The Fourth Hokage's Death Match!
Episode 248 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Shippuden Episode 248 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. Edo Tensei's emotional blueprint — the episode that establishes the war arc's real weapon is grief, with Sasori's genuinely moving release as proof.
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
248 / 500
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
4th War: Countdown
Anim. Tier
A — Notable
4TH WAR: COUNTDOWN · EP 215–256 · 22 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 14 OF 22
Episode Summary
The war's opening night delivers its first reunions, and they are armed. Reanimated by Kabuto's Edo Tensei, Sasori and the bomber Deidara return to the field against, of all people, Kankuro's commando unit — with Sai aboard, carrying his dead brother's face in his sketchbook. Sasori meets the puppet of his own body in Kankuro's arsenal; Shin's resurrection forces Sai to finish a goodbye Root never allowed. The Edo Tensei's cruelty becomes explicit: the war will be fought against everyone the heroes have buried.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the 4th War: Countdown arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
4th War: Countdown · Ep 215–256 · 22 episodes
215Two PathsManga Canon216High-Level ShinobiManga Canon217The InfiltratorManga Canon218The Nations MobilizeManga Canon219Hatake Kakashi, the HokageAManga Canon220Prophecy of the Great Lord ElderManga Canon221StorageManga Canon222The Five Kage's DecisionManga Canon243Land of DepartureManga Canon244Killer Bee Rappuden: Part 1Manga Canon245Killer Bee Rappuden: Part 2Manga Canon246The Orange SparkManga Canon247Target: Nine-TailsManga Canon
248The Fourth Hokage's Death Match!AManga Canon
249Thank YouManga Canon250The Beast in Paradise?Manga Canon251The Man Named KisameManga Canon252The Angelic Messenger of DeathAManga Canon253The Bridge to PeaceManga Canon254The Super-Secret S-Rank MissionMixed Canon/Filler255The Artist ReturnsManga Canon256Assemble! Allied Shinobi Forces!Manga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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