The Promise That Could Not Be Kept
Episode 135 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Episode 135 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. The promise that powers Shippuden — Naruto's failure converted into a lifelong vow, and Part 1's emotional ledger closed in the rain.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
135 / 220
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Sasuke Recovery
SASUKE RECOVERY · EP 102–135 · 34 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 34 OF 34
Episode Summary
Rain, and the cost tallied. Kakashi and Pakkun find Naruto alone at the valley, a scratched headband in the mud where Sasuke stood. The mission failed; the squad survived, barely. The episode is the arc's wake — Tsunade's clinic full of broken genin, Naruto's bandaged failure, and the promise to Sakura now a debt he can't pay. Lee, Choji and Neji cling to life in their beds. Naruto vows to bring Sasuke back no matter how long it takes, and the timeskip's shadow falls across a village that lost a son.
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 Canon129Itachi and Sasuke: The Distant BrothersManga Canon130Father 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 Canon
135The Promise That Could Not Be KeptManga Canon
720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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