Great episode, loved the buildup. Later on, when im rewatching all the episodes in a chain, this one will be the kind that makes me click the next EXTRA fast I liked the flashbacks, despite everyone's complaints...I never get tired of seeing what motivates and drives naruto. He's never doin anything without a reason, and he's got such passion behind whatever he works for.

Even if gaara isnt dead, he's without the shukaku...could make for VERY interesting character developpment if he makes it out of this alive. How will he adapt to being without the demon? But...they did say that when it's removed, the jinchuriiki dies...

It will be the first time since Zabuza/Haku that im this sad a character dies...sure, Chouji and Neji made me all quivery, but they came back, and secretly i kinda knew they weren't dead...and when the Third died, it was emotional, but he was old, and took oro's arms with him, he died for the village, and he saved them all. Gaara...poor gaara...no gain from this death, save to build the anger of his friends and family...and of ME. He's always been one of my top faves in the show...I cant believe that he's really dead...i WONT believe it! but how can gaara survive this?

Another note, i loved the "kyuubi-eye" flash when Naruto starts speeding up...and of course, Gai Sensei popping up from bed and being ready to go 4-times the normal pace, priceless.

lol@ lee's "that's why i said THREE times the speed, Gai Sensei" when they tell Gai four times the pace isnt possible.