Kazekage / Tenchi Bridge
Canon arc with mixed material inside the run.
What to do
Watch all
Watch path
Before you watch
This reintroduces the world after the time skip. The tone is heavier, the stakes are clearer, and Naruto is not the same kid anymore.
Why it matters
This sets the tone for all of Shippuden and shows how much the characters and world have changed.
While watching
This is still main-path material. Treat every mixed-canon episode as required.
Arc energy
Episodes
1–56
Type
Canon
Route
Counts toward progress
Episode breakdown
Mixed-canon setup. Must watch.
Main manga-canon rescue stretch.
Mixed-canon transition. Must watch.
Main manga-canon confrontation.
Anime-canon episode kept in this required run.
Main manga-canon continuation.
Mixed-canon interruption. Must watch.
Main manga-canon continuation.
Mixed-canon bridge. Must watch.
Main manga-canon continuation.
Mixed-canon transition. Must watch.
Main manga-canon episode.
Mixed-canon close. Must watch.
Story checkpoint
Finish the arc to open this checkpoint
Mark complete to save your progress, move Naruto forward, and open the arc discussion prompts.
Next canon arc
Akatsuki Suppression Mission