Ch. 221The Smartphone Era Begins, Investigating the Heavens Premieres
Chapter Summary
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- White Zetsu speaks with Konan about his current assignment before disappearing into a tree. Konan privately reflects on the contrasting personalities of White and Black Zetsu and her irritation with White’s constant curiosity.
- Six months later, Orochimaru’s research team successfully develops the Ninja World’s first touchscreen smartphone. It includes basic functions such as calling, contacts, a camera, photo storage, settings, and a calendar, though it has few applications and no games yet.
- Takuya tests the smartphone’s calling function using a newly constructed signal tower in Konoha. Kisame holds a second phone at the opposite end of the tower, and the call works clearly over a long distance.
- Impressed by the result, Takuya praises Orochimaru and encourages his team to continue improving the technology. The advanced research facility, built by Yamato, demonstrates Takuya’s commitment to technological development.
- Takuya learns that Investigating the Heavens, a television adaptation that has been in production for six months, will premiere that evening. Its promotional campaign has already made it widely known throughout the world, especially in Konoha.
- Takuya picks up Naruto and Sasuke from the Ninja Academy. Itachi normally trains them late into the evening, but they return early so they can watch the premiere.
- Just before the show begins, Takuya uses a Shadow Clone to fetch beer, snacks, and fruit for him. At eight o’clock, Investigating the Heavens finally begins, exciting Naruto and Sasuke.
2. Character Developments
- Takuya continues to act as both Hokage and innovator. He shows strong enthusiasm for modern technology, carefully testing the smartphone and investing heavily in scientific research.
- Orochimaru proves his value as a technological researcher by producing a smartphone in only half a year. His role has shifted from dangerous experimenter to trusted leader of Konoha’s research and development efforts.
- Kisame reacts with genuine amazement and excitement when he hears Takuya’s voice through the phone, highlighting how revolutionary the invention is to people in the Ninja World.
- Konan becomes further characterized as someone who tolerates but dislikes White Zetsu. Her observations emphasize her preference for Black Zetsu’s quieter personality.
- Naruto and Sasuke are shown as devoted fans of Investigating the Heavens. Their eagerness to watch the premiere is strong enough to interrupt their usual training schedule.
- Itachi demonstrates consideration for the younger boys by ending training early so they can watch the program.
3. Significant Themes
- Technological modernization: The smartphone represents the Ninja World’s gradual adoption of advanced technology. Takuya views science and technology as essential to improving everyday life.
- Progress through investment and leadership: The expensive research facility and Takuya’s continued support show that major advancements require long-term commitment and resources.
- Cultural transformation: Television, phones, entertainment, and modern conveniences are increasingly becoming part of ninja society, blending familiar modern life with the Naruto setting.
- Wonder and novelty: Kisame’s astonishment at hearing a distant voice through a phone reflects how groundbreaking these inventions are.
- Family and shared entertainment: The chapter presents Takuya’s household as a close group, with Naruto, Sasuke, and Itachi gathering together to enjoy the premiere.
4. Character Interactions
- Konan and White Zetsu: White Zetsu gives Konan an update, while Konan internally criticizes his talkative and invasive nature.
- Takuya and Orochimaru: Takuya supervises the smartphone test and praises Orochimaru’s successful work, reinforcing their professional partnership.
- Takuya and Kisame: They conduct the first long-distance phone call, confirming that the device functions properly and allowing Kisame to experience the technology firsthand.
- Takuya, Itachi, Naruto, and Sasuke: The group gathers at home for the television premiere. Naruto and Sasuke enthusiastically insist that Takuya stop talking so they can hear the show.
- Takuya and his Shadow Clone: Takuya humorously uses ninjutsu to avoid leaving the sofa, having the clone fetch drinks and snacks while he waits for the program to start.