No doubt about it. I think, at least half of the reason that Sasuke followed Orochimaru is because of Naruto's new power up, but like you said Itachi can't jsut have disappeared from Sasuke's mind, and I honestly believe that is the main driven force. I just happen to think taht Naruto is the straw that broke the camel;'s back.

But you're right, US fans do have a tendency to not pick up the subtext that most mangaka seem to -not- say.

You're not the only one. I wanted to kick Sasuke and Naruto's arse many a time, but the one that I really want to strangle is Tsunade. Sure, she's awesome, she kick arse, but what the hell was she thinking letting a bunch of genins go after Orochimaru's chosen?

Also, as you said, what the hell are the adults thinking? It's perfectly all right to send children to kill, but it is obviously a no, no to tell the truth. If they are prepared to let children die, than the least they can do is tell the truth to a -child- when the child is emotionally damaged in the first place.

Hate cloak and dagger when it isn't needed.