Naruto, Vol. 36: Cell Number 10

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 36: Cell Number 10. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421521725. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The battle against the Akatsuki, which proceeds in Naruto, Vol. 35, reaches a fever pitch as Asuma’s new team and the former members of Cell Number 10 (Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji) confront Hidan. A fanatic and sadistic warrior, Hidan possesses a terrifying, ritualistic ability that makes him perhaps the most unstoppable foe the Konoha ninja have ever encountered. As the fight turns desperate, it becomes clear that this encounter could mean the tragic end for one of Naruto’s longest-standing and most beloved allies.

While the battle rages, the wider world is thrown into chaos as the Akatsuki finally begins to reveal its master plan for the Tailed Beasts. As Naruto pushes himself through grueling training to prepare for the growing threat, the loss on the battlefield forces the young ninja of the Leaf Village to grow up faster than they ever imagined. The lines are drawn, and the stage is set for a massive confrontation that will reshape the future of the ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 37. 

Naruto, Vol. 35: The New Two

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 35: The New Two. 2011. 200p. ISBN 9781421520032. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their confrontation with Sasuke in Naruto, Vol. 34, Kakashi works with Naruto to intensify his training regimen. Meanwhile, the ominous Akatsuki organization methodically targets individuals who possess the power of the Tailed Beasts. The Akatsuki's relentless pursuit of these powerful entities casts a dark shadow over the ninja world, threatening the lives and stability of various nations.

As the Akatsuki close in their next target, Lady Tsunada wonders what is the Akatsuki's sinister agenda. The clash between Naruto's determined efforts to grow stronger and the Akatsuki's calculated and dangerous operations sets the stage for a potentially devastating confrontation, highlighting the ever-present threat posed by this shadowy group and the vulnerability of those who hold the Tailed Beasts within them.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 36.

Naruto, Vol. 34: Reunion

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 34: Reunion. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421520025. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their confrontation with Orichimaru in Naruto, Vol. 33, Naruto and Sakura, accompanied by Sai, finally track down Sasuke, their long-lost teammate, but their reunion is far from amicable. Sasuke remains resolute in his decision to sever ties with Konoha and refuses to return peacefully. This sets the stage for a fierce and unavoidable confrontation between the former allies, their skills and ideologies clashing in a potentially devastating battle.

The gravity of the situation is immense, and Naruto alone may not be enough to subdue Sasuke. Sasuke's power and determination have grown to a level that poses a significant threat even to his former comrades. Can Naruto find a way to bring Sasuke back without anyone getting harmed?

Naruto, Vol. 33: Secret Missions

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 33: Secret Missions. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421520018. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Now in position by the bridge after Naruto, Vol. 32, Naruto and his team await the results of the meeting between Yamato posing as Sasori and Kabuto. But Orochimaru anticipated this move, and he intervenes to capture Sasori. In the following confrontation, Naruto undergoes a terrifying transformation, his powers escalating to a point where he loses control and shockingly turns against his own teammates. This unexpected and dangerous shift throws his allies into immediate peril, forcing them to confront a vastly more powerful and unpredictable Naruto. The reasons behind this violent metamorphosis remain unclear, leaving his friends bewildered and struggling to understand the sudden betrayal by someone they trust.

Amidst this conflict and chaos, Orochimaru reveals a terrifying and far-reaching plot. His machinations, long shrouded in secrecy, are unveiled to have caused a staggering number of deaths, far exceeding what anyone had previously imagined. The revelation of Orochimaru's deadly scheme casts a dark shadow over the events, suggesting that Naruto's transformation might be intrinsically linked to this larger, more malevolent plan that threatens the entire ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 34. 

Naruto, Vol. 32: The Search for Sasuke

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 32: The Search for Sasuke. 2011. 184p. ISBN 9781421519449. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Upon returning from their battle with Sasori in Naruto, Vol. 31, Team Kakashi faces the absence of their leader as Kakashi needs a week to recover. As a result, Naruto and Sakura are appointed a new leader and a new teammate, Sai, who is mysterious and has strange jitsu powers. Sai changes the team's dynamic for the worse, and both Sakura and Naruto are annoyed at his presence.

Meanwhile, Lady Tsunada convinces reluctant elders that it is better to send Naruto on missions than keeping him in Kohona, where he would be easy for his enemies to locate. Sent to make contact with a spy in Orochimaru's organization, Naruto's team head to a famous bridge in what could very well be an ambush!

