Naruto Columns
11/10/2022
[NARUTO 20th Anniversary Column] Retracing the NARUTO Anime's Ninja Way No.5: Immortal Devastators: Hidan and Kakuzu Arc ~ Master's Prophecy and Vengeance Arc
In this column, we'll be looking back at the NARUTO anime to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its first broadcast on TV in Japan! Join this writer, a fellow fan from the NARUTO generation, as we retrace the series from its humble beginnings to its climactic conclusion! This article covers the Immortal Devastators: Hidan and Kakuzu arc through the Master's Prophecy and Vengeance arc!
A Dark Presence Approaches the Hidden Leaf! Immortal Devastators: Hidan and Kakuzu Arc!
After becoming painfully aware of the difference in power between him and Sasuke, Naruto throws himself into training to develop a new jutsu with the help of Kakashi and Yamato.
Meanwhile, Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu enter the Land of Fire as the organization continues to hunt down Jinchuriki.
Realizing the severity of the threat, Tsunade deploys 20 teams of ninja in a move that commits the Hidden Leaf Village to a total confrontation with Akatsuki.
Realizing the severity of the threat, Tsunade deploys 20 teams of ninja in a move that commits the Hidden Leaf Village to a total confrontation with Akatsuki.
Team Asuma VS Hidan
Team Asuma is the first to locate Hidan!
The four-man squad quickly and flawlessly executes a lethal combination... But despite being stabbed in two vital points, their opponent remains alive and well.
The four-man squad quickly and flawlessly executes a lethal combination... But despite being stabbed in two vital points, their opponent remains alive and well.
Asuma puts his life on the line to try a dangerous gambit but finds himself helpless in the face of Hidan's mysterious "curse".
However, Shikamaru's quick analysis turns the tables, allowing Asuma to break free of the curse and lop off the Akatsuki member's head with his Chakra Blade!
But still, Hidan does not die...
And when Kazuku nonchalantly sews his partner's severed head back onto his body, the immortal zealot appears to be fully recovered from his brief decapitation.
And when Kazuku nonchalantly sews his partner's severed head back onto his body, the immortal zealot appears to be fully recovered from his brief decapitation.
Team Asuma is running out of options, and they are quickly overwhelmed when Kakuzu—who had previously been content to remain a spectator—joins the fight.
And just as Asuma dodges an attack...
And just as Asuma dodges an attack...
He is caught once more in Hidan's curse—and impaled by his blades.
Reinforcements from the Hidden Leaf arrive at last, but the two Akatsuki members receive a summons from their leader, forcing them to withdraw.
Unfortunately, Asuma's wounds are grave...
After entrusting his Will of Fire to Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, he fades away along with the smoke of his last cigarette.
After entrusting his Will of Fire to Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, he fades away along with the smoke of his last cigarette.
Team 10's Vengeance
The group returns to the Hidden Leaf bearing the heavy tidings of Asuma's passing to Tsunade. Shikamaru takes it upon himself to break the news to Kurenai, the late Jonin's wife.
Episode 302, "Team 10", forgoes flashy action scenes, instead using subdued and gloomy tones to depict the depth of Shikamaru's grief.
Episode 302, "Team 10", forgoes flashy action scenes, instead using subdued and gloomy tones to depict the depth of Shikamaru's grief.
Shikaku lines up the pieces for a game of shogi with his son.
Emotions burst forth into words.
Emotions burst forth into words.
Now more determined than ever, Shikamaru spends the night working out a plan to end his master's killer once and for all.
As dawn breaks, the tactician seeks out Ino and Choji, who share his resolve.
"WE'RE NOT STUPID.
WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF RUNNING RIGHT TO OUR DEATHS.
IT'S JUST...
WE DON'T INTEND TO RUN AWAY...
AND KEEP ON LIVING WITHOUT FULFILLING OUR DUTY...
WE AREN'T GOING TO LIVE WITHOUT MEANING!"
Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, bearing Asuma's Will of Fire in their hearts, are joined by Kakashi, who volunteers to stand in as team leader. And so, Team Asuma sets out to get their revenge.
Shikamaru's Ingenious Scheme!
The team finds its prey and immediately seizes the initiative, following Shikamaru's carefully laid plan. The battle has barely begun when Kakashi succeeds in driving his Lightning Blade through Kakuzu's heart!
However, Kakuzu boasts his own brand of immortality, and instead of dying, he transitions into a counterattack.
Masked monsters emerge from his body and begin launching jutsu that are not only high level, but also of various chakra natures!
