I’ll try not to reveal too many spoilers, but this post does contain some information and my very biased opinion regarding Naruto episodes 203 - 207.

I finally got the chance to check out the last episode of the latest Naruto filler arc. In a nutshell, it was what I’ve come to expect from a filler arc. I don’t know how else to better describe it.

First complaint: Kurenai is Team 8’s sensei.
For a series of events that had a direct effect on Kiba, Hinata, and Shino, why was the entire focus on Naruto? Why was he the only one who could help? They already established ad nauseam that Naruto stinks at genjutsu defense. Team 8 seemed to hang back most of the episode and let Naruto do everything, which seemed very uncharacteristic of this group.

Second complaint: Demon Inside
We have yet another person to add to the “inner demon” list. I cringe when I find Naruto fan fiction that includes a Mary Sue or Insert with this trait, so seeing one in the actual anime was almost painful. The super-ridiculously-strong kekkei genkai was more than enough. (Though for something that’s supposably rare, they do seem to be coming out of the woodwork. Same goes for being strong enough to fool the Byakugan.)

Third Complaint: The kicking of dead horses
Okay, we get it. Gai is silly. Naruto stinks at genjutsu. Tsunade hates to work, procrastinates, and is always behind. Those points are emphasized enough in the manga, you don’t have to keep showing it.

Some nice points that I remember:
– Shino’s skills with his bug ninjutsu. The bug clone dispersing and reforming behind his opponent was very nice.
– Gai and Kurenai discussing being sensei.
– Jasson got a big kick out of watching Akamaru peeing on Naruto (and then licking it).
– More high-level Genjutsu. It also tied nicely into some of the video game jutsus.