Village in Distress: A New A-Rank Mission!
Episode 69 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Naruto Episode 69 is mixed canon/filler — it contains canon manga material with some anime-original padding. Worth watching to follow the story. The episode that promotes Sakura's genjutsu sense and sets up Shikamaru's first command decision — the arc's character work hiding inside a chase.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
069 / 220
Status
Mixed Canon/Filler
Arc
Konoha Crush
KONOHA CRUSH · EP 68–80 · 13 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 2 OF 13
Episode Summary
The pursuit logistics episode that quietly carries the arc. Sakura breaks the stadium genjutsu on her own — confirmation her chakra control outclasses her teammates' — and Kakashi assigns Team 7's remnant an A-rank: wake Naruto, take the dog Pakkun, and chase Sasuke, who is chasing Gaara. Shikamaru, dragooned awake, joins a mission he immediately predicts will require a sacrifice. Nine Sound ninja close on their trail through the forest, and the math says someone has to stay behind.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Konoha Crush arc.
Can I skip it?
No, it contains canon story material you should watch.
Konoha Crush · Ep 68–80 · 13 episodes
068Zero Hour! The Destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village Begins!Manga Canon
069Village in Distress: A New A-Rank Mission!Mixed Canon/Filler
070A Shirker's Call to Action: A Layabout No More!Mixed Canon/Filler071An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!S+Mixed Canon/Filler072Hokage's Mistake: The True Face Beneath the MaskMixed Canon/Filler073Forbidden Secret Technique: Reaper Death Seal!Manga Canon074Astonishing Truth! Gaara's Identity Emerges!Mixed Canon/Filler075Sasuke's Decision: Pushed to the Edge!Manga Canon076Assassin of the Moonlit NightManga Canon077Light vs. Dark: Two Faces of GaaraManga Canon078Naruto's Ninja HandbookManga Canon079Beyond the Limit of Darkness and LightManga Canon080The Third Hokage, Forever!Manga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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