Discover the 10 Must-Watch Filler Arcs in Naruto Shippuden That You Can't Afford to Skip!

In the anime series “Naruto Shippuden,” a significant portion is made up of filler content, which accounts for approximately 41% of its total 500 episodes. This means that more than four out of every ten episodes aren’t based on the manga. Despite this high proportion of fillers, not all of these episodes are skippable. While it’s true that some fillers in “Naruto” offer nothing to the story and can detract from the viewing experience, there are also certain filler arcs scattered among the big battles and emotional scenes that are worth your time.

As someone who’s immersed in the Naruto universe, I’ve come across bonus arcs that are brimming with nail-biting ninja combat, hilarious scenes, and intriguing character details often left untold in the main storyline. These hidden gems delve into the enigmatic pasts of characters like Itachi and Kakashi, unraveling mysteries such as the secrets behind the tailed beasts or their mysterious childhoods.

Contrary to popular belief among Naruto fans who tend to breeze through filler arcs quicker than Naruto devours bowls of ramen, not all Naruto Shippuden fillers should be overlooked. These ten filler arcs serve as a testament that skipping isn’t always the best choice. Instead of reflexively clicking “next episode,” I encourage you to give these episodes a chance; they might just become your next beloved, unanticipated favorite.

Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc (Episodes 57-71)

In this storyline, we’re introduced to Sora, a young monk with wind powers who’s often at odds with society, much like Naruto. Initially, their relationship is competitive, but it evolves into friendship as they face shared challenges such as tomb raids, zombie attacks, and forbidden lightning skills that jeopardize Konoha. However, the real twist comes when we discover that Sora’s father, Kazuma, who was thought to be deceased, is actually orchestrating all these events. To add fuel to the fire, Sora has residual chakra from the Nine-Tails.

These fifteen episodes offer heartfelt emotional scenes alongside thrilling battles, such as a fight against Fūka who acquires powers by lethal kisses. Additionally, they shed light on Asuma’s enigmatic past, amplifying the impact of his subsequent key storyline sequences. Although not vital to the overall plot, this filler arc combines engaging combat with character development in a way that makes each episode an enjoyable watch.

Three-Tails’ Appearance Arc (Episodes 91-112)

In this segment, we find ourselves in complete turmoil as Konoha’s ninjas, Orochimaru’s troops, and the Akatsuki clash over capturing the immensely powerful Three-Tailed beast. To manage the beast, Orochimaru deploys Guren, a formidable combatant with special crystal-based jutsu, accompanied by Yūkimaru. In response, Tsunade sends numerous squads, including Naruto, Kakashi, and Yamato, to counter them. However, events take an unexpected twist when Naruto and Guren are ingested by the enormous turtle beast, compelling former adversaries to cooperate within its bizarre internal realm.

Over the course of these 22 episodes, we’re privileged to witness Guren’s stunning yet lethal crystal-like jutsu and her connection with the orphaned Yūkimaru. Despite some parts feeling a bit drawn out due to being the longest filler arc in the series, it’s intriguing to observe that the Three-Tails recognizes Naruto from this storyline at a later point. To add to that, by the end of the arc, Akatsuki manages to capture the Three-Tails, which aligns with the manga, although in the original storyline, it occurs much earlier on.

Six-Tails Unleashed Arc (Episodes 144-151)

In this subplot, the characters Utakata, a skilled creator of soap bubbles, and his disciple Hotaru find themselves in peril when an outlawed technique hidden within her draws unwanted scrutiny. The Tsuchigumo Clan covets the jutsu, intent on extracting it from Hotaru’s body, while the Leaf ninjas attempt to intervene with good intentions. This predicament unfolds into a heartwarming tale of guidance and trust as Utakata battles his inner struggles to safeguard Hotaru from those aiming to misuse her abilities.

Despite not directly influencing the overall narrative, this segment provides poignant emotional scenes and a heart-wrenching conclusion as Pain captures Utakata for the Akatsuki. Recalling Utakata’s entire backstory amplifies the emotional impact of his fate in the main storyline. Moreover, it underscores that each tailed-beast host, even those not featured prominently in the main storyline, had a life taken away by the Akatsuki.

Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha (Episodes 176-196)

Following the devastation caused by Pain on the Secret Leaf Village, characters look back fondly on past times. Iruka recalls instructing the mischievous young Naruto, Kakashi reflects on Team 7’s early years, and even Gaara narrates anecdotes about his initial encounters with the Leaf shinobis. These instances illustrate Naruto’s transformation from a village outcast to gradually earning acceptance.

Reflecting upon these past memories, it’s striking to see how much these cherished characters have evolved over time. Granted, some instalments might seem superfluous, but instances like Iruka grappling with his role as a teacher or Kakashi pondering his responsibilities as leader of Team 7 are deeply moving. Consequently, even though this sentimental side story may not advance the primary plot, it provides viewers with a refreshing respite following the intense Pain arc.

Paradise Life on a Boat Arc (Episodes 223-242)

During Naruto’s boat journey, Tsunade persuades him to travel a longer, indirect path to keep him concealed from the Akatsuki. Instead of a swift voyage, they encounter a series of delays lasting twenty episodes, which included encounters with sea creatures, haunted ships, pirates, and a troublemaker imitating Naruto. Simultaneously, separate episodes highlight the training and development of the Konoha 11 as they prepare for the upcoming great war.

