You’ll want to cry. The first battle in the ensuing war against the Akatsuki has come to an awe-inspiring conclusion. Gaara is dead. Lady Chiyo has been fatally poisoned by her grandson, Sasori of the Red Sand. Kakashi Sensei has overdrawn his chakra by using his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Naruto Shippuden, Vol 8 contains episodes 31 through 34. The first two episodes are two of the most emotional episodes we’ve seen since the Naruto series began and the Third Hokage was killed. In episode 31, “The Legacy,” Lady Chiyo is inspired by Naruto’s selfless determination to save his friend Gaara. Despite the tumultuous historical relationship between the Leaf and Sand Shinobi, Naruto’s passion motivates Chiyo to make one final act before her death. She uses a dangerous Reanimation Ninjutsu to transfer her life force to Gaara. Naruto, always willing to sacrifice his own life, asks Chiyo to use his chakra to help revive Gaara.
Inevitably, Lady Chiyo passes away, but not before bringing Gaara back from the dead. The Shippuden series rightfully dedicates two complete episodes to the passing of Lady Chiyo and the return of Lord Gaara. We also see a different side of the Sand Shinobi. Previously, we had only known the Sand ninja to be frightened of their own Kazekage because he had a tailed-fox spirit sealed within him. Now, we see a different more compassionate side of the Sand. They are delighted to see the return of their Kazekage.
Before Chiyo dies, she foreshadows Naruto’s impending future. Much like Jiraiya, Kakashi and Lady Tsunade, Lady Chiyo sees past Naruto’s goofy and often reckless adoescent demeanor. In her final words, she tells Naruto to go on and become Hokage. As the Sand pay their final respects to Chiyo, we also see that the profound impact Chiyo has had on Sakura. She is the final ninja to pay her respects to Lady Chiyo.
In episodes 33-34, Team Guy and Team Kakashi return to the Leaf Village. These two episodes serve as setup for the next story arc in Shippuden. Before Sasori died, he told Sakura that he had a spy meeting with Orochimaru. Sakura takes this back to Lady Tsunade who decides to send Team Kakashi back out into the field. However, since Kakashi Sensei is still in recovery she is forced to rebuild his team using the Anbu Black Ops. Episode 34 is the first time we get any real history on the Anbu. We also learn that they have had seperatist groups within their ranks who have tried to overthrow previous Hokage. The Leaf elders are reluctant to let Naruto leave the village since he has the nine-tailed spirit within him. As a compromise Tsunade allows them to select one member to replease the void left when Sasuke left the team.
Naruto Shippuden, Vol 8 is contains some of the most touching moments in Shippuden history. It is also one of the best closings ever to a Naruto story arc.
