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File:Naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-20080821090007773-000.jpegNaruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm retains many of the gameplay elements from earlier installments of the Ultimate Ninja series. However, Ultimate Ninja Storm allows players to fight in three-dimensional environments, as opposed to the two-dimensional planes in previous games.[3]
One of the new features introduced to the series in Ultimate Ninja Storm is "Awakening Mode", a transformation that can be activated when a player loses a certain amount of health during a match. The health requirement for each character differs based on how powerful the transformation is. Once activated, the character gains new abilities, speed, and stronger attacks. A few of the characters in the game gain entirely new movesets after transforming. With the d-pad, players can use preset items during a match that either damage the opponent or provide various status effects like increasing attack power, or lowering the opponent's defense. Players are also able to customize their character's jutsu and select two support characters to use in a match. Returning to the game from previous installments is "jutsu clash" mode, which is initiated if both players activate their special attack at the same time. During this mode, both players have to press the corresponding button as fast as possible in order to knock away their opponent.[4]
The game includes 25 playable characters, each of which can also be used as a support character during battle.[3] Ten additional support-only characters are available as free downloadable content released over the five month period that followed the game's release.[5] Additional downloadable content include alternative costumes, and new missions.[6]
The story mode loosely covers the events of the anime up to episode 135.[7] Players are able to explore the Hidden Leaf Village between missions, which acts as a central hub for the story mode, and access more missions.[6]
The game was first unveiled in September 2007, under the code name Naruto PS3 Project. Namco Bandai said the title would start with "Naruto: Ultimate Ninja" and asked fans for suggestions on a suffix consisting of one or two words.[8] In April 2008 the game was officially named Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, in addition, the developers allowed fans to choose the final front cover for the game out of a possible six.[9]
The game features cel-shaded graphics that "will break the barrier between anime and video game".[10] Hiroshi Matsuyama, one of the creators of the game, commented that the staff wanted to try to remove the borderline between the anime and actual gameplay. They wanted to reach an effect where people actually look at the scenes as anime rather than a game. The core concept of the game is that of a one on one battle. Though the storyline from the game is based on the first 135 episodes of the anime series, the producers picked out key areas within the story, effectively forming a line from the first to the 135th episode.[7]
A playable demo of the game was released on Sony's PlayStation Network on July 17, 2008. Only Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake were playable and only one stage was included.[11] The official North American release date of the game was confirmed in a trailer shown during the 2008 Tokyo Game Show.[12]
A limited edition version of Ultimate Ninja Storm was available to those who pre-order the game at select retailers. It includes a steel book case with an alternate art plastic slip cover, two exclusive cards for the Naruto collectible card game, a CD of the game's soundtrack, and an individually numbered "Laser Cel" depicting Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.[13] In Europe, the game was released on November 7, 2008, and in Australia on November 20, 2008. The Japanese version of the game was released on January 15, 2009 under the name of Naruto: Narutimate Storm (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ナルティメットストーム, Naruto: Narutimetto Sutōmu).[1]
The Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Limited Edition Soundtrack was released on November 4, 2008 along with a limited edition of the game. The soundtrack is made of one CD which contains 18 tracks composed by Yasunori Ebina
Naruto Uzumaki is a 12 year old boy with yellow hair and blue eyes in the Ninja Academy who has a strong ambition to become the best Hokage of all. After failing to graduate from the Ninja Academy for the third year in a row, Naruto Uzumaki is approached by Mizuki, an instructor at the Academy, who instructs him to steal a scroll. Naruto, ambitious to graduate, Naruto gets it after his successful robbery against the 3rd Hokage with a special technique. Iruka Umino finds Naruto and protects him from Mizuki, but in the process Mizuki tells Naruto the reason nobody seems to like him; The Nine-Tailed Fox Demon that attacked the village twelve years ago was defeated when The Fourth Hokage sealed the Demon inside Naruto, giving his own life in the process. Using the special technique from the scroll, Naruto defeats Mizuki. Due to the act of saving his life and making an outstanding performance proving him worthy of being a ninja, Iruka allows Naruto to graduate.
