There's a fresh batch of dubbed, uncut Naruto Shippuden on iTunes, as episodes 22-26 are now up. Head to the Naruto Shippuden Uncut Season 1, Vol. 2 page on iTunes to catch up with all the latest.

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For discussions on the Naruto Shippuden anime series, visit the naruto.com forum.

The latest episode of Naruto Shippuden finds the Akatsuki back on their Tailed Beast hunt, but they're about to come up against a Killer Bee who has quite the sting when provoked! Check out episode 143 (and all previous episodes) in the Naruto Shippuden section!

Episode 143: The Eight Tails Vs. Sasuke
The Taka split up with the Akatsuki to hunt down the remaining Tailed Beast. At the Land of Lightning they go up against Killer Bee, whose attack utilizing Lightning Style and seven blades proves to be more than a match for them.

We know a lot of people have been waiting for this one because we were getting asked about it months ago -- so rejoice! Our favorite Kazekage from the Land of the Sand finally gets to celebrate the day of his birth on January 19. Or would he? Let's face it, Gaara often plays it close to the vest, although sometimes there's an explosion in there that's just waiting to break out. But don't we love the strong, silent types with the troubled pasts?

So let's celebrate our first Naruto birthday of the New Year with a brand-new character data wallpaper at naruto.com and the following tribute (and don't forget to add your own in the forum)!

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Happy Birthday, Gaara!

Birthdays are a sensitive subject when it comes to Gaara. If there’s a ninja with a traumatic past in all of Sunagakure, it’s him. At least his brother and sister, the sand siblings, would be there to help him enjoy the festivities. I can imagine Kankuro would have a puppet show to put on and Temari might have a fan dance or two. If watching two elite shinobi turn their combat skills into party entertainment doesn’t put a smile on someone’s face, I don’t know what will.

Don’t let the symbol on Gaara’s forehead fool you, it may represent love but that doesn’t mean he’s throwing up the peace sign! That’s the thing about Gaara, it’s hard to tell whether you should be running at him for a hug or running away for pissing him off. Kankuro and Temari know that all too well. I imagine at least one person might snap in the middle of singing the most awkward Happy Birthday ever and run away screaming, “don’t kill me!” [Original Series Episode 48: “Gaara vs. Rock Lee: The Power of Youth Explodes!”]

There are a lot of really determined shinobi running around Konoha Village, but few have as…unique a take on motivation as Gaara. [Original Series Episode 75: “Sasuke’s Decision: Pushed to the Edge!”] I cannot think of any birthday games in which someone would loose an arm. Then again we’re talking about a village that trains and employs ninja. Basically, it’s best just to keep things simple. Like tag. No one hits anyone or cuts anything with tag.

Gaara may seem severe, and indeed he is, but he’s also a genuine hero. Everyone’s favorite pretty bad-boy Deidara tries dropping the biggest “piece of art” on Konoha Village and who saves the day? None other than everyone’s favorite sleepless sand demon. [Shippuden Series Episode 5: “The Kazekage Stands Tall”] THAT is worthy of celebrating his birthday!

Some love him, some hate him, but ultimately, deep down, Gaara is a good guy. He’ll appreciate any show of affection, as long as there’s heart behind it.

-- Stephen Bajza

We've reached a major turning point in the Naruto Shippuden saga with episode 142, which makes its debut today. Sasuke has learned the truth about his clan's history, but what will he do with that knowledge? And will it imperil the future of Leaf Village? Find out, and catch up on all the previous episodes in the Naruto Shippuden section of vizanime.com!

Episode 142: Battle of Unraikyo
Flame from the Amaterasu still remains on the battlefield as Naruto and his teammates continue to search for Sasuke. But despite the search team’s best efforts, they cannot find any trace of him. 

He's a troubled rogue ninja, and Naruto fans love him! Recently we asked fans on naruto.com to select their favorite Sasuke episodes from the Naruto series. The episodes that received the most votes are featured here -- enjoy them!