the three Pains. But Jiraiya's ninjutsu attacks enhanced by the two great sages Fukasaku and Shima are repeatedly negated, while his taijutsu attacks are blocked by the Pains unknown teamwork. Fukasaku speculates that the Pains are somehow sharing their vision with one another, and advises Jiraiya to fall back. After analyzing the situation at hand, Jiraiya and the two great sages devise a plan to defeat Pain. But what awaited Jiraiya following the fierce battle was something even he couldn't have anticipated...

Naruto Shippuden Premieres on Disney XD Tonight

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 6:00:00 -0700

Naruto is ready to make its return to broadcast TV tonight with a two-hour special on the Disney XD channel tonight at 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. Central time). Shippuden dubbed episodes 1-4 will be featured tonight, and moving forward, one new episode will premiere each Wednesday, with episode 5 appearing on November 4 at 8:30 p.m.

Shippuden DVD and iTunes News

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Naruto Shippuden dubbed episodes 9-13 (uncut and unedited, naturally) are now up on iTunes. This stretch covers the Gaara rescue mission, with some Sakura and Granny Chiyo highlights thrown into the mix. And we should add that you can pre-order the Shippuden vol. 3 DVD (out on November 24) that also includes these episodes.

Speaking of DVDs, the Naruto Shippuden vol. 2 DVD is out in stores today, so if you haven't gotten yourself a copy yet, well, there's no excuses now...

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For discussions on the Naruto Shippuden anime series, visit the forum.

Happy Birthday, Orochimaru!

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0700

Even bad guys deserve a little love on their birthday, right? If nothing else, we love 'em because they're so good at being bad. It's often said that a hero in a story can only be as strong as his villain, and Orochimaru is one doozy of a villain.

So to honor one of the best baddies in the Naruto universe, slither up to a fresh Orochimaru character data wallpaper and enjoy our, er, tribute below. What does one give a character for a birthday when he's mainly interested in immortality and bodies (complete or otherwise)? We're not completely sure, but if you have an idea, chime in at the discussion forum!

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Happy Birthday… Orochimaru?!

Some of our favorite Konoha ninja might be a little on the moody side, but none of them are nearly as dangerous as the villain we all love to hate. It’ll take a lot more than courage to sneak a successful “happy birthday!” by the likes of Orochimaru. Even so, what can you possibly give to the man who has his sights set on immortality? Maybe an extra organ or forbidden jutsu, if you happen to have either of those lying around. (And if you do, certain people from the ANBU Black Ops would like a word.)

There isn’t a single person in the Land of Fire who would accuse Orochimaru of being a nice guy. Being able to summon a giant purple snake certainly doesn’t help the situation. [Original Series Episode 95: “The Fifth Hokage! A Life on the Line!”] On the other hand, he does manage to get to know a few ladies. Someone with charm enough to attract feminine attention isn’t all bad, right? Then again, he ends up using one of their bodies as a living vessel for his soul [Original Series Episode 71: “An Unrivaled Match! Hokage Battle Royale!”], which isn’t exactly the mark of a gentleman. Needless to say, attacking your former mentor in an all-out assault on your hometown while inhabiting the body of someone you’ve kidnapped is not the best way to get the red-carpet treatment.

“Awkward reunion” doesn’t even begin to describe his encounters with everyone from his past years in Konoha. In this writer’s humble opinion, offering to resurrect a former teammate’s dead loved ones in exchange for healing the arms which were used to attack her village is a terrible ice-breaker. [Original Series Episode 89: “An Impossible Choice: The Pain in Tsunade’s Heart”] He’s just not very good with those subtle social graces. You’d think he’d learn his lesson when he actually resurrects two very powerful and very loved Konoha ninja. [Original Series Episode 69: “Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!”] Without revealing too much, that stunt turns out to be a definite shock to everyone in the village.

And we haven’t even mentioned Orochimaru’s huge attitude problem. What else can you say about someone who sees people as tools? He infects Sasuke with the curse mark just to make him a more useful pawn. [Original Series Episode 30: The Sharingan Revived: Dragon Flame Jutsu!”] No one likes to be used against their will, but being a human guinea pig takes the cake, something our favorite wood-shaping-expert Yamato unfortunately knows all too well. [Shippuden Episode 39: The Tenchi Bridge”] Seriously though, Orochimaru is such a stone-cold bad guy, he can push Naruto’s buttons right past the breaking point. [Shippuden Episode 42: Orochimaru vs Jinchuriki”]

But if you’ve got the guts, the gear, and the chakra, it may be worth your while to wish one of Naruto’s most diabolical villains a happy birthday. Who knows? It just might touch a small, good piece of him that’s buried under a mountain of evil. In light of one of the biggest plot turns in Naruto [Shippuden Episode 113: “The Serpent’s Pupil”], I can almost guarantee it.

Free Shippuden on PSN!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:23:00 -0700

You can now download the first four uncut episodes of Shippuden from PSN (just look under TV Shows > Anime > VIZ Media), and as a bonus, you can download episode 1 for free through November 4, 2009.

