List of Naruto Shippuden Fillers during the Fourth Ninja War

The Fourth Ninja War in the iconic Naruto series is filled with emotional moments and epic battles. This major event revealed the true origins of the ninja world after the intense conflict between the Allied Shinobi Forces and the Akatsuki.

With each battle growing more intense, the main characters unleashed new powers to combat their enemies. After many unexpected challenges, the Shinobi Alliance emerged victorious, leading to the ultimate downfall of Akatsuki and the sealing of the Ten Tails.

The complete guide to every filler in Naruto Shippuden's War Arc, explained in detail

The anime adaptation of the Fourth Ninja War begins with episode 222 of Naruto Shippuden and concludes with episode 479, comprising a total of over 250 episodes. However, a significant portion of these episodes are fillers. To discover a comprehensive list of the numerous anime-original episodes, continue reading.

Paradise Life on a Boat (episodes from 223 to 242)

Some adventures were rather forgettable (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Tsunade convinces Naruto to agree to be confined on Turtle Island in the Land of Lightning by fabricating a top-secret S-rank mission that he and Killer B need to carry out there. Naruto, along with Might Guy, Yamato, and Aoba Yamashiro, sets out for the island on a ship. The journey to the Land of Lightning becomes the backdrop for several filler episodes.

Naruto and Sasuke's past (episodes from 257 to 260)

Naruto and Sasuke (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The episodes center around the initial events in the story, specifically exploring the early dynamics of Naruto and Sasuke's relationship. It covers Team 7's formation, their first mission in the Land of Waves, and the Chunin Exam. The final episode focuses on Sasuke's departure from the Hidden Leaf and Naruto's unwavering resolve to retrieve him.

Road to Sakura (episode 271)

Sakura Haruno in "Road to Sakura" (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Minor events of the Fourth Ninja War (episodes from 279 to 281)

The episode was developed as a promotional tool for the film Road to Ninja, aiming to establish a connection between the original storyline and the alternate universe depicted in the movie. True to its title, the episode focuses on the character Sakura Haruno.

Shino, Hinata, Kiba, and Akamaru (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The plot of these three filler episodes takes place during the war. In "White Zetsu’s Trap," Shino, Hinata, Kiba, and Akamaru encounter a dilemma caused by the cunning abilities of a Zetsu clone.

The Seven Shinobi Swordsmen, and more (episodes from 284 to 289)

In the world of art, the elusive Deidara manages to break free from captivity, only to be captured again before causing significant harm. Meanwhile, in The Allied Mom Force, the plight of the Hidden Leaf villagers who are not part of the war is highlighted.

Kakashi effortlessly defeating one of the Ninja Swordsmen (Image via Studio Pierrot)

These episodes feature battles between the Third Division of the Shinobi Alliance and their undead adversaries. Kakashi skillfully overcame Jinin Akebino of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, while the resurrected Pakura, a Hidden Sand kunoichi, encountered her former student, Maki.

Chikara Arc (episodes from 290 to 295)

After being outclassed by Kakashi and Might Guy, Jinpachi Munashi and Kushimaru Kuriarare met their match. However, Ameyuri Ringo proved to be a formidable opponent as she mercilessly slaughtered Omoi's unit. In the face of such adversity, Omoi showed great courage and bravery, earning the respect of Ameyuri.

The visual quality of these episodes was astonishing (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Chikara, which means “Power”, comprises of five entirely filler episodes created with exceptional visual quality in honor of the anime’s first 500 episodes.

The Hidden Leaf ninjas are dispatched to Tonika Village to inquire into the massacre, only to uncover Kabuto Yakushi and his undeads as the perpetrators. As Kabuto’s true intentions come to light, unforeseen twists await.

Battles between past and present (episodes from 303 to 320)

These fillers were among the most memorable (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite being filler, the episodes contain some compelling content. For example, episodes 303 to 305 showcase the rematch between Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, and Choji against the members of the Sound Four.

