Episode 1

Enter, Naruto Uzamaki

Naruto has been up to his usual mischief again. This time he's wanted for defacing the faces of the Mt Rushmore-like rock carvings of the Hokage above the village. Naruto manages to fool his pursuers by camouflaging himself by a nearby fence and almost gets away cleanly until Iruka Sensei shows up and scares the heck out of him.

After dragging Naruto back to class, Iruka wants to know why he is now playing pranks instead of attending class. After all, he's already failed the last two graduation exams. Iruka then declares that they will be having an exam on "Hengo no Jutsu" (Transformation Skill). Soon, each person takes their turn transforming themselves to look like Sensei, but Naruto tries to be difficult by transforming himself into a naked blonde girl he calls "Sexy no Jutsu." For that, Iruka Sensei keeps him after class to clean all the paint off the rock carvings. Naruto doesn't seem to care, replying that it's not like he has a home to go home to, so Iruka Sensei offers to treat him to a ramen dinner at Ichiraku Ramen if he works hard. That's enough to motivate Naruto.

At dinner, Iruka Sensei asks Naruto why he was defacing the Hokage. He answers that the Hokage are the village ninjas and the Fourth was the one who defeated the demon fox. One day he will get the Hokage name and surpass all the others. One day the villagers will recognize his strength.

The next day is the graduation exam, which consists of "Bunshin no Jutsu" (Clone Skill). Naruto steps up ready to try, knowing that is his worse skill, and on his first try, he produces a deformed clone of himself. Immediately, Iruka declares the test a failure, but Mizuki Sensei asks him to reconsider. Technically, Naruto did do the clone and he also has excellent athletic ability and stamina. Iruka sighs and replies that everyone else in the class divided themselves into at least three, but Naruto was only able to create one useless clone. Because of that, he can't pass him.

Later that night, Mizuki abruptly awakens Iruka. Naruto has taken the Scroll of Seals from Hokage-sama's place. Meanwhile, Naruto sits with the scroll looking over the technique list. The first is "Kage Bunshin" (Shadow Clone).

Iruka is the first to find Naruto, who is all proud of himself for learning the first technique that should allow him to graduate. Iruka asks where he learned about the scroll and he replies from Mizuki. Iruka immediately recognizes the trap, but he is soon attacked by Mizuki, who wants the scroll with the forbidden Ninjutsu within it for himself.

When Naruto won't hand the scroll over so quickly, Mizuki decides to tell Naruto about the rule of the village. 12 years ago a rule was created not to tell him that he is the nine tails fox demon that killed Iruka's parents and destroyed the village. That's why everyone hates him.

Suddenly, Mizuki throws a large ninja star at Naruto. Iruka warns him to duck and then immediately covers him to save his life. Naruto can't understand why anyone would do anything nice for him. Iruka replies that they are the same. Just as Naruto has no parents and does mischievous things so people acknowledge him, Iruka, too, craved attention after his parents died and sought attention any way he could get it. He knows how Naruto must feel and apologizes for never recognizing how lonely Naruto must be. Mizuki interjects that Iruka is lying, which gives Naruto reason to run away from the two.

Iruka catches up with him and asks for the scroll back, but Naruto recognizes that it isn't Iruka but Mizuki and refuses. Iruka posing as Naruto then transforms himself back into himself and defends Naruto against Mizuki's accusations. He's not the demon fox, but the Hidden Leaf Village's Uzumaki Naruto. Mizuki takes that opportunity to finish Iruka, but Naruto steps in and defends him. He does Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and soon there are many Naruto clones surrounding Mizuki. Soon he is defeated and Iruka rewards Naruto with graduation.

Episode 2

I Am Konohamaru!

Naruto's first task as a ninja is to get his picture taken. He poses rather artistically, and Hokage-sama orders him to retake the picture. He refuses and transforms himself into Sexy no Jutsu, which takes Hokage-sama by surprise and gives Naruto the upper hand.

Suddenly a small kid interrupts their meeting and challenged Hokage-sama to a battle. As he runs forward to make his move, he trips and his teacher, Ebisu, runs forward to protect him. The kid accuses Naruto of doing something, but Naruto is quick to pick the kid up and threaten him, much to the dismay of Ebisu, who pleads not to hurt him. He is Konohamaru, the grandson of the great Third Hokage. Naruto doesn't care and hits him anyway. Ebisu then has a chat with Konohamaru, but he immediately leaves and seeks out Naruto, the only one who would actually hit the grandson of a Hokage.

Konohamaru offers to be Naruto's follower if he will teach him the temptation technique he used on Hokage-sama. To start, Naruto teaches him about Chakras - the energy you use to execute a technique. Ninja techniques use both Chakra energy, the energy that exists in every cell in the body, and spirit energy, the energy that is accumulated though training and experience. When these two are combined, a seal is formed and the technique is executed. Naruto tells him that techniques require hard work and guts. To test the kid's skills, Naruto asks him to transform into a girl standing nearby. He transforms into a hideous clone of her, which greatly offends the girl, who hits Naruto and asks the Konohamaru to do a cuter transformation of her next time.

Konohamaru feels alone. No one sees him as Konohamaru, but as the grandson of a Hokage. That's why he wants to become a Hokage so badly. Naruto tells him he can't until he beats him first.

Meanwhile, Hokage-sama explains to Iruka that when the Fourth Hokage sealed the demon spirit inside of Naruto, he wanted everyone to look at Naruto as a hero. Instead, the adults of the village see Naruto as the demon spirit itself. Naruto will have a hard time ahead of him.

Episode 3

Rivals?! Sasuke and Sakura

As Naruto walks to his explanatory meeting, Konohamaru greets him, ready to fight. He trips, and Naruto greets him, but explains that he can't fight.

Haruno Sakura heads off to her explanatory meeting. Her rival, Yamanaka Ino, greets her along the way, and they end up racing to school. At school, Sakura races over to the most popular boy in the class, Uchiha Sasuke, and asks to sit next to him. Soon several of the girls are fighting to sit next to him, which makes Naruto jealous. He stares Sasuke down until one of the kids pushes Naruto into Sasuke and they end up kissing. This severely pisses off Sakura, who stands ready to attack Naruto.

When class begins, Iruka Sensei announces the each ninja will join a group of three to further their training. Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke end up together. Naruto is thrilled to be with Sakura-chan, while she's thrilled to be with Sasuke. Hyuuga Hinata, who has a crush on Naruto, is disappointed not to be in his group.

