Shippuden episode 450 stages a dream reconciliation between Naruto and Sasuke inside Jiraiya's novel, then reveals the reunion is a fantasy playing out while the world sleeps under the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
Sasuke consents to come back to Konoha yet refuses to call the others comrades once more, set instead on reshaping how the village operates. He and Naruto trade blows at Orochimaru's abandoned lair, quarreling over the past, with Sasuke charging that Naruto surged ahead and left him behind. Once the fight burns out, the two reconcile and head home together.
Key Events
Elsewhere, Tsunade drifts off after reading Jiraiya's book and is roused when Dan calls to her. The scene is a fabrication: in the waking world she murmurs in her sleep, one of the countless minds ensnared by the Infinite Tsukuyomi. The episode frames the entire Naruto-Sasuke thaw as a wish granted inside that mass dream.
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Notes
This commemorative installment adapts material from chapter 678 within the Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero. It pairs the opening LINE with the ending Such You, Such Me, airing in Japan on February 25, 2016, and in English on August 28, 2018. Trivia flags Sasuke wielding his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan Susanoo despite holding only the regular Mangekyo, and a ninja resembling Obito Uchiha halting Sasuke as he tries to rescue Shiro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Naruto's rival?
Sasuke Uchiha is Naruto's rival, and the Naruto: Shippuden episode "Rival" imagines the two finally reconciling and heading home together after a fight at Orochimaru's abandoned lair.
Is the reconciliation in Rival real?
No, the reconciliation between Naruto and Sasuke shown in "Rival" is revealed to be a fabrication, a dream playing out in Tsunade's mind while she is ensnared by the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Does Sasuke agree to return to Konoha in this episode?
In the dream sequence of "Rival," Sasuke agrees to come back to Konoha but refuses to call the others comrades again, wanting instead to reshape how the village operates.
What source material does the episode Rival adapt?
"Rival" is a commemorative episode of Naruto: Shippuden that adapts chapter 678 of the Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero.
What animation error appears in the episode Rival?
Trivia for "Rival" notes that Sasuke is shown wielding his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan Susanoo even though he only holds the regular Mangekyo Sharingan at that point in the story.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Rival? 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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