"Naruto Shippuden" is scheduled to air its 486th episode on Thursday, Dec. 15. The story about Sasuke Shinden may not be part of the main storyline but it is quite interesting especially for those who want to know what happens between chapters 699 and 700 of the manga. Based on the latest airing schedule, the anime will go on a short hiatus right after episode 487 and there will be no new episode on Dec. 29.
"Naruto Shippuden" Sasuke Shinden Arc
The last two episodes, 484 and 485, focused on Sasuke's adventures after the war. The last member of the Uchiha clan might continue traveling for an indefinite amount of time partly because staying at the village would mean putting his loved ones in danger. A lot of people are after his Sharingan which is a highly powerful weapon if used for an evil purpose.
Based on the latest airing schedule for the anime, there will be five episodes focusing on Sasuke. Since two episodes already aired, there are three episodes left for this arc.
"Naruto Shippuden" Short Hiatus
"Naruto Shippuden" episode 487 will be the last episode for 2016 as the anime will go on a one-week break. The show will be back to its regular airing schedule on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017. Due to the break, the first part of Shikamaru's arc which will follow Sasuke's arc will be pushed back by one week and it will probably start airing on Jan. 12.
For avid fans of the anime, there is no need to worry since the New Year hiatus seems to be a trend for anime shows in Japan. "Dragon Ball Super" will also take a one-week break and there will be no new episode on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017.
"Naruto Shippuden" is scheduled to air the episode 486 "Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise" Part 3 "Fushin."