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  • 10 Most Underrated Naruto Characters

    10 Most Underrated Naruto Characters

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    The world of Naruto is vast, including several different villages which each host a variety of different Clans with unique Jutsu. Because of the sheer number of characters in Naruto, some shinobi are often overshadowed by their peers, leaving the poor souls as forgotten and underrated compared to others.

    We’ve rounded up ten of these individuals so we can give them the appreciation they deserve.

    Shino Aburame

    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Poor Shino, not even Naruto was able to recognize him after returning to the Hidden Leaf Village following the three-year time skip. This bug-wielding ninja is so often overshadowed by the rest of the Konoha eleven, even his teammates, Kiba and Hinata. As a member of the Aburame Clan, Shino’s body is a host for insects that enable his various Jutsu.

    However, Shino’s insects are extremely unique, as he harvested some of his adoptive brother, Torune’s insects, and used them to refine his bug-breeding techniques. This eventually resulted in a new beetle with traces of both insects, a unique species that Shino created. Shino has immense control over his insects and has proven himself to be extremely intelligent and capable in combat on the few opportunities he’s had to prove himself. It’s only a shame he didn’t get more time to shine.

    Ino Yamanaka

    Ino Yamanaka from Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Ino Yamanaka is often cast aside by fans and considered weak, as her physical strength doesn’t compare to other ninja in the show. However, Ino is extremely strong with the use of her Mind Transfer Jutsu, a technique that enables her to enter the mind of an opponent and completely immobilize them. Ino came in absolutely clutch during the Shinobi World War, as she was able to use her Mind Transfer Jutsu to completely restrain Obito and the Ten-Tails, which was impossible for every other Shinobi on the battlefield.

    On top of her sharp mind and technical ability, Ino is also fully trained in Medical Ninjutsu as one of Tsunade’s apprentices. This proves that although she may lack huge physical strength, or flashy, explosive abilities, Ino has mastered more than one area of Ninjutsu, and has played a part in saving the lives of many individuals. Give this lady the recognition she deserves!

    Yamato

    Yamato from Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Yamato is the individual who stepped in as a temporary Sensei to Team 7 when Kakashi was bedridden and unable to continue the role for some time. Unfortunately for poor Yamato, that’s all some fans ever really see him as — a less memorable Kakashi Hatake. However, Yamato is an extremely fascinating character with a deeply sad backstory. I don’t know how people wouldn’t want to cheer for the guy, all he wants is to be respected and appreciated by his fellow Team 7 companions, as proven in his time in Infinite Tsukuyomi.

    Not only is Yamato a very lovable character, but he is also very valuable and powerful as a shinobi. Firstly, he spent most of his childhood in the Root division of Anbu as a child, refining his powers to excel many shinobi older than him. On top of this, Yamato has access to the rare Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, derived from the DNA of Hashirama Senju. With the use of Hashirama Senju’s necklace, Yamato can even amplify his powers to control a Tailed Beast, such as when he restrained Naruto’s Four-Tailed Cloak in a breeze.

    This is no small feat and was one of the main reasons Hashirama was made Hokage in the first place, which only proves Yamato’s power. It’s a shame he didn’t get more recognition, or a big defining moment to prove the extent of his abilities.

    Kurenai Yuhi

    Kurenai Yuhi in Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Poor Kurenai, she was done so dirty… Unfortunately for this Jonin, most fans remember her for her pitiful attempt to take on Itachi Uchiha in Genjutsu, which ultimately failed very badly. This made Kurenai somewhat of a joke to the Naruto fandom, and beyond this moment she never really got a chance to redeem herself or make a comeback, as she was soon written out of the main story after getting pregnant with Asuma’s child, Mirai Sarutobi.

    What many fail to remember, is that at the time of her battle against Itachi, Kurenai was a Jonin, a Sensei to Team 8, and considered to be the most powerful Genjutsu user in the Hidden Leaf. This is a title that would not be earned with ease, meaning that Kurenai was very powerful — she just never got a chance to show it off. Instead, this poor woman was stomped into the mud by Itachi, who was an absolute all-rounder beast at the time. It’s not that Kurenai was weak, but that Itachi was a shinobi who surpassed the skill levels of most other ninja in his lifetime.

