Original Air Date: August 31, 2005

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It is revealed that the bug users who kidnapped Hinata are part of a clan that was an old rival of the Aburame clan. It seeks to recover a scroll using the Bikochu in order to restore its former glory. Hinata’s companions hide the Bikochu and attempt to rescue her, but are lured into a trap. Hinata attempts to escape, but is swept down a river while stuck in a cocoon.

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Original Air Date: August 24, 2005

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The original members of Team 8 realize that they are being followed by hostile bug-users, but decide not to engage them or tell Naruto about the enemy’s presence, for fear of endangering the Bikochu. Hinata begins to worry that she is hindering her group, but eventually manages to locate the Bikochu with her Byakugan, allowing Naruto to capture it. Before Team 8 can leave the forest, however, Hinata is attacked and abducted by the bug users, who demand the Bikochu in return for her safety.

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Original Air Date: August 10, 2005

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Naruto, Iruka, and Pakkun meet up with Mizuki’s fiancée Tsubaki, and she has come to offer help to the three, feeling responsible for not having stopped him earlier. Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji are having trouble holding the two brothers off, and they know that they can’t defeat them, so they are stalling for time. Meanwhile, Tsunade discovers a startling secret about Mizuki and Orochimaru, and leaves to intervene. Naruto, Iruka, Pakkun, and Tsubaki finally reach Mizuki, but it’s too late, he’s already completed the formula he was making. Now that he’s drank it, he turns into a new monstrous form. And, Naruto has recognized Mizuki’s transformation as one nearly identical to that of Orochimaru’s cursed seal.

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Original Air Date: July 27, 2005

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Team 10 tells Naruto that they will take care of the brothers, and use their combined skills to immobilize them. Naruto leaves to catch up to Iruka, who is fighting Mizuki in a building used to test academy instructors. It is revealed that Iruka and Mizuki are childhood friends, although Mizuki only hoped to get close to the Hokage. Mizuki reveals that he has become stronger and learned new techniques while in prison, and destroys the building they are in.

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Original Air Date: July 20, 2005

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Naruto is having trouble with the two brothers, and Iruka is having his share of difficulties with Mizuki. Iruka struggles to try and get the old Mizuki back, but Mizuki explains the only reason he was ever nice to Iruka was because he wanted to be the Hokage’s favorite too. He wanted Iruka to be miserable, and not to have everyone else be so kind to Iruka and not himself. Iruka and Mizuki then prepare to fight again. Meanwhile, after many shadow clone attacks, Naruto finally has a chance to use Rasengan. The brothers accidentally destroy their lunch and make Naruto’s attack hit his doppelgangers. As they prepare to kill him, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino come to the rescue.

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Original Air Date: July 13, 2005

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Shizune and her team encounter Mizuki, but all of them are defeated. When Tonton comes back to warn Tsunade, Naruto takes the initiative to find Shizune with Tonton’s help. Kakashi arrives and finds out the situation. Unfortunately, he has another mission. So, he summons Pakkun who will guide Iruka to Naruto. Iruka eventually catches up to Naruto and Pakkun sends Tonton back to the village. Pakkun leads them and they soon find Shizune. They chase after Mizuki, when they soon fall into a trap. Iruka reveals that Shizune is not Shizune, but actually Mizuki. Mizuki attacks Iruka while Naruto deals with Fujin and Raijin. Naruto soon finds that his attacks are ineffective.

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Original Air Date: July 6, 2005

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With the events of the Rice Field Country behind them, everyone prepares for their training. But, a new threat soon arises. Mizuki is back, and he’s planning to break out of Konoha’s Correctional Facility along with the help of Fujin and Raijin, the Legendary Stupid Brothers (changed to the Legendary Idiot Brothers in the dub). However, this time Orochimaru may be pulling the strings. Asuma and Kurenai are sent to interrogate Mizuki, but they run into trouble on the way. Naruto shows up and find the two jonin injured and defeated.

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Original Air Date: June 29, 2005

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Naruto takes on Arashi, but gets trapped easily. Sakura thinks he’s dead and Naruto ends up blowing his sneak attack cover to protect her. Naruto tries his attack again, but his injury causes a problem. Naruto gets trapped in an attack that will crush him if he doesn’t get out. Sasame attacks Arashi and manages to set him free for a second. However, it doesn’t last long and he soon tries to kill Sasame. Sakura jumps in the way and says she will give her life to protect her friends. Naruto tells her she can’t die and Arashi tries to finish Naruto off. Sasame causes enough of a distraction for Naruto to break free. The attack caused by Naruto frees Arashi, and Arashi protects Sasame. The place begins to collapse and Jiraiya arrives. Arashi throws them out and tells them he can’t leave since he is a puppet. He tells Naruto that Sasuke is alive and they all leave, leaving Arashi behind. The Fuma Clan promises to rebuild their town and everyone heads back to Konoha. Considering herself to have been of little use, Sakura asks to become Tsunade’s pupil and learn to become a medical ninja.

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Original Air Date: June 22, 2005

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Naruto arrives in the nick of time to save Sakura, but not before Kabuto tells her that Sasuke is dead. Naruto tells her not to believe him and a battle ensues. Naruto defeats him with the Rasengan, but Kabuto traps him in some chakra threads that connect their hearts; if Kabuto’s stops, so will Naruto’s. As Kabuto attempts to kill himself to end Naruto’s life, Sakura tries to free him. Sasame arrives and saves Naruto, only to find out that the Kabuto they fought is actually Kagerou, who dies suggesting that Sasame should not know what Arashi has become. They finally find Arashi, who has been disguised as Orochimaru, who reveals that he has indeed changed.

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Original Air Date: June 15, 2005

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Sasame leads Naruto, Jiraiya, and Sakura to Orochimaru’s hideout. They send Sasame back to the village because of the danger level. Jiraiya summons Gamakichi to go in first and investigate. The four come to three tunnels. Jiraiya goes off to the right, Naruto and Sakura down the middle and Gamakichi down the left. As Sakura enters a large vacant room she battles Kabuto and Orochimaru, who already have the upper hand.

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Original Air Date: June 8, 2005

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When Sasame drugs Naruto, Sakura and Jiraiya, she prepares to let them be given to Orochimaru in order for her to be led to Arashi. But, when she discovers that they were planning to be killed, she begs the ones about to do so to stop. Naruto reveals that he and the others faked being put to sleep, and attack. Kagerou attacks Naruto and Jiraiya with a powerful technique that shortens her life, then escapes with Jigumo and Kamikiri. When Jigumo and Kamikiri discover that they were being used by Orochimaru, they attack him, but are apparently killed.

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Original Air Date: June 1, 2005

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Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya end up in a town that is worse than the one out of which they were chased. Jiraiya heads off and leaves Naruto and Sakura to get food. Along the way, they find the female ninja that attacked them before. Because the ninja is injured, Naruto and Sakura fight some Sound ninja to save her. They then learn that her name is Sasame, and that she is looking for her cousin Arashi, who went with several members of their clan to join Orochimaru to revive the clan.

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Original Air Date: May 25, 2005

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Jiraiya begins to worry about Naruto and Sakura’s well-being. He then requests that Tsunade send the two on a mission with him. He finds Naruto telling Sakura he is not going to stop her from going after Sasuke, but he is going with her, and tells them about the mission. They head off to the Land of Rice Fields to find the Hidden Sound Village, and hopefully Sasuke as well.

