Naruto defeats Pain in episodes 167 and 168 of Naruto Shippuden, titled “Planetary Devastation” and “The Successor,” respectively. These episodes mark the culmination of the epic Pain Arc, showcasing Naruto’s mastery of Sage Mode and his unwavering resolve to protect his village.
The Battle Begins: A Confrontation Years in the Making
The Pain Arc is arguably the most impactful arc in the Naruto Shippuden series. It represents a critical turning point for Naruto’s character development and the overall narrative. The destruction of Konoha by Pain, leader of the Akatsuki, sets the stage for a desperate battle where Naruto must confront not only immense power, but also his own understanding of justice and peace. Naruto’s arrival, fueled by his Sage Mode training at Mount Myoboku, provides a glimmer of hope in the face of utter devastation.
Pain’s God-Like Power
Pain, wielding the Rinnegan, possesses a terrifying arsenal of abilities. He demonstrates mastery over the Six Paths Technique, controlling six separate bodies, each with a unique power. This makes him a formidable opponent, demanding that Naruto utilize every skill he has acquired to stand a chance. The sheer scale of Pain’s destruction underscores the gravity of the situation and the immense pressure weighing on Naruto’s shoulders.
Naruto’s Sage Mode Advantage
Sage Mode, a state of heightened awareness and enhanced strength achieved by drawing upon natural energy, gives Naruto the edge he needs to challenge Pain. His improved reflexes, enhanced chakra reserves, and the ability to sense danger allow him to navigate Pain’s complex attacks and identify openings. However, even with Sage Mode, the fight is far from easy.
The Turning Point: Mastering the Rasengan and Overcoming Pain’s Power
The battle is a dynamic clash of techniques and ideologies. Naruto initially struggles against the coordinated attacks of the Six Paths of Pain. He strategizes, adapts, and ultimately exploits Pain’s weaknesses, learning from each encounter. The turning point arrives when Naruto manages to overcome the Deva Path, Pain’s main body, which possesses the power of attracting and repelling objects.
Planetary Devastation: The Ultimate Threat
Pain unleashes his most devastating technique, Planetary Devastation (Chibaku Tensei), creating a massive sphere of earth designed to trap and crush Naruto. This moment highlights the overwhelming power Pain possesses and forces Naruto to push his abilities to their absolute limit. He rallies his chakra, combines it with the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox, and successfully breaks free from the Planetary Devastation.
The Final Confrontation: Beliefs Clash
After a grueling battle, Naruto finally confronts Nagato, the real person controlling the Six Paths of Pain. This is where the ideological conflict truly comes to the forefront. Naruto listens to Nagato’s tragic backstory and his belief that pain is necessary for peace. Instead of succumbing to hatred or revenge, Naruto offers a different perspective, vowing to find a path to peace that doesn’t require such suffering. This moment demonstrates Naruto’s growth and his commitment to his own ideal of justice. Ultimately, Naruto’s unwavering belief in a better future convinces Nagato to use his remaining chakra to revive those he killed during the attack on Konoha, sacrificing himself in the process.
The Aftermath: A Hero’s Welcome and a New Path Forward
Naruto’s victory over Pain solidifies his position as a hero in Konoha. The villagers, who had initially doubted him, now recognize his strength and dedication. The Pain Arc concludes with Naruto being carried through the village on the shoulders of his grateful peers, symbolizing his acceptance and the hope he brings to the future. While the scars of Pain’s attack remain, Konoha begins the process of rebuilding, both physically and emotionally, with Naruto at the forefront.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Naruto and Pain
Here are some commonly asked questions about Naruto’s battle with Pain, addressing various aspects of the arc and providing valuable insights.
1. What specific techniques did Naruto use to defeat Pain?
Naruto utilized a combination of techniques, primarily focusing on Sage Mode enhanced taijutsu. He also employed the Rasengan and its variations, including the Rasenshuriken. Furthermore, he used clever strategies to exploit Pain’s weaknesses, such as using shadow clones to overwhelm him and utilizing summons like Gamabunta to create openings. His experience and knowledge gained throughout the series played a crucial role in adapting to Pain’s diverse abilities.
