Chapter 157 tracks Jiraiya and Naruto toward Tanzaku Castle while Tsunade wrestles with Orochimaru's grim bargain, closing on Jiraiya's blunt offer that confirms the Third Hokage's death.
Main Characters (5)
Summary
As Jiraiya and Naruto near Tanzaku Castle, word reaches them that a giant snake has leveled the place. Guessing Orochimaru is behind the destruction, the pair rush toward the ruins. Tsunade, meanwhile, turns over Orochimaru's offer to heal his ruined arms in exchange for reviving the loved ones she lost, even though she knows accepting would spell Konoha's ruin.
Key Events
Shizune urges her to cut Orochimaru down, arguing that Dan and Nawaki would never place their own revival above the village, but Orochimaru preys on Tsunade's terror of blood to freeze her where she stands. Granting her time to weigh the choice, he departs with a promise to return in a week for her answer. Jiraiya and Naruto reach the site only after everyone has gone, though chance later reunites them with Tsunade and Shizune over dinner. There Jiraiya flatly asks her to take up the role of Hokage, which confirms for Tsunade that the Third has died.
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
The chapter is collected in volume 18 within the Search for Tsunade arc and bears the Viz title "Tsunade's Answer…?!" It debuted in the 12th issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump for 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Naruto chapter 157, "The Answer is…?!"?
Chapter 157 follows Jiraiya and Naruto as they rush toward the ruins of Tanzaku Castle while Tsunade wrestles with Orochimaru's offer to heal his arms in exchange for reviving the loved ones she lost.
What does Orochimaru offer Tsunade in this chapter?
Orochimaru offers to heal his ruined arms if Tsunade will use her medical jutsu to revive Dan and Nawaki, even though accepting would mean helping him and dooming Konoha.
How does Orochimaru keep Tsunade from attacking him?
Shizune urges Tsunade to strike Orochimaru down, but he exploits Tsunade's fear of blood to freeze her in place before leaving with a week's deadline for her answer.
How does Tsunade learn that the Third Hokage has died?
When Jiraiya, Naruto, Tsunade, and Shizune later share a meal, Jiraiya bluntly asks Tsunade to become Hokage, and that request is what confirms for Tsunade that the Third Hokage has died.
What is the Viz Media title for chapter 157, and what arc is it from?
Chapter 157 is titled "Tsunade's Answer…?!" in Viz Media's release and belongs to volume 18 of Naruto within the Search for Tsunade arc.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Answer is…?!? 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.
