The Broken Seal
Episode 16 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Naruto Episode 16 is mixed canon/filler — it contains canon manga material with some anime-original padding. Worth watching to follow the story. Sasuke's 'sacrifice' and the first Nine-Tails surge — the episode that converted a generation of casual viewers into permanent ones.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
016 / 220
Status
Mixed Canon/Filler
Arc
Land of Waves
LAND OF WAVES · EP 1–19 · 19 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 16 OF 19
Episode Summary
Naruto wakes to find Sasuke standing over him, needles bristling from his body, Sharingan fading. 'My body moved on its own,' the rival who supposedly hated him explains, and falls. Believing him dead, Naruto stops being twelve: the Nine-Tails' seal splinters, red chakra ignites, wounds steam closed, and the dome of unbreakable mirrors starts breaking. Haku, outclassed for the first time, accepts what comes. The mask cracks against Naruto's fist and the face beneath it is the gentle boy from the forest.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Land of Waves arc.
Can I skip it?
No, it contains canon story material you should watch.
Land of Waves · Ep 1–19 · 19 episodes
001Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!Manga Canon002My Name is Konohamaru!Manga Canon003Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?Manga Canon004Pass or Fail: Survival TestManga Canon005You Failed! Kakashi's Final DecisionManga Canon006A Dangerous Mission! Journey to the Land of Waves!Manga Canon007The Assassin of the Mist!Mixed Canon/Filler008The Oath of PainManga Canon009Kakashi: Sharingan Warrior!Mixed Canon/Filler010The Forest of ChakraManga Canon011The Land of a HeroManga Canon012Battle on the Bridge! Zabuza Returns!Manga Canon013Haku's Secret Jutsu: Crystal Ice MirrorsManga Canon014The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight!Mixed Canon/Filler015Zero Visibility: The Sharingan ShattersMixed Canon/Filler
016The Broken SealMixed Canon/Filler
017White Past: Hidden AmbitionAManga Canon018The Weapons Known as ShinobiMixed Canon/Filler019The Demon in the SnowSMixed Canon/Filler720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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