Very good episode with the exception of the animation during the Naruto/Sora fistfight.

Fleshing out the Naruto universe and also Asuma's background. Badass ninjas rising from the grave. And possibly even a filler Jinchuuriki! All the kind of stuff you don't expect in fillers. Hell, the first fight with Naruto/Sora(the one with actually powers) was actually good.

And best of all, no made up new countries or little crying kids!