The Naruto manga was adapted into two parts. The first part, titled "Naruto", consisted of 220 episodes, while the second part, "Naruto Shippuden", comprised 500 episodes.
The Naruto anime is divided into 22 arcs, while its sequel, Naruto Shippuden, is split into 27 arcs. The longest arc in Naruto is the Chūnin Exams Arc, consisting of 47 episodes, and the longest arc in Naruto Shippuden is the Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax Arc, which has 39 episodes.
The best arc in Naruto is the Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc, known for being one of the most thrilling and action-packed in the series. In Naruto Shippuden, the Pain's Assault Arc is often considered the best, though the Fourth Shinobi World War Arc could also be a contender.
List of Naruto Arcs
The first part of the manga adaptation, Naruto, consists of 220 episodes and is divided into 22 arcs: 5 canon and 17 non-canon.
| Arcs | Anime | Manga | Summary | Villains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Prologue — Land of Waves |
Episodes 1-19 | Chapters 1-33 | This arc, also known as the Land of Waves Escort Mission, is the first arc of the series. It focuses on the formation of Team 7 and their initial mission in the Land of Waves. The arc spans volumes 1 to 4 of the manga, covering chapters 1 to 33, and is featured in episodes 1 to 19 of the Naruto anime. |   Zabuza, Haku |
Chūnin Exams |
Episodes 20-67 | Chapters 34-115 | This arc marks Team 7's entry into the Chūnin Exams and introduces characters like the rest of the Rookie Nine, Team Guy, the Three Sand Siblings, and Orochimaru. It spans volumes 4 to 13 of the manga, specifically covering chapters 34 to 115, and is featured in episodes 20 to 67 of the Naruto anime. |    Gaara, Kankuro, Temari |
Konoha Crush |
Episodes 68-80 | Chapters 116-138 | This arc features Orochimaru's attempt to destroy Konohagakure. It spans volumes 13 to 16 of the manga, covering chapters 116 to 138, and is depicted in episodes 68 to 80 of the Naruto anime. |   Orochi-maru, Gaara |
Search for Tsunade |
Episodes 81-100 | Chapters 139-171 | This arc marks the first appearance of Akatsuki and follows Jiraiya and Orochimaru's competing efforts to recruit Tsunade. It spans volumes 16 to 19 of the manga, covering chapters 139 to 171, and is featured in episodes 81 to 100 of the Naruto anime. |   Orochi-maru, Kabuto |
Land of Tea Escort Mission |
Episodes 102-106 | N/A | The Land of Tea Escort Mission spans episodes 102 to 106 of the Naruto anime. In this arc, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura travel to the Land of Tea to assist Idate Morino in winning a race. |  Aoi Rokusho |
Sasuke Recovery Mission |
Episodes 107-135 | Chapters 172-238 | This arc follows the effort to prevent Sasuke Uchiha from defecting to Orochimaru. It spans volumes 20 to 27 of the manga, covering chapters 172 to 238, and is depicted in episodes 107 to 135 of the Naruto anime |   
  Tayuya, Kidomaru, Sakon y Ukon, Jirobo, Kimimaru |
Land of Rice Fields Investigation Mission |
Episodes 136-141 | N/A | After recovering, Naruto and Sakura join Jiraiya on a mission to find Sasuke and Orochimaru in the Land of Rice Fields. They encounter Sasame from the Fūma clan, who seeks her missing cousin, Arashi. Discovering Orochimaru's sinister plans, they find and rescue Arashi, learning that Sasuke is safe but in danger of becoming Orochimaru's host. |  Arashi |
Mizuki Tracking Mission |
Episodes 142-147 | N/A | Team 8 devised a plan to help Naruto find Sasuke by locating the legendary bikōchū beetle, which could track any scent. Naruto joined the mission, but it was complicated by the Kamizuru clan's interference. After capturing the beetle, Hinata was taken hostage, but she ultimately saved her team with a new technique. Unfortunately, Naruto's blunder caused the mission to fail, leading to Sakura's anger upon their return. |    Mizuki, Fujin-Raijin. |
Bikōchū Search Mission |
Episodes 148-151 | N/A | Team 8 devised a plan to help Naruto find Sasuke by locating the legendary bikōchū beetle, which could track any scent. Naruto joined the mission, but it was complicated by the Kamizuru clan's interference. After capturing the beetle, Hinata was taken hostage, but she ultimately saved her team with a new technique. Unfortunately, Naruto's blunder caused the mission to fail, leading to Sakura's anger upon their return. |  Suzume-bachi |
Kurosuki Family Removal Mission |
Episodes 152-157 | N/A | With Jiraiya absent, Naruto trained in Konoha until he encountered injured villagers from Katabami Gold Mine seeking help against Raiga Kurosuki, a former Seven Ninja Swordsmen member. Joined by Team Guy, Naruto saw this as a chance to find Sasuke. After discovering Raiga's power came from a boy named Ranmaru, Naruto convinced him to choose a different path. Raiga, feeling betrayed, ended his life, and Naruto returned to Konoha with the mission complete. |  Raiga |
