It’s hard not to like Naruto. Maybe that’s just because I’m a closeted weeb. Anyways, Naruto has always had excellently dynamic animation and I’m glad people are talking about it! (As if not enough people talk about the series)
The exaggeration of facial expressions and squashing and stretching of bodies while performing jutsu often are ignored as people are more interested in the jutsu themselves rather than the casters. I think another instance that also furthers your points made upon this squash/stretch of expressions and anticipation of action is the fight between Naruto and Sasuke at the very end of the original series. In that fight there are many a frame where eye sockets are cartoonishly pulled out of their skulls and their bodies almost appear to be gelatinous upon impact.
Great points. I love me some Naruto.