Naruto Shipuuden #1-2

May 25, 2005 was the day it began. February 15, 2007 was the day it ended. It took over a year, but Naruto filler was finally over.

I know and understand that a lot of people ended up hating Naruto because of the filler. And believe me, the year-long wait was painful for me too. But I always believed that the good ole Naruto would return and I knew that it would be packing heat. (And anyone who's read the manga where the filler began would know.)

To celebrate Naruto's homecoming, Studio Pierrot makes the first episode is a one-hour special. Shippuuden, or the "Hurricane Chronicles," begins with a pretty intense sequence that fast forwards to when Naruto and his team finally finds Sasuke. After a short sequence, we're presented with the new OP song by nobodyknows+ called "Hero's Come Back!" And indeed they have!

The remainder of the episode mainly presents the viewer with some updates about Konoha and her ninjas. Overall, the quality of the animation is once again top tier and I can't be sure, but it seems like there's also a new soundtrack for Shippuuden. I liked the first soundtrack, but honestly, you can handle only so much after 200 episodes.

In true Naruto fashion, the episode ends somewhat of a cliffhanger and totally left me wanting more. The new ED is "Nagare Boshi (Shooting Star)" by HOME MADE KAZOKU.

In my mind, Naruto is still as awesome as ever, with the filler being more of a business/politics issue rather than a creativity one. It's good to have you back, Naruto.