'Naruto Shippuden' episode 476 air date, spoilers: Upcoming episode will be anime's last?

The upcoming "Naruto Shippuden" episode 476 is highly anticipated not only because it is expected to feature Naruto and Sasuke's final battle but also because the episode is said to be the final installment in the popular anime series.

According to various outlets, episode 476 will be the last episode in the anime adaptation of the "Naruto" manga series by Masashi Kishimoto. Making its debut on TV Tokyo in February 2007, "Naruto Shippuden" has had a long and successful run.

After episode 476, titled "The Final Battle - Part 1," two more episodes are listed for "Naruto Shippuden." This includes episode 477, titled "The Final Battle - Part 2," and episode 478, titled "The Seal of Reconciliation." These episodes are scheduled to air on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, respectively.

Nonetheless, recent reports indicate that episode 476 will cover the remaining installments of the series. Reports say that "Naruto Shippuden" episode 476 would adapt the final seven chapters of the "Naruto" manga, specifically chapters 694 to 700.

But can all the different story arcs be crammed into the limited time frame of a single episode?

According to a source, fans are contesting this notion, saying that so much happens in those final seven chapters that it may not be a good idea to stuff everything in a single episode just for the sake of making episode 476 the series finale.

Given that episode 477 is listed as airing on the same day as episode 476, it can perhaps be assumed that the finale is divided into two back-to-back episodes. This would give the anime more air time to cover all seven chapters and all of its different plot points.

Despite how "Naruto Shippuden" ends its run, fans are on the edge of their seats waiting to see how Naruto and Sasuke's climactic battle plays out on television.

The BitBag notes that the final installment will be an hour-long event. It would reportedly feature the speech Naruto makes that changes Sasuke's outlook on things.

"Naruto Shippuden" episode 476 airs Thursday, Sept. 29.