Source: Wikipedia
“The Promise That Could Not Be Kept”
“Briefly coming to Kakashi’s back as the rest of the Sasuke Retrieval Team is brought back to the Hidden Leaf to make a full recovery, Naruto learns that Sasuke escaped. Once fully recovered in his hospital bed, Naruto talks to Shikamaru Nara about how he failed to get Sasuke. Eavesdropping on them and reluctant to enter until Tsunade arrives to check up on Naruto, Sakura resolves to hide her sadness to cheer her teammate up as he apologises to her for not keeping his promise. But Sakura tells him that they’ll get Sasuke back together when another chance comes. Jiraiya offers Naruto the chance to live with him for three years to train in defending himself against Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. Naruto rebukes his offer, saying that he needs to focus on saving his friend first. Though Jiraiya tries to convince him that Sasuke is beyond the point of return, Naruto refuses to accept it and vows to become strong enough to get Sasuke back. Though seeing the boy’s intent as foolish, Jiraiya decides to help Naruto and agrees to train him when he is ready. Elsewhere, as Sasuke arrives at Orochimaru’s lair to become his apprentice, the Akatsuki assemble to discuss the new turn of events while their leader tells them that their mission is more vital.”
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvwhmo0XYY
Analysis
The following analysis will look at the use of dialogue between:
Kakashi and the Medic ninjas
Shikamaru and Temari
Shikamaru and his father, Shikaku
Orochimaru and Sasuke
Orochimaru and Kabuto
Sakura and Naruto
Jiraiya and Naruto
Jiraiya and Orochimaru
It will also look at the mystery behind the Akatsuki.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUHy6BXKgH
Use of dialogue between Kakashi and the Medic Ninjas
Briefly coming to Kakashi’s back as the rest of the Sasuke Retrieval Team is brought back to the Hidden Leaf to make a full recovery, Naruto learns that Sasuke escaped. In the forest, the medic ninjas arrive and ask Kakashi about Naruto’s condition. In response, he says that Naruto will pull through. Moreover, when the medic ninjas were wondering about Sasuke’s whereabouts, Kakashi shook his head, and that’s when Naruto knew that Sasuke had escaped. As the conversation proceeded, Kakashi asked about the well-being of the other genin. The medic ninja responds by saying that Lady Tsunade dispatched the first and second medical corps to pick them up and that emergency treatment was administered on the scene. Afterwards, they were all immediately transported to the hospital.
The following dialogue explains the condition the Genin are currently facing:
Kakashi: They were all wounded?
First Medic Ninja: Yes, Shikamaru Nara is doing fine with only minor injuries; Kiba Inuzuka is more serious but not life-threatening.
Second Medic Ninja: However, Neji Hyuga and Choji Akimichi are both in critical condition. At this point, they could go either way.”
Shikamaru and Kiba are going to be fine. However, what’s concerning is Choji and Neji’s injuries. Therefore, one is curious to know what will happen next.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86WHMuDJPA
Use of dialogue between Shikamaru and Temari
Shikamaru is waiting outside the hospital rooms with a bandaged finger, anxiously waiting for the recovery of his friends, especially Choji. Temari is also waiting with Shikamaru, and a conversation between the two of them begins:
Temari: No point in making yourself crazy, you know. Don’t you remember your psychological training: with every mission comes a sacrifice.
Shikamaru: Training and reality are two different things. I thought I knew about missions; I thought I knew what it meant to be a shinobi. Now, after this mission, my first as a squad leader, only one thing is clear: I’m just not cut up to be a shinobi.
Temari: Honestly, all you men with such fragile egos
Shikamaru: This mission, I thought all I had to do was to depend on everybody else, some leader, I should have done more, but I didn’t have the strength. It’s all my fault.
Temari: What? Are you afraid you might get hurt?
Afterwards, Shikamaru walks away, and along the way, he sees his father, Shikaku. It is important to note that throughout the conversation, Shikamaru expressed his regret that he couldn’t keep his friends safe. Instead of giving words of encouragement, Temari was cold and indifferent. For instance, she said phrases such as, “Don’t you remember your psychological training: with every mission comes sacrifice.“, “Honestly, all you men with such fragile egos”, and “What? Are you afraid you might get hurt?“. She seemed disrespectful throughout the conversation, hence why Shikamaru walked away as he tried his best to maintain the peace.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq27zsuGGtu
Use of dialogue between Shikamaru and his father, Shikaku.
