The Nine-Tailed Fox
Episode 40 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Shippuden Episode 40 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. The Nine-Tails surges past control — Shippuden's first real demonstration that Naruto's power is a horror story, with Yamato's purpose suddenly vital.
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
040 / 500
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Long-Awaited Reunion
LONG-AWAITED REUNION · EP 33–53 · 21 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 8 OF 21
Episode Summary
Orochimaru's presence cracks Naruto open. Enraged at the man who took Sasuke, Naruto loses his grip and the Nine-Tails answers — chakra erupting, a tail forming, then more, the seal straining as the host becomes the beast. The episode is the arc's horror turn: Naruto's love for Sasuke weaponized into a transformation that endangers everyone, including Sakura, who reaches for the teammate vanishing inside the fox. Yamato's containment role — the reason he was assigned — becomes terribly necessary.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Long-Awaited Reunion arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
Long-Awaited Reunion · Ep 33–53 · 21 episodes
033The New TargetManga Canon034Formation: New Team KakashiManga Canon035An Unwanted AcquaintanceAManga Canon036False SmileManga Canon037UnnamedManga Canon038SimulationManga Canon039The Crouching TigerManga Canon
040The Nine-Tailed FoxManga Canon
041Top Secret MissionManga Canon042Orochimaru vs. JinchurikiAManga Canon043Sakura's TearsManga Canon044The Secret of the Direct ConfrontationManga Canon045The Consequences of BetrayalMixed Canon/Filler046The Unfinished PageManga Canon047Infiltrating the Den of the Snake!Manga Canon048BondsManga Canon049Something ImportantMixed Canon/Filler050The Nine-Tailed Fox's Picture BookMixed Canon/Filler051ReunionManga Canon052The Power of UchihaManga Canon053TitleManga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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