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Original Air Date: May 18, 2005

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The retrieval team is brought back to Konoha where, despite the severity of their injuries, all fully recover. When Naruto comes to, he apologizes to Sakura for not living up to his promise and bringing Sasuke back. However, she says that he’ll do it someday, going on to say that when that day comes, they’ll do it together. Jiraiya offers Naruto a chance to leave with him for three years to train. Naruto accepts, and Jiraiya tells him they’ll leave whenever he’s ready. Elsewhere, Sasuke arrives at Orochimaru’s lair where he soon proves himself worthy of Orochimaru’s guidance. Meanwhile, Akatsuki assembles, ready to start their mission three years from now.

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Original Air Date: May 11, 2005

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With Naruto and Sasuke at their peaks of power, the two prepare their final attacks. Naruto creates a demon fox-fueled Rasengan, and Sasuke readies a cursed seal-powered Chidori. Their attacks ready, they fly at each other and their attacks clash, creating a dome of explosive energy around them. Within the dome, the two deal final blows. Sasuke moves his hand at the last moment, from attacking Naruto’s neck to dealing a nonfatal blow. Naruto scratches Sasuke’s forehead protector, proving wrong Sasuke’s earlier claim that Naruto couldn’t even scratch his forehead. As the dome disperses, Sasuke stands over a defeated Naruto. Refusing to follow the same path as his brother and also remembering what Naruto means to him, Sasuke decides to gain power his own way, and heads to Orochimaru. As Kakashi carries Naruto away, a mysterious member of the Akatsuki appears from the ground.

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Original Air Date: May 4, 2005

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Naruto’s newfound power overwhelms Sasuke, and his attempts at fighting Naruto off prove ineffective. It is not until his Sharingan fully develops that he is able to use his taijutsu to fend off Naruto, as well as a multitude of clones, and land a devastating blow. Needing more strength to fight, Naruto calls upon even more of the demon fox’s chakra, which surrounds him and gives him the appearance of a one-tailed fox. This shroud acts as a shield, and Sasuke’s attacks are quickly dispersed before reaching Naruto; the tangible chakra also acts as a potent weapon, negating the Sharingan’s prediction abilities and allowing Naruto to attack from afar by extending the chakra into a claw-like attack. As the demon fox-form continues its onslaught, Sasuke is put on the defensive, forcing him to advance his cursed seal to its final level to compensate.

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Original Air Date: April 27, 2005

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Kakashi learns of Sasuke’s defection and immediately goes after him. Meanwhile, believing Naruto to be his closest friend, Sasuke prepares to kill him, finding the loss of Naruto to be an acceptable price for the Mangekyo Sharingan. Naruto’s Rasengan and Sasuke’s Chidori clash, though neither is capable of overpowering the other. Activating his cursed seal in order to gain the upper hand, Sasuke uses his Chidori to pierce through Naruto, just missing his heart. While Sasuke thinks the battle to be won, the demon fox’s chakra begins to envelop Naruto and the wound Sasuke inflicted starts to heal. Infused with the demon fox’s strength and now willing to break Sasuke’s body in order to bring him home, Naruto attacks.

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Original Air Date: April 20, 2005

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As Sasuke’s remembrance of his childhood draws to a close, Sasuke returned home from the Academy one day to find all the members of the Uchiha clan murdered. Upon finding his parents’ bodies, Sasuke discovered Itachi to be responsible for the massacre. Using his Mangekyo Sharingan, Itachi showed Sasuke their parents’ deaths, causing Sasuke to run with fright. Itachi stopped him, telling him that he wasn’t worth killing. As Itachi left, he informed Sasuke that if he wanted to take revenge for the clan, he would need to get stronger. To help Sasuke gain the strongest ability of the Uchiha, Itachi tells Sasuke the requirements to obtain his own Mangekyo Sharingan: He must kill his closest friend. With that, Itachi left, leaving Sasuke to build a hate for his brother. Resolving to get stronger, Sasuke decided he would do whatever was necessary to kill Itachi. Returning to the present day, Sasuke and Naruto’s fight truly begins.

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Original Air Date: April 13, 2005

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Sasuke and Naruto’s fight progresses slowly as Sasuke continues to remember his childhood. In his memories, Sasuke learns the Fire Ball jutsu, but then feels the need to confirm everything else is okay, also. After doing this, in his own mind, he heads to school and decides that he will not lose to Itachi. In the present time, he tells Naruto that he will kill him (Naruto) because Naruto is his best friend. Naruto doesn’t understand, but agrees with himself that he’ll bring Sasuke back even if he has to break every bone in his body. They begin to fight again.

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Original Air Date: April 6, 2005

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Naruto rises from the flames unharmed, and Sasuke begins to remember his childhood and his reasons for becoming obsessed with power. Sasuke’s childhood was spent living in his brother, Itachi’s, shadow. Being the prodigy of the clan, Itachi received all the attention from their father, leaving Sasuke to live his life trying to earn his father’s recognition. Itachi, aware of Sasuke’s efforts, did what he could to redirect some of their father’s attention to Sasuke, but saw little success. In time, the members of the Uchiha clan began to suspect Itachi of being a murderer, and Itachi started openly attacking and disrespecting the clan.

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Translated Episode Name: Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance
Romanji Episode Name:Shūnen no ichigeki Sawarabi no Mai
Kanji Episode Name: 執念の一撃！早蕨の舞

Episode 128

Translated Episode Name: A Cry on Deaf Ears
Romanji Episode Name: Todokanai sakebi
Kanji Episode Name: 届かない叫び

Original Air Date: March 30, 2005

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Episode 127

Recognizing the potency of Gaara’s attack and the strength of his defenses, Kimimaro hardens a bone around his arm into the shape of a drill. With this, his strongest weapon, Kimimaro charges at Gaara, though Gaara’s final defense proves too much and it shatters. Calling upon the sand in the ground, Gaara pulls Kimimaro deep underground, confining him there until his eventual death. As Kimimaro sinks, he creates a forest of bones to burst from the ground, which Gaara is able to help Lee avoid at the last second. As the two sit, completely exhausted but relieved to have won, Kimimaro appears from one of the bones with his bone drill for a final attack. His disease gets the best of him at the last second, and he dies before he can finish Gaara and Lee. Elsewhere, Naruto has caught up to Sasuke.

Episode 128

Naruto asks Sasuke if he is willing to turn his back on all of his friends in Konoha for the simple matter of getting stronger. Sasuke says yes and starts to walk away, enraging Naruto. Determined to bring Sasuke back to his senses and to Konoha, Naruto grabs hold of him and starts to punch him. He makes Sasuke spit out blood with every punch, then Sasuke rallies and easily repels Naruto. After creating some shadow clones, Naruto tries using force again, but Sasuke scorches the copies with a burst of fire.

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Original Air Date: March 16, 2005

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Lee, wanting help, tries to bypass Gaara and attack Kimimaro. Because Lee is still recovering from his operation, Gaara forces him to sit. Using his sand, Gaara tries to crush Kimimaro, though by activating his cursed seal Kimimaro survives the attack. Calling upon a greater amount of sand, Gaara tries to bury Kimimaro, though advancing his cursed seal to level 2 allows Kimimaro to survive and escape this as well.

