Naruto Columns
12/08/2022
[NARUTO 20th Anniversary Column] Retracing the NARUTO Anime's Ninja Way No.9: The Great Ninja War: Team 7 Returns Arc ~ The Great Ninja War: Obito Uchiha 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 time, the ninth article in the series starts from The Great Ninja War: Team 7 Returns Arc, finally bringing us to the opening of the final showdown of the Fourth Great Ninja War!
This time, the ninth article in the series starts from The Great Ninja War: Team 7 Returns Arc, finally bringing us to the opening of the final showdown of the Fourth Great Ninja War!
All-Out Battle Between the Allied Shinobi Forces and the Ten Tails! The Great Ninja War: Team 7 Returns Arc!
"I... THIS ALL...
THIS WORLD...
...DOESN'T MATTER TO ME."
Memories of the time he used the Nine Tails to attack the village rise to the forefront of Obito's mind, and a scream echoes inside his heart as he begins to battle his former friend, Kakashi.
Going in and out between the real world and the space-time of their Kamui, the two shinobi continue to exchange blows.
Kakashi blames himself for what Obito has become, and the burden of his remorse causes his offense to falter, but Naruto bursts onto the scene to provide support!
Kakashi blames himself for what Obito has become, and the burden of his remorse causes his offense to falter, but Naruto bursts onto the scene to provide support!
"I'LL NEVER LET MY COMRADES DIE!!"
The words Obito once proclaimed to Kakashi, who subsequently passed them on to Naruto, have now come full circle.
Seeing Naruto and the beliefs he embodies, Kakashi regains his own resolve.
Seeing Naruto and the beliefs he embodies, Kakashi regains his own resolve.
"OBITO... YOUR ONCE STRONG WILL IS STILL ALIVE TODAY...
...RIGHT NEXT TO ME!
WHAT THE CURRENT ME CAN DO IS PROTECT THE CURRENT NARUTO!"
However, continuous use of Kamui has drained the Copy Ninja's chakra to nearly nothing...
Until Kurama lends an unexpected hand!
Upon receiving the Tailed Beast's chakra, Kakashi is back in action!
Until Kurama lends an unexpected hand!
Upon receiving the Tailed Beast's chakra, Kakashi is back in action!
Kurama also teams up with the Eight Tails to unleash an enormous Tailed Beast Bomb as they attempt to prevent the revival of the Ten Tails!!
Unfortunately, it is already too late... Through the amalgamation of all nine Tailed Beasts' chakra, the Ten Tails is reborn, filling the air with a bloodcurdling screech...
The Ten Tails' Fury
As its tails thrash, the earth itself ripples as if turned liquid, and the Eight and Nine Tails are blown back by the monster's agility and power!!
The Ten Tails continues its rampage, firing a Tailed Beast Bomb that leaves behind nothing but scorched earth.
The depths of its power are immeasurable—calamity incarnate has descended upon the shinobi world!!
The Ten Tails continues its rampage, firing a Tailed Beast Bomb that leaves behind nothing but scorched earth.
The depths of its power are immeasurable—calamity incarnate has descended upon the shinobi world!!
Naruto and the others continue a desperate resistance, but none of their jutsu prove effective...
Just at that moment, the companies of the Allied Shinobi Forces come rushing in from their respective battlefields!!
Just at that moment, the companies of the Allied Shinobi Forces come rushing in from their respective battlefields!!
"THIS HERE...
IS THE ALLIED SHINOBI... FORCES JUTSU!!
THE SHINOBI WORLD'S GREATEST, MOST INVINCIBLE, SUPER-DUPER NINJUTSU, Y'KNOW!!"
With Naruto at their head, the assembled shinobi come together as one, prepared to give their all against the Ten Tails, Obito, and Madara!
Back at the headquarters of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Shikaku Nara swiftly devises a strategy, and the shinobi of the five major villages follow his orders in a magnificent display of coordination!!
The Ten Tails is trapped as planned, and the gathered ninja proceed to launch an all-out assault!!
The Ten Tails is trapped as planned, and the gathered ninja proceed to launch an all-out assault!!
However, instead of being immobilized, the Ten Tails has merely stopped moving of its own accord to prepare for a transformation!!
It emerges in its new form and begins launching Tailed Beast Bombs that cover incredible distances, hitting targets far removed from the battlefield...including the headquarters of the Allied Shinobi Forces.
It emerges in its new form and begins launching Tailed Beast Bombs that cover incredible distances, hitting targets far removed from the battlefield...including the headquarters of the Allied Shinobi Forces.
Leaving one final strategy to their children, Shikaku Nara and Inoichi Yamanaka perish.
And back on the front lines, another casualty emerges as a member of the Hyuga Clan sacrifices himself to shield his comrades from the Ten Tails' attack...