{{
| EnglishTitle = Pass or Fail: Survival Test
| KanjiTitle = 試練!サバイバル演習
| RomajiTitle = Shiren! Sabaibaru enshū
| OriginalAirDate = October 24, 2002
| FirstEngAirDate = September 24, 2005
| ShortSummary = Team 7 meets their Jōnin team leader, Kakashi Hatake, who administers the Genin qualification test requiring them to get a pair of bells from Kakashi. Naruto performs everything he can to get the bells. Although he almost recovers them, but fails, and Sasuke steps in to fight Kakashi.
}}
5"You Failed! Kakashi's Final Decision" Transliteration: "Shikkaku? Kakashi no Keturon" (Japanese: 失格?カカシの結論)October 31, 2002October 1, 2005
Sasuke attempts to fight Kakashi, and although he performs much better than Naruto, he is defeated. Kakashi then defeats Sakura by trapping her in a genjutsu while she tries to win Sasuke's affection. Meanwhile, Naruto sneaks to the two lunches and gets caught by Kakashi. Kakashi lectures the three on their inability to work together and forbids them from feeding Naruto. Despite this, Sasuke says they should feed Naruto. Sakura ends up doing this too as well. Kakashi reappears and passes them after a lecture of disobedience. Shocked, they are told by Kakashi that those who disobey the rules are considered trash, but those who risk the lives of their comrades just for rules are considered even worse.
the Great Naruto Bridge to signify the strength that Naruto gave Inari, who in turn gave to the whole town.
20"A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!" Transliteration: "Shinshō totsunyū! Chūnin Shiken dattebayo" (Japanese: 新章突入!中忍試験だってばよ)February 20, 2003January 21, 2006
Team 7 were doing some small jobs. Naruto states that he will beat Sasuke in the missions, but end up getting into trouble, and is even saved by Sasuke from falling down a waterfall. As the missions for the day are finished, Sasuke leaves his two teammates. Sakura and Naruto meet Konohamaru and his new friends. After insulting Sakura, Konohamaru is forced to run for safety, but ends up running into Kankuro. Despite his sister Temari's advice, Kankuro threatens Konohamaru.Just as Kankuro was about to finish Konohamaru, Sasuke saves Him by pelting Kankuro with a rock. Kankuro prepares to counterattack, but is stopped by a command from his brother, Gaara, much to everyone's surprise. At the end it is revealed that the Chunin exams are coming soon.
Everyone present is startled by Gaara's sudden appearance. As the siblings walk away, they explain that they came to Konohagakure from Sunagakure to take part in the Chunin Exam, a test to promote them to the next ninja rank. Kakashi reveals that he has nominated Team 7 for the exams. As Team 7 proceeds to the site of the Chunin Exam, they meet Rock Lee and his teammates. Lee asks Sakura to be his girlfriend, and she refuses. Neji asks Sasuke for some personal information about himself, which Naruto sees that people are more interested in Sasuke that in himself, which makes him jealous. Sakura pulls the two away and leaves Team Guy.
22"Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke!" Transliteration: "Kiai hyaku-nijū pāsento Nau de rokku na chōsenjō!" (Japanese: 気合い120% ナウでロックな挑戦状!)March 6, 2003February 4, 2006
As they leave, Rock Lee appears again and challenges Sasuke to a battle, saying that he is the best Genin. At first, Sasuke cannot be bothered, but Sasuke changes his mind when Lee is challenged by Naruto, who effortlessly defeats him. He beats the living daylights out of Sasuke forcing him to get serious on the battle. Even Sasuke's Sharingan is no match for Lee's taijutsu. Before any serious harm can come to Sasuke, Lee's sensei and self-proclaimed eternal rival of Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, appears and stops the attack. After assigning Lee a punishment, Guy leaves. Lee tells Sasuke that there was another top ninja that he wante to fight and that Sasuke was meant to be a test for him, but labels Sasuke as a target from then on. Lee leaves, and Naruto pressures Sasuke about not being able to defeat Lee. Sasuke is angered by this but calms down as Team 7 leaves.
