About.com just came out with their list of the top anime of the decade from 2000-2009, and three of our series made the list: Naruto, Bleach and Death Note. Fortunately for you, dear viewers, we have all three series here in the Shonen Jump section of this site, so if you haven't had a chance to see the best, now's the time!

A couple of other anime series that made the top 10, Black Lagoon and Fullmetal Alchemist, are also available in their original manga format through the VIZ store, so be sure to check those out too.

As we ring in the New Year, we also ring in some major plot twists in the world of Naruto Shippuden as we launch the latest episode today. Madara claims to know the truth behind the tragedy that befell the Uchiha clan, and the story he has to tell Sasuke may change things forever! Check out the latest episode plus all previous episodes in the Naruto Shippuden section!

Episode 141: Truth

The Uchiha clan was plotting a coup d’etat. The story as told by Madara leaves Sasuke at a loss for words. Because of his gifted talent, Itachi was forced to suffer, torn between his loyalties to the Leaf Village and the Uchiha clan.

It's the holiday season, with the New Year and a new decade around the corner. Surely it's time for a lot of noisy, obnoxious celebrations, right? Well, we're taking a different approach this week, and it's all due to a certain quiet, reserved ninja girl. You might have a hard time getting her to utter more than a few bashful words, and you certainly won't get her to come out and admit she has a crush on a certain blond-haired ninja (well, maybe she would under some extreme circumstances), but that doesn't make her any less endearing to us. So as we toast the holidays, check out the new Hinata character data wallpaper over at naruto.com and give out a few quiet birthday cheers to Hinata -- because "loud" just isn't in her vocabulary!

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Happy Birthday, Hinata!

So today we’re, um, celebrating the uh, birthday of um, Hinata. Don’t put too much effort into it or anything! Or, that’s what Hinata would say if she heard about the party beforehand. She has a tendency to blush, look down at the floor, and fiddle with her hands when nervous, but that’s what makes her so endearing! When it comes to loveable characters Hinata ranks pretty high – she’s cute, shy, and hopelessly in love with Naruto. As long as she’s with all of her friends (and a certain blonde boisterous shinobi) she’ll definitely come out of her shell for the party, but just look out for her Byakugan!

Assuming Neji doesn’t show up, the birthday bash would be good times. Neji isn’t necessarily a terrible person, but he’s got serious issues with our bashful heroine (you could even say they’re deadly serious). [Original Series Episode 47: “A Failure Stands Tall”] It’s just not a pretty picture: everyone would be having a great time, and then out of nowhere Neji gets frustrated at Hinata for something and we all get to stare awkwardly at the cake while the Hyuga clan has it out…

As far as the party games go, ninja will always have some jutsu or another that gives them an edge, but the Byakugan takes the cake (no pun intended). Pin the tail on the donkey? Pshaw! Good luck stopping Hinata from seeing through the blindfold. [Original Series Episode 149: “What’s the Difference? Don’t All Insects Look Alike?”] If she can instantly spot every bug of a certain species in a forest, I don’t even want to think about how badly she’d cream everyone at “Penny Hunt.”* Of course it doesn’t help that she’s kind of an experienced treasure hunter. [Original Series Episode 175: “The Treasure Hunt is On!”]
 

I’m not sure if there’s even a point to wrapping your presents with Hinata, but considering how respectful and mild-mannered she is, I’m sure she’d refrain from the x-ray vision. Plus, what’s the fun in unwrapping something when you know what’s inside? Ultimately, Hinata is a huge sweetheart who never gives up so there’s plenty to love. Pour on your well-wishes and show her that you care!

-- Stephen Bajza

For one day only, on December 27, PlayStation®Network is having an "End of the Year Anime Blowout," with select Naruto and Bleach movies and TV episodes getting deep discounts. Titles that will receive the discount include:

Bleach Movie 1
Naruto Movie 1: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW
Naruto Movie 2: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL
Naruto Movie 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM
First and last 10 episodes of both Bleach and Naruto TV series

Head over to the VIZ Media section of PSN to check out the discounts -- but remember, the sale is for one day only, on December 27!