Naruto Volume 42 cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Uzumaki Naruto is now counted among the ranks of the Konoha shinobi (ninja), although he was once the bane of the Konohagakure Ninja Academy.  These illustrious shinobi protect their village from forces trying to destroy it from within and without.  However, Naruto still wants to be the world’s greatest ninja and one day – his village’s Hokage (village champion).

In Naruto, Vol. 42 (entitled The Secret of the Mangekyo), as the battle between Naruto’s teacher, Jiraiya, and the Akatsuki leader, Pain, comes to a conclusion, Jiraiya learns Pain’s secrets.  Meanwhile, Naruto’s former teammate, Uchiha Sasuke finally confronts his brother, Uchiha Itachi, whom he wants to kill for the murder of their family.  Itachi, on the other hand, is glad to see his younger brother.  He has a bevy of shocking secrets to share, and he also wants something from Sasuke.

THE LOWDOWN:  Naruto may have had a lull with its 41st tankoubon (volume or collection), but the 42nd volume is a return to thrilling duels and riveting reveals.  Not only is the fight between the Uchiha brothers both amazing and weird, in the way only a fight in Naruto can be, but the history of the Uchiha is also turning out to be fabulously engaging.  This is to say nothing about the shocking Naruto revelations this volume.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  People who want great shonen manga want Naruto.

A