Well, to say the least, you must have prior knowledge of naruto, and pefrebaly up to date (with this point). This Volume takes of from the emotional high from volume 53, and gets right into the action.
This volume does contain key battles and does have an emotional scene concerning konan (not trying to spoil!! :p)
Overall, i really think this was a great volume, its pacing is quite fast, but not to fast and you can finish this in one sitting (if your upto that task, and also since its not too long).
It isn't the best manga volume of naruto but its sure is one great one, especially the fight with kisame and Gai (you can see it on the cover, but i won't spoil it). Plus, it leaves of on a cliffhanger, so the next volume should be just or even more epic than this one.
Totally recommend to any naruto fan out there.