Itachi and Sasuke: The Distant Brothers
Episode 129 · Naruto (2002)
WATCH
Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Episode 129 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. The Uchiha fracture restated at the brink — the backstory that makes Sasuke's choice tragic rather than villainous, deepening the valley fight's stakes.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
129 / 220
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Sasuke Recovery
SASUKE RECOVERY · EP 102–135 · 34 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 28 OF 34
Episode Summary
Before the valley erupts, a flashback names the wound. The Uchiha brothers' history surfaces — a worshipped older brother, a younger one always reaching for his shadow, and the night Itachi turned the clan into a lesson. The episode threads Sasuke's defection through that origin: every step toward Orochimaru is a step toward the power to kill Itachi, every bond severed a weight dropped. Distant brothers, one chasing the other across a decade of blood. Naruto, standing in for everyone Sasuke is leaving, doesn't understand yet what he's fighting.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Sasuke Recovery arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
Sasuke Recovery · Ep 102–135 · 34 episodes
102Mission: Help an Old Friend in the Land of TeaFiller103The Race is On! Trouble on the High Seas!Filler104Run, Idate, Run! Nagi Island Awaits!Filler105A Fierce Battle of Thunder and Lightning!Filler106The Last Leg: A Final Act of DesperationFiller107The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. SasukeManga Canon108Bitter Rivals and Broken BondsManga Canon109An Invitation from the SoundManga Canon110Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval SquadManga Canon111Sound vs. LeafManga Canon112A Sudden Plea for RainMixed Canon/Filler113Full Throttle Power! Choji, Ablaze!Mixed Canon/Filler114Goodbye Old Friend! I'll Always Believe in You!Mixed Canon/Filler115Your Opponent is Me!Manga Canon116360 Degrees of Vision: The Byakugan's Blind SpotManga Canon117Losing is Not an Option!Manga Canon118The Vessel Arrives Too LateManga Canon119Mistake: New Enemies Appear!Manga Canon120Roar and Howl! The Ultimate Tag TeamManga Canon121To Each His Own BattleManga Canon122Fake: A Sudden Appearance!Manga Canon123Ninja DropoutManga Canon124The Beast WithinManga Canon125The Sand Shinobi: Allies of the LeafManga Canon126Showdown: Gaara vs. KimimaroMixed Canon/Filler127Vengeful Strike! Bracken Dance!Mixed Canon/Filler128A Cry on Deaf EarsManga Canon
129Itachi and Sasuke: The Distant BrothersManga Canon
130Father and Son: The Broken CrestMixed Canon/Filler131The Secrets of the Mangekyo Sharingan!Mixed Canon/Filler132For a FriendManga Canon133A Plea From a FriendS+Manga Canon134The End of TearsManga Canon135The Promise That Could Not Be KeptManga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
Open Filler Guide →