This is awesome. Seriously, I'm really enjoying this filler. The story and everything doesn't feel one bit as forced as the previous arcs has felt.
In addition, even the Sasuke appearance felt natural and welcome. And for once it isn't annoying that Orochimaru ties in with exactly everything.
Hell, even Naruto's speeches weren't annoying. I guess I'm in a shock.

My only gripe would be the animation. Occasionally it was really awkward (like when Shino and Ino ran on the water. lol, Shino and Ino sounds pretty funny by the way).
Oh and the filler characters are as usual really badly designed.

Edit: Except for the girl (Shibire? name escapes me). I wanted to hug her. Poor thing.

Edit2: The new ending is definitely one of the best Naruto songs. Lovin' it.