The Jinchuriki of the Sand
Episode 4 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
Naruto Shippuden Episode 4 is mixed canon/filler — it contains canon manga material with some anime-original padding. Worth watching to follow the story. Gaara's capture — the arc's inciting tragedy, and the moment Shippuden establishes its central horror: the Akatsuki kill jinchuriki by taking what's inside them.
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
004 / 500
Status
Mixed Canon/Filler
Arc
Kazekage Rescue
KAZEKAGE RESCUE · EP 1–32 · 32 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 4 OF 32
Episode Summary
The Jinchuriki of the Sand falls. Exhausted from shielding his village, Gaara is taken by Deidara, and Suna reels — its Kazekage, its strongest protector, carried off by the Akatsuki. The episode pivots between the Sand's desperate dispatch of a messenger to Konoha and Naruto receiving the news that the friend who shares his exact burden has been kidnapped to have his tailed beast extracted. Naruto's reaction is immediate and total: the promise-keeping engine of the whole series roars to life again.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Kazekage Rescue arc.
Can I skip it?
No, it contains canon story material you should watch.
Kazekage Rescue · Ep 1–32 · 32 episodes
001HomecomingMixed Canon/Filler002The Akatsuki Makes Its MoveMixed Canon/Filler003The Results of TrainingMixed Canon/Filler
004The Jinchuriki of the SandMixed Canon/Filler
005The 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 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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