The world of Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is enormous. With over 700 episodes and several filler stories, understanding the series' chronology can be a daunting task. So, we've made this comprehensive guide about all of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden’s story arcs in order.
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All Naruto Story Arcs in Order
Here are all the story arcs featured in the Naruto anime in chronological order along with their chapter details:
Prologue – Land of Waves Arc
The first arc of the Naruto series, Prologue – Land of Waves contains Episodes 1 through 19 of the Naruto anime. The debut arc covers Chapters 1 through 33 of the manga.
The arc revolves around the formation of Team 7, and upon Naruto’s insistence, the Third Hokage sent them on a C-rank mission to escort Tazuna to the Land of Waves.
Chunin Exams Arc
Spanning over 10 volumes, the Chunin Exams arc is one of the longest arcs in the Naruto series. The arc covers Episodes 20 through 67 and Chapters 34 through 115.
Team 7 came back to Konoha, and one day, Naruto found out about the upcoming Chunin Selection Exams. He was excited to clear the exams and become a chunin.
The arc really tests the characters’ strengths during the various phases of the Chunin Exams.
Considered one of the most important arcs in the Naruto universe, the Chunin Exams were extremely competitive.
This arc also introduced several new characters like Gaara, Orochimaru, and more.
Konoha Crush Arc
Orochimaru, who has had his eyes set on Konoha since the Chunin Exams, is ready to attack the village using the Sand Village’s help.
As the Konoha ninja attempt to stop the attack, the Third Hokage engages in a battle against Orochimaru.
Meanwhile, Team 7 is instructed to follow Gaara and his siblings. But Gaara ends up releasing the tailed beast within him.
The Konoha Crush arc covers Episodes 81 through 100 and Chapters 139 through 171.
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The Search for Tsunade Arc
The Search for Tsunade arc covers Episodes 81 through 100 and Chapters 193 through 171.
Itachi, Sasuke’s older brother, returns to Konoha. He and Kisame battle against Asuma, Guy, and Kurenai.
In this arc, Itachi confirms that he and Kisame are looking for the Nine-Tails inside Naruto.
The arc also showcases Jiraiya training Naruto and the latter starts working on his popular Rasengan technique.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya is also looking for Tsunade, and he wants to convince her to take on the responsibilities of the next Hokage.
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Land of Tea Escort Mission Arc
This is a filler anime-only arc where Naruto and his Team 7 head to the Land of Tea to assist Idate win a race.
The Land of Tea Escort Mission arc is covered in Episodes 102 through 106.
Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc
Sasuke is feeling that he is not getting stronger at a good rate. He decides to leave Konoha and join Orochimaru.
Shikamaru assembles a team that includes Naruto and asks them to stop Sasuke from defecting.
However, the team comes under attack by The Sound Four who is Orochimaru’s elite guard.
The Sasuke Recovery Mission arc comprises Chapters 172 through 238 and Episodes 107 through 135.
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Land of Rice Fields Investigation Mission Arc
An anime-only arc, the Land of Rice Fields Investigation Mission arc shows Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya coming across the Fuma clan.
At the Land of Rice Fields, Naruto and his comrades find out that Sasuke is safe. Episodes 136 through 141 covered this arc.
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Mizuki Tracking Mission Arc
In this arc, Naruto learns that Mizuki has escaped from prison. Naruto also discovers that Mizuki might be connected to Orochimaru.
He sees this as an opportunity to locate Sasuke. During the arc, Naruto fights against the Legendary Stupid Brothers.
The Mizuki Tracking Mission arc is covered from Episodes 142 through 147.
Bikochu Search Mission Arc
Naruto joins forces with Team 8 in order to find the bikochu beetle.
They hope the beetle will ultimately help them find Sasuke. The Bikochu Search Mission arc is covered in Episodes 148 through 151.
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Kurosuki Family Removal Mission Arc
The search for Sasuke continues as Naruto joins Team Guy on a mission to deal with the Kurosuki family.
Naruto hopes Raiga Kurosuki would know Sasuke’s current whereabouts.
The Kurosuki Family Removal Mission is a filler arc and is covered in Episodes 152 through 157.
Gosunkugi Capture Mission Arc
Tsunade instructs Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba to capture a dreaded thief named Gosunkugi of the Land of Stone.
During the mission, they come across a bounty hunter named Sazanami and they help Sazanami clear his name.
Episodes 159 and 160 cover the Gosunkugi Capture Mission arc.
Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission Arc
Naruto meets a man named Chishima and learns about the problems cropping up in the Land of Birds.
He wants to help and decides to join Tenten and Neji in order to unravel the mystery of the Cursed Warrior’s ghost.
The Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission arc is covered in Episodes 162 through 167.