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 33.

Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle. 2011. 190p. ISBN 9781421519432. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The fight between Sasori, Sakura, and Granny Chiyo from Naruto, Vol. 30 continues as the three of them fight in the Akatsuki cavern. Sasori's powerful and masterful control of his puppets overwhelms Granny Chiyo's defenses. But Sasori's overconfidence in his abilities prove to be the end of him when Sakura defeats him. Meanwhile, Kakashi and Naruto chase Deidara to recover Gaara's body. A fight between the three of them result in Deidara losing his right arm and barely escaping with his life. Granny Chiyo transfers the last of her life energy into Gaara, bringing him back to life.

The action sequences are intense and visually stunning, effectively conveying the dangerous power of the Akatsuki. While Naruto's involvement is limited, Sakura's battle alongside Granny Chiyo against Sasori is highlighted as a standout moment, with the emotional depth of the scenes praised. Sasori's unique and unsettling character design adds a layer of creepiness and tragedy to the conflict, eliciting both fear and pity at his untimely demise.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 32.

Naruto, Vol. 30: Puppet Masters

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 30: Puppet Masters. 2011. 190. ISBN 9781421519425. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Naruto and his friends have to split up again following their discovery of a hidden cave where Gaara was taken in Naruto, Vol. 29. Naruto tempestuously rushes in battle but soon finds himself imperiled. Sakura steps forward to take on the formidable Sasori, a master puppeteer from the Akatsuki. Accompanied by the experienced Granny Chiyo, Sakura faces the challenge of battling Sasori's undead golems, which he manipulates with deadly precision. The fight becomes a tense display of puppet mastery, as both Sasori and Granny Chiyo utilize their skills to control their respective creations.

However, the battle takes on an added layer of complexity as Granny Chiyo, despite being Sakura's ally, also possesses the ability to control puppets, raising the possibility that she might use Sakura as her own puppet. This creates a precarious situation where Sakura must not only fight against Sasori's relentless attacks but also remain wary of her supposed ally, adding a layer of suspense and uncertainty to the already intense confrontation as both Naruto and Gaara lay injured in the room ...

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 31.

Naruto, Vol. 29: Kakashi vs. Itachi

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 29: Kakashi vs. Itachi. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421518657. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The Akatsuki, a shadowy organization of powerful ninjas, launched their attack against the Sand Village in Naruto, Vol. 28. The intense battles escalate as Might Guy faces off against the shark-like Kisame Hoshigaki, while Kakashi Hatake, haunted by his past, confronts Itachi Uchiha, his former teammate and the brother of Sasuke. These clashes showcase the incredible skills and determination of the Leaf ninjas as they fight to protect their village and their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the fate of Gaara, the Sand Village's Kazekage, hangs in the balance. Naruto, driven by his strong bond with Gaara, learns of the Akatsuki's plans for him, realizing that he too is a target. As both Gaara and Naruto face the Akatsuki, they discover that they share a common enemy, a devious and formidable opponent who threatens not only their lives but the stability of the entire ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 30.

Naruto, Vol. 28: Homecoming

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 28: Homecoming. 2011. 200p. ISBN 9781421518640. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following Naruto's return to Kohona in Naruto, Vol. 27, two years have passed. Naruto and Sakura embarked on their training journeys with Jiraiya and Lady Tsunada. Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf Village older and stronger. He's eager to reunite with his friends and demonstrate the progress he's made. However, he quickly discovers that his former teammates have surpassed him in skill and accomplishment, leaving him feeling the pressure to prove himself. This reunion is bittersweet, filled with the joy of reconnecting but also the sting of realizing he still has much to learn.

The reunion takes a dangerous turn when Gaara of the Sands is kidnapped. Kakashi, Naruto and Sakura quickly travel to the Sands village to attempt a rescue. This event thrusts Naruto into action, giving him the opportunity to showcase the results of his training and demonstrate his commitment to protecting his loved ones. He must now rise to the challenge and prove that he has the strength and determination necessary to rescue his friend and solidify his place among his peers.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 29.

