So I've finally caught up.
Watched all the English episodes out so far.
Watched the remaining jap episodes with english subtitles (up through shippuden 45)
Read the manga (English translation) up to the most recent volume. volume 43)
All i can say is wow, stuff from the first few episodes is tied back in 43 volumes later. Little things like why sasuke's brother let him live, and why he killed his whole clan.
Why you really only see 2 spiked hair blond ninjas (guys)
I think its pretty obvious the manga will go to either 50 or 56 (original naruto was 27-28 manga, so another 27-28).
- only 2 of the tailed creatures remain free,
naruto has been sent the key to allow for his ultimate jutsu (turning into the 9 tailed fox)
the ultimate goal of the evil organization is finally in the open and almost complete
Very few actual bad guys remain (of the evil organization, i think only 2 are really evil, and they answer to a big boss, who has saved naruto and sauske)
Cant wait to see how it all unfolds.