What Episode Does the War Start in Naruto Shippuden?
The Naruto Shippuden series is known for its intense battles, heart-pumping action, and emotionally resonant storylines. The war, in particular, is a pivotal part of the series, marked by dramatic events and fateful consequences. But when does the war actually start?
Contents
The Background
Before delving into the specifics, let’s take a brief look at the events leading up to the war. After the events of Naruto (2002-2007), Naruto Uzumaki, the main protagonist, and his friends graduate from the Ninja Academy. With their new skills and powers, they become part of a group of young ninja vying for recognition in the village. Meanwhile, dark forces, including Akatsuki, a secretive and violent organization, have risen to threaten the land. As Naruto and his allies struggle to maintain balance, a chain of events ultimately sets the stage for the war.
Episodes 218-229: The Calm Before the Storm
The war is hinted at throughout several episodes before its official commencement. The Tailed Beast sealed within Naruto, a creature of immense power known as the Ten-Tails (Rikudou Sennin), grows more powerful and restless, fueled by Naruto’s uncontainable emotions. Concurrently, Akatsuki members and their leader, Pain (Abura) work towards awakening the Ten-Tails.
Critical Epilogue Episodes: 213-215
Prior to the war, significant information is revealed in three essential episodes. These epilogue episodes serve as the linchpin for the entire storyline, setting the foundation for the impending war. These episodes are crucial as they provide insight into Akatsuki’s ultimate objective:
- Episode 213: The Will of Fire and the origins of the Tailed Beasts
- Episode 214: The Fourth Raikage’s hidden pain and the true intention behind the Will of Fire
- Episode 215: The revelation about Obito Uchiha, who becomes an enemy, and the war
These episodes lay the groundwork for the war’s primary driving forces: Akatsuki’s pursuit of Naruto, the Tailed Beast Ball, and the conflict that erupts between rival clans and villages.
The Official Start of the War: Episode 220 – 229
The war proper commences in Episode 220, with various characters entering the fray, driving the plot forward and defining the scope of the battle:
- Episode 220: The sudden alliance between Tobi, Kakuzu, and Obito sets the war’s pace, as ninja and otherworldly beings alike become entangled.
- Episode 222-225: The clash of rival forces, battles with epic stakes, and hidden truths come to the fore.
Key events marking the beginning of the war:
- The formation of a powerful, five-Kage coalition to counter Akatsuki
- Obito Uchiha revealing his true intentions: control of the Ten-Tails for an eternal truce with Akatsuki
- The introduction of Maboroshi, an all-consuming illusion, making Akatsuki’s plans clear
- The Tailed Beasts, now active and vying for release from Naruto’s seal
- Hidden ninja clans emerging with hidden agendas
The battles in this period define the course of the war: ninja versus ninja, powerful nations clashing, and humanity pushed to its limits. As the story unravels, expect devastating events and the test of character that will come.
What Do the Epilogue Episodes Have in Common?
Some common denominators across the epilogue and war episodes include:
• Pivotal flashbacks: Key memories for specific characters, detailing critical moments and motivations for actions during the war
• Tailed Beasts’ awakenings: Beast-specific arcs, exposing powers, weaknesses, and relevance in the larger conflict
• Kage coalitions and ninja alliances: Rebellions, coups, and strategic decisions set the stage for grand confrontations
Closure and Reflection: Key Lessons
After the war subsides, a new beginning marks the dawn of the fifth Ninja War. We look back at the path it took and the lessons that will stay with us, leaving behind an indelible mark on the ninja world. This war marks not only a turning point but a bridge to Naruto and Sakura’s future roles:
- Naruto’s journey: Recognize that even the greatest battles end; it is within us that we learn true strength lies
- New paths and purpose: War creates opportunities; individuals choose to forge ahead for redemption, growth, and harmony
- Redemption and forgiveness: Wounds, both literal and emotional, can heal in time; forgiveness remains paramount in overcoming the burdens we bear
Frequently Asked Questions:
- When did the war start in Naruto Shippuden? Episode 220 marks the start of the war in the Naruto Shippuden anime series.
- Is this episode also the start of Akatsuki’s primary focus? Yes, in Episode 214-215, Akatsuki’s goal is solidified.
- What led up to the war in the series? Pre- war episodes from 213-215 provide background story, as well as the gradual build-up of dark forces in previous episodes.
- Is this the beginning of a new era? Yes, the events within these episodes set the tone for Naruto and his companions to explore new depths.
The war in Naruto Shippuden is more than a single event – it represents the culmination of story arcs, character developments, and emotional journeys that transform our beloved heroes into individuals prepared for the world of ninjutsu, ever more complex, rich, and unpredictable.
Naruto Shippuden has cemented itself in anime history, serving as an exemplar for a dynamic story, lovable characters, and the value of camaraderie in face of adversity. By re-reading the relevant episodes and episodes leading up to the war, readers may relive the sense of awe, excitement, and emotion evoked when discovering this gripping narrative firsthand.
Conclusion
As we take one last look at the backdrop of this epic storyline, remember the significance of Episode 218-229: calm before the storm, hints to the future, and crucial building blocks for the Naruto Shippuden war. This war served not only as a spectacular setting but a testament to humanity’s strength, adaptability, and resilience, cementing the Naruto legacy.
Let’s revisit those powerful scenes and reflect on our shared experience, carrying memories and valuable lessons gained within this exceptional anime story: the beginning of an new era.