Naruto, Vol. 27: Departure

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 27: Departure. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421518633. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Having returned from their failed attempt at rescuing Sasuke in Naruto, Vol. 26, Naruto is confronted by Sakura, who is disappointed Naruto failed. However, he tells her that a promise is a promise, and he will bring Sasuke back. Jiraiya returns to Kohona, and tells Naruto he must forget his pursuit of Sasuke if he wishes to become a great ninja. Naruto tells him he can't do that. Reluctantly, Jiraiya agrees to continue training Naruto. Sakura, for her part, requests to train with Lady Tsunade, who accepts her as an apprentice. Sasuke, who rejoined Orichimaru, is likewise involved in his own training.

Naruto's behavior reminded Jiraiya of Kakashi's own story. As a young ninja, Kakashi led a small team and had to make decisions that proved wrong. Kakashi's fafeful delay in rescuing Rin caused the death of Obito, who gave him his own sharigan eye after Kakashi had lost his left eye in battle. Having rescued Rin but lost Obito, Kakashi learned a valuable lesson that sometimes rules are meant to be ignored. 

As Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura embark on their individual journeys of growth and self-discovery, they prepare to face their destiny and the challenges and dangers that lie ahead.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 28.

Naruto, Vol. 26: Awakening

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 26: Awakening. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421518626. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The conflict between former friends Sasuke and Naruto, which ignited in Naturo, Vol. 25, escalates dramatically. Driven by a relentless pursuit of power, Sasuke seeks to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan, a powerful but dangerous ability. This pursuit pushes him to the brink, forcing him to kill Naruto, his closest friend, in order to achieve his goal. The intensity of their battle reflects the complex and often contradictory emotions within Sasuke, who struggles with the weight of his past and the desire for ultimate strength.

This pivotal confrontation tests the strength of their bond and forces Naruto to confront the devastating reality that his friendship with Sasuke may be irrevocably broken. The stakes are high, as both friends face the possibility of losing everything – their friendship, their ideals, and potentially their lives – in this epic clash where the Nine-tail fox finally reveals his presence to Sasuke.

Meanwhile, Kakashi, who is finally back on his feet, learns that a team of young chunins were sent out to rescue Sasuke, as they were the only ninjas available. Kakashi leaves Kohona and tracks down his students, hoping that they survived their encounter with Orichimaru's agents!

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 27: Departure.

Naruto, Vol. 25: Brothers

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 25: Brothers. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421544816. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Having caught up with Sasuke in Naruto, Vol. 24, Naruto confronts his best friend in a fierce battle. Sasuke, driven by a desire for power to avenge his clan, remembers the past to understand how his older brother Itachi became the formidable ninja he is today. This exploration reveals the dark secrets that surround his parents' murders, a tragic event that shaped Sasuke's life and ultimately led to the destruction of their clan. Sasuke also explores why his father seemingly rejected him in favor of his older brother, and felt he could never measure up.

As Naruto fights Sasuke in a fierce battle, he grapples with the devastating realization that his close friendship with Sasuke may ultimately lead to his downfall, as Sasuke reveals that he must kill his best friend to acquire the power he seeks. As the two of them battle at the waterfall, who will come out triumphant, and at what cost?

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 26.

Naruto, Vol. 24: Unorthodox

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 24: Unorthodox. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421544816. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

All of the combats in Naruto, Vol. 23 reached their climax as Naruto and his friends were either forced to withdraw after suffering injuries, or found themselves in a deadly stalemate. When the Sound Ninjas tap deep in their chakra reserve, the chunins from Kohona are utterly spent. But as each of the remaining Sound Ninja seek to deliver a death blow, Naruto is joined first by Rock Lee, who survived his operation, and by the Sand Ninjas. Kankuro, Temari and Gaara join each of the fights, altering the balance in their favor.

Gaara and Rock Lee takes on Kimimaro, allowing Naruto to chase a now awakened Sasuke. Orichimaru still needs Sasuke to reach him, so he can take over his body. Shikamaru and Temari stop Tayuya's flute playing and destroy part of the forest when they take her out. Kankuro help Kiba and his dog Akamaru against the twice entity Sakon and Ukon. These deadly battles leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

Naruto finally catches up to Sasuke. Can he bring him back to Sakura as he promised? 

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 25.