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Original Air Date: March 9, 2005

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The arrival of the Sand ninja surprises the Konoha retrieval team and the Sound Four. Although the Konoha ninja ask their saviors to flee, each refuses, having been asked to come to help by Tsunade. Even receded from their cursed-seal state, Ukon taunts Kankuro, his new Kuroari puppet and Kiba, but Kankuro is soon able to trap both Ukon and Sakon in Kuroari and kills them with Karasu. With Temari’s arrival, Tayuya escapes to the surrounding trees for cover, though Temari’s fan cuts through the forest, eliminating Tayuya with ease.

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Original Air Date: March 2, 2005

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In his drunken form, Lee’s movements are unpredictable and Kimimaro is left unable to dodge his attacks. As Lee begins gaining the advantage in the fight, Kimimaro is forced to use his more powerful abilities. Lee, however, begins to sober up, and reverts to his previous state, easily being outclassed by Kimimaro. Kimimaro prepares to finish Lee off, Tayuya starts fighting Shikamaru’s shadow, and Sakon and Ukon find Kiba and Akamaru. Before any of the Sound Four members can attack the Konoha ninja, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro arrive at each battle site to take care of the Sound Four members themselves.

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Original Air Date: February 23, 2005

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As Naruto starts getting frustrated with his lack of progress, Sasuke’s cursed seal finally reaches it second level, allowing him to exit his coffin and go on ahead. Kimimaro prevents Naruto from going after him, though the arrival of the newly recovered Rock Lee forces him to let Naruto go. Lee and Kimimaro begin exchanging blows, though Kimimaro’s unique control over his bones makes things difficult for Lee. Soon after the fight begins, Lee asks for a timeout so that he can take his medicine. Kimimaro agrees, and Lee drinks the contents of his medicine bottle. Because Lee grabbed sake (elixir in the english dub) instead of medicine when he set out to help the retrieval team, Lee is immediately intoxicated, and attacks Kimimaro in a drunken (loopy) frenzy.

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Original Air Date: February 16, 2005

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Despite Tayuya’s efforts, Shikamaru has devised a plan to defeat her creatures. Using a flash bang to lengthen the shadows in the area, Shikamaru captures the creatures and prepares to turn them against Tayuya. To prevent this, Tayuya calls off the creatures, making them disperse. Despite this, Tayuya is captured by Shikamaru’s shadow, forcing her to advance her seal to its second state to escape. With Tayuya now strong enough to overpower his shadow, Shikamaru decides instead to use his shadow for attack, and attempts to use his shadow to strangle her.

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Original Air Date: February 9, 2005

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Ukon separates from Kiba and rejoins with Sakon so that he can recover. Kiba finds Akamaru, and the two flee down river, hoping to escape the brothers. Naruto, meanwhile, is unable to make a dent in Kimimaro, and his shadow clones are still rapidly defeated before they can land a blow. Shikamaru, elsewhere, believes to have picked up on the movements of Tayuya’s creatures, though she quickly has them switch actions before Shikamaru can act.

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Original Air Date: February 2, 2005

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As Tayuya guides her three beasts after Shikamaru, she activates the first level of her cursed seal to make controlling them easier. Naruto too begins his battle, creating a great deal of shadow clones with which to attack Kimimaro, though Kimimaro is able to defeat the clones by the dozens. As the fight between Kiba and Akamaru vs. Sakon and Ukon rages on, Ukon pushes his cursed seal into its second level. Recognizing the huge increase in strength that this allows the brothers, Kiba and Akamaru combine to become a giant double-headed wolf. The combined beast charges towards Sakon and Ukon, though the brothers are able to block the attack. As the wolf transformation disperses, Akamaru is attacked and left heavily injured, and Ukon merges himself with Kiba’s body. Needing to get rid of Ukon to save Akamaru, Kiba stabs himself in the stomach, causing him and Ukon to start coughing up blood.

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Original Air Date: January 19, 2005

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Soon after the battle begins, Kiba and his dog, Akamaru, fall off a cliff with Sakon. Shikamaru engages Tayuya while Naruto goes after Kimimaro Kaguya, who is carrying Sasuke’s coffin. Desperate to get Sasuke back, Naruto begins tapping into the demon fox’s chakra to engage Kimimaro. As the battle between Shikamaru and Tayuya begins, Tayuya summons three creatures to help her in combat. With Kiba and Sakon’s battle already underway elsewhere, Sakon’s brother, Ukon reveals himself to help Sakon fight.

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Original Air Date: January 12, 2005

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Orochimaru, his body left useless after his failed invasion of Konoha, anxiously waits for Sasuke so that he can switch to Sasuke’s body. Although he puts it off for as long as he can, hoping that the Sound Four will arrive in time, his body brings him too much pain and he is forced to switch to the body of one of his prisoners. Elsewhere, the retrieval team catches up with the Sound Four and engages them in battle.

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Translated Episode Name: 360 Degrees of Vision: The Byakugan’s Blind Spot!
Romanji Episode Name: Shikai sanbyaku rokujū do, Byakugan no shikaku
Kanji Episode Name: 視界360度　白眼の死角

Epsidoe 117

Translated Episode Name: Losing is Not an Option!
Romanji Episode Name: Makerarenai riyū
Kanji Episode Name: 負けられない理由

Original Air Date: January 5, 2005

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Episode 116

Kidomaru manages to shield himself from the attack, and flees to the safety of the neighboring trees. Deciding to attack Neji from a distance, Kidomaru advances his seal to its first level and sends multiple spiders to attack Neji. Neji is able to repel them all, though Kidomaru notices a delayed reaction in some of Neji’s blocks. He theorizes that Neji’s defenses has a blind spot, and attacks him further from this blind spot. His theory is proven correct as Neji is unable to block the attack. Believing himself to have found Neji’s weakness, Kidomaru prepares to finish the battle.

Episode 117

After advancing his cursed seal to its second state and creating a bow and arrow with his webs, Kidomaru begins taking shots at Neji’s blind spot. Neji is able to block the attacks enough to keep them from hitting vital areas, though is still left heavily damaged with each of Kidomaru’s attacks. Ready to finish the battle, Kidomaru prepares his most deadly arrow for use, and fires it at Neji. Neji takes the arrow full force, though already knowing of his blind spot moves at the last second to keep the arrow from piercing his heart. With Kidomaru’s arrow connected to him by a web, Neji sends his chakra into the web, paralyzing Kidomaru. As Kidomaru lies helpless, Neji approaches him and deals a finishing blow. His injuries too severe, Neji collapses, leaving the retrieval of Sasuke up to the others.

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Original Air Date: December 22, 2004

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When the retrieval team catches up with the Sound Four, they are quickly caught in Kidomaru’s webs. As Kidomaru is about to finish off Naruto, Neji frees himself from the webbings and saves the rest of the team. Because only his Gentle Fist style can break Kidomaru’s chakra-infused webbing, Neji decides to deal with him himself, instructs the others to go on without him, and begins to fight Kidomaru. Although Kidomaru soon believes himself to have the advantage, Neji readies his Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms to prove him wrong.