23"Genin Takedown! All Nine Rookies Face Off!" Transliteration: "Kechirase raibaru! rūkī nainu zenin shūgō" (Japanese: 蹴散らせライバル!新人9人全員集合)March 13, 2003February 11, 2006
The remaining Genin receive their exams to become Chunin. Upon arriving at the location of the first part of the exams, Team 7 meets with Team 10 members Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi, as well as Team 8 members Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga, and Kiba Inuzuka. The group is befriended by exam veteran Kabuto Yakushi, who offers the nine information on their competitors. His remarks about the Land of Sound, however, touch a nerve with the Sound Genin present, and is attacked as such. Before the fight can progress, Ibiki Morino and several Chunin appear.
24"Start Your Engines: The Chunin Exam Begins" Transliteration: "Ikinari shikkaku? Chō-nankan no daiichi shiken" (Japanese: いきなり失格?超難関の第一試験)March 20, 2003February 18, 2006
As everyone takes their seat, Ibiki explains that the first phase of the exam will be a written test. Cheating results in the deduction of points, which in turn eventually leads to that person and their team being ejected. Everyone present realizes that cheating is necessary to pass the test, and many are ejected for cheating, while others use their unique abilities to successfully cheat. Naruto, unable to answer any of the questions, puts all his faith in the final question, which will be given fifteen minutes before the test's end.
25"The Tenth Question: All or Nothing" Transliteration: "Deta-toko shōbu! funbari dokoro no jū monme" (Japanese: 出たとこ勝負!踏ん張りどころの10問目)March 27, 2003February 25, 2006
They are told that they do not have to take the final question, but if they don't take it,they will fail the exam.However if they take the question, and they don't answer correctly if they than they will never be able to take the exam again. Many teams leave, but Naruto gives an inspiring monologue that gives the remaining teams the courage to stay. Ibiki reveals that the question itself was a test, and those who stayed automatically pass. The remaining Genin are left to the next instructor, Anko Mitarashi, who takes them all to the Forest of Death.
26[20]"Special Report: Live From the Forest of Death" Transliteration: "Zettai hikken! Shi no Mori chokusen rupo! Konoha no gakkyū shinbun da kore!" (Japanese: 絶対必見!死の森直前ルポ!木ノ葉の学級新聞だコレ!)April 2, 2003March 4, 2006
The episode is an anime-exclusive episode for Konohamaru and his classmates news report starring the Chuunin in training. Before the second exam can begin, Konohamaru and his friends pull the members of Team 7 aside for interviews, where they retell the storyline to this point. They discuss the Hokages, the Rogue Ninja etc.
27[20]"The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death" Transliteration: "Daini shiken sutāto! Mawari wa minna teki darake!" (Japanese: 第二試験スタート!周りはみんな敵だらけ!)April 2, 2003April 15, 2006
Anko briefs the candidates on their goal for the second portion of the exam. All teams will be given one scroll (either heaven or earth), with the objective being to take the other scroll from another team and proceed to the castle in the centre of the forest and the next stage of the exams. The proctor hands out scrolls and opens the forest gates. As they enter, Naruto's team is attacked almost immediately.
28"Eat or Be Eaten: Panic in the Forest" Transliteration: "Kū ka kuwareru ka! Esa ni natta Naruto" (Japanese: 喰うか喰われるか!エサになったナルト)April 9, 2003April 15, 2006
Sasuke drives away the attacking Rain Genin. A powerful gust of wind then separates Naruto from his team. Just as he reorients himself, Naruto is swallowed by a giant snake. In the meantime, Sasuke and Sakura are disabled by a Grass ninja. Before they even fight, Sasuke and Sakura have visions of their own deaths upon looking into her eyes, paralyzing them with fear. Regaining his composure, Sasuke flees with Sakura. The ninja pursues them, but Naruto, having killed the snake, arrives in time to save both of them.
