This anime-only entry from the original Naruto series follows Naruto's escort team as a deadly ambush exposes the lie behind a group of traveling merchants. What began as a simple guard job unravels into a plot involving a runaway princess and the ruthless enemies hunting her down.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
An assault led by Ruiga, one of the trio known as the Janin, claims the life of Kikunojō and tips Naruto off that the raiders are hunting a single target rather than the caravan at large. Piecing this together, his squad concludes that the peddlers they agreed to guard have hidden the real nature of the assignment. The truth surfaces soon after, revealing that the merchant train is only a disguise sheltering Haruna, princess of the Land of Vegetables, as she flees the Three Criminal Brothers.
Key Events
Ruiga's strike kills Kikunojō and lays bare that the attackers seek one particular person. Naruto's team recognizes that they were never told the whole story behind the escort. Haruna is unmasked as the genuine charge, hiding among the traders. Her true character then comes to light, as she trusts no one and is willing to let others perish to keep herself alive, convinced that her survival is all that matters since she alone can rebuild her homeland.
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Notes
Episode 188 of the original anime belongs to the Peddlers Escort Mission arc, an anime-original storyline. It first aired in Japan on June 7, 2006, and reached English-speaking viewers on August 16, 2008. The opening theme is Re:member and the closing theme is Yellow Moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "The Mystery of the Targeted Merchants" about?
"The Mystery of the Targeted Merchants" is a filler episode of the original Naruto anime in which Naruto's squad escorts a caravan of traveling merchants that turns out to be hiding a fugitive princess. An ambush by the raider Ruiga reveals that the attackers are hunting one specific person rather than the whole group.
Who attacks the merchant caravan in "The Mystery of the Targeted Merchants"?
The caravan is attacked by Ruiga, one of the three raiders known as the Janin, whose assault kills the merchant Kikunojo and exposes that the group is hunting a single hidden target.
Who is Haruna and why is she being hunted in this episode?
Haruna is the princess of the Land of Vegetables, who disguises herself among the merchant caravan while fleeing the Three Criminal Brothers. She proves willing to let others die to protect herself, believing she alone can rebuild her homeland.
What arc does "The Mystery of the Targeted Merchants" belong to?
"The Mystery of the Targeted Merchants" is episode 188 of the original Naruto anime and belongs to the anime original Peddlers Escort Mission arc.
When did "The Mystery of the Targeted Merchants" air?
The episode first aired in Japan on June 7, 2006, and premiered for English speaking audiences on August 16, 2008, with "Re:member" as its opening theme and "Yellow Moon" as its closing theme.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Mystery of the Targeted Merchants? 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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