After parting ways with Team Kakashi, Hotaru returns to her village, only to find it under threat by the Magaki Troops. Utakata, despite his reluctance to be called a "master" due to his own dark past, steps in to protect her.
In a moment of vulnerability, Hotaru reveals a shocking secret: her grandfather literally into her body, leaving a visible seal or scarring on her back. Utakata is horrified by this treatment, further fueling his resentment toward the master-student dynamic. The Conflict with Hidden Mist Hunter-Nin Naruto Shippuuden (Dub) Episode 146
: The full English dub of Naruto Shippuden, including this episode, is currently available on platforms like Hulu. The Successor's Wish | Narutopedia | Fandom After parting ways with Team Kakashi, Hotaru returns
: Just as Utakata is restrained and Hotaru is in peril, Naruto arrives with a powerful Rasengan , joined by Yamato and Sai to turn the tide of the battle. Utakata is horrified by this treatment, further fueling
The situation escalates when Hidden Mist hunter-nin arrive, led by a character bearing a striking resemblance to Haku. They reveal that who allegedly murdered his own master. Using a specialized mist technique to neutralize Utakata’s bubble ninjutsu, they take Hotaru hostage and force him to surrender. Key Plot Points
: This episode is part of the Six-Tails Unleashed filler arc (episodes 144–151), which provides backstory for Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, before his eventual capture by the Akatsuki.