29"Naruto's Counterattack: Never Give In!" Transliteration: "Naruto hangeki! nigenēndattebayo!" (Japanese: ナルト反撃!逃げねーんだってばよ!)April 16, 2003April 15, 2006
Despite Naruto's timely appearance, Sasuke offers the grass Ninja the scroll in exchange for their lives. Sasuke then throws the scroll to the grass Ninja but Naruto intercepts it. Naruto punches Sasuke during his attempt to convince him into giving the scroll up. Naruto accusses Sasuke of being an impostor as Sasuke would never be so weak and cowardly. Meanwhile, three corpses are discovered by the proctors of the exam. The corpses belong to the original Grass Ninjas who have had their faces stolen. Proctor Anko clearly has a history with the jutsu used to rob the Ninjas faces. The grass Ninja summons a giant snake and engages Naruto. During the fight Naruto begins to utilize the chakra of the nine tailed fox. The Grass Ninja notices this during the fight and tries to end it quickly. The grass ninja believes Naruto to be defeated and moves on to the next target. Naruto stops the attack on Sasuke and once again rails at Sasuke for his lack of courage. Recognizing Naruto as the demon fox's container and that during moments of excitement the energy leaks into Naruto, the ninja suppresses the Kyuubi's chakra with a new seal and Naruto seemingly faints. Naruto's body is dropped and Sakura pins it to a tree with a Kunai in mid air. Sasuke seemingly reaches a decision to fight.
Sasuke and the Grass ninja engage in combat. After a protracted battle, Sasuke traps the ninja and creates a new jutsu on the spot in the heat of battle. blast of fire to the ninja's face. However, the ninja awakens with his face partially melted off, revealing another face underneath. Extending his neck, he bites Sasuke and leaves behind a cursed seal. The ninja reveals himself to be Orochimaru, and leaves. Anko finds Orochimaru, her former teacher, and unsuccessfully tries to kill him.
53"Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!" Transliteration: "Aiyashibaraku! Ero-sennin tōjō!" (Japanese: あいやしばらく!エロ仙人登場!)October 8, 2003September 30, 2006
After Jiraiya knocks out Ebisu, Naruto 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 unlocks 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.
54"Summoning Jutsu: Wisdom of the Toad Sage!" Transliteration: "Ero-sennin jikiden Kuchiyose no Jutsu dattebayo!!" (Japanese: エロ仙人直伝 口寄せの術だってばよ!!)October 15, 2003October 7, 2006
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.
56"Live or Die! Risk It All to Win It All!" Transliteration: "Sei ka shi ka!? Menkyo kaiden wa inochi kake!" (Japanese: 生か死か!?免許皆伝は命懸け!)October 29, 2003October 28, 2006
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.
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.
59"The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena!" Transliteration: "Mō retsu Mō Tsui Mō Dasshu Hansen kaishi dattebayo" (Japanese: モー烈 モー追 モーダッシュ 本選開始だってばよ)November 19, 2003November 18, 2006[21]
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, Naruto makes it to the stadium late but can still enter.
60"Byakugan vs. Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Transliteration: "Byakugan bāsasu Kage Bunshin! Ore wa zettē katsu!!" (Japanese: 白眼VS影分身!オレはゼってー勝つ!!)November 26, 2003November 18, 2006[21]
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.
61"Ultimate Defense: Zero Blind Spot!" Transliteration: "Shikaku zero! Mō hitotsu no zettai Bōgyo" (Japanese: 死角ゼロ!もうひとつの絶対防御)December 3, 2003November 18, 2006[21]
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.
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.
63"Hit It or Quit It: The Final Rounds Get Complicated!" Transliteration: "Shikkaku!? Kiken! Maedaoshi! Haran bukumi no daihonsen!" (Japanese: 失格!?キケン!前倒し!波乱含みの大本戦)December 17, 2003November 25, 2006
When Neji is taken away to recover, his uncle tries to tell Neji 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.
64"Zero Motivation: The Guy with Cloud Envy!" Transliteration: "Kumo wa ii naa... yaru ki zero no otoko" (Japanese: 雲はいいなあ...やる気ゼロの男)December 24, 2003December 2, 2006
Though initially unwilling, Shikamaru fights Temari because he refuses to lose to a girl (and was pushed off the waiting room by Naruto). 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.
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.
66"Bushy Brow's Jutsu: Sasuke Style!" Transliteration: "Arashi o yobu otoko!! Sasuke no Gejimayu-ryū Taijutsu!" (Japanese: 嵐を呼ぶ男!!サスケのゲジマユ流体術!)January 14, 2004December 16, 2006[22]
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.