At lunch, Sakura disses Naruto to find Sasuke. Naruto gets pissed and looks for revenge. He sees Sasuke sitting alone eating and attacks him. Sasuke emerges the winner and ties Naruto up. He then heads over to where Sakura is eating by herself. He joins her and asks what she thinks about Naruto. She starts ranting about how Naruto doesn't know her and that he's just annoying.

There is a flash back to the real Sasuke, who has been tied up by Naruto. Naruto then transformed into him to court Sakura. Just as she's about to kiss him, he gets a sudden stomachache and the desperate urge to use the bathroom and rushes off.

In the bathroom, Naruto has a revelation. He only can get close to Sakura if he transforms into Sasuke. His plan is to make Sakura think that Sasuke finds her annoying. However, while he is in the bathroom, the real Sasuke walks past Sakura and asks about Naruto. She rants about how annoying Naruto is, but he tells her that she's annoying. It really hurts her. Naruto, meanwhile, heads out of the bathroom where he is greeted by Sasuke. Naruto decides that he will gain the respect of others if he defeats Sasuke, but again he has another desperate urge to use the bathroom and retreats.

Episode 4

The Trial! Survival Training

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura wait for their Jounin (high class ninja) to arrive and take them off to train. Naruto is impatient and sets up a booby trap. When the Jounin enters, the eraser Naruto strategically placed above the door hits him on the head. He tells them that his first impression of them is that he hates them.

The group starts off by introducing themselves. Sensei goes first. He is Hatake Kakashi and has no intention of telling them of his likes and dislikes, his dreams, or his hobbies. Naruto is next. He likes cup ramen and hates the 3 minutes he has to wait after he puts the ramen in hot water. His hobby is to eat and compare cup ramens, and his dream is to become greater than the Hokages and make all the villagers recognize his existence. Next is Sakura. She doesn't reveal any of her dreams or likes, although Sensei is quick to realize that she likes Sasuke. He asks what she hates, and she replies 'Naruto.' Sasuke is last. He says that there are many things that he hates, and few things that he likes. His ambition is to revive his clan and to kill a certain man.

Their first mission is survival training. They tell him that they already have done training at the academy. He laughs at them and tells them that out of the 27 graduates, only nine will become Genins. The other 18 will be sent back to the academy. In other words, the test has a 66% drop out rate. They are to bring their ninja equipment and meet at 5 AM. Oh, and not to eat breakfast or they will throw up if they do.

Next morning, they show up bright and early, but sensei doesn't get there until 11:10 AM. He immediately sets the alarm clock to 12 PM and tells them their first task is to take one of the two bells he holds from him. Whoever can't won't eat lunch. He then insults Naruto further to make the three understand that to take the bells, they will have to kill him. Naruto immediately takes out his dagger and attacks. Sensei immediately is able to turn the attack against Naruto and the three are finally ready to begin the training.

Soon, everyone is hiding, except Naruto. He attacks 'fair and square.' Sensei teaches him Ninja fighting lesson 1: taijutsu (fighting without weapons). He then takes out a book and begins reading. Every attack Naruto fires on him is avoided. Soon, Sensei is behind Naruto and his hand is in the seal of the tiger position. He performs a high Ninja technique in the element of fire which basically pokes Naruto in the ass and sends him flying.

Iruka asks Hokage-sama about the Jounin who is training Naruto's group. He has heard rumors about how difficult the man is. Hokage-sama gives him a book on Kakashi, which states that he has never passed a person. Everyone has failed.

Episode 5

Failure? Kakashi's Conclusion

Sasuke's efforts are in vain as his ninja stars hit a log. Sensei changed places again and the log was just another Kawarimi (changed body). He knows where Sasuke is. Sakura takes off after him, but Sensei ends up behind her. He performs a transformation, which shows Sasuke dying with his ninja stars stuck throughout his body. Sakura faints in horror. That is Ninja fighting lesson 2: Genjutsu (Illusion Skills).

Sasuke attacks sensei and through several attacks, almost gets a bell. Sensei acknowledges that he is different from the other two. Sasuke performs fire element, Grand Fireball no Jutsu and blows fire at sensei, but sensei disappears by performing Earth Element, Earth Decapitation no Jutsu. He then reaches up from the ground and grabs Sasuke's leg to pull him into the ground. He then explains Ninja fighting lesson 3: Ninjutsu.

Suddenly the bell rings and sensei declares that they all should quit as ninjas. He asks why they are disrespecting ninjas. The answer lies with teamwork, but it's too late now. There are two bells to see who would be willing to sacrifice their own place in favor of teamwork, but the two bells serve as a divider amongst the team. They all fell for the trap and worked to serve their own selfish desires. Sensei walks over to a stone memorial. He explains that this memorial includes the names of all the heroes of the village - those who lost their lives for the success of the mission. His best friend's name is also carved there.

Kakashi decides to give them one last chance after lunch. He tells them, though, that those who feed Naruto will fail. Both decide to feed Naruto, but Sakura is the one to feed him. Sensei immediately appears and threatens them with a lightning storm. The three immediately declare that they are one team. Sensei declares that they all pass. Amazed, they all ask how that could be. He tells them that up until now, the others did everything he told them to. A ninja must read underneath the underneath, and they must take care of their friends.

Episode 6

Important Mission! Heading into the Country of the Wave

Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto are headed after the target in accordance with Kakashi sensei's training. They pounce and capture a cat, thus completing "Operation Capture Tora the Lost Pet" for Madam Shijimi, wife of the Country of Fire's Feudal Lord. She is thrilled to pieces.

Soon they are ready for their next ninja training mission: babysitting Yojyu-sama's boy, grocery shopping, etc. Naruto starts whining that he's sick of these stupid missions and he is soon scolded by Iruka-sensei. Hokage-sama then explains what missions are. People come to the village requesting tasks every day. Those tasks are then separated into the difficulty levels A, B, C, and D, just as ninjas are separated into Hokage, Jounins (Elite - like Kakashi sensei), Chuunins (Commoners - like Iruka sensei), and Genins (Cadets - like Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke) according to their abilities. A tasks are assigned to the Jounins, B and C tasks are assigned to Chuunins and C and D tasks are assigned to Genins.

Naruto still isn't convinced and decides to sit and hold his breath. Hokage gives in and assigns the ninja cadets a C task. A drunken man enters and insults Naruto. He then introduces himself as the bridge building expert Tazuna. Their task is to protect his life while he finishes building his bridge.

