Chapter 226 of the Naruto manga brings the Valley of the End duel to its breaking point. With no one left to intervene, the two rivals level their signature techniques and let them meet head-on.
Main Characters (2)
Summary
Naruto wrestles with the impossible idea of striking down the friend he holds closest. Sasuke comes at him, noting that this time nothing will break their fight apart, and readies a Chidori meant to kill. Set on hauling Sasuke back to the Leaf, Naruto answers by gathering a Rasengan of his own.
Key Events
The two techniques slam together in a single decisive collision, closing the chapter on the moment their attacks fully connect.
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Notes
The short chapter is part of the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc and appears in the twenty-fifth volume. Viz titled it For a Friend…!!, and it released in Japan on August 23, 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Naruto's true best friend?
This chapter frames Sasuke as the friend Naruto holds closest, as Naruto wrestles with the difficult idea of striking down the person he considers his closest friend.
What does Sasuke say to Naruto before their final clash in this chapter?
Sasuke tells Naruto that this time nothing will break their fight apart, and he readies a Chidori meant to kill.
What is Naruto's goal in confronting Sasuke in Close Friend…!!?
Naruto is set on hauling Sasuke back to the Hidden Leaf Village, and he answers Sasuke's killing intent by gathering a Rasengan of his own.
How does the chapter Close Friend…!! end?
The chapter ends with Sasuke's Chidori and Naruto's Rasengan slamming together in a single decisive collision as their attacks fully connect.
What arc does Close Friend…!! belong to, and what was its Viz title?
Close Friend…!! is part of the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc, and Viz published it in English under the title For a Friend…!!.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Close Friend…!!? 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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