We're taking a break from putting up the latest Naruto Shippuden episode this week (fear not, we have a two-part doozy coming your way next week), but in the meantime, we have a video special over at naruto.com for you to enjoy -- the top 10 episodes from the past year in Naruto Shippuden, as voted on by Naruto fans. It may come as a surprise to some who earns the top spot, but if you're a Sasuke fan as some of us in the office are, you'll be pleasantly surprised by which episode takes the #1 spot... 

In this week's fresh episodes of Hikaru no Go, it's all about national pride as Hikaru and his buddies happen upon a Go salon filled with Korean players, including a particularly bratty kid. As they say, pride goeth before a fall, but will Hikaru's hot temper be a bigger handicap than his opponent Su-Yong's arrogance?

It's almost touching to see the hot-blooded competition in these two episodes, because once you get past national differences and individual temperaments, Go, like any game or sport, is about giving your opponent (and yourself) enough respect to play your best. Su-Yong gets the lesson this time around, but it's something even Hikaru has had to learn during this series. You have to feel for Sai, though -- for all the pride he feels at Hikaru's progress, he's all too aware that Hikaru's continuing success can only mean one thing down the road...

Check out the series on our Hikaru no Go page, and leave comments!

Episode 35: Only One Can Win
On the recommedation of a fellow Go player, Hikaru, Waya and Isumi try out a new Go Salon that’s different from the rest…

Episode 36: My Name Is...
After a contemptuous and intense battle, Hikaru triumphs over Su-yong, leaving his Korean opponent more determined than ever to take on Hikaru once again…
 

Today sees the launch of four new dubbed, uncut, ready-to-download Naruto Shippuden episodes on iTunes -- the "rescue Gaara" story arc comes to a stirring conclusion, and then it's all warm and fuzzy feelings as Naruto is reunited with a few of his Leaf Village comrades (including a blushing Hinata, natch). Check out episodes 31-34 and all currently released dubbed Naruto Shippuden episodes in iTunes' Naruto section.

New episodes featured:

Episode 31: The Legacy
Relying on Naruto's power, Granny Chiyo performs the Transmigration Jutsu on Gaara. Sakura is saddened when she realizes the cost of this jutsu.

Episode 32: Return of the Kazekage
Gaara and his rescuers make a triumphant return to the Hidden Sand Village. After paying their respects at Granny Chiyo's grave, Naruto and the Leaf ninja reluctantly take their leave.

Episode 33: The New Target
Everyone has returned to the Hidden Leaf Village. Kakashi is hospitalized for a week due to the strain caused by his Mangekyo Sharingan.

Episode 34: Formation! New Team Kakashi
After attacking Naruto, Sai predicts that they will meet again soon, then vanishes. Tsunade meets with the village elders, Homura and Koharu…

In Kekkaishi volume 20, the overarching theme of it seems to be the complex relationship between brothers. Yoshimori and Masamori have always been at odds. Perhaps all siblings are, as they compete with each other and for their parent's attention.

With the Sumimura brothers, the stakes are rather high. The two are in conflict over who is the true heir to the guardianship of the Karasumori Site. Yoshimori is pretty transparent about his feelings and thoughts, and he's the character we follow most closely in the story. We know what motivates Yoshimori: his desire to protect others. Plus, there's his secret love for Tokine. (Shhhh!) But even though we readers get glimpses of Yoshimori's life beyond what Masamori sees, he remains a mystery. What is the true motivation behind his actions and work with the Shadow Organization?

Despite their differences though, Yoshimori and Masumori look out for each other and are quick to rush to the other's aid.

Also in Kekkaishi volume 20, the Ogi brothers provide a contrast to the Sumimura brothers. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but let's just say that the Ogi clan sometimes sticks together a bit too much, and sometimes a bit too little...

Part of the conflict between Masamori and Yoshimori is that Masamori, as the older brother, thinks he should be the most powerful and competent. Older siblings might seem better at everything when you're younger, but don't worry. Once everyone grows up, these differences even out.

Siblings will always have different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses — no matter what their age. Even identical twins vary in their actions and choices. So I don't think there's really any point in competing. Instead, develop your individual talents and enjoy the balance provided by your sisters and brothers. Let your math-savvy brother help you with your geometry homework, and use your fashion sense to help your less visually-talented brother dress for his hot date!

I remember the day my big sister taught me how to draw a horse. She was six years older than me, and I was crying because she could draw better. In the end, lo and behold, I liked my horse drawing better! From that day on, I realized I wasn't inferior to her, just younger. Nowadays I still like my artwork better than my sister's, but she is a far better musician!

— Annette Roman, Kekkaishi manga editor
 

Joso! Ketsu! Metsu! Tenketsu! Welcome to Kekkaishi, the magical anime about two rival Kekkaishi (barrier masters) who go to school by day and fight supernatural beasts by night. VIZ Anime is proud to launch with a whopping 21 episodes of this comical yet action-packed anime today, with new episodes available on Mondays.