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Original Air Date: December 15, 2004

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With the second pill in his system, Choji uses the Multi-Size Technique to dramatically increase his size and fall upon Jirobo. To escape the crushing effects of Choji’s increased bulk, Jirobo advances to level 2 of his cursed seal, enabling him to lift Choji and toss him aside. Outmatched, Choji considers taking the last pill. While all of the pills he has taken thus far have been harmful to him, the third almost guarantees death to the user. Faced with death either way, Choji takes the pill, allowing him to easily overpower and kill Jirobo. His battle won, Choji begins to follow his friends’ path, though falls unconscious before making it very far.

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Original Air Date: December 8, 2004

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Freed, Choji volunteers to stay behind and deal with Jirobo to give the rest of the team a chance to catch up to the other Sound Four members. As the team goes on, Choji eats the first of the Akimichi’s Three Colored Pills, increasing his strength. Doing so proves enough to overpower Jirobo, forcing him to advance his cursed seal to its first level. With Jirobo now having the upper hand, Choji takes the second Akimichi pill.

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Original Air Date: December 1, 2004

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Although the Sound Four’s attack seems to force the retrieval team on the defensive, Shikamaru intended to be caught and uses the opportunity to capture the Sound Four with his shadow. They manage to escape, and Jirobo captures the retrieval team in a dome of rocks. As the other Sound Four members go on ahead, Jirobo absorbs the Konoha ninja’s chakra. Before their chakra is completely absorbed, Choji manages to break out of the dome, freeing the team.

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Episode 111
Translated Episode Name: Sound vs. Leaf
Romanji Episode Name: Sesshoku ~Oto Yonin Shū no jitsuryoku~
Kanji Episode Name: 接触～音四人衆の実力～

Original Air Date: November 24, 2004

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Episode 110

When Sakura awakens, she informs Tsunade of Sasuke’s defection. Unable to send higher ranking ninja after Sasuke, Tsunade orders Shikamaru Nara to assemble a team of genin under his lead to go after Sasuke. He selects Naruto, Neji Hyuga, Choji Akimichi, and Kiba Inuzuka, and quickly devises the optimal formation for the group. Before they leave, Sakura pleads to Naruto to make sure to bring Sasuke back. Naruto promises to do so, and the group sets out.

Episode 111

As the first step in gaining power, Sasuke’s cursed seal must be advanced to its second state. For this to happen, the Sound Four seals Sasuke into a barrel and carry him from Konoha as his seal advances. They are confronted by two nearby Konoha ninja, Raido Namiashi and Genma Shiranui, but eventually defeat them thanks to their cursed seals. After carrying Sasuke for a ways, the Sound Four takes a break, giving the recently caught up retrieval team a chance to try a sneak attack. Their presence is detected, and the Sound Four attacks them before they can make a move.

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Original Air Date: November 17, 2004

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Sasuke briefly does battle with the Sound Four members, though they quickly gain the upper hand. After they explain that they were once on Sasuke’s level though got stronger once joining Orochimaru, they extend an invitation to Sasuke to accompany them to Orochimaru’s lair. After doing so, they leave, allowing Sasuke to consider the matter. The appeal of gaining strength is too much to turn down, and Sasuke makes his way for Konoha’s exit. On his way, he meets Sakura, who realizes that Sasuke is about to turn his back on the village. She pleads with him to stay, telling him how much she loves him, even offering to help him with his revenge. Unfortunately, she is unable to convince him. Sasuke’s cryptic last words before swiftly knocking her out and departing are “Sakura…thank you”. Sasuke then leaves Konoha in the company of the Sound Four.

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Original Air Date:November 10, 2004

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As Naruto and Sasuke are about to clash, Kakashi Hatake appears and deflects them into differing water towers. Admiring the damage his attack has done to his water tower, Sasuke believes himself to be stronger than Naruto. On closer inspection, he finds Naruto’s tower to be considerably worse off, and only comes to envy Naruto’s strength more. Kakashi takes Sasuke aside and lectures him about not attacking friends. Sasuke then threatens to kill every one who means something to Kakashi, who then tells him that he is too late, because they’re all already dead. While Sasuke debates on whether to stay with the village or take revenge on Itachi, the Sound Four arrive and introduce themselves. Sasuke briefly does battle with them but it turns out that they are more than a match for him. Sound Four

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Original Air Date: November 3, 2004

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Due to the injuries he received in the Land of Tea, Sasuke is stuck in the hospital recovering. Angry that Naruto has continued to get stronger while he is still not strong enough to defeat Itachi, he challenges Naruto to a fight when he and Sakura come to visit. Naruto accepts, and the two head to the roof. After exchanging several attacks, Naruto creates a Rasengan and Sasuke prepares his Chidori. The two rush towards each other, with Sakura screaming for them to stop. In this episode Shikamaru Nara is promoted to Chunin.

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Original Air Date: October 27, 2004

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When Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha are defeated, it is up to Naruto to defeat Aoi so Idate can continue the race. After a few failed attacks, Naruto is finally able to defeat Aoi, which means Idate can continue the race. Though Fukusuke is already near the finish line, with determination and encouragement from Naruto, Idate manages to catch up and win the race, saving the Wasabi Clan.

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Original Air Date: October 20, 2004

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Fukusuke continues to celebrate with women and food when Aoi warns him that he might be celebrating prematurely. Naruto Uzumaki, carrying Idate, ascends the long flight of stairs to the Modoroki Shrine. Idate grabs the orb and heads out on his own two feet, but they are soon confronted by Aoi, waiting with his sword of Raijin. Both Naruto’s Rasengan and Sasuke’s Chidori are repelled by the sword, though the latter is able to crack it slightly.

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Original Air Date: October 13, 2004

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Aoi taunts Idate and attacks him. Team 7, who are still swimming for the island, are attacked underwater by the Rain ninja. Using the first step of training for the Rasengan, Naruto creates a huge whirlpool that saves them. They then try to rescue Idate, but prove to be no match for Aoi, who poisons them and leaves. Sakura gives them all medicine Tsunade had given her, and they seek shelter in a cave. Idate explains that he was once a Leaf ninja, but was tricked by Aoi into betraying the village after failing the Chunin Exam.

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Original Air Date: September 29, 2004

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Team 7 follows Idate to another port, which makes for a better starting point of the boating part of the race, due to the winds and the current. En route, they are attacked by the Rain ninja from the Chunin exam, who have been hired by the other clan. Team 7 defends Idate and tell him to swim for the shore, while they follow later. He does so, but is confronted by Aoi, an Amegakure ninja.

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Original Air Date: September 22, 2004

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Team 7, without Kakashi, is given a mission to protect a young man, Idate, during his foot race against a rival clan that will settle the feud between the two. Idate, however, has a strong distaste for ninja. At the start of the race, he runs off in the wrong direction, confusing everyone.

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Original Air Date: September 15, 2004

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In this episode based on a special omake, Naruto convinces Sakura and Sasuke to help him see what Kakashi’s face looks like under his mask. Each one of their plans, such as buying him ramen to force him to remove his mask while he eats, fails in a comedic fashion. At the same time, they inadvertently and unknowingly thwart attempts by three ninja to kill Kakashi. Finally, Kakashi agrees to take off his mask, revealing another slightly paler mask beneath it.

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Original Air Date: September 8, 2004

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Guy and Lee discuss the operation, and Lee expresses his fears of dying as well as his fears of never being a ninja. The two reminisce about their time together, and Guy finally decides that if Lee dies during the operation, so will he, as he cannot live if Lee is not a ninja. Guy’s words inspire Lee, and he decides to take the operation. Tsunade, meanwhile, manages to increase the odds of Lee’s survival to 58%, and is satisfied that Lee will most likely survive the operation. Tsunade is inaugurated as Hokage, and the role of the village’s protector is passed on to her.

