Naruto 651-652: this is all looking like a stupid end to an arc. Naruto waves a magic wand and pulls out the vital chakra that makes the baddies’ plan work. Of course, Madara is still around, but if things come to an end based on the events of these chapters, it will make for one hell of an anticlimax. 

One Piece 724 had the arc go in an unexpected direction – after DoFlamingo proved his sheer power, Law’s intervention has split the crew in half. Will be very interesting to see what will happen to the two divisions next.

Naruto 650 was largely various ally characters showing that they are doing something useful, and then a single rather bewildering clash between Naruto, Sasuke and Obito, during which Kakashi sets the groundwork for another baddy to reform after hearing Naruto’s noble words. Yuck. What’s Madara doing? 

One Piece 723 moved along at a brisk pace. It’s a bit of a shame that even post-time skip, the crew members on the boat are considered weak, while Luffy, Zoro and Sanji remain the formidable ones, but it does allow for some awesome entries.

Naruto 649: I remember a time when Naruto could convey things without outright stating them. That’s past – but it was quite nice in the second part of this chapter to have all the different factions coming together.