153 : Following The Master's Shadow — Direct

: At the Hokage's office, the Great Sage Toad Fukasaku reveals that Jiraiya left a coded message on his back before dying. Lady Tsunade tasks Shikamaru Nara with deciphering this code, as it holds the key to defeating Pain.

: The title refers to Naruto literally and figuratively walking in the footsteps of his late master, reminiscing about Jiraiya's quirks—like his "research" for the Icha Icha books—while struggling to process his legacy. Context in the Series 153 : Following the Master's Shadow

This episode is part of the , which is widely considered one of the most critical storylines in the franchise. It marks the transition for Naruto from a student to a successor, setting the stage for his Sage Mode training at Mount Myōboku. : At the Hokage's office, the Great Sage

: The episode depicts Naruto wandering through the village in a state of shock. He avoids his friends and even refuses an offer from Iruka Sensei to eat ramen, choosing instead to be alone with his memories of his first journey with Jiraiya. Context in the Series This episode is part

" Following the Master's Shadow " is the title of the of the Naruto: Shippūden anime. It serves as a pivotal emotional anchor in the series, focusing on Naruto Uzumaki’s intense grief and psychological state after learning about the death of his mentor, Jiraiya. Episode Summary & Key Events

For further reading on the episode's production or plot details, you can visit the Narutopedia or view the listing on the BBC. Following the Master's Shadow | Narutopedia | Fandom