Masked monsters emerge from his body and begin launching jutsu that are not only high level, but also of various chakra natures!
Analyzing the situation, Kakashi and Shikamaru deduce that Kakuzu has four more hearts that must be destroyed in order to defeat him.
Seeing the need to prevent the two Akatsuki members from working together, Shikamaru decides to split up from the rest of the group, taking Hidan on by himself while the remaining three Hidden Leaf ninja face off against Kakuzu.
Seeing the need to prevent the two Akatsuki members from working together, Shikamaru decides to split up from the rest of the group, taking Hidan on by himself while the remaining three Hidden Leaf ninja face off against Kakuzu.
Curses, Like Chickens...
Shikamaru forces Hidan to follow him away from the others using the Shadow Possession Jutsu.
But tragically, the young Nara falls victim to the same curse that killed Asuma...or so it seems!
But tragically, the young Nara falls victim to the same curse that killed Asuma...or so it seems!
The curse's true victim was Kakuzu!
Finally, the full scope of the strategy Shikamaru designed based on the information Asuma paid so dearly for is revealed!
Finally, the full scope of the strategy Shikamaru designed based on the information Asuma paid so dearly for is revealed!
His plan was not merely to separate Hidan from Kakuzu, but to lure him into an elaborate trap.
"'CURSES, LIKE CHICKENS, ALWAYS COME HOME TO ROOST'...
THAT THERE IS YOUR GRAVE."
Shikamaru springs his trap, avenging Asuma.
"Immortality" Crumbles Before Naruto's New Jutsu!
Meanwhile, Kakashi and the others facing Kakuzu are shocked to hear that the man before them is not only much older than he appears, but a true living legend whose formidable history includes a battle against the First Hokage himself!
While Shikamaru may have successfully tricked Hidan into destroying another of Kakuzu's hearts, Kakashi, Choji, and Ino are fast approaching their limits.
But as the outlook grows bleak, reinforcements arrive!
But as the outlook grows bleak, reinforcements arrive!
Naruto rushes onto the battlefield, eager to test his new jutsu against Kakuzu!
"WIND STYLE! RASEN-SHURIKEN!!!"
Though his first attempt fails, Naruto rallies, determined to try again!
Cleverly using Shadow Clones to mislead his foe, he manages to land a direct hit with his Wind Style: Rasen-Shuriken!!
Cleverly using Shadow Clones to mislead his foe, he manages to land a direct hit with his Wind Style: Rasen-Shuriken!!
The attack's sheer destructive force ends the fight in an instant, and Kakuzu's long and storied career is over.
One Who Protects the "King"
The team returns to the Hidden Leaf in solemn triumph, having defeated the two immortals of Akatsuki.
Shikamaru himself embarks on a new, lifelong mission as he swears to protect the "king" Asuma left behind.
Shikamaru himself embarks on a new, lifelong mission as he swears to protect the "king" Asuma left behind.
"IT'LL BE MY TURN AS GUARDIAN AND MASTER.
I GUESS I'VE GOT SOME REAL GROWING UP TO DO."
"THE CHILDREN WHO WILL CARRY KONOHA ON THEIR SHOULDERS.
THEY'RE THE BLACK KING."
A Series of Bloody Conflicts Rattles the Shinobi World: Master's Prophecy and Vengeance Arc!
Sasuke Breaks Free!
While Naruto and the others recover from their battle with Akatsuki's "immortal" duo...
Sasuke has accumulated enough power under Orochimaru to strike out on his own!
Sasuke has accumulated enough power under Orochimaru to strike out on his own!
"THERE'S NO MORE YOU HAVE TO TEACH ME.
I CAN BE MERCILESS... EVEN TO YOU!"
Sasuke's revolt forces Orochimaru to reveal his true form as master and student clash!
"LITTLE REALIZING THAT ACTUALLY...
THE SNAKE IS PREY BECAUSE THAT BIRD IS A HAWK...
READY TO TAKE TO THE SKY!"
After besting Orochimaru and absorbing his power, Sasuke seeks out three ninja to aid him in his quest for revenge against his brother, Itachi.
A surviving member of the Hozuki Clan: Suigetsu Hozuki
A surviving member of the Hozuki Clan: Suigetsu Hozuki
A talented kunoichi with exceptional sensory skills: Karin
The origin of the "Curse Mark": Jugo
Sasuke declares this newly formed group "Hebi".
And so, the four set out in search of Itachi to carry out Sasuke's revenge.
