Chapter 164 pits a healer against a schemer as Kabuto stands in for a debilitated Orochimaru and turns Tsunade's dread of blood into a weapon. Her resilience and Jiraiya's timely arrival keep the deadly ploy from paying off.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
Too weakened to face Tsunade himself, Orochimaru sends Kabuto to fight in his stead. Kabuto warns his master that Jiraiya is close and almost certainly on his way, prompting the pair to shift positions. Moments later Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto arrive just too late, though they manage to catch the enemy's trail.
Key Events
Outmatched and weak in taijutsu, Kabuto looks to end the exchange quickly. He wounds Tsunade's chest to cripple her without killing her, but she shrugs off the injury and strikes back. Recovering, he tries to exploit her paralyzing fear of blood.
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Notes
Before Kabuto can press that advantage, Jiraiya and his companions step in between him and Tsunade, cutting the confrontation short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Kabuto fight Tsunade instead of Orochimaru?
Orochimaru is too weakened to face Tsunade himself, so he sends Kabuto to fight in his place.
How does Kabuto try to defeat Tsunade?
Kabuto wounds Tsunade's chest hoping to cripple her without killing her, then tries to exploit her paralyzing fear of blood.
Does Kabuto succeed in beating Tsunade?
No, Tsunade shrugs off the wound and strikes back, and Jiraiya's timely arrival cuts the confrontation short before Kabuto can press his advantage.
Why do Kabuto and Orochimaru shift positions before Jiraiya arrives?
Kabuto warns Orochimaru that Jiraiya is close and almost certainly on his way, so the pair move before he can catch them.
Who arrives just after Kabuto and Orochimaru flee?
Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto arrive too late to stop them but manage to catch their trail.
Sources & Information
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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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