Shippuden episode 217 sends Naruto's group home from the Land of Iron as the fallout of Danzo's death spreads. In Kumogakure, a hidden trophy blade carries a deadly secret: Kisame, alive and spying from inside Samehada.
Summary
Once Sakura gives Naruto the antidote, the team heads back to the Land of Iron for Lee, Kiba, and Sai. Sai wakes ahead of the others, uneasy, and discovers his Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal has vanished, which he suspects means Danzo is dead. Karin confirms that Sasuke killed him. As the group walks home, Naruto bickers with his companions, and Karin, sensing his warm and comforting chakra, sees him as Sasuke's opposite, though she is frightened by a darker presence buried deep inside him.
In Konoha, Homura and Koharu hear from Shikaku that the Root members are restless. Three of them seek out Sai and cross paths with the returning group. Sai verifies Danzo's death and asks to bring Root's future before the new Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, startling Lee, Sakura, and Kiba.
Key Events
The Fourth Raikage, Killer B, C, and Darui arrive back in Kumogakure, where Karui and Omoi weep with relief at seeing B alive and notice the blade he carries. B calls Samehada a spoil of war, unaware that Kisame is concealed within it. The truth surfaces: after Kisame knocked B out, White Zetsu used a parasite clone to trade places with him, so the copy was the one A and B decapitated while the real Kisame hid inside the sword. Tobi engineered the whole ruse so Kisame could infiltrate Kumo and gather intelligence on its plans for the Fourth Shinobi World War.
The Raikage secures the Lightning Daimyo's blessing for Kumo to formally join and lead the Allied Shinobi Forces. On his way out he spots B performing a rooftop concert and drop-kicks him to the ground.
Notes
The episode adapts manga chapters 487 and 488 within the Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown arc. It aired in Japan on 23 June 2011 and in English on 23 November 2013. The opening theme is Lovers and the ending theme is Freedom. Noted errors include Karui and Omoi briefly wearing Leaf forehead protectors and the outline of Kakashi's mouth showing through his mask.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in episode 217 of Naruto Shippuden?
Episode 217, "The Infiltrator," follows Naruto's group returning from the Land of Iron as the fallout of Danzo's death spreads. In Kumogakure, the Fourth Raikage and Killer B come home carrying Samehada, unaware that Kisame Hoshigaki is hiding alive inside the blade.
Who is secretly hiding inside the sword Samehada in this episode?
Kisame Hoshigaki is hiding alive inside Samehada. White Zetsu had used a parasite clone to swap places with him after Kisame knocked out Killer B, so A and B actually killed the copy while the real Kisame stayed concealed inside the sword.
Why does Sai suspect Danzo is dead in this episode?
Sai notices that his Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal has vanished, and he interprets this change as proof that Danzo, who was killed by Sasuke, is no longer alive. Karin later confirms the death.
What does the Fourth Raikage accomplish after returning to Kumogakure?
The Fourth Raikage secures the Lightning Daimyo's blessing for Kumogakure to formally join and lead the Allied Shinobi Forces, a key step toward the Fourth Shinobi World War.
What arc and manga chapters does "The Infiltrator" adapt?
"The Infiltrator" adapts manga chapters 487 and 488 and is part of the Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown arc. It aired in Japan on June 23, 2011.
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime 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
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