Episodes 307 and 308 depict Yugao Uzuki's encounter with her ex-lover, Hayate Gekko, who is now serving Kabuto as an undead. Episodes 309 and 310 delve into the story of Tatewaki, while episodes 313 to 315 feature Yota's heartbreaking tale. Other notable fillers include Shino's interaction with Torune in episode 317, the meeting between Killer B and his predecessor Fukai in episode 318, and Chiyo's reminiscence about Sasori's childhood in episode 319.

The birth of Akatsuki (episodes 347 and 348)

Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan (Image via Studio Pierrot)

These two episodes explore the backstory of the formation of Akatsuki. Originally, the organization was made up of orphans and bandits brought together by Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan with the goal of bringing peaceful change to the Hidden Rain. However, their plans were thwarted when Danzo deceived the local leader, Hanzo, into seeing the group as a threat to his authority. This resulted in Hanzo setting a trap that ultimately led to Yahiko's death.

Kakashi: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops (episodes from 349 to 361)

Despite being deeply affected by the tragedy, Nagato wholeheartedly adopted Tobi’s ideals, oblivious to the fact that Tobi had betrayed and murdered his friends. In the concluding scenes, Nagato is depicted transforming Yahiko’s lifeless body into the Deva Path of the Six Paths of Pain.

Kakashi's time in the ANBU is depicted in this filler arc, shedding light on his past and the events that unfolded during that period. Stricken with guilt over Rin's death, Kakashi enlisted in the ANBU. When Danzo ordered the assassination of Hiruzen, Kakashi intervened and foiled the attempt.

After preventing a murder attempt by a young Yamato, Kakashi formed a friendship with him. He also got to know Itachi, the newest member of the ANBU. When the Uchiha Clan Massacre occurred, Kakashi decided to leave the ANBU and pursue a career as a teacher.

Naruto vs Mecha Naruto (episodes 376 and 377)

The comical Mecha Naruto (Image via Studio Pierrot)

One of the most outrageous scenes showcased in the series, this special filler double episode tells the anime-exclusive tale of Mecha Naruto, a mechanical entity initially devised by Orochimaru and Kabuto.

After being discovered by the Akatsuki, the robot is reprogrammed with the task of capturing Naruto. Through a series of absurd battles and comical events, the Hidden Leaf ultimately successfully withstands the threat.

Hinata and Hanabi (episodes 389 and 390)

Hinata and Hanabi's training session captured in a still shot (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The anime dedicates a few episodes to exploring the dynamics between Hinata and her younger sister, Hanabi. In an attempt to determine the future heiress of the Hyuga Clan, their father, Hiashi, orchestrates a sparring match between the two siblings.

Naruto is back - The track of his friends (episodes from 394 to 413)

Hanabi emerged triumphant, securing the opportunity for one-on-one coaching from Hiashi. Over the following years, both Hanabi and her father observed Hinata’s remarkable growth in self-assurance and personal development.

The new Chunin Exam unfolded in the Hidden Sand, as depicted in the image from Studio Pierrot. This filler arc portrays the examination conducted by the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Sand during the period between the first and second parts of the story. The episodes primarily focus on the progression of some of Naruto’s comrades from Genin to Chunin.

The

Naruto and Konohamaru (episodes 422 and 423)

is truly captivating, as it unveils some fascinating lore that was previously unknown. Notably, it introduces the appearance of Ajisai, who eventually becomes one of the Six Paths of Pain, and Fu, the jinchuriki of the Seven Tails.

Naruto and Konohamaru training together (Image via Studio Pierrot)

These episodes strengthen the connection between Naruto and Konohamaru, illustrating how the latter honed his ninja abilities through a mix of determination and guidance from the future Seventh Hokage.

Instructed by Naruto on the technique of Rasengan, Konohamaru faced challenges in mastering the new jutsu but ultimately succeeded. Chronicling the boy's determination, the episodes depict Konohamaru employing the Rasengan against one of Pain's bodies.