As they journey towards the Country of the Wave, Tazuna again insults Naruto, which again makes him angry. Sakura then asks Kakashi if there are also ninjas in the Country of the Wave. He answers that there aren't, but explains that there may be hidden ninja villages equivalent of the country's military powers. They maintain their relationship with neighboring countries, but aren't under the control of the country. Supposedly, they are equal in position. However, because the Country of the Wave is so small, they don't need a ninja village. The five hidden villages of the countries of fire (Hidden Village of Konaha (Leaf), water (Hidden Village of Mist), lightning (Hidden Village of Cloud), wind (Hidden Village of Sand), and earth (hidden Village of Rock) make up the Five Great Ninja Powers. Their leaders carry the name of 'Kage.' Hokage, Mizukage, Raikage, Kazekage,, and Tsuchikage are known as the 'Five Kages' that reign over the tens of thousands of ninjas. When Sakura and Naruto hear that, they immediately doubt Hokage's abilities.

Suddenly, two ninjas with wraith-like characteristics jump out from the trees and capture Kakashi-sensei. Naruto is next, but Sasuke fights back and takes out their chain weapons. Luckily, Hokage sensei comes to the rescue using his replacement technique and captures the ninjas. Kakashi explains that their two attackers are Chuunin class ninjas from the Hidden Village of Mist known as the Demon Brothers. They are trained to keep fighting no matter what the cause.

Episode 7

The Assassin of the Mist!

Naruto and the gang boat through some thick mist to the Wave Country. Kakashi wants to know who the two ninjas after him were. If he refuses to tell them, their mission is over once they reach shore. Tanzuna agrees to tell them. The wealthy ship magnate, Gatou, is after his life. Officially, he runs a large shipping company, but secretly he sells drugs and other illegal goods with the help of ninjas. About a year ago he set his sights on the Wave Country and started taking over the shipping routes. Now, he has a monopoly. The only way to break it is to finish building the bridge.

Kakashi can't understand why he hid this when he asked for help. He explains that Wave Country is extremely poor, so that even the Daimyo has no money. If they were to quit the mission as soon as they reach shore, he will surely be killed before he gets to his house. The ninjas realize they have no choice but to continue protecting him. Kakashi is worried that any further attacks will be Jounin not Chuunin.

Naruto decides to act cool and throws his kunai into the forest. He almost hits a snowshoe bunny, which Kakashi finds odd. Showshoe rabbits change color according to the amount of sunlight. White is its winter color, so that rabbit must have been kept in a cage in order to use it in Kawarimi. Momochi Zabuza watches from the trees above and takes specific note of the Leaf Village's copy ninja, Sharingan Kakashi.

Suddenly, a large blade flies at the ninjas and Momochi Zabuza makes his appearance. Naruto tries to step in, but Kakashi warns him to stand back. This one is in an entirely different class. Kakashi commands the three to stand around Tazuna and protect him while he fights the Jounin ninja. He then pulls down his mask to reveal his read eye is ready to fight. A Sharingan is a power borne in the eyes and released from the pupils. Some have an ability in their eyes, called Doujutsu, that can read all types of genjutsu (illusion), taijutsu (body) and ninjutsu (stealth) and can defeat them. Sharingan is one of the types that gives people this power. It also gives you the ability to ready your opponent's techniques and copy them.

Episode 8

Decision Sworn on Pain

The opening replays the battle between Kakashi and Momochi Zabuza leading up to Momochi's capture. Naruto and co. are impressed that Kakashi has declared the match over. Momochi taunts him, declaring that Kakashi won't be able to capture him so easily. He then appears behind Kakashi and kicks him backwards. Kakashi disappears into the river as Momochi chases him with his big-ass sword (think Cloud in FF7). He sees Makibishi (throwing nails) in the dirt and dives in the river. Kakashi emerges, trapped in Water Prison no Jutsu, as the tide has turned in Momochi's favor. He then clones himself and goes after the three young ninjas. He strikes Naruto and knocks the headband off his head.

Kakashi calls out to the ninjas, commanding them to take Tazuna and run. Momochi's body keeps him prisoner, so his clone won't be able to go too far away. They should be able to escape. Sasuke refuses and reevaluates the situation. For them to survive, they must rescue Kakashi. He jumps ready to strike Momochi, but is caught in mid-air and thrown back. Naruto is scared to death of the Jounin. He gets ready to run and throws his hand to the ground, but is surprised to remember his injury and his promise. It is a turning point, where he realizes that it takes to become a ninja and flashes back to all the events that got him to this point. He stands, ready to fight again, and then charges. He too is thrown backwards, but he got his forehead protector back - the symbol that he is a ninja.

Naruto has a plan now and asks the others to work with him. Kakashi reminds them that their real mission is to protect Tazuna, but he gives them permission to fight. Momochi explains his graduation exam - fight to the death between students. That changed ten years ago when another evil appeared. Without pause or hesitation, a young boy, not even a ninja, had killed over a hundred students himself...that boy was Momochi. He then attacks Sasuke. Naruto uses Kage Bushin no Jutsu and sends his clones around Momochi. Each pile atop him, but he is too strong and throws all of them backwards. Naruto throws Sasuke his blade as he flies back, and Sasuke does Evil Wind Shuriken, Shadow Windmill. He throws it at the real Momochi, who captures it. Another follows - it's Shadow Shuriken no Jutsu. The Shurikens change into Narutos, who throw shuriken at the real Momochi. Momochi dodges the shuriken but releases Kakashi from his imprisonment. Momochi aims for Naruto to strike him but Kakashi stops him just in time.

Episode 9

Kakashi the Sharingan User

After releasing Kakashi, Naruto is proud of himself, having used the shadow replication techinique to transform into a Fuuma shuriken. He had no intention of defeating Momochi Zabuza. He left one of his replicas and transformed into a Fuuma shuriken, which he then threw to Sasuke, who used his own technique. He hid in the shadow of the shuriken until he got close enough and then broke the prison.

Kakashi and Momochi then go at it again. The two then perform several mudras while chanting to produce Suiton Suiryuudan no Jutsu (Water Element: Water Dragon Bullet) and the two water dragons go after each other. Kakashi was able to copy Momochi perfectly. Momochi gets a weird feeling about the situation and can't understand how Kakashi replicated the technique at the same time as he did. He then realizes that Kakashi is mirroring him. Kakashi then enters his mind and finishes his thoughts, thus confusing Momochi further. Kakashi performs Suiton Daubakufu no Jutsu (Water Element: Grand Waterfall), completing the technique Momochi was trying to get off, but didn't, and a great flood hits Momochi followed by several shuriken.

