The Dark Clouds
Episode 490 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
No — Naruto Shippuden Episode 490 is filler. It's anime-original and has no impact on the main story. Safe to skip if you only want canon. A final-stretch filler beat — gathering dread toward the arc's climax; atmospheric but non-canon and self-contained.SERIES COMPLETE ✓ · BACK TO THE GUIDE
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
490 / 500
Status
Filler
Arc
Shikamaru Hiden
SHIKAMARU HIDEN · EP 489–493 · 5 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 2 OF 5
Episode Summary
The dark clouds gather over the final filler arc as the standalone conflict turns toward its grimmest stretch. The episode trades on mounting dread within the anime-original frame, the dark clouds signaling the arc's climax approaching. Sealed inside its filler walls, it advances the standalone adventure. Competent and atmospheric, the dark clouds are engaging in their bubble and outside the timeline, a diversion in the series' closing filler run that touches nothing in the canon story.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Shikamaru Hiden arc.
Can I skip it?
Yes, you can safely skip it without missing main story.
Shikamaru Hiden · Ep 489–493 · 5 episodes
489The State of an IncidentFiller
490The Dark CloudsFiller
491RecklessnessFiller492Cloud of SuspicionFiller493DawnFiller720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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