Naruto episode 220 marks the end of the original Naruto anime, leaving fans eager for more. The most logical and rewarding path is to immediately dive into Naruto Shippuden, the sequel series that picks up the story several years later.
Naruto: Your Journey Continues
Having reached the end of Naruto, you’ve likely formed a strong connection with the characters and world Masashi Kishimoto created. Leaving the narrative at this point would feel unfinished, as many plot threads are left dangling. That’s why Naruto Shippuden is the direct and necessary continuation of the story.
Shippuden leaps forward in time, showcasing Naruto and his friends as teenagers, more experienced and grappling with even greater threats to the ninja world. The Akatsuki, a powerful organization of rogue ninja, takes center stage, posing a formidable challenge to Naruto and his allies.
This sequel enhances everything that made Naruto great – the action, the emotional depth, the intricate storylines, and the character development. It’s a richer, more mature experience designed to build upon the foundation you’ve already experienced.
Why Shippuden Is The Obvious Next Step
Choosing Shippuden is not just about continuing the story; it’s about:
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Resolving Plot Threads: Many mysteries and hints dropped throughout the original Naruto series find their resolution in Shippuden. You’ll witness the culmination of training arcs, unravel secrets about Naruto’s past, and see the ultimate fate of Orochimaru and other significant antagonists.
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Character Development: The characters you’ve grown to love undergo significant growth. Naruto’s journey to master the Nine-Tailed Fox’s power, Sasuke’s descent into darkness, and Sakura’s transformation into a capable medical ninja are all explored in greater depth.
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Elevated Stakes: The scale of conflict increases dramatically. The Akatsuki’s threat is global, and the consequences of failure are dire. This leads to more intense battles and higher emotional stakes.
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Expanding World-Building: Shippuden delves deeper into the history and politics of the ninja world, exploring the hidden secrets and complex relationships between the various villages.
Navigating Shippuden: A Few Tips
While Shippuden is the clear next step, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Filler Episodes: Like the original series, Shippuden contains filler episodes not based on the manga. While some are entertaining, others can interrupt the main storyline. Consult a filler list to decide if you want to skip them. This will improve the pacing and allow you to focus on the core narrative.
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Pacing: Shippuden is a long series, even longer than its predecessor. Some arcs can feel slow-paced, but the payoff is often worth the wait.
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Emotional Impact: Be prepared for a more emotionally intense experience. Shippuden tackles themes of loss, betrayal, and the cost of war in a more profound way.
Beyond Shippuden: Exploring the Naruto Universe
While Shippuden is the immediate next step, the Naruto universe extends far beyond its borders. Once you’ve completed Shippuden, consider these options:
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Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: This series follows the adventures of Naruto’s son, Boruto, and a new generation of ninja. While controversial among fans, it offers a glimpse into the future of the ninja world.
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Naruto Movies: Several movies expand upon the Naruto universe and tell self-contained stories. Some are considered canon, while others are not.
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Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring: This short manga series focuses on Sasuke’s daughter, Sarada, and explores her connection to Sasuke and Sakura.
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Spin-off Novels: Numerous novels delve into the backstories of various characters and explore events not covered in the main series.
Ultimately, your journey through the Naruto universe is your own. But starting with Shippuden will ensure you experience the full breadth and depth of this beloved series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is Naruto Shippuden and how does it differ from the original Naruto?
Shippuden is the direct sequel to Naruto, picking up the story roughly two and a half years after the original series concludes. The main difference is that the characters are older teenagers, the story deals with more mature themes, and the power levels of the ninja are significantly higher. The narrative also focuses more heavily on the Akatsuki organization and the growing threat they pose to the world. The animation style is also noticeably updated.
2. Should I watch the Naruto movies before starting Shippuden?
Generally, no. The movies are mostly non-canon and don’t directly impact the main storyline of Shippuden. Some movies released during Shippuden’s run might contain minor spoilers for events that haven’t yet occurred in the anime. It’s best to watch them after completing the corresponding arcs in Shippuden or after finishing the entire series.
3. Are there any essential episodes I should absolutely not skip in Shippuden?
While personal preferences vary, key episodes that heavily advance the plot and feature crucial character development include those dealing with:
- Pain’s Invasion of Konoha
- Sasuke’s battle with Itachi
- The Fourth Great Ninja War
- Naruto’s training with Jiraiya
These arcs are integral to the overall narrative and should not be skipped.
4. How can I tell which Shippuden episodes are filler?
Numerous online resources provide comprehensive filler lists for Naruto Shippuden. These lists typically identify filler episodes and arcs, allowing you to make informed decisions about what to watch. Websites like Anime Filler List and Narutopedia are good resources.
5. Is Boruto: Naruto Next Generations worth watching after Shippuden?
This is a matter of personal preference. Boruto differs significantly in tone and focuses on a new generation of ninja. Some fans enjoy it for its fresh perspective and exploration of the Naruto world in peacetime, while others find it lacks the depth and emotional resonance of the original series. It’s best to watch a few episodes and decide for yourself. Consider starting with the Boruto movie arc which adapts events from the Boruto movie and introduces key characters and plotlines.
6. Where can I legally stream Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto Shippuden is legally available to stream on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix (availability may vary depending on your region). Be sure to check these platforms for current licensing agreements.
7. Will I be confused if I jump straight into Shippuden after episode 220 of Naruto?
While Shippuden does assume you’ve seen the original series, it provides enough context to catch you up on the major events. You might miss some minor character nuances or plot details, but the main storyline will be understandable. However, understanding the relationships between characters is key to fully appreciating Shippuden‘s emotional weight.
8. Is there a specific order I should watch the Shippuden movies in relation to the series?
Yes. While most Shippuden movies are non-canon, watching them in release order during the series can enhance your experience without causing major spoilers. Consult a guide on the optimal viewing order of Naruto Shippuden movies for a comprehensive list.
9. What are some common criticisms of Naruto Shippuden?
Some common criticisms of Shippuden include:
- Inconsistent Animation Quality: The animation quality can vary significantly between episodes, particularly during the longer arcs.
- Over-reliance on Power-Ups: Some feel the series relies too heavily on power-ups and transformations, diminishing the impact of strategic battles.
- Repetitive Story Beats: Certain themes and plot points are repeated throughout the series, which some viewers find redundant.
- Prolonged Fights: Fight scenes can sometimes be excessively long, dragging out the narrative.
10. How does Shippuden address the relationship between Naruto and Sasuke?
The relationship between Naruto and Sasuke is a central theme in Shippuden. Their bond is tested and strained as Sasuke descends into darkness and seeks revenge. Shippuden explores the complexities of their friendship, their ideological differences, and their ultimate confrontation. Their rivalry is a driving force throughout the narrative.
11. Does Shippuden explain more about the Akatsuki’s motivations and goals?
Yes, Shippuden delves deeply into the Akatsuki’s motivations, revealing the individual backstories of its members and their reasons for joining the organization. The series explores the philosophical underpinnings of their goals and the devastating consequences of their actions. Understanding the Akatsuki’s ideology is essential for grasping the overarching conflict of Shippuden.
12. What makes Shippuden different or better (or worse) than the original Naruto series?
Whether Shippuden is “better” or “worse” is subjective. It is undeniably different. Shippuden offers a more mature and action-packed experience with a higher stakes storyline. The characters are more developed, and the animation is generally improved. However, some fans miss the lighter tone and simpler storytelling of the original Naruto. Ultimately, both series offer unique strengths and contribute to the overall Naruto experience.