Okay, so I suppose I'll be the first sysop to create a discussion on the recent going on's in Naruto. Don't eat me please! >_> I've seen a lot of hate towards the recent chapters; mainly because two of the main characters—Naruto and Madara—are using advanced nature transformations like they're used Kleenex. Me personally? Coming from a guy who loved Dragonball Z as a child and can't stand either One Piece or (anymore) Bleach, these recent Naruto chapters are what make my Wednesdays.
Personal opinions aside, I think a lot of you are forgetting some very important facts we learned early on in the series. Or rather, two important facts;
- In reference to Madara suddenly being able to use Storm Release; we were told pretty much as soon as the Rinnegan was introduced that it "brings forth all ninjutsu". Furthermore, Ibiki is quoted to say that the user of the Rinnegan is capable of using "any technique".
I don't get why everyone is suddenly shocked that Madara can use advanced natures. Is it because Nagato never did? Obito? Why is it assumed that "brings forth all ninjutsu" and "[can use] any technique" only means basic techniques and not the techniques of advanced natures?
The second thing pertains to the abilities Naruto has displayed now that he is a jinchūriki of all nine tailed beasts. I'm not going to rehash the battles that were on the talk pages, but there are a few things I want to touch on.
- Shukaku and Magnet Release: Most of us pretty much knew that was coming. I suspected this when the Fourth Kazekage used his Magnet Release and got the same eye markings as Gaara. Since Gaara is almost constantly manipulating sand, his markings are permanent. It should be no surprise that if Naruto can use Lava Release with Son, he can use Magnet Release with Shukaku.
Now, that all aside, and as I said, I'm not as unhappy as some of the others with these recent chapters. Getting to see some of these nature releases that were barely touched upon in the manga prior to this is really awesome, to me, and its nice to finally learn what Shukaku does, seeing as he was pretty much shelved after Part I.
Anywho, that's my rant. Anyone else wants to chime in and give their opinion, feel free.