    Apart from her Genjutsu skills, Kurenai was also proven to be extremely caring and kind, going out of her way to take Hinata Hyuga under her wing when Hiashi cast her aside. Honestly, as much as I love Mirai and the fact that Asuma lives on through his daughter, Kurenai had so much potential. It was a shame to see her story pan out the way it did, she deserved to at least have a few key moments of badassery before she was benched.

    Konan

    Konan from Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Even though Konan has the chance to show off her abilities on multiple occasions, many fans fail to recognize just how lethal she could have been had she lived on to the end. Not only does Konan have a unique Jutsu in the form of her Paper Techniques, but she is also incredibly intelligent, resourceful, and perceptive.

    Konan was able to formulate a plan to take down Tobi and executed it to perfection in combat against him — something very few shinobi would have been able to achieve. Through her smarts and techniques, Konan overcomes Kamui, forcing Obito (Tobi) to use Izanagi to take her down, as she would have otherwise been successful in her plan. After being touched by Naruto’s ideals and abandoning the Akatsuki to fight for peace in his favor, Konan was fiercely loyal, even willing to bravely sacrifice her life in her attempt to take down Tobi.

    Konan was truly badass right to the end, too. As far as she knew, she was going up against Madara Uchicha, which made her fierce bravery and intellect even more impressive. She didn’t even bat an eye and instead put everything on the line. Konan’s entire storyline and character are one of the most impressive in the entire Naruto franchise, so this Hidden Rain ninja deserves much more limelight and love from the fanbase.

    Suigetsu Hozuki

    Suigetsu from Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Suigetsu is certainly an underrated shinobi within the Naruto franchise. Sure, he accompanies Sasuke during Shippuden, and Sasuke wouldn’t tolerate any weakling by his side. However, the extent of Suigetsu’s abilities is barely touched upon, which leaves him in the shadows quite a bit, despite having some very unique and powerful abilities.

    Suigetsu is capable of using secret Water Release techniques to turn his body to liquid, change his body shape and the size of his limbs, and perform Water Jutsu without the need for Hand Signs. Suigetsu also shows formidable skill with the Kubikiribocho sword, which he was able to use to defend Sasuke and hold his own against A and Killer B; this shark boy certainly packs a punch.

    Anko Mitarashi

    Anko Mitarashi in Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Anko Mitarashi is a Tokubutsu Jonin and ex-apprentice of Orochimaru, capable of using Snake Jutsu. After being introduced as one of the instructors during the Chunin exams, Anko, unfortunately, had very little screen time following this and was written out of a lot of the Shippuden storyline, even missing out on the Shinobi World War while being captured by Kabuto.

    This is very disappointing, as Anko is a very capable ninja, and had a high level of power, yet very little chance to portray this. Also, let’s not forget that Orochimaru hand-picked her as his apprentice during her youth, meaning she has always shown an impressive level of skill as a shinobi.

    Shizune

    Shizune from Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Shizune is the apprentice to Tsunade, yet she spends so much time running around as her assistant once the latter takes on the role of Hokage, that Shizune doesn’t get a huge number of chances to show off her skills. Shizune is a Jonin-level shinboi and one whom Jiraiya had enough faith in to allow her to take on Kabuto, with the latter even acknowledging Shizune’s skills during a confrontation with Orochimaru and Tsunade.

    On top of Shizune’s skills with toxins, weapons, and her unique Poison Mist Jutsu, she also has refined Medical Ninjutsu skills as a result of her time training as Tsunade’s apprentice. Alongside her skills, Shizune also has a sharp mind, leading her to remain focused and observant. This was largely beneficial in the Great Ninja War, where Shizune was responsible for determining links between the army of White Zetsu and Hashirama Senju.

    Haku

    Haku from Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Haku was one of the first formidable enemies that Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke went up against. Haku was an orphaned child from within the Hidden Mist Village, and a wielder of a unique Kekkei Genkai called Ice Release. After encountering Zabuza, Haku joined him as his apprentice, which further developed his skills throughout the years. Haku’s most formidable skill, however, was his unparalleled speed. Haku was so fast in combat that even Sasuke was unable to track his movements without the use of his Sharingan, which proves just how intense Haku’s agility was.

