Ep. 49: Yamato's team faces Kabuto before entering Orochimaru's hideout to locate Sasuke.
Aired on March 6, 2008
49
Before Yamato's squad leaves to find Sasuke, Kabuto attacks and releases Sai. Sai, seeking to understand his bond with his dead brother via Naruto's connection to Sasuke, betrays Kabuto to help Yamato capture him. Bound Kabuto vaguely reveals Sasuke's location, assuming Orochimaru will kill the intruders anyway. Yamato leaves a wood clone to guard Kabuto while he and his team enter the hideout. The group splits up: Naruto, Sasuke, and Sai go one way, while Sakura and Yamato head another. This event occurs during the Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission arc, specifically episode 17 out of 21.
Episodes
- Ep. 45 · Kabuto's Deception and Naruto's Guilt Over Sakura's Injury
- Ep. 46 · Sai's unfinished book and Orochimaru's arrival at their hideout
- Ep. 47 · Sai trapped by genjutsu while Orochimaru orders Kabuto to compile a bingo book
- Ep. 48 · Yamato's team confronts Sai regarding his dual role as a spy and Konoha destroyer.
- Ep. 49 · Yamato's team faces Kabuto before entering Orochimaru's hideout to locate Sasuke.
- Ep. 50 · Naruto collapses from exhaustion while Sai reflects on bonds before Orochimaru attacks
- Ep. 51 · Sai reveals his true intent to protect Sasuke's bonds and abandons his mission.
- Ep. 52 · Sasuke Attacks Naruto While Confronting the Nine-Tails Within His Mind
- Ep. 53 · Orochimaru Intervenes to Save Sasuke While Danzo’s Betrayal Angers Tsunade