The Fourth Great Ninja War continues in Naruto Shippuden Set 31. Having defeated Obito Uchiha by giving him a change of heart Naruto, Sasuke, and the Allied Shinobi prepare for their final battle with Madara who along with Zetsu are the only remaining enemies left, however Black Zetsu makes things difficult for the Allied forces and Naruto & Sasuke are left for near dead.

Naruto Shippuden is a 2007 shounen anime series and sequel to Naruto, it is produced by Studio Pierrot and licensed by Viz Media, it is currently available on DVD.

Editor’s Note: Naruto Shippuden Set 31 review copy provided by Viz Media.

Team 7 rides again to war.

The Fourth Great Ninja War is fast approaching it’s climax but for which side? After defeating Obito Uchiha, and getting him to see the error of his ways it seems the Allied Shinobi Forces have the upper hand against Madara, however Black Zetsu stomps on their hopes as not only is the Nine-Tails extracted from Naruto, but both he and Sasuke are gravely injured.

Black Zetsu looks to shift control of The Fourth Great Ninja War back to Madara.

THE GOOD: The latter episodes of Naruto Shippuden since the beginning of The Fourth Great Ninja War arc really showcases just how improved Pierrot has become as an animation studio over the years, top notch animated scenery and action pieces make these some of the most enjoyable episodes in the Naruto anime universe. Though Madara is a broken character of sorts, it’s good seeing him continuing to throw off everything Team 7 and co. can send his way as we reach the climax of the arc.

The end draws near but the Allied Shinobi Forces are facing the worst end of things.

THE BAD: Some filler is present which provides backstory on the Hyugas and Naruto/Jiraya, but it really only drags down the core story above all else.

Team 7 prepare for what may be the final attack.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Naruto Shippuden Set 31 is perhaps one of maybe only 3-5 remaining in the series’  US run (hopefully with Blu-Ray re-releases to follow), and it’s jam packed with action, drama, and defeat for the Allied Shinobi Forces. Some filler providing what felt like unnecessary backstory hurts the story more than helps however. Otaku Dome gives Naruto Shippuden a 87 out of 100.