67"Late for the Show, but Ready to Go! The Ultimate Secret Technique is Born!" Transliteration: "Date ni okureta wake janai! Kyūkyoku ōgi - Chidori tanjō!!" (Japanese: だてに遅れたわけじゃない!究極奥義·千鳥誕生!!)January 14, 2004December 23, 2006[22]
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 the invasion of Konoha.
68"Zero Hour! The Destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village Begins!" Transliteration: ""Konoha Kuzushi" Shidou!" (Japanese: 「木ノ葉崩し」始動!)January 28, 2004January 6, 2007
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 sleep-inducing genjutsu, to wake Naruto and Shikamaru.
69"Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!" Transliteration: "Matte mashita! A-ranku ninmu dattebayo!!" (Japanese: 待ってました!Aランク任務だってばよ!!)February 4, 2004January 13, 2007
Once Naruto and Shikamaru awaken (the later actually faked sleep), 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.
70"A Shirker's Call to Action: Layabout No More!" Transliteration: "Nigegoshi nanbaa wan Mendokuse~ ga yarukkyanee!!" (Japanese: 逃げ腰NO.1 めんどくせーがやろっきゃねえ!!)February 11, 2004January 20, 2007
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 he 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.
The Hokage battle begins, and all three Kages 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.
72"A Mistake from the Past: A Face Revealed!" Transliteration: "Hokage no ayamachi Kamen ni shita no sukao" (Japanese: 火影の過ち 仮面の下の素顔)February 25, 2004January 27, 2007[23]
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.
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.
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.
75"Sasuke's Decision: Pushed to the Edge!" Transliteration: "Genkai o koete... Sasuke no ketsudan!!" (Japanese: 限界を越えて... サスケの決断!!)March 17, 2004February 17, 2007
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. As Gaara prepares to inflict the finishing blow, Naruto repels the attack with a kick. Naruto, Sakura, and Pakkun arrive ready to help Sasuke.
76"An Assassin of the Moonlit Night" Transliteration: "Tsukiyo no ansatsusha" (Japanese: 月夜の暗殺者)March 24, 2004February 24, 2007
Gaara tries to attack Sasuke again but is covered by Sakura who got in the way, Gaara pushes Sakura out of the way while Naruto grabs Sasuke's body and saves him. 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 then attacked him, forcing Gaara to fight the only person who ever loved him.
77"Light vs. Dark: The Two Faces of Gaara!" Transliteration: "Hikari to Yami Gaara to iu na" (Japanese: 光と闇 我愛羅という名)March 31, 2004March 3, 2007
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 started living off of killing others. Returning to the present, Gaara keeps his grip on Sakura with his sand claw choking her to death. Gaara, feeling deranged, asks Naruto to play a game with him saying that if he can beat him, Sakura will be set free. Determined to save Sakura at all costs and win her affection, an enraged Naruto violently attacks Gaara and they engage in battle.
Naruto has been afraid of Gaara ever since he met him. But now, Naruto's determination is awakened truly along with the will of fire. Rejuvenated, Naruto uses techniques from his Ninja Handbook scroll. Naruto unleases new and improved Naruto Uzumaki Barrage consisting of 2,000 shadow clones. About 11-20 of them kick Gaara into the air and punch Gaara on every inch of his body before 2 shadow clones deliver a finishing blow to the barrage. Naruto attempts a 2nd attack twice as powerful, with kicks. To fend off the attack, Gaara completes his Shukaku transformation. Gaara tries to crush Naruto with his sand. Thinking of Sakura and his friends, Naruto uses his own 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.
79"Beyond the Limit of Darkness and Light" Transliteration: "Rimitto bucchigiri! ~Hikari to Yami~" (Japanese: リミットぶっちぎり! 〜光と闇〜)April 14, 2004March 17, 2007
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.
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.
81"Return of the Morning Mist" Transliteration: "Asagiri no kikyō" (Japanese: 朝霧の帰郷)April 28, 2004April 7, 2007[24]
After the Third Hokage's death, 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.