    Thanks to Zabuza’s former Anbu training, detailed information regarding human physiology was passed down to Haku. This enabled Haku to take out opponents with a single Senbon acupuncture strike, causing immediate death. On top of Haku’s sheer speed and precision in his abilities, he was extremely observant and intelligent, and at only fifteen years old. Haku was an absolute beast who threw Team 7 off for the majority of their fight; just imagine if he’d been given the opportunity to keep living, growing, and adapting his skills throughout Shippuden.

    Kimimaro

    Kimimaro from Naruto
    Image Source: Studio Pierrot

    Kimimaro was the last surviving member of the Kaguya Clan and the leader of the Sound Five. Kimimaro has the powerful Shikotsumyaku Technique, allowing him to manipulate and weaponize the bones of his own body. Most significantly, Kiminaro’s powers were so great that Orochimari had identified him to be his next vessel.

    Kimimaro was able to defeat hundreds of Naruto’s Nine-Tailed Shadow Clones with ease, and fought against Naruto, Lee, and Gaara one after the other, bearing a Chakra power that was so strong, it could be visualized by the naked eye. Unfortunately, Kimimaro ultimately succumbed to his terminal illness, moments before he was to kill Gaara.

    Had Kimimaro not died in the middle of this fight due to his body giving out on him, then he very likely would have succeeded in killing Gaara, who went on to become Kazekage not much longer. Is this not an indicator of just how brutal Kimimaro’s power was? I certainly think so!

    About the author

    Grace Black

    Grace is a writer, digital artist, and character illustrator from New Zealand with a love for fiction and storytelling. Grace has been writing for Twinfinite for seven months and in the games industry for a year. She’s a horror enthusiast, occasional anime enjoyer, and die-hard Ghost-Type Pokemon fangirl. Her favorite video games include Overwatch 2, Life is Strange, The Last of Us, and Pokemon – all of which she will never tire of.

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    Grace Black

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  • 15 Best Naruto Opening Songs, Ranked

    15 Best Naruto Opening Songs, Ranked

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    The Naruto franchise has a story spanning over 26 seasons total between both the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden series. With such a high number of seasons, it’s only natural that there have been some iconic and memorable opening credits throughout. We’ve rounded up fifteen of the best, based on music, animation, and imagery/symbolism to the show, so tighten your ninja headbands and follow along below to relive these moments.

    15. Seishun Kyousoukyoku

    Seishun Kyousoukyoku is the Naruto opening that revolves around the Sasuke retrieval ark, with Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji, Choji, and Kiba forming a special squad to try to track him down and bring him back to his home in the Hidden Leaf. There are a lot of really interesting angles used as the team runs and jumps through the trees, and the song portrays the perfect sense of urgency that this retrieval mission has bestowed on the Genin.

    There’s also some nice symbolism going on with Sasuke’s hand grabbing his Ninja headband when surrounded by the influence of Sakura and Naruto, and then letting this slip when the dark influences of Itachi and Orochimaru step in. Overall, this is a very solid opening for one of the most interesting arks in the original Naruto series and a very memorable song for many.

    14. Re:member

    Re:member is definitely one of the most memorable openings within the original Naruto series, utilizing a very upbeat and catchy song to help set the mood on the various side missions and one off adventures to be explored. While it may not be the most complex or deep opening in Naruto history, don’t let this fool you.

    Re:member has a brilliant fight sequence during this opening, panning around each of the Konoha 12 Genin as they strike with a flurry of their special attacks. The use of silhouettes for villain such as Itachi and Orochimaru is also very interesting, creating feelings of mystery as they lurk from afar.

    13. Toumei Datta Sekai

    This opening often gets overlooked, as it’s a bit softer in comparison to others, which makes it a bit more forgettable when it comes to music. However, this is the opening for one of the best arks in Naruto Shippuden (the Pain Invasion), which utilizes unique perspective and depth within the fight sequences, showcasing the size difference between the various characters and where they are located within the battle.

