It's obvious this episode special was about Shikamaru when it should not have been.

Seriously, did they have to bring in a 5 minute Ghost of Asuma? Not to mention Sakura's flash back of Shikamaru? I see that as a waste of good Naruto time. The long drawn out talks... Was all about killing, then switched to talking near the end of the fight...

Also, I agree, Naruto's eyes ruled. At first I thought the Kyuubi was coming out. Hopefully some are right, Naruto has learned to tap in to the Kyuubi power without losing himself in the process.