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Original Air Date: September 1, 2004

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Konohamaru, the Third Hokage’s grandson, is unable to accept Tsunade as his grandfather’s successor and does what he can to prevent her inauguration. As Tsunade does research, hoping to increase the chances of Lee’s surviving the operation, Naruto tries to convince Konohamaru that she will be a good Hokage. After Tsunade demonstrates her strength and healing abilities, Konohamaru decides Tsunade can be Hokage and that his grandfather will not fade into memory.

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Original Air Date: August 25, 2004

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Upon arriving in Konoha, preparations are made to formally put Tsunade into office, though she is largely uninterested in formalities and leaves the task to her new assistants. She makes her rounds in the Konoha hospital, healing Kakashi and Sasuke of the damage done to their minds by Itachi’s Tsukuyomi. When examining the wounds to Rock Lee’s body, Tsunade discovers that the damage to his spine is too extensive, even for her, to heal with certainty. She advises Lee to give up on his dreams of being a ninja, citing that there is only a 50% chance that he will survive the operation.

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Original Air Date: August 18, 2004

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On their way back to Konoha, the group takes a break at a hot spring town. Naruto learns that two ninja of the Akagi family cannot return home unless they collect Tsunade’s debts, and attempts to help them. Shizune, fearing that Tsunade’s debts, if exposed, would jeopardize her chances of becoming Hokage, disguises herself as Tsunade to stop Naruto, but neither of them realizes that the debt had already been paid.

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Translated Episode Name: The Fifth Hokage! A Life on the Line!
Romanji Episode Name: Godaime Hokage, Inochi o kaketa tatakai!
Kanji Episode Name: 五代目火影　命を賭けた戦い

Episode 96

Translated Episode Name: Deadlock! Sannin Showdown!
Romanji Episode Name: San sukumi no tatakai
Kanji Episode Name: 三すくみの戦い

Original Air Date: August 11, 2004

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Episode 95

Despite using a powerful healing technique, Kabuto’s wounds are too extensive for him to deal with. When Naruto collapses due to the severity of Kabuto’s last attack, Tsunade does what she can, determined to save him. Her efforts work, and he regains consciousness long enough to claim the necklace he has won. Orochimaru, recognizing Naruto as a potential future threat, tries to kill him. Tsunade, determined to make sure Naruto becomes Hokage, overcomes her fear of blood and uses herself as a human shield to block the attack. When asked why she would risk her life to save him, Tsunade replies that it is her duty as the Fifth Hokage, finally accepting the role she was offered. Intending to eliminate his former teammates, Orochimaru summons Manda while Tsunade and Jiraiya summon Katsuyu and Gamabunta respectively.

Episode 96

Katsuyu and Gamabunta double-team Manda, though the latter is able to hold his own. Using her inhuman strength, Tsunade is able to pin Manda down and delivers a finishing blow to Orochimaru. Deciding to use his last resort to regain the use of his arms, Orochimaru retreats with Kabuto, leaving Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto to their own devices. Once Naruto recovers and learns of Tsunade’s acceptance of the Hokage title, he remarks that she is an undeserving of the job due to the fact that the Third was better in every possible way. The two step outside to have another fight, though this time Tsunade gives Naruto a kiss on the forehead instead of a blow to the face. The group then sets off for Konoha.

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Original Air Date: August 4, 2004

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With Tsunade out of commission due to her paralyzing fear of blood, Jiraiya battles Orochimaru while Naruto and Shizune battle Kabuto. Due to the drug Tsunade gave him, Jiraiya is unable to properly control his chakra and his jutsu are underpowered, and is stalemated against the similarly impaired Orochimaru. Kabuto, on the other hand, quickly dispatches Naruto and Shizune, and returns his attention to Tsunade. Before he can harm her, Naruto appears and blocks his attack. Using a shadow clone for assistance, Naruto grabs hold of Kabuto and delivers a perfect Rasengan to his stomach.

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Original Air Date: July 28, 2004

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Having recognized that Tsunade’s healing jutsu was filled with killing intent, Kabuto realized that she had no intention of helping Orochimaru. With Tsunade being the only person who can heal Orochimaru, they decide to take her by force, and Kabuto and Tsunade begin to fight. Although Tsunade has far more battle experience than Kabuto, he is able to hold his own against her, even managing to land a few debilitating attacks. As Kabuto prepares to put Tsunade out of commission, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Tsunade’s assistant, Shizune, arrive to help. Uninterested in their assistance, Tsunade tries to resume her battle with Kabuto, though he slices his palm, paralyzing her due to her fear of blood. As she is taken aside to recover, Naruto and Shizune both launch attacks at Kabuto, which he defeats. Finally Jiraiya states that he and Shizune must team up to take on Orochimaru and Kabuto, respectively.

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Original Air Date: July 21, 2004

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As the week goes by, Naruto continues his training, though he is unable to properly mix spinning and power and has varying results. Tsunade watches Naruto’s progress from the background, noting how similar he is to both her dead brother and lover. Once a week goes by, Naruto appears to have been unsuccessful and lays unconscious with fatigue. Jiraiya, still uncertain about the situation with Orochimaru & Tsunade, decides to take her out for drinks & reminds her about the bet with Naruto. While they’re out together, Tsunade drugs his drink, putting him to sleep. The next morning, Tsunade meets with Orochimaru as promised, and prepares to heal his arms. Before she can do so, she is stopped by Orochimaru’s assistant, Kabuto Yakushi.

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Original Air Date: July 14, 2004

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Recognizing the danger the attack imposes, Tsunade forces it into the ground, where the minor damage it inflicts indicates that it is not yet complete. Despite this, Tsunade offers Naruto a proposition: if he can master the technique in one week, she’ll give him her necklace, something worth an immense amount of money. If he cannot, she gets all the money in his wallet. Naruto agrees to the bet, and leaves to start training. Tsunade meets Jiraiya for drinks, where he tells her that he is aware Orochimaru has offered her something. Jiraiya makes it clear that he will kill her if she helps Orochimaru. Meanwhile, Naruto continues to train, intent on winning the bet with Tsunade.

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Original Air Date: July 7, 2004

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While Tsunade has dinner that night, Jiraiya and Naruto arrive at the same bar. Suspicious of Jiraiya’s reason for looking for her, Tsunade asks what he wants, to which he replies that Konoha wants her to be the new Hokage. She rejects the offer, saying anyone who would willingly take the title is a fool. Naruto, enraged that she would disrespect the title of Hokage and those who have held its position, challenges Tsunade to a battle. The two step outside, but Tsunade quickly proves to be far out of Naruto’s league. Unwilling to give up, Naruto readies his imperfect Rasengan for an attack.

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Original Air Date: June 23, 2004

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Naruto is tasked with combining the spinning and the power developed in the previous steps, something that Jiraiya cannot help him with. As he attempts to do both, Orochimaru asks Tsunade to heal his arms, as the Third’s seal on them is causing him excruciating pain and making them unusable, leaving him unable to use techniques. Although she has no intentions of helping Orochimaru due to his killing the Third, Tsunade decides to consider the matter when he offers to revive her dead brother, Nawaki, and lover, Dan. Orochimaru gives her a week to think about it, and he leaves.

