It would be nice if Kishimoto wrote some short stories in the manga. You know how in InuYasha there are little comedic stories where InuYasha travels to the present day and gets into trouble? That would be a nice change of pace. It would also give the filler writers a little more material to work with. God knows they need all the help they can get. I like long story arcs, superpowered villains, and fights as much as anybody but it wouldn't hurt to develop some of the characters in a peaceful situation. Like have Iruka take Naruto on a fishing trip or Neji try to set up HInata on a date with Naruto or something. Hell, I'll even take a Konohamaru short. Anything to develop the characters and relationships without flashbacks. These fights are getting way too long, and there is more to a ninja then just their powers.