My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Ok, I admit, I don't know much about the Naruto Universe, so maybe it was my fault for picking this up without knowing much about the characters or the storyline, but I expected this to have enough development in it that neophytes would be able to catch up, at least enough to be able to enjoy the book.

Not so much. This was just BORING. Also, I HIGHLY doubt that at a work-until-you-die labor camp, where demon monster lizards would slowly disembowel prisoners attempting to escape in front of other prisoners as a lesson, would have a library that ANYone, INCLUDING the prisoners, would be able to visit, on their DOWN TIME.

Say WHUT?!? Makes NO sense. The prisoners also seem to be able to go to the infirmary whenever they feel like it, but they need passes to be out of their rooms after lights out?

Maybe that's a Naruto-World thing, but it surely isn't a common sense thing, at least not to me. That booted me right out of a story that was honestly, not going much of anywhere anytime fast, despite the fact that Sasuke had a mission that was EXTREMELY time critical to saving Naruto's life.

I wasn't a fan and DNF'd it. If you are a Naruto completionist, then this might be for you. It just didn't do anything for me.

2, I was expecting more so I probably read this wrong, stars.

I thought this was a great companion piece to the series! It gives some more insight into Sasuke and Sakura’s relationship while also introducing the latest threat to Konoha. Definitely enjoyed it and it was very fast paced!

This is one of my favorite stories from the Naruto light novel series! I found the actual purpose/details of the mission confusing, however, I enjoy seeing the main characters older and interacting in a different setting. This is definitely a title I would purchase for a light novel collection.