And so, the four set out in search of Itachi to carry out Sasuke's revenge.
Sasuke VS Deidara!
Sasuke's exploits reach the ears of the Akatsuki.
Deidara, who is itching for a fight against the man who took down Orochimaru, goes out with his partner Tobi and finds the young Uchiha.
Deidara, who is itching for a fight against the man who took down Orochimaru, goes out with his partner Tobi and finds the young Uchiha.
Launching seemingly endless explosives while fending off Sasuke's attacks from his mid-air perch, Deidara gains the advantage!
But Sasuke perseveres, utilizing both his Curse Mark's second state and Chidori to overcome Deidara's height advantage!
The explosive artist retaliates with more dangerous and complex bombs, but Sasuke's Sharingan can see the true nature of his opponent's Detonating Clay, allowing him to drive Deidara into a corner.
Out of options, Deidara readies his ultimate piece of art...
Setting off a massive, self-destructive explosion powerful enough to obliterate the entire area and all life within it, the artist perishes amidst the blinding light of his own masterpiece.
Setting off a massive, self-destructive explosion powerful enough to obliterate the entire area and all life within it, the artist perishes amidst the blinding light of his own masterpiece.
Sasuke barely escapes with his life from Deidara's deadly craft, and rests to recover from his wounds before beginning his hunt for Itachi once more.
The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant
Jiraiya infiltrates the Village Hidden in the Rain to pursue a lead regarding the head of the Akatsuki.
He is confronted by the leader revered by the villagers as "Lord Pain", and the man's messenger, Konan, who is known as the "Lady Angel". However, Jiraiya soon realizes that the two of them are actually former students of his.
To counter the enormous monsters summoned by Pain, Jiraiya calls forth the giant toad Gamaken!
Not taking any chances, Jiraiya also summons the Two Great Sages and activates his Sage Mode!!
"...IN ATTENDANCE.
THE SIX PATHS OF PAIN..."
Six versions of Pain appear, all wielding the same legendary ocular jutsu—the Rinnegan!
Despite being at an overwhelming disadvantage, Jiraiya stands his ground and fights, knowing that to flee would mean throwing away what may be the Hidden Leaf's only chance at uncovering Pain's identity.
"I'M NOT GONNA GIVE UP...
THAT WAS THE TRUE CHOICE I WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE!
NARUTO, YOU ARE THE CHILD OF PROPHECY, I'M SURE OF IT NOW!
...AND THE REST, I LEAVE IN YOUR HANDS!!"
Dredging up the last of his strength, Jiraiya writes a coded message to tell the village what he's learned about Pain.
"THE TALE OF JIRAIYA THE GALLANT...
NOW IT'LL END A BIT BETTER I HOPE."
"WHAT SHOULD I NAME THE SEQUEL?
YEAH, LET'S SEE..."
"'THE TALE OF UZUMAKI NARUTO'...
YES... THAT HAS A NICE RING TO IT..."
The tale of the legendary Jiraiya, a shinobi who endured until his final breath and never gave up, ends here. He leaves the rest to his comrades as he drifts toward the sea.
Sparks Fly Between Brothers Bound by Hatred
Itachi uses his genjutsu to summon Sasuke to a historical Uchiha hideout so that the two brothers can reunite to begin their final confrontation.
"THOSE SHARINGAN...
HOW MUCH CAN YOU ACTUALLY SEE?"
"WHAT I'M SEEING RIGHT NOW...
ITACHI, IS YOU DEAD AT MY FEET."
"ME, DEAD AT YOUR FEET, EH...
WELL THEN... LET'S GET TO IT."
The fight seems to begin at its climax, opening with a fatal blow...but it is all an illusion. In reality, neither Uchiha moves as a battle of genjutsu plays out.
"...FORGIVE ME, SASUKE..."
In a horrifying turn of events, Sasuke's eye is gouged out by his brother, but this is revealed to be yet another hallucination—induced by Itachi's formidable Tsukuyomi!!
Sasuke breaks free from the Tsukuyomi using the sheer power afforded by his Curse Mark.
The battle of illusions ends here. Instead, the brothers switch to ninjutsu as they continue their fight to the death.
The battle of illusions ends here. Instead, the brothers switch to ninjutsu as they continue their fight to the death.
"FIRE STYLE! FIREBALL JUTSU!!"
"AMATERASU..."
Keeping their Sharingan active while churning out ninjutsu has depleted both Uchiha of their chakra, but Sasuke uses this moment to reveal his final play!
"THIS JUTSU IS KIRIN...
