haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by maladjusted [/i] [B] A couple of boys at my school are currently obsessed with [b]Naruto[/b], and I guess I would check it out if I could. [b]DN Angel[/b] has two manga volumes out in the U.S., but no anime yet. I've seen about three episodes of the anime, and it looks pretty good. Nice music, great art, and the makers decided to mix in CG buildings in with the whole thing. Plot's a tiny bit complicated, heh. The main character is Daisuke, who has a huge crush on Risa, and on his 14th birthday [I think it's 14], he finds out he can transform into his counterpart called Dark. Risa falls in love with Dark, but Dark falls in love with Riku, Risa's twin sister. So...everytime Daisuke sees Risa, he turns into Dark, and everytime Dark sees Riku, he turns into Daisuke. Then you can mix up a scary genious boy named Satoshi, who [i]also[/i] has a counterpart called Krad. If you look closely, Krad is Dark spelled backwards, but I won't say anything else. ^_~. Of course, Satoshi gets some feelings for Daisuke. :p [/B][/QUOTE] Actually, the DNAngel anime got licensed in the US in July 2003, so I think the DVDs should be out soon, but don't take my word for it. All I know is that it got licenced right when the anime started to get really really good LOL. Sigh. The animation is wonderful, and really appealling, and the seiyuu are great!!! A must see when the DVDs come out in the US. The series is definitely one I'd watch over and over. Sob. So cute. And H. Zero, Dr. Jackal is my FAVORITE character from GB...He's so sadistic and charming, and I love how he teases Ginji whenever they meet. LOL. As for the ending, I keep hoping that they left it open for a reason...like having another season later or maybe an OVA. LOL. Just a tiny wish though LOL. ~haruno_sakura

As for Okita being in RK, he actually makes a tiny cameo in one of the episodes as well as in the OVA. I'm not quite sure which episode it is, but it's when [spoiler]Kenshin is confronted by Saitou again, and starts reminiscing about his first encounter with him. The episode starts off with the Shinsengumi running around and we see Okita (who looks a little like Soujiro, except with a top knot) talking to Saitou before Kenshin shows up. I think it's in episode 28 or 29? I'm not quite sure but it's just before Kenshin decides to go to Kyoto to confront Shishio.[/spoiler] As for H.Zero's question about those mystical scenes after episode 7, there are quite a few...There are several occassions in which [spoiler] two guys talking to each other in complete darkness. However, they're illuminated by spotlights, but I still don't know who they are and what role they're playing in the anime. Also, when Saito spars with Tetsunosuke, he always sees something behind Tetsu-kun like fire and such [/spoiler]. I can't quite remember much more. ~haruno_sakura