The Infinite Tsukuyomi dreams (episodes from 427 to 431)

Killer B's Rappuden was a hidden treasure (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Once Madara successfully activated the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the entire world found itself ensnared in a never-ending genjutsu. Under the illusion, every individual lived out their own fantasy, oblivious to the fact that it was all just a dream.

The manga only provided a quick glimpse into the dreams of the characters trapped in the illusion, while the anime significantly elaborated on those fantasies. The narratives covered everything from Tenten's dream to Killer B's "Rappuden" story.

Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook - The Hero's Tale (episodes from 432 to 450)

The arc depicted an alternate reality (Image via Studio Pierrot)

These filler episodes present a different telling of the main events in the story, stemming from Tsunade's dream of an altered past. While trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi, Tsunade visualizes a diverse reality where the narrative shifts based on the content of one of Jiraiya's books.

Itachi Shinden - Book of Light and Darkness (episodes from 451 to 458)

In this alternative dimension, it was the Nine Tails that attacked the Hidden Leaf, but Tobi was not the one responsible. Additionally, the attack did not result in the deaths of Minato and Kushina. With these altered circumstances, the story unfolded in a vastly different way from the original.

The anime original arc taking its name from the two novels Book of Bright Light and Book of Dark Night of the Naruto Shinden series, has very little in common with their content. Nevertheless, it gifts fans with an insight into Itachi Uchiha’s life.

From a young age, Itachi's talent was evident to all. He unlocked his Sharingan early after witnessing a friend's death at the hands of a masked man. He formed a close bond with Shisui, but tragically, Shisui took his own life.

Amidst rising tensions between the Uchiha Clan and the Hidden Leaf, Itachi, now wielding the Mangekyo Sharingan, felt compelled to end the conflict by eliminating his own kin. After this, he departed the village and aligned himself with the Akatsuki.

Ultimately, the episodes focus on Itachi’s relationship with his younger brother Sasuke, the only person he spared during the Uchiha Clan Massacre.

The Otsutsuki’s backstory (episodes from 460 to 462, and 464 to 468)

The impact of the Otsutsuki on the ninja world is undeniable (Image via Studio Pierrot)

While considered a filler, these episodes provide insight into Kaguya Otsutsuki and her lineage. Upon reaching Earth, Kaguya consumed the fruit of the God Tree and utilized its chakra to subject the world to the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

After discovering their mother's true actions, Kaguya's sons, Hagoromo and Hamura, chose to seal her. Hagoromo went on to share his Ninshu with the world, becoming renowned as the Sage of the Six Paths.

Unfortunately, Black Zetsu, the embodiment of Kaguya's will, had already begun orchestrating her revival. Black Zetsu manipulated Hagoromo's sons, Ashura and Indra, causing them to begin a never-ending conflict that would leave a lasting impact on the ninja world's history.

A special mission (episode 469)

Kakashi disguised as Sukea (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The appearance of Kakashi under his mask has been a long-running joke in the series, but this episode finally unveiled the true face of the Copy Ninja. In the original series, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura made numerous attempts to see their teacher without his iconic mask, but none were successful. In the next episode, they joined forces with Sukea, a photographer who promised to capture a picture of Kakashi's face. Despite their best efforts to coerce him into removing the mask, their mission was ultimately deemed a failure, and Sukea departed.

Stay updated on all the latest news about the Naruto series as we progress through 2023.

Editor's P/S

Naruto Shippuden is one of the most popular anime series of all time, and the Fourth Ninja War arc is one of its most iconic storylines. The war arc is full of epic battles, emotional moments, and unexpected twists and turns. However, it also contains a significant number of filler episodes.

Some fans argue that the filler episodes in the Fourth Ninja War arc are a waste of time, and that they detract from the overall story. Others argue that the filler episodes provide valuable character development and world-building, and that they help to make the war arc more immersive and enjoyable.

Personally, I believe that the filler episodes in the Fourth Ninja War arc are a mixed bag. Some of them are definitely skippable, but others are actually quite good. Overall, I think that the filler episodes do not detract from the overall story of the war arc, and that they help to make it a more well-rounded and enjoyable experience.