The Kazekage Stands Tall
Episode 5 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
Naruto Shippuden Episode 5 is mixed canon/filler — it contains canon manga material with some anime-original padding. Worth watching to follow the story. The 'who Gaara became' episode — the arc cashing in his entire redemption so his rescue feels like saving a hero, not retrieving an asset.
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
005 / 500
Status
Mixed Canon/Filler
Arc
Kazekage Rescue
KAZEKAGE RESCUE · EP 1–32 · 32 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 5 OF 32
Episode Summary
The Sand remembers what Gaara became. As Suna mourns and mobilizes, flashbacks trace the impossible distance the Kazekage traveled — from the murderous child of the Chunin Exams to the leader who threw his body between his village and a bomb. The episode is the arc's eulogy-in-advance, building the case for why this rescue matters to everyone, not just Naruto. Team Kakashi — Naruto, Sakura, and a recovered Kakashi — deploys for the Sand at speed, with Team Guy ordered to reinforce them.
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/Filler004The Jinchuriki of the SandMixed Canon/Filler
005The Kazekage Stands TallMixed Canon/Filler
006Mission 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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