Thankfully, I've never ever seen Cardcaptors. I avoided it like the plague when it came out here because I heard that they totally butchered everything, and the voices were especially horrific. I feel lucky that I've been able to only see the original Japanese because I don't think I could take anyone destroying one of my favorite cutesy shows. The Sealed Card is a great movie, and I absolutely love the interaction between Sakura and Syaoran. They're just too cute together, aren't they? LOL ^^;; ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Dagger IX1 [/i] [B]In Rurouni Kenshin, Hajime Saitou is a serious, semi-evil character who has little tolerance for braggarts or fools. Peace Maker Kurogane's Saitou may have a similar character design, but his personality is almost completely different. He speaks in a low, forboding monotone and has a bizarre habit of materializing when other people least suspect him to appear. And although his swordsmanship is very much respected, he's simultaneously one of PMK's funniest characters [i]and[/i] an absolute terror on the battlefield. haruno: Okita is my favorite character, hands down. He's such a nice guy--well, except when he's slaughtering people--and he's ridiculously pretty to boot. I've also started to get used to Tetsu's personality; he had far more spaz attacks in the first episode than he does in any of the other ones I've seen. ~Dagger~ [/B][/QUOTE] I absolutely love Saitou in PMK! I had been waiting for him to show up in the series, and when he did, I was quite surprised with the differences between RK's Saitou and PMK's Saitou. It is pretty freaky when he starts seeing things no one else can. And Okita is my favorite character as well!!! I love him and the complexity of his character, even though he seems so simple at first. He can appear naive at times and yet he has a sort of wisdom when he gets into manslayer mode LOL. Another favorite character of mine is definitely Saya. I just think she's adorable LOL. ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by ChibiHorsewoman [/i] [B][color=violet] As for the live action show. I saw little clips of it and screen shots. This seems like a really cool show I hope they bring it over to the America's so people over here can watch it. I also hope they don't do too horryfiying of a job with the voice dubbing Maybe they should get the people who did the dubbing for Crouching Tiger HIdden Dragon. The only scary parts in the live action are: [spoiler]Luna isn't a real kitty this time. Now she's a stuffed cat owned by Usagi. But she still talks and Usagi talks to her and the rest of the senshi do too.Zoisite has siver hair and Nephrite's hair looks like it was done by Ronald McDonald. also, the bows on the fuku are HUGE![/spoiler] Interesting part [spoiler]the senshi all have black hair until they transform and the guy who plays mamoru is kinda cute.[/spoiler] I haven't watched Sailor Moon in a while tho. I lost the dub tapes I had and all my DVDs with the S and SuperS seasons are in storage in TX. I do plan on getting both box sets tho. It's called Birthday presents from my husband in Iraq.[/color] [color=purple]Look, links to sites with Live action Sailor Moon info! [url]http://www.prettyguardian.com/[/url] [url]http://www.genvid.com/PGSM/[/url] Who's a cool person? Not me, that's for sure[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] Yes the Live Action is actually pretty entertaining. I actually like the idea of [spoiler]all of them having black hair until transforming because then it makes a lot more sense that people can't tell who's senshi and who isn't. Sailor Moon especially looks different with black hair as opposed to the blond hair she gets when she transforms. The only thing I guess that irks me is that the youma that they fight look so much like the bad guys in Power Rangers from way back LOL. It also is a little distracting to see Luna as a stuffed plushie. However, the girls they picked for the Inner Senshi are quite convincing. I think they did a great job on the casting. As for the guy who plays Mamoru *drool* I absolutely love him LOL. I have no idea who the actor is, but he's pretty convincing as Mamoru. [/spoiler] ~haruno_sakura

[b]Peace Maker Kurogane[/b] and [b]Naruto[/b] were already mentioned so I don't think I'll elaborate any more on them, though I highly recommend both as well ^^ A really great anime that hasn't been licensed yet would have to be [b]The GetBackers[/b]! I haven't seen a lot of talk about it, but it's really interesting. The whole series revolves around Midou Ban and Amano Ginji, two best friends who make up a retrieval group whose goal is to retrieve precious items to those who've lost them. It's quite interesting to see these two interact, especially since Ban is more a stoic, indifferent character whereas Ginji is a happy-go-lucky, naive kind of guy. They both also have quite interesting "powers." As the series progresses, you see that they both have quite disturbing pasts, especially Ginji in concerns with a place called Mugenjou. There are tons of great characters, though nearing the end of the series, there are a few filler episodes that were merely there for comedic purproses. It's still great entertainment. ^^;; Another series that I enjoyed immensely would have to be [b]Scrapped Princess[/b]. The story follows a young girl named Pacifica who was thrown away at birth because a prophecy had fortold her power to destory the world when she reaches the age of sixteen. She travels away from assassins with her two foster siblings, Shannon and Raquel, and they battle against their enemies in order to keep Pacifica alive, despite the threat of the prophecy. [b]Kimi ga Nozomu Eien[/b] is much different from the aforementioned as it deals with a love triangle between best friends, and it's more of a romantic-type of anime. It's actually quite depressing after the first 2 episodes and although I haven't finished the series yet, it hasn't gotten any happier (I'm currently on the 9th episode). I'm not sure if I like it or not yet, but if you'd like a real tearjerker, I guess this one is for you ^^;; For Sailor Moon fans, you may want to check the Live Action version. It's like Sailor Moon done Power Ranger style LOL. The fighting scenes aren't the best, but it's actually...amusing. ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by PiroMunkie [/i] [B][size=1] The one main thing I do not like about Naruto - and not even about Naruto itself, it goes with any anime show - is the episodes are too damn short, lol. Twenty minutes goes by so quickly, and I am always wanting more. [/size] [/B][/QUOTE] Ah even when they do their one hour specials (in actuality, about 45 minutes without the commercial breaks), it's still not long enough!! LOL. And H.Zero, as for the fights dragging on, most of them actually don't go as long as they do in DBZ, but there are certain moments that do tend to go on forever, as is the case in the Haku/Zabuza Arc, but it doesn't make it any less engaging. If comedy isn't your thing, the anime has a ton of serious, slightly angsty parts once you enter the Haku/Zabuza Arc, and whatever comedy that does happen to appear actually balances out with the angst, so the show goes through a whole spectrum of emotions. It definitely isn't a Rurouni Kenshin wannabe. Not at all. I'm a huge Kenshin fan as well, and the content for each of these shows are completely different so they can't exactly be compared to one another. ~haruno_sakura

