When did Naruto Shippuden come out?

The episode starts with a glimpse into the future. Sakura, Naruto, and an unknown person, later identified as Yamato, are in a poorly lit tunneled hallway, checking every door in that hallway, trying to find Sasuke. With the sound of an explosion, they spot a light at the end of the tunnel with a man on the other side, later identified as Sai. Sasuke is waiting for them when they exit the tunnel, standing on high ground. Upon their encounter, Naruto and Sasuke reminisce about their battle at the Valley of the End, and Naruto questions him why he didn’t kill him that day. Sasuke remembers Itachi’s words to him regarding the legendary Mangekyo Sharingan, and how to obtain them. He then reacts to Naruto’s question by stating that he did not want to walk on the same path as Itachi. He spared his life on a whim and nothing else.

Sasuke swiftly comes down, placing one arm around Naruto’s shoulder, surprising everyone with his speed. He then starts mocking Naruto, telling him that the time Naruto spent chasing after Sasuke might have been better spent in training. That might have helped him in fulfilling his dream of becoming Hokage. Sasuke draws his blade and utters the words, “This time my whim is telling me to finish what we started.” Naruto responds and asks what kind of Hokage could he hope to become if he couldn’t even save a friend.

The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox offers Naruto his chakra to help him out but with the condition that Naruto remove the seal, which was confining him completely. Before Naruto has the chance to respond, he gets interrupted by Sasuke. Naruto is taken aback when he sees Sasuke in his sub-consciousness. Sasuke realizes that this was where Naruto gets his monstrous power. The Demon Fox is impressed with Sasuke’s ability to enter Naruto’s subconsciousness with his Sharingan and states that he is the spitting image of Madara Uchiha from the elder days. Sasuke suppresses the Demon Fox’s chakra while claiming that he had never heard of Madara Uchiha.

Back in the present day, Konohamaru and his team are on a D Rank mission, capturing a lost cat. After completing the mission, he asks Lady Tsunade, The Fifth Hokage, to assign them more challenging missions, as they are looking to become the Seventh Hokage. When Lady Tsunade asks why seventh and not sixth, Konohamaru responds saying that spot was taken, and Naruto would get it. After Team Ebisu has left the premise, Tsunade states that Konohamaru may or may not become the Seventh Hokage, but he definitely resembles Naruto. Shizune then reminds her that Jiraiya and Naruto must be returning from their journey soon.

Naruto and Jiraiya enter the village through Konoha’s border gate. The two guards stationed at the gate instantly recognize the two of them. As soon as he gets to the village, Naruto climbs on top of a pole and announces that he has returned. The only change he could notice in the village was Lady Tsunade's face on the Hokage Rock. Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi run into Sakura while she is on her way to run an errand by the front gate as per Lady Tsunade’s instructions. She asks them if they wanted to tag along. The two guards on the gate notify them of Naruto’s arrival. Sakura and Konohamaru rush through the village, finding him on top of a pole. Konohamaru shows off his improved Sexy Jutsu to Naruto, stating that he had managed to get the curves just right. Naruto reacts in a calm and composed manner and advises Konohamaru about such techniques. Sakura thinks to herself that in the past few years, Naruto has matured on the inside as well as with his outside appearance. Naruto then showcases his new and advanced Pervy Ninjutsu. Enraged, Sakura punches Naruto and sends him flying. Witnessing her strength, Jiraiya states that Tsunade has turned Sakura into the second version of herself.

Jiraiya, Naruto, and Sakura head to Hokage’s Office to inform Tsunade about their arrival. Tsunade is glad to see both of them. She tells Naruto that she has an opponent for him to showcase his new skills. She kept him on hold from missions for this sole purpose. Naruto looks at the door, wondering who his opponent might be.

Naruto finally returns to the Hidden Leaf Village after his two-and-half-a-year-long journey with Master Jiraiya. He runs into Sakura and Konohamaru upon his arrival in the village.

The episode starts with a glimpse into the future. Naruto and Sakura are running towards the light at the end of a tunnel. They find Sasuke on the other end of the tunnel.

Q. What does Shippuden mean?

A. The literal meaning of the Japanese word Shippuden would be the Legend of the strong, swift wind. Shippuden is a combination of two Japanese words, Shipu meaning strong and swift wind, and Den, which directly translates to legend or legacy.

Q. When does Naruto return to the Hidden Leaf Village?

A. Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf village after an almost 3-year-long journey with Master Jiraiya. He returns in episode 1 of Naruto Shippuden.