His father had witnessed the interaction between Shikamaru and Temari. He said,
Shikaku: Shikamaru, that girl disrespects you like that, and you just walk away?
Shikamaru: You bet I do, standing around arguing is not my thing. That’s something girls like to do.
Shikaku: And what are you? Not a man that’s for sure. As far as I could see, you’re nothing but a coward. Do you think that if you quit, the missions would stop? Someone's gotta do it. Your comrades will be sent out again on other missions, with someone else leading them. They will face the same risks, and some of them might not make it. The ones might be saved if you have been there to lead them. How are you going to feel then? You have a chance to reflect on your mistakes and to learn from them. Use your failures to make yourself a better leader. It won’t help your friends by running away. Instead, you should be trying to make yourself stronger for their sake so that the next mission goes perfectly, and everyone gets back safely. The choice is simple, you’re either a leader or a coward, so which are you?”
Shikaku was giving a lecture to Shikamaru that he should not run away. Instead, he should learn from his mistakes so that his next missions would be successful; hence, tough love was used here. Shikaku had to tell Shikamaru that he was being a coward for wanting to quit. We are also shown the nature of their relationship, which is close when his father guides Shikamaru to become a fine shinobi.
Lady Tsunade and her assistant, Shizune, also play a role to show that Shikamaru may have made a mistake, but at least he has the chance to improve himself. For instance, she announced the healing of Choji. She said, “The antidote worked. The extermination of cells caused by the pill’s effects has been reported. I couldn’t have done it without your help, Shikaku. The Nara clan’s sacred medicine guide was invaluable. The work that went into that manual, the years of research, well, it’s quite impressive, to say the least.” Thanks to Tsunade’s healing skills and Shikaku’s manual, Choji is going to be fine. Meanwhile, Shizune said, “Lady Tsunade, Neji Hyuga is safe. His condition has stabilised, and there’s more. I have just heard that Kakashi Hatake and Naruto Uzumaki have returned and have been examined. Naruto’s injuries are serious but not life-threatening; he’s going to be okay.” All Shikamaru’s comrades are going to be okay, and Lady Tsunade reassures Shikamaru by saying, “Shikamaru, your mission was a failure. However, everyone is alive, that’s the most important thing.” Afterwards, Shikamaru cries while responding to her, saying, “Next time, the mission will go perfectly.” Shikamaru has found hope in becoming a fine leader, hence, the element of hope is shown here.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK63hdRz0O
Use of dialogue between Orochimaru and Sasuke
Peculiar music starts to play in the background as the scene takes place at Orochimaru’s hideout. Sasuke is there with Kabuto and Orochimaru, who has a new body/ vessel. As the scene proceeds, we are shown people who are kept in cages. These are probably Orochimaru’s test subjects or his new vessels, which makes the scene even more chilling. A dialogue takes place between Orochimaru and Sasuke:
Orochimaru: Sasuke, you are the chosen one.
Sasuke: Yeah, yeah, whatever, when are you gonna give me the power?
Sasuke is more focused on getting power so that he can kill Itachi Uchiha for the massacre of his parents and the Uchiha clan. He is so focused on one thing to the extent that he is oblivious to understanding Orochimaru’s true intentions for him. He could have asked what Orochimaru meant when he said he was the chosen one. Instead, he gets blunt and straight to the point, asking about when he will get his power.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0xB0utUMl
Use of dialogue between Orochimaru and Kabuto
This is the continuation of a dialogue between Orochimaru and Sasuke. After Sasuke bluntly asks when he will get power, Orochimaru looks at Kabuto, probably to tell him indirectly to warn Sasuke. As a result, Kabuto whispers in Sasuke’s ear, “A word of advice: watch what you say if you want to live long. Don’t let his physical appearance fool you; it’s still Lord Orochimaru you’re talking to.” Sasuke looks at Kabuto with a stank eye, and Kabuto notices something about him. He said in his mind:
Kabuto: The intensity of his chakra...
Orochimaru: Yes, he’s the one. My future lies in him.
Orochimaru is determined to have Sasuke as his next vessel because he possesses enormous chakra. Kimimaru once gave more details about Orochimaru, saying, “Even though immortal, that doesn’t mean his body can maintain itself forever, so before his flesh decays, a strong new body must be made into a vessel for his soul.” Until his new body decays, he will use Sasuke as his new vessel. Will Sasuke ever find out about Orochimaru’s true intentions? Only time will tell.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZX0STwcPV
Use of dialogue between Sakura and Naruto
Once fully recovered in his hospital bed, Naruto talks to Shikamaru Nara about how he failed to get Sasuke. Eavesdropping on them and reluctant to enter until Tsunade arrives to check up on Naruto, Sakura resolves to hide her sadness to cheer her teammate up as he apologises to her for not keeping his promise. But Sakura tells him that they’ll get Sasuke back together when another chance comes.