82"Eye to Eye: Sharingan vs Sharingan!" Transliteration: "Sharingan tai Sharingan!!" (Japanese: 写輪眼VS写輪眼!!)May 5, 2004April 7, 2007[24]
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 left the battle.
83"Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!" Transliteration: "Ō, nō~! Jiraiya no jonan, Naruto no sainan" (Japanese: おお, のォ〜っ!自来也の女難, ナルトの災難)May 12, 2004April 14, 2007
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.
In a flashback, Sasuke reminisces the night his entire clan was killed and how he came home to find his parents dead and Itachi standing over them. Confronting his brother, Sasuke is subject to Itachi's Tsukuyomi, who shows him how he killed the clan, causing Sasuke to collapse from the experience. Back in present time, 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.
85"Hate Among the Uchihas: The Last of the Clan!" Transliteration: "Orokanaru otōto yo urame, nikume!" (Japanese: 愚かなる弟よ 恨め, 憎め!)May 26, 2004April 28, 2007
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.
86"A New Training Begins: I Will Be Strong!" Transliteration: "Shugyō kaishi, Ore wa zettē tsuyoku naru!" (Japanese: 修行開始 オレはぜってー強くなる!)June 2, 2004May 5, 2007
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 after a conflict with ex-Chunnin Ninjas. 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.
87"Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!" Transliteration: "Konjō!!! Warero mizufūsen" (Japanese: 根性!!!割れろ水風船)June 9, 2004May 12, 2007
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.Naruto soon discovers that popping the balloon is easier if he uses both of his hands after observing a cat, and progresses to the second step. The second stage requires the bursting of a rubber ball. Naruto tries for weeks and eventually manages to burst the ball but with great struggle and pain.
88"Focal Point: The Mark of the Leaf" Transliteration: "Konoha māku to hitaiate" (Japanese: 木ノ葉マークと額当て)June 16, 2004May 19, 2007
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. She is correct, as when she tries to leave the city, she is met by Orochimaru and Kabuto.
89"An Impossible Choice: The Pain Within Tsunade's Heart" Transliteration: "Hamon" (Japanese: 波紋)June 23, 2004May 26, 2007
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, a frail and sickly 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.
90"Unforgivable! A Total Lack of Respect!" Transliteration: "Ikari bakuhatsu! Yurusanēttebayo" (Japanese: 怒りバクハツ!許さねーってばよ)July 7, 2004June 9, 2007
Orochimaru gives Tsunade a week to think about it, and he leaves. 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.
91"Inheritance: The Necklace of Death" Transliteration: "Shodai Hokage no isan Shi o yobu kubikazari" (Japanese: 初代火影の遺産 死を呼ぶ首飾り)July 14, 2004June 16, 2007
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.
92"A Dubious Offer! Tsunade's Choice" Transliteration: "YES ka NO ka! Tsunade no kaitō" (Japanese: YESかNOか!ツナデの回答)July 21, 2004June 23, 2007
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.
93"Breakdown! The Deal Is Off!" Transliteration: "Kōshō Ketsuretsu!" (Japanese: 交渉決裂!!)July 28, 2004June 30, 2007
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.
94"Attack! Naruto's Fury of the Rasengan!" Transliteration: "Kurae! Ikari no Rasengan" (Japanese: くらえ!怒りの螺旋丸)August 4, 2004July 7, 2007[25]
With Tsunade out of commission due to her paralyzing fear of blood, Jiraiya takes on the challenge of defeating Orochimaru. Kabuto continues to insult Tsunade, which angers Naruto and gives him the strength to fight Kabuto and protect Tsunade. However, Naruto is no match for Kabuto, who picks on Naruto and brings back Tsunade's memories of Nawaki, Dan, and the bet made between her and Naruto. Naruto, in the heat of battle, on the spot creates a unique method using a shadow clone to help divide the roles of rotating the chakra and is able to pull together all the strength he has left to make one final attack with his right hand, creating a shadow clone and pulling off a complete rasengan. Having have defeated Kabuto, Naruto passes out after mastering the new jutsu.
