What episode is "The Vessel Arrives Too Late" in Naruto?
"The Vessel Arrives Too Late" is episode 118 of Naruto.
Spoiler-Safe Summary
safe readOrochimaru struggles with his deteriorating body while waiting for Sasuke, as the retrieval team races against time to bring Sasuke back, highlighting the mounting tension within the Sasuke Recovery Mission.
Full Plot Summary
spoilersOrochimaru, his body left useless after his failed invasion of Konoha, anxiously waits for Sasuke so that he can switch to Sasuke's body. Although he puts it off for as long as he can, hoping that the Sound Four will arrive in time, his body brings him too much pain and he is forced to switch to the body of one of his prisoners. Elsewhere, the retrieval team catches up with the Sound Four and tries to get Sasuke back.
Episode FAQ
4 quick answersIs "The Vessel Arrives Too Late" canon or filler?
"The Vessel Arrives Too Late" is listed as canon in the current AnimeAnchor guide.
What story arc is "The Vessel Arrives Too Late" part of?
"The Vessel Arrives Too Late" is part of the Kazekage Rescue Arc.
Can I read this without spoilers?
Yes. Start with the spoiler-safe summary, then reveal the full plot only when you want the complete episode breakdown.
Series Cast
18Browse the main cast connected to this episode guide.
Kakashi Hatake main 
Naruto Uzumaki main 
Sakura Haruno main 
Sasuke Uchiha main 
Akamaru supporting 
Asuma Sarutobi supporting Choji Akimichi supporting 
Hinata Hyuga supporting 
Ino Yamanaka supporting 
Iruka Umino supporting 
Jiraiya supporting 
Kankuro supporting 
Kiba Inuzuka supporting Kurenai Yuhi supporting Might Guy supporting 
Neji Hyuga supporting 
Rock Lee supporting 
Shikamaru Nara supporting Related Movies
6Franchise movie releases are kept separate from the TV episode spine.
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow 2004 
Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel 2005 
Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom 2006 
Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2007 
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Bonds 2008 
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire 2009