Gosunkugi Capture Mission |
Episodes 159-160 | N/A | When Tsunade learned that the notorious thief Gosunkugi was heading towards the Land of Fire, she assigned Naruto, Kiba, and Hinata to capture him. They encountered a bounty hunter, Sazanami, who was also after Gosunkugi. After Sazanami was saved by the Konoha team, they discovered he was actually Tokichi, a man falsely accused of murder. Together, they tracked down Gosunkugi, but another bounty hunter captured both men and helped clear Tokichi's name. Unfortunately, Naruto's team failed their mission as Gosunkugi was captured by someone else. |  Gosunku-gi |
Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission |
Episodes 162-167 | N/A | After meeting Chishima, a young man from the Land of Birds, Naruto joins Neji and Tenten to solve the mystery of the Cursed Warrior’s ghost. Upon arrival, they investigate and discover that the ghostly figure is linked to a conspiracy involving the daimyo's advisor, Mōsō. The team uncovers that the real daimyo, Sagi, is actually Toki, his twin sister, who seeks revenge for her family's deaths. With Naruto’s help, Toki confronts Mōsō, revealed to be Hōki, a ninja from the Watari clan. Naruto ultimately defeats Hōki, saving Toki from her vengeful path. |  Hoki (Watari) |
Kaima Capture Mission |
Episodes 169-173 | N/A | Anko Mitarashi, assigned to stop a sea monster in the Land of the Sea, is joined by Naruto, Shino, and Ino. Upon arrival, Naruto befriends Isaribi, a girl shunned as a monster due to Orochimaru's experiments. After a series of battles, Naruto convinces Isaribi to abandon her destructive path. The team defeats the scientist Amachi and offers Isaribi a chance to seek help from Tsunade in Konoha. |   Amachi, Yoroi |
Buried Gold Excavation Mission |
Episodes 175-176 | N/A | Noticing Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba's declining success in missions, Tsunade assigned them a final test involving a hidden treasure. Disagreements caused Naruto and Kiba to split, with Kiba choosing the right path. Hinata injured her ankle, leading to her and Naruto being captured by the Kedōin clan, who planned to infiltrate Konoha. After escaping and defeating the impostors, Tsunade revealed the mission was a test of their abilities. |  Agari Kaisen |
Star Guard Mission |
Episodes 178-183 | N/A | While having a snack with Sakura, Naruto learns that Neji, Lee, and Tenten were sent to Hoshigakure to protect a chakra-emitting meteorite, believed to be targeted by Orochimaru. Convincing Tsunade to join them, Naruto discovers that the meteorite enhances chakra, but is deadly to those who train under it. Akahoshi, the village leader, resumes the dangerous star training for personal gain. After exposing Akahoshi's crimes, Naruto defeats him and destroys the star, helping Hoshigakure move forward without it. |  Akahoshi |
Peddlers Escort Mission |
Episodes 187-191 | N/A | NNaruto, Hinata, and Chōji were sent to the Land of Vegetables to escort merchants. They discovered Princess Haruna, disguised as a merchant, fleeing from a coup led by the Janin brothers. After various battles, Naruto helped Haruna see the value of trust. Inspired, Haruna chose compassion over revenge and later became the Land of Vegetables' compassionate ruler. |    Ruiga, Jiga, Renga |
Third Great Beast Arc |
Episodes 195-196 | N/A | Naruto learned that Lee's recovery from his Chūnin Exams injuries was still uncertain. After witnessing Lee struggle in a sparring match, Neji reassured Naruto and Tenten of Lee's potential. When Guy was captured by vengeful ninja brothers, Naruto's team attempted a rescue. Despite his injury, Lee intervened to help defeat the brothers, who later realized their father respected Guy, rendering their revenge meaningless. |    Genshō, Rokkaku, Jako |
Konoha Plans Recapture Mission |
Episodes 197-201 | N/A | With construction booming in Konoha, Naruto befriended Gennō, an old worker who was secretly a legendary ninja from Kagerō Village. After Gennō stole blueprints and faked his death, Naruto and the genin uncovered his plan to destroy Konoha using explosives. In the end, Gennō, gravely ill, revealed his true intent wasn't revenge but to play a final "game" with Naruto. |  Gennō |
Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission |
Episodes 203-207 | N/A | While continuing his training, Naruto encountered Yakumo, a girl with a powerful, unstable Kekkei Genkai. After Kurenai, her former mentor, quit as Team 8's leader, Naruto investigated. He learned Yakumo's powers were sealed by Kurenai due to their danger. Yakumo's inner demon, Ido, emerged, causing chaos. With Kurenai's help, Yakumo overcame Ido, and Kurenai resumed her role. Naruto reflected on his own inner struggles and Sasuke's darkness. |  Yakumo |
