On the night he abandons Konoha, Sasuke is intercepted by a heartbroken Sakura, and after refusing her pleas he knocks her out and leaves with the Sound Four.
Main Characters (3)
Summary
Having packed what he needs, Sasuke makes for the edge of the village, where Sakura is already standing in his path. He orders her to turn back, but she stays put and asks why, after everything the two of them have shared, he keeps shutting her out. Sasuke tells her she could never grasp what drives him, and Sakura counters that her love for him makes her willing to try.
Key Events
She goes further, offering to aid his revenge, to walk away from Konoha at his side, to do anything at all so long as they stay together. When he simply keeps walking, she warns that she will cry out for help. Sasuke slips behind her, thanks her quietly, and strikes her unconscious. Waiting beyond the village gate, the Sound Four receive him and prepare to escort him onward to Orochimaru.
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Notes
This chapter, number 181, opens the Sasuke Recovery Mission and captures the defection that fractures Team 7. A later chapter, number 487, shares the same English and Japanese title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Naruto chapter 181, "The Beginning of the Battle…!!"?
In chapter 181, Sasuke Uchiha leaves Konoha at night and is intercepted by Sakura Haruno, who pleads with him to stay. When he refuses to listen, Sasuke knocks her unconscious and departs with the Sound Four, who escort him toward Orochimaru.
Why does Sasuke knock Sakura unconscious in this chapter?
Sasuke Uchiha knocks Sakura Haruno unconscious after she threatens to cry out for help and stop him from leaving Konoha; he strikes her from behind and quietly thanks her before walking away.
What does Sakura offer Sasuke to keep him from leaving?
Sakura Haruno offers to help Sasuke Uchiha with his revenge, to leave Konoha at his side, and to do anything at all as long as they can stay together, but Sasuke ignores her pleas.
Who escorts Sasuke to Orochimaru after he leaves the village?
The Sound Four wait for Sasuke Uchiha just beyond Konoha's gate and escort him onward to Orochimaru once he leaves Sakura Haruno unconscious behind him.
What arc does chapter 181 open, and what later chapter shares its title?
Chapter 181 opens the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc and captures the defection that fractures Team 7. It shares the same English and Japanese title as the much later chapter 487.
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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