In Naruto Shippuden, one of the extended intervals without significant plot advancement is particularly lengthy and somewhat unrelated to the main narrative. Yet, it offers some amusing episodes, humorous subplots, and exciting action sequences. Although much of it can be dismissed, fans who appreciate Naruto’s quirky humor and are invested in the progression of the secondary characters may find this deviation an enjoyable voyage to embark on.

Power Arc (Episodes 290-295)

The Power Arc is a series of six episodes produced in honor of Naruto reaching its 500th episode mark. It follows Team Kakashi as they embark on a mission to explore a village devastated by Kabuto’s reanimation experiments, causing unspeakable fear among the inhabitants. In their investigation, they stumble upon an ancient artifact that, if not contained promptly, could bring about catastrophic destruction. Meanwhile, Naruto encounters his most formidable adversaries yet as he hurries to save survivors before the entire area is annihilated.

This compact storyline seems more like experiencing a high-quality film instead of typical television episodes. The narrative delves into a depth of darkness beyond the norm, incorporating authentic zombie horror and unsettling human experiments. Despite its brevity, this arc offers a cinematic adventure featuring some of the most visually stunning fight sequences. It’s definitely worth watching for the unique perspective it provides on what Naruto can achieve with a substantial animation budget.

Kakashi’s Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives in the Darkness (Episodes 349-361)

In these sections, we delve into Kakashi’s troubled period when he metamorphoses into a cold-hearted assassin following Rin’s demise. During this time, we see him undertake perilous missions, encounter characters like Orochimaru, Danzo, and even a young Itachi, all while uncovering Konoha’s concealed mysteries. Noticeable decline in Kakashi’s mental well-being is evident as each mission gradually chisels away at his human qualities, resulting in a figure who executes commands without a moment’s thought or reservation.

Many viewers believe that this is the finest filler arc in Naruto, as it significantly contributes to the main narrative and fills crucial gaps. This storyline departs noticeably from typical episodes of Naruto Shippuden with a somber mood, featuring more blood, violence, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. Furthermore, the battles in this arc are portrayed as more authentic and brutal compared to the flashy jutsu fights we’re accustomed to, offering an entirely new perspective on the ninja world.

In Naruto’s Footsteps: The Friends’ Paths Arc (Episodes 394-413)

Refreshing the enthusiasm from the initial Chunin Exams, this storyline recaptures that same vibrant atmosphere, yet presents a unique twist: it unfolds after Sasuke’s departure and Naruto’s training with Jiraiya. The narrative now focuses on Konoha 11, giving us insights into their growth and development as the main characters are absent. This joint exam between Konoha and Sunagakure serves a dual purpose – luring out the Akatsuki – creating an intriguing setting filled with political tension. As Gaara grapples with those who resist his rule as the new Kazekage, this backdrop adds depth to the storyline.

This filler arc is a must-see due to its focus on characters who typically take a backseat in the main narrative, allowing them to truly stand out. Here, Rock Lee forges a bond with Shira, another ninja devoid of ninjutsu, while Tenten grapples with self-doubt, and Ino demonstrates proficiency in her clan’s mind techniques. By the end, numerous characters achieve their promotions, leaving you feeling nothing but pride as you witness their remarkable progress from the youngsters we first encountered in the original Naruto series.

Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero (Episodes 432-450)

In this interlude, we’re drawn into a dream created by Tsunade’s Infinite Tsukuyomi, which presents an entirely distinct Naruto world. Here, Naruto’s parents are alive and the two of them form a blissful family with him. The Uchiha massacre is also absent from this realm, meaning Sasuke’s family thrives and Itachi is revered as a hero rather than a villain. Essentially, this alternate reality depicts an idealized Konoha, free of all its heartrending misfortunes.

Experiencing this arc is truly exceptional, as it strikes a deep emotional chord while remaining entertaining to watch. Witnessing Naruto’s interactions with his parents is both heartwarming and heart-rending due to the tragic backstory that has been revealed in the canon narrative. Despite being considered “filler,” these episodes provoke thought about how our upbringing and circumstances significantly mold who we ultimately become.

Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness (Episodes 451-458)

Although derived from the Itachi Shinden books, this storyline is categorized as non-canonical, or “filler,” because it doesn’t align with the main manga narrative. However, it holds great significance for the overall plot and is recommended for those wanting to grasp the transformation of a remarkable prodigy into the feared Uchiha Clan annihilator in shinobi history. This storyline delves into Itachi Uchiha’s life, encompassing his upbringing during a devastating war, his involvement in the Uchiha Clan Massacre, and his subsequent joining of the Akatsuki.

In this captivating exploration, I delve into the tormented soul of Itachi, a man once engulfed by war yet deeply repelled by violence. His unyielding affection for his brother Sasuke stands as a beacon amidst the turmoil, while he grapples with the agonizing choice between family and village. The narrative also sheds light on Itachi’s profound bond with his cousin Shisui, whose demise illuminates the roots of many subsequent actions and aspirations. Furthermore, we are granted a glimpse into Itachi’s early encounters with characters such as Kisame and Pain, long before they became his Akatsuki comrades, enriching our understanding of relationships already familiar to us.

2025-04-03 00:13

Discover the 10 Must-Watch Filler Arcs in Naruto Shippuden That You Can’t Afford to Skip!