1. She's 'presumed dead' because I don't think they've said what happened to her. Maybe you're thinking of Gaara's mom. She died giving birth.
2. I would think they knew about the Bijuus, also, but the Akatsuki seem pretty suprised when they see them. Maybe it's just because they've never actully seen one, or maybe they just read the cliff's notes instead of doing their homework. I don't really care. I could see it possibly being a problem for the Akatsuki if Kyuubi tried to make an appearance. It is the best/worst one.
4. (I know I skipped #3, but I got nothing to add.) I think anybody can complain about what they want, but it'll just open them up to criticism, so as a warning to those who wish to take heed: Chill out. Or don't. Just as long as you don't start whining constantly. (Not meant as a pot shot towards the Great A** of the West, since you haven't whined constantly. Everybody gets at least one pass.)
5. I fixed my social faux pax (sp?), so I took the noob sticker off. It wasn't very sticky.
6. Naruto could win and it could open the story up. Like someone suggested, Naruto could end up in the hospital, leaving plenty opportunity for character development, one way or another. Time skip? Right now? I don't think so with so many different 'weather systems' converging, possibly setting the stage for a perfect storm (REALLY big fight, like tag team between solo shinobi/ANBU/ROOT/'platoons'/kages/bijuus/etc), which would THEN maybe lead to a time skip.
Ok- I made a long post and browser ate it under the excuse that I was not logged in!! It happens me all the time on forums. Does anybody else have the same problem or can tell me how to fix it?
I'm making it short this time.
The anime did say that Naruto's mother is dead. A medic of some sort gives the information to the Fourth that he got a son but his wife died during the process. Fourth then names Naruto as Naruto Uzumaki and asked the nurse to bring the boy to the battle field. He probable gave him the name Uzumaki in rememberance of his wife.
Kushina is dead because everybody refers to her as dead in Naruto manga. Fox was sealed inside him at the time of his birth. If his mother would not just disappear if she was alive. There must be a reson to call him an orphan.
Akatsuki might be surprised to see bijjus because there is a difference between hearing about something and actually watching it in front of oneself. A legen proving to be true.
I doubt that Naruto will be captured. My reason is then the destined child thing was a crap. if Naruto is taken that proves Pain stronger and he would be the detined child because he succeeded. It doesn't matter if Konoha or other resuce Naruto or not. Naruto needs to save himself this time. Nagato has to come out.
Iatachi must had been strong to keep Akatsuki off Konoha. He must have been capable enough to make Madara give heed to his demand to some extent. Itachi was probably not able to take on Madara all by himself, though. Otherwise he would have done with him. But, Madara played Tobi till he was alive, despite himself being founder of the organization. Madara returned and went after Konoha only when he was dead.
Naruto still is not at Itachi's level probably. He is not at Madara's either - probably.
For me it means that Naruto should be able to show that his strength has somewhat at par with an Akatsuki. Pain is not that much of a leader if Kisame says to Madara that he was glad that he was the one pulling all strings.Pain is not the ultimate villain. Madara is . Even Sasuke maybe the one. But, not pain.
Pain is just a pupeteer like Sasori. He doesn't have much of intellect either if Madara is able to pupet him. He is playing in the hand of a person, likes of whom caused that third ninja war.
Naruto has to be able to defeat him.
If he gets captured- oh well. I hope kishi will make it up to me for it.
