Chapter 501 of the Naruto manga stages the night Konoha fell into ruin, as Tobi snatches the newborn Naruto, tears the Nine-Tails free of Kushina, and turns the beast loose while Minato races to shield everyone.
Summary
Tobi smashes his way past the barrier and seizes the infant Naruto Uzumaki. With the Nine-Tails already beginning to seep out of Kushina Uzumaki, the attacker warns Minato Namikaze to back away from her or watch the baby die. He moves to strike the child, but Minato darts in to rescue him first, though not before Tobi manages to plant an explosive tag on Naruto.
Key Events
As Kushina weeps, Minato spirits himself and the baby clear of the blast. Tobi escapes with Kushina and pulls the Nine-Tails loose from her, then tries to have the freed beast finish her off. Minato appears once more to snatch her from harm and carries her back to their home.
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Notes
Kushina tells him the fox is bound for the village and begs him to hold it back. Minato pulls on his cloak, steels himself to defend Konoha, and promises to come home. Elsewhere, Itachi Uchiha is shown cradling his baby brother Sasuke just before the destruction begins. The chapter belongs to volume 53 within the Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown arc and first ran in Japan in issue 32 of 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Nine-Tails attack?
In "The Nine-Tails Attack!!", the newly freed Nine-Tails is unleashed on Konoha, with Kushina Uzumaki warning Minato Namikaze that the fox is bound for the village and begging him to hold it back.
Why did the Nine-Tails attack Konoha?
The Nine-Tails attacks Konoha because Tobi tears the beast free of its jinchuriki, Kushina Uzumaki, after infiltrating the village and stealing the newborn Naruto Uzumaki, then turns the freed fox loose.
How does Tobi try to kill the newborn Naruto?
Tobi seizes infant Naruto Uzumaki after breaking through the birthing barrier and plants an explosive tag on him, though Minato Namikaze rescues Naruto before the blast triggers.
What does Minato do to protect Kushina from the Nine-Tails?
After Tobi tears the Nine-Tails from Kushina Uzumaki and sends it to finish her off, Minato Namikaze rushes in, saves her, and carries her back to their home.
What arc and chapter is "The Nine-Tails Attack!!"?
"The Nine-Tails Attack!!" is chapter 501 of the Naruto manga, collected in volume 53 as part of the Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown arc.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Nine-Tails Attack!!? 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.
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