Working as an editor for SHONEN JUMP over the past half decade, I've lost count on how many times I've read and reread Naruto (I'm guessing I'm somewhere in double-digits territory). But each time I reread it, whether it's for fun or work, I always get hooked again. With that said, it's been a while since I revisited the earlier Naruto storylines before the time skip, so when the chance to write this preview came up, I enthusiastically raised my hand.

Ever since Naruto came back after two years of training with Jiraiya, the tone and mood of the manga matured along with the main character. Don't get me wrong, I love the older, more mature Naruto, but deep down inside, I missed the ninja with the incorrigible knack for mischief that led to his infamous moniker as the most unpredictable ninja in the world (imagine winning a tournament fight with...flatulence!). Of course, it's always daunting having to go back through stacks of old volumes, so these 3-in-1s are perfect for getting a good heavy dose of Naruto in one neat package! With the latest installment (volume 5) of the Naruto 3-in-1s coming out on May 7, what better time to revisit the classic pages of Naruto then...now!

Mano a Mano

Any battle manga worth it's salt brings the ruckus with insane battle tournaments, and the Chunin Selection Exams held some pretty epic matches. From Naruto vs. Neji to Shikamaru vs. Temari, every single fight brings the action in a frenetic pace. The latest installment is no different, as we start with a bang—Sasuke vs. Gaara! The Gaara in this fight is not the nice-guy Kazekage that Gaara transforms himself into, instead it's the twisted, psychotic Gaara that scared the living crap out of everyone. And this monster is facing off against a young Sasuke, who's just learned a few neat tricks from Kakashi.

But before the outcome of the battle can be decided, we're thrown into a real loop when a surprise coup d'état, spearheaded by none other than the nefarious Orochimaru disguised as the Kazekage, leader of Gaara's village! But the surprises don't just stop with the unexpected attack...

Blasts from the Past

Aiding their attack on Konohagakure are some of the most powerful ninja in history, the founders of Konohagakure, the 1st and 2nd Hokage! The current Hokage is no slouch, but how will he fare against not only the legendary Orochimaru, but also his mentors?! While that epic battle is going on...

Growing Pains

We all know the history of Gaara's painful past, but actually reliving the anguish after knowing what we know was an eye-opener. I'd forgotten just how twisted Gaara used to be, so much so, that even his own so-called friends and teammates are really deathly afraid of him. Giving him one wrong glance or calling some unwarranted attention to yourself might just make him snap and go on an outright killing spree. Thankfully, we have the ever-lighthearted Naruto to bring some levity to the situation...

Can you imagine Naruto nowadays giving a frightening enemy a kancho?! [NOTE: Kancho in Japanese literally means "enema" and is also a Japanese prank where you get poked up the bum. Little kids actually did this to me when I taught English in Japan.] Well, that's exactly what young Naruto tried on Gaara, but unfortunately for him, those tactics didn't quite work out how he envisioned... In fact, what in tarnation was he envisioning when he pulled out that move?! It's absurd, ridiculous, unspeakable...but I LOVE IT!

After realizing that Gaara is no joke, a motivated Naruto pulls off some incredible jutsu, including his signature doppelganger move. The stage is set for the epic finale, and I'm sitting back, eating my popcorn and enjoying the whole shebang all over again. For any Naruto fan out there, how can you resist not going back and discovering why you've come to love Naruto in the first place?!

Naruto 3-in-1 vol. 5 is available 05/07/13 from VIZ.com!

by John Bae