95"The Fifth Hokage! A Life on the Line!" Transliteration: "Godaime Hokage, Inochi o kaketa tatakai!" (Japanese: 五代目火影 命を賭けた戦い)August 11, 2004July 7, 2007[25]
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, a strike to Naruto's heart, Tsunade does what she can, determined to save him and his dream of becoming hokage. Her efforts work, and he regains consciousness long enough to claim the necklace he has won in the bet. 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.
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 because 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.
107"The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke" Transliteration: "Omae to tatakaitai! Tsui ni gekitotsu Sasuke tai Naruto" (Japanese: オマエと戦いたい!ついに激突 サスケVSナルト)November 3, 2004October 13, 2007
Due to the injuries he received in the Land of Tea, Sasuke is stuck in the hospital recovering. Angry and jealous 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. Also, Lee tells Tsunade he accepts the operation.
As Naruto and Sasuke are about to clash, Kakashi Hatake appears and deflects them into differing water towers. Sasuke 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 said if anyone get killed who means something to him maybe he listen, Kakashi then tells him that he is too late to test it out, because they are all already dead. Kakashi tells Sasuke that Revenge will not truly bring happiness to him and is the wrong answer and leaves him, trusting he will not choose vengeance. Meanwhile, Sakura asks Naruto on a date that he he asked her a long time ago when they were first assinged to Team 7. While Sasuke debates on whether to stay with the village or take revenge on Itachi, the Sound Four arrive and attack him.
109"An Invitation from the Sound" Transliteration: "Oto no izanai" (Japanese: 音の誘い)November 17, 2004October 20, 2007
Sasuke continues his battle with the Sound Four, but eventually becomes too injured, including being weakened by using the Curse Mark. The Sound Four tell stories of how Sasuke can become stronger if he lended himself to Orochimaru. Sasuke, tired of playing ninja games, finally gives in, and goes to them. Sakura tries to stop him, but fails as Sasuke vanishes before she can persuade him more and he knocks Sakura unconscious after saying "Thank You".
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.
111"Sound vs. Leaf" Transliteration: "Sesshoku ~Oto Yonin Shū no jitsuryoku~" (Japanese: 接触〜音四人衆の実力〜)November 24, 2004October 27, 2007
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.
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.
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.
114"Goodbye Old Friend! I'll Always Believe in You!" Transliteration: "Saraba tomo yo...! Soredemo ore wa shinjiteru" (Japanese: さらば友よ...!それでもオレは信じてる)December 15, 2004November 10, 2007
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. Thinking of Shikamaru Nara , 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.
115"Your Opponent is Me!" Transliteration: "Omae no aite wa kono ore da!" (Japanese: お前の相手はこのオレだ!)December 22, 2004November 10, 2007
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.Kidomaru finds out how Neji can cut his webbings.Although Kidomaru soon believes himself to have the advantage, Neji readies his Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms to prove him wrong.
116"360 Degrees of Vision: The Byakugan's Blind Spot!" Transliteration: "Shikai sanbyaku rokujū do, Byakugan no shikaku" (Japanese: 視界360度 白眼の死角)January 5, 2005November 24, 2007
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.
117"Losing is Not an Option!" Transliteration: "Makerarenai riyū" (Japanese: 負けられない理由)January 5, 2005November 24, 2007
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.
118"The Vessel Arrives Too Late" Transliteration: "Dakkan~Ma ni awanakatta utsuwa" (Japanese: 奪還〜間に合わなかった器)January 12, 2005December 1, 2007
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.
119"Miscalculation: A New Enemy Appears!" Transliteration: "Shissaku! Aratanaru teki" (Japanese: 失策!新たなる敵)January 19, 2005December 1, 2007
Soon after the battle begins, Kiba and his dog, Akamaru, fall off a cliff with Sakon. Shikamaru engages Tayuya while Naruto goes after Kimimaro, 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.
120"Roar and Howl! The Ultimate Tag Team" Transliteration: "Unare! Hoero! Kyūkyoku no taggu" (Japanese: 唸れ!吠えろ!究極のタッグ)February 2, 2005December 8, 2007
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.
121"To Each His Own Battle" Transliteration: "Sorezore no tatakai" (Japanese: それぞれの闘い)February 9, 2005December 8, 2007
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.
