Hiruko vs. Two Kunoichi!
Episode 20 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Shippuden Episode 20 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. The Sasori duel begins — two kunoichi cracking Hiruko's shell, the opening of one of Shippuden's most celebrated puppet battles.
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
020 / 500
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Kazekage Rescue
KAZEKAGE RESCUE · EP 1–32 · 32 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 20 OF 32
Episode Summary
The Sasori duel opens in earnest: Sakura and the elder Chiyo against Hiruko, the armored puppet shell the puppet master hides inside. Two kunoichi — apprentice strength and a Sand legend's ten-puppet mastery — probe a scorpion-tailed fortress for the man within. The episode establishes the duel's lethal grammar: Sasori's hidden poisons, Chiyo's chakra threads guiding Sakura's fists, and the dawning understanding that beating the shell is only the first of many layers. The grandmother fights the monster she helped raise.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Kazekage Rescue arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
Kazekage Rescue · Ep 1–32 · 32 episodes
001HomecomingMixed Canon/Filler002The Akatsuki Makes Its MoveMixed Canon/Filler003The Results of TrainingMixed Canon/Filler004The Jinchuriki of the SandMixed Canon/Filler005The Kazekage Stands TallMixed Canon/Filler006Mission ClearedMixed Canon/Filler007Dash, KankuroMixed Canon/Filler008Team Kakashi DeploysMixed Canon/Filler009The Jinchuriki's TearsMixed Canon/Filler010Sealing Jutsu: Nine Phantom DragonsMixed Canon/Filler011The Medical Ninja's StudentMixed Canon/Filler012The Retired Shinobi's DeterminationMixed Canon/Filler013A Meeting With DestinyMixed Canon/Filler014Naruto's GrowthMixed Canon/Filler015The Secret Weapon: Itachi!Mixed Canon/Filler016The Secret of the Jinchuriki!Mixed Canon/Filler017The Death of Gaara!Mixed Canon/Filler018Charge Tactic! Button Hook Entry!Mixed Canon/Filler019Traps Activated! Team Guy's EnemiesMixed Canon/Filler
020Hiruko vs. Two Kunoichi!Manga Canon
021Sasori's Real FaceManga Canon022A Jōnin's Hidden SkillsManga Canon023Puppet Master vs. Puppet MasterManga Canon024The Third KazekageMixed Canon/Filler025Three Minutes Between Life and DeathMixed Canon/Filler026Puppet Master vs. Puppet MasterSManga Canon027Impossible DreamManga Canon028Beasts: Alive Again!Manga Canon029New Team Kakashi: Infiltrating the BaseManga Canon030AestheticManga Canon031HeritageManga Canon032Return of the KazekageManga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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