Back at the hospital, Naruto sits on the bed holding onto Sasuke’s headband. First, he remembers Sasuke with his half-face covered with the curse mark, saying, “Now I’m going to where Orochimaru is.” Second, he remembers his promise to Sakura to bring Sasuke home. Therefore, he feels a sense of regret that he did not manage to get Sasuke back. Moreover, when Sakura comes to see Naruto, he has a regretful look on his face, and he apologises. Sakura resolves to hide her sadness to cheer her teammate up. She is avoiding expressing her emotions; hence, suppressing her emotions is a coping mechanism for her to not feel depressed. Despite this, Naruto said:
Naruto: I haven’t given up. Listen, I’m still going to keep my promise. After all, it was a promise of a lifetime, right? I meant it.
Sakura: It’s okay, Naruto.
Shikamaru: He tried, Sakura...
Naruto: If I say I’m gonna do it, that means I will, okay? Don’t forget, my way of the shinobi means I always stand behind what I say.
From this dialogue, we learn more about Naruto’s character. He is not the type to give up and not fulfil his promises. He gives a sense of hope to the extent that everyone in the room is looking at him with admiration. Inspiring music was playing in the background to highlight that Naruto gives hope, hence why Sakura said her mind is thankful to Naruto.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUQjXeUZyc
Use of dialogue between Jiraiya and Naruto
Jiraiya offers Naruto the chance to live with him for three years to train in defending himself against Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. Naruto rebukes his offer, saying that he needs to focus on saving his friend first. Though Jiraiya tries to convince him that Sasuke is beyond the point of return, Naruto refuses to accept it and vows to become strong enough to get Sasuke back. Though seeing the boy’s intent as foolish, Jiraiya decides to help Naruto and agrees to train him when he is ready.
While Naruto was lying on his bed, he heard a sound outside his window. When he opens the window, he realises that it is Jiraiya sitting on a huge toad. As he sits by the window, Jiraiya has something important to say:
Jiraiya: What I must tell you is important. I can’t wait. From now on, you’re my only student. I need to make a full-fledged shinobi out of you in three years, and I’ll do it.
Naruto: But why three years?
Jiraiya: We received some disturbing information regarding the Akatsuki. We have reason to believe you have been chosen as their next target, and we have three or four years before they come after you.
Naruto: No way that’s not gonna work.
Jiraiya: Mmmm?
Naruto: I don’t have time for that. Do you think I care about what might happen three years down the road?
Jiraiya: What are you talking about?
Naruto: Orochimaru has already gotten his hands on Sasuke, and his life is in danger right now. That's what I’m talking about
Jiraiya: Hmph, I see you know all the gruesome details of Orochimaru’s little scheme.
Naruto: Huh, wait, you mean you knew about it too?
Jiraiya: Well, of course. Don’t you think I have been studying that immortality jutsu of his? That’s also how I know our good friend Orochimaru won’t be able to reincarnate himself in another body for at least three more years. Fortunately, he ran out of time and had to take over another body before Sasuke could get there. That means Sasuke is safe for three years, so you do have time.
Naruto: Really? Are you sure of that, Pervy Sage?! Are you sure?
Jiraiya: Yeah
Naruto is relieved about this, and we get a chance to understand more about Orochimaru’s immortality jutsu. Jiraiya also revealed Akatsuki’s plan to one day capture Naruto after 3 years. Why after 3 years? All of this is revealed in the other anime, Naruto Shippuden. Jiraiya then said something else that shook Naruto. He said:
Jiraiya: Forget Sasuke. You can’t help him, so just forget about him. Sasuke went to Orochimaru of his own free will. No matter what you do, he will not change. I’ve seen many shinobi, so I know the type. Orochimaru and Sasuke are cut from the same cloth. Don’t delude yourself into thinking that you can bring him back, you can’t, it’s hopeless, a fool’s errand.
Naruto: Maybe it’s easy for you to give up on him, Pervy Sage, but I can’t! He may mean nothing to you, but he’s my friend.
Jiraiya: Idiot! Just take a good look at the condition you’re in, and he’s the one who did it to you. Was that the work of a friend?
Naruto: No, but...
