After the battle between Naruto and Sasuke, there have been numerous speculations on what would come next in "Naruto Shippuden" anime series. Based on earlier predictions, the anime will cover manga chapter 700 in Episode 479. But the newest "Naruto Shippuden" episode preview reveals that the anime has taken a different direction and instead, side stories will be shown in the next episodes.
Naruto Anime Departs From Manga
As reported on Saiyan Island, the next few episodes in "Naruto Shippuden" would not cover the last manga chapter in Naruto's story. Instead, it would be character shorts that are divided into Part A and B. These episodes would be flashbacks and mostly fillers and would not cover the main story.
The next episodes in the series, episodes 480 to 483, will all be fillers. "Naruto Shippuden" Episode 480, which is scheduled to air on Oct. 20, would be about Naruto and Hinata. Preview reveals that Naruto trains in the forest all by himself when someone appears.
As for the next episodes, Episode 481 on Oct. 27 would focus on Sasuke and Sakura, Episode 482 on Nov. 3 would feature Gaara and Shikamaru, and Episode 483 on Nov. 10 would be about Jiraiya and Kakashi.
"Naruto Shippuden" Episode 479 Spoilers
Although the anime would ultimately focus on covering the end of the story based on the manga version, many fans are disappointed with the preview for Episode 479 which is scheduled for release on Oct. 13. The episode entitled "Naruto Uzumaki" would feature how Naruto became a hero and how he changed the ninja world's fate. Prior rumors have hinted that this would be a filler episode which could set the stage for the final episode.
With the imminent end of the series and of almost every "Naruto" franchise including the games, it is not surprising why anime creators are trying to extend the series by adding side stories. There is no news yet on when the last two chapters of the manga would be covered but hopefully, it would be right after Episode 483.
