The Forbidden Jutsu arc continues in this week's new episode of Naruto Shippuden, and the race is on as Naruto and Utakata try to catch up to Hotaru before Shiranami, the leader of the bandits, unseals Hotaru's hidden jutsu. What would a Naruto story be without a suspenseful race against time, and a little help from your friends -- this time, the help comes from the New Team Kakashi! Check out the new episode (and all previous episodes) in the Naruto Shippuden section.

Episode 149: Separation
Believing Shiranami’s story, Hotaru writes a parting letter addressed to Utakata and leaves Mount Katsuragi. Meanwhile Naruto, still searching for Shiranami, falls into the Magaki Troops’ trap but manages to escape thanks to help from Utakata.

Don't you hate it when something gets embedded in you -- particularly if that something is a forbidden jutsu? Well, if you're tough like Hotaru, you accept that responsibility, and her story continues in this week's new episode of Naruto Shippuden. We also get some tantalizing glimpses of the Great Ninja War, not to mention the unexpected appearance of a great horned beast! And you have to love the brief flashback to the young, vulnerable, outcast Naruto -- ah, memories... View the latest episode in the Naruto Shippuden section.

Episode 148: Heir to Darkness
Hotaru is brought back to the fort in Mount Katsuragi. Naruto, outraged to learn the forbidden jutsu was embedded inside Hotaru, demands an explanation from Tonbei. But it was none other than Hotaru herself who wished for this.

A new batch of dubbed, uncut Naruto Shippuden episodes have been loaded up on iTunes today for your enjoyment. Head on over to the Naruto Shippuden uncut Season 1, Vol. 3 page on iTunes to view individual episodes or buy a season pass. And of course, you can catch all the latest subtitled Naruto Shippuden episodes here at the Naruto Shippuden page.

Episode 27: Impossible Dream
Although stung with poison herself, Granny Chiyo uses the last of the antidote on Sakura. Mocking the tender scene between Granny Chiyo and Sakura, Sasori attempts to end Granny Chiyo's life.

Episode 28: Revival of the Beasts
Team Guy senses the result of the Sakura and Granny Chiyo’s desperate struggle while still in battle with his deadly copy. Although Guy’s team members are showing fatigue, their copies remain strong!

Episode 29: Kakashi Enlightened!
Sakura hurries to get to Naruto with Granny Chiyo, who is suffering from the poison. The members of Team Guy rush to assist Team Kakashi. Meanwhile, with all preparations complete, Kakashi reveals his Mangekyo Sharingan.

Episode 30: Aesthetics of an Instant
Naruto loses all reason to anger and is gradually taken over by the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit. Having been forewarned by Jiraiya, Kakashi narrowly manages to suppress the Nine-Tailed Fox.

For those of you who haven't bought the Naruto Shippuden DVD box set 1 yet (and hey, there's still time! ;-) We've got copies at the VIZ store), we've got a sneak peek at the contents:

- Jacket art
- DVD surface designs
- Art card
- Mininja

(The last two items come with the special edition.)

Check out our DVD box set page at naruto.com at  for all the details!
 

Ninja in danger, fearsome foes -- and it's time for Naruto to save the day! The latest episode of the "forbidden jutsu" story arc goes live today in the Naruto Shippuden section. Gotta love that chakra-eating rain the Black Ops team uses...

Episode 147: Rogue Ninja’s Past
Yamato and Sai recognize their opponents as trackers from the Hidden Mist Village, but Naruto attacks without questioning. The Hidden Mist demands Utakata be handed over to them in exchange for Hotaru.