As the present world falls silent, the episode shifts into a long-awaited flashback arc adapted from the Itachi Shinden novels. This segment, titled "Birth and Death," explores the formative years of Itachi Uchiha. Key highlights of this backstory include:
We see Itachi’s relationship with his father, Fugaku, and his introduction to the philosophy of the Uchiha clan. Naruto Shippuden Episode 451
Critics at Anime News Network noted that while the transition back to a flashback arc during the war’s climax felt abrupt, the quality of Itachi's story quickly justifies the detour. Birth and Death - Naruto Shippuden Episode 451 Reaction As the present world falls silent, the episode
While technically classified as a filler arc because it is not adapted from the original manga chapters, many fans consider the Itachi Shinden arc (Episodes 451–458) essential viewing. It provides critical psychological depth to Itachi, explaining the motivations behind his future actions that shaped the entire Naruto universe. Critics at Anime News Network noted that while
Naruto Shippuden Episode 451: Itachi’s Story ~ Light and Darkness: Birth and Death