Momochi asks how Kakashi can see the future. He answers that he's going to die. Suddenly two shurikan fly at the Jounin from a strange faceless man standing on a tree branch above. Kakashi goes down to investigate and proclaims Momochi dead. The tree man thanks them, claiming he had been looking for a chance to kill Momochi Zabuza. Kakashi recognizes his mask as belonging to the hunter-nin from the Hidden Village of the Mist. Hunter-nins are those who assassinate exiled ninja who turn on their village.

As they walk away, Kakashi falls forward, unconscious...

Episode 10

The Forest of Chakra

After fighting with Zabuza, Kakashi is totally weared out from using his Sharingan and cannot do that much anymore for some time. Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto all have questions about the ninjas that they fought but are afraid of tiring out kakashi even more so.Sakura is interested about the kid in the mask that took away Zabuza's body. Kakashi tells her that the mask he wore was worn by Hidden Mist's Anbu (an elite assasin squad),on a special hunter-nin team. These people are known as body erasers which are to destroy the body completely without leaving any trace of their villages jutsu so no outsider can steal it. The information that Zabuza's body could carry would be chakra, herbs, and other things that would exspose the villages secrets and jutsus.

Back in the wood the hunter-nin takes care of zabuza's body and right when he was about to cut it open, zabuza springs back to life. Really the so called hunter-nin really wasn't one but actually saved Zabuza from his destruction by kakashi. The aim of the stick that he threw before to act like killing zabuza was actually aiming for an acupuncture point to not hurt him but put him in a fake death.

Kakashi has a bad feeling about leaving the corpse with the hunter-nin because the hunter-nin, although he thinks Zabuza is dead. He just can't figure out why the hunter-nin didnt take apart the body right then and there on the spot. Kakashi asks himself what would the hunter-nin do with Zabuza's body and then comes up with the conclusion that Zabuza is alive and out there. The needle that the hunter-nin use was called a 'senbon' which was only fatal if you hit an vital organ which he didn't which only put Zabuza in a temporary metabolic suspension. Kakashi knows that a hunter-nin knows how to put a person in a temporary metabolic suspension and figure out his intention that he wasn't aiming to kill Zabuza but was actually there to save him. Then he realizes that he has to train the young ninjas before its too late to fight Zabuza and his helping hand.

As a young boy Inari comes into his room he happily greats his Grandpa. Then when he hears about the ninjas he tells his mom that they're all going to die against Gatou. Naruto was angry as went after the boy to teach him a lesson but then found him crying over a picture of his dad.

Not wanting to waste time Kakashi begins his chakra lessons. Sakura explains chakra as the energy shinobi needs when performing a jutsu. This energy has two parts: the body energy in each cell and the spiritual energy gained through training and other experiences. To perform a jutsu, a ninja must release these two energies. This is called releasing chakra and is done by performing a seal with the hand.

The reason Kakashi is giving this lesson to the boys is because while they can do jutsu they can't use it efficiently so they can't control it so will either end up with too little or too much chakra needed to perform the jutsu correctly. They will tire themselves out too fast if they don't learn how to control it corrrectly. And so from that Kakashi demostrates walking up a tree without using his hands and just using his chakra letting him walk straight up sticking on to the tree. This shows them that they must focus their chakra in a certain area and the sole of the feet is the most difficult so if they master this they should be able to master anything or any jutsu someone throws at them.

Sasuke isn't the best at climbing the tree but actually gets a little bit up before he falls down but naruto just falls down immediately. Sakura out of the three has the most chakra control as she is already made it to the top. Kakashi believes in Sasuke and Naruto because he knows both of them are special and the chakra in them are amazing but they just have to tap into it, if they can do this they'll be powerful allies.

At Gatou's place Zabuza still lies recovering as the fake hunter-nin, Haku, watches over him. Gatou comes in threatening that Zabuza has one last chance. Haku protects Zabuza as Gatou makes the threat but ends up not killing anyone. Once Gatou leaves he says its too early to kill him.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke are still trying and falling off the tree. Naruto gets frustrated and ends up asking Sakura for some tips. Kakashi then thinks to himself that Naruto's chakra level will even be above his own.

Episode 11

The Country That Had a Hero

Sakura keeps an eye on Tazuna as Sasuke and Naruto keep on training their chakra by climbing on trees. Another of Tazuna's workers comes by and tells Tazuna that he wants to quit working on the bridge because they heard word of Gatou. They all said they fear for the safety of their family and don't want anything that can harm them. Tazuna tells them that he started this bridge in hopes it would bring more trade to this poor town and would boost trades so the city could expand and there would be less poor people SO it could turn to what it was before Gatou came.

Tazuna decides to take a walk to the grocery store and on the way there Sakura is shocked to see all of the poor kids in the street just sitting there on the sidewalk having no food or no parents as it seems. A small kid comes up to Sakura and begs for food and Tazuna tells her its been like this since Gatou came here and they just hope that after the bridge is fully contructed that it shall return to its normal state and have the needy all taken care of.

As Naruto thinks back to what Sakura tells him to do to control his chakra. She tells him to not be impatient and he must relax on the tree. While he begins to try once more again to get up to the tree Sasuke interrupts him. Sasuke asks Naruto about Sakura's tips but Naruto refuses to tell him the tips.

Sakura at dinner notices a picture on the wall that has been torn. She saw Inari staring at it so she was interested in why it was torn. That question seemed like it hit a nerve in the family but Tazuna answers it. He says that this man was Inari's father not blood related but the closest thing.

Tazuna begins to tell a story of a man called the hero of the country. Three years ago Inari met him when he was getting bullied by some local kids and threw his dog into the water because Inari somehow made the head bully mad. He told Inari since he loved animals so much why doesn't he take a swim and save his dog Pochi. Unfortunately Inari couldn't swim and the bully pushed him in the water. The ironic part is that Pochi just learned how to dog paddle right then and swim off to the shore and be safe leaving Inari to drown.

When Inari woke up a man had saved his life and seemed to understand Inari and told him to chose to live with no regrets. He told Inari however tough he must try, even if it mean losing his life. This man's name was Kaiza and became part of his family. One day there was a horrible storm and it looked like the city would be flooded. Kaiza volunteered to jump in the river and tie the rope to save the village and from that day on became a hero. Gatou was not happy with him though so he thought he would make a point by killing him in front of everyone. He told the people that Kaiza was conducting terrorist activites against Gatou Corporations and killed him in front of Inari's eyes.

