You know when a filler is so good, you refuse to call it filler? Not only did the Kakashi ANBU arc start off perfectly, it ties into the manga so well at the same time. Minato's process of becoming the Fourth Hokage, Kakashi after he (accidentally?) killed Rin, The last generation in Naruto in their younger days... Even got some Kushina. A lot of this content was unfortunately absent in the manga.
It's the end of the Third Shinobi World War. Konohagakure extends a hand seeking peace in the form of a treaty to Iwagakure. Just as they want to refuse and clash, they get interrupted by Sunagakure. Superior in numbers, they threaten to attack if Iwagakure continues their assault. Iwagakure, horribily outclassed, retreats. We then get a discussion involving the leaders of Iwagakure. They're worried about the Sunagakure-Iwagakure bond.
After some brief scenes showing Kakashi's mental struggle, the focus shifts on to a meeting. The Third Hokage, his wife and Danzo being present. Danzo doesn't agree with Konohagakure wanting peace, saying he lost friends in the war. Seeking peace would be like those friends died in vain. The Third acknowledges this and takes responsibility by stepping down.
A new Hokage needs to be approved by the leaders of the Land of Fire. As everyone is gathered, a somewhat heated argument between The Third and Danzo takes place over the candidates. Danzo wants Orochimaru, the Third wants Minato: The Yellow Flash who became the hero of the Third Shinobi World War. Minato gets approval and we get some nice scenes, including funny interaction between Minato and Kushina. Also, Minato becoming the Hokage Simba on Pride Rock-style was really impressive.
No days off for Kakashi though as he's immediately sent out on a mission by the Fourth. What he doesn't know is that the Fourth sent Gai to watch him. All to confirm his mental instability. Kakashi ends up being saved by Gai and some ANBU members. The episode concludes with Minato paying Kakashi a visit in the village's hospital. We are not explicitly told why, but the Fourth wants Kakashi to be his right hand as a member of the ANBU. He probably wants to keep a close eye on Kakashi because of his current state. Another guess is that he's simply confident in Kakashi's abilities. The final scenes show Kakashi accepting his role, gearing up with conviction.
I've noticed how Studio Pierrot is doing a great job recently, trying to improve the Naruto storyline as a whole. I read and watch Naruto, and I must say the episodes have more than a slight edge over the manga right now. By filling up gaps like these, the plot is definitely more cohesive. I give this very welcome episode an 8/10.
