Genre: Fantasy Adventure | Writer/Artist: Masashi Kishimoto | Release Date: 2012
Publisher: VIZ Media
As the Fourth Great Ninja War rages on, Obito reveals his tragic past and warped ideals while clashing with Naruto and allies. With the Ten Tails resurrected, the battle intensifies, forcing Naruto to confront despair, loyalty, and unwavering hope.
Writing
Naruto, Volume 63 (Chapters 598-607) is a pivotal entry in the Fourth Great Ninja War arc, and Masashi Kishimoto masterfully heightens the tension between fate, identity, and loyalty. This volume primarily centers on the emotionally charged confrontation between Naruto and Obito, offering an explosive mixture of philosophical depth and character-driven storytelling. It opens with high-stakes battle sequences but quickly dives into intense psychological warfare. Obito's nihilism is challenged by Naruto's unwavering determination, creating a stark ideological divide that adds gravitas to their conflict.
The writing shines when exploring the emotional parallels between Naruto and Obito—both were orphans, both were once idealistic, and both were shaped by tragedy. Kishimoto takes this volume to dissect how pain defines people, and whether it can be overcome without surrendering to despair. Flashbacks are used strategically, giving depth to Obito’s fall from grace while reinforcing Naruto’s personal growth. Even with the high-action tempo, Kishimoto doesn't forget to layer in internal conflicts and character motivations.
The dialogue remains emotionally resonant without losing the punchiness expected in shonen manga. Kakashi also plays a key supporting role here, struggling with guilt and responsibility for Obito’s fate. Each character moment feels earned, especially in the context of their long history. With Madara looming in the background, the story escalates toward apocalyptic stakes but never loses focus on personal vendettas and inner demons. Kishimoto’s direction here shows a strong grasp on balancing epic war narratives with deep, intimate character arcs.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Masashi Kishimoto’s artwork in Naruto Volume 63 is exceptional, reflecting both the raw brutality of war and the emotional gravity of personal confrontations. The visual tone of the manga shifts dynamically between explosive battle choreography and quiet, introspective moments. Each page feels meticulously constructed, from the sharp linework in the action sequences to the subtler expressions during emotional flashbacks.
One of the most impressive aspects of the volume is the intense character detailing during Obito’s transformation—both literally and metaphorically. Kishimoto doesn’t shy away from the grotesque when illustrating the monstrous form Obito adopts but also renders his pain and disillusionment with haunting clarity. Naruto’s design, in contrast, remains iconic and consistent, glowing with chakra energy that visually reinforces his role as a beacon of hope.
The use of negative space, particularly in the more philosophical segments of the battle, adds dramatic weight. Kishimoto has a talent for balancing panels with speech and motion, never crowding the frame but also never leaving it empty. The tailed beast battle sequences are cinematic in scale, using motion blur, sweeping lines, and explosive bursts of black ink to simulate movement and chaos.
Kakashi’s sharingan scenes, and particularly his mental and emotional reactions, are illustrated with deep emotion—often a single eye conveying a complex spectrum of regret and resolve. Page turns frequently end with cliffhangers or gut-punch imagery, a testament to Kishimoto’s command of pacing and rhythm in visual storytelling.
Volume 63’s artwork is not only thrilling but emotionally nuanced, delivering some of the most iconic scenes in the war arc with clarity and power.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Naruto, Volume 63 is a defining installment in the Fourth Great Ninja War arc. Kishimoto delivers emotionally complex writing and intense character conflict, supported by thrilling and cinematic artwork. This volume blends action, philosophy, and character development with remarkable effectiveness, making it a must-read for any Naruto fan. Naruto, Volume 63 gets 3 out of 5.
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