159 : Pain Vs. Kakashi -

This episode is a cornerstone of what many consider the best arc in Naruto Shippuden , as it perfectly sets up the stakes before Naruto’s arrival.

Reviewers frequently praise the fight for its tactical depth. Kakashi is forced to use every ounce of his intelligence and diverse jutsu arsenal (including Earth Style: Mud Wall and Lightning Cutter) to counter Pain's seemingly invincible abilities like Shinra Tensei .

As part of the climactic Pain's Assault arc, the animation is noted for being sharper and more detailed than earlier episodes, effectively conveying the scale of destruction in the village. Viewer Reception