Inari grew bitter because there was no one there longer to protect him and the people of his country. He believed his dad was a liar. From that day, everyone in town changed. Naruto is moved by the story and wants to prove that heroes do exist.

Episode 12

Decisive Battle on the Bridge! Zabuza Returns!!

A girl is gathering herbs in the forest and recognizes that it's Naruto lying asleep in the forest as the kid who yelled at her(Hauku) for killing Zabuza in the forest and reaches to grab his neck but the gently wakes him up.She learns that Naruto is indeed a ninja and trains because he wants to be the best in his village.

The woman has a flashback of herself as a kid as she remembers begging for food and also fighting for it. One time she was fighting a dog for food and kicked the dog to find two angry pups angry at her as well.Zabuza took notice of this event and took pity on her and befriended her. After the flashback she tells Naruto that when a person has something to protect then that person will truly become strong. When she walks away she tells Naruto that shes a boy.

When Naruto doesn't show up for breakfast the next morning Sasuke goes to find him. Sakura and Kakashi also follow into the forest. Naruto throws a spear at them to show how high he can climb and nearly falls off until Sasuke comes to the rescue. Kakashi is happy to see their progress.

Tazuna asks Kakashi why they were still around protecting him when he lied about the project. Kakashi says that abandoning duty is not a courageous task and below courage is nothing. Those are the First Hokage's words. Inari has a memory of his dad telling him not to cry. Inari breaks down and asks why they try so hard to stop Gatou...He thinks it's pointless. Naruto tells Inari to shut up because he isn't like Inari. Inari cries even harder and demands to know how Naruto is so carefree and can possibly understand anything of his country. Naruto just tells Inari off by telling him he's playing the tragic character and a sissy like him would just keep on crying.

Later Kakashi goes out to the water to apologize for Naruto. He explains that Naruto is like him growing up without a father and all. He never had any parents and not one single friend but he still manages do not cry or complain about it. He also does his best to try to attract attention and risk his life doing that. Thats why he says Naruto understands how to be strong and said that what he just said to Inari was probably what he said to himself countless times.

The next morning, the group leaves Naruto to rest and heads over to the bridge. When Naruto learns he overslept he races to meet the others. The others however are greated by dead or heavily injured workers while two other of Gatou's henchmen head over to Tazuna's house. The bridge becomes misty and Kakashi's belief of Zabuza returning is quite correct. Zabuza attacks with clone attacks but Sasuke can see through them and takes the clones down.

Episode 13

Haku's Secret Technique: Demonic Mirrors of Ice Crystal

Sasuke decides he wants a peice of Haku for the Hunter-nin trick. Zabuza gives the word and Haku races toward him.

Meanwhile back at Tazuna's house Gatou's henchmen have taken Inari's mom hostage and threaten to kill the kid, but the mom threatens to bite her tongue off and bleed to death if they touch Inari. They grab the mom as Inari sits helplessly pitying himself. Then he remembers Naruto and his father's words and wipes his tears away and vows to become stronger. Inari runs towards the men to get away from his mom as they draw their swords.

While at the bridge, Haku and Sasuke are fighting their tails off. Haku claims he has not one but two advantages over Sasuke. The first is the water on the ground and the second is that he has occupied one of Sasuke's hands. With one hand Haku performs his Secret Jutsu: Flying Water Needles and stomps in the nearby puddle. The splash becomes needles, and Sasuke remembers his training to release chakra.

At Tazuna's house Naruto arrives just in time and performs a Kawarimi no Jutsu. He switches places with a log and rescues Inari and his mom. He told Inari that he knew that they were coming because when the henchmen were coming they cut up the forest so Naruto knew that trouble was coming and saved Inari and his mother that way. After that Naruto and Inari had a bonding moment.

As Haku atacks, Sasuke dodges his moves and ends up behind. The two keep on fighting until Sasuke gets a kick in and has won the race of speed.

After tying the henchmen up Naruto apologizes for calling Inari a sissy and Inari starts to cry. Naruto tells him that its alright to cry when you are happy. He then smiles and tells that Inari is going to be counted on to take care of the henchmen. After that he heads out to the bridge.

Haku suddenly starts emitting a chilling vibe and performs his secret jutsu: Demonic Ice Mirrors. Saveral ice mirriors surround Sasuke. Haku then enters a mirrior and appears in each of the ice mirriors. Kakashi runs to help Sasuke but Zabuza stops him. Sasuke is left in the mirror being hit by needles again and again until Naruto comes to the rescue.

Episode 14

#1 at Surprising People, Naruto Joins the Battle!

Naruto enters making a grand entrance and gets everyones attention, which wasn't that bright. Zabuza sees his chance and throws a couple of ninja stars at him but Haku counters by throwing needles at them. Haku states that he wants to do this his way. Kakashi gives Naruto a short lecture of not making such an elaborate entrance and instead he should've been thinking on how to have a sneak attack on them. Zabuza agrees to Haku's request but thinks hes going to easy on them. Kakashi want to attack Zabuza and help them but then if he leaves Tazuna, Zabuza will surely kill him and he can't afford that so he just lets them battle it out.

Naruto is mad at having Haku using the Hunter-nin trick to fool them and save Zabuza from Kakashi killing him. Haku restates Kakashi's words and Sasuke takes this to advantage and then uses his shuriken at him but Haku being a high level ninja dodges them and decides to take down Sasuke first and re-enters the mirrors. Sasuke still can't figure out the mirror techniques and is soon caught between Haku's needles. Sasuke thinks that if Naruto and him attacks from both the outside and inside they might be able to break the mirrors. Sasuke then has no choice but to use his Blazing Fireballs, but the mirrors of ice still don't melt.

Knowing Naruto he doesn't do the correct thing of 2 attacks at once but has his own bright idea which is to sneak in and get both him and Sasuke killed. Naruto starts to be frustrated and then uses his Shadow clone justsu which Haku defeats without breaking a sweat. Haku then explains his jutsu technique of traveling through the mirrors at speeds so incredibly high that the human eye cannot track or see. Kakashi then realizes that it is a bloodline trait and the even the sharigan can't copy it. Haku has a flashback to when he was a kid on the bridge where Zabuza befriended him and then told the boys that he doesn't want to kill them but if they were going to protect this bridge and Tazuna he was going to have to kill them. Haku will protect Zabuza to help achieve his dreams.

Episode 15

The Fight in Zero Visibility: The Sharingan Crumbles

Kakashi tells Sakura not to get her hopes up for Naruto and Sasuke and even if they could beat Haku they wouldn't have the heart to kill someone. Sakura screams a cry of frustration and Kakashi decides to finish this battle with the Sharingan. Zabuza sees this and rushes toward Kakashi in a attempt to stab his eye out but Kakashi is able to block with his hands. Zabuza tells Kakashi that it was him who taught Haku all his jutsus and his power even surpasses his own.