And back on the front lines, another casualty emerges as a member of the Hyuga Clan sacrifices himself to shield his comrades from the Ten Tails' attack...
"WHY WOULD YOU GO SO FAR FOR ME...?
EVEN GIVE UP YOUR LIFE..."
"BECAUSE YOU...
...CALLED ME...
A GENIUS."
Like his father before him, Neji chooses to lay down his own life to protect those dear to him.
From Neji to Hinata, and then to Naruto and the rest of the allied ninja—the fallen Hyuga's dying will spreads and grows.
Using himself as a conduit, Naruto shares the Nine Tails' chakra with his allies!!
Using himself as a conduit, Naruto shares the Nine Tails' chakra with his allies!!
"NEJI'S WILL...
...AIN'T DEAD YET!!!"
United in their resolve, the shinobi attack in concert, making it past the Ten Tails to land attacks on Obito and Madara!!
Sasuke's Homecoming
In order to speak with those who know the answers to all his questions, Sasuke returns to the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
Orochimaru performs a ritual followed by a jutsu to bring the previous Hokage back to the world of the living once more.
Sasuke interrogates the former leaders of the Hidden Leaf about the burdens Itachi was made to shoulder and hears the history of the Uchiha Clan.
Finally, he asks them what it means to be a village, and what it means to be a shinobi.
The late Hokage answer his questions to the best of their ability.
Finally, he asks them what it means to be a village, and what it means to be a shinobi.
The late Hokage answer his questions to the best of their ability.
The Founding of the Hidden Villages
The tale traces all the way back to the era preceding the founding of the Hidden Villages, where shinobi live their lives constantly at war.
Two of the most powerful factions during this time period are the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan.
Two of the most powerful factions during this time period are the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan.
Even young children are sent to war, and simple interactions between the youths of opposing clans are enough to spark new conflicts.
The ones who survive that age of warfare and make an alliance to put an end to the fighting are none other than Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
The ones who survive that age of warfare and make an alliance to put an end to the fighting are none other than Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
Together, Hashirama and Madara found the Hidden Leaf Village, but their days of harmony do not last long.
Apprehension and distrust toward the Uchiha begin to mount within the village.
Sensing this and fearing the persecution of his clan, Madara revolts against Hashirama and the village they built together.
Sensing this and fearing the persecution of his clan, Madara revolts against Hashirama and the village they built together.
The duel between Hashirama and Madara is on such a scale that it permanently alters the landscape.
This historic battle marks the beginning of the current shinobi world, which is built on the system of Hidden Villages.
This historic battle marks the beginning of the current shinobi world, which is built on the system of Hidden Villages.
After hearing everything the Hokage have to say, Sasuke gives his response...
"I'M GOING TO HEAD TO THE BATTLEFIELD.
I WON'T LET THE VILLAGE AND ITACHI... BECOME NOTHING!"
Sasuke sets out for the battlefield to join the Fourth Great Ninja War with the four legendary Hokage in tow!!
"ALWAYS CONFLICT, NO MATTER WHAT THE ERA...
BUT THIS SHALL BE THE END OF WARS!!
LET'S GO!!!"
Rays of Hope
The grueling battle against the Ten Tails rages on.
Thanks to the cloaks of chakra they received from Naruto, the members of the Shinobi Allied Forces manage to escape annihilation.
Thanks to the cloaks of chakra they received from Naruto, the members of the Shinobi Allied Forces manage to escape annihilation.
"BUT IT REALLY MAKES ME...
SUPER HAPPY TO HAVE EVERYBODY BY MY SIDE!!
JUST SEEING THEM ALL HERE GIVES ME STRENGTH!!"
Spurred on by Naruto's words, his comrades continue to fight bravely, but the situation takes a dire turn...
The Ten Tails releases its stored-up power, causing a cataclysm that splits the earth and skies to assail the shinobi!!
The Ten Tails releases its stored-up power, causing a cataclysm that splits the earth and skies to assail the shinobi!!
Meanwhile, Kakashi confronts Obito once again within the time-space of Kamui.
But when words prove fruitless, Kakashi resigns himself to killing his former teammate.
But when words prove fruitless, Kakashi resigns himself to killing his former teammate.
A moment before the Ten Tails' massive Tailed Beast Bomb is about to crash into the Allied Shinobi Forces—it vanishes!!
"AM I LATE?"
"NOPE... RIGHT ON TIME, PA!!"
The Fourth Hokage, Minato, has come to the rescue!!
The other reanimated Hokage are close behind, soon making their own appearances on the battlefield!
The other reanimated Hokage are close behind, soon making their own appearances on the battlefield!
Combining their strength, the four legendary shinobi put up a barrier jutsu that confines the Ten Tails!!
Finally, the last of the reinforcements appears...
"A LOT'S HAPPENED...
BUT I'VE DECIDED TO PROTECT KONOHA VILLAGE.
