this episode was a definite filler episode. what made it unbearable to watch for me was the sub-par animation.

personally, i was happy to see the entrance of susake and kakashi, there was a strong build to it and the renewal of the naruto/sasuke friendship/rivalry was intense. too bad the animation didn't do it any justice.

the way i see it, filler episodes OR episodes with poor animation just make the characters carry more substance and give a better animators more recognition. with this episode falling in both categories, i can't wait for the next ep......and there are 2 to boot!!!