    This opening theme also dives into Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato’s backstories and the history of Jiraiya. This is the first opening that takes place after the heartbreaking death of Jiraiya, which makes the opening scene of him in a peaceful setting, writing his book, even more emotional. Furthermore, as this opening finally comes to a close, Jiraiya is seen signing off the end of his book, the story of Naruto, the hero after which our beloved Naruto Uzumaki was named after.

    12. No Boy, No Cry

    No Boy, No Cry is an absolute banger of a song and makes up one of the most memorable opening credits within the original Naruto series. This opening showcases the conflict between Naruto and Sasuke, with very gray and dismal coloring as Naruto struggles to find his footing again and fights to make Sasuke come to the understanding that Naruto cares about him and doesn’t want to lose their friendship; no matter how much they may have butted heads at the beginning.

    Not only does this opening reference one of the best and most significant conflicts of Naruto’s story in his Genin youth, but the brief animations showing off the Konoha twelve are very well done and satisfying to watch with the punkish beat of No Boy, No Cry. Lastly, we even get an ominous little peek at villains such as the Akatsuki and Orochimaru’s Hidden Sound experiments, as the camera pans across the back of their robes and clothing, making this opening truly one to remember.

    11. Guren

    Guren is the 15th opening of Naruto Shippuen, taking place in the Great Ninja War ark. While the Guren song is extremely catchy, it’s the character symbolism and battle animation that make this opening so interesting. Most significantly, this opening portrays symbolism between three Generations of characters who all went through a journey from friends to enemies at some point during their lives with Hashirama and Madara, Kakashi and Obito, and Naruto and Sasuke.

    While these parallels are certainly interesting and symbolic on their own, they are also nicely elevated by some fluid battle scenes, and camera pans that could give any longtime fan goosebumps. From the zoom-out from Naruto to reveal the Allied Shinobi Forces standing behind him in unison and support, to the pan across the various Hokage of the Leaf, Guren is a brilliant Naruto opening on all levels.

    10. Niwaka Ame ni mo Makezu

    Niwaka Ame ni mo Makezu not only has a super catchy beat and memorable vocals but the visuals of this opening that represent the chaos and intensity of the Great Ninja War are beautifully rendered, making this an opening to remember.

    Right when the chorus drops, there’s an amazing fight sequence with the Kage against Madara, showcasing full dynamic displays of Tsunade, A, Gaara, Mei, and Onoki’s powers. Not to mention, there’s also a very special moment between Naruto and Kurama, hitting their Chakra together through a fist bump, establishing their bond together as partners now more than ever.

    9. Blood Circulator

    Blood Circulator is a brilliant song with very catchy electric guitar riffs, which is already enough to make it stand out. While the imagery for this opening sequence may not be as detailed as previous openings, the more subtle movements and simplistic approach just so happen to be perfectly matched up and synched to the music, creating a very satisfying opening credit. Plus, this is the opening for the final ark of the show featuring Kaguya Otsutsuki, which makes it hard to forget.

    Watching everyone trapped and drowning in the darkness of Infinite Tsukiyomi and Naruto start to sink is rather worrisome, as almost every other opening portrays him fighting back, resilient as ever. However, watching Sasuke, Kakashi, and Sakura pull themselves out to fight back is the boost he needs, their spirit uplifting him just as his spirit has done for others time after time. This opening reinforces the close bond of Team 7, proving that even though they have numerous problems and differences, they will always lift one another in the end.

    8. Closer

    As lovable as Naruto is as the protagonist, Closer focuses on team Ino-Shika-Cho, specifically Shikamaru, after the tragic death of their Sensei, Asuma Sarutobi. Everything about this opening is perfection – the choice of music, the animation, the emotion portrayed on Shikamaru’s face, the way the Konoha 12 are shown to always back each other up, and the fight scenes against the Akatsuki.

    The starting scene with all of the Konoha ninja shinobi turning their heads as the camera pans past them in the field of flowers is gorgeous, especially as these specific flowers have strong symbolism and representation of Asuma himself, and his relationship with Kurenai.

