Hesitation? No More! The Fifth Hokage's Battle!
Episode 96 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Episode 96 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. The resurrection-by-stubbornness scene — Naruto's heartbeat doing what no argument could, converting Tsunade's despair into a Hokage's resolve.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
096 / 220
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Search for Tsunade
SEARCH FOR TSUNADE · EP 81–101 · 21 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 16 OF 21
Episode Summary
Victory invoices immediately: Kabuto's last act severs the chakra around Naruto's heart, and the boy who just won collapses dying into Tsunade's arms. Her hands move on instinct — green light against a flatlining pulse, blood phobia drowned in something older — while the necklace settles on its third wearer and, for once, doesn't curse him. Naruto's half-conscious mumble about becoming Hokage breaks the last lock. Tsunade rises, faces Orochimaru, and accepts a title over a boy's body: the Fifth has decided.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Search for Tsunade arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
Search for Tsunade · Ep 81–101 · 21 episodes
081Return of the Morning MistManga Canon082Eye to Eye: Sharingan vs. SharinganManga Canon083Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!Mixed Canon/Filler084Roar, Chidori! Brother vs. Brother!Manga Canon085Hate Among the Uchihas: The Last of the Clan!Manga Canon086A New Training Begins: I Will Be Strong!Manga Canon087Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!Manga Canon088Focus: The Symbol of the LeafManga Canon089An Impossible Choice: The Pain Within Tsunade's HeartManga Canon090Unforgivable! A Total Lack of Respect!Manga Canon091Inheritance! The Necklace of Death!Manga Canon092A Dubious Offer! Tsunade's ChoiceManga Canon093Breakdown! The Coldhearted Decision!Manga Canon094Attack! Fury of the Rasengan!Manga Canon095The Fifth Hokage! A Fight for the Brave!Manga Canon
096Hesitation? No More! The Fifth Hokage's Battle!Manga Canon
097Naruto's Resort: The Ninja's Vacation!Filler098Ninja vs. Ninja: May the Best Ninja Win!Mixed Canon/Filler099The Will of Fire Still Burns!Mixed Canon/Filler100Sensei and Student: The Bond of the ShinobiMixed Canon/Filler101Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face!Filler720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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