As Naruto grew in popularity, it also grew in length. The anime was packed full of filler and anime exclusive content, which helped lengthen the run time. The story can be broken down into individual arcs, some of which are incredibly long and others shockingly short.
There were manga arcs that were never converted into anime episodes, but arcs were turned into a small handful of episodes. Some of the shorter arcs have had their storylines pulled from the light novels. All the arcs, short and long, work together to make Naruto the compelling story today.
10 Childhood (4 Episodes) – This Arc Shows Moments From The Childhood Of Important Characters
The Childhood arc was alternatively titled Nostalgic Days and was released as part of Naruto: Shippuden. The episodes tell stories from the childhood of characters like Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi.
The arc shows Naruto discovering a crying Hinata and escorting her back to the Hyuga estate. Sasuke is shown spending quality time with his older brother. Sakura confesses to Sasuke for the first time and becomes frustrated because Sasuke doesn’t know her identity.
9 Land Of Tea Escort Mission (5 Episodes) – Team 7 Is Sent To Protect A Young Competitor
Set shortly after Orochimaru attacks the village, Team 7 is sent on a mission to the Land of Tea. Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto are asked to escort a young man named Idate. Idate has been sent to compete in a race but is targeted for assassination by a rival family.
Idate and Team 7 have some initial hostility. Naruto and Idate especially seem to disagree, but the two eventually manage to bond over their similarities. Idate’s speed helps to ensure his victory.
8 Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise (5 Episodes) – Sasuke Is Asked To Return To Konoha To Deal With A Threat
This arc takes place during Sasuke’s journey of redemption. When Konoha begins being attacked by exploding humans, Kakashi decides to summon Sasuke back to the village.
Before Sasuke can return, he stumbles across some of the exploding humans himself. Sasuke uses his connections to try and find the guilty party. He learns that a rare Kekkei Genkai creates the exploding humans.
7 Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting In Silent Darkness (5 Episodes) – Shikamaru Is Sent On A Life-Threatening Mission
Shikamaru has been helping the Sixth Hokage with paperwork, looking forward to the day that Naruto will take over the position. Shikamaru has grown bored, wanting the chance to be a shinobi again.
When Shikamaru departs on a mission to the Land of Silence, he finds himself fighting for his life. His enemy is Gengo, who manages to take control of other powerful shinobi. Shikamaru has to find a way to free the others without falling victim to Gengo’s control himself.
6 Power (6 Episodes) – Team 7 Has To Try And Stop Kabuto From Reincarnating Shinobi
With the Fourth Great Ninja War about to begin, Team 7 is sent on a mission to investigate an area of Tonika Village. Sakura and Naruto encounter Kabuto, who reveals that he has been reincarnating shinobi.
During the attack, Kakashi and the rest of the Konoha 11 show up to help. Naruto begins to lose control over the Nine-Tails as Yamato struggles to help him maintain control.
5 Tale Of Jiraiya The Gallant (7 Episodes) – Jiraiya Searches For Information Related To Pain’s Identity
The arc was condensed from 16 chapters into 7 episodes. The arc follows Jiraiya’s investigation into Pain. Jiraiya is working towards uncovering the identity of Konoha’s mysterious enemy.
As Jiraiya begins to inspect Amegakure, he begins to suspect that Pain may be his former student. Jiraiya recognizes Pain’s incredible strength. Both sides seem to realize that Jiraiya is fighting a losing battle, but the ninja continues to fight anyway.
4 Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day For A Wedding (7 Episodes) – The Village Gets Ready For Naruto And Hinata’s Wedding
This arc features the wedding of Naruto and Hinata. The arc begins with the entire village getting ready for the festivities. Konohamaru goes around recording messages from those close to the couple.
Iruka struggles to come up with the right thing to say. A misunderstanding between Iruka and Naruto causes Iruka to worry about how Naruto is treating Hinata. Ultimately, the whole thing is cleared up. Iruka is given a position of honor in the ceremony.
3 Itachi Shinden Book: Light And Darkness (8 Episodes) – A Look At The Life Of Itachi Uchiha
This arc focuses on the early life of Itachi Uchiha. It begins with Itachi trying to help a wounded enemy and being forced to kill the older shinobi. Even at a young age, Itachi is shown to be incredibly thoughtful. He is trying to understand the world around him.
These formative years are shaped by the interactions he has with people like Orochimaru. During the Nine-Tails attack, he works to protect his baby brother and manages to save Izumi’s life. The arc goes through to his joining the Akatsuki and his last interaction with Sasuke.
2 Six-Tails Unleashed (9 Episodes) – Naruto Tries To Stop The Akatsuki From Capturing The Six-Tails
This arc takes place during Naruto: Shippuden and focuses on two side characters. Utakata is the jinchuriki of the Six-Tails and is responsible for training a kunoichi named Hotaru.
Utakata and Hotaru managed to escape an attack. Naruto manages to catch up with them and, after a brief misunderstanding, is asked to help guard Hotaru. Meanwhile, Naruto has to deal with two separate threats: the Akatsuki trying to capture the Six-Tails.
1 Fated Battle Between Brothers (10 Episodes) – Sasuke Finally Defeats His Older Brother
The arc shows the long-awaited battle between Sasuke and Itachi. Sasuke is finally able to confront his brother over the Uchiha Massacre. Though Itachi puts up an impressive fight, he is ultimately defeated by his younger brother.
Sasuke is then told the truth about his brother and the death of his clan by Tobi. A shocked and horrified Sasuke decides to seek revenge against the village that ruined his life.
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