Naruto Manga Box Set 2 – Review (Volumes 28 to 48)

An incorrigible knack for mischief, a wild sense of humour, but completely serious about his mission to be the world’s greatest ninja, sounds familiar? Well the adventures of Naruto continues for his never ending quest to rescue his best friend Sasuke. The Second Box Set of Naruto collects volumes 28-48 of the manga series, often referred to as Naruto Shippuden.

The story is set two years since Naruto left to train with Jiraiya. The series get much darker, if mainstream shonen action is your thing, then gear up for some serious damage.

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We have done a review of the Naruto Manga Box Set 1 as well, check it out if you haven’t already. Review of the third box set to come soon, links would be updated on the bottom of the page once uploaded.

Naruto Shippuden – The Story Arcs

For the purpose of this review, we are only going to discuss briefly the story arcs collected in the second box set of Naruto.

The plot of the second part of the manga series Naruto, titled Naruto: Shippūden was set two and a half years after the present timeline in Part I. The new setting for the series began with volume 28 of the manga.

There are mainly 7 story arcs collected in the box set namely Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc (Vol 28 to 32), Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Arc (Vol 32 to 35)Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc (Vol 35 to 38)Itachi Pursuit Mission Arc (Vol 38 to 40)Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant Arc (Vol 40 to 42)Fated Battle Between Brothers Arc (Vol 42 to 44), and Pain’s Assault Arc (Vol 45 to 48).

Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc (Vol 28 to 32)

The Kazekage Rescue Mission also simply known as Kazekage Rescue is an arc from Part II of the Naruto series (called Naruto Shippuden), and spans through volumes 28 to 32. This arc sees the rescue of the Fifth Kazekage (Gaara of the Sand), from the deadly Akatsuki members (Deidara and Sasori).

Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Arc (Vol 32 to 35)

The Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission (literally meaning: Heaven and Earth Bridge Reconnaissance Mission), also known as the Long-Awaited Reunion Arc, spans through volumes 32 to 35 of Naruto Manga Series. This arc sees Team 7’s mission to the Tenchi Bridge to find Sasuke Uchiha. The main highlights are as follows:

  • Introduction of Sai as a replacement for Sasuke in Team 7. Sai is a member of the now-defunct independent subdivision of Anbu called the Root.
  • Yamato being assigned as a temporary team leader of Team 7 due to Kakashi being confined to the hospital.
  • Their main mission is to travel to the Tenchi Bridge in Kusagakure to meet Sasori’s spy.

Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc (Vol 35 to 38)

The Akatsuki Suppression Mission spans through volumes 35 to 38 of the manga series. This arc sees Konoha’s fight against Hidan and Kakuzu of Akatsuki. The main highlights are:

  • Hidan and Kakuzu defeated and captured the two tails.
  • Furthermore, they stopped by a nearby temple and killed the head monk, Chiriku, a former bodyguard for the Land of Fire’s nobility.
  • Team 10 led by Asuma, battles with the Akatsuki members, only to fail miserably.

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Itachi Pursuit Mission Arc (Vol 38 to 40)

The Itachi Pursuit Mission known as Master’s Prophecy and Vengeance is an arc that spans through volumes 38 to 40 of the manga series, Naruto. This arc sees the separate attempts of Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki to find Itachi Uchiha, the elder brother of Sasuke. Main highlights are as follows:

  • Sasuke battle with Orochimaru, and his triumph.
  • Introduction of Suigetsu , Karin & Jūgo as new members of Sasuke’s crew.
  • Epic battle between Sasuke & Deidara & Toby, Akatsuki members.
  • Meetings with Itachi.

Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant Arc (Vol 40 to 42)

The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant also known as Master’s Prophecy and Vengeance, is an arc that spans through volumes 40 to 42 of the manga series. This arc sees Jiraiya’s investigation of Pain’s identity. The main highlights are:

  • Jiraiya’s infiltration into the Village Hidden by Rain in order to uncover Pain’s identity.
  • Battle between Jiraya & Pain. A painful ending.

