Why is it that every thread about every chapter gets reduced into a discussion about Itachi coming back? Personally, it's kind of suggesting that you guys have a lack of originality here. At least try to get mroe out of a chapter than "Maybe Itachi will be back soon!"

As for his strength - he definitely will not be the strongest character in the the manga/anime. He was introduced so long ago - that just as the rule of thumb in manga goes, the next person to appear will be even stronger than him. I would have to imagine that the leader of Akatsuki is the strongest of all.

And the biggest reason as to why Itachi is not the strongest is this. He's Sasuke's enemies, not Narutos. The strongest enemy in the series will be Naruto's enemy, and his alone. Sure, Naruto could kill Itachi, but the whole series is set up so that Sasuke will be the one trying to do that. Even if Naruto did kill him at some point, I'd still consider him more of "Sasuke's Enemy."

So, just deal with the fact that there most likely is going to be someone that could easily dispatch of Itachi.

As far as the chapter goes, I was really excited. I can't wait to see the interactions between the Sand shinobi and those of the Leaf. It should be really interesting. As far as Shino coming back .. I don't see that happening, and I honestly hope it doesn't. There's just no need for him right now.

If Shino's doing -anything-, I hope he's out there getting Neji and (maybe) Chouji back to the Leaf so that Tsunade can try to help them.