Chapter 343 contrasts Sasuke's single-minded hunt for his brother with a lighter scene back in Konoha, where an injured Naruto struggles just to eat his ramen. As Orochimaru's failing body begins to turn on him, Sasuke reveals he is ready to strike down his own teacher.
Summary
Sasuke rests amid a battlefield strewn with hundreds he has beaten but spared. When Orochimaru remarks on the mercy, Sasuke answers that Itachi alone is worth killing. Far away in Konoha, Team 7 gathers at Ichiraku, where Naruto, his arm wrecked by the Rasenshuriken, cannot feed himself. He hopes Sakura will lend a hand, only to be let down when Sai steps in, and then further when Kakashi takes over the task.
Key Events
Orochimaru's borrowed form starts rejecting him, a sign his time in Sasuke's intended vessel is running short. The moment Kabuto steps away to fetch medicine, Sasuke turns on the ailing sannin, making plain that he would just as soon end Orochimaru as anyone else standing between him and his goal.
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Notes
Numbered 343 and collected in volume 38, the chapter forms part of the Itachi Pursuit Mission arc. Viz issued it as Merciless. It first appeared in Japan in early 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Naruto chapter 343, "Unfeeling…"?
In "Unfeeling…", Sasuke rests amid a battlefield of spared enemies while hunting Itachi, and back in Konoha an injured Naruto struggles to eat his ramen as Orochimaru's failing body begins turning on him.
Why does Sasuke spare the shinobi he defeats?
Sasuke spares the hundreds of fighters he beats because he considers only Itachi worth killing, dismissing everyone else as not worth the effort.
What is wrong with Naruto's arm in this chapter?
Naruto's arm is wrecked by the Rasenshuriken, leaving him unable to feed himself at Ichiraku until Kakashi steps in to help.
How does Orochimaru's body start failing him?
Orochimaru's borrowed body starts rejecting him, a sign that his time in the vessel he intends to take from Sasuke is running short.
What does Sasuke plan to do to Orochimaru?
The moment Kabuto steps away to fetch medicine, Sasuke turns on the ailing Orochimaru, making clear he would just as soon end him as anyone else standing in his way.
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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