Unlike a lot of wrap-up writing, especially in manga, this felt right. A lot progresses, quickly, speeding up and accomplishing a lot in comparison to the great fight scenes from the previous volume. Seeing Gaara brought low, and seeing a hint of what he will later become, was nice, but the funeral served more than a few functions, too.

And then, if we were wondering where we could turn to next for plot, we've got Itachi, the man Sasuke must kill.

I tell you, this whole story gets so much better AFTER you know what's going to eventually happen. Spoilers are nothing. The tale holds so damn well no matter what.

To me, that's a mark of genius. ( )

The little pile of sand cradling the single leaf after the Gaara confrontation...such a perfect panel.

A lot happens in this volume, but, like with previous volumes, the pacing is somehow really well done. We move into the next adventure and adversary but nothing feels rushed or chaotic. ( )