A new arc is brewing in "Naruto Shippuden," which will come after the upcoming episode, the final segment of Shikamaru's arc.

"Naruto Shippuden" episode 493, titled "A Cloud Drifting in the Silent Dark, Part 5: Dawn," will be the last episode in the present arc. A big final battle between Shikamaru and Gengo will happen in the episode. The former, however, will need the help of his team to put an end on Gengo and his goons. It is up to them to end Gengo and warn the rest of the Hidden villages about the ninjas set out to conquer them.

As for the upcoming episodes of the hit anime, Sakura, Kakashi, Konohamaru, Orochimaru, Shizune, TenTen, and Rock Lee are expected to appear, as teased in a few leaked photos.

Little is known about the arc, but reports say that it will be based on the epilogue book series "Hidden Leaf Village Story: The Perfect Day for a Wedding," which is about Naruto and Hinata's wedding.

Aside from the wedding, the arc shows how so much has changed in Konoha since the entire ninja world was threatened by Uchiha Madara. It features how they have rebuilt their village, and how everyone has improved and went on with life. Since the well-loved characters of the show are no longer teenagers, they have scaled up the ranks and are already busy. And during this special day, it is up to Hokage Kakashi to make sure that everyone special to Hinata and Naruto shows up at their wedding.

Furthermore, the ninjas will make a challenge out of gift-giving. Everyone will strive to get the best present for the newlyweds. In the process, Sakura will once again butt heads with her friend and longtime rival Ino.

"Hidden Leaf Village Story: The Perfect Day for a Wedding" will be the arc in the epilogue series. The fate of the hit anime seems to be unclear, but, most likely, a new generation of ninjas will be taking over. Naruto's son, Boruto, is expected to be the new protagonist of a new series.

"Naruto Shippuden" episode 493, "A Cloud Drifting in the Silent Dark Part 5: Dawn," airs Thursday, Feb. 9, on TV Tokyo.