Naruto Episode 87: Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!

June 22, 2026 · Anime, Episodes, Naruto

Spoiler note: This episode guide discusses the events of this episode. Major future-series spoilers should be avoided unless clearly marked.

Quick Facts

Episode: Naruto Episode 87
Title: Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!
Arc: Search for Tsunade Arc
Canon/Filler Status: Canon / mostly manga-canon
Original Japanese Air Date: June 9, 2004
Previous Episode: Naruto Episode 86
Next Episode: Naruto Episode 88

Naruto Episode 87 Summary

Naruto Episode 87, “Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!,” follows the episode’s central events with a clearer focus on what actually happens on screen. Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Pakkun are being chased down by several Sound ninja. Shikamaru decides to stop and try to hold them off so the others can catch up to Sasuke without fear of pursuit. Shikamaru is the logical choice because of his Shadow Possession Jutsu…needless to say, Shikamaru's not too thrilled by this.

Detailed Episode Discussion

The episode’s main movement is built around this setup: Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Pakkun are being chased down by several Sound ninja. Shikamaru decides to stop and try to hold them off so the others can catch up to Sasuke without fear of pursuit. Shikamaru is the logical choice because of his Shadow Possession Jutsu…needless to say, Shikamaru's not too thrilled by this. PopRot readers should watch how the characters respond to the pressure of the moment, because the choices made here are what connect the episode to the larger Naruto storyline.

In practical watch-order terms, “Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!” is not just a title card in the episode list. It marks the specific conflict, reveal, confrontation, joke, rescue, or turning point that the episode wants viewers to remember. The important details to track are who takes action, who gets challenged, and what new information changes the audience’s understanding of the arc.

This recap is written to help fans place Naruto Episode 87 in context without losing the thread of the larger story. If you are moving through Naruto in order, treat this episode as a checkpoint for the current arc’s momentum, character relationships, and next-step setup.

Watch or Skip?

Watch. This episode is part of the core Naruto viewing path and helps move the main story forward.

Where to Watch Naruto Episode 87 Online

Streaming availability changes by country and over time. PopRot links only to official/legal watch options. When an exact episode page is available, use that; otherwise start from the official Naruto series/search page on each service.