Naruto Episode 135 -

A major portion of the episode focuses on the medical status of the Sasuke Recovery Team. The high stakes of the mission are laid bare as we see the near-fatal injuries sustained by the young ninja:

: Briefly, the episode hints at the looming threat of the Akatsuki, who are beginning their preparations to capture the Tailed Beasts. Final Status in Episode 135 Naruto Uzumaki Recovering in hospital; vows to get stronger under Jiraiya. Sasuke Uchiha Reaches Orochimaru's lair; fully defects from the Leaf. Sakura Haruno Decides to train as a medical ninja under Tsunade. Shikamaru Nara Naruto Episode 135

Accepts his role as a leader; learns that failure is a part of growth. A major portion of the episode focuses on

: It concludes the "Sasuke Recovery Mission" arc, which was the final manga-based storyline of the original series. Sasuke Uchiha Reaches Orochimaru's lair; fully defects from

The episode begins in the somber quiet following the explosive battle between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. While Naruto lies unconscious in the rain, Sasuke stands over him, having barely emerged victorious. In a moment of significant character development, Sasuke chooses not to kill Naruto to obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan, rejecting the path his brother Itachi laid out for him. Instead, he departs for Orochimaru’s lair, severing his ties to the Hidden Leaf Village. This decision solidifies Sasuke as a rogue ninja and sets the stage for his descent into darkness over the next several years. The Cost of the Mission

Explain why the are considered "filler."