It’s the beginning of the end for the adventures Naruto Uzumaki and his friends as the final arc; The Fourth Great Ninja War begins its adaptation in the anime. Having recently defeated Pain, and the ongoing issues with Sasuke developing across multiple villages, as well as the revelation of Tobi as Madara Uchiha, Naruto and his friends must find a way to end the impending war, all while they plan to save (or kill) Sasuke.

Naruto Shippuden is an 2009 Shounen anime series, it is produced by Studio Pierrot and licensed by Viz Media. It is currently available on DVD and streaming services.

I’ve been a fan of Naruto since the original anime series debuted in America (in cut format) back in 2004. The series was so popular during it’s original American debut, it prompted Cartoon Network to air an 3-day marathon to celebrate it’s 100th episode, this was first time Cartoon Network ever did anything like this, especially for an anime series no less. Now some 10 years later, Naruto has a sequel series, the original manga has come to an end, and the aforementioned sequel anime is coming to its own closing finish.

The Shinobi Allied Forces rise for war!

THE GOOD: After it was revealed that Naruto was getting a sequel series, the anime franchise took a quick turn into dark territory. Full of death, violence, and heartache Shippuden turned these elements, which were lightly featured in the original anime up to 100 and never looked back.

Tobi/Madara and Kabuto prepare for war.

THE BAD: The episode count is a little low for something advertised as an “box set”, which is really the only downer about these Naruto releases. It’s usually an 13 episode counter per box set.

War has begun.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: With Naruto Shippuden turning down the light and turning up the dark to 100, it’s only fitting that the final arc is about a war between factions. The episode count for these box sets are rather disappointing as you can finish it in less than an entire day’s worth of time, but until the full season box sets are released these will help tide you over, otherwise wait until more complete box sets begin to roll out. Otaku Dome gives Naruto Shippuden Uncut Box Set 21 an 85 out of 100.