Jiraiya has mentioned something interesting. He said that Sasuke and Orochimaru are cut from the same cloth. Therefore, there is a similarity between them and the reason why he said this is that he also faced a similar situation with Orochimaru. The following dialogue between Orochimaru and Jiraiya will show the nature of their relationship.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8bhi8XagV
Use of dialogue between Jiraiya and Orochimaru
Jiraiya has a flashback where he once faced the same situation as Naruto. An intense piano piece plays in the background as the setting takes place in the forest. A conversation takes place between the two of them.
Jiraiya: Why? Why are you doing this? You and I have been comrades since childhood. Together, we are part of the three legendary sannin.
Orochimaru: What a sentimental fool you are, Jiraiya. You were always blind to reality. You couldn’t see and couldn’t imagine what I was doing all along.
Jiraiya: It’s not too late to turn back, Orochimaru. Don’t do this.
Orochimaru: How do you get to be such a fool
The reason why Jiraiya is discouraging Naruto from pursuing Sasuke is that he doesn’t want him to feel disappointed like he did when he tried to plead with Orochimaru. This is evident when he says, “All my pleading meant nothing. He left us and would never return. After the pain, all I was left with was a sense of helplessness and regret. Above all, I want to save you from going through that Naruto.” An element of sadness is shown here when Jiraiya loses a friend, the same way Naruto has lost his friend. However, as we proceed to see the dialogue between him and Naruto, Naruto refuses to give up on Sasuke.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFXWAKy2i2
Continuation of the use of dialogue between Jiraiya and Naruto
Jiraiya: If you insist on going after Sasuke, then you will get no training from me. I’ll have the ANBU black corps assigned to guard you to prevent you from leaving the village. You’re not just some ordinary kid; you’ve got something inside you that the Akatsuki want: the nine-tailed foxes. But if you’re going to behave like a kid and not listen to what I tell you, then I’ll do what I must do. Eventually, you’re going to face enemies far worse than Orochimaru, and it’s time you started preparing for them. The first thing is for you to give up on Sasuke. What happened was destined to happen; dismiss him from your mind and move on. To be a shinobi, you need more than strength and jutsu; you must acquire the judgment to make the right decisions, and you must become smarter. The longer you remain a fool, the harder it will be for you to live in this world.
Naruto: Fine, then. If being smarter means what you say it does, I will remain a fool my entire life. I’m going after him, and I’ll do it alone if I must. I’ll create my incredible jutsu, and whenever the Akatsuki show up, I’ll smack them down!
Jiraiya: The thought of my leaving you to come up with a jutsu on your own like that idiotic, sexy jutsu of yours—no, it’s too depressing. This is more than foolish; it is so callously foolish that it might even work. We’ve got a lot of work to do when you get out of the hospital, so be ready to hit the ground running. See you then!
Naruto: You got it!
Jiraiya agrees to help Naruto and agrees to train him when he’s ready. I believe Jiraiya sees himself in Naruto because both have lost their friend, and probably seeing Naruto’s determination to bring Sasuke back makes Jiraiya hopeful for Naruto.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH0a6iA4Cq
The mystery behind the Akatsuki
Elsewhere, as Sasuke arrives at Orochimaru’s lair to become his apprentice, the Akatsuki assemble to discuss the new turn of events while their leader tells them that their mission is more vital. The Akatsuki meet in a cave, and one of them says it has been 7 years since they met. None of their faces is shown; they are just dark figures, and we only see their eyes. So far, we only know that Itachi and Kisame are part of the Akatsuki. However, who are the rest of the members? This makes the audience curious to know their identities. Second, they made a point that Orochimaru left them. This makes the audience curious to know the reason why Orochimaru left. Third, they note that Orochimaru has the Sharingan, which they are referring to as Sasuke Uchiha. However, they say that they will deal with Orochimaru anytime. Right now, their focus is that they have three years to prepare and seek everything, including the nine-tailed fox.
We know that their plans include the nine-tailed fox, but what do they mean when they say that they will seek everything? The element of suspense is evident throughout this scene with the Akatsuki, which makes one have so many unanswered questions.
The lesson from this episode is that when you make a mistake, it’s never the best decision to run away, but to learn from your mistakes. This is evident in the scene when Shikamaru’s father is advising him to learn from his mistakes so that he can be a fine shinobi.
Another lesson from this episode is that it is important to have values you stand by, just like Naruto, who said he will always stand by what he says to keep his promises.
21Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKovWPsTBD5
and then Add to home screen.