Episode 30: Sasuke v. Orochimaru.

This is one of the VERY few times where I actually liked Sasuke. This battle (although short) was drawn by that other company I believe, and it was done wonderfully. I believe this may have been their first time on the job. The strikes were very fluid and well done, and it wasn't like previous battles of just ninjutsu being flown everywhere. Plus, with Sasuke developing the Sharingan on the spot .. Sweet.

Episode .. Episode .. Uh, I dunno: Orochimaru (and Summons) v. Sarutobi.

Drawn by the same people above. It was well done, and we were shown combinations of techniques that were never shown before. The mixture of elements and the swift commencement of the skills truly emphasized that the battle was indeed a "Hoakge-level" battle. It was wonderful to watch. Every episode.

Episode 48-50: Rock Lee v. Gaara.

Anyone who remembers when I'd post regularly many moons ago, knows I am the largest Rock Lee fan. This battle was nothing short of spectacular, and that would still be said even if I disliked the badass bastard. As someone stated earlier, if anyone else would have been pitted against Lee .. it would have been no contest. But, this is about the battle .. which was very exciting, surprising and simply amazing to watch. This used to be my first favorite, and is tied for second with ..

Episode 124: Rock Lee v. Kimimaro.

This episode was so great. Not only for the revival of Konoha's Green Beast, but because of his drunken beligerence which is out of his normal character and the fact of the introduction of Suiken into Lee's already astounding Taijutsu repertoire. After Lee falls on his face and expeditiously rises to begin combatting Kimimaro .. Wow. I got chills. The way it was drawn was simply unbelieveable, as they presented Lee in his evasive, whirling and spinning drunken glory perfectly as shown in the Manga. I only wish it would have been longer. Tied for number two with the above.

Episode 133: Naruto v. Sasuke.

Wow. WOW. Same people who drew most of the above favorites and DAMN did these people not disappoint. Their style is so simplistically badass. They animate their scenes so wonderfully and fluid. Each strike is melifluous, like water ripples in a pond. Well, not that gay .. but, in the most uber way possible. The episode was also one of the best because .. well, damn .. since Rock Lee v. Gaara .. when was there fighting for the MAJORITY of the episode? It seemed like it was an hour special as the battle simply continued to build up in intensity, with constant changes in the flow and pace of battle. Kyuubi Naruto .. Fully Developed Sharingan Sasuke .. Amazing. "S-Sugoi .."


// Strider. Out.