Yes, Naruto can get a tad bit annoying, but I personally believe he get's much better as the series progresses...And at this point in the anime and manga, I'd have to say that personality-wise, I do like Naruto a little more than I like Sasuke just because Sasuke has done a ton of things to piss me off, which you'll see when you get deeper into the anime ^^;; He kinda has gotten on my bad side in the manga already, so that affects how I see him in the anime, I think, but I still think he's adorable LOL. PiroMunkie, it's funny how you say, "This anime is about [i]him[/i]0_o" because [spoiler]there's a running joke in the anime that they mention several times. People always say to Naruto, "You're the type of person that can never be a main character in a story."[/spoiler] I think it'll become apparent later on why the show is called Naruto and not Sasuke LOL...the anime only gets better, IMHO. ^_^ [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Hittokiri Zero [/i] [B]Despite all the good things i've heard about Naruto after watching the first few minutes of the first episode I just closed the window XD. So my question to all you is why should I give Naruto a second chance x___X... And is it more than a DBZ like action-packed extraveganza? [/B][/QUOTE] Gasp, to a Naruto-freak like me, that's pure blasphemy LOL. Anyway, I agree with Dan that the character development is far more complicated and the plot is completely intense. Just watching the first few minutes of the first episode and making such a harsh judgement is really presumptuous. The storyline and characters are so intriguing as the anime progresses that it's hard to stop watching. The fighting scenes are so much more than just action. Emotions are brought out and philosophical debates emerge from opposing sides. For example, with the givens of one's life, how can one say to another that their beliefs are right or wrong when their lifestyles are completely different from one another? Beliefs and morals are questioned so that the fighting scenes aren't just physical battles but mental ones as well. How can that not be riveting? To judge based on the first few minutes of the first episode is to really miss out on this awesome anime. ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SasukeUchiha [/i] [B]Actually Sakura-chan, I think the village took care of him because if your theory we were talking about before is correct (Some may not want to read this [spoiler] He may be the 4th Hokage's son, and the more i watch it the more I actually see it being that way [/spoiler] Oh And I am back home ^^ heehee [/B][/QUOTE] Yes, but the point I made way earlier when I was talking about my theories was that [spoiler]they might not have known he might have been the 4th Hokage's son, which is why they snubbed him since he was born! So then how would he have survived? I was thinking that maybe the 3rd Hokage was the only one who actually knew about Naruto's parentage and then raised him until he was old enough to live on his own, but then...I don't know. It just doesn't seem right to me LOL. [/spoiler] ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Naruto27 [/i] [B]I guess I like Ep. 1 cause it shows Naruto's tru nature and how the fact even if he is the fox demon how different he is from it. [/B][/QUOTE] Hrm, Naruto isn't the Fox Demon, which was the point of the first episode, so I think you're missing something there LOL. They specifically say that [spoiler]Naruto was used as the [i]container[/i] for the Demon Fox when the 4th Hokage sealed it away; Naruto wasn't the Demon Fox itself. Naruto was just a newborn baby when Kyubi was sealed into his body, and most of all the older residents of Konohagakure [i]thought[/i] that Naruto was the Demon Fox which was why they shunned him from the beginning, but the point is he isn't the Demon Fox.[/spoiler] Anyway the talk of Naruto's true identity raises a few questions: if Naruto is really an orphan, then who would have taken care of him when he was a baby? From the way the story is told, it seems that there really wasn't anyone in Konoha who wanted to go near Naruto, let alone raise him. How then was Naruto able to survive when there was no one there to take care of him as an orphan infant? ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Naruto27 [/i] [B]I Love Naruto because of all the anime and Manga.My favorite eps. is 1 . I really dunno y though? '__^ [/B][/QUOTE] What was it you liked about the first episode? I personally found it touching in the first episode how [spoiler]Iruka stood up for Naruto against Mizuki when Mizuki was calling Naruto nothing more than an evil demon fox. I think that's what hooked me right from the get go, the potential Naruto shows when he does the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu to protect Iruka. And of course, I always have a thing for the underdog, and so when Naruto is always getting put down, it's very gratifying to see him overcome obstacles[/spoiler]. ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Ryuujin [/i] [B][spoiler] Oh I see, I was thinking that the Hokage was just the title of the "Man in Charge," and that each country had a Hokage. I see now... I guess I can understand now, what Naruto and Shikamaru went through. I also forgot about the scenes being broke apart like that, makes since. Oh yeah, remember when Gai was explaining the Chidori. He said it gained the name "Lightning Strike" b/c it Kakashi used it to hit a lighting bolt. What is that all about. Maybe I heard wrong, and he created a lightning bolt. Hmm... I'll go watch it again. :)[/spoiler] [/B][/QUOTE] Well, from the fansub version that I have [spoiler]it says that the Chidori gained the name "Lightning Strike" because he was able to cut through a flash of lightning with his jutsu. I'm not quite sure how true this statement is, and I actually agree with Ino's look of disbelief. LOL. Gai seems like the type to embelish a story LOLLL, who knows? Anyway, I'd like to bring up Rock Lee. With these episodes, I keep feeling so bad for him, especially when he's watching Sasuke succeed in Taijutsu, something that Lee worked so hard to perfect. And watching his crush, Sakura, look so amazed with Sasuke...as well as hearing Naruto beat his eternal rival, Neji...when will Rock Lee ever get his chance to get what he wants? I know he said he won't hold any grudges if Naruto got to fight Neji and win, but still. Rock Lee is just so likable that it's just too sad to see everything go against him. [/spoiler] [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Naruto21 [/i] [B][B][COLOR=orangered][FONT=arial][SIZE=4]I Love it because... Well.. *scraches head* It's awsome! Need I say more?[/SIZE] [/FONT] [/COLOR] [/B] :flaming: [/B][/QUOTE] Actually, it would be nice if you could say more LOL. What is it about Naruto that you like so much? What episodes have you watched, and which are your favorites? ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Ryuujin [/i] [B][spoiler]His Skin? Hmm.... Kinda weird. Makes since though..... I was talking about the the Hokage of the Leaf. Is he Older than the Sand/Sound Hokage(the one at the tournament, in blue, which ever it is.) I guess I'll just wait, and see why he is. :) Oh I was wondering about why Naruto and the other guy(forgot his name, the lazy one) sat on he stairs for so long. Wouldn't they want to tell Kakashi really fast?[/spoiler] EDIT: The smilie is cool looking with the black backround. But when you highlight him he looks like a frowny face. [/B][/QUOTE] [spoiler]Well, yes, the Hokage is a LOT older than Kazekage (the one in the blue), and I just want to make a tiny correction on your inquiry of the 'Hokage of the Sand/Sound' LOL. Kazekage is the shinobi leader of the Wind Country; wind = Kaze. Hokage is the shinobi leader of the Fire Country; fire = Ho. So technically Kazekage can't be called the 'Hokage' of the Wind Country in the Hidden Village of Sand. And the Sound doesn't have a Kage (meaning 'Shadow') leader because it's not one of the 5 major shinobi countries. It was just newly established by Orochimaru and a still too small. It's a little confusing, but there are a ton of sites out there that can help in the clarifcation of countries and Hidden Villages. As for Naruto and Shikamaru's delayed reaction, basically they just encountered 'death' face to face in the form of Gaara. They had to have been a little shaken up from seeing his nonchalant killing of the 2 ninja that tried to conspire with him. If I were in their shoes, it probably would have taken me a few minutes to calm myself down before running off to warn Kakashi-sensei. And it may have seemed like a long time just because of the way they break up the scenes. We have to keep in mind that a lot of the scenes are happening simultaneously and not sequentially. [/spoiler] ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Ryuujin [/i] [B]I loved the 66-67 Special! It was awesome. Everyone should see it. [spoiler]Yeah, I was thinking the same about Sasuke's look, I'm glad they fixed it. I love the Chidori, it looks cool. Oh, I had a question about it. When Kakashi is explaining it, he says "He is my type," I know it means he can use Chidori, but what makes him his "type?" I have no idea what the summoning circle is for, I was thinking it was to like transport some more people from the other countries. I have no idea if they can even do that or not, but it was a big circle. I think it would be great to see the Hokage in action. Also, is the other hokage a lot younger?[/spoiler] [/B][/QUOTE] [spoiler]When Kakashi says that Sasuke is his type, he means that Sasuke has the same sensitive skin type as he does, or something along those lines. I'm trying to remember what they say in the manga, but I recall it has to do with Sasuke's skin which enables him to handle the intensity of the Chidori. As for the summoning circle, I'm still a little iffy on that. I might have an idea, but I'm not quite sure. As for the Hokage, which one are you refering to? Do you mean Kazekage (Is it Kazekage? Er I'm not sure which Kage it is anymore LOL Basically the one in the blue)? Well, yes, technically he is younger because...well you'll find out soon ^_^ It should be revealed in the next episode who Kazekage (or whatever) really is...[/spoiler]. [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SasukeUchiha [/i] [B]Sakura-chan GAHHHHH how could you do this to me. AHHHHHHH Lol, Its ok though, hopefully I will get my next dvd sometime soon. Its not even up on the site yet :(. I am having Naruto withdrawals lol. [/B][/QUOTE] LOL, I'm so sorry Sasuke-kun!!! I can't help it. >.< I need to talk about these two episodes with someone LOL. Maybe I'll make a screen cap of Sasuke for you if you'd like? His new look r0x! LOL ^_^ *happy sigh* ~haruno_sakura

