Name of Series:

Naruto Nin Kyo Sho Volume 5

 Manufacturer:

Bandai

 Date of release (estimated):

March 2005

Price (singly in ¥):

250¥

Sculptor:

Unknown

No. of Pieces in the series:

10

Secret (SP)/Chase:

None

Variants:

None

Size:

Around 4-5 cm

Availability (in Singapore):

Perhaps unavailable locally anymore.

Other Remarks:

A hot favorite series of shokugans-based figurines for many Naruto collectors, perhaps even more than the "Real Collection" series. The good features for this set is the assortment as in a single outer, you will tend to get a complete set of 10 for each volumes. The character figurines in each blind box are indicated on the packaging box to joy of random collectors. The inclusion of the nicely done silver base with the respective ninja village logo embalmed on top is indeed tasteful. I had been resisting to collect this series but succumb to temptations to get this particular volume due to presence the tragic character, Kimimaru whom deemed himself at one point to be the successor of Orochimaru if not for his poor health; as well as the 4 Sound Ninjas who played such crucial part in Orochimaru's invasion of the Hidden Leave Village as well as the abduction of Sasuke. This nice set also included the impromptu-assembled squad assigned to recover their abducted comrade, Sasuke, captained by the once-again reluctant & newly appointed Chuu-nin, Shikamaru.

Naruto VS Kimimaru

Naruto was the last member of the pursuit party to face an opponent, and it came in the form of the almost-invincible prodigy of Orochimaru, Kimimaru of the Sound Ninjas. However their duel lasted just for a while as Sasuke escaped from the wooden barrel which he was held in and made his own way to the evil supremacist known as Orochimaru; and Naruto gave chase. Kimimaru at the meantime had new opposition to be preoccupied with, Lee and Gaara.

Naruto is quite nice, standing on top of a large ninja scroll with so much confidence and authority. But it's Kimimaru which I have my eyes cast upon. You can see the facial features of his in such feminine way. I really like the eerie grey hair and pale complexion. I would fancy him armed with a couple of daggers derived from his bones which was his distinctive skills. The characteristic large knot at the rear is well evident in all the Sound Ninjas.

Shikamaru VS Tayuya

Shikamaru, the unwilling leader of the "Save Sasuke" squad has to face off with a tough opponent in the form of Tayuya who's jitsu involves controlling vociferous monsters with tune of his flute.

I really would prefer Tayuya posing with his trademark flute as in his attacks. Other than that, this Tayuya piece is sort of mundane looking. Shikamru got that wretched "why me" expression here as well as he is crouching in thoughts to find the best solutions to counter some of the offense taken by the Sound Ninjas. Tends to lean too forward.

Kiba VS Sakun

Kiba with his trusted pet & battle comrade, Akamaru had a hard time as well against the morbid looking Sakun (especially when he is in his "cursed" mode). They thought that they could double team on Sakun, little did they realized that embedded within him is his twin brother!

Really like this pair. Kiba's pose is the nicest of all, in his feral form and armed with a sharp Teriken. Sakun isn't too bad as well despite sharing the same jitsu-summoning pose as his comrades. You will see an eerie hair covered head of his mysterious brother arising from his rear neck region.

Neiji VS Kidoumaru

Hyuga Neiji despite his origin from the "split linage" bears his heirloom exlcusive jitus of the "white eyes" which could easily read the motives and moves of his opponents but even so he had problem deciphering the unscrupulous spider-like Kidoumaru whose sticky web secreted had no bearing to be predicted by Neiji.

Neiji got a good facial sculpt with his "white eyes" and the surrounding veins well indicated as well as the sign of his origin on his forehead. I also like the bandaged arm and leg. Kidoumaru has been depicted here well with that tan and the 3 pairs of arms are not cumbersome placed.

Chouji VS Jiroubou

A close friend and team-mate of Shikamaru, the gluttony Chouji has always deemed as a burden rather than an asset. But when faced with the immensely strong mammoth known as Jiroubou, Chouji stake his life to ensure his team-mates can proceed to complete their task.

Chouji looks incredibly slim here and I like his serious pose, crossing his arms in front of his face. But even with the face well hidden under the crossed arms, you can still see trademark features of Chouji like the spiral read marks on the cheeks and the ear-rings. Nothing much to highlight about Jiroubou except the subdued orange Mohawk hairdo.