Chapter 198 of the Naruto manga closes the book on Kidōmaru while Orochimaru's patience runs out. A dying warning to Neji, the Sound Four's delay, and a grim prison duel all push toward the coming battle for Sasuke.
Main Characters (5)
Summary
As his life fades, Kidōmaru warns Neji that the whole rescue effort is pointless, insisting Sasuke has thrown in fully with Orochimaru. Neji answers with faith that Naruto can still sway Sasuke, then collapses after handing the retrieval over to the rest of the squad. The pursuers gain ground on the surviving members of the Sound Four, who begin to notice their comrades are overdue. Far away, Orochimaru frets over the same delay, desperate to claim Sasuke's body before the Third Hokage's seal traps him. Unwilling to wait any longer, he orders Kabuto to ready a fallback plan. Kabuto sets several prisoners against one another in a fight to the death, dangling freedom before whoever survives.
Key Events
Kidōmaru dies after warning Neji that Sasuke is committed to Orochimaru. Neji entrusts the retrieval to his teammates and passes out. Orochimaru, racing the Third Hokage's seal, has Kabuto prepare an alternative by forcing prisoners into a lethal duel for their release.
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Notes
Part of the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc and collected in volume 22, the chapter sets Orochimaru's body-swap deadline against the recovery team's slim window to reach Sasuke.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in "Reincarnation…!!"?
In "Reincarnation…!!" (chapter 198), Kidomaru dies after warning Neji that Sasuke is fully committed to Orochimaru, and Orochimaru orders Kabuto to prepare a fallback plan as the Sasuke Recovery Mission continues.
What does Kidomaru warn Neji about in "Reincarnation…!!"?
In "Reincarnation…!!," a dying Kidomaru warns Neji that the rescue effort is pointless because Sasuke has thrown in fully with Orochimaru, though Neji still holds faith that Naruto can reach him.
Why is Orochimaru in a hurry in "Reincarnation…!!"?
In "Reincarnation…!!," Orochimaru grows desperate as the Sound Four's return is delayed, wanting to claim Sasuke's body before the Third Hokage's sealing technique traps him.
What does Kabuto do in "Reincarnation…!!"?
In "Reincarnation…!!," Kabuto prepares a fallback plan for Orochimaru by forcing several prisoners into a fight to the death, promising freedom to whoever survives.
What arc is "Reincarnation…!!" part of?
"Reincarnation…!!" is chapter 198 of the Naruto manga, collected in volume 22, and belongs to the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc.
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
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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:
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