The series brings back Mizuki, the instructor from the very first episode. After escaping from a maximum-security prison with the help of Orochimaru's experiments, Naruto and Iruka must stop him once and for all.
Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba hunt for a notorious thief named Gosunkugi. Along the way, they meet Sazanami, a bounty hunter who was framed for Gosunkugi's crimes.
The Naruto episodes 136 to 160 range marks a significant turning point in the original series, often referred to as the beginning of the "Filler Era". Following the intense Sasuke Recovery Mission, the anime moves into several self-contained story arcs that explore different corners of the ninja world.
Most episodes in the 136–160 range are considered "filler," meaning they were not part of Masashi Kishimoto's original manga. While they don't advance the core Sasuke/Akatsuki plot, they provide character development for supporting cast members like Sakura, Hinata, and Shino. Episode Range Primary Characters Naruto, Sakura, Jiraiya Mizuki Tracking Mission Naruto, Iruka Bikōchū Search Mission Naruto, Hinata, Kiba, Shino Kurosuki Family Removal Naruto, Rock Lee, Neji, Tenten Gosunkugi Capture Mission Naruto, Hinata, Kiba Key Plot Arcs Breakdown 1. Land of Rice Fields (Episodes 136–141)
Desperate to find Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura accompany Jiraiya to the Land of Rice Fields, the site of Orochimaru’s Hidden Sound Village. They encounter the Fuma Clan and uncover the dark methods Orochimaru uses to manipulate his followers. This arc is notable for Sakura’s resolve to grow stronger so she is never left behind again.
