This is a guide to This episode is a somber turning point in the original series, focusing on the aftermath of the Konoha Crush arc and the funeral of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Episode Summary
The anime expands on the,funeral ceremony with more character reactions than the original manga.
This episode heavily emphasizes the "Will of Fire," the concept that the village is a family and that the next generation will always carry on the legacy of the fallen.
Make sure to watch the final scene outside the village for a teaser regarding a major character, setting the stage for future events. The Third Hokage, Forever… | Narutopedia | Fandom
While the episode is focused on the funeral, it follows up on Gaara, who begins to question his existence based on Naruto's words and finds a new path, apologising to his siblings.
Following the bloody conclusion of the invasion, Konoha mourns its losses, specifically Hiruzen Sarutobi, who died smiling after sealing Orochimaru's arms. The village is blanketed in rain, setting a melancholic tone as shinobi and civilians gather to honor their fallen leader.
The core theme of the episode is that while lives end, the ideals (the fire) they left behind continue to burn.