Kaima Capture Mission Arc
Anko Mitarashi is tasked to escort a delivery ship and deal with a sea monster mystery in the Land of the Sea.
She takes Naruto, Ino, and Shino along with her due to the unavailability of other ninjas.
In this arc, Naruto and his friends come under attack from Misumi Tsurugi and Yoroi Akado from the Chunin Exams
Episodes 169 through 173 cover the Kaima Capture Mission arc.
Buried Gold Excavation Mission Arc
Naruto, Kiba, and Hinata are struggling and have low success rates in their missions.
Tsunade decides to give them one last chance to improve or return to the academy for further training.
Episodes 175 and 176 cover the Buried Gold Excavation Mission arc.
Star Guard Mission Arc
Sakura informs Naruto that Lee, Neji, and Tenten are on a mission to help Hoshigakure protect their beloved star from thieves.
Naruto thinks Orochimaru might be behind this and he convinces Tsunade to let him join Neji and the others for the mission.
The Star Guard Mission arc is covered in Episodes 178 through 183.
Peddlers Escort Mission Arc
This arc takes Naruto, Choji, and Hinata to the Land of Vegetables. They are assigned a mission to protect peddlers from the Janin.
The arc is covered in Episodes 187 through 191.
Third Great Beast Arc
The focus of this filler arc is on Rock Lee and Guy. In this arc, Guy is compelled to deal with Yagura.
As the arc progressed, Naruto, Neji, and Tenten are sent to find a boy who is acting as an impostor.
Episodes 195 and 196 cover the Third Great Beast arc of the Naruto anime.
Konoha Plans Recapture Mission Arc
This arc revolves around Konoha 11 coming together to protect the village from attacks.
Konoha 11 includes Naruto as they attempt to stop a Kagero Village’s ninja from destroying Konoha.
Episodes 197 through 201 cover the Konoha Plans Recapture Mission Arc.
Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission Arc
Kurenai decides to step down as Team 8’s mentor. When Naruto finds out about this, he tries to reason with her.
However, it is later revealed that Kurenai stepped down because of a new development concerning one of her former students named Yakumo Kurama.
Episodes 203 through 207 cover the Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission arc.
Gantetsu Escort Mission Arc
Lee, Sakura, and Naruto team up to assist in transferring a member of the Shinobazu prison.
The Gantetsu Escort Mission arc comprises Episodes 209 through 212.
Menma Memory Search Mission Arc
Menma from the Land of Rice Fields ends up in Konoha. However, he doesn’t remember anything.
Naruto decides to help him recall his memories. Eventually, they become friends.
However, Menma lied about his memory as he wanted to move away from the gang he was a part of.
Menma becomes an integral part of Konoha. This arc is covered in Episodes 213 through 215.
Sunagakure Support Mission
The final filler arc of the Naruto anime series, the Sunagakure Support Mission arc sees Konoha 11 on a mission to save a girl named Matsuri.
Matsuri is kidnapped by the Four Celestial Symbols Men, and Naruto, Gaara, and the rest attempt to save her.
Episodes 216 through 220 are featured in the Sunagakure Support Mission arc.
All Naruto: Shippuden Story Arcs in Order
Here are the story arcs featured in the Naruto: Shippuden anime in chronological order along with their respective chapters in the manga:
Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc
As the opening arc of the Naruto: Shippuden anime series, Kazekage Rescue Mission covers Episodes 1 through 32 and Chapters 245 to 281.
Members of Akatsuki, Sasori, and Deidara, locate Gaara and abduct him in order to take out the One-Tailed Beast Shukaku.
Naruto and his team decide to rescue Gaara from Akatsuki.
Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Arc
In this arc, Team 7 is tasked to head to the Tenchi Bridge and find Sasuke.
There is also a fierce battle showcased between Team Yamato, Naruto, and Orochimaru.
This arc is covered in Chapters 282 through 310 and Episodes 33 through 53.
Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc
Two members of Akatsuki, Kakuzu and Hidan, kill the host of Two-Tails, Yugito Nii, from the Hidden Cloud Village.
Shikamaru, Ino, Choji and Kakashi set out to defeat Hidan and Kakuzu.
This arc is covered in Chapters 311 through 342 and Episodes 72 through 88.
Three-Tails’ Appearance Arc
This is a filler arc that saw the introduction of Guren. This arc focuses on the efforts of Akatsuki, Team Guren, and Konoha to capture the Three-Tails.
The Three-Tails’ Appearance is showcased in Episodes 89 through 112.
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Itachi Pursuit Mission Arc
The Itachi Pursuit Mission Arc revolves around the different attempts made by Naruto and Sasuke to find Itachi.
In the manga, Chapters 343 through 367 cover this arc, while Episodes 113 through 118 showcase the events of the arc.
