: Mifune suggests Danzō Shimura (the 6th Hokage Candidate) to lead the alliance, citing the other Kage's flaws: the Raikage is too emotional, Gaara is too young, the Tsuchikage has ties to Akatsuki, and the Mizukage's village is rumored to be the Akatsuki's birthplace.
), the Five Kage Summit reaches a critical turning point as political manipulation and personal loyalties collide. Originally aired in English on , this episode centers on the controversial appointment of Danzō Shimura as the leader of the Allied Shinobi Forces and the emotional toll Sasuke’s rogue actions take on his former teammates. The Kage Summit: A Strategic Power Play Naruto Shippuuden (Dub) Episode 201
Maile Flanagan (Naruto), Kate Higgins (Sakura), Yuri Lowenthal (Sasuke) William Frederick Knight (Danzō), Kirk Thornton (Mifune) : Mifune suggests Danzō Shimura (the 6th Hokage
: Realizing the burden she has placed on Naruto, Sakura agrees to tell him the news herself, intending to atone for her past mistakes. Key Episode Details Title Painful Decision ( English Air Date March 3, 2011 English Voice Cast The Kage Summit: A Strategic Power Play Maile
See how fans and critics analyzed the high-stakes political drama and emotional developments of this episode:
: Sai confronts Sakura Haruno about the "curse" of the promise Naruto Uzumaki made to her. He argues that Naruto’s love for her and his desperate need to bring Sasuke back are causing him immense, hidden pain.
Back at the leaf village's temporary camp, internal conflict flares as the reality of Sasuke's execution order sinks in.