10/10, 8 for the episode +2 for the new opening and ending.
Mmmm, mm! Awesome! It’s been a while since I posted in the anime thread, lets see where to start, I guess the start ^^. The opening song didn’t grab be as much as I expected but, I guess eventually I will get used to it and, most likely learn to love it over time, just like some of the other opening songs. In fact I think I already am considering I have listened to the opening song a countless number of times by now. None the less, the new opening sequence was totally magical, I must admit though it is a huge burst of spoilers, lol. However, it is because of that, I see hope in Shippudens future, at the start I was a bit skeptical . . . due to the lyrics and the sequence. . . I thought to my self "So, Naruto has finally resorted to Yaoi for all its Fangirls" haha, but my mind changed quickly with the scene of Naruto's transformation.
Also I loved how they animated the
"unknown characters
" look and style, especially the animation of the technique where the
"unknown character
" draws very fast on that paper and it seemed to become real. As some one who draws him self I loved it and can really appreciate it, specifically for the sequence of speed drawing especially with what I can only assume is a calligraphy brush. Although the Sasuke wrapped around by snakes some what caught me off guard, I some how expected something of the sort to be in there, to be totally honest Heh. In any case, the full opening sequence was done very well and, felt like total movie quality, especially the part where the bloody hand reaches toward the sky which I can only assume is Naruto's and Sakura is shouting something, after that Naruto and Sasuke walking toward each other holding a blade to each others throats, epic!
Moving on to the actual episode, I believe the contents of this episode was really something that was needed at this point and time so, I enjoyed it thoroughly the BG music was a perfect match for all the scenes, the animation was done well I really can't complain maybe a little here and there, but nothing seriously noticeable. Even though this was a really sad episode and, I wont lie made me tear up here and there, it left you with warm and fuzzy feelings. Funny thing, the little comical scene between Matsuri and the unknown girl reminded me of the old Ino and Sakura, I was just a little sad that it still ended up being Naruto who took the hit
like he always does. However, that really showed Sakura's growth and change in terms of her feelings and priority, I think that was the reason it was placed there, then again it could have been done just for filler purposes. None the less, I really liked what Kankuro said to Naruto afterwards,
"The girls who droll over the cool, elite guys are always the weakest ones.
" made me laugh and think at the same time. The title of this episode
"The Next Generation
" was perfect because aside from Chiyo-basama having placed the future in the hands of
"The Next Generation
" this episode really showed how much they have all grown up as a person in terms of maturity.
Now to the ending sequence, really funny I can only imagine what those words were, masked as
"*****
". The song was some what catchy, not as much as the opening but, it was a feel good song none the less. So, it would be safe to say I enjoyed this episode thoroughly and can't wait to see the next one ^-^ that is all!
Graphic Designer
~Ladies, if a guy ever tells you, he wants to cover you from head to toe in honey, and lick it all off inch by inch, that's the man who hasn't done it before. You start at her toes, and before you get to anything interesting, she is asleep and you are in diabetic coma ~ 