To discuss this and other Naruto Shippuden news, visit the forum.

Episode 131: Honored Sage Mode!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 3:30:00 -0700

Jiraiya battles to defeat his former student Pain, who is now driven by his twisted ideals as an Akatsuki member. Jiraiya first summons the giant toad Gamaken to counter Pain's summoning jutsu. He then decides he must enter Sage Mode to face an enemy who wields the legendary Rinnegan, and Pain summons various beasts to prevent Jiraiya from completing the jutsu. Under such constant attacks, can Jiraiya safely complete the Sage Mode?

Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 for Wii: A Preview

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 8:00:00 -0700

A little while back we had a sneak preview of the new Naruto game for the Wii (coming out November 17, so mark your calendars), and now thanks to SHONEN JUMP magazine we have a more in-depth look at the game. Enjoy, and head over to SHONENJUMP.com to get more game coverage, or pick up the latest edition of the magazine... You can also preorder the game straight from the VIZ Media Store.

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From the Land of Beat Downs!
[From SHONEN JUMP Magazine Issue #82, October 2009]

The next Revolution is coming, and ninja gamers are training hard with thumb and finger exercises to get ready for battle! Combat in this sequel’s been tightened up with new attacks and added Jutsu. Matches more intense than ever! Check out screens of your favorite characters as they pull off incredible new moves!

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Great Balls of Chakra!

Naruto gears up to deliver his Rasengan. After creating a clone to spin the chakra in his hands, he leaps toward the enemy to deliver one of the most fierce Jutsu ever created.

One Fist Sandwich, Coming Up!

Sakura’s focusing chakra into her fists for a devastating blow. After training with Tsunade in Naruto’s absence, she has been able to harness these abilities to unleash super strength on her target.

Turn on the Waterworks!

After observing Kisame with his Mangekyo Sharingan, Kakashi uses the Water Shark Jutsu. This Jutsu is one of many Kakashi has copied and can now unleash in Clash of Ninja Revolution 3.

Flying the Unfriendly Skies!

Might Guy uses his Asakujaku Jutsu on Kisame. He’s opened the Gate of Rest and knocked Kisame into the air, where he’ll follow up with a barrage of flaming fists.

Love Taps from Neji!

Neji uses the force and quickness of his jabs to create projectile waves of air. These waves are powerful enough to knock over an opponent, and Neji uses them instead of kunai in most cases.

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To chat about this game as well as other Naruto video games, visit the discussion forum.

Title: Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3
Publisher: Tomy
Developer: Eighting
Platform: Wii
Release Date: November 2009
Price: $39.99
Rating: Rating Pending

©2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO / 2007 SHIPPUDEN All Rights Reserved.

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Naruto Halloween Cosplay Discounts

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

We've partnered up with our friends at Circle Red to offer discounts on some choice Naruto gear for the Halloween season, including Leaf headbands (one size fits all!) and Akatsuki cloaks. To check these out as well as items from some other familiar shows, visit the Circle Red website. We're only a couple weeks away from Hallows Eve, so make your order soon.

Naruto Shippuden on Disney XD: October 28 Premiere

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:00 -0700

We've got more details about the television broadcast premiere of Naruto Shippuden on the Disney XD channel, straight from Disney:

Premiere: Wednesday October 28 at 8:30 p.m. (two-hour special with the first four Shippuden episodes)

Time slot: Moving forward, a new episode will premiere every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. Central time)

The Disney XD Naruto page is also now up -- check it out.

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To discuss this news and other Naruto on Disney XD happenings, visit the forum.

Jiraiya Special: Part 2

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Today we have another two-part Jiraiya anime special streaming on the site. Those who have read the manga already know that intense things are in store -- how do you like the anime version? Or if you're new to this part of the storyline, let's hear what you think. What are your highlight moments? Sound off in the discussion forum.

Episode 129: Infiltrate! the Village Hidden in the Rain

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 3:30:00 -0700

Jiraiya successfully infiltrates the Hidden Rain Village by hiding inside the toad Gamagoro. He sets out to gather information but finds no indications of a civil war occurring within the village. The previous leader Hanzo of the Salamander is gone, and the people now worship Pain as their new leader. A confused Jiraiya proceeds to capture and interrogate two genin. As a result, he learns that Hanzo was killed along with all of his family and followers. Unfortunately, Jiraiya's activity has already been detected by Pain--the Akatsuki leader and the Hidden Rain Village's new leader.

Episode 130: The Man Who Became God

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 3:30:00 -0700

Foreseeing a possible battle, Jiraiya takes precautionary measures by storage releasing the scroll toad that commands the key to Naruto's Eight-Signed Seal. He then resumes his reconnaissance mission by taking on the appearance of one of the captured genin, leaving the real one under Gamagoro's care. His actions, however, have already caught Pain's attention, and Jiraiya is ambushed by a storm of paper. Appearing before Jiraiya, who managed to escape the attack, is his former student Konan and another former student--one who no longer retains his former appearance.

