The Sound Four renew their assault on Sasuke while Sakura wrestles with guilt over breaking his confidence. As Naruto reassures her of the Uchiha's loyalty, the enemy quartet finally overpowers him and plants a corrosive idea: that only Orochimaru can grant real strength.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
Orochimaru's four bodyguards press their attack on Sasuke a second time, landing more blows than before, though the young Uchiha still holds the upper hand for the moment. Far from the clash, Sakura turns over her decision to reveal the branding Orochimaru left on her teammate, a secret he had ordered her to keep from Naruto. The disclosure gnaws at her until Naruto steps in with reassurance, insisting Sasuke would never bend to Orochimaru's lure. His confidence lifts her spirits.
Key Events
The tide eventually turns, and the quartet beats Sasuke down. Standing over him, they claim victory is impossible for anyone who stays loyal to Konoha, arguing that genuine power can come only from their master. The seed of doubt is deliberately sown to draw the Uchiha away from his village and toward the Sound.
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
This installment belongs to the twentieth collected volume and unfolds during the Sasuke Recovery Mission storyline. Viz released it in English under the shortened heading Invitation…!!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oto in Naruto?
Oto, or Otogakure, is the Hidden Sound Village led by Orochimaru, and in "Oto's Invitation…!!" its ninja, the Sound Four, are the enemies sent after Sasuke.
Who are the Sound Four that serve Orochimaru?
The Sound Four are Orochimaru's team of bodyguards, and in "Oto's Invitation…!!" they renew their attack on Sasuke during the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc.
What happens to Sasuke in "Oto's Invitation…!!"?
In "Oto's Invitation…!!", the Sound Four press a second attack on Sasuke, and although he starts with the advantage, the quartet eventually turns the tide and beats him down.
What idea do the Sound Four use to tempt Sasuke?
Standing over the defeated Sasuke, the Sound Four claim that no one loyal to Konoha can win real power and insist that genuine strength comes only from Orochimaru, planting doubt meant to pull Sasuke toward the Sound.
Why does Sakura feel guilty in this chapter?
Sakura wrestles with having revealed the cursed seal mark Orochimaru left on Sasuke, a secret she had been ordered to keep from Naruto, until Naruto reassures her that Sasuke would never give in to Orochimaru's lure.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Oto's Invitation…!!? 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.
