Episode 159 sends Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba after a thief they expect to catch with ease. A rival swordsman named Sazanami complicates the hunt, and the man they rescue turns out to be carrying a bounty of his own.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba take on what looks like a simple assignment: track down and capture a criminal. Once they reach the spot where the thief was last seen, though, they find that a bounty hunter named Sazanami is already chasing the same target, and that he happens to be a talented swordsman. Sazanami is hurt during the ensuing fight, and Naruto's team carries him somewhere safe, only to learn that he is himself a wanted man when another bounty hunter shows up trying to claim him.
Key Events
The three genin accept the criminal-capture mission and cross paths with the swordsman Sazanami, who is pursuing the same thief. After Sazanami is wounded and taken to safety by Naruto's group, a bounty hunter arrives to reveal that Sazanami is also a fugitive with a price on his head.
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Notes
This filler installment belongs to the Gosunkugi Capture Mission. It aired in Japan on November 9, 2005, and in English on April 19, 2008. Its opening theme is Wind and Waves Satellite and its ending theme is Because You are With Me. A continuity slip appears when Sazanami, tied up by villagers without his sword, cuts himself free with a pocket knife yet is suddenly holding the sword again as he escapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What episode is The Bounty Hunter from the Wilderness?
The Bounty Hunter from the Wilderness is episode 159 of Naruto, part of the Gosunkugi Capture Mission filler arc.
What mission do Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba take on in this episode?
Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba take on what looks like a simple assignment to track down and capture a criminal.
Who is Sazanami in The Bounty Hunter from the Wilderness?
Sazanami is a skilled swordsman working as a bounty hunter who is already chasing the same thief that Naruto's team has been sent after.
What twist occurs after Naruto's team rescues Sazanami?
After Sazanami is wounded in the fight and carried to safety, another bounty hunter arrives to reveal that Sazanami himself is a wanted fugitive with a price on his head.
What continuity error appears in this episode?
In one scene, Sazanami cuts himself free from villagers' ropes with a pocket knife despite not having his sword, yet he is suddenly holding the sword again as he escapes.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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