Wow, I just finished watch Episodes 66-67, and I must say that for those of you who haven't seen it yet, you're in for a real treat!!! Wow. This was the part that I've been waiting forever for after reading the manga, and now it begins...What are your thoughts on the 1hr special? spoilers ahead (sorry Sasuke-kun!) I just wanted to say that [spoiler]it's a good thing they fixed up the animation on Sasuke because in episode 65, he was looking pretty funky, but now he's back to his normal hotness LOL. So what do you guys think about Sasuke's new look and different attire, as well as the Chidori? And what do you guys feel about the added scenes that weren't in the manga? I think they did an awesome job in showing the placement of the Sound ninja around Konoha. I guess I got a better sense of the attack from watching the anime instead of reading it in the manga, but does anyone have any clue what they were using the summoning circle for? I don't exactly recall seeing that in the manga (I haven't read this part of the story for a while, soo please excuse my absent-mindedness). Ah, and the segments for the next episode teased a little too much LOL. AH, can't wait to see Hokage-sama get into the action of things LOL.[/spoiler]. ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wiccansamurai [/i] [B]Episode 67, I think, is missing. But with all the episodes that are there, I'm sure there's a very good reason its not there. As for being worth it, IT'S GREAT! I laughed more, cried more, and was practically sitting on the edge of my chair in excitement the whole time! My favorite season will always be the second... Though it'd be much better without Chibi-Usa... Goddes, how happy I am that I got this. Now if you excuse me, episode 62 awaits. [/B][/QUOTE] What was episode 67? I've been trying to figure it out, but I can't really recall what that one was o.0 And I do agree that the 2nd season definitely would have been so much better without Chibi-Usa, one of the greatest annoyances ever! :flaming: And so I'm guessing no one else has seen the live action sailor moon? LOL. ~haruno_sakura