Shippuden Dubbed Episodes 5-8 Now on iTunes!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0700

We're chugging along with placing new downloadable dubbed Shippuden episodes up on iTunes, and today episodes 5-8 enter the fray. Of course, episodes 1-4 are still available if you haven't snapped them up yet. And the Shippuden DVD vol. 2 release is just around the corner, as the disc hits streets the last month of October. Stay tuned for further DVD announcements and previews...

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For discussions on the Naruto Shippuden anime series, visit the forum.

Happy Birthday, Naruto!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:30:00 -0700

10-10. A nice even set of numbers. And incredibly important, as the tenth day of the tenth month marks the birthday of the main character of the series we all love. And even if you don't love him as much as some of the other characters, we owe him a debt of gratitude, because how can ya have a series without him?

What is there to be said about Naruto that hasn't already been said? Well, plenty. For starters, check out the SHONEN JUMP website, which has a mundo-cool 10th-anniversary feature about the Naruto manga series, including a complete story timeline.

And of course we have a brand-new character data wallpaper for you to enjoy, as well as a collection of the best Naruto anime moments, as voted on by you, the fans.

The other day we announced the winners of our "Make a Naruto birthday wish" contest, but we thought we'd throw out one more noteworthy wish that a fan sent us (warning, slight spoiler ahead):

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Dear Naruto,
You've come such a long way! You are the outcast ninja no longer. You who were once shunned have now out proven yourself to not only Konoha, but all the great nations and countries you have visited. I can plainly see everyone who has known and loved you is extremely proud of you! You, along with your growing ninja skills, have this awesome power to change people for the better. You shine new light into those who have been through the worst of times. You are definitely the perfect balance of courage, persistence, and knuckle-headedness.

Remember, stay true to your ninja way, and nothing is impossible. You have already proven that so many times. Bet you anything you have already secured the position of Hokage, once the position opens up again. Once that happens, the ninja world will face a whole new generation for the better. Your dream may seem distant, but, by the way you're doing now, it will come true. Not that you need any more motivation. You'll pursue your own beliefs no matter what people say! Now THAT is something to be admired. You already have many people, young shinobi alike, looking up to you. You have your whole life ahead to build your legacy, with Jiraiya looking down on you from above, and Sasuke in your sights. Good luck, I'm sure you can do anything.
Happy Birthday Naruto.
-- nee28---

We can't say it much better than that, so we won't try to. But maybe you can! Send your birthday wishes to Naruto in our discussion thread.

Naruto Movies 1-3 now on PSN

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:30:00 -0700

We're catching up in the world of downloadable Naruto anime content, and today we're pleased to announce that you can download the first three Naruto movies (Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow, Legend of the Stone of Gelel, Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom) from the PlayStation Network, in uncut dubbed format. More video news to come, so check back again soon...

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To chat about the Naruto movies and the original Naruto series, visit the forum.

Your Naruto Birthday Wishes!

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0700

We're only a few days away from Naruto's birthday (and we've got some special stuff lined up for the next few days, so stay tuned), and it's time to announce the winners of the "Make a Naruto Birthday Wish" contest!

We received over a hundred entries in our "Make a Naruto Birthday Wish" contest, with plenty of heartwarming words for our ninja in the orange outfit. Who knew that the word "knucklehead" could be used as a term of endearment?

Some of your wishes were short and sweet...

"Dear Naruto,
For your birthday, I hope you get a free ramen for life card at Ichiraku's."
-- Andrew O.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU LITTLE ORANGE NINJA YOU!!!
Go beat up everyone you know. They can take it since it is your birthday."
-- Morgan B.
"For my birthday wish, I'd love to be able to take a year's worth of martial arts classes so I could feel more like the characters in Naruto."
-- blackstardanny13
(We heartily support your decision to improve your martial arts skills blackstardanny13, but we were looking for birthday wishes for *Naruto*. ;-))

"i wish naruto would come on tv soon."
-- Tyler G.
(Well, you already got your wish Tyler, because Naruto will premiere on the Disney XD channel soon! Stay tuned...)

Some folks even sent us some fan art (like this -- even the Akatsuki got into the birthday spirit!).

But when it comes to the best of the best, we picked the three winners below. Congratulations to you, and we'll be in touch soon to mail you your Naruto Shippuden vol.1 DVD!

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The "Make a Naruto Birthday Wish" Winners!

I know that Naruto and Sasuke aren't ready to reunite, but my wish for Naruto is that he and Sasuke can have a moment of connection and understanding. Happy Birthday Naruto, I know that one day you will become Hokage of the leaf village.
-- Duwane S.
Dearest Naruto,
I want to wish you a truly Happy Birthday, but first I'd like to thank you.
At first I was reluctant to watch Naruto because of reviews I had heard from other people. They said that the show was "childish," but I didn't care. I began watching with an open mind, and found that the show was much more than I expected. Immediately I noticed many similarities between you, the main character, and myself. I didn't have many friends to begin with, let alone anyone who shared the same interests as I did. I was also (and continue to be) energetic, loud, unpredictable, and I love ramen! But one trait I did not share was the unbelievable amount of tenacity and confidence... after watching the show, I have built up my confidence, and often times I will say to myself, "What would Naruto do?" So I thank you, Naruto, for helping me realize that I don't have to simply give up, and that I can keep going no matter what. So I wish you a Happy Birthday, and I hope you get to eat lots of cake! I'm certain that you will be the best Hokage there ever was! Keep going after Sasuke, I'm sure he'll come around!"
-- Laura V.
Birthday wishes to a ninja who's always true,
In every awesome and wacky thing he'll do,
To chowing on ramen, or defeating the wrong,
He's the coolest dude on this side of of Konoha,
Because we know our man Naruto's the one,
Who will be the next Hokage with a mean rasengan!