BEGONE WITH THE THUNDERCLAP..."
Itachi is struck head-on by the falling lightning, leading Sasuke to believe that he has finally achieved his revenge...
"THIS TIME... I SHALL SHOW YOU MY FINAL TRUMP CARD...
...THE SUSANO'O."
Protective chakra forms the likeness of the warrior god Susano'o around Itachi, and as Sasuke faces certain defeat...
"I CAN LEND YOU POWER..."
Orochimaru reemerges, no longer able to be suppressed by the meager amount of chakra Sasuke has left.
The Sannin's Eight-Headed Serpent Jutsu proceeds to face off against Itachi's Susano'o!
The Sannin's Eight-Headed Serpent Jutsu proceeds to face off against Itachi's Susano'o!
Following an epic battle that lays waste to the surrounding area, Orochimaru is sealed away by the mystical powers of the Totsuka Blade wielded by Susano'o!
Backed up against a wall, Sasuke has nowhere left to run. Itachi stretches out his hand toward his younger brother's eye—
—and falls. The last embers of his life have sputtered out.
Sasuke's long-sought revenge is achieved—Itachi lies dead at his feet.
Sasuke's long-sought revenge is achieved—Itachi lies dead at his feet.
Itachi's Story Retold
Sasuke awakens in an underground room, having collapsed after his victory. Beside him is Tobi, who introduces himself as none other than Madara Uchiha.
Madara proceeds to tell Sasuke the true story of Itachi's life: how he sacrificed everything for the peace of the shinobi world, for the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and for his younger brother.
Madara proceeds to tell Sasuke the true story of Itachi's life: how he sacrificed everything for the peace of the shinobi world, for the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and for his younger brother.
The history of the Uchiha Clan, dating back to before the Hidden Leaf Village's foundation...
The discrimination they faced for generations, even up to the present era...
The coup d'etat planned by the Uchiha but foiled by Itachi's service as a double agent for the Hidden Leaf...
Everything leading up to that tragic night...
Bearing the burden of his clan's history, Itachi carried out his grisly mission to maintain the peace of the Hidden Leaf Village. But even after sacrificing so much, he could not bring himself to kill his little brother.
"SORRY, SASUKE...
...THIS IS IT."
Shaken by his new understanding of Itachi's life and death, Sasuke changes the name of his team from Hebi to Taka and announces their new purpose.
"WE EXIST...
TO DESTROY KONOHA!"
Once more, Sasuke swears vengeance.
Battle of Unraikyo
Taka, led by Sasuke, joins forces with the Akatsuki.
To assist with the organization's Jinchuriki hunt, the four-man team heads to the Land of Lightning's Unraikyo to capture the Eight Tails' host.
To assist with the organization's Jinchuriki hunt, the four-man team heads to the Land of Lightning's Unraikyo to capture the Eight Tails' host.
"YO, MY POWER'S ALL A-FLASH,
WITH SOME STILL LEFT IN MY STASH♪
EIGHT TAILS, THAT BE ME,
DA RAPPIN' KILLER BEE!
FA SHOW!"
Sasuke goes one-on-one against Killer Bee, who exudes power beyond belief.
Deftly wielding seven swords with lightning speed, Bee pressures Sasuke with his unorthodox fighting style!
Deftly wielding seven swords with lightning speed, Bee pressures Sasuke with his unorthodox fighting style!
Seeing Sasuke outmatched, the other members of Taka join in, working together against the Eight Tails' Jinchuriki. However...
"LARIAT!!!!"
"NOW LOOK UPON ME
AS I MAKE YA PEE
ALL IN YOUR PANTS,
YA LIL' ANTS♪"
Killer Bee, who has complete control of the Eight Tails' chakra, uses it to land a crushing blow on Sasuke before entering his terrifying Tailed Beast State!!
Gravely wounded, Sasuke watches his comrades risk their lives to protect him and is suddenly reminded of Team 7...
As the memories flood in, his eyes awaken a new power.
Gravely wounded, Sasuke watches his comrades risk their lives to protect him and is suddenly reminded of Team 7...
As the memories flood in, his eyes awaken a new power.
"AMATERASU!!!"
Black flames engulf the colossal form of the Eight Tails, and Taka's first mission under their new name ends in victory.
That's all for this time!
The next article will be published on November 17th (JST) and start from the Two Saviors arc! I hope you're looking forward to it!
That's all for this time!
The next article will be published on November 17th (JST) and start from the Two Saviors arc! I hope you're looking forward to it!