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Original Air Date: June 16, 2004

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Naruto soon discovers that popping the balloon is easier if he uses both of his hands, and progresses to the second step. The second step involves Naruto popping a rubber ball, something that will require much more power. After Naruto struggles with this step, Jiraiya helps him by drawing a leaf on his palm to give him a point to concentrate his efforts on. With some additional practice, Naruto is able to complete this stage as well. Elsewhere, Tsunade, an avid and extremely unlucky gambler, hits a winning streak, leading her to believe something bad is about to happen. As she tries to leave the city, she is met by Orochimaru and Kabuto.

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Original Air Date: June 9, 2004

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Soon after his training begins, Naruto finds himself unable to make any progress. After asking Jiraiya for tips, Naruto decides he’ll master the jutsu in three days. Jiraiya doubts the likelihood that Naruto will live up this promise, explaining that the technique’s creator, the Fourth Hokage, took three years to develop the Rasengan in its current form. He then goes on to explain that popping the balloon is only one of three steps, and leaves Naruto to resume his training.

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Original Air Date: June 2, 2004

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Naruto enjoys a day out on the town while Jiraiya does some investigating into Tsunade’s whereabouts. When Jiraiya ends up using his time – and Naruto’s money – to enjoy sake and women, he starts teaching Naruto the Rasengan. To begin learning the technique, Naruto must pop a water-filled balloon held in the palm of his hand by spinning the water with his chakra, something he starts with great enthusiasm.

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Original Air Date: May 26, 2004

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Although Jiraiya prepares to fight the two Akatsuki members, Sasuke proclaims that he will kill Itachi. Itachi brutally beats and berates his brother, even using Tsukuyomi. Sasuke falls unconscious, and Jiraiya uses the ensuing chaos to prepare a powerful technique, forcing the Akatsuki team to flee. Might Guy arrives and takes Sasuke back to Konoha. Before he leaves, he asks that Naruto and Jiraiya to find Tsunade, hoping that she will be able to heal Lee’s injuries. They reassure him, and Naruto and Jiraiya set out to resume their search.

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Original Air Date: May 19, 2004

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As Kisame and Itachi contemplate how best to carry Naruto, Sasuke arrives and attacks Itachi with his Chidori. Uninterested in their quarrel, Itachi effortlessly stops the attack. Naruto attempts to summon a toad, but Kisame absorbs his chakra before he can do so and proceeds to attack. Jiraiya arrives to block the attack.

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Original Air Date: May 12, 2004

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Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai take an unconscious Kakashi home to rest, where they decide Sasuke should not know of Itachi’s return. Despite their wishes, Sasuke finds out, and also learns that Itachi is after Naruto. Determined to kill Itachi for murdering the Uchiha clan, Sasuke rushes out to find Naruto, though discovers that Naruto has already left the village with Jiraiya. In another town, Naruto sits in a hotel room while Jiraiya tries to pick up women. After someone knocks on his door, Naruto opens it to reveal Itachi and Kisame standing before him.

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Original Air Date: May 5, 2004

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Kakashi and Itachi exchange blows, each being very proficient with the Sharingan. Itachi neutralizes Kakashi with his Tsukuyomi. As Kakashi struggles to remain standing, he asks Itachi why he’s returned to Konoha. Itachi replies that they’re after Naruto, which Kakashi elaborates as meaning they want the demon fox for their organization Akatsuki. Angered that Kakashi knows of their organization, Itachi instructs Kisame to kill Asuma and Kurenai, but to bring Kakashi with him. Before Kisame can do so, Might Guy arrives. Itachi states he did not go to Konoha to “start a war”, so he and Kisame leave the battle.

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Original Air Date: April 28, 2004

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Jiraiya is approached by the village’s elders, who offer him the position of Fifth Hokage. He declines, saying that Tsunade would be a much better candidate for the title. He offers to find her for Konoha and asks that he be allowed to take Naruto with him. Meanwhile, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki enter Konoha, and are confronted by Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi. Itachi and Kisame quickly gain the advantage in battle, but Kakashi comes to their rescue at the last moment.

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Original Air Date: April 21, 2004

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Critically damaged, Orochimaru calls off the invasion and flees the village with his forces. In the forest, Naruto and Gaara both lay on the ground, devoid of chakra. Naruto sympathizes with Gaara for his childhood, but threatens to kill Gaara if he should ever bring harm to his friends again. Realizing that Naruto’s strength came from the desire to protect others, Gaara begins to reshape his view of the world as his siblings take him home, and apologizes to Temari and Kankuro. The next day, the ninja of Konoha mourn the deaths of those who died during the invasion, especially the Third Hokage, and ponder the meaning of the Third Hokage’s sacrifice. Meanwhile, Kakashi pays respects to his deceased friend, Obito.

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Original Air Date: April 14, 2004

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As the transformed Gamabunta holds Shukaku in place, Naruto awakens Gaara. Tapping into the demon fox’s power again, Naruto headbutts Gaara and destroys Shukaku’s form. Across Konoha, the village’s ninja, including the parents of many of the Genin, begin the counterattack of the invading forces. At the site of the Third’s battle with Orochimaru, the Third realizes that he does not have enough strength left to fully seal Orochimaru’s soul, and instead opts to seal his former pupil’s arms. He does so, robbing Orochimaru of his ability to use jutsu. Wishing his student a fond farewell, the Third dies reciting one last proverb. At this time Naruto and Gaara jump at each other, and Naruto succeeds in throwing the winning blow.

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Original Air Date: April 7, 2004

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Naruto’s determination to save his friends abolishes the fear Gaara instilled in him earlier. Rejuvenated, Naruto summons two thousand shadow clones and performs a large-scale combo attack. To fend off the attack, Gaara completes his Shukaku transformation. Using his sand, Gaara tries to crush Naruto, but Naruto calls upon the Demon Fox’s chakra to summon Gamabunta. Gaara forces himself to sleep and allows the spirit of the Shukaku to take over his body. Needing to get close to Shukaku to wake Gaara up, Naruto and Gamabunta transform into a giant nine-tailed fox to fight.

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Original Air Date: March 31, 2004

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As Gaara continues to reminisce about Yashamaru, he remembers Yashamaru’s statement and the suicide bombing. Though Gaara survived the blast – thanks to the sand shield – he lost the only person who ever cared for him. From that point on, Gaara came to love only himself and starting living off of killing others. Returning to the present, Gaara restrains Sakura with a claw made of sand and slowly squeezes her. Determined to save Sasuke and Sakura at all costs, Naruto engages Gaara.

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Original Air Date: March 24, 2004

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Seeing Naruto and Sakura’s determination to protect Sasuke, Gaara remembers his childhood with his uncle Yashamaru. While Yashamaru had for many years been the only person who seemed to care for Gaara, Yashamaru in reality hated him. Yashamaru attacked him as such, forcing Gaara to fight the only person who ever loved him.

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Original Air Date: March 17, 2004

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Gaara begins transforming into Shukaku, dramatically increasing his strength and speed. Sasuke uses his Chidori to slice Gaara’s arm off, but the pain only makes Gaara more determined and excited to kill Sasuke. Unable to use the Chidori a third time, Sasuke is forced to use his cursed seal so that he can attack Gaara again. This fails to defeat him, and Sasuke collapses due to the use of the cursed seal. Naruto, Sakura, and Pakkun arrive and repel a potentially fatal attack.