AND THEN... I'LL...
...BECOME HOKAGE."
"I'M THE ONE WHO'LL BECOME HOKAGE!"
"I TOO AM A MEMBER OF CELL NUMBER 7,
AND STUDENT OF ONE OF THE GREATS..."
"ALL RIGHT!!
CELL NUMBER 7...
IS FINALLY BACK!!"
For the first time in many years, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stand side-by-side, along with the rest of their former classmates!!
The Allied Shinobi Forces' counterattack starts now!!
The War Heads Toward Its Final Stage! The Great Ninja War: Obito Uchiha Arc!!
Following the orders of the First Hokage, Hashirama, the Allied Shinobi Forces launch a coordinated attack against the Ten Tails!!
"HARUNO SAKURA...
YOU ARE ALSO THE FIFTH HOKAGE'S DISCIPLE!"
Naruto and Sasuke charge out ahead, but Sakura refuses to be left behind this time—
—and manifests her own 100 Healings Mark!!
—and manifests her own 100 Healings Mark!!
"THIS TIME, WE FIGHT WITH OUR BACKS TO EACH OTHER!!"
Unwilling to let Team 7 take all the glory, their friends from Team 8 and Team 10 also rise to the challenge!!
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura also unleash the trademark summoning jutsu of their respective masters!!
The three creatures of the new generation's "Three-Way Deadlock Summoning" face off against the Ten Tails!!
Each showcasing their impressive abilities, the enormous summoned beasts counter the Ten Tails' horde of fission beings with a flurry of offensive and defensive maneuvers!!
Naruto and Sasuke close in on the Tailed Beast's main body, launching an explosive combination jutsu!!
Each showcasing their impressive abilities, the enormous summoned beasts counter the Ten Tails' horde of fission beings with a flurry of offensive and defensive maneuvers!!
Naruto and Sasuke close in on the Tailed Beast's main body, launching an explosive combination jutsu!!
One-on-One Match Inside Kamui
Within the stillness of the alternate time-space, Kakashi and Obito cross blades!!
Memories of a past sparring match supervised by their former master, Minato, blend with their current reality as the fight plays out!!
Episode 595 features one of the series' best battles, striking a perfect balance with action scenes that poignantly intertwine past and present.
This time, their match ends not with the traditional "Unison Sign" they used as children, but with both men pierced by each other's kunai.
"IT'S OVER, OBITO."
"I'll... LET YOU... WIN... THIS BATTLE...
BUT... I'M NOT CONCEDING THE WAR!"
As he warps back to the plane of reality, Obito attempts to weave seals only to be cut down by the knife of his former master!!
Obito lies still, bleeding out from Minato's attack, and the battle appears to be won...
But then, the Ten Tails suddenly disappears!!
Obito lies still, bleeding out from Minato's attack, and the battle appears to be won...
But then, the Ten Tails suddenly disappears!!
The Ten Tails' Jinchuriki
Obito absorbs the Ten Tails, becoming its Jinchuriki!
He easily shatters the barrier crafted by the Hokage, and even overpowers the legendary shinobi themselves!
He easily shatters the barrier crafted by the Hokage, and even overpowers the legendary shinobi themselves!
Naruto and Sasuke team up to face Obito, who has managed to gain full control of the Ten Tails' power!
Backing them up is another impressive duo: the Second Hokage, Tobirama, and Minato!!
Backing them up is another impressive duo: the Second Hokage, Tobirama, and Minato!!
"WIND STYLE, RASEN-SHURIKEN!!"
"INFERNO STYLE, FLAME CONTROL!!"
"YOU TWO ARE THE MAIN ACT!!"
With the aid of the two previous Hokage, Naruto and Sasuke succeed in landing a direct hit!!
But after a moment, it becomes clear that their attack has had absolutely no effect...
But after a moment, it becomes clear that their attack has had absolutely no effect...
"A HOKAGE IS A PITIABLE EXISTENCE
COMPARED TO WHAT I AM NOW."
"YOU, WHO COULDN'T BECOME HOKAGE, HAVE NO RIGHT TO INSULT ANY OF THEM!
ESPECIALLY NOT MY PA WHO ACTUALLY BECAME HOKAGE!
HOW DARE YOU PUT HIM DOWN!!!"
Putting all his rage at Obito's words into a single blow, Naruto is finally able to damage Obito with a Sage Jutsu attack!
Now that they've discovered the Achilles' heel of the Ten Tails' Jinchuriki, Naruto and Minato prepare their battle strategy.
Now that they've discovered the Achilles' heel of the Ten Tails' Jinchuriki, Naruto and Minato prepare their battle strategy.
"LET'S DO IT, PA!!!"
"YEAH!!"
Father and son touch fists, as do the halves of the Nine Tails residing in them, and the combined power of all four enables them to evacuate the members of the Shinobi Allied Forces outside the range of Obito's attack!
