Naruto Story Arcs Guide
Episode ranges, plot summaries, and frequently asked questions for every major arc in Naruto. Updated 2026.
Pain's Assault Arc
What episodes are Pain's Assault arc in Naruto Shippuden?
Pain's Assault Arc spans Episodes 152-175 of Naruto Shippuden. The arc begins with Pain's invasion of Konoha and ends with Nagato's death and his final act of reviving the village. The key battle episodes are 163-169.
Who is Pain in Naruto?
Pain is the alias of Nagato, a former student of Jiraiya and the true leader of Akatsuki. Nagato controls six corpse puppets called the Six Paths of Pain, each with a different power: Deva (gravity), Asura (weapons), Human (soul absorption), Animal (summons), Hungry Ghost (chakra absorption), and Naraka (restoration). All six use Nagato's Rinnegan.
Does Naruto defeat Pain?
Yes. Naruto defeats all Six Paths of Pain, then seeks out the real Nagato. Rather than killing him, Naruto chooses to believe in peace, which convinces a dying Nagato to sacrifice his remaining life force to resurrect everyone he killed in Konoha. Nagato dies completing the jutsu.
What happens to Konoha in the Pain arc?
Pain uses the Shinra Tensei (Almighty Push) to level the entire village of Konoha in a single blast. Nearly every building is destroyed and many villagers are killed. Naruto's final confrontation with Pain occurs in the crater that was once Konoha.
What is Sage Mode in Naruto?
Sage Mode is a state Naruto masters after training with the toads of Mount Myoboku. By drawing in natural energy and balancing it with his own chakra, Naruto massively enhances his physical strength, speed, and sensory abilities. He uses Sage Mode for the first time in a major battle during Pain's assault on Konoha.
Does Jiraiya die before the Pain arc?
Yes. Jiraiya is killed by Pain (Nagato) during his solo infiltration of the Rain Village, in Episodes 133-135. He dies after deciphering the secret of Pain's Six Paths and passing the information to Konoha. His death is one of the most emotionally significant moments in Shippuden and directly motivates Naruto through the Pain arc.
What episode does Naruto fight Pain?
Naruto's battle against the Six Paths of Pain begins in Episode 163 ('Explode! Sage Mode'). His confrontation with the real Nagato (Yahiko's body) happens in Episode 172 ('Meeting').