Gantetsu Escort Mission |
Episodes 209-212 | N/A | Naruto, Lee, and Sakura were tasked with escorting Gantetsu, a criminal from the Shinobazu gang, to trial. During the mission, they were separated in the forest, where Naruto and Todoroki discovered Gantetsu's hidden compassion, saving orphans, including Todoroki's brother Akio. After defeating the Shinobazu, Todoroki reluctantly allowed Gantetsu to care for the orphans, forgiving him but not forgetting his past crimes. |  Shura |
Menma Memory Search Mission |
Episodes 213-215 | N/A | While searching for a special bamboo ingredient for ramen, Naruto found a young man with amnesia, whom he named Menma. Menma displayed kindness and mysterious abilities, eventually revealing his past as a former rogue ninja trying to atone for his actions. He sacrificed himself to save a village from destruction. Naruto honored his memory with a special ramen meal. |  Shiin |
Sunagakure Support Mission |
Episodes 216-220 | N/A | Kakashi investigated the deserted Takumi Village, where the founder's body had been stolen. Meanwhile, in Sunagakure, Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō trained new shinobi, including Matsuri, who bonded with Gaara. After Matsuri was kidnapped by the Four Celestial Symbols Men, Naruto and the Konoha 11, led by Shikamaru, assisted Gaara. They ultimately defeated the enemy and saved Matsuri. Later, Jiraiya began training Naruto for two years, preparing him to save Sasuke. |  Seimei |
List of Naruto Shippuden Arcs
The second part of the manga adaptation, Naruto Shippuden, comprises 500 episodes and is divided into 27 arcs: 17 canon and 10 non-canon.
| Arcs | Anime | Manga | Summary | Villains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kazekage Rescue Mission |
Episodes 1-32 | Chapters 245-281 | This arc focuses on the rescue of the Fifth Kazekage from Akatsuki. It spans volumes 28 to 32 of the manga, covering chapters 245 to 281, and is depicted in episodes 1 to 32 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |   Sasori, Deidara |
Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission |
Episodes 33-53 | Chapters 282-310 | This arc follows Team 7's mission to the Tenchi Bridge to locate Sasuke Uchiha, with the addition of new members Sai and Yamato. It spans volumes 32 to 35 of the manga, covering chapters 282 to 310, and is depicted in episodes 33 to 53 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |  Orochimaru |
Twelve Guardian Ninja |
Episodes 54-71 | N/A | The Twelve Guardian Ninja arc is part of the Naruto: Shippūden anime, covering episodes 54 to 71. This arc delves into the Twelve Guardian Ninja and expands on Naruto's wind training, introducing a boy named Sora. |     Furido, Fuka, Fudō, Fuen |
Akatsuki Suppression Mission |
Episodes 72-88 | Chapters 311-342 | This arc, also known as the Immortal Devastators — Hidan and Kakuzu, chronicles Konoha's battle against Hidan and Kakuzu of Akatsuki. It spans volumes 35 to 38 of the manga, specifically covering chapters 311 to 342, and is featured in episodes 72 to 88 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |   Hidan, Kakuzu |
Three-Tails' Appearance |
Episodes 89-112 | N/A | The Three-Tails' Appearance arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime spans episodes 89 to 112. It focuses on the efforts of Akatsuki, Konoha, and Team Guren to capture the Three-Tails. |    Rinji, Gozu, Guren |
Itachi Pursuit Mission |
Episodes 113-118, 121-126 | Chapters 343-367 | The Itachi Pursuit Mission, also known as Master's Prophecy and Vengeance in the anime, is an arc from Part II of the series. It follows the separate efforts of Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki to find Itachi Uchiha. This arc spans volumes 38 to 40 of the manga, covering chapters 343 to 367, and is depicted in episodes 113 to 118 and episodes 121 to 126 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime, with two episodes of Kakashi Gaiden shown in between. |  Deidara |
Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant |
Episodes 127-133 | Chapters 368-383 | The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant, also known as Master's Prophecy and Vengeance in the anime, is an arc from Part II of the series. This arc follows Jiraiya as he investigates Pain's identity. It spans volumes 40 to 42 of the manga, covering chapters 368 to 383, and is featured in episodes 127 to 133 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |  Pain |
Fated Battle Between Brothers |
