Naruto Shippuden — Episode 451

Critics at Anime News Network noted that while the transition back to a flashback arc during the war’s climax felt abrupt, the quality of Itachi's story quickly justifies the detour. Birth and Death - Naruto Shippuden Episode 451 Reaction

We see Itachi’s relationship with his father, Fugaku, and his introduction to the philosophy of the Uchiha clan. Naruto Shippuden Episode 451

While technically classified as a filler arc because it is not adapted from the original manga chapters, many fans consider the Itachi Shinden arc (Episodes 451–458) essential viewing. It provides critical psychological depth to Itachi, explaining the motivations behind his future actions that shaped the entire Naruto universe. Critics at Anime News Network noted that while