The encounter with Sasuke ends quickly. Naruto again reminds him that Orochimaru is using him to get his body, so he answers that it doesn't matter, if it lets them kill Itachi. Seemingly Sasuke has given up even his life to the point of fulfulling his vengeance. Given the cold way he says this, Yamato decides to do whatever it takes to stop Sasuke, calling him an evil ninja like his master. Naruto and Sakura wonder what he's going to do, so Sasuke decides to use a mysterious jutsu, seemingly to blast all of them. Fortunately, Orochimaru appears and stops him, Kabuto gets there in time too, and they explain to him that they need the Konoha heroes alive to eliminate the Akatsuki. Sasuke doesn't seem to care, but at last, obeys his master. As they leave, Sasuke watches Naruto until he disappears. Then, Naruto thinks to himself how weak he still is, as he failed again. He cries like Sakura, but she says she is there with him, they must stay strong together. Sai supports them, and says he'll help them, so Yamato smiles. This part of the episode leaves some things clear and others in the air. Orochimaru's convenient appearance means he was watching eveything since the beginning. Sasuke obviously knew this, so that's why he lied, and said that he was willing to give up his life, his body. Truth is, he's proud enough to not let anyone control his life. But what's left in the air is his supposed kill attempt. Did he really wanted to eliminate the whole team for good? I would think yes, but his last look raises doubts. Anyway, this anime usually shows a view to each character's thoughts, including Sasuke's in the first part. But in Shippuden, there was never a glimpse of his thoughts. This was a big mistake. Here I have to think that he is an evil young guy, a villain, not only because how actions, also because what the Kyuubi saw through him. It's not definitive, but it's certain. Naruto's reaction doesn't surprise, but at least Sakura still acts according to her recent development. She's saddened because Sasuke changed for the worst, but now she's more worried about Naruto, her words tell she's there for him. It looks like deep down, she realized who is the guy who has been there for her, so now she wants to be with him. Then, Sai's change surely didn't come for the most solid reasons, but at least he's turning into a more likable character. Finally he's abandoning his emotionless personality.
When they return to Konoha, Tsunade receives the report. Looks like Jiraiya heard it all, and updates Kakashi. He's obviously upset because Naruto lost control completely and reached the Four Tails state. Plus, he tells Kakashi that the reason Naruto couldn't do nothing against Sasuke was because the exhaustion and injuries caused by the transformation. Still, both of them are aware of the Uchiha's progress under the Sannin. That's why Kakashi guesses that Naruto will be eager to train. About the power difference between Naruto and Sasuke, well, the easiest reason is that Jiraiya didn't teach him enough. One of Shippuden debts is the lack of time shared between them. Instead of showing flashbacks of past episodes, there should be more flashbacks of Naruto's training with Jiraiya. Anyway, back to the plotline, when Tsunade asks what now regarding Sasuke, Naruto says "we won't give up". All I can think is dam. The fifth Hokage then orders them to stay home until she gives a new mission. When alone, Yamato updates her about Danzo's secret mission for Sai and the information about ANBU assigned to protect her. She's glad that at least Danzo thought about Konoha's safety by trying to kill Sasuke, but she gets mad about the leaked information. Danzo is a complex character without doubt.
When they leave, Naruto joyfully asks Sakura a date, but she answers that Tsunade ordered them to stay home til the next mission. He thinks the Hokage won't mind two hours out, but she refuses. I can't tell if Sakura's denial is for fear of Tsunade or other reason. It's obvious that they would have a lot of things to talk about. I guess Kishimoto didn't want to get them together here, though they deserved it. Sai simply smiled, while they kept talking happily, and then they are showed to leave to their places. Later, Sai reports to Danzo, who is surprised because for the first time, he failed. When Sai asks to remain on team Kakashi, Danzo doesn't deny his request, but gives him a warning: "don't let emotions grow, they lead to hate, and hate generates conflict". Those words apply especially to the Uchiha. This is why I say Danzo is complex. The episode finishes with Sai painting a picture of his new team, with a title, Partnership. This is the reality for Naruto, Sasuke's gone for good, Sai's his replacement, and Sakura is there for him. That's how the story follows.
When they return to Konoha, Tsunade receives the report. Looks like Jiraiya heard it all, and updates Kakashi. He's obviously upset because Naruto lost control completely and reached the Four Tails state. Plus, he tells Kakashi that the reason Naruto couldn't do nothing against Sasuke was because the exhaustion and injuries caused by the transformation. Still, both of them are aware of the Uchiha's progress under the Sannin. That's why Kakashi guesses that Naruto will be eager to train. About the power difference between Naruto and Sasuke, well, the easiest reason is that Jiraiya didn't teach him enough. One of Shippuden debts is the lack of time shared between them. Instead of showing flashbacks of past episodes, there should be more flashbacks of Naruto's training with Jiraiya. Anyway, back to the plotline, when Tsunade asks what now regarding Sasuke, Naruto says "we won't give up". All I can think is dam. The fifth Hokage then orders them to stay home until she gives a new mission. When alone, Yamato updates her about Danzo's secret mission for Sai and the information about ANBU assigned to protect her. She's glad that at least Danzo thought about Konoha's safety by trying to kill Sasuke, but she gets mad about the leaked information. Danzo is a complex character without doubt.
When they leave, Naruto joyfully asks Sakura a date, but she answers that Tsunade ordered them to stay home til the next mission. He thinks the Hokage won't mind two hours out, but she refuses. I can't tell if Sakura's denial is for fear of Tsunade or other reason. It's obvious that they would have a lot of things to talk about. I guess Kishimoto didn't want to get them together here, though they deserved it. Sai simply smiled, while they kept talking happily, and then they are showed to leave to their places. Later, Sai reports to Danzo, who is surprised because for the first time, he failed. When Sai asks to remain on team Kakashi, Danzo doesn't deny his request, but gives him a warning: "don't let emotions grow, they lead to hate, and hate generates conflict". Those words apply especially to the Uchiha. This is why I say Danzo is complex. The episode finishes with Sai painting a picture of his new team, with a title, Partnership. This is the reality for Naruto, Sasuke's gone for good, Sai's his replacement, and Sakura is there for him. That's how the story follows.
