Naruto’s rigorous training with Killer Bee, a pivotal point in his journey to control the Nine-Tailed Fox’s chakra, culminates in episode 247 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “Target: Naruto.” This episode marks the official end of his intensive period of learning under Bee’s tutelage and signals his readiness to confront the impending threat of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
The Significance of the Completion
Naruto’s training with Killer Bee wasn’t just about mastering the Nine-Tailed Fox’s chakra; it was about confronting his inner demons, understanding the beast within, and ultimately forging a bond with Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox. This transformative experience allows him to access the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, a power upgrade essential for facing the challenges that lie ahead. The completion of this training is a watershed moment, signifying Naruto’s growth as a ninja and a person. He transitions from a brash, reckless youth into a more controlled, strategic, and powerful force.
Beyond Power: Emotional and Spiritual Growth
While the acquisition of the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode is the most visible outcome, the emotional and spiritual growth Naruto undergoes is equally important. He learns to respect Kurama, acknowledging its power and history. He also begins to understand the burden of being a jinchuriki and the loneliness that comes with it, further empathizing with Gaara and other jinchuriki. This deeper understanding strengthens his resolve to protect others and end the cycle of hatred.
Breakdown of Episode 247: “Target: Naruto”
Episode 247 serves as a capstone to the training arc, showcasing Naruto’s complete control over the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. It also highlights the growing trust and camaraderie between Naruto and Killer Bee.
Key Events in the Episode
The episode opens with a recap of Naruto’s progress and the challenges he overcame. The focus then shifts to Naruto demonstrating his newly acquired powers, easily manipulating the chakra and controlling his transformations. We see him utilizing the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode effectively in combat simulations against Bee, showcasing his mastery of the technique. The episode also delves into the emotional aspect of Naruto’s journey, emphasizing the blossoming friendship between him and Bee. Furthermore, it features a brief glimpse of the brewing conflict and the Akatsuki’s preparations, setting the stage for the war arc. The episode concludes with Naruto declaring his readiness to fight, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation and excitement for what’s to come.
The Road to Episode 247: A Recap of the Training Arc
Understanding the significance of episode 247 requires understanding the journey that leads up to it. Naruto’s training with Killer Bee is a multi-episode arc that showcases his determination and growth.
Key Episodes Preceding Episode 247
Several key episodes lead up to the climax of Naruto’s training. These include:
- Episodes 242-246: These episodes detail Naruto’s initial struggles with Kurama, his gradual understanding of the Nine-Tails’ chakra, and Bee’s guidance in controlling and harnessing that power. We see him learning to separate Kurama’s chakra from his own and experimenting with different techniques.
- Episodes focusing on Bee’s past: Flashbacks into Bee’s life as a jinchuriki provide context and deepen the understanding of the relationship between a host and a tailed beast. These episodes demonstrate the challenges and responsibilities that come with such a power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What specific abilities does Naruto gain after finishing his training with Bee?
Naruto primarily gains the ability to enter the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. This mode grants him enhanced speed, strength, and chakra reserves. He also learns to utilize techniques like the Rasenshuriken enhanced with Nine-Tails chakra, significantly increasing its power. He can also sense negative emotions, a crucial skill in identifying and responding to threats.
Q2: Why was Killer Bee chosen as Naruto’s mentor?
Killer Bee was chosen because he is a perfect jinchuriki, meaning he has complete control over his tailed beast, the Eight-Tails. He serves as a role model and guide for Naruto, demonstrating how to coexist and cooperate with a tailed beast rather than suppress it. His experience and unique approach to controlling his tailed beast make him the ideal mentor for Naruto.
Q3: What are the main differences between Naruto before and after the training arc?
Before the training arc, Naruto struggled to control even a small portion of the Nine-Tails’ chakra, often losing control and endangering himself and others. After the training, he can consciously access and control a significant amount of the Nine-Tails’ chakra, entering the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode at will. He is also more mature and strategic in his approach to combat.
Q4: Does Naruto completely tame Kurama after this training?
While Naruto makes significant progress, he doesn’t fully tame Kurama during this initial training period. It’s more of a growing respect and understanding between them. The true taming and complete partnership occur much later in the series, after further battles and shared experiences.
Q5: What role does Yamato play during Naruto’s training?
Yamato’s Wood Release abilities are crucial for suppressing Kurama’s chakra when Naruto loses control. He acts as a safety net, preventing Naruto from fully succumbing to the Nine-Tails’ power and potentially harming himself or others. He also provides support and guidance to Naruto during his training.
Q6: How does the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode affect Naruto’s physical appearance?
When Naruto enters the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, his eyes change to a cross shape resembling the Nine-Tails’ pupils. He is enveloped in a yellow chakra cloak that resembles the Nine-Tails’ fur. His hair also becomes spikier and more vibrant.
Q7: What are the limitations of the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode?
Initially, Naruto has a time limit on how long he can maintain the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. Prolonged use of the mode can also be physically taxing. Furthermore, over-reliance on the Nine-Tails chakra can hinder his own development as a ninja and potentially lead to dependence.
Q8: Does anyone else besides Bee and Yamato know about Naruto’s training?
Yes, the Raikage, the leader of the Hidden Cloud Village, is aware of Naruto’s training and has initially placed restrictions on his movements. Kakashi also plays a supportive role, albeit from a distance, monitoring Naruto’s progress and providing advice when needed.
Q9: How does Naruto’s mastery of the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode contribute to the war effort?
Naruto’s Nine-Tails Chakra Mode provides a significant power boost to the Allied Shinobi Forces. His enhanced abilities allow him to take on formidable opponents, sense hidden enemies, and act as a rallying point for his allies. His mastery of this power is instrumental in turning the tide of the war.
Q10: What’s the difference between the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode and the Sage Mode?
Sage Mode involves gathering natural energy, enhancing physical abilities and jutsu power based on balance. The Nine-Tails Chakra Mode is derived from Kurama’s immense chakra, offering raw power and speed, but initially requires taming the beast. They are separate power-ups with distinct strengths and weaknesses.
Q11: Where does Naruto train with Killer Bee?
Naruto and Killer Bee train on a secluded island within the Hidden Cloud Village, known as the Turtle Island or the Island Turtle. This island provides a safe and isolated environment for Naruto to practice and control the Nine-Tails’ chakra without causing collateral damage.
Q12: What happens immediately after Naruto finishes training with Bee in terms of the storyline?
Immediately following the completion of his training, Naruto is informed of the impending Fourth Great Ninja War. He is initially restricted from participating, but ultimately defies orders and joins the fight, determined to protect his friends and end the war. His first action after leaving the island is to confront a resurrected Itachi Uchiha, kicking off a pivotal arc in the war narrative.