Naruto — Shippuden Episode 490

Following a cryptic message from Sai, who has disappeared while investigating the , Shikamaru Nara leads a secret mission to find him .

, titled " Dark Clouds " (暗雲, An'un ), is the second episode of the Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness story arc . It originally aired on January 19, 2017 . Episode Plot Summary Naruto Shippuden Episode 490

: A young ANBU member who uses chakra needles as her primary weapon . Following a cryptic message from Sai, who has

: The lead strategist struggling with the weight of leadership and the isolation caused by the mission's secrecy . Episode Plot Summary : A young ANBU member

: The mysterious antagonist behind the unrest in the Land of Silence, though he is primarily a looming threat in this specific episode . Context & Watch Guide

: Shikamaru manages to obtain information about Sai's last known location by playing shōgi with a patron at a local inn .

: The episode highlights friction within the team. Hinoko, eager to prove herself and fearing shinobi will become obsolete in times of peace, prefers lethal, direct action over Shikamaru's cautious scouting .