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Original Air Date: March 10, 2004

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Leaving Shino to deal with Kankuro, Sasuke continues his pursuit of Gaara. Kankuro attacks Shino with his puppet, using its many hidden weapons to catch Shino by surprise. Shino is able to dodge the attacks through the use of his destruction bugs, but eventually makes the mistake of inhaling some of the puppet’s poison gas. As the battle goes on, Shino directs his bugs to Kankuro’s location. They consume his chakra once they get there, causing Kankuro to collapse. The battle won, Shino also collapses due to Kankuro’s poison. Sasuke catches up with Gaara as Shino’s battle ends, and the two resume their match.

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Original Air Date: March 3, 2004

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As the battles across Konoha rage on, the Third’s clones use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to seal away the souls of the First and Second Hokage. Turning his attention to Orochimaru, the Third begins to seal his soul as well, but is hindered as Orochimaru’s Kusanagi stabs him in the back. Meanwhile, Sasuke again catches up with Gaara, and Kankuro prepares to hold Sasuke off while Gaara escapes with his sister. Before they can begin, Shino Aburame arrives to fight Kankuro, allowing Sasuke to proceed.

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Original Air Date: February 25, 2004

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Sasuke finally manages to catch up to Gaara, but Temari stalls him so that Kankuro and Gaara can escape. He easily dispatches her and resumes his chase. At the Hokage battle, Orochimaru reveals his intentions of stealing the body of Sasuke Uchiha. The Third regrets not killing Orochimaru at a prior occasion. Determined to rectify this error, the Hokage musters up his chakra and summons shadow clones, in preparation for a final attack.

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Original Air Date: February 18, 2004

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The Hokage battle begins, and all three Hokages exchange varying elemental attacks. To help him in the uneven fight, the Third Hokage summons Enma and has him transform into a staff. In response, Orochimaru brings out his Kusanagi sword. The Third is repelled by the First and Second, and he discovers that they cannot be damaged in their present state. Orochimaru then shows the Third the fruits of his quest to gain immortality. Peeling away his face, Orochimaru reveals the face of a girl whose body he has taken; Orochimaru’s key to living forever is to take the bodies of others to extend his lifespan.

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Original Air Date: February 11, 2004

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As Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Pakkun pursue Sasuke, it soon becomes apparent that they’re being followed by a group of nine Sound ninja. Shikamaru volunteers to stall them to buy the others time and falls back. Once the Sound ninja get close enough, Shikamaru traps them with his shadow, though finds that he has only captured eight. Attempting to kill the eight, Shikamaru discovers the ninth’s location, but lacks the chakra to trap him. As his shadow recedes and the eight freed ninja prepare to kill Shikamaru, Asuma Sarutobi, Shikamaru’s sensei, arrives and defeats all the Sound ninja, saving Shikamaru.

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Original Air Date: February 4, 2004

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Once Naruto and Shikamaru awaken, Kakashi summons Pakkun to assist them in tracking down Sasuke. Meanwhile, Orochimaru begins his battle with his former sensei, the Third Hokage. Both display powerful techniques in what the observing ANBU describe as a Kage-level battle. Orochimaru resurrects the First and Second Hokage to fight the Third. The risen Hokage apologize to their former student as Orochimaru prepares them for combat.

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Original Air Date: January 28, 2004

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Revealing himself, Orochimaru takes the Third Hokage hostage as the Sound Four creates a barrier to allow them to fight without interruption. Meanwhile, invading Sound and Sand ninja infiltrate Konoha, and battles begin breaking out across the village. Kankuro and Temari carry Gaara from the village so that he can recover, and Sasuke in pursuit of them. Preoccupied with fending off the invading forces, Kakashi instructs Sakura, who had managed to repel the sleeping-inducing genjutsu, to wake Naruto and Shikamaru.

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Translated Episode Name: Bushy Brow’s Jutsu: Sasuke Style!
Romanji Episode Name: Arashi o yobu otoko!! Sasuke no Gejimayu-ryū Taijutsu!
Kanji Episode Name: 嵐を呼ぶ男！！サスケのゲジマユ流体術！

Episode 67

Translated Episode Name: Late for the Show, but Ready to Go! The Ultimate Secret Technique is Born!
Romanji Episode Name: Date ni okureta wake janai! Kyūkyoku ōgi – Chidori tanjō!!
Kanji Episode Name: だてに遅れたわけじゃない！究極奥義・千鳥誕生！！

Original Air Date: January 14, 2004

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Episode 66

Sasuke’s enhanced speed and taijutsu skills enable him to bypass Gaara’s sand-based defenses with ease, as Rock Lee did previously. Determined to kill Sasuke, Gaara retreats inside a sphere of sand and begins to transform.

Episode 67

To break through Gaara’s defense, Sasuke uses his new jutsu, Chidori. With it, Sasuke is able to pierce Gaara’s shield, stopping his transformation. At that moment, Kabuto Yakushi uses a genjutsu to put the audience to sleep, signaling the start of Konoha’s invasion.

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Original Air Date: December 31, 2003

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With Sasuke and Gaara’s match needing to start, the Third Hokage sets a time limit for Sasuke to arrive. Sasuke arrives at the last minute with Kakashi Hatake. Meanwhile, Gaara kills a pair of ninjas who are attempting to fix the match on his way to enter the arena.

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Original Air Date: December 24, 2003

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Though initially unwilling, Shikamaru fights Temari because he refuses to lose to a girl. Shikamaru quickly studies the arena and its elements and comes up with a plan. Despite this, Temari has seen Shikamaru’s primary attack in action and knows how it works. However, Shikamaru’s strategies enable him to capture Temari with his jutsu, but he forfeits due to his lack of chakra and unwillingness to hit a girl.

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Original Air Date: December 17, 2003

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When Neji is taken away to recover, his uncle tries to tell Neji of the truth of his father’s death, saying that he had given up his life to save his brother, not a member of the main house. Neji is unbelieving, but his reading his father’s final letter and seeing his uncle bowing for forgiveness causes him to realize the truth. Meanwhile, the match between Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara is postponed due to Sasuke’s absence, and the match between Shino Aburame and Kankuro is set to start. Kankuro forfeits, and the next combatants, Shikamaru and Temari, go down to the stadium.

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Original Air Date: December 10, 2003

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Determined to prove Neji wrong, Naruto draws on the demon fox’s strength, surprising many of the older ninja present with his ability to use the fox’s chakra. Following an explosive clash between the two, Naruto manages to defeat Neji through the use of a shadow clone as a decoy. After telling Neji to stop putting so much faith in fate, Naruto is declared the winner.

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Original Air Date: December 3, 2003

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Naruto creates more shadow clones, and this time manages to sneak up on Neji. Before he can land a blow, Neji uses a powerful defensive technique, then follows up with another technique to block Naruto’s chakra. Even though he can no longer fight, Naruto refuses to give up, and berates Neji over how he treated Hinata. Neji then reveals the history of the Hyuga clan and how his father was killed to save the life of his uncle. He reaffirms his belief in the unchanging nature of one’s destiny.

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Original Air Date: November 26, 2003

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Naruto begins his match with Neji Hyuga, who Naruto promised to defeat a month earlier during the preliminaries. Since taijutsu proves ineffective, Naruto creates a large number of shadow clones. Though Neji is able to destroy them all, Naruto creates more.

