I think they have strayed away from ninja tactics and team missions a lot ever since the Chuunin exams.
You now see many straight up 1v1 fights that the only reason it has anything to do with ninjas is their jutsus. Other than that it's sort of a regular fighting show.
There's rarely any sneaking or assassination things going on.
Well the reason we aren't seeing much stealth or assination is because of the level of the ninjas that are involved. Its not like they are infiltrating some obscure area or assassination a weak lord. These are Jounin+ leveled ninjas and sneaking up and ending a fight before it starts isn't going to happen. Instead the stratigic aspect becomes more prevelant, at least in Shikamaru's case. Sasuke combines a great stratigic mind with a diverse set of jutsu and a natural enhancement. Naruto uses endgame type techniques and has the predictive ability to set up opportunuities to use these skills. And despite all the different styles and techniques, we see them used to great effect and thats whats makes it fun.
As to the theme of Naruto, I would have dto disagree with you that hard work pays is the theme. That became a main theme more with Rock Lee, where as Naruto wanted to work hard to become Hokage was his way of seeking out acceptance. But in Naruto's case it wasn't the hard work that seperates him. Its his natural abilities combined with hard work that makes him special. And at this point in the manga, all the top ninjas have worked hard to get where they're at, so hard work trumping natural talent isn't gonna be seen as much as it was at the Genin level.
The primary theme of Naruto, which is still a priority, is the loyalty and allience to your allies and teammates and friends. Whether it was Kakashi's training on teamwork, or Shikamaru's speech before setting out for Sasuke, or to this whole Arc where Naruto searches for Sasuke via Itachi, its always been about never leaving that teammate behind. And this theme is what motivated Naruto to train so hard.
PS. I just thought of this while typing but I can see a final combo attack with Naruto's Rasen Shuriken and Sasuke's still unrevealed "that" jutsu, which I and most believe is a Katon jutsu. Naruto said that his wind manipulation could strengthen Sasuke's fire, a kind of premonition that I think will come to pass in a final confrontation with ....?
the idea of friendship and protecting precious things is a standard shonen theme, which is why i regarded hard work as the main theme.
as far as rock lee goes, he fails at every major battle, and its always made him look pitiful in my eyes, someone who works so hard getting overpowered in the. its the same situation with deidara and sasuke. sure everyones working hard in the series, but at least once id like to see a kekkei genkai user lose to someone beside a jinchuuriki
my artwork : http://rasendori.deviantart.com/
It's a theme. Pretty much every saga has its own theme.
Zabuza arc - having emotions vs being shinobi "tools"
Chuunin arc - hard work vs genius
Naruto vs Gaara - fighting for oneself vs fighting for others
Tsunade arc - live for the future vs living in the past
Sasuke chase arc - fighting for bonds that were broken vs fighting for bonds that were made
etc....
10/4/04 - 8/20/07
As said before, Naruto's main theme is protecting your friends and helping others
As for the character Naruto himself, its more about gaining other's respect through friendliness and helping others.
Naruto himself was never about hard work. Sure, he worked hard to train and we saw those results but he wasnt meant to symbolize hard work. Someone like Rock Lee was.
I guess you are frustrated because someone born with advanced powers always beat someone who doesnt. Well, thats more realistic than someone who doesnt have powers beating someone who does. Its like that in real life, if you are born rich, you will be better off (educationally/ physically / emotionally)
And Deidara was meant to die in this battle...he's not even one of the important main Akatsuki members (such as Zero or Itachi) fighting the 2nd most important character in the series (and a major villian now perhaps)
Just because you have an advanced bloodline doesnt mean you cant work hard either
and you say Rock Lee looked pitiful but even after the losing fight versus Gaara happened, many people converted to Rock Lee fans. Even though he lost the fight, it put emphasis on Rock Lee's character
Since your theme is mistaken, can we close this thread
its just really frustrating seeing someone badass enough to best a jinchuuriki with well thought out plan, and a lack of materials, beaten so easily by an overpowered kekkei genkai. i understand that deidara was meant to lose this fight. i was prepared for that fact from the beginning. its an awful message to send saying that strong people are born that way. id be more satisfied if this fight wasnt so onesided. those damn eyes gave sasuke the upper hand in every play deidara made.
my artwork : http://rasendori.deviantart.com/
@RasenDori: Neji was pushed to the absolute limit against Kidomaru and won because he wanted it more, not because of his Byakugan, If that's any consolation. Though I agree, the power unravel all other abilities is almost textbook broken. The thing that saves it for me is that even though he can see through things he still has to find ways to exploit the weaknesses his eyes reveal to him.
You have never been one to mince words...This is very well thought and concise. I have to agree with this completely.Originally Posted by AssertnFailure
And personally...I never really liked Deidara much. I certainly thought he was unique and interesting. But he's kinda a one trick wonder. He makes birds/bugs with clay and Vampire D hands, then uses them to blow crap up. I don't think Deidara is really any big loss. Personally I think Tobi could end up being a much deeper character.
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