Naruto Shippuden Episode 172 Review

: In a blind rage over his parents' deaths, a young Nagato subconsciously activated his Rinnegan for the first time and killed the ninja.

Nagato begins his tragic backstory, detailing his childhood in the war-torn Village Hidden in the Rain: Naruto Shippuden Episode 172

, titled "Meeting" (出逢い, Deai ), serves as a pivotal bridge in the Pain's Assault arc, transitioning from the physical battle to a clash of ideologies between Naruto Uzumaki and Nagato. Key Plot Summary : In a blind rage over his parents'

Following his victory over the Six Paths of Pain, Naruto tracks down the real Nagato and Konan to their hideout. Seeking to understand the cycle of hatred that fueled the destruction of the Hidden Leaf, Naruto asks to hear Nagato's story before deciding his next move. Seeking to understand the cycle of hatred that

: Naruto and Nagato are framed as the "Two Saviors" and "Children of Prophecy," both students of Jiraiya who took drastically different paths toward peace.

: The episode highlights how trauma and loss—specifically at the hands of the Hidden Leaf—created the "Pain" that Naruto is now trying to reconcile.