In Jiraiya's dreamed alternate world, two teams put aside their standoff to save trapped children before parting ways. Meanwhile a masked stranger walks Naruto and Neji through the Hyūga's painful history, seeking to turn one of them against Konoha.
Summary
Team Asuma joins Team Jiraiya to pull children free of the underground creatures menacing them. When one of the beasts seizes Chōji, Nagato saves him, and together the teams deliver the children back to their mother. Grateful, Team Jiraiya senses that Team Asuma shares some of Jiraiya's ideals and invites them to join, but Team Asuma declines, set on finding Asuma.
Shikamaru works out that Team Jiraiya bears them no ill will and is acting on someone else's orders. The two sides ready themselves for another clash, yet Team Jiraiya withdraws just before Team Kurenai arrives. Choosing to keep quiet about the encounter, Shikamaru decides they should report to Konohagakure and link back up with the teams led by Kakashi and Guy. Elsewhere, Lee and Sasuke debate whether to head home or press on searching for their missing teammates and sensei.
The masked man leads Naruto and Neji through a gate and shows them scenes from the Hyūga Affair. As the three talk over what they have witnessed, the stranger urges Neji to side with him and force change upon Konohagakure. Far off, Jiraiya stumbles upon one of Orochimaru's hidden compounds.
Key Events
Teams Asuma and Jiraiya cooperate to rescue endangered children, with Nagato saving Chōji, before Team Jiraiya's invitation to join is refused. Shikamaru deduces the rival team follows orders from a hidden party and opts to report to Konoha rather than expose them. The masked man, presented as Hizashi Hyūga, walks Naruto and Neji through the Hyūga Affair and tries to recruit Neji to his cause of forcing change on the village. Separately, Jiraiya discovers one of Orochimaru's compounds.
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Notes
Episode 436 of Naruto: Shippuden continues the anime-original Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero, the alternate reality dreamed within the Infinite Tsukuyomi. It aired in Japan on November 5, 2015, and in English on May 1, 2018. The opening theme is Line and the ending is Troublemaker. The title should not be confused with Obito Uchiha, who shares the epithet elsewhere in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the masked man in Naruto's "The Masked Man" episode?
In "The Masked Man," the mysterious stranger is presented as Hizashi Hyuga, who leads Naruto and Neji through visions of the Hyuga Affair. He uses the walkthrough to urge Neji to side with him and force change on Konohagakure. The story unfolds within Jiraiya's dreamed alternate world inside the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Is the masked guy Madara?
No. In "The Masked Man," the masked stranger guiding Naruto and Neji is presented as Hizashi Hyuga, not Madara Uchiha. The episode notes his title should not be confused with Obito Uchiha, who is called the same thing elsewhere in the series.
What do Team Asuma and Team Jiraiya do together in this episode?
Team Asuma and Team Jiraiya join forces to free children trapped by underground creatures, with Nagato saving Choji when one of the beasts grabs him. Once the children are safely returned to their mother, Team Jiraiya invites Team Asuma to join them.
Why does Team Asuma turn down Team Jiraiya's invitation?
Team Asuma declines because they are focused on finding Asuma rather than joining another group. Shikamaru later deduces that Team Jiraiya bears them no ill will and is simply following someone else's orders.
What does Jiraiya discover elsewhere in the episode?
While the two genin teams navigate their standoff, Jiraiya stumbles upon one of Orochimaru's hidden compounds. This discovery happens separately from the main events involving Naruto and Neji.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Masked Man? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
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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