I like it v. much, especially the chipmunk cheeks ^_^ I agree with AzureWolf; it does look like he's enjoying food, and the expression on his face matches his personality ^_^ The hair is also really cool; the hairstyle is exactly like that in the anime ^_^ I've never tried ceramics, so I have no aesthetic advice, but this is interesting to look at ^_^ ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Radical Ed [/i] [B]I love reading the Manga of Naruto *cries* But I cant find the show! I wanna see it soooooo bad! Is there anyway I can get the channel of it? My sister and I heard it was great! And...And I just wanna watch it! Loved it if someone could give me some info on the channel its on or if u need Sattelate or something. [/B][/QUOTE] It's pretty simple to find episodes, but that's if you download them, and they're readily available from a ton of fansub groups, as the anime isn't licensed yet. There's 65 episodes so far, and they're just awesome :bawl: It's probably the one show that got me back into anime. Anyway, check out [url]http://www.gotwoot.net[/url] because they have all the eps. I hope that helps. ~haruno_sakura

Once again, Kudos! It's great to see a lot of Naruto banners! Anyway, it's just slightly too dark, but I do like the red theme you do have going on, especially since it matches the red of his sharingan. Uhm, you may want to add some text to it and place it somewhere on the bottom right because it feels like there's something missing there. It's still excellent! ~haruno_sakura