Happy Birthday to one whirlpool of a guy and friend! (Get it Naruto? It's a play on your last name! lol) May many full ramen bowls come your way!
-- Your pal, Desiree---

It's too late to win a prize, but not too late to wish Naruto a happy birthday! Do so in the forum.

Naruto Shippuden Movie Drawing - The Winners!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:46:00 -0700

We're happy to announce that the following folks have won a free ticket to the premiere screening of the Naruto Shippuden movie at the NEW PEOPLE center in Japantown, San Francisco!

Elizabeth Gomez
Jeffrey Delisle
Chris Ozuna
Alondra Alonso
Daniel Corpuz

These lucky five will be seeing the movie on 5 p.m. on Tuesday October 6. Thanks to everyone who participated in the drawing, and if you didn't get chosen this time, don't fret -- the movie DVD will be here before you know it...

The Jiraiya Anime Special: What's Your Take?

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:03:00 -0700

So the first one-hour Jiraiya anime special ("Jiraiya Ninja Scrolls") has just been released -- check out Shippuden episodes 127-128 on this site if you haven't seen it yet. We get some fascinating back story for the Pervy Sage, as well as a few clever moments you won't find in the manga. What's your take on the episodes? Favorite moment? Most surprising moments? Weigh in at the discussion forum. Another Jiraiya one-hour special is on the way October 15, so stay tuned....

Naruto Q&A: What's a "Season"?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 8:00:00 -0700

Since we get so many questions from fans about Naruto, we thought we'd start keeping a running Q&A to address some of the more popular ones. Unfortunately, we're not always at liberty to answer certain questions, but we'll do our best to keep you in the know about the ones we can address.

With the release of the Shippuden vol. 1 DVD, we've gotten a few queries from folks about how we define "seasons" when it comes to putting together DVD box sets and such. The question really points out the difference between U.S. and Japanese TV-viewing culture. Over here in the States, "seasons" usually last about half a year, with the other half being used for re-runs, special programming, and the like. A good example is a show like 24, which has 24 episodes (duh) each season.

In contrast, popular TV shows in Japan go on and on and on without a pause, 52 weeks a year (no "seasons" there)! That's why you often get "filler" episodes -- anime shows often catch up to the manga storyline so fast that the show runners have to create original stories to pass the time while they wait for the next manga installment or story arc to come out.

We here at VIZ Media acquire these shows in batches, usually a year's worth of episodes at a time (in this case, 52 episodes). And since we live in a country where people are used to viewing their shows based on dividing them into seasons, we're categorized Naruto for packaging and distribution in the U.S. by "seasons." We've done our best to organize seasons by major story arcs; for example, "season 1" of the original Naruto covers episode 1-57, season 2 covers episodes 58-106, season 3 covers episodes 107-163, and season 4 covers episodes 164-220.

If you have a Naruto question chime in at our forum and we'll do our best to answer!

Episode 127: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja -- Jiraiya Ninja Scrolls, Part 1

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 3:30:00 -0700

During the reign of the Second Hokage, the young Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade are assigned to Hiruzen Sarutobi's platoon as Genins. Fascinated by Sarutobi's summoning jutsu, Jiraiya immerses himself in mastering the transportation technique. While training, Jiraiya accidentally transports himself to Mount Myoboku, opening the path to fulfill his destiny. Accompanied by young Gamabunta, Jiraiya meets the Great Lord Elder and learns that his coming was foretold. Taking Fukasaku as his master, Jiraiya begins his Sage training and waits for the Great Lord Elder's next prophecy.

Episode 128: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja -- Jiraiya Ninja Scrolls, Part 2

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 3:30:00 -0700

Jiraiya's journey to seek out a student is postponed due to the outbreak of the Third Great Ninja War. Jiraiya joins Tsunade and Orochimaru to battle the Village Hidden in the Rain. Following the battle, the three ninja are named the "Legendary Sannin," a title given to them by the enemy Hanzo of the Great Salamander himself. Preparing to return to the Leaf village, the three come across a group of starving children named Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan. Jiraiya decides to stay behind and look after these children until they can fend for themselves, and makes a startling discovery. The cruelty of war and a ninja's fate begins to slowly overtake Jiraiya and his students...

Naruto DVD News

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:48:00 -0700

We made a few announcements today for some more Naruto DVDs coming out in November -- read on for the details...