Naruto, Vol. 23: Predicament

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 23: Predicament. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421544809. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following a chase that started in Naruto, Vol. 21 and continued in Naruto, Vol. 22, Shikamaru, Naruto and Kiba have caught up with the two remaining Sound Ninja. Through clever strategy and jitsu, they steal the container with Sasuke inside from those ninjas, and they withdraw. Obviously, those two will not let their prize go, and the chase resumes, this time in the opposite direction. The arrival of Kimimaro, the fifth of the Sound Ninja, is heralded when she steals the container from Naruto. Faced with a three versus three situation, the Kohona ninjas split and each takes an enemy.

Shikamaru faces Tayuya, who controls chakra monsters with her flute. He delays and avoids her attacks until he figures out how she gives orders to those monsters using her instrument, and then deploys his shadow jitsu to take control. Shifting to second stage, she breaks off his hold, but by doing so falls into his trap, and finds herself face to face with him.

Kiba and his dog Akamaru confront Sakon, who hosts her brother inside her. They split up, and attack Kiba and his small dog, but Kiba uses his jitsu to combine with Akamaru into a large two-headed dog. The battle is uneven, however, as Kiba is outclassed, and Akamaru is severely injured attempting to save Kiba. With no other option, Kiba takes Akamaru and retreats down the river.

Naruto catches up with Kimimaro, who reveals Orichimaru's plan to achieve immortality by implanting his soul in Sasuke's body after destroying the boy's own soul. Only then can Orichimaru continue to live. Kimimaro pulls bones out of his body to create weapons, while Naruto summons an army of Doppelgängers. The battle for possession of Sasuke begins ...

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 24.

Naruto, Vol. 22: Comrades

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 22: Comrades. 2007. 192p. ISBN 9781421518589. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Naruto and the rest of his team continue chasing the Sound ninjas who are transporting Sasuke. Choji was left behind in Naruto, Vol. 21, and the four remaining ninjas from Kohona are relentlessly tracking their enemies through the forest. Catching up to the three remaining Sound ninjas, Naruto, Neji, Kiba and Shikaramu are stopped by Kidomaru, whose ability are those of a spider. Neji steps up and confronts Kidomaru, while Naruto and his two friends continue the pursuit.

Using his chakra control, Neji is able to block most of Kidomaru's attempts, but a small blind spot almost causes his downfall. Fortunately, Neji devises a strategy. He takes a massive hit, but in turn takes enough control of Kidomaru's chakra to remove him as a thread.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru can no longer wait for Sasuke to arrive. The evil mastermind is forced to move to plan B to assure his own survival ...

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 23: Predicament.

Naruto, Vol. 21: Pursuit

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 21: Pursuit. 2007. 216p. ISBN 9781421518558. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Determined to pursue his brother and avenge himself, Sasuke tried to leave Kohona to rejoin Orichimaru's elite squad, a group he encountered in Naruto, Vol. 20. His exit is interrupted by Sakura, who confronts him and declares her love for him. She even promises to follow him into battle if he will allow her to be with him. Sasuke knocks her unconscious and departs the village.

When his absence is discovered the following morning, Lady Tsunade has no choice but to send ninjas after him to bring him back. Unfortunately, all of the high level ninjas are already out on missions or defending the village, so she turns to Shikamaru, a newly minted chunin, to assemble a team to track and retrieve Sasuke. Shikamaru turns to Naruto, Kiba, Neji and Choji. Sakura and Lee both want to join the team, but Lee is still recovering from the recent battles, while Sakura has already failed, and therefore cannot join them.

Chasing Sasuke, Shikamaru's team soon encounters Orichimaru's elite ninjas, the Sound Ninjas, and while three of them carrying an inconscious Sasuke flee, one remains to challenge the team. One versus five is not a fair fight for Shikamaru and his team, who soon find themselves overwhelmed. Can Choji deploy his secret weapon and save them all?

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 22.

Naruto, Vol. 20: Naruto vs. Sasuke

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 20: Naruto vs. Sasuke. 2007. 192p. ISBN 9781421516554. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Having returned to the village with Lady Tsunade in Naruto, Vol. 19, Naruto is reunited with Sakura and Sasuke. Sasuke is still angry with his injuries, and despite all of her efforts, Sakura is rejected time and again. When he sees Naruto, Sasuke, who's still weak, stands up and tells Naruto that they will settle their differences once and for all. On the roof of the hospital, both ninjas fight to injure and kill, not to demonstrate their abilities. Kakashi, who was also hurt, intervenes, and lectures both on the value of friendship. Sasuke, who's still bent on getting revenge, angrily departs.

