NARUTO Volume 28

By: Adrianne Hess
Review Date: Tuesday, March 04, 2008

 After a two-year absence training under Jiraiya, Naruto returns to Konoha Village stronger and ready to search for his former comrade, Sasuke. For now, he reunites with Sakura, Kakashi and some of his old friends in the village. Naruto learns from Shikamaru that the remaining members of his class have all excelled to higher ranks, leaving Naruto the only genin left. However, as Iruka reminds him, the training he received from one of the legendary Sanin Jiraiya, is worth more than a title change. Naruto is impressed to hear about Gaara’s elevated status in the Sand Village, which makes him reflect on his own goals. While Kakashi is excited to reunite with his former students as comrades, he does note how he misses when they were younger and hung on his every word.

      After receiving news from the Sand Village that it is under attack from a member of Akatsuki, Tsunade orders Team Kakashi to provide assistance. Naruto, excited to journey to the Sand Village, acknowledges the danger he is in by exposing himself to the Akatasuki but is willing to challenge them head on. When Team Kakashi, along with Temari, reach the Sand Village they are informed of the consequences from the attack which leave Gaara and Kankuro in grave danger.

      Naruto Volume 28 introduces two elderly members of the Sand Village who were instrumental in defending their village during the Great Ninja Wars. Chiyo and her brother Ebizo, spend their twilight years together in retirement. The two of them are amusing and provide the comedic moments needed in the later chapters of this installment. When Chiyo and her brother are approached by Baki to assist the village, they blow him off telling him that this situation is his generation’s problem. Although the possibility to be reunited with an old loved one, may give Chiyo a change of heart.