And now we get to some of the best fighting scenes in all of Naruto. It's Naruto vs Gaara, moving from Gaara's partial transformation into full demon possession.

One of the most interesting aspects of these mangas is how Kishimoto conveniently kept Naruto from seeing Sasuke's real powers, as well as the reverse. They're both so confident they know what's going on, so when Sasuke finally sees Naruto let loose with a shitload of chakra and the truly gigantic summoned toad, I shivered as much as if I were Sasuke, stunned speechless.

It just goes to show, no matter how close two friends (or rivals) are, there's always room for real surprise.

Definitely one of my favorite volumes. ( )

i like it

Gaara grows ever more innervated warts.