Naruto Shippuden Episode 215 is one of the most anticipated episodes of the anime series, as it features the epic showdown between Naruto and Sasuke, the two rivals who share a bond of brotherhood. The episode is based on the manga chapters 486 to 488, and it aired on May 12, 2011 in Japan.

The episode begins with Naruto and Sasuke facing each other on a bridge, surrounded by the flames of Amaterasu, Sasuke’s black fire technique. Naruto tries to reason with Sasuke, who has declared his intention to destroy Konoha and kill all his former friends. Sasuke reveals that he has learned the truth about Itachi, his older brother who massacred their clan and spared Sasuke’s life. Sasuke says that Itachi was a loyal shinobi who sacrificed everything for the sake of Konoha, and that he died by Sasuke’s hand as part of a plan orchestrated by the elders of the village. Sasuke blames Konoha for turning Itachi into a murderer and a traitor, and vows to avenge him by erasing Konoha from existence.

Naruto refuses to accept Sasuke’s twisted logic, and reminds him of their friendship and their promise to bring back Sasuke to the village. Naruto says that he understands Sasuke’s pain and loneliness, as he also grew up without a family. Naruto says that he considers Sasuke as his brother, and that he will not let him go down the path of darkness. Naruto declares that he will stop Sasuke by any means necessary, even if it means killing him.

The two then clash with their signature techniques, Rasengan and Chidori, creating a massive explosion that shakes the bridge. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, as the outcome of the battle is unknown.

The next episode, Naruto Shippuden Episode 216, reveals the aftermath of the battle between Naruto and Sasuke. The two are both severely injured and exhausted, lying on the ground. Sasuke is about to finish off Naruto with his sword, but he hesitates when he sees Naruto’s eyes. Naruto tells Sasuke that he will not give up on him, and that he will always be his friend. Sasuke is moved by Naruto’s words, but he still decides to kill him, saying that he has to sever their bond in order to achieve his goal.

However, before Sasuke can deliver the final blow, he is stopped by Kakashi, Naruto’s teacher and Sasuke’s former mentor. Kakashi arrives on the scene with Sakura, Naruto’s teammate and Sasuke’s childhood crush. Kakashi tells Sasuke that he has gone too far, and that he will not let him harm Naruto or Konoha. Kakashi prepares to fight Sasuke, while Sakura heals Naruto’s wounds. Sakura also tries to confess her feelings to Naruto, but she is interrupted by a mysterious figure who appears behind them.

The figure is revealed to be Madara Uchiha, the leader of Akatsuki and the mastermind behind the events that led to Itachi’s death. Madara tells Naruto and Sakura that he is the one who told Sasuke the truth about Itachi, and that he has been manipulating Sasuke for his own agenda. Madara says that he plans to use Sasuke as a pawn in his scheme to create a new world order with his ultimate weapon, the Moon’s Eye Plan. Madara then teleports Sasuke away from the bridge, leaving Naruto and Kakashi in shock.