What episode is "An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!" in Naruto?
"An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!" is episode 71 of Naruto.
Spoiler-Safe Summary
safe readThe Hokage battle commences with Hashirama and Tobirama leveraging powerful techniques against Hiruzen, who learns about the resilience of reanimated ninja. Orochimaru reveals his ambition for immortality by demonstrating an unexpected transformation, raising the stakes of the conflict.
Full Plot Summary
spoilersThe Hokage battle begins, with Hashirama's Wood Style giving him and his brother the advantage on Hiruzen as he summons Enma to help him in the uneven fight as Orochimaru brings out his Kusanagi sword. During the fight, Hiruzen learns that ninja brought back by the Reanimation Jutsu are immune to any normal form of attack and regenerate from any injury dealt on them. At that time, explaining his desire to become immortal to know every form of ninjutsu, Orochimaru decides to reveal the fruits of his labor by peeling away his face: revealing the face of a girl whose body he now occupies.
Episode FAQ
4 quick answersIs "An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!" canon or filler?
"An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!" is listed as canon in the current AnimeAnchor guide.
What story arc is "An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!" part of?
"An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!" is part of the Konoha Crush 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