Naruto Shippuden Episode 53 Direct

: Captain Yamato decides to use serious force to capture Sasuke. However, Sasuke prepares a devastating, unnamed technique that requires specific hand signs.

: Sai begins to genuinely bond with Team Kakashi, expressing a desire to understand the concept of "comrades" through his art. Episode Details English Title : Title Japanese Title : Taitoru (タイトル) Arc : Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Original Airdate (Japan) : May 8, 2008 Naruto Shippuden Episode 53

: Left behind, Naruto is overcome with grief and his own perceived weakness, but Sakura consoles him, vowing that they will continue to get stronger together. : Captain Yamato decides to use serious force

: Before Sasuke can act, Orochimaru stops him, explaining that Team Kakashi should be spared so they can continue to eliminate members of the Akatsuki—thus making Sasuke's path to Itachi easier. Sasuke relents, and the trio (Sasuke, Orochimaru, and Kabuto) vanishes in a swirl of flames. Episode Details English Title : Title Japanese Title

: The team returns to the Hidden Leaf Village to report to Lady Tsunade. Kakashi is shocked to hear about Sasuke's massive power increase and realizes Naruto will soon demand even more intense training.

: Sasuke tells Naruto that he is willing to give his body to Orochimaru if it means gaining the power necessary to kill his brother, Itachi. He justifies this by stating that neither he nor Orochimaru could defeat Itachi alone.