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NARUTO Shippuden, Volume 3 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens •
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 24
Gaara of the Sand has been kidnapped, and Team Kakashi are on their way! Sakura uses her skills as a medic ninja to treat the wounded Kankuro, impressing everyone with her sure and steady hands. Granny Chiyo of the Sand decides to accompany Team Kakashi, but before they can get to Gaara and the Akatsuki lair, the team is confronted by a familiar enemy--Itachi Uchiha.
Episodes: 9 – 13

NARUTO UNCUT Season 1, Volume 2 DVD Box Set • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN • Available November 24
Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura face deadly enemies and dark powers as the Chunin Exam continues in the Forest of Death. While they search for the Heaven and Earth scrolls, something evil is afoot, and it's after Sasuke! Then the genin must take on each other in one-on-one battles. Does Naruto have what it takes to stand up to his peers--and win?
Episodes: 26 – 52

New Jiraiya Wallpaper

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0700

We're one day away from our one-hour Jiraiya anime special (check out the best of Jiraiya episode lineup if you haven't seen it yet), so to honor the occasion we've come up with a fresh new Jiraiya wallpaper for your pleasure. All hail toads! (Or is it frogs? So tough to tell the difference sometimes...)

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To chat about Jiraiya and other Naruto characters, join the conversation at the discussion forum.

Shippuden vol. 1 DVD OUT TODAY!

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:56:00 -0700

You knew it all along, of course, and marked your calendars -- but just in case you forgot, the Naruto Shippuden vol. 1 DVD is out today. Uncut, unedited, in glorious dubbed and subtitled versions. Enjoy...

Naruto Drawing: DVD Winners!

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:30:00 -0700

Earlier this month we had a drawing for Naruto newsletter subscribers to receive a copy of the Naruto Shippuden Vol. 1 DVD. We're pleased to announce that our winners for the contest are Robert Hicks, James Osborn, and Bontin Banget! Congratulations to you, and we'll be in touch shortly to verify your address and send your DVDs. For the rest of you, take solace in the fact that the DVD comes out tomorrow...

If you didn't win this time, never fear, there's some opportunities to win some Naruto goodies going on right now, including our Naruto Shippuden movie premiere ticket drawing and the Make a Naruto birthday wish contest, so head on over and enter!

Our Favorite Jiraiya Episodes!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:00:00 -0700

On October 1 we'll be featuring a one-hour Jiraiya anime special on this site (be sure to come back then to check it out), but in the meantime we hope you'll be entertained by our picks for the best Jiraiya episodes so far -- six episodes chock-full of mayhem, comedy, action and even wisdom (as much wisdom as you would expect the author of Make-out Paradise to supply). All hail the Pervy Sage!

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To join the discussion about Jiraiya and other Naruto characters, visit our forum.

Win Tickets to the Naruto Shippuden Movie!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0700

The Naruto Shippuden movie is coming to DVD in November, but first things first -- the movie makes its U.S. theatrical premiere on October 6 and 7 at the brand-spanking-new VIZ Cinema at NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco's Japantown! (Visit the NEW PEOPLE website to see all the latest anime and Japanese live-action film offerings being shown).

If you're going to be in San Francisco on October 6, we've got an opportunity for you -- enter our drawing and we'll randomly pick five fans to receive free tickets to the premiere showing of the Shippuden movie at 5:00 p.m. that day. In addition to the movie, there should be other surprises and coolness in store, so enter the drawing, and may the luckiest ninja win!

Make a Naruto Birthday Wish

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 -0700

We're getting closer and closer to the blond-haired one's birthday (October 10), and we want to hear from you -- your birthday wishes for Naruto, specifically. To send your birthday wish to Naruto, go directly to this page and fill out the form, and you'll be entered for a chance to receive one of three copies of the Shippuden vol. 1 DVD. We're looking for birthday wishes that are fun and original, so think before you write!

Happy Birthday, Ino!

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 9:00:00 -0700

In the rumble-tumble, battlin' world that is Naruto, sometimes it's nice to enjoy a character with a little bit of personal flair. Sure Tsunade supplies the glamor factor (even if her alluring appearance might not be, er, completely natural), and some of the Akatsuki are kinda elegant in their villainous way, but how about someone who's into the same stuff we're all into -- like shopping and looking good for instance?

Well, now it's time to honor someone who knows how to conduct herself with a little style, as we celebrate Ino's birthday. Some of the other Naruto characters might be a bit puzzled by the idea of having a party, but here's one gal who will celebrate with the best of 'em! Enjoy the latest character data wallpaper, and a little tribute by our writer Stephen Bajza. And of course, send your well wishes on our discussion forum.

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Happy Birthday, Ino!

It’s only been one day since Shikimaru had his birthday, and now it’s time to celebrate Ino’s! Looks like Team 10 gets a small break from taking on any tough new missions. Fortunately, unlike a certain few grim or indifferent ninja, Ino loves gifts. (Hint: beauty products are a sure-fire winner!)

