The Judgement
Episode 78 · Naruto Shippuden
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Shippuden Episode 78 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. Asuma's mortal blow — the arc's devastating turn, the curse-link delivering a death Team 10 cannot prevent; Shippuden's heart breaks here.
Series
Naruto Shippuden
Episode
078 / 500
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Hidan & Kakuzu
HIDAN & KAKUZU · EP 72–88 · 17 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 7 OF 17
Episode Summary
The judgement falls. Hidan, linked to Asuma through the blood ritual, drives a pike into his own heart — and Asuma feels it. The arc's tragedy executes: Team 10 fighting frantically to disrupt the circle, Shikamaru's shadow stretching, but the immortal's sacrament lands. Asuma, run through by proxy, falls before his students. The episode is Shippuden's first great gut punch since Gaara, the Will of Fire's bearer struck down by a religion of pain, his cell helpless to stop a death delivered through an unkillable body.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Hidan & Kakuzu arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
Hidan & Kakuzu · Ep 72–88 · 17 episodes
072The Quiet ThreatManga Canon073The Akatsuki's InvasionManga Canon074Under the Starry NightManga Canon075The Old Priest's PrayerManga Canon076The Next StepManga Canon077Silver ClimbingManga Canon
078The JudgementManga Canon
079Unfulfilled ScreamBManga Canon080Last WordsManga Canon081Sad NewsManga Canon082Team 10S+Manga Canon083Target LockedManga Canon084Kakuzu's AbilitiesManga Canon085A Terrifying SecretSManga Canon086Shikamaru's GeniusManga Canon087When You Curse Someone, You Dig Your Own GraveManga Canon088Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken!Manga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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