Naruto Episode 165: The Death of Naruto

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 165
Title: The Death of Naruto
Arc: Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission
Canon/Filler Status: Anime-original filler
Original Japanese Air Date: December 21, 2005
Previous Episode: Naruto Episode 164
Next Episode: Naruto Episode 166

Naruto Episode 165 Summary

Naruto Episode 165, “The Death of Naruto,” follows the episode’s central events with a clearer focus on what actually happens on screen. Naruto is unable to search for Sasuke due to Tsunade's orders, while Kiba and Hinata wonder how they can help him out. Shino remembers a special type of bug that if it is found, could easily track Sasuke down. they go and discuss it with Tsunade, who agrees to let them search for it, making Shino the leader. Tsunade discovers Naruto eavsfropping the conversation and lets him go with them. But, can they complete a mission with only a 10% success rate? As they travel, Naruto has difficulty dealing with Shino's bizzare behavior. Hinata also sneaks out in the middle of the night to practice some mysterious moves. After two days of travelling, they finally reach their destination. And they're not alone, a mysterious group is also after the same thing.

Detailed Episode Discussion

The episode’s main movement is built around this setup: Naruto is unable to search for Sasuke due to Tsunade's orders, while Kiba and Hinata wonder how they can help him out. Shino remembers a special type of bug that if it is found, could easily track Sasuke down. they go and discuss it with Tsunade, who agrees to let them search for it, making Shino the leader. Tsunade discovers Naruto eavsfropping the conversation and lets him go with them. But, can they complete a mission with only a 10% success rate? As they travel, Naruto has difficulty dealing with Shino's bizzare behavior. Hinata also sneaks out in the middle of the night to practice some mysterious moves. After two days of travelling, they finally reach their destination. And they're not alone, a mysterious group is also after the same thing. 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, “The Death of Naruto” 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 165 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?

Optional. This is anime-original material, so completionist viewers may enjoy it while main-story viewers can usually skip it.

Where to Watch Naruto Episode 165 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.