Personally, I kinda liked this episode. Granted it's not world class, but it's not the worst we've seen either (101 made me want to bang my head against a wall). It was good to see Naruto applying the training he's had when he ran across the water.

I wonder how much older Idate is than them. It seems strange that they wouldn't recognize him if he came from Konoha, or at least heard something about Idate/Aoi.

Oh, and I completely agree with Winged Dancer. Aoi's bodysuit makes me cringe. WORST clothing idea ever.