This original-series episode closes the Sasuke Recovery Mission on a bittersweet note. The battered retrieval squad heals back in Konoha, Naruto wrestles with his broken vow to Sakura, and a three-year training journey with Jiraiya is set in motion as darker forces quietly gather.
Main Characters (5)
Summary
The squad sent to reclaim Sasuke is carried back to Konoha, and although their wounds were grave, every member pulls through. Waking in the hospital, Naruto tells Sakura he is sorry for breaking his word and failing to bring Sasuke home to her. Sakura holds no grudge and instead thanks him for his determination to honor that vow one day.
Key Events
Jiraiya presents Naruto with a chance to spend the next three years training at his side, and Naruto agrees, free to set out whenever he feels ready. Far away, Sasuke reaches Orochimaru's hideout and quickly shows that he is worth the Sannin's guidance. At the same time the Akatsuki assemble, preparing to set their plans in motion once those same three years have passed.
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Notes
Episode 135 of the original Naruto anime concludes the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc and draws on chapters 235 through 238 of the manga. It aired in Japan on May 18, 2005, and in English on January 26, 2008, opening with No Boy, No Cry and closing with Lost Words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What episode of Naruto is The Promise That Could Not Be Kept?
The Promise That Could Not Be Kept is episode 135 of the original Naruto anime, closing out the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc.
What is episode 135 of Naruto?
Episode 135 of Naruto is The Promise That Could Not Be Kept, which aired in Japan on May 18, 2005, and adapts manga chapters 235 through 238.
Why does Naruto apologize to Sakura in this episode?
Naruto apologizes to Sakura for breaking his promise to bring Sasuke home, and Sakura holds no grudge, thanking him instead for his determination to honor that vow one day.
What does Jiraiya offer Naruto at the end of the episode?
Jiraiya offers Naruto the chance to train alongside him for the next three years, and Naruto agrees to set out once he feels ready.
What is Sasuke doing while Naruto prepares to train?
While Naruto prepares to train with Jiraiya, Sasuke reaches Orochimaru's hideout and quickly proves himself worthy of the Sannin's guidance.
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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