Chapter 159 of the Naruto manga sets the stakes for Naruto's training. Doubting an incomplete Rasengan, Tsunade bets her prized necklace against his wallet that he cannot master it in a week, while Jiraiya quietly warns her off her deal with Orochimaru.
Main Characters (6)
Summary
The moment Tsunade recognises the Rasengan, she splits the earth open beneath Naruto. He tumbles into the crack and his technique is driven uselessly into the ground. Seeing it is only half-formed, she scolds Jiraiya for handing the boy such a move, calling it false hope. Stung, Naruto swears he will perfect the Rasengan within three days.
Key Events
Tsunade counters with a week-long deadline and a wager: succeed and the First Hokage's priceless necklace is his, fail and she pockets his wallet. Naruto takes the bet and races off to begin. Over drinks afterward, Jiraiya lets Tsunade know he is aware of the arrangement she has made with Orochimaru, and states plainly that he will kill her without hesitation if she goes through with helping him.
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
Jiraiya also remarks how strongly Naruto resembles her late brother Nawaki, a comparison Shizune elsewhere resolves to share with the boy. The chapter is part of the Search for Tsunade arc and is collected in volume 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in "The Wager…!!" chapter of Naruto?
In "The Wager…!!" (chapter 159), Tsunade tests Naruto's incomplete Rasengan by splitting the ground beneath him, then bets her prized necklace against his wallet that he cannot master the technique within a week.
What does Naruto bet against Tsunade?
Naruto bets his wallet against Tsunade's necklace, wagering that he can perfect the Rasengan; if he wins he gets the First Hokage's necklace, and if he loses she takes his wallet.
What warning does Jiraiya give Tsunade in this chapter?
Jiraiya warns Tsunade that he knows about the deal she has struck with Orochimaru and states plainly that he will kill her without hesitation if she goes through with helping him.
Why does Jiraiya compare Naruto to Nawaki?
Jiraiya remarks that Naruto strongly resembles Tsunade's late brother Nawaki, a comparison that Shizune later resolves to share with Naruto herself.
What arc and volume does "The Wager…!!" belong to?
"The Wager…!!" is chapter 159 of the Naruto manga, part of the Search for Tsunade arc, and is collected in volume 18.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Wager…!!? 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.
