Chapter 148 shows the gulf between Itachi and his pursuers. He dismisses Sasuke as weak and slips Jiraiya's trap with black flames, and the fallout points everyone toward one goal: finding the medic Tsunade.
Main Characters (5)
Summary
Itachi coldly informs Sasuke that he remains far too weak. When Jiraiya moves to capture the two Akatsuki, Itachi and Kisame break free of his Toad Mouth Bind by burning through it with Amaterasu. Jiraiya collects a sample of the black flames to examine later, while Naruto turns his attention to the fallen Sasuke.
In the confusion, Guy bursts in and strikes at Jiraiya, mistaking him for one of the departed enemies. Naruto voices his wish to chase down the Akatsuki, but Jiraiya bluntly tells him he stands no chance against them. Reflecting on the toll Itachi has taken on Sasuke and Kakashi, along with the danger facing Lee, Guy laments that Tsunade has left the village. Jiraiya reveals that tracking her down, the finest medic alive, is exactly what they are setting out to do.
Key Events
Itachi belittles Sasuke's strength before he and Kisame escape Jiraiya's Toad Mouth Bind using Amaterasu. Jiraiya preserves a sample of the flames. Guy mistakenly attacks Jiraiya. Jiraiya warns Naruto against pursuing Akatsuki and explains that they are on a hunt for Tsunade, the greatest healer alive, to treat the wounded.
Related Reading
See all
Naruto vs Luffy: Does the Fight Change if Luffy Tickles Hinata?
Naruto vs Luffy with the twist nobody asked for: Luffy tickled Hinata on date night, and she kind of liked it. We break down the whole fight and commit to a winner....
Who Is Naruko? What Naruto's Transformation Jutsu Does to the Whole Hidden Leaf
Naruto built the transformation jutsu himself, and the Hidden Leaf has been quietly not talking about it ever since. The story behind our 90s R&B record about the Naruko question everybody dodges....
Notes
Chapter 148 appears in Volume 17 as part of the Search for Tsunade arc and was published in Japan on January 1, 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Itachi's special ability?
In Naruto chapter 148, "Itachi's Power!!," Itachi's special ability on display is Amaterasu, the black flames he uses to burn through Jiraiya's Toad Mouth Bind and escape with Kisame.
What happens in Naruto chapter 148, "Itachi's Power!!"?
In Naruto chapter 148, "Itachi's Power!!," Itachi tells Sasuke he is still too weak, escapes Jiraiya's trap using Amaterasu, and the chapter ends with everyone setting out to find Tsunade.
How do Itachi and Kisame escape Jiraiya's Toad Mouth Bind?
Itachi and Kisame break free of Jiraiya's Toad Mouth Bind by burning through it with Amaterasu, after which Jiraiya collects a sample of the black flames to study later.
Why does Guy attack Jiraiya by mistake in this chapter?
Guy bursts in and strikes at Jiraiya after mistaking him for one of the fleeing Akatsuki members, Itachi and Kisame.
Why do Jiraiya and the others decide to search for Tsunade?
Jiraiya explains that they need to track down Tsunade, the greatest medical ninja alive, to treat the wounds Itachi has inflicted on Sasuke, Kakashi, and Lee.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Itachi's Power!!? 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:
Help Us Keep This Wiki Accurate
Daddy Jim Headquarters maintains this encyclopedia. If you spot an error, a translation issue, or something that doesn't look right, let us know.
