There were predictions that "Naruto Shippuden" would end with episode 476, given that it is titled "The Final Battle." It seems, however, that the anime will have filler episodes before it reaches its conclusion.

Episode 479, to be aired on Oct. 13, is titled "Naruto Uzumaki!" and, according to iTech Post, it will show how the titular character becomes a hero. The preview features Sasuke's voice, addressing Naruto and acknowledging how he never stopped calling the lone Uchiha survivor his friend. It shows the blond ninja walking around, talking to Shikamaru and then facing Kakashi, although it seems he is still recovering from his injuries.

Fans will recall that episodes 476 and 477 covered the one-on-one battle between Naruto and Sasuke, while in episode 478, they were in what looked like the after-life. Once again, it was full of flashbacks. They were still alive, though, and Naruto had finally gotten through to Sasuke, who, at last, understood everything and admitted that he lost.

The future installments are expected to showcase different characters and past events. Episode 480, reportedly titled "Naruto and Hinata," will be shown on Oct. 20. Episode 481, titled "Sasuke and Sakura," is scheduled for Oct. 27, while episode 482, titled "Gaara and Shikamaru," is said to be set for Nov. 3. Lastly, episode 483, titled "Jiraiya and Kakashi," will be shown on Nov. 10. Saiyan Island says each episode is divided into two parts, one part for each character.

Fillers and flashbacks are not new to the anime series. In the "Naruto" anime, for instance, episodes 136 to 219 were basically filler episodes — episode 135 showed Jiraiya asking Naruto if he wanted to train under him, and episode 220, the finale, showed the teacher and student leaving the village together.

It remains to be seen if "Naruto Shippuden" will feature more filler episodes before the series airs its finale.