Naruto, Neji, and Tenten travel to the Land of Birds to look into a phantom terrorizing the people, and Neji's Byakugan reveals the ghostly armor they corner is completely empty.
Main Characters (6)
Summary
Tsunade dispatches Naruto, Neji, and Tenten to the Land of Birds to look into accounts of a spectral figure, the Cursed Warrior, that has been frightening the local populace. On arrival the Konoha shinobi learn that the region's daimyō has passed away and that his heir, a young lord grieving the recent death of his sister, shows little interest in his responsibilities.
That night the team crosses paths with the Cursed Warrior and pursues it. Once they manage to corner the apparition, Neji activates his Byakugan to examine it and the group discovers that the suit of armor the phantom wears holds nothing inside.
Key Events
Tsunade assigns the ghost investigation in the Land of Birds to Naruto, Neji, and Tenten. The team learns the daimyō has died and that his successor is distracted by grief over his late sister. They encounter and chase the Cursed Warrior at night, corner it, and Neji's Byakugan reveals its armor is empty.
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Notes
This installment opens the anime-original Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission storyline and is number 162 in the original Naruto series. It aired in Japan on November 30, 2005, and in English on May 3, 2008. The opening theme is Wind and Waves Satellite and the ending theme is Because You are With Me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cursed Warrior filler?
Yes, "The Cursed Warrior" opens the anime-original Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission storyline, numbered episode 162 in the original Naruto series, and does not adapt manga material.
Who was the Cursed Warrior in Naruto?
The Cursed Warrior is a spectral figure terrorizing the Land of Birds that Naruto, Neji, and Tenten are sent to investigate. When Neji corners it and examines it with his Byakugan, the group discovers the suit of armor holds nothing inside.
Why does Tsunade send Naruto, Neji, and Tenten to the Land of Birds?
Tsunade dispatches Naruto, Neji, and Tenten to the Land of Birds to look into accounts of a spectral figure, the Cursed Warrior, that has been frightening the local populace.
What do Naruto and his team learn about the Land of Birds' ruler?
On arrival, the Konoha shinobi learn that the region's daimyō has died and that his heir, a young lord grieving his sister's recent death, shows little interest in his responsibilities.
How does Neji reveal the truth about the Cursed Warrior?
After the team corners the Cursed Warrior at night, Neji activates his Byakugan to examine the apparition, revealing that the armor the phantom wears is completely empty.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Cursed Warrior? 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.
Official resources:
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