    Following this, the dynamic movements of the Konoha 12 heading out together are extremely satisfying, before the chorus hits and the opening falls into battle scenes against Hidan and Kakuzu, the ones responsible for ending Asuma’s life. This emotional but uplifting opening just makes you want to root for Shikamaru and the Hiden Leaf ninja no matter what, and that’s quite a special feeling to have been created.

    7. GO!!!

    We are fighting dreamers! Right from the very first chord of the electric guitar, this opening brings back memories for many Naruto fans who started the show in their youth. GO!!! is an extremely catchy song, which certainly gets viewers pumped up for the action and chaos that is sure to come in the tales of Naruto in his Genin youth.

    The stylistic choices of this opening are also extremely interesting, with panning across textured manga-styled panels, and then the various characters being animated into place within these panels, which is super satisfying and interesting to watch. This opening also manages to keep things very light-hearted and humorous as well as including enough action and snippets of mystery and badassery to get fans excited for what’s to come.

    6. Haruka Kanata

    The Chunin Exams ark is probably my favorite part of the entire Naruto storyline, and I partially have Haruka Kanata to thank for that. This song works perfectly for this section of the story, with gritty guitars and harsh vocals ringing out across a variety of character portraits and fight scenes. What makes this even more satisfying, is that the various character portraits and team compositions are synched up in time to the music.

    The Chunin Exams is a hugely important moment for many characters other than Naruto, too, such as Lee, Gaara, Shikamaru, and Sakura, so seeing these references in the opening sequence is extremely satisfying. However, we not only get to see our beloved Konoha 12, but also the first glimpse of the Sand Siblings, Kabuto, and indicators that Orochimaru is lurking somewhere within this ark.

    Lastly, the opening ends with a zoom out across a group of these characters, which indicates everyone is successful in completing the Chunin Exams. I didn’t realize this until I’d completed the ark, but looking back, it just makes me love Haruka Kanata even more.

    5. Hero’s Come Back!!

    After wrapping up Naruto and jumping into Naruto Shippuden, which takes place about three years later, the show would need the perfect song and opening track to make a great comeback; and boy, oh boy, did Hero’s Come Back!! deliver. This opening gives us the first sneak peek at the growing up everyone has done, complete with brand new designs for each character. The more rap-influenced music style is also completely different from any of the openings in Naruto, which makes this first Shippuden opening stand out even more.

    A small smile appears on Naruto’s face as images of Kakashi, Sakura, Tsunade, and Jiraiya scroll beside him, almost indicating a thought of them. This shows he’s happy to be back in his village and return to those who have been counting on him. We’re all just as happy to have Naruto back at this point, too. I mean, how could we not be? Our beloved hero then takes off running back towards home, which is extremely heartwarming.

    The opening then utilizes some unique and interesting sketchy animation and monochromatic film grain filters synched to the music, which is very eye-catching. However, the second verse is where things ramp up, giving an ominous look at the Akatsuki, and revealing the face of Deidara, one of the next villains from the organization that Naruto would be going up against first. Lastly, the opening closes off with Naruto rejoining his team, standing by Sakura and Kakashi’s side once more; a perfect end to the beginning of Naruto Shippuden’s opening credits.

    4. Blue Bird

    Blue Bird is hands-down one of the most recognized and beloved Naruto openings of all time, absolutely adored by fans of the show. However, what makes this opening even more impressive, is that this opening was mostly used for filler, which a lot of people tend to skip. Even though many filler openings are less favored or even unknown for this reason, Blue Bird still managed to make an impact on the Naruto fanbase, and for good reason.

    Right around this opening is when fans will notice the animation quality kick things up a notch, with more dynamic and fluid movements, as well as clean picture quality. Naruto’s Blue Bird opening also ties into the name and lyrics of the song, with a blue silhouette of a bird flying around the monochromatic manga-like panels, transitioning into the full colored scene of Naruto falling, then fading into ying-yang symbolism with Sasuke, their personalities and stories representing this idea.

