Puppet Master vs. Puppet Master
Episode 23 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Shippuden Episode 23 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. The hundred-versus-ten puppet clash — the visual peak of the Sasori duel and one of Shippuden's best-choreographed battles.
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
023 / 500
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Kazekage Rescue
KAZEKAGE RESCUE · EP 1–32 · 32 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 23 OF 32
Episode Summary
Puppet master versus puppet master reaches full scale: Sasori unleashes his masterpiece, the Hundred Puppet army pulled from a single scroll, and Chiyo answers with the White Secret Technique's ten puppets that once toppled a fortress. The cavern becomes a storm of chakra threads and bladed wood, Sakura the living fist guided through the gaps. It's the duel's spectacular centerpiece — ten against a hundred, a grandmother's craft against a grandson's, with poison timing the whole thing. The numbers favor Sasori; the heart does not.
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/Filler020Hiruko vs. Two Kunoichi!Manga Canon021Sasori's Real FaceManga Canon022A Jōnin's Hidden SkillsManga Canon
023Puppet Master vs. Puppet MasterManga Canon
024The 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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