Having saved their comrades from the immediate threat, they go on the offensive once again!!
Having saved their comrades from the immediate threat, they go on the offensive once again!!
Pressured by the attacks of Naruto and the others, Obito rushes to make preparations for the final stage of his plan: the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
The Ten Tails transforms once more, becoming the Divine Tree, and shinobi collapse one after the another as it drains anyone it touches of chakra.
"NOW, BE STILL...
YOU'VE ALL ENDURED PLENTY ALREADY."
Racing against time but unwavering in his determination, Naruto stands to fight—with Sasuke at his side!!
"I BEG YOU!!
ALL OF MY, OUR, BELOVED CHILDREN!!
NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ALL THE PAIN... THE SUFFERING... AND FRUSTRATION...
WE SHINOBI HAVE ENDURED... AND WEAVE IT INTO...
...OUR TRUE DREAM!!"
The first Hokage and the current Five Kage, who have now returned to the battlefield, take command of the scattered members of the Allied Shinobi Forces, rallying them to follow in Naruto and Sasuke's footsteps!!
The ninja commit themselves to the cause once more, joining together in an attempt to cut down the Divine Tree!
Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke engage in a fierce battle with Obito!!
The ninja commit themselves to the cause once more, joining together in an attempt to cut down the Divine Tree!
Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke engage in a fierce battle with Obito!!
"WE'LL SLEEP TOMORROW,
DREAMING OUR OWN DREAMS!!!"
Wrapping Sasuke's Susano'o around Naruto's Tailed Beast Transformation, the two imitate a technique once used by Madara!
In addition, Naruto gives a Rasengan and some of Kurama's chakra to each of his friends from the Hidden Leaf, and they all attack as one!!
In addition, Naruto gives a Rasengan and some of Kurama's chakra to each of his friends from the Hidden Leaf, and they all attack as one!!
The attack, driven by the strength of their bonds, pierces through Obito's defenses!
Amid a massive chakra tug-of-war, Naruto makes his way into the world of Obito's subconscious and begins to question him.
"WHAT I WANT TO KNOW ISN'T THE EASY PATH...
...BUT HOW TO NAVIGATE THE RUGGED ONE."
"THERE'S NO SHORTCUT TO BECOMING HOKAGE!
AND THERE ARE NO WAYS OUT FOR THE ONE WHO BECOMES HOKAGE!!"
"CUZ YOU'RE NO ONE ELSE BUT YOU. STOP RUNNING!
COME JOIN US, OBITO!"
Moved by Naruto's words and the feelings behind them, Obito begins to waver.
Images of himself from the days he dreamed of becoming Hokage and of his beloved Rin emerge, shaking his resolve further.
Images of himself from the days he dreamed of becoming Hokage and of his beloved Rin emerge, shaking his resolve further.
And finally, the Tailed Beasts are successfully removed!!
Having lost the power of the Ten Tails, Obito collapses, but just as he tries to use the last of his strength to undo some of the pain he has caused...
Having lost the power of the Ten Tails, Obito collapses, but just as he tries to use the last of his strength to undo some of the pain he has caused...
"TIME TO SWITCH PLACES."
"ART OF RINNE REBIRTH!!!"
"THIS IS THE FORM, THE BODY I NEEDED!
IT'S NOT A BATTLE WITHOUT RAGING BLOOD AND A POUNDING HEART!!"
Madara regains his real body, now fully alive once again.
Madara Uchiha, in the Flesh!
The newly revived Madara wastes no time collecting his scattered power!!
He starts off by stealing Sage Jutsu chakra from his old enemy, Hashirama.
He then regains one of his Rinnegan from White Zetsu and sets his sights on the Tailed Beasts that were extracted from Obito!!
He then regains one of his Rinnegan from White Zetsu and sets his sights on the Tailed Beasts that were extracted from Obito!!
Armed with overwhelming power, Madara collects the Tailed Beasts, even managing to drag Kurama out of Naruto!
Jinchuriki whose Tailed Beasts are extracted die—even Naruto is no exception to this rule, and he finds himself in death's grip...
Jinchuriki whose Tailed Beasts are extracted die—even Naruto is no exception to this rule, and he finds himself in death's grip...
Elsewhere, Madara has driven a sword through Sasuke's chest, and his life, too, begins to flicker and fade...
The two pillars of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Naruto and Sasuke, have been taken out of the fight.
What will the remaining ninja do in the face of this hopeless situation?!
What will the remaining ninja do in the face of this hopeless situation?!
That's all for this time!
The next article will be published on December 15th (JST) and bring our recap of the series to a close, covering all the way through to the final episode! I hope you're looking forward to it!
The next article will be published on December 15th (JST) and bring our recap of the series to a close, covering all the way through to the final episode! I hope you're looking forward to it!