Episodes 134-143 | Chapters 384-412 | The Fated Battle Between Brothers, also known as Master's Prophecy and Vengeance in the anime, is an arc from Part II of the series. This arc focuses on the battle between Sasuke Uchiha and his brother Itachi. It spans volumes 42 to 44 of the manga, covering chapters 384 to 412, and is depicted in episodes 134 to 143 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |  Itachi |
Six-Tails Unleashed |
Episodes 144-151 | N/A | The Six-Tails Unleashed is an arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime, covering episodes 144 to 151. It explores the bond between Utakata, the jinchūriki of the Six-Tails, and his student, Hotaru. |  Shiranami |
Pain's Assault |
Episodes 152-175 | Chapters 413-453 | Pain's Assault, also known as Two Saviours in the anime, is an arc from Part II of the series. This arc follows Pain's attack on Konohagakure as he searches for Naruto Uzumaki. It spans volumes 45 to 48 of the manga, covering chapters 413 to 453, and is depicted in episodes 152 to 169 and episodes 172 to 175 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime, with two stand-alone episodes shown in between |  Pain |
Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha |
Episodes 176-196 | N/A | The Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha is an arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime, covering episodes 176 to 196. This arc consists of multiple flashbacks from various characters, including Iruka recalling his first meeting with Naruto and Kakashi reflecting on his appointment as the leader of Team 7. | - |
Five Kage Summit |
Episodes 197-214 | Chapters 454-483 | The Five Kage Summit, also known as The Gathering of the Five Kage in the anime, is an arc from Part II of the series. This arc follows the convening of a Kage Summit to discuss how to handle the threat of Akatsuki. It spans volumes 49 to 51 of the manga, covering chapters 454 to 483, and is depicted in episodes 197 to 214 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |     Kisame, Danzō, Fū, Torune |
Paradise Life on a Boat |
Episodes 223-242 | N/A | Paradise Life on a Boat is an arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime, covering episodes 223 to 242. This arc follows Naruto and his team as they travel by sea to the Land of Lightning to keep Naruto hidden from Akatsuki during the Fourth Shinobi World War. It also focuses on character development for the Konoha 11. | - |
Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown |
Episodes 215-222, 243-256 | Chapters 484-515 | The Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown, also known as Nine-Tails Taming and Karmic Encounters in the anime, is an arc from Part II of the series. This arc focuses on the preparations for the Fourth Shinobi World War by all the involved parties. It spans volumes 52 to 55 of the manga, covering chapters 484 to 515, and is depicted in episodes 215 to 222 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |   Tobi, Kabuto |
Power |
Episodes 290-295 | N/A | Power is an arc of the Naruto: Shippūden anime, commemorating the series' 500 episodes. It covers episodes 290 to 295. Set shortly after the Five Kage Summit and in the midst of the looming Fourth Shinobi World War, this arc follows Team Kakashi as they investigate the massacre of Tonika Village by Kabuto Yakushi and his reincarnated shinobi, who are in search of a powerful treasure. |   Kabuto, Disonas |
Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation |
Episodes 261-289, 296-321 | Chapters 516-559 | The Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation, known as The Seven Shinobi Swordsmen in the anime, is an arc from Part II of the series. This arc sees the start of the Fourth Shinobi World War, specifically the battle against the Impure World Reincarnation. It spans through volumes 55 to 59, or more specifically, covers chapters 516 to 559 of the manga and episodes 261 to 270, and also picks from 272 to 289 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime and later picks up from episodes 296 to 310, and 312 to 321. |  Kabuto |
Kakashi's Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives in the Darkness |
Episodes 349-361 | N/A | Kakashi's Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives in the Darkness is an arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime, spanning episodes 349 to 361. This arc delves into Kakashi Hatake's background in the Anbu, while also exploring the histories of other characters, including Yamato and Itachi Uchiha. | - |
Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax |
