Naruto: Shippuden season 9
A flashback-heavy season that covers everyone's backstory before landing on Sasuke Uchiha, officially billed 'Past ~The Locus of Konoha~' on the English discs.
Season 9 of Naruto: Shippuden runs from September 2010 through January 2011, pulling the camera back to Part II of Masashi Kishimoto's manga to deliver the flashback episodes fans kept asking for. The whole run walks through Naruto Uzumaki and the gang's pasts, then closes out on Sasuke Uchiha's story. On the English DVD releases you'll find it stamped 'Past ~The Locus of Konoha~', though it's also just called the 'The Locus of Konoha' arc if you want the shorter title.
Quick Facts
- Num Episodes
- 21
- Network
- TV Tokyo
- First Aired
- 2010-09-02
- Last Aired
- 2011-01-27
- Episode List
- List of Naruto: Shippuden episodes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The season contains five musical themes: two openings and three endings. The opening themes are 'Tōmei Datta Sekai' by Motohiro Hata (used for the first four episodes) and 'Diver' by Nico Touches the Walls (used for episodes 180 to 196). The ending themes are 'Utakata Hanabi' by Supercell (first four episodes), 'U Can Do It!' by Domino (episodes 180 to 192), and 'Mayonaka no Orchestra' by Aqua Timez (remaining episodes). Note: Toshio Masuda also composed additional music for other Naruto: Shippuden seasons/arcs.
Reader's Guide
Naruto: Shippuden season 9 is significant as a flashback arc that delves into the pasts of Naruto Uzumaki and his friends, culminating in Sasuke Uchiha's final flashback. It provides context for character motivations and relationships within the larger narrative. The season's DVD title, Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha, emphasizes its focus on the village's history. Its English dub aired on Neon Alley in 2013 and later on Adult Swim's Toonami from 2017 to 2018, expanding its reach to Western audiences. The season's unique musical contributions, including additional music by Toshio Masuda, distinguish it from other seasons. The use of multiple opening and ending themes reflects the episodic nature of the flashbacks.
Did You Know?
- The season is referred to on its English DVDs as 'Past ~The Locus of Konoha~' or simply 'The Locus of Konoha' arc.
- The first DVD volume was released on April 6, 2011 by Aniplex.
- The English dub aired on Neon Alley from March 30 to July 6, 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naruto: Shippuden season 9?
It is the ninth season of the Shippuden anime, composed entirely of flashback episodes that revisit earlier moments in the lives of Naruto, his teammates, and other Konoha residents. English DVD releases label it "Past ~The Locus of Konoha~" or simply the "Locus of Konoha" arc.
What story does Naruto: Shippuden season 9 tell?
Rather than advancing the main plot, the season looks backward, presenting recollections of Naruto Uzumaki, his friends, and other figures from the Hidden Leaf Village. The arc concludes with a dedicated flashback tracing Sasuke Uchiha's personal history.
When did Naruto: Shippuden season 9 air?
The season broadcast from September 2010 through January 2011. Its source material comes from Part II of Masashi Kishimoto's original manga.
Who did the additional music for Naruto: Shippuden season 9?
Toshio Masuda composed the additional music for this season, a responsibility he also shared across multiple other Shippuden arcs.
Why do fans look up Naruto: Shippuden season 9?
It serves as a character-deepening interlude that fills in backstory for the core cast before the main storyline resumes. Because it closes on Sasuke Uchiha's flashback, it is often cited as a key emotional beat before the next arc picks up.
More in Naruto seasons 1-24
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