Naruto Shippuden Episode 454 -

: Considered a mix of canon and "filler," as it is an anime adaptation of the official Itachi Shinden light novels but contains some alterations from the source material.

: Viewers often highlight the strong emotional resonance of the friendship between the two "brothers," finding it particularly impactful given the tragic events known to occur later in the series. Naruto Shippuden Episode 454

: Critics noted that this episode slowed down the pace of the arc to focus on moral ambiguity and personal sacrifice . It effectively bridged the gap between Itachi's childhood and his eventual transition into a teenager faced with impossible choices. : Considered a mix of canon and "filler,"