2. Why was Pain so powerful?
Pain’s power stemmed from the Rinnegan, a legendary dojutsu (eye technique) possessed by Nagato Uzumaki and controlled through the Six Paths Technique. The Rinnegan granted him a vast array of abilities, including control over gravity, summoning animals, absorbing chakra, and manipulating souls. Nagato’s mastery of these abilities, combined with his strategic prowess, made Pain an incredibly formidable opponent.
3. How did Sage Mode help Naruto in the fight against Pain?
Sage Mode allowed Naruto to tap into the natural energy of the world, significantly enhancing his physical abilities, chakra reserves, and sensory perception. This gave him the speed, strength, and awareness necessary to keep up with Pain’s attacks and anticipate his movements. Sage Mode’s enhanced sensing abilities also allowed him to detect the real Nagato’s location, ultimately leading to the end of the battle.
4. Was Pain actually defeated, or just Nagato?
While Naruto directly battled the Six Paths of Pain, he ultimately defeated Nagato Uzumaki, the individual controlling them. Nagato, weakened and moved by Naruto’s words, used his remaining chakra to revive the villagers he had killed. This act led to his own death, effectively ending Pain’s reign of terror. Therefore, while the Six Paths were destroyed, the true victory lay in changing Nagato’s heart.
5. Why did Pain attack Konoha?
Pain attacked Konoha to force the village to understand the pain of loss and suffering that Nagato himself had experienced. He believed that by inflicting immense pain, he could bring about a lasting peace by instilling fear and deterring future conflicts. His actions were motivated by a twisted sense of justice and a desire to create a world without war, albeit through extreme methods.
6. What was the significance of the Planetary Devastation technique?
Planetary Devastation (Chibaku Tensei) represented the apex of Pain’s destructive power. It was a technique designed to completely immobilize and crush his opponent, showcasing the Rinnegan’s ability to manipulate gravity on a massive scale. Its usage highlighted the overwhelming disparity in power between Naruto and Pain at that point in the battle and forced Naruto to push beyond his limits.
7. How did Naruto convince Nagato to change his ways?
Naruto convinced Nagato by demonstrating a different approach to achieving peace, one that didn’t rely on inflicting pain and suffering. He shared his own experiences, his unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity, and his commitment to finding a better path forward. Naruto’s compassion and his refusal to succumb to hatred resonated with Nagato, ultimately prompting him to reconsider his actions.
8. What impact did the Pain Arc have on Naruto’s character development?
The Pain Arc was a pivotal moment in Naruto’s character development. He learned the true cost of war, confronted his own limitations, and solidified his resolve to protect his village and create a world where peace is achievable. He also matured emotionally, understanding the complexities of justice and the importance of empathy.
9. Did anyone else help Naruto in the fight against Pain?
While Naruto was the primary combatant, he received assistance from several sources. The toads of Mount Myoboku provided crucial support through summons and Sage Mode training. Hinata Hyuga bravely intervened, declaring her love for Naruto and giving him the strength to continue fighting. Ultimately, the entire village of Konoha was counting on him, fueling his determination.
10. What happened to Konoha after Pain’s attack?
Konoha suffered extensive damage from Pain’s attack, leaving much of the village in ruins. However, the villagers rallied together to rebuild their homes and communities. Tsunade, the Hokage, remained in a coma after expending her chakra to protect the villagers. Kakashi Hatake was temporarily appointed as the Sixth Hokage until Tsunade recovered.
11. Where does the Pain Arc fit within the overall Naruto Shippuden timeline?
The Pain Arc occurs roughly halfway through the Naruto Shippuden series, following the Sasuke Retrieval Arc and preceding the Fourth Shinobi World War Arc. It represents a crucial turning point in the narrative, setting the stage for the escalating conflicts and the ultimate showdown with Madara Uchiha.
12. Why is the Pain Arc considered one of the best in the Naruto series?
The Pain Arc is widely regarded as one of the best arcs in the Naruto series due to its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and impactful character development. It explores complex themes of war, justice, and the cycle of hatred, forcing viewers to confront difficult questions about the nature of conflict. The animation, soundtrack, and voice acting are also particularly praised, contributing to the arc’s overall impact and lasting legacy.