Unfortunately for him, Orichimaru has dispatched the Sound Four to capture the boy and bring him back so he can convince him to join his fight. Outnumbered, Sasuke is cornered and must fight to survive.

Meanwhile, Lee also must fight to survive. His injuries are so severe that Tsunade tell him the risks are too great to heal him, and Lee should give up on his dream of becoming a ninja. Determined to fight to the end, Lee discusses the situation with Master Guy, who agrees with Lee that the surgery that could kill him is the only way to go ...

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 21: Pursuit.

Naruto, Vol. 19: Successor

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 19. 2007. 192p. ISBN 9781421516547. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Lady Tsunade had a decision to make in Naturo, Vol. 18. She could heal Orochimaru's arms, or she could become his enemy. Naruto and Jiraiya track down Tsunade, and arrive just in time to witness Tsunade rebuff Orochimaru's offer of bring her loved ones back to life. Reclaiming the title of Fifth Hokage, Tsunade is determined to protect the village of Konoha. An all-out battle between Orochimaru and the traitor Kabuto on one side, and Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto on the other erupts, and both sides employ strange jutsu to achieve their goal.

Scared of blood, Tsunade overcomes her fear and takes several wounds to protect Naruto. Orochimaru, worried about the potential Naruto has shown, decided to eliminate the boy and Tsunade, recognizing the same potential, did everything to protect him. In the end, the presence of the three Legendary ninjas in open conflict with each other causes an epic confrontation. Will Naruto and his friends be able to defeat Orochimaru and prevent him from healing his arms?

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 20.

Naruto, Vol. 18

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 18. 2007. 192p. ISBN 9781421516530. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following the confrontation with Itachi and Sasuke's subsequent injuries in Naruto, Vol. 17, it is now more imperative than ever for Naruto and Jiraiya to track down Lady Tsunada so that she can come back to Konoha to heal Naruto's frenemy. Jiraiya is also hoping that Tsunada will accept the title of Lord Hokage and lead the village.

But they are not the only ones who seek Lady Tsunade. Orochimaru and Kabuto also want to find her, and Orochimaru has an intriguing proposition to make. Finding her first, Orochimaru confronts Tsunada, and makes her an offer: Heal his arm, and he will bring back her younger brother and her lover from the dead. Orochimaru then admits with his restored arm he will destroy Konoha. He gives her a week to make a decision.

Jiraiya and Naruto find her soon after, and realize that Orochimaru has already been here. Naruto has continued his training, and mastered the first and second levels of the Rasengan, a secret jitsu controlled by few. But he struggles with the third and final stage of controlling the energy and the its containment. When Tsunade disparages and refuses to take the title of Lord Hokage, Naruto challenges her, for that has been his life goal. Tsunada agrees, and quickly stops Naruto. But she then makes a bet with him. Learn the third stage within the week, and she will offer him her necklace.

Coincidentally, that is the same week she has to reach a decision with Orochimaru. Torn between the two options, what choice will Tsunada make?

Naruto, Vol. 17

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 17. 2007. 192p. ISBN 9781421516523. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Continuing their quest from Naruto, Vol. 16 to locate Tsunada and ask her to return to their village so that Jirayia does not have to become the next Hokage,  Naruto and Jirayia have stopped at a hotel for the night. Hearing a knock on the door, Naruto opens it, only to find himself standing in front of Uchina Itachi, Sasuke's brother. Itachi has been mandated to bring Naruto with him. Sasuke, who wants revenge on his own brother for slaughtering his family, intervenes, but despite his skills he is no match for his brother. Fortunately Jirayia returns at the right time, and manages to trap Itachi and his companion for a few minutes before they successfully escape.

With Sasuke badly hurt, finding Tsunade has become more urgent. Jirayia and Naruto set out to continue Naturo's training while they look for the lady known as the Legendary Loser. Working on his jitsu, Naruto tries to master the art of exploding a water balloon, while Jirayia hunts for any clue as to the whereabouts of Tsunade.

Meanwhile, Orichimari is also looking for Tsunade, as his confrontation with the Fourth Hokage has left him badly injured, and only a healer of her caliber can restore him to full health ... 

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 18.