Ep 32: The Kazekage's Return

At night Deidara digs out of the ground, complaining he can't believe they stopped his special bomb clone. Deidara notes the only part of the arm that's really gone for good is the elbow area. He searches for his right arm and ring. Meanwhile Zetsu and Tobi look through the puppets. Tobi finds Sasori's ring and wants to be a member. He throws the ring in the air, but fails to catch it. The ring falls through a crevice. Zetsu turns to leave while Tobu struggles to reach the ring.

All the Sand villagers come out to see the return of the Kazekage. Gaara walks slowly, supported by Naruto and Kankurou, Kakashi is supported by Gai, who does not look happy. Gaara indicates Chiyo's body should be carried in first. Everyone bows their heads in respect as her body is carried through the gates.

The Leaf team needs to return as soon as possible. The Sand dispatches a hawk with the mission results to Konoha but no mention of the Akatsuki members. Kakashi says he'll report that in person since there's something he's concerned about.

Shizune reads the report to Tsunade and says the team will return in three days. Shizune ventures to ask whether it's wise to send Naruto after people who are after his bijuu. Tsunade replies it's because he's a fellow Junchuuriki and he has a mysterious power that makes people want to place their bets on him.

The Leaf team gathers at Chiyo's grave before leaving. Ebizou says she said she didn't need a grave but he felt she should have one since people needed something to gather around. They take a minute of silence before leaving. Sakura and Naruto stay for a bit longer. Gaara says goodbye to Naruto who flounders about shaking hands. Gaara holds out his hand and uses sand to encourage Naruto to take his hand.

Gai is not happy the way he has to support Kakashi who can't run. Finally he can't take it and he throws Kakashi in the air and catches him on his shoulder. Everyone except Lee thinks it looks disturbing but Lee thinks it's training. Gai races ahead. Lee offers Neji a ride on his back but Neji says no way!

Tobi finds Deidara's arm and thinks he died. He laughs but then Deidara appears behind them. Tobi teases Deidara. Zetsu warns him but he continues and Deidara gets him in a leg lock and tries to suffocate him.

Somewhere in Konoha, an older man, with a bandaged head and possibly missing arm, says to a boy about Naruto's age that he set it up so he can be a member of Team Kakashi. The boy is more powerful than anyone in his age group and his artistic skills are second to none. Until the mission is complete, his name will be Sai. The boy smiles falsely and gets berated for his attempt. Sai says he's been practicing, but it's still difficult for him to show emotion.

End: Tsunade hosts festivities to celebrate the successful mission. Sakura interviews Kankurou and Temari who not happy with their small parts. Naruto interviews Gaara. Temari and Kankurou are upset when find out they will be gone for a while.

Review: Humor and pathos make Naruto great. Touching scene between Gaara and Naruto. But poor Naruto is the hero and he still can't get girls.

Notes: Zetsu's first time seeing Sasori's true form.

Thoughts: Sai is said to be more powerful than anyone in his age group. Does that include Naruto and Neji?