Naruto Shippūden - Ending Explained

"Naruto Shippūden" is filled with major plot twists that redefine the narrative. A key early reveal is the true nature of the Akatsuki's plan: to capture all nine Tailed Beasts to create a weapon capable of instigating world war, which their leader, Pain, believes will lead to lasting peace through shared suffering. It is later revealed that Pain is actually Nagato, a fellow student of Jiraiya, and that the true mastermind behind the Akatsuki is Tobi, who is initially presented as a comical, masked figure. The most significant twist is the revelation of Tobi's true identity: Obito Uchiha, Kakashi's childhood friend who was believed to have died in the Third Great Ninja War. He was saved and manipulated by Madara Uchiha. Another crucial twist is the truth about Itachi Uchiha. Sasuke spends the majority of the series seeking revenge on his brother for massacring their clan, only to discover after killing him that Itachi was acting on the orders of the Konoha elders to prevent a coup d'état, and that he bore the burden of being a traitor to protect his village and his younger brother. The final act of the series contains the biggest twist of all: after Madara Uchiha successfully launches the Infinite Tsukuyomi, he is betrayed by Black Zetsu, who reveals that he has been manipulating the entire history of shinobi to bring about the resurrection of his "mother," Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the progenitor of chakra on Earth. Kaguya becomes the true final antagonist. The series concludes with a final battle between Naruto and Sasuke, who have gained the powers of the Sage of Six Paths. They fight to a stalemate, each losing an arm, and finally reconcile. Sasuke dedicates his life to atoning for his sins by protecting the village from the shadows, and Naruto achieves his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage, marrying Hinata Hyuga, and ushering in an era of peace.

One of the most debated aspects of the series is the introduction of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki as the final villain. Some critics and fans argue that her sudden appearance undermined the long-standing buildup of Madara Uchiha as the primary antagonist, feeling like a last-minute addition to the plot. This interpretation suggests that the story would have been more narratively cohesive if Madara had remained the final boss. Another alternative interpretation revolves around Sasuke's final philosophy. While he ultimately rejoins the side of good, his proposal to become a common enemy to unite the world through fear is a dark and complex idea. Some viewers interpret this not as a complete rejection of his past, but as a lingering darkness within him, suggesting that the cycle of hatred is not so easily broken and that his methods, while extreme, contain a cynical truth about human nature.