Sasuke's team has been assembled, and now two opposing forces are hunting for Itachi. Of course, things never go to plan.

I think Sasuke's fight with Deidara, while it's reasons for being feeling a bit forced, was actually rather exciting. Kabuto's transformation was a rather interesting development, too. Other than that, this volume felt a bit disjointed and slap-dash.

Just because the fight scene is cool, doesn't mean it actually serves the story. It's a shame. ( )

The story and art of Naruto is by Masashi Kishimoto. It is described as a ninja manga. It is the most popular ninja manga in Japan. In this volume, Uzumaki Naruto, a member of the Konoha Shinobi (group of ninjas) and his fellow ninjas, Sakura, Kakashi, and Yamato go search for Uchiha Sasuke, who is a member of the Akatsuki (a criminal organization). Before the start of volume 39, Sasuke had betrayed and killed Lord Orochimaru (one of the Konoha's greatest foes). Sasuke's next and ultimate goal is the destruction of Uchiha Itachi, his brother. Sasuke began assembling a team of powerful allies in order to achieve his ultimate goal. He already recruited the swordsman Suigetsu and the tracker Karin. In volume 39, Sasuke, Suigetsu, and Karin recruit Jugo, a former Akatsuki member who was imprisoned. Naruto realized that Sasuke was looking for Itachi and therefore went to look for Itachi also, in hopes of finding Sasuke at the same time. Itachi, Kisame, and Tobi, members of the Akatsuki look for Sasuke, Kakashi, and Nine Tails' Jinchuriki. Later on, Naruto, Yamato, and Hinata run into Yakushi Kabuto (an Akatsuki member). Naruto and Yakushi Kabuto then engage in combat. At the same time, Sasuke gets attacked by Tobi and by Deidara (another Akatsuki member). Sasuke then engaes in battle against Deidara and Tobi and the volume ends here.

The illustrations in volume 39 of Naruto are very well done. There is a lot of action and humor which I like. It can get confusing at some parts but you just need to pay very careful attention when examining each panel. On each page, they have an arrow to help show which way you should be reading since you have to read manga backwards. If you happen to read it like a western style comic, the cover page tells you "You're Reading in the Wrong Direction!!" and explains why you should read it backwards. Based on my review, I give Naruto: Shonen Jump Manga Volume 39, 5 out of 5 stars. ( )

Saskae has finally put together his dream team! Now he is ready to hunt down his brother, Itachi..To kill him.But his teamates always fight each other, especially when one has an unexpected killing instinct that appears anytime. ( )