When does Naruto learn Rasengan?

Apart from the Shadow Clone Jutsu, the Rasengan is one of Naruto’s most iconic Jutsu. This jutsu was invented by the Fourth Hokage, who would teach it to his master Jiraiya. Jiraiya would then teach this Jutsu to Naruto Uzumaki.

Naruto starts learning the Rasengan from his teacher Jiraiya from Episode 86 of the Naruto Series. He masters the Rasengan 9 episodes later, in Episode 94, completing his training of the Rasengan.

Episode Details

Episode Number	86
Episode Name	A New Training Begins: I Will Be Strong!
Series	Naruto

Summary of the Episode

This episode comes right after Sasuke was defeated by Itachi, the same episode where the meme with Itachi holding Sasuke by his neck originated. Might Guy had just arrived to save them and Jiraiya would discuss bringing Tsunade back to the village.

In this episode, Guy tells Jiraiya to bring Tsunade back as soon as possible. Naruto says with determination that they would find Tsunade, which impresses Guy, leading to him giving Naruto his iconic green jumpsuit.

The two leave to find Tsunade. Since this was the first time he had heard of her, Naruto enquires about her to Jiraiya. Jiraiya tells him about how Tsunade was one of the Legendary Sannin like him and how she was a gambling addict now.

The episode then shows Tsunade entering a casino. The head gambler is excited to see her as he knew about her reputation as a poor gambler. She goes all in on gambling, which excites him even more as he knew that she was about to lose.

Meanwhile, Naruto is showing Jiraiya the amount of money he had saved up. Jiraiya confiscates it, stating how bad it was for a child to have so much money. Jiraiya allows a bit of ration to Naruto and keeps the rest for himself. Naruto enjoys himself at the town festival and finally gets some food for himself and Jiraiya with the last bit of money that he had.

Naruto then sees Jiraiya enjoying alcohol with two women in a room. Naruto realises that Jiraiya had spent all of his money there and lashes out at him. In the process, Naruto accidentally stains a stranger’s coat, ruining it. The strangers become hostile; Jiraiya then takes over and tells Naruto to watch. He creates a blue sphere in his hand and hits the man in the stomach, sending him flying.

The man realises who Jiraiya was. He fearfully hands him his wallet and escapes. Jiraiya uses this money to pay for the damages, and with the rest of the money, he buys balloons and water balloons.

The episode ends with Jiraiya giving instructions to Naruto on how to develop this technique. He wants Naruto to spin the water inside the balloon using only Chakra. He tells Naruto to take reference from climbing trees and walking on water.

Episode Highlight

Jiraiya decides to show off the Jutsu that he is about to teach his student, Naruto. He sticks his palm out and slowly gathers a rotating Chakra in his hand. After it is fully formed, he uses it on the opponent in front of him, sending him rotating and flying.

This was the first ever instance the Rasengan was shown in the anime. It is so strong that it is enough to break the ground and send a whole man flying. It also inspires Naruto to want to learn it.

FAQs about Rasengan

Q. When was Rasengan invented?

A. Rasengan was invented by Minato Namikaze. He learns it over the course of three years, after witnessing the Tailed Beast Bomb.

Q. What does Rasengan mean in English?

A. The literal translation of the word is ‘Spiralling Sphere’. It is also known as Spiral Chakra Sphere. However, even in the English anime, it is referred to as Rasengan.

Q.Can Rasengan be copied?

A. No. The Rasengan can not be copied because it is not a jutsu that is created using hand signs, but rather a jutsu that is cast from the pure manifestation of Chakra. A technique like this can not be copied, as it requires hard work to learn. However, it has been seen that it is possible for scientific ninja tools to emulate a Rasengan.