Inside the mirrors Naruto tries his clone jutsu another time but yet easily again is defeated by Haku. This time Sasuke can start seeing through his motions. When Naruto tries his clone jutsu another time he fails again but Sasuke thinks hes on to something.

Zabuza confesses that he wasn't really just getting beat up like an fool but he had a plan to see Kakashi's abilities and he had Haku hiding in the woods just to observe. He explains that Haku is usually able to form some strategy after seeing a fight so he threatens that the same jutsu will not work twice. He then performs the Hidden Mist no Justsu and vanishes into the mist.

This time, Naruto replicates, but Sasuke catches on and uses fire to track him and when he goes for Naruto Sasuke hits him with the fire and slightly wounds him.

Kakashi is able to block Zabuza's attacks but Zabuza warns him that Kakashi relies on sight way too much. Zabuza explains that he has figured out how Kakashi works and he said that he was just using his sharingan to imitate his techniques and when Zabuza was confused Kakashi used his hypnotic genjutsu to strike before Zabuza. But now he knows the style Kakashi uses and will use it against him and has used the mist to make his eyes useless and won't be able to be hypnotized so he has the advantage.

Sasuke tells Naruto a plan to run outside and use consequtive attacks to break the mirror but as soon as Naruto sprints to try to get outside Haku quickly catches him and stops him. Sasuke is ready this time but Haku attacks Sasuke first.

Kakashi tells himself to calm down and to think like Zabuza,what would he do? He realizes that Tazuna is in mortal danger and by the time he gets there Zabuza strikes...Blood splaters.

Episode 16

The Released Seal

Sasuke tries to attack Haku in the ice prison as Naruto is still trying to escape but Haku is way too fast. Outside, Kakashi sneses the Zabuza will go after Tazuna and as Zabuza strikes Sakura screams.

Inside Naruto takes a running start and tries once again to escape but Haku again stops him. Sasuke knows that he must do something about this now and as Haku shoots needles Sasuke is able to knock them down before they hit vital areas. Sasuke is able to see Haku's movements and soon his Sharingan is awakened...Haku realizes that if this continues he will lose the advantage.

Outside Zabuza gets ready to attack again and disappears into the mist and Kakashi is left to defend with no sight whatsoever. Sakura is starting to become scared and kind of paranoid that there is the fact that Sasuke and Naruto could be defeated and killed but Kakashi in the other hand believes that they can do this.

inside the ice prison, Haku is taken down, but Sasuke is completely worn out amd Naruto doesn't understand why Sasuke i sacrificing himself to save him. He recalls the past moments with Sasuke and Sasuke told him that he hates it and Naruto screams that he never wanted his help. Sasuke then falls to the ground. Sasuke tells Naruto that he kept telling himself that Haku was his brother and he sworn that he wouldn't die until he killed him. Sasuke passes out as Naruto holds him.

At this time Haku rises and tells Naruto that Sasuke was definitely a shinobi that deserved respect. Naruto awakens as well and he starts healing as his demon fox spirit awakens and comes out

Episode 17

The White Past: The Hidden Feelings

Naruto turns into demon fox mode and begins his assualt on Haku. Haku can't imagine how he just amazingly gained all that power. Even as Haku's needle hit him, he is still able to deflect them.

Outside, Kakashi asks Zabuza to finish the fight. Naruto powers up to knock Haku out of the ice prison by himself and Haku can barely stand after that and he tells Zabuza that he cannot defeat Naruto. Haku's mask comes off and he just can't bring himself to kill him. Haku tells him to just do it because he has no reason to live after Naruto exposed how weak he is.

Haku explains to Naruto that he was born in a small snowy village in Water Country and his parents were satisfied with their hard life on the fields. Then one day his father tried to kill his mother and him. The Water Country experienced civil wars and those with advanced bloodline became hated. Clans with such power became weapons and were blamed for the turmoil sweeping the land. The clans that had these abilities lived in secret as Haku was playing one day he demonstrated that he had this ability. Their father soon discovered the secret and came to kill them. He escaped killing his father in the process but knowing that he was unwanted in this world. Zabuza was the only one that wanted him and gave his loyalty to him. Now he asks Naruto to kill him.

As this is going on Kakashi performs Ninpou summoning. Earth element Tracking Fang no Jutsu. Zabuza taunts him that he is trapped in his Jutsu but suddenly several nin dogs attack from the ground. The Jutsu was to track the scent of his own blood that now covers Zabuza's weapons. Kakashi explains that Zabuza went too far. Zabuza attempted to assassinate Mizukage and his coup d'etat failed. He abandoned the Water Country and needed money for revenge which is why he must have joined Gatou. Kakashi powers up and tells Zabuza to give up or his other option is death. He does Lightning Edge and chakra energey builds up and glows around his hands.

Haku is still asking Naruto to kill him but Naruto won't. He still thinks he can talk some sense into Haku, but Haku is certain now, Zabuza no longer needs him and he didn't fulfill his part.

Episode 18

A Tool Called Shinobi

Inari bangs on the door of his neighbor, Mr. Giichi. He needs him to go to the bridge to defeat Gatou's men. Mr. Giichi denies his request. If they try to fight, there will be sacrifices. No one wants to sacrifice anything precious to them. Inari's mind is made up. He remembers his dad's words - to live with no regrets - and he is ready to fight. Inari goes to each of the townspeople's homes, but no one will open their doors. He remembers Naruto telling him that he's strong and keeps trying.

Haku tells that Naruto must kill him. Naruto thinks that if they had met under different circumstances, they might have been good friends. He pulls out his dagger and charges. As he runs, Haku catches his hand and disappears. He teleports in front of Zabuza as Kakashi attacks and takes the direct hit for him.

Inari prepares to go down to the bridge alone...

At the bridge, the mist disappears and Naruto gets a clear vision of what's going down. Haku is now dead and Zabuza is looking to cut through both he and Haku to kill Kakashi. Kakashi dodges and lays Haku down. Sakura sees Naruto and asks about Sasuke. Naruto can't answer, but Sakura takes Tazuna's hand and runs to Sasuke's body. She starts crying.

Kakashi and Zabuza are still going toe to toe. Zabuza can't keep up with Kakashi and soon finds himself in Kakashi's grasp. Kakashi strikes, but Zabuza counters once again.