Ino definitely has a thing for boys, shopping and beauty products, which may seem like very un-ninja-like interests, but she rocked the top of the Ninja Academies grading curve. Point of fact, her fashion sense often helps others, as when our pink-haired heroine Sakura gets into a little bit of “forehead trouble.” [Original Series Episode 41: "Kunoichi Rumble: The Rivals Get Serious!"] Ino’s social graces often come to the rescue, as when she helps a certain feudal princess attract the object of her affection. [Original Series Episode 192: "Ino Screams! Chubby Paradise!"] Who would have thought being the most popular girl in school would be so handy as a shinobi?

Ninja are all about stealth and subterfuge, something Ino’s Mind Body Switch Technique typifies. It helps with everything from stealing test answers [Original Series Episode 24: "Start Your Engines: The Chunin Exam Begins"] to keeping the so-called Legendary Idiot Brothers on lockdown. [Original Series Episode 145: "A New Formation: Ino-Shika-Cho!"] What better a way to get the upper hand on her eternal rival, Sakura, than sneaking into her head! Too bad “inner Sakura” has a wildcat will of steel. [Original Series Episode 42: "The Ultimate Battle: Cha!"] It’s the only time the technique doesn’t work. A “who knows how many” to one success rate is nothing to shake a shuriken at!

Ino also has an uncanny sense of observation. Uncanny as in, she can look at someone’s hands and immediately recognize their profession (does that include carpal tunnel?). [Original Series Episode 198: "The ANBU Gives Up? Naruto's Recollection"] It’s not an invincible skill though… Her small touch of boy-crazy can muck up those deception-sensing abilities. [Shippuden Episode 54: "Nightmare"]

She has friends, skills, and a very successful ninja career that won’t slow down anytime soon. It might seem like Ino has it all, but you can easily put a smile on her face today with a little well-wishing and a thoughtful gift. (And remember: beauty products!)

Happy Birthday, Shikamaru!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 9:00:00 -0700

It's all about balance. When you have a bunch of hot-headed ninja running around, you need someone with an icy calm to keep things in perspective. At first glance, the mild-mannered Shikamaru isn't the sort of person you'd imagine being a master strategist and leader -- just think of his famous catchphrase "What a drag." But when it comes to duty, loyalty and commitment, few fit the bill better than he does -- just take a gander at the compelling Hidan/Kazuku storyline where he's featured front and center.

So in honor of the seemingly indifferent chunin and his increasing importance in the Naruto story, we offer a fresh data character wallpaper and some birthday wishes courtesy of our writer Stephen Bajza. And feel free to pass on your own laid-back birthday regards to the man on our discussion forum.

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Happy Birthday, Shikamaru!

The master manipulator of shadows himself is front and center for all your well-wishes. For all he’s done for his friends as well as Konoha village, we should throw a huge blowout of a party, right? He might claim to want average things in life, but even this serious-minded shinobi would enjoy a huge celebration.

He certainly deserves one -- Shikamaru might be a little on the relaxed side but his genius is clear even during the chunin exams. [Original Series Episode 64: "Zero Motivation: The Guy with Cloud Envy!"] where even the jaded Hokage is impressed with his ability to strategize. You’d think manipulating shadows is enough in and of itself to win a fight, especially after he simply forces an opponent to knock themselves out [Original Series Episode 43: "Killer Kunoichi and a Shaky Shikamaru"] but Shikamaru uses his shadow technique like an intricate game of shogi (good thing he loves shogi!).

Even if his shadow technique has its limits, it’s still crazy impressive. Early in his training he manages to hold down eight ninja at one time. [Original Series Episode 70: "A Shirker's Call to Action: Layabout No More!"] With that kind of power, you can’t blame anyone fighting him for being afraid of their own shadow (even though shadows don’t usually leap out to grab you!).

Sometimes Shikimaru can be so nonchalant that praying monks look hyperactive by comparison, but when the fight’s on and his friends are on the line he’s up and ready to take action. His genius at shinobi strategy and compassion for teammates does not go unnoticed. Tsunade herself places him in charge of the Sasuke retrieval team. [Original Series Episode 110: "Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad!"] So much for an average quiet life, right?

If he isn’t playing shogi or sleeping, he’s probably hard at work on the next mission. Considering how hard it is to get authentic ninja gear, maybe it’s best to get him a nice new playing set or a really fluffy pillow! He might just smile and say thank you, but when it comes to Shikamaru, that’s considered to be positively beaming.

Naruto on the WII: Naruto Shippuden Clash Ninja Revolution 3

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:47:00 -0700

You want bullet points about the new Naruto game for the Wii that's on the way? Here's yer bullet points:

- The first next-gen Naruto Shippuden title featuring all new content and storyline, exclusive for Nintendo Wii
- More than 35 playable characters, many upgraded with a new Shippuden look and unique abilities, including character-specific jutsu moves
- Wi-Fi multiplayer gameplay
- 40 3D environments to choose from

Sounds pretty good to us. For more details plus a trailer and screenshots, check out the Gamestop Preview. And join us in the gaming forum for plenty o' gaming discussion.