    Blue feathers are continued to be used as scene transitions here and there throughout, until Naruto finally lands on his feet at the end, picking up a blue feather from the water to close things out. This was a unique take, as it’s not every day an anime will dedicate this much symbolism of their opening to the meaning and symbolism of the song involved.

    3. Sign

    Sign will forever be a very special opening to many Naruto fans, representing one of the most emotional and moving arks of the franchise. The opening begins with beloved memories of Jiraiya and Itachi, as the ark heavily focuses on Jiraiya’s battle with pain, the backstory of Yahiko, Nagao, and Konan, and Sasuke’s battle with Itachi.

    The song itself is brilliant, and everything this ark deserves to represent itself – not too loud and harsh, but instead a gentle track that builds in sound as it progresses. Furthermore, the battle animations in this opening are absolutely gorgeous. From the reflective glow of Sasuke’s Lightning Release to the montage of Pain and Jiraiya charging towards one another through the relentless downpour of the Hidden Rain Village, everything is executed to perfection, which adds so much more meaning and emotion to this ark in general.

    2. Silhouette

    Silhouette blew my mind a bit the first time I witnessed it as an opening sequence. Once again, Naruto claimed yet another brilliant track for the opening credit, which already points the sequence in the right direction. However, it is the symbolism and the animation that truly make this one so special. This opening animation very much reflects the pasts and journeys of the involved characters, portraying their changes as they grow up with individuals such as Madara, and Obito.

    However, the most powerful scene by far, is right when the song is hitting the chorus. Young Naruto begins running, determined to become a ninja and bypass the stigma and fears everyone holds against him. As he runs, we see him age throughout the years his, finally reaching his current appearance. This was a breathtaking moment, especially for fans who have been there since the very beginning, cheering Naruto on from his youth.

    This opening is also very special because finally, after everything, we get to see Sasuke and Naruto fight side by side, standing together as allies once more; which is a goal Naruto has been striving towards ever since Sasuke stepped foot outside of the Leaf. Lastly, watching Naruto extend his hand to Obito, and Obito see his younger self in Naruto’s spirit is such a beautiful moment that many fans adore. Silhouette will forever be an incredible Naruto opening, and is the perfect summary of the incredibly important Ninja War event.

    1. Diver

    Lastly, we have Diver; the Naruto opening that I consider to be an absolute artistic masterpiece. Everything about this opening is stunning, with heavy symbolism in the imagery that portrays the character’s struggles, inner conflicts, and goals. The scene begins with Naruto crashing into the water, sinking deeper, and deeper, as the screen is washed out to monotone black and white.

    As Naruto sinks, he can see various villains from the Akatsuki in the water, staring at him; these very people are the threats that are weighing him down. And just when they’re already causing him to sink, Sasuke hits him with Chidori, effectively drowning him and turning the water a bloody red, which resembles the constant pain Sasuke inflicts on him throughout the journey and their severed bond.

    However, just when things look grim for Naruto, hands begin to appear on his back – from Sakura, Kakashi, Sai, Yamato, Iruka, and other members of the Konoha 12. Everyone who has grown to care for and believe in Naruto, is now pushing him back up to the surface in a huge rush; picking him up when he’s kicked down, just as he’s always fought to do for them. Naruto soars into the air, ties his Ninja headband, and then looks down to notice Sasuke still in the darkness, drowning under the water – but with nobody to lift him back to the surface.

    Without hesitation, Naruto dives straight back in for Sasuke, just as he always will in the show, sacrificing everything to try and help, no matter how badly Sasuke treats him. This is an absolutely beautiful opening for Naruto, telling such a story through subtle hints and imagery. Unlike many others, there was no need for a clash of action or crazy intense music, and that’s why Diver will forever remain incredibly impressive and stunning to so many fans.

    About the author

    Grace Black

    Grace is a writer, digital artist, and character illustrator from New Zealand with a love for fiction and storytelling. Grace has been writing for Twinfinite for seven months and in the games industry for a year. She’s a horror enthusiast, occasional anime enjoyer, and die-hard Ghost-Type Pokemon fangirl. Her favorite video games include Overwatch 2, Life is Strange, The Last of Us, and Pokemon – all of which she will never tire of.

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    Grace Black

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