Gatou shows up on the bridge with an army of men...

Episode 19

Zabuza Disperses into the Snow

Gatou shows up with his men on the bridge and dismisses Zabuza of his ninja responsibilities. At that moment, Zabuza apologizes to Kakashi and tells him the battle ends here. He now has no reason to fight them anymore.

Gatou walks up to Haku's lifeless body and kicks it. Naruto screams and tries to run up to him, but Kakashi stops him. Zabuza tells him that Haku is already dead. When Naruto protests in Haku's defense, Zabuza says that he used Haku just as Gatou used him. He wanted his abilities, not him. Naruto cannot believe that and prepares to fight again. He defends Haku and Haku's affection for Zabuza. He can't understand how Zabuza could act so coldly when Haku loved him so much he sacrificed his own life for his. Haku can't die as a tool. It's just too painful.

The intenseness of Naruto's soliloquy brings Zabuza to tears. He knows just what Haku did for him and thanks them for being his final opponents. He then asks Naruto for his knife. With the knife in his teeth, he charges into Gatou's group of men, whipping his head to and fro until he is able to reach Gatou. With a couple of swings, Zabuza kills Gatou. Everyone looks on in horror that Zabuza could possibly be still standing with several swords sticking out of his body.

After Gatou dies, Zabuza looks at Haku's body and collapses in the middle of Gatou's men. He tells Haku goodbye. Naruto starts to look away, but Kakashi tells him that Zabuza deserves his respect and to keep looking.

At that moment in time, Sasuke regains consciousness. Sakura explains that Haku is dead and Sasuke realizes that Haku didn't kill him on purpose. Everyone is relieved.

Suddenly, Gatou's men interrupt the intenseness to declare that they want revenge. They rush, but are greeted by Inari and all the townsmen, who have stepped up to defend their town. Naruto and Kakashi have just enough chakra to Shadow Replicate and soon Gatou's men retreat.

Zabuza's last wish is to see Haku's face. Kakashi carries his limp body over to where Haku's body lies. He tells Haku that they've been together all this time, so he will die next to him. He uses his last bit of energy to touch Haku's face and wish to go to the same place he has gone.

As the ninjas bury Zabuza and Haku's bodies, Naruto vows not to become an emotionless tool and to follow his own 'way of the ninja' - to live as though he will regret nothing.

When the bridge is finally completed, the ninjas leave. Tazuna names the bridge in honor of Naruto - the Naruto Big Bridge - so that one day the bridge will be known throughout the world.

Episode 20

Enter the New Chapter! It's the Chuunin Exam

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura must receive their daily missions, which consist of mainly errands and household chores, from Kakashi. Naruto is very focused on beating Sasuke throughout each task, ends up messing up most of them, and is even saved by Sasuke once. Kakashi senses that today isn't a good day for teamwork and sends all three of them home.

Sasuke, criticizing both Sakura and Naruto, leaves them both and heads back home. Suddenly, the Konohamaru Corps appear in front of Naruto and want to play ninja with him, but Sakura becomes extremely angry and takes out her anger on Naruto and the kids. Fleeing from Sakura, the Konohamaru Corps run into two strange, evil-looking ninjas, one of which threatens Konohamaru. Naruto attacks the ninja, but the ninja defends himself and starts attacking Konohamaru. Sasuke appears and blocks the ninja's attack on Konohamaru.

Gaara, another ninja, appears and Hokage-sama announces the Chuunin selection exam will begin in a week.

Episode 21

Identify Yourselves! The Powerful Enemies That Have Arrived

Gaara scolds Kankurou, one of the ninjas, for attacking the Konohamaru Corps and Kankurou apologizes. Sasuke is intimidated by Gaara, while Gaara is impressed by Sasuke. Gaara and the other ninjas introduce themselves as Genins from the Hidden Village of Sand from the Country of Wind, who have come to their village for the Chuunin exam.

Meanwhile, Hokage-sama asks Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma if there are any Genins in their groups that should participate in the Chuunin exam. Kakashi recommends Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. Kurenai recommends Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino. Asuma recommends Yamanako Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Chouji. However, Iruka disagrees with Kakashi's recommendations and thinks that Naruto isn't ready for the exam. The next day, Kakashi announces the news to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

Later that day, Naruto meets the Konohamaru Corps and starts to play with them. Suddenly, a ninja appears and runs away, grabbing Moegi. Naruto chases the ninja and uses his replication technique to help Moegi escape.

Meanwhile, Sasuke asks Sakura out on a walk, telling her that she should give up and not take the Chuunin exam. Suddenly, a ninja also attacks Sasuke and pins him to the ground with knives. Sakura tells the ninja that she can see right through his illusions. She knows that the real Sasuke would have never asked her out on a walk and that the real ninja isn't really here in person. Iruka, who was the ninja in disguise, goes back to Kakashi and tells him that all the rookies passed the preliminary exam.

In the school, a group of Chuunin exam applicants throw an illusion and throw off some of the rookies. Sasuke encounters the group and happens to praise Sakura while he tells them off. The group's leader and Sasuke are about to fight, but Rock Lee, another applicant, prevents them from doing so. The group of bullies convert back into the Chuunin examiners.

Episode 22

120% Spirited! Rocking Challenge Right Now!

Rock Lee becomes interested in Sasuke's Uchiha clan skill and challenges him to a fight and also develops a huge crush on Sakura. Naruto, feeling ignored, offers to fight for Sasuke, but Rock Lee stops him and explains to Naruto that he cannot beat him because he is the strongest of the Konoha Genins. This attracts Sasuke's attention and he agrees to fight Rock Lee.

Sasuke first attacks, but Rock Lee counter-attacks using his Konoha Whirlwind. Using his Sharingan eye, Sasuke attempts to figure out Rock Lee's technique. Sasuke attacks again, but Rock Lee also counter-attacks again. He senses that Rock Lee's attacks are not of any ninja or illusionary kind, but just ordinary fighting attacks. Unfortunately, because of this, Sasuke can't move fast enough to react, even with his Sharingan eye. Rock Lee starts to do his Shadow Dance technique, but an overlarged turtle steps in and prevents him from doing so.

The turtle is actually Rock Lee's teacher, Gai-sensei. He scolds Rock Lee for using his forbidden attacks and punches him in the face. Both of them cry and apologize. Rock Lee then admits that he is not actually the strongest of the Konoha Genins and that Hyuga Neji really is. Naruto tells Sasuke that they still have to improve a lot and they all agree that the Chuunin exam will be very interesting indeed.

