'Naruto Shippuden' episode 478 spoilers: Naruto vs. Sasuke epic battle sets the stage for series farewell

The promised one-hour epic battle between Naruto and Sasuke has finally happened, but does this really mean the end for the long-running anime series?

It seems that "Naruto Shippuden" is about to take its final bows after almost a decade on air. Having finally concluded the highly anticipated match on Valley of the End, all that's left for the series to do is pick up the pieces and set its characters on the right path toward their future story arcs.

The back-to-back episodes 476 and 477 respectively titled, "The Final Battle," and "Naruto and Sasuke," saw the two members of Team 7 battle it out in a clash of principles and differing beliefs rather than a hatred for each other.

They fought in a heart-pounding display of battle skills made more mesmerizing by Studio Pierrot's exemplary job in translating the pages of the manga into one remarkable television experience that filled viewers with awe and nostalgia, according to several fan comments on Reddit's official Naruto Shippuden discussion thread.

The preview for the next episode titled, "The Unison Sign," promises to shed light on the questions left by this week's cliffhanger ending. Who won the fight? Could they both have survived the explosion following their final clash?

According to YIBADA, episode 478 will be based on the manga's 699th chapter titled, "The Seal of Reconciliation," which hints at the two friends finally moving pass their differences to work together for a peaceful shinobi world. Before this, however, they will first have to work together to free the slumbering captives within the Infiite Tsukyuomi — a feat that only the two of them can accomplish. This will presumably provide the avenue for Naruto and Sasuke to reconcile and re-learn the benefits of working as one.

The episode may also see Sasuke leaving on a journey to rebuild himself. A significant development in the Sasuke–Sakura romance can also be expected.

The Seal of Reconciliation also refers to the two hands, one from the statue of Hashirama and the other one from the statue of Madara, which will survive the total destruction of the Valley of the End. These hands will reportedly symbolize Naruto and Sasuke's eventual reconciliation.

The next episode of "Naruto Shippuden" will air on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. JST on TV Tokyo.