Can't wait for gate gates gai and madara showdown. I haven't been watching the filler. Am I missing much?
Well that all depends the character that you liked, but this filler arc overall is still a good standing even though there are some BS moment especially with Team Kurenia and some retcons it did offer some good fight especially Team Neji seemingly being the star of this arc.
Beginning started off really good especially considering all the potential and the hype we've recieved in this arc such as some rain ninja who will become the Future Animal Path of Pain, Fuu the 7 tails Jiinchiruke along with some tough formidable compeititors participated in the Chuunin Exam, and Gaara who is willing to use himself as a decoy to not draw the Akatsuki but also the Sand rebels without knowing Fuu the 7 tails participated in this course. I know the Akatasuki will intervene and capture the 7 tails because of databook so it's going to be interesting.
However as of right now, the pacing is ridiculiosly slow and so far this arc has been entirely focused on Konoha11 especially Team Gai, so if you're fan of the Rookies 9 then you will most likely enjoy this filler but if you don't care just because they are "Fodder" then you will certainty hate it. Although, if you're interested in the Akatsuki, then you probably have to wait until by the end of the arc.
Honestly, I would rather see all the side characters get their development they deserve unlike in the manga. They were pretty much got sidelined, and plus knowing Only Team 7 have their roles in this war arc after Gai vs Madara, everyone else have been tossed aside.
