As a new chapter begins in the Hidden Leaf Village, we reflect on the highlights of Naruto Shippuden!
After many years of war, a new era is set to begin in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations! While the Hidden Leaf Village may seem finally at peace, it took many long years for Naruto to make the ninja world united. Reflecting on his time before becoming the 7th Hokage, we look back on key moments from Naruto Shippuden that filled us with hope, nostalgia and triumph. Of course, this goes with saying this post is heavy in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden spoilers—so read at your own risk!
1. Itachi Uchiha uses Genjutsu on Naruto
Occurring in Episodes 13-15, this figment of Itachi presents Naruto with an opportunity to finally break down his technique. It’s something Naruto had been progressively working towards throughout the series, hallmarking Naruto’s own growth across all arcs.
2. Deidara fights Naruto and Kakashi Hatake
Taking place between Episodes 20-30, this battle is one of endurance and wits, where the duo avoid Deidara’s paper bombs. These episodes are a critical turning point for Naruto and the Nine-Tails spirit within him, as Naruto for the first time attacks an enemy with the intent to kill.
3. Orochimaru confronts Naruto in his many forms
In Episodes 39-43, Naruto is betrayed and forced to face one-on-one with Orochimaru. An antagonist for much of the Naruto franchise, this is technically the second battle the two share. Its importance lies in Naruto’s intense displays of power, where he takes on the image of the Nine-Tails and its destructive personality.
4. A reunion with Sasuke Uchiha
While we wouldn’t call this a fight, the meeting is a critical turning point in the narrative. Set after Sasuke destroyed the new Team 7 with his new power in Episodes 51-54, it pinpoints the moment where Naruto realises the Nine-Tails’ chakra can be completely suppressed. It also highlights the problematic statement of “Save Sasuke,” rendering Sakura unable to take action.
5. Sasuke discovers the truth about his clan and Itachi
For much of Naruto, a cause for Sasuke’s bitterness is the betrayal he felt for his brother who slaughtered his clan. From Episodes 139-141, we see Sasuke learn the truth his clan and their plot to overthrow the newfound peace of the villages. Apart from being a total feels trip, it holds many answers to the clan, and helps unravel the truth around Tobi.
6. Naruto finds out that Jiraiya has died
While there is foreshadowing in the episodes before the event, it’s in Episodes 152-153 where Naruto receives the somber news. While most of the series builds Naruto as a happy-go-lucky person, it’s in these few episodes that we see his character deeply mourn for the very first time. Staying inside and avoiding the world, Naruto only finds peace when Iruka offers him some heartfelt advice.
7. Naruto fights Pain, amongst other revelations
Caught in Episodes 162-175, the arc around Pain not only showcases Shippuden’s intense fight scenes, but also the emotional catharsis around Naruto and his allies. From moments shared with Hinata to Naruto himself being reunited with his father, this unpacks Pain origins and ends with Naruto finally receiving the admiration he deserves..
8. Naruto fights Sasuke, but now how you would expect
While the whole rivalry spans across the entire series, it’s in Episodes 214-216 where we see it for the first time become anticlimactic in sense of right and wrong. With Sasuke’s exhaustion and Naruto’s poisoning making it difficult for either side to fight, it turns quickly into a mental battle and reflection on how the two have separated. Despite the difficulties across the years, it’s in this moment we realise how determined he is to “Save Sasuke.”
9. Naruto finally meets his mother, Kushina
Taking place in Episode 246 during his training with Killer B at the Tailed Beast Temple to learn to control his tailed beast, Naruto is almost overwhelmed by the Nine-Tails’ hatred. Undergoing a second transformation, he hears a clear voice, with Kushina appearing before him. Naruto initially believes that she is the Nine-Tails in disguise, but she soon hits him in the head. It is a touching moment, and one that explains on a deeper level why Naruto holds the beast.
10. Naruto fights Tobi on a grand scale
Between the Episodes 324-330 and 342-343, we see Naruto face off with very difficult foes. From fighting the other seven Jinchuriki to dimension hopping, the action spans across mass proportions and is padded out with memorable assists from Kakashi and Guy. Finally, we see Naruto able to beat Tobi, an antagonist who felt almost untouchable for most the show.
11. Naruto faces of with Obito, the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki
Almost dragging across 10 episodes, this action sequence occurs from Episodes 378-387. At the get-go, Naruto is told that Obito is not someone that can be negotiated with, mentally encouraging him to kill Obito to end the war. In defiance, Naruto uses his Internet-fabled “Talk No Jitsu” to talk Obito out of continuing his fight.
12. Madara, but mainly the flexing of new powers
Somewhat short-lived, this battle occurs in Episodes 421 and 424. It serves mainly as a quick unloading of the great powers both Naruto and Sasuke have mastered, while touching on little else. Small in scale, take these episodes as an introduction to the new powers from the Sage of Six Paths, plus a transition to the Infinite Tsukuyomi and Kaguya.
13. Naruto fulfils the prediction of being the Child of Prophecy
Foretold to hold the fate of the world in his hands, Naruto faces the Sage of the Six Paths to discover the meaning behind the prophecy all those years ago. Contained in Episode 421, it’s satisfying to see how much Naruto has grown, coming as a righteous turning point where Naruto truly starts to believe in himself and his experiences.
14. Naruto and Sasuke have one final battle
Coming as one of the biggest catharsis’ in Naruto Shippuden, we finally see Naruto and Sasuke battle out their anger, guilt and sadness in Episodes 476 and 477. With great animation and character development, the fight is a critical point in the series and finally puts to bed the whole “Save Sasuke” goal of the show.
15. Naruto and Hinata’s wedding, and a very important request
Completing the show in a full circle in many ways, the last few episodes are a great reminder of how far each character has come. Thick in reflections, the last few episodes of Naruto Shippuden between Episodes 494-500 answer many of the questions surrounding the village and their relationships. As Naruto prepares to marry Hinata, both call on Iruka as a father figure and put forth a special request, leaving the show on a bittersweet goodbye.