Kakashi-sensei! It's good to hear from you ^_^ Has anyone heard anything about the movie that's coming out in August? Does anyone have any clue about what they might focus on? I haven't heard much, but I hope it [spoiler]elaborates on Yondaime (the 4th Hokage) and why he chose Naruto to be the container for the 9-tails, and then show the fight between the Konoha shinobi and Kyubi [/spoiler]. That's just what I hope they focus on though, since I've got this slight fascination with Yondaime! Anybody know anything concrete about the movie itself other than when it's going to be released? ~haruno_sakura

*glomps Justin* I am in LOVE with this banner! The image you picked from episode 32 is awesome, and the text matches perfectly with the look on Sakura's face. I also really like the image of Inner Sakura in the background, as that's an essential part to her personality, and gives a visual description of what's really going on in her head. The cropping is also excellent! Well done! ~haruno_sakura

I really like this gaara banner! It's a little dark, but then again, he is a shady sort of character, so that works well for Naruto fans who know who he is. The only thing that I really want to point out though is that the font makes it look like it says "Gaaaa" instead of "Gaara," but other than that, good job! ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SasukeUchiha [/i] [B]Oooo Evolved Dragon you talking about [spoiler] When Oebimaru (I dont feel like checking for the actual spelling of his name...Forgive me Sakura-chan) Attacks the group and Naruto goes all Demon on him. Then Sasuke goes crazy, and kicks his rear all around the forest. I Agree with you! My favorite part of that is when Naruto stops the snake from attacking Sasuke then calls him a chicken or something like that! ::dies:: I love that part.[/spoiler] Heehee think I ranted enough there. You should watch the newer stuff it keeps getting better (if thats possible). [/B][/QUOTE] Sasuke-kun! It's Orochimaru ^_^ *pat* Hrm, Evolved_Dragon, I think you're around episode 27-28, though I'm not sure because the numbering got all funny around that time when it was released. If you haven't seen that part that Sasuke-kun was talking about, then you're probably on episode 28. Oh, btw, I love that banner of yours Evolved_Dragon! Kakashi r0x! ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SasukeUchiha [/i] [B]Lol to bad my name isnt NarutoUzumaki or we would be making our own scene in this forum ^^. Ok Sakura-chan I have a follow-up. [spoiler] Did all the nations take part in the Chunnin exam? I only remember seeing the Sand Nation, Konoha, and sound Ninja's there. [/spoiler] [/B][/QUOTE] [spoiler] There were also Grass Shinobi there because Orochimaru took took the body of one of their shinobi (remember the long haired guy he took the form of when he fought Sasuke the first time in the Forest of Death?). [/spoiler] I'm trying to remember if there were others, but my mind is blanking out on me. I'm pretty sure there were representatives from everywhere ^_^ ~haruno_sakura

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SasukeUchiha [/i] [B]And I do not anyone beats me when it come sto being a fanboy Azure lol Sad but true... I think Sakura-chan and I have the top spots for those (no offense Sakura-chan ^^) [/B][/QUOTE] LOL, not offended at all, Sasuke-kun! As for your question about the Village of Sand,[spoiler] I feel the only reason they've been taking about Sand a lot is because of the upcoming events that are about to happen, but I don't want to spoil it for you >.< The relationship between Konoha and Sand will be explained in the next few episodes, if I recall correctly, and had to do with an unfair treaty between the two Villages. Anyway, there are five main countries I believe, and each country has their own Hidden Village that consists of the Country's shinobi. Like the Country of Fire has Konoha, The Country of Wind has the Hidden Village of Sand, the Lightning Country has the Hidden Village of Cloud, Water Country has the Hidden Village of the Mist, and the Earth Country has the Hidden Village of the Stone. There are less powerful countries like Rain and Grass, and I'm assuming that they don't need a Hidden Village because they're not big enough, and so ninja that come from those places are just called Rain or Grass shinobi. And the Hidden Village of Sound was founded by Orochimaru, so it's relatively new and on it's own, and is not a part of any particular country, though Orochimaru is using it to try to topple down Konohagakure[/spoiler] But of course, I'm really not an expert on these things haha so I may be wrong. LOL, I really do feel like Sakura right now when I explain all this, haha. ~haruno_sakura