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Original Air Date: November 19, 2003

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On the day of the finals, Naruto makes his way to the arena. Along the way, he encounters and converses with Hinata Hyuga. Hinata reassures him of his talents, removing any doubts he had about the finals. Naruto thanks Hinata and goes on his way. As he gets closer to the arena, Naruto meets Konohamaru, who tries to use a number of shortcuts to help Naruto get to the arena faster. The shortcuts end up being ineffective and time consuming, but Naruto makes it to the stadium in time.

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Original Air Date: November 12, 2003

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When Naruto awakens, he finds Shikamaru Nara sitting by his bed, bringing him a basket of fruit. The two locate Gaara elsewhere in the hospital and halt his attempt to assassinate Rock Lee. Gaara explains that his reason for existing is to kill everyone, and reveals that he, like Naruto, was alone for much of his childhood, hated and feared by others for being a host of a tailed beast. Gaara prepares to kill Naruto and Shikamaru as well, but is stopped by the arrival of Might Guy, Lee’s sensei, and leaves.

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Original Air Date: November 5, 2003

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Gamabunta is angry that he has been summoned in a pit and even angrier that Naruto is sitting on top of his head. Although Naruto informs Gamabunta that he summoned him, Gamabunta does not believe him. Determined to prove himself, Naruto rides atop Gamabunta’s head until sunset, while Gamabunta tries to shake him off. Naruto falls shortly before sunset, but he earns Gamabunta’s respect in the process. Gamabunta then takes Naruto to the hospital to rest.

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Original Air Date: October 29, 2003

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Jiraiya realizes that Naruto’s training is taking too long, and decides to use drastic measures. Knowing that Naruto can only tap into the demon fox’s chakra during life-or-death situations, Jiraiya takes Naruto to a local chasm and throws him in. Unable to stop himself from falling, Naruto enters his subconsciousness and converses with the demon fox, asking for a donation of its strength. The demon fox complies, and Naruto manages to summon Gamabunta to stop his descent.

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Original Air Date: October 22, 2003

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Sakura Haruno visits the hospital to see Sasuke Uchiha, but finds that Sasuke has left. While there, Sakura checks on Rock Lee. Despite the injuries that have taken away his hopes of becoming a ninja, Lee trains to regain his strength. The training causes him too much pain, and he passes out. Elsewhere, the many finalists continue their training, with Naruto finally managing to summon a tadpole with hind-legs. Sasuke, himself, is off training with Kakashi.

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Original Air Date: October 15, 2003

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That night, Dosu Kinuta, a finalist for the Chunin Exams, attempts to assassinate Gaara, but Gaara quickly kills him. Observing from a distance, Baki and Kabuto Yakushi confer about the planned invasion of Konohagakure by Sunagakure and Otogakure; their conversation is overheard by Hayate Gekko. Despite the latter’s swordsmanship and skills, he is quickly dispatched by Baki. The next day, Naruto resumes his training with Jiraiya. He signs a scroll that will allow him to summon toads. Upon trying to summon a toad, Naruto only manages to summon a tadpole.

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Original Air Date: October 8, 2003

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After Jiraiya knocks out Ebisu, Naruto Uzumaki is left without a tutor. Naruto manages to convince Jiraiya to tutor him by using The Sexy Technique. While Jiraiya oversees Naruto’s training, he quickly realizes that Naruto is the container of the demon fox. Jiraiya undoes the seal that Orochimaru had placed on Naruto in the forest, and Naruto quickly grasps the concept of walking on water. Afterwards, Jiraiya speaks with Naruto about his two kinds of chakra.

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Original Air Date: October 1, 2003

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Naruto reluctantly agrees to train under Ebisu, and Ebisu tries to teach Naruto how to walk on water. As Naruto practices, Ebisu catches an old man (later revealed to be Jiraiya) spying on a women’s bathhouse. As Ebisu rushes to apprehend him, Jiraiya knocks him out with a single hit, leaving Naruto without a tutor.

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Original Air Date: September 24, 2003

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Despite having formulated a strategy beforehand, Choji quickly loses to Dosu, concluding the preliminaries. The nine qualifying Genin are assigned opponents, and they are all allowed to leave for a month of training before the finals. Elsewhere, Kabuto prepares to kidnap Sasuke under Orochimaru’s orders, but he is stopped by Kakashi and is forced to retreat. Naruto later meets with Kakashi in hopes of training with him, but is given Ebisu as a replacement.

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Original Air Date:September 17, 2003

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Lee’s increased speed overwhelms Gaara’s sand defenses. Lee opens the Fifth Gate and uses his most powerful attack, Hidden Lotus. Unfortunately for Lee, Gaara survives by softening his fall with sand and uses his sand coffin to crush Lee’s left arm and leg. Gaara moves his sand to finish Lee, but Guy blocks the final attack. Lee, though unconscious due to the pain, rises to continue the battle, his desire to win fueling his broken body. Guy regrets teaching Lee such dangerous techniques, but vacates the ring for the final match between Choji Akimichi and Dosu Kinuta.

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Original Air Date: September 10, 2003

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Gaara reappears and attacks Lee, who is weakened from using his Primary Lotus again. Lee recovers by opening the Second Gate, shocking the Jonin observers in the audience. He then proceeds to open the third and fourth gates, shocking Gaara.

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Original Air Date: September 3, 2003

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The next set of matchups is Rock Lee against Gaara. At first, Lee’s Strong Fist taijutsu is ineffective against Gaara’s wall of sand that automatically rises to protect him. Lee then removes the heavy leg weights he was wearing, drastically increasing his speed and allowing him to bypass Gaara’s defense. Lee then uses his Primary Lotus, but only succeeds in destroying a clone made of sand.

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Original Air Date: August 27, 2003

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Neji reveals that he had been toying with Hinata, and he disables her ability to use chakra with the Gentle Fist style. Hinata, inspired by Naruto, refuses to give up. She tells Neji that she believes that he is suffering more from fighting his destiny. Angered, Neji attempts a fatal blow, but four observing Jonin halt him. Hinata collapses into cardiac arrest shortly after, and Naruto vows to avenge her.

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Original Air Date: August 20, 2003

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The next match is Hinata Hyuga against Neji Hyuga, her cousin from the branch house of the the Hyuga clan. Neji intimidates and berates his cousin, and she seems ready to forfeit. Tired of his taunts, Naruto cheers Hinata on, giving her the strength to fight back. Hinata and Neji fight each other using Gentle Fist style, which uses bursts of chakra to damage the opponent’s internal organs.

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Original Air Date: August 13, 2003

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Using the Transformation Technique, Naruto tricks Kiba and manages to knock Akamaru unconscious. Naruto, however, is still at a disadvantage due to Kiba’s pill-enhanced chakra and superior speed. Kiba’s onslaught ends when Naruto accidentally blows gas in Kiba’s face, stunning him due to his enhanced sense of smell. Naruto then finishes the battle with barrage of shadow clones.

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Original Air Date: August 6, 2003

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Due to Kiba fighting with his dog, Akamaru, Naruto is at a disadvantage. Although he takes advantage of Kiba’s overconfidence, Kiba and Akamaru consume special pills that double their chakra. With a combination of efforts, they overwhelm Naruto.

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