What episode is "Rookie Instructor Iruka" in Naruto Shippuden?
"Rookie Instructor Iruka" is episode 176 of Naruto Shippuden.
Spoiler-Safe Summary
safe readIruka begins his role as Naruto's homeroom teacher, navigating challenges with his students, especially Naruto, who struggles with loneliness and bullying. The episode explores early bonds and reveals important background about Sasuke in Naruto Shippuden.
Full Plot Summary
spoilersIruka has just become Naruto Uzumaki's Academy homeroom teacher. Another teacher advises Iruka to not mistreat his students so that they will not cause trouble. But Naruto still causes mischief, as he is pained by his teacher's words to his class bullies to leave him alone and just ignore him. Lastly, Naruto discovers that Sasuke Uchiha is the only survivor of the Uchiha clan.
Episode FAQ
4 quick answersIs "Rookie Instructor Iruka" canon or filler?
"Rookie Instructor Iruka" is listed as canon in the current AnimeAnchor guide.
What story arc is "Rookie Instructor Iruka" part of?
"Rookie Instructor Iruka" is part of the Fourth Great Ninja War: Countdown Arc (cont.).
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 
Asuma Sarutobi supporting 
Boruto Uzumaki supporting 
Gaara supporting 
Hinata Hyuga supporting 
Konan supporting 
Konohamaru Sarutobi supporting Might Guy supporting Mitsuki supporting 
Sai supporting Sarada Uchiha supporting 
Shikamaru Nara supporting 
Yamato supporting 
Danzo Shimura antagonist 
Deidara antagonist 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