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.
As Naruto starts getting frustrated with his lack of progress, Sasuke's cursed seal finally reaches its 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 instead of medicine when he set out to help the retrieval team, Lee is immediately intoxicated, and attacks Kimimaro in a drunken frenzy.
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.
125"The Sand Shinobi: Allies of the Leaf" Transliteration: "Konoha dōmeikoku Suna no shinobi" (Japanese: 木ノ葉同盟国砂の忍)March 9, 2005December 22, 2007
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 underestimates Kankuro and his puppet, but the latter is soon able to trap both Ukon and Sakon in a second of his puppets and kill them. With Temari's arrival, Tayuya escapes to the surrounding trees for cover, though Temari's fan cuts through the forest, eliminating Tayuya with ease.
126"Showdown: Gaara vs. Kimimaro!" Transliteration: "Saikyō taiketsu! Gaara tai Kimimaro!!" (Japanese: 最強対決!我愛羅VS君麻呂!!)March 16, 2005December 29, 2007
Lee, wanting to assist Gaara in his fight, attacks Kimimaro, but his body's too weak and Gaara tells him he's only getting in the way. Gaara unveils his new techniques, but Kimimaro continues to reapproach him, much to Lee and Gaara's dismay. All the while Naruto continues his relentless search for Sasuke.
127"Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance" Transliteration: "Shūnen no ichigeki Sawarabi no Mai" (Japanese: 執念の一撃!早蕨の舞)March 30, 2005December 29, 2007
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.
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. Sasuke tells Naruto that he doesn't dream of the future, only the past, as he recalls his close bond with his older brother, Itachi. Naruto tries using force again, and attacks Sasuke but Sasuke doges it and uses Dragon Flame Jutsu and sends it towards Naruto.
129"Brothers: Distance Among the Uchiha" Transliteration: "Itachi to Sasuke tōsugiru sonzai" (Japanese: 兄と弟 遠すぎる存在)April 6, 2005January 5, 2008
Naruto rises from the flames unharmed, and Sasuke remembers his childhood, while doing battle with his enemy. Itachi used to be a cheerful Uchiha and a good brother, while being the Uchiha's best ANBU captains. Fugaku Uchiha always favored Itachi best. Sasuke tries to best Itachi, without success, until Itachi begins to become more distant from the clan, and started to rebel against the Uchihas.
130"Father and Son, the Broken Crest" Transliteration: "Chichi to ko Hibiwareta kamon" (Japanese: 父と子 ひび割れた家紋)April 13, 2005January 12, 2008
Sasuke and Naruto's fight progresses slowly as Sasuke continues to remember his childhood. In his memories, Sasuke learns the Fire Ball jutsu, thus gaining his father's attention, as Fugaku Uchiha tells him not to follow his brother's foot steps. He then starts to wonder if he is only to replace his brother. His mother confirms everything else is okay however. After doing this, he remembers heading to school and deciding that he will not lose to Itachi. In the present time, Naruto and Sasuke begin to fight.
131"The Secrets of the Mangekyo Sharingan!" Transliteration: "Kaigan Mangekyō Sharingan no himitsu" (Japanese: 開眼 万華鏡写輪眼の秘密)April 20, 2005January 12, 2008
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, he tells Naruto that he will kill him because Naruto is his best friend.
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.
133"A Plea From a Friend" Transliteration: "Namida no hōkō! Omae wa ore no tomodachi da" (Japanese: 涙の咆哮!オマエはオレの友達だ)May 4, 2005January 19, 2008
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.
134"The End of Tears" Transliteration: "Namida ame no ketsumatsu" (Japanese: 涙雨の結末)May 11, 2005January 26, 2008
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. 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.
135"The Promise That Could Not Be Kept" Transliteration: "Mamorenakatta yakusoku" (Japanese: 守れなかった約束)May 18, 2005January 26, 2008
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.
^Cite error: The named reference gamerankings was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Cite error: The named reference metacritic was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Li, Richard (December 2008). "A beautiful, yet imperfect, storm". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 235. p. 82. ISSN1058-918X.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
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