Fated Battle Between Brothers Arc (Vol 42 to 44)

The Fated Battle Between Brothers also known as Master’s Prophecy and Vengeance is an arc that spans through volumes 42 to 44 of the manga series. This arc sees the battle between Sasuke Uchiha and his brother Itachi. The main highlights are:

  • A battle that cannot be described in words, clash of the two brothers, Itachi and Sasuke.
  • The third Mangekyō technique: Susanoo
  • The Truth About the Uchiha Clan and story of Itachi’s past.
  • Decoding Jiraya’s Message.

Pain’s Assault Arc (Vol 45 to 48)

Pain’s Assault known as the Two Saviours is an arc that spans through volumes 45 to 48 of the manga series. This arc sees Pain’s attack on Konohagakure (village hidden in the leaves) to find Naruto Uzumaki. This story arc is also the final arc in the second box set of Naruto, the main highlights are as follows:

  • The battle between Taka (this is what Sasuke calls his new team) vs. the Eight-Tails (Killer B).
  • Pains Invasion in the village hidden in the leaves.
  • Naruto Vs Pain, the concluding battle that leaves the village in ruins. However, Naruto emerges victorious and is now a Hero of Konoha.

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Naruto Manga Box Set 2

The second box set of Naruto marks the start of the second part of the story called Naruto Shippuden and spans through volumes 28 to 48. The Naruto Box Set 2 comes in a Landscape style box as compared to the Wardrobe Style Box (Other Two Box Sets 1 & 3). 

I really fail to understand why Viz Media had to do it this way for the second box set. It just seems wrong and out of place. I personally love the Wardrobe Style Box, and wish that all the box sets by Viz came in that format. It’s just me, you might prefer it otherwise.

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 comes with a Collectors Booklet and a Double Sided poster. This is standard for all the box sets by Viz. Giving you just one of the good reasons to go for the Box Set versions. The Box is sturdy built, and has a handle on the top, you might think it would snap, but it bears the weight easily.

Having said that, I have photographed the Box Set from all the angles to the best of my ability. Hope you guys enjoy it.

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Front View

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Back View

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Left View

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Right View

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Top View (Box Close)

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Top View (Box Open)

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - The Spine

Naruto Manga Box Set 1, 2 & 3 - The Spine (In all their glory!)

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Double Sided Poster & Collectors Booklet

Naruto Manga Box Set 2 - Double Sided Poster and Collectors Booklet

Naruto Manga Box Set 1, 2 & 3

What Naruto Manga is Available to Buy?

At the moment there are many formats for you to choose to get Naruto Manga series in your collection. First one being to purchase the Single Volumes individually, Second being to purchase the Omnibus edition (3-in-1), and Last but no the least to buy the Box Sets.

Buying the Single Volumes individually is not cost effective, and is only recommended if you are not sure if you are want to get into this manga series.

The Naruto Manga series is complete, and all the volumes have been collected in beautiful Box Sets. There are a total of 3 Box Sets at the moment, get them before they go out of print. As seen with all Viz Media Box Sets, the price tends to rise quite high once out of print. So enjoy the series and see your investment grow.

Last but not the least, the Omnibus Editions collect 3 volumes in 1 Ginormous Paperback. These Omnibus Editions look absolutely stunning, and stand out on your BookShelf. If you already own the Box Sets, and are a true fan of Naruto, there is no one stopping you to start collecting the Omnibus Editions as well.

We have compiled a list of all the Naruto Manga Volumes (both the single volumes as well as the Omnibus Editions) along with links to purchase on Amazon. Make sure to check it out. 

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Closing Remarks

Indeed, Naruto is the best selling Ninja Manga Series out there, the art by Masashi Kishimoto could be described nothing short of exquisite. If you are a Naruto fan like myself, then getting the Box Set version is a no brainer.

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