Episodes 322-348, 362-375 | Chapters 560-639 | The Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax, known in the anime as The Great Ninja War - Assailants From Afar, The Great Ninja War - Sasuke and Itachi, and The Great Ninja War - Team 7 Returns, is an arc from Part II of the series. This arc depicts the Allied Shinobi Forces' battle against Kabuto Yakushi, Tobi, and Madara Uchiha during the ongoing Fourth Shinobi World War. It spans volumes 59 to 67 of the manga, covering chapters 560 to 639, and is featured in episodes 322 to 348, as well as 362 to 375 of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. |    Madara, Tobi, Kabuto |
In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths |
Episodes 394-413 | N/A | In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths is an arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime, covering episodes 394 to 413. This arc centers on the second Chūnin Exams, which occur after Sasuke Uchiha's defection to Otogakure and Naruto Uzumaki's departure to train with Jiraiya. |   Fugi, Hoichi |
Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki |
Episodes 378-393, 414-431 | Chapters 640-677 | Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki is an arc from Part II of the series. In the anime, it is split into two parts: The Great Ninja War - Obito Uchiha and Infinite Tsukuyomi: The Invocation. This arc follows Obito Uchiha and Madara Uchiha as they become the jinchūriki of the Ten-Tails. It spans volumes 67 to 70 of the manga, covering chapters 640 to 677. In the Naruto: Shippūden anime, it includes episodes 378 to 388, picks up again from episodes 391 to 393, continues from episodes 414 to 421, and concludes with episodes 424 to 431. |   Obito, Madara |
Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero |
432-350 | N/A | Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero is an arc of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. It covers episodes 432 to 450. This arc focuses on a novel written by Jiraiya in a dream within Tsunade's Infinite Tsukuyomi dream. In the novel, key aspects of Konohagakure and the shinobi world are different. | - |
Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness |
Episodes 451-458 | N/A | Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness is an arc of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. It covers episodes 451 to the first part of 458. The arc focuses on Itachi Uchiha's life leading up to and following the Uchiha Clan Downfall. The arc draws its name from two Naruto Shinden novels: the Book of Bright Light and Book of Dark Night. Other than the name, the arc has little in common with the novels. | - |
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes |
Episodes 458-479 | Chapters 678-699 | Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes, is an arc from Part II of the series. In the anime, the arc is split into two parts; the first part known as The Origins of Ninshū: The Two Souls, Indra and Asura, and the second part known as The Chapter of Naruto and Sasuke . This arc sees the introduction of alien Princess Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and her subsequent attempt to take over the world. It spans from volumes 70 to 72, and covers chapters 678 to 699 of the manga and from episodes 451, 455, 458 to 468, and lastly from episodes 470 to 479. |
 Kaguya |
Childhood |
Episodes 480-483 | N/A | Childhood, also called Nostalgic Days for the DVD publication, is an arc of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. It covers episodes 480 to 483. It consists of a Part A and Part B for two characters on an event of their past memories on each episode. | - |
Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise |
Episodes 484-488 | N/A | Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise is an arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime, covering episodes 484 to 488. This arc is an adaptation of the novel Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise from the Naruto Shinden series, focusing on Sasuke's life after the Fourth Shinobi World War. |   Fushin, Chino |
Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness |
Episodes 489-493 | N/A | Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness is an arc in the Naruto: Shippūden anime, spanning episodes 489 to 493. This arc is an adaptation of the novel Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness from the Naruto Hiden series, focusing on Shikamaru's life after the Fourth Shinobi World War. | - |
Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding |
Episodes 494-500 | N/A | Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding is the final arc of the Naruto: Shippūden anime, spanning episodes 494 to 500. This arc adapts the novel Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding from the Naruto Hiden series and centers on Naruto and Hinata's wedding. | - |