Naruto Shippuden Episode 172 May 2026

: A brief vision by Kakashi (using his Sharingan) earlier in the arc highlights Naruto carrying on the legacy of Minato Namikaze, emphasizing the generational passing of the "Will of Fire". Production & Watch Info Meeting (episode 172) | Narutopedia | Fandom

: The episode highlights how trauma and loss—specifically at the hands of the Hidden Leaf—created the "Pain" that Naruto is now trying to reconcile. Naruto Shippuden Episode 172

, titled "Meeting" (出逢い, Deai ), serves as a pivotal bridge in the Pain's Assault arc, transitioning from the physical battle to a clash of ideologies between Naruto Uzumaki and Nagato. Key Plot Summary : A brief vision by Kakashi (using his

: In a blind rage over his parents' deaths, a young Nagato subconsciously activated his Rinnegan for the first time and killed the ninja. Key Plot Summary : In a blind rage

Nagato begins his tragic backstory, detailing his childhood in the war-torn Village Hidden in the Rain:

: During the Second Shinobi World War, two Hidden Leaf ninja accidentally killed Nagato's parents, Fuso and Ise, thinking they were enemies.

Following his victory over the Six Paths of Pain, Naruto tracks down the real Nagato and Konan to their hideout. Seeking to understand the cycle of hatred that fueled the destruction of the Hidden Leaf, Naruto asks to hear Nagato's story before deciding his next move.