Naruto Shippuden: The Movie

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:12:00 -0700

Yep, as most know, there's a Shippuden movie, and we've just announced that it's coming out on DVD on November 10. As with the other Shippuden DVDs lined up for release, this one will retail for around $25. It's already available for pre-order at our Naruto store. For more official details, check out the press release, and stay tuned, because there will soon be an announcement about the theatrical U.S. premiere of the movie...

Episode 126: Twilight

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 3:30:00 -0700

With Kiba leading the way, the Leaf ninja follow Sasuke's scent that they picked up from the site of the explosion. But Karin senses the ninja hounds' presence. Suspecting a pursuit by the Leaf ninja, she notifies the others and the Hebi members quickly leave the inn. To allow Sasuke to focus on his coming battle with Itachi, Karin comes up with a plan to keep the Leaf ninja occupied. Thrown off by Karin's plan, Naruto uses his Shadow Clone Jutsu to search for Sasuke, when Itachi Uchiha suddenly appears. Meanwhile, in the distant Leaf Village, Jiraiya learns the whereabouts of the Akatsuki's leader.

Happy Birthday, Kakashi!

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:38:00 -0700

Seems like Kakashi has been having his run of it here on the site lately, huh? First you had the Kakashi Chronicles anime special, and then the popular Kakashi Fan Art Contest. And now, finally, the man's actual birthday. And why not, because the man has been a consistent presence in the Naruto storyline for, well, always. And with folks like Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura to look after (or track down), he might qualify for hardest-working ninja on the planet. So give it up for the man as he celebrates his birthday on the 15th, grab yourself a fresh character data wallpaper, and join our writer David F. Smith in saying...

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Happy birthday, Kakashi Hatake!

In the world of Naruto, he might be the most renowned ninja on any block. Among fans of the series, he sometimes even beats out a certain kid whose name is on the cover of every comic. From the deserted reaches of the Land of Wind to the distant islands of the Land of Mist, anyone with any sense has a healthy respect for the son of the famous White Fang.

Whether he wants it to be or not, Kakashi’s birthday is a bit of an occasion. It happens when you have friends, foes, and rivals all across a continent. So here’s a thought – what does a guy like Kakashi get to snag in the way of birthday gifts?

Maybe his fellow jonin can get him soething more just a birthday present... maybe something to commemorate Kakashi’s decision to finally take on his share of the training legwork. Perhaps a new set of bells for his famous teamwork test? [Shippuden Episode 3, “The Results of Training”]

Naruto and Sakura might get most of the credit, but Kakashi and his pack of faithful ninja dogs play a key role in the mission to rescue the kidnapped Kazekage. [Shippuden Episode 11, “The Medical Ninja’s Student!”] It’s hard to imagine that Gaara himself is much for gift-giving, but Temari might have the presence of mind to send Pakkun a present of his favorite minty shampoo.

Old man Jiraiya could spare a little something for his biggest fan, and maybe allow a sneak preview of an upcoming volume of Make-out Paradise. After all, Kakashi’s addiction to trashy romance paperbacks may in fact be his sole weakness. [Shippuden Episode 2, “The Akatsuki Makes Its Move”] Speaking of old masters, what would Tsunade get him? Nobody's ever accused the Fifth Hokage of being the sentimental type, so she might very well give Kakashi the gift of an S-Rank mission and tell him to get his squad cracking, double time.

One wonders if some of his old enemies among the Akatsuki might take the opportunity to let him know they’re thinking about him. Kakashi and Itachi Uchiha have a rare couple of traits in common, not to mention a spot of unfinished business from the last time Itachi gave the Leaf ninja a visit. [Shippuden Episode 120, "Kakashi Chronicles ~ Boys' Life on the Battlefield ~ Part 2”]

And last, but not least, from his squad of trainees… well, let’s face it, ten will get you twenty that Naruto’s the only person who could manage to forget his mentor’s birthday. But he might be persuaded to give his long-suffering squad leader a day free of headaches – no backtalk, no pranks, no major property destruction. Kakashi would probably appreciate that gift most of all.

Naruto Coming to Disney XD!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:37:00 -0700

Many of you fans out there have waited for this day a long time -- heck, even polls have started up about it. So we're pleased as punch to finally be able to make the official announcement: Naruto is returning to television! Naruto Shippuden will make its premiere on the Disney XD channel next month. As soon as the broadcast dates are finalized we'll make the announcement, so be sure to check back here often. For more details, check out the press release below... And of course, feel free to discuss and comment on this news in our discussion forum.

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VIZ MEDIA TEAMS WITH DISNEY XD

TO PRESENT NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

TO TELEVISION AUDIENCES THIS FALL

Newly Launched Disney XD Channel To Host World’s Most Popular Ninja With New Action-Packed Episodes

To Debut Weekly Beginning In October

San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2009 – In a landmark agreement, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that its animated series NARUTO Shippuden has been acquired by Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group for debut on Disney XD (www.DisneyXD.com) television channel beginning in October.

