An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!
Episode 71 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Naruto Episode 71 is mixed canon/filler — it contains canon manga material with some anime-original padding. Worth watching to follow the story. A Hokage battle royale that Part 1 never tops — S+ rooftop spectacle wrapped around the series' meditation on what the title 'Hokage' actually costs.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
071 / 220
Status
Mixed Canon/Filler
Arc
Konoha Crush
Anim. Tier
S+ — Notable
KONOHA CRUSH · EP 68–80 · 13 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 4 OF 13
Episode Summary
Trapped inside the barrier, the Third Hokage faces the impossible: Orochimaru's Reanimation Jutsu drags the First and Second Hokage out of their coffins and into battle against the village they built. Wood Style forests and water dragons devastate the rooftop while Sarutobi summons Enma, the Monkey King, and fights three Kage-class opponents alone. Beneath the spectacle the episode is a eulogy — Sarutobi narrating what each of his predecessors meant while being forced to destroy them.
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 Canon069Village in Distress: A New A-Rank Mission!Mixed Canon/Filler070A Shirker's Call to Action: A Layabout No More!Mixed Canon/Filler
071An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!S+Mixed Canon/Filler
072Hokage'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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