Itachi Pursuit Arc Episodes List (Naruto Shippuden Watch Guide)

What Is the Itachi Pursuit Arc?

The Itachi Pursuit Arc is a major storyline in Naruto Shippuden where several groups of ninja begin searching for the mysterious and dangerous Itachi Uchiha.

At this point in the series, Itachi has remained one of the most enigmatic characters in the entire Naruto universe.

For Sasuke, however, Itachi is more than a mystery.

He is the man responsible for the Uchiha clan massacre and the source of Sasuke’s lifelong quest for revenge.

The arc follows multiple factions attempting to locate Itachi:

• Sasuke and his team, who are determined to confront him

• Konoha ninja teams, who hope to capture Itachi and stop the Akatsuki

• Akatsuki members, who continue pursuing their own secret plans

Because so many groups are searching for the same person, the arc becomes a tense race across the ninja world.

Itachi Pursuit Arc Episode List

The Itachi Pursuit Arc spans Episodes 113–118 and continues into the storyline leading to the battle between Sasuke and Itachi.

Below is the main episode breakdown.

These episodes primarily focus on Sasuke forming his new team and preparing to locate Itachi.

Although the arc is relatively short, it leads directly into the much larger storyline surrounding the Sasuke vs Itachi battle.

Story Overview (Spoiler-Light)

The Itachi Pursuit Arc begins shortly after Sasuke finally breaks away from Orochimaru’s control.

For years, Sasuke had trained under Orochimaru to gain power, but once he felt strong enough, he defeated his former mentor and began moving toward his real goal: finding Itachi.

But Sasuke quickly realizes that confronting Itachi alone may not be possible.

To improve his chances, he assembles a small team of powerful and unusual allies.

This group eventually becomes known as Team Hebi.

Meanwhile, the Hidden Leaf Village also learns that Sasuke has begun searching for Itachi. Several ninja teams are dispatched in hopes of finding Sasuke and stopping him before he makes a dangerous decision.

As both sides race across the ninja world, the tension grows.

Everyone knows that when Sasuke finally meets Itachi, the outcome will change the story forever.

Formation of Team Hebi

One of the most interesting aspects of the Itachi Pursuit Arc is the introduction of Sasuke’s new team.

Sasuke recruits several powerful individuals who each bring unique abilities to the group.

Suigetsu Hozuki

Suigetsu is a former prisoner of Orochimaru who possesses a strange ability to turn his body into water.

He also has a deep interest in collecting legendary swords, including the massive blade once wielded by Zabuza.

His personality is playful and sarcastic, which creates an interesting contrast with Sasuke’s serious nature.

Karin

Karin is another former subordinate of Orochimaru.

She has exceptional sensory abilities, allowing her to detect chakra signatures over long distances.

Her healing ability also becomes an important support skill for the team.

Although she often acts irritated around Sasuke, it quickly becomes clear that she admires him greatly.

Jugo

Jugo is perhaps the most mysterious member of the team.

He possesses an uncontrollable power that causes him to transform violently during battle.

However, he also has a calm and thoughtful personality when not affected by this power.

Jugo’s connection to the origin of the Curse Mark makes him particularly interesting within the Naruto storyline.

Why the Itachi Pursuit Arc Matters

Even though this arc is relatively short compared to others in Naruto Shippuden, its importance cannot be overstated.

1. Sasuke Finally Steps Out on His Own

For most of the series, Sasuke has been either part of Team 7 or under Orochimaru’s influence.

The Itachi Pursuit Arc marks the moment when Sasuke truly becomes an independent force.

He is no longer a student or follower.

He is now a leader.

2. The Uchiha Storyline Intensifies

The mystery surrounding the Uchiha clan massacre has been one of the biggest story threads since the original Naruto series.

This arc pushes that mystery closer to its climax.

The entire narrative begins building toward the moment when Sasuke finally confronts Itachi.

3. Multiple Ninja Teams Are Searching for the Same Target

What makes the arc exciting is the sense of urgency.

Several groups are simultaneously searching for Itachi:

• Sasuke’s team

• Naruto and the Konoha ninja

• Members of the Akatsuki

Because everyone has different motives, the arc feels like a tense game of strategy.

Best Moments in the Itachi Pursuit Arc

While the arc focuses heavily on preparation and pursuit rather than large battles, it still delivers several memorable moments.

Sasuke Defeats Orochimaru

Although this event technically occurs at the start of the storyline, it sets the tone for the arc.

Sasuke proves that he has grown powerful enough to defeat the man who once controlled him.

It’s a major step in Sasuke’s journey.

The Creation of Team Hebi

Watching Sasuke recruit and assemble his team is fascinating.

Each member brings a unique personality and ability that adds new dynamics to the story.

Naruto and Sasuke Nearly Cross Paths

Throughout the arc, Naruto’s team is also searching for Sasuke.

There are several moments where the two groups come incredibly close to encountering each other.

These near encounters add suspense and anticipation.

Can You Skip the Itachi Pursuit Arc?

The short answer is no.

This arc sets up one of the most important events in Naruto Shippuden: the battle between Sasuke and Itachi.

Skipping this arc would make that confrontation feel rushed and less impactful.

Even though the arc focuses more on preparation than action, it builds the emotional and narrative tension needed for what comes next.

Emotional Themes of the Arc

Naruto has always been a story about relationships and personal struggles, and the Itachi Pursuit Arc explores several emotional themes.

Revenge

Sasuke’s entire life has been driven by his desire to avenge his clan.

This arc shows just how deeply that goal has shaped his choices.

Friendship

While Sasuke has distanced himself from his former friends, Naruto still refuses to give up on him.

The idea that Naruto continues searching for Sasuke—even when Sasuke pushes everyone away—remains a powerful emotional thread.

Identity

Sasuke is no longer the same person he was during the early Naruto series.

The Itachi Pursuit Arc explores how far he has changed and what kind of person he is becoming.

Where the Arc Fits in Naruto Shippuden

Chronologically, the Itachi Pursuit Arc comes after the Akatsuki Suppression Arc and before the Itachi vs Sasuke battle arc.

This makes it a transitional arc that moves the story toward one of its biggest climaxes.

Even though the arc itself focuses on pursuit and preparation, it sets the stage for some of the most important episodes in the entire series.

Should You Watch the Itachi Pursuit Arc?

Absolutely.

The Itachi Pursuit Arc is essential for understanding Sasuke’s character and the buildup to his confrontation with Itachi.

While it may not contain as many large-scale battles as other arcs, it excels at creating tension and anticipation.

For fans who have been following the story since the beginning, watching Sasuke finally move closer to his ultimate goal is incredibly satisfying.

Final Thoughts

The Itachi Pursuit Arc is a perfect example of how Naruto Shippuden builds tension before a major storyline payoff.

Instead of rushing directly into the Sasuke vs Itachi battle, the series takes time to show the preparation, the strategy, and the emotional weight behind that moment.

For me, this arc always feels like the calm before the storm.

You know something huge is coming.

Every episode brings the characters one step closer to the confrontation that has been building for years.

And that anticipation is what makes the arc so compelling.

If you’re watching Naruto Shippuden for the first time, don’t rush through this arc.

Enjoy the buildup.

Because what comes next is one of the most unforgettable moments in the entire series.