Naruto Shippuuden Episode 18

[DarthEnderX]

I liked this episode.

Honestly, the Gai hand thing had me laughing my ass off. And the longer it went, the funnier it got for me. It was nice that they did a Gai joke that wasn't the same one they've been doing ahundred times. Lee on the mic was a riot to me also.

Also, now that Zero has unsummoned the statue with the Shukaku in it, I'm really not liking Gaara's chances of survival all of a sudden.

[Crash]

I don't really mind the slow pacing, but the way they slow it down is a bit annoying at times. Like the Gai scene. Normally i probably would have found it hilarious, but it was at such a crazily in appropriate time. I mean they're right outside the enemies door, they know Gaara's time is limited and every second probably counts, and yet he sits there for like a full minute grunting like he needs to take a dump. It just killed the sense of urgency to me. The scene with Naruto right after it was hilarious though.

It looks like they're really going to off Garaa now. I didn't think they'd do it, but now that there is seemingly no chance of them retrieving Shukakku i really don't see how they could possibly explain saving him. I'm looking forward to watching Chyo fight Sasori, so hopefully they get to the meat of that scene soon. All in all it was a good episode and built up some good drama for the up coming eps. Hopefully we'll see Naruto release some Kyubi fury.

[DarthEnderX]

Yeah, I thought maybe Naruto would have better control over the Kyuubi after 3 years but if any thing he seems like he has less. He seems to grow fox features now whenever he gets the slightest bit upset.

[Kraco]

Well, that could be more control, you know. In the past he could only use the Kyuubi powers when he's life was in a real danger after much beating or otherwise in a highly emotional state. Now it looks like he can use it whenever he wants. The only thing I would hope for is that it actually still makes a difference. In the past he became like another person when using that chakra.

[DarthEnderX]

Yeah, but that other person has always been WAY cooler than regular Naruto, who begs for kicks in face.

[ASSpirine]

First time I liked the ending part. Not that bad an episode, got to see some akatsuki and that's good. And it does seems like Itachi is going after Naruto. Maybe it will be Itachi who'll save the day and rescue Naruto from the akatsuki...

[uhicha neji]

I just can't grasp why Zero would send Sasori and Deidara... They're most likely the two members with the least amount of energy/stamina at this time.