Ya know, actually, I'm going to recant on some of my earlier negativity.

My sister made me watch this episode with her, and honestly, I think the storyline is probably the most thought out one out of all the fillers. We still don't know who is the bad guy (though I don't think its the Tactician, as he's too clearly marked as the baddie, and like Neji pointed out, it looks like he was framed).

My money is on Mousou (the humble fat guy) and the guy they sent to Konoha to commission the ninja. I think that servant guy with the glasses is LYING! I don't think he was ever childhood friend's with the Feudal Lord ("This man is just my servant" says the daimyo). I don't think the tactician is really that against the Feudal Lord. I think Mousou's humbleness is a sham. The guy was sent to Konoha without enough money to commission a proper team because they need dupes (Naruto) to get this Tactician guy out of the picture, for god knows what reason...

or maybe i just really want this arc to be good because I'm desparate for decent Naruto action...