'Naruto Shippuden' episode 488 spoilers: Sasuke battles against Chino

"Naruto Shippuden" episode 488, titled "Sasuke's Story: Sunrise, Part 5: The Last Man Standing," is set to conclude Sasuke's arc of atonement. Fans may finally see the much-awaited battle between Chino and Sasuke after the anime tooka two-week hiatus. Episode 488 will show the characters arguing about why Sasuke defended Konoha. Chino is displeased about Sasuke's decision and the two will likely end up in an exciting battle.

Sasuke and Chino are incredibly powerful. Both of them have the ablity to mix elemental chakras. Another similarity that they share is that both of them are the last of their clans.

Several fans have looked forward to see a fight between the two characters in the last episode. Since "Naruto Shippuden" episode 487 has seen no battle between the two, fans have high hopes that the highly anticipated fight will finally happen in the upcoming episode.

Episode 487 followed the journey of Sasuke as he unravelled the mystery behind the detonating man. Later in his journey, he encountered Fuushin. Sasuke defeated Fuushin while a huge secret about Chino has been revealed.

Sasuke headed to the Hell Valley and there he found Chino. It was revealed that the latter had limited memories about her past. Her earliest memory is the time when she was with with En Oyashiro. That was specifically when she was training to be a shinobi.

Anime News Network noted that Chino realised her ability to cause the ones under her jutsu spell to explode. She will ask Sasuke as to why he would want to defend the leaf in episode 488 and the latter will explain that it is because of his friend, Naruto.

Meanwhile, Saiyan Island reported that the "Naruto Shippuden" anime will shift focus to a story on Shikamaru after chapter 699 of the manga series. According to the site, the shift will be effective starting January 12.

The story on Shikamaru is inspired by the Japanese book titled "Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness." Fans in the United States and Australia will be delighted to learn that the book was translated in English.

"Naruto Shippuden" episode 488 is slated to air on Jan 5. Air date in Australia, however, is yet to be officially announced.