On this episode, like the last one, there are two different storylines. First follows the training of Naruto and Sakura with Kakashi. After succesfully defeating taijutsu and genjutsu (unlike the first time), they struggle with their sensei's ninjutsu, who is able to use fire, water and rock. Also, Kakashi is very quick with the Sharingan and has the experience, the nose of a dog. Naruto has become an expert by using his clones to distract and fool the adversary, but this is not enough to win the challenge. Sakura uses the chakra to give powerful punches and kicks, while paying attention to Naruto's moves to surprise Kakashi, but she can't reach him either. Here it's important to say that Kakashi recognized (on last episode) how good is their teamwork, despite the 2 years separated, and this ends up being true. They could be better, but still, Naruto and Sakura understand each other's moves, their weakness and their strength. Then, Naruto and Sakura hide behind a tree to make a succesful plan. They ponder how to defeat him, as Kakashi has a better smell than Kiba, better taijutsu than Lee, the Sharingan. Naruto comes up with an idea, and a surprised Sakura agrees, trusting it will work. At the end, they get the bells after Naruto tricks Kakashi while attempting to reveal the finale of Jiraiya's novel. This makes their sensei to cover his ears and close his eyes, so they win the challenge. I liked how Naruto got the idea, and Sakura didn't doubt of it. That proved trust. Even if it wasn't a great plan that used some special skill or technique, Sakura agreed with the surprise factor Naruto could grant. And she didn't care if he was the one with the idea, because they are a team, they share the triumph together. Probably there were better ways to win, Kishimoto could have invented something more creative. But it's also true that Kakashi has years of experience and shouldn't be defeated without a trick, no matter how much training they had. Anyway, considering that two years have passed, maybe Naruto and Sakura could have learned something more, for example ninjutsu. Naruto still uses clones and Rasengan, I mean, couldn't Jiraiya teach him another move, like something with the wind or a different skill? And to be more creative, maybe Sakura should know a move by using water (she will make a good healing method while using fluids in a few episodes). I expected something else about their training, but well, that was more evident on last episode.
Then, about Deidara vs Gaara, we see the abilities of the Akatsuki, who can create clay creatures like birds and spiders, that detonate when they reach the target. The first time I saw this fight, I thought that there was no way Gaara could lose. He manages the sand perfectly, but anyone can see here, it's like he can't reach Deidara's bird. Somehow, an enemy who fights from a distance is a problem for the Kazekage. Here I want to mention the fact that Gaara succeded his father as the Kazekage despite his youth, may not be important, but looks like he was promoted 2 years ago? Or there was someone else leading the village until he was ready? This could be a plothole for the Sand village, considering Gaara's father was killed by Orochimaru more than 2 years ago, and Gaara was too young back then. Anyway, as the fight continues, Deidara sends explosive agile birds and Gaara only can defend himself by covering with a sand sphere. It's entertaining, he can even control part of the Shukaku, unlike in the past. This tells how much he grew up in 2 years and a half, from an unstable crazy killer to a friendly powerful leader.
Then, about Deidara vs Gaara, we see the abilities of the Akatsuki, who can create clay creatures like birds and spiders, that detonate when they reach the target. The first time I saw this fight, I thought that there was no way Gaara could lose. He manages the sand perfectly, but anyone can see here, it's like he can't reach Deidara's bird. Somehow, an enemy who fights from a distance is a problem for the Kazekage. Here I want to mention the fact that Gaara succeded his father as the Kazekage despite his youth, may not be important, but looks like he was promoted 2 years ago? Or there was someone else leading the village until he was ready? This could be a plothole for the Sand village, considering Gaara's father was killed by Orochimaru more than 2 years ago, and Gaara was too young back then. Anyway, as the fight continues, Deidara sends explosive agile birds and Gaara only can defend himself by covering with a sand sphere. It's entertaining, he can even control part of the Shukaku, unlike in the past. This tells how much he grew up in 2 years and a half, from an unstable crazy killer to a friendly powerful leader.