Disney XD is a new basic cable channel and multi-platform brand that showcases a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. New dubbed episodes of NARUTO Shippuden will premiere on the network.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja in training, wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO Shippuden begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks—except him. Sakura is a medic ninja, Gaara has advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi… well, he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, and Naruto quickly regains his focus when he learns that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru and that the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. The more Naruto finds out about Akatsuki’s sinister plot, the more he realizes that nothing in his world is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

“Disney XD is a growing destination for our key demographic, boys 6-14, and we're looking forward to bringing the adventures of NARUTO Shippuden to our lineup," says Tracy McAndrew, Director, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 92 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO Shippuden rated ‘T+’ for older teens), is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America. NARUTO is a co-production of TV TOKYO, VIZ Media parent company Shueisha Inc., and Pierrot Co., Ltd.

“We’re very pleased to partner with Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group to bring NARUTO Shippuden to U.S. television audiences this fall,” says Bill Germain, Director of Programming Sales, VIZ Media. “With Disney XD as its new broadcast home base, NARUTO Shippuden is poised to take viewers, both new and old, to unprecedented levels of ninja-excitement!”

More information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.

Kakashi Fan Art Contest: The Winners!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:48:00 -0700

Thanks again to everyone who entered the Kakashi Fan Art contest. We're pleased to announce our five winners, so give them all a hand!

We've been asked a bit about what criteria we judged entries by -- originality and creativity count of course, but we also wanted to feature work across a spectrum of age groups, and of course honor those who clearly have a passion for everything Naruto. Congratulations to our winners -- you'll be seeing your prize packages soon. And for all those who entered, we're pleased to announce that we're working to send all the entries to Japan for Kishimoto Sensei's enjoyment, so even if you weren't a finalist, take some satisfaction in knowing that your work will be gazed upon by the eyes of the Master himself...

Episode 125: Disappearance

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 3:30:00 -0700

Sasuke goes missing after being caught by Deidara's suicidal bombing. Sensing his disappearance, Jugo, Karin, and Suigetsu race to Sasuke's last location, where the three Hebi members discover...? At the same time, Naruto and his friends who were on their search mission also notice the big explosion. When they arrive at the site, Kiba picks up Sasuke's scent and attempts to track him. Meanwhile at the Hidden Rain Village, Akatsuki members Pain and Konan are having a secret meeting with the most unexpected person...

Episode 124: Art

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 3:30:00 -0700

Determined to destroy the Sharingan to rid himself of the taste of defeat he received from Itachi, Deidara unleashes his biggest attack, the C4 Karura. Created to kill Itachi, this fierce weapon is capable of destroying living beings from the inside using millions of nano-sized bombs. Can Sasuke escape this attack fueled by Deidara's determination to destroy the Sharingan? Nearing the end of the battle, Sasuke and Deidara reach their limit. Faced with Sasuke's unbreakable will, Deidara's wrath and pride explode!

Take the Naruto Manga/Anime Survey

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 -0700

We've just put up a survey for Naruto manga and anime fans to fill out -- send us your feedback and it'll help us as we try to bring you what you want.

Hot Topic: Will Naruto Become the Next Hokage?

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Sure it's just speculation, but isn't that our job as fans, to speculate? The hot topic on the forums for this week centers on Naruto as we continue the countdown to his October 10 birthday: will he step forward to be the next Hokage? Plenty of arguments for and against this one. Maybe he's just too young for the job, even if a path of succession is opened for him. Maybe the seventh or eight Hokage, but the next one? On the other hand, he's certainly overcome greater odds before. But are we really ready for a rambunctious hokage? Weigh in on the forum with your take.

Kakashi Fan Art Contest: The Lucky 13

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:28:00 -0700

Thanks to everyone who submitted to the Kakashi Fan Art Contest -- we received a few hundred entries, from a variety of ages (everyone from 8 to 58 years old!), not to mention a ton of accompanying letters, with love for the world of Naruto shining through. We're honored and flattered.

But now comes the time of tough decisions, and we've narrowed the entries down to a final group of 13 -- our lucky 13, if you will. We're featuring the finalists in an art gallery on this page, so check it out, and give your fellow fans/artists a big hand for their efforts. We'll soon be deciding on our 5 winners from the 13 finalists... which ones do you like? Let your opinions be heard in this thread in our discussion forum. And stay tuned for the announcement of the winners!

Oh, and it behooves us to send a special honorable mention to Lauren Zook, who not only sent us some spiffy artwork, but won the unofficial prize of best art on the submission envelope! See below...

Fan Poll: Your Fave Naruto Moments

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:50:00 -0700

Believe it or not, Naruto's birthday isn't too far away, and as we start the countdown to that occasion (as well as the 10th anniversary of the manga series' start -- has it really been that long?), we'd like to get your input on your favorite Naruto moments . We've created a list of "top 10" moments (some of which span across several episodes, because after all, the best fights are those that go on for a while) in our discussion forum, and all we need is your vote. We'll feature your favorite picks in a video special on the site, so get in your opinions ASAP.

There's plenty more Naruto goodness we have planned for the next few weeks, so stay tuned...