The arc is further covered in Episodes 121 through 126.
Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant Arc
This arc mostly focuses on Jiraiya investigating and revealing Pain’s true identity.
This arc covers Chapters 368 through 383 and Episodes 127 through 133.
Fated Battle Between Brothers Arc
The Fated Battle Between Brothers arc showcases the epic fight between Sasuke and Itachi.
The chapters covered in this arc are 384 through 412 and Episodes 134 through 143.
Six-Tails Unleashed Arc
This filler arc introduces a new character named Utakata, the jinchuriki of the Six-Tails.
The arc also showcases Utakata’s beloved student Hotaru who is not quite expressive.
The Six-Tails Unleashed arc is covered in Episodes 89 through 112.
Pain’s Assault Arc
The much-awaited fight between Naruto and Pain, also known as Nagato, is showcased in Pain’s Assault Arc.
This arc is covered in Chapters 413 through 453 and Episodes 152 through 169, and 172 through 175.
Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha
This unique arc has several flashbacks from the perspectives of different characters.
This arc covers Naruto’s history from various angles, making it an interesting watch.
Episodes 176 through 196 cover the Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha.
Five Kage Summit Arc
After Pain’s defeat, things still look murky for Konoha. Sakura decides to kill Sasuke.
In the meantime, Naruto is desperate to save Sasuke. Moreover, he comes under attack by Tobi.
This arc is covered in Chapters 454 through 483 and Episodes 197 through 214.
Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown Arc
This arc shows the preparation for the Fourth Shinobi World War by all the participants. In this arc, Naruto and Sasuke are shown battling again.
Episodes 215 through 222 and Episodes 243 through 256 cover this arc in the anime and Chapters 484 through 515 in the manga.
Paradise Life on a Boat Arc
Naruto and his team head to the Land of Lightning by sea. This is a not-so-important arc in the middle of the intense Fourth Shinobi World War.
The Paradise Life on a Boat arc is covered in Episodes 223 through 242.
Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation Arc
This arc marks the beginning of the Fourth Shinobi World War. In this arc, the battle against the Impure World Reincarnation takes center stage.
Chapters 516 through 559 cover this major arc in the manga. Meanwhile, Episodes 261 through 270, 272 through 289, 296 through 310, and 312 through 321 feature the arc in the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
Power Arc
This is an arc that is set after the Five Kage Summit arc as the world is preparing for the war.
Team Kakashi goes on a mission to investigate the killing in Tonika Village by Kabuto Yakushi and his revived shinobi.
Episodes 290 through 295 cover the Power arc in the anime.
Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax
The Allied Shinobi Forces battle against Kabuto Yakushi, Madara Uchiha, and Tobi in the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Chapters 560 through 639 contain this arc while Episodes 322 through 348 and 362 through 375 cover the arc in the anime.
Kakashi's Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives In the Darkness
Kakashi’s Anbu background is the focus of this arc. The backgrounds of Itachi and Yamato are also showcased in the arc.
Kakashi's Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives In the Darkness is covered in Episodes 349 through 361.
Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki
Madara Uchiha and Obita Uchiha become the jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails in this arc.
Chapters 640 through 677 cover this arc. Meanwhile, Episodes 378 through 388, 412 through 421, and Episodes 424 through 431 cover the arc in the anime.
Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero
This is an arc based on the novel written by Jiraiya in a dream. Moreover, this dream is within Tsunade’s Infinite Tsukuyomi dream.
Episodes 432 through 450 cover the Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero arc.
Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes
This is an important arc that sees the introduction of Princess Kaguya Otsutsuki.
The arc also shows her plan to conquer the world. Chapters 678 through 699 cover this arc.
Meanwhile, Episodes 451, 455, 458 through 468, and 470 through 479 cover the Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes arc.
Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness
This particular arc follows the life of Itachi until the downfall of the Uchiha clan.
The Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness arc is covered in Episodes 451 until the first part of 458.
Childhood Arc
Comprising of two parts – Part A and Part B, the Childhood arc focuses on two characters in each episode.
Episodes 480 through 483 cover the Childhood arc in the anime.
Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise
Based on the novel titled Sasuke Shinden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness, this arc is about Sasuke’s life after the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Episodes 484 through 488 are covered in this arc.
Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness
This arc is an anime adaptation of the light novel of the same name from the Naruto Hiden series.
This arc showcases how Shikamaru’s life changed following the Fourth Shinobi World War.
The Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness arc is covered in Episodes 489 through 493.
Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day For a Wedding Arc
The final arc of the anime, this arc covered Episodes 494 through 500.
This arc is based on the novel of the same name from the Naruto Hiden series. It mostly focuses on Naruto and Hinata’s wedding.
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