Naruto 678 - My Will
-Things are not going smoothly with the members of team 7. Sasuke doesn't seem interested in discussing their predicament with Kakashi and Sakura who he proclaims to be useless. Of course Naruto objects, reminding Sasuke they are supposed to be working as a team.
-It is only when Kakashi hands over the reins of team 7 to Sasuke does he soften his stance and explain how the Infinite Tsukuyomi works.
-We see how IT affects those under its spell and get a glimpse of what some of our favorite characters dream about when they sleep. All these panels were worthy of inclusion, but due to space restrictions, decided to highlight Gaara's panel.
-Madara is betrayed by Kaguya's will in the form of Black Zetsu. Did not see this coming. Have we finally gotten our Final Villain or will someone else take Zetsu's place?
-Naruto and Sasuke realize what is happening and who they are dealing with. I'm surprised that Sasuke mentions his conversation with the sage since earlier he wasn't so willing to share information with his team mates.
TEAM 7 DYNAMICS
Sasuke's team mates have accepted him as their new leader, even an initially reluctant Naruto. He is more than qualified having already been in charge of his own team. It will be interesting to see how his leadership style differs from Naruto's, who up until now has been essentially leading the shinobi army. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he will do.
INFINITE TSUKUYOMI
I liked the dream sequences. They were sweet and touching without being overly sentimental. I am glad only a few pages were spent on this topic. I was worried we would get a multiple chapter mini-arc in the middle of the war interrupting the flow of the main story line.
Since the moonlight is fading, I'm going to assume that eventually the sun will rise? Which is significant because it should be Naruto's birthday.
KAGUYA'S WILL
I don't how Black Zetsu has the will of Kaguya. I'm assuming he has somehow acquired her powers also as evidenced by his defeat of Madara. I'm really hoping the next chapter provides a better explanation. How are Naruto and Sasuke supposed to defeat someone who may have the powers of Kaguya? I'm looking for an outcome different from the time she fought her sons. While we don't know the details, I'm sure things didn't end up well for Hagoromo's brother. This would be a good time for his name and back story to be revealed along with the details of Sasuke's conversation with the sage as both seem relevant to the plot now.
Is Madara really done for good? How funny would it be if Madara falls leaving behind a sort of alive not quite dead Obito. So Madara has become the ninja version of Dr. Frankenstein?
SASUKE AND NARUTO
Sadly its seems as if both boys have reverted to their pre-time skip personalities and I'm not happy with either one of them. Naruto's insistence on keeping alive his rivalry with Sasuke is starting to irritate me now. As for Sasuke, he is as aloof and indifferent as ever. After the first reading, I thought Sasuke's behavior was no big deal. After all, they are in dire straits to say the least. There isn't any time for respect, kindness, or empathy. Or is there? Sasuke treated his team mates horribly. Normally I don't have much sympathy for Sakura, but even I cringed at the look on her face when Sasuke essentially told her she was useless. Both she and Kakashi realize they won't be able to contribute much to help, so was it really necessary for him to point out the obvious? For sure there is a lot to criticize Kakashi about in regards to his handling of his students, but did that warrant being told "so just shut up"? I don't think so. Okay, most likely I'm making a big deal out of nothing considering everything else Sasuke has done so far. In the scheme of things behaving like a brat is hardly earth shaking. But still, it bothered me.
Why are they having so much trouble getting along now when not that long ago they seemed to be working together like a well oiled machine? I do think there is a reason. No I don't think Sasuke will betray them or turn evil again. I do think the conditions are being set for Naruto V. Sasuke. What will they fight about? I don't think the title of Hokage will be the major issue right now. While being extremely overpowered is a good thing in the middle of a war it is not the only requirement to be Hokage. And right now neither of them are qualified to hold that title. They both lack the maturity and wisdom that comes with life's experience. I suspect the fate of the tailed beasts will be the main focus of their conflict.
OVERALL
Awesome chapter. The artwork was really good and the story moved at a nice clip. I didn't anticipate the twist with Zetsu. Can't wait to see how this development impacts the upcoming chapters.