Naruto: Shippuuden Episode 3

[Narasho]

I do think that right now, Sakura seems to have improved way more than Naruto. I think that, unless Naruto shows us some new shit, that unless he uses the fox, Sakura could take him in a fight. And that's not even taking into account the fact that Sakura can heal shit.

Sakura may have improved way more than Naruto, but don't forget how utterly worthless she was before. I find it very hard to believe that she has surpassed Naruto - and based on what we have seen so far we have no way of really knowing, so all of this is speculation obviously. That said, during the 2 and a half years that Naruto was off training with Jiraiya I have to believe he is stronger than Sakura. Just my own personal bias toward Jiraiya's skills and Naruto's willpower I suppose.

Flashbacks galore is one of the primary staples of the show after all. :S

I've always liked Naruto flashbacks, with a few exceptions. One: anything that flashes back to filler content obviously. Two: when they flashback to something that happened 5 minutes previous. (Zabuza vs Kakashi round one)

[DB_Hunter]

I thought they could have been a bit more creative with some of the moves they used. For instance, Naruto's Taju Kage Bunshin seemed wasted as always. I thought he was using the clones to tire out Kakashi, as he knows that the Sharingan drains him. That would show development, not just mindless charging. Its no different to what he did against Ebisu waaay back, or even Kimimaro. Bit dissapointing in that respect.

Other than that, music was good. Didn't like how they weaved two importent story threads like they did. I am looking forward to the Gaara fight though... I hope he kicks Deidara's ass, cos acts like a fool.

Finally, what's all this 'one-tails' thing about Shukaku? Are all the demons supposed to have tails? Do the tails signify the strength of the demon?

[Narasho]

Finally, what's all this 'one-tails' thing about Shukaku? Are all the demons supposed to have tails? Do the tails signify the strength of the demon?

Well, I think at some point they said kyuubi was the strongest of the demons, though I could be wrong. If kyuubi is the strongest, having nine tails, it would only make sense logically that the one tailed demon is the weakest.

[DB_Hunter]

So how does the strength of the demon affect the strength of the Jinchuruuki? I mean is Gaara say at this point naturally stronger than Naruto (minus Shukaku and Kyuubi)?

[JaySee]

It's hard to say at this point in terms of sheer strength, but Gaara is no doubt a far better ninja.

The demons are from Japanese legend. There are 9 of them with tails numbers. Kyuubi is considered the strongest.

[Narasho]

So how does the strength of the demon affect the strength of the Jinchuruuki? I mean is Gaara say at this point naturally stronger than Naruto (minus Shukaku and Kyuubi)?

I would say that Gaara has more talent than Naruto (However - I believe Naruto has alot more talent than most give him credit for), though Gaara may have just had better training, he seemed to have much better techniques than Naruto. (or maybe he just knew how to channel the power of his demon better than Naruto)

*EDIT*

I wonder if there are 9 tailed beasts then.

And then, isn't there also 9 members of Atatsuke?

I guess they all want to become...tailed beast carriers.

That's an interesting idea. One problem with it: didn't there used to be 10 Akatsuki members, then Orochimaru left the organization? Or maybe he left when Itachi joined.

Also, it seems to me that Akatsuki are the strongest force that there is. Why would they need the demons to increase their power further? I think there must be some other reason for them wanting the power.

[StillAlive]

That's an interesting idea. One problem with it: didn't there used to be 10 Akatsuki members, then Orochimaru left the organization?

Maybe the other 9 Akatsuki didn't want Orochimaru to get hold of one of these demons so he left the group blubbering and offended like:
"No you won't become Hokage Oro."
- "Ok. Then I'm going to destroy the village, meanie!"

Btw I didn't mentioned in my previous post that Sakura saying "I found you" to Kakashi was pretty cool - reminds of one of the first Bleach episodes

[fifafreak18]

Also, it seems to me that Akatsuki are the strongest force that there is. Why would they need the demons to increase their power further?

Those who have power just want more. That would be a really interesting, but are their 9 demons in the Naruto world? if their are why haven't we heard of the others?

But yes Gaara is a better ninja than Naruto but Kyuubi is far more powerful than shukaku.

[Narasho]

Maybe the other 9 Akatsuki didn't want Orochimaru to get hold of one of these demons so he left the group blubbering and offended like:
"No you won't become Hokage Oro."
- "Ok. Then I'm going to destroy the village, meanie!"

I know this was mostly meant as a joke, but the reason Orochimaru left the group was because he realized he could not get Itachi. At least that's what I remember him saying to Kabuto. I don't remember the episode.

[DarthEnderX]

Also, it seems to me that Akatsuki are the strongest force that there is. Why would they need the demons to increase their power further? I think there must be some other reason for them wanting the power.

While they are certainly the most powerful force we've seen, they aren't nessecarily the most powerful ninjas in the world. Who knows what else the naruto world has that hasn't been introduced yet? Ninja's from beyond the 5 countries, demon ninjas, ninja pirates, superpowerful badguys that aren't even ninjas.

[Terracosmo]

I rewatched the episode (and also saw the Deidara scenes an additional 10-ish times! "Art... is a blast!" - bitch!) and I guess when I think about it I can see why some people were annoyed. Also I found it strange that so many scenes lacked music. There was like this weird silence going on.. maybe it's just me...

[Narasho]

So what he joined Akatsuki to get Itachi? In that case what was the leader of Akatsuki (whoever that is) doing letting someone like Oro join his group?

As far as I know, Orochimaru was in Akatsuki before Itachi, when Itachi joined or shortly thereafter Orochimaru left. Or maybe they both joined at the same time, but i'm pretty sure Orochimaru joined before Itachi.

*EDIT*
I just looked for the episode where Orochimaru mentions how he originally wanted Itachi. It's episode 81 at 7:38 approx. The context is right after his failed destruction of Konoha: "If I could've gotten ahold of Uchiha Itachi to begin with, there would not have been a problem. But that is an impossible dream now. He is stronger than me! That's why I left that organization." Then, in episode 135 right before That Which We Do Not Speak of (2 years of fillers) an Akatsuki member (the leader?) mentions Orochimaru leaving the group: "The last time that we all gathered like this, was seven years ago, when Orochimaru left the group."

So, I couldn't find anything that specified whether or not he left it right as Itachi joined, but I would think that Itachi would've joined about 7 years before this, right after murdering his clan and abandoning Konoha. I guess that's what I had put together before. I think it's clear that he didn't join Akatsuki to get Itachi though, since he left it 7 years prior.

Also i thought the tailed beast were from Chinese folklore brought to japan or something?
1-9 tail has nothing do with it's power, 8 tails is just as strong as 9 tails, and 5 tails doesnt even have .... well tails ( well im not sure if it was 5 tails or not, 1 of them didn't have tails).

9 tails is immortality in Japanese folklore. Anything less than 9 is mortal. I don't know what relevance that has to the nine-tailed fox, though.

[DarthEnderX]

I wonder if there are 9 tailed beasts then.

And then, isn't there also 9 members of Atatsuke?

I guess they all want to become...tailed beast carriers.