English Dub Review: Naruto Shippuden “Lightning Blade: Ameyuri Ringo!”

Omoi’s plight in “Lightning Blade: Ameyuri Ringo!” is the same problem most of us have when we have a superior who knows how to do absolutely nothing, or does the exact opposite of what should be happening. Omoi also does exactly what every person in the real world when Nurui flees instead of fighting. Omoi is the type of person I would want watching my back.

A great intro and a great ending sandwiched a really terrible middle. It seems like the writers just wanted to end this mini-arc for the rest of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, and go into what was called the Chikara Arc in Japan. Unfortunately, I think there was a really great opportunity wasted to showcase Ameyuri Ringo like the other Seven Swordmen. It’s really sad, because Ringo was the only character that didn’t get a lot of air time, yet seemed like the most enjoyable (next to Zabuza, of course).

There’s some thing really funny here, that not a lot of people have gone over when talking about this season. Since the war started, all but I think Kushimaru’s Nuibari, and Jinpachi’s Shibuki, have all found new homes. Well, Kisame lost his sword the first time he fought B, but you get my point. I think it’s great that the legacy of these swords can continue through more of the villages.

With this string of episodes centered around the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist over with, now is time to focus a bit towards the future. This upcoming six episodes called the Power Arc, looks like it will end up setting a new bar for quality in non-canon episodes. I only saw a few minutes of footage here and there, but the animation looks like it’s movie quality. We need a change of pace here, because these episodes should do something if they don’t push a plot along. it’s sad. because I want to see Omoi use Kiba. Oh well, maybe in another arc.

“Lightning Blade: Ameyuri Ringo!” doesn’t do enough to make you want to stick around for the ending. The ending kicked ass, and the intro was better than expected. Unfortunately, that middle is what doomed “Lightning Blade: Ameyuri Ringo!”. If there was an episode that needs two episodes to properly make a good story, it would be this. Oh well, but at least the Power Arc starts next week.