The volume shows Naruto and his team going on a mission to save Sasuke from the Sound Four. The volume is filled with action from the start. The strengths of the other characters are also put on display in the volume as well. Naruto’s team each bring one of the Sound Four with them to give Naruto the best chance to defeat the strongest member of the group. Character development takes a main stage in the gateway volume to Sasuke’s new form. Kishimoto advances Kiba’s bravery by showing Kiba to nearly commit suicide to bring down the member of the Sound Four which infiltrated his body like a disease. Kiba continues to fight and hide with the goal of giving Naruto more time to defeat the strongest member. Kishimoto also continues to show Shikamaru’s leadership qualities. Shikamaru’s decision-making is detective-like in his high paced battle. Kishimoto clearly shows that the Kiba and Shikamaru are going to be important characters within the plot of the story. The fighting takes a back seat to the character’s own thoughts. 4/5. @GOATreviews of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library