Episode 23

Defeat the Rivals! The Rookie Nine All Assembled!

Kakashi explains that the Chuunin exams can only be taken in teams of three ninja. Sakura is surprised that he didn't tell the truth about it being their own choice whether or not they wanted to participate. Kakashi reasons with her and says that if he had said otherwise Naruto and Sasuke would have forced her to participate.

Inside the building in which the first Chuunin exam will be held, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are just three of many other participants. Two other significant teams are introduced. First is Asuma Sarutobi's team which includes Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chouji, and Yamanaka Ino. Next is Kurenai Yuuhi's team, made up of Hyuuga Hinata, a shy girl who has a major crush on Naruto, Inuzuka Kiba, who has a puppy, and Aburame Shino who is always grim and wears sunglasses.

The three teams are approached by a mysterious Genin who introduces himself as Yakushi Kabuto, and he admits that it's his seventh time taking it and warns them to be careful. Kabuto tells them that the Chuunin exam takes place twice every year. Kabuto pulls out a deck of cards containing information that also includes short statistics on other Genin and statistical facts.

He also explains that they take the exam in teams to augment their friendships with other villages and also to heighten the level of all ninja. However he thinks the real purpose is to find the level of ninja in adjacent countries to try and balance out their powers and then restrain each country's power accordingly. Sasuke then asks for information on Gaara of the Hidden Village of Sand and Rock Lee of Konoha. He finds out Rock Lee is a year older than he is and the number of missions he's done (20 D-rank and 11 C-rank). Lee's squad leader is Gai-sensei with teammmates Tenten and Hyuuga Neji. His hand to hand combat skills have increased dramatically over the past year but his other skills such as ninjitsu and genjitsu are horrible. It's also Lee's first time taking the exam. Sasuke also learns that Gaara has completed 8 C-rank missions and 1 B-rank mission and has returned from all of them completely unharmed. This is also Gaara's first time taking the exam. Kabuto then reveals the number of participants included in this bi-annual event: Fire Country: Hidden; Konoha (Leaf Village) - 72 participants; Wind Country: Hidden; Sand Village - 30 participants; Grass country - 15 participants; Waterfall Country - 12 participants; Rain Country - 21 participants; and the recently created Sound Country with 3 participants.

Meanwhile Kakashi is outside the main room reconsidering his prior actions in which he demanded that Gai-sensei and Iruka-sensei respect his decision to allow his Genin to take the exam. He wonders now if he was too short with them.

Back inside, Kabuto warns the rookies to keep a low profile. Not being a person to remain quiet, Naruto raises his voice and introduces himself to the whole room and states that he will not lose to any one of them. Ino accuses Sakura of provoking him. The rest of the ninja then think about how they will beat up Naruto. The team from the Sound Country, already annoyed by Kabuto's description of their country sneaks up behind and one of them takes a swing at Kabuto. It seems as though the ninja missed, but Kabuto's glasses suddenly shatter and he keels over to vomit.

Not long after, Morino Ibiki, the first examiner, shows up.

Episode 24

I Fail Already? The Extremely Difficult First Exam

Morino Ibiki scolds his team for acting up before the exam and reminds them that no one can fight unless they are told to do so by the examiners and even then, they are not allowed to kill their opponents. He then tells them that the first exam is a written test and he will only explain the rules of the test once and will not answer any questions.

1. Each applicant is given ten points and the test contains ten questions and each question is worth one point. The test is deduction-based, so for every point an applicant gets wrong, s/he will be deducted one point from their ten points. To keep all ten points, an applicant must get all the questions correct.
2. Whether an applicant passes or fails depends on the team's total number of points.
3. If an applicant is caught cheating, s/he will be deducted two points. Once any applicant has no points left, his/her whole team will fail
4. The last problem of the test will be given forty-five minutes after the test begins and the applicants have only an hour to complete the test

Once the test begins, Sasuke looks over all the questions, knows that he cannot answer any of them, and realizes the true purpose of this test. Sakura, being one of the smartest applicants, realizes she can answer a few questions and tries to gain as many points as possible. Naruto, however, starts to panic.

Sasuke realizes that this first exam is not to test their knowledge, but to test how well they can cheat. Various applicants in the room have already started to "gather information." As Naruto is panicking, Hinata offers to show him her paper. Then, the examiners start to kick out several applicants for cheating and Naruto then refuses Hinata's offer.

While this is happening, Sasuke is using his Sharingan to copy someone else's answers, Ino uses the Ninpou Shintenshin no Jutsu (Mind Transfer Technique) to slip into Sakura's mind and copy her answers, Gaara makes a "sand eye," and Kankura uses an examiner replica.

Episode 25

This is it! The Last Stand, Question #10

Finally, the tenth problem of the Chuunin exam is given.

Kakashi, Asumi, and Yuuhi sit outside of the examination room and wonder how their teams are doing on the exam. They all know that Morino Ibiki is the leader of Konoho ANBU's torture and interrogation squad and they are sure that he is mentally torturing and interrogating the applicants.

In the examination room, Ibiki explains that each participant may choose whether they want to take the tenth question or not. However, if a participant does not choose it, s/he will fail. Also, if they do choose to take it and get the question wrong, the participant will never be able to take the Chuunin exam again. Although several applicants choose not to take the tenth question, Naruto shouts out that he will accept the final question. This causes all seventy-eight remaining applicants to choose to take the final question, too. Morino Ibiki then announces that all of them pass and there was no final question.

Ibiki then explains the purposes of the test:

1. Applicants were to be put under a lot of pressure and try as hard as they could to not let their whole team fail.
2. The exam problems couldn't be solved by Genin, so the examiners naturally assumed everyone would try to cheat and therefore, the examiners wanted to examine how well the applicants could gather information without getting caught.
3. The last question tested the applicants' courage, confidence, and their ability to handle risky situations.

Right after, the second examiner, Mitarashi Anko, breaks through the window and notices that seventy-eight of the one hundred fifty-three. She announces that Ibiki was too easy on them and she will eliminate more than half of the fifty-three applicants.

Episode 26

Must Watch! Report Before Entering the Forest of Death! It's Konohamaru's School Newspaper!

All the applicants that passed the first exam meet up with Anko at the 44th training area--the Forest of Death.

The Konohomaru Corps sneak up on Naruto in their signature box and introduce themselves as:

• Moegi--the female ninja of the group, with the sex appeal of an adult
• Udon--the one who loves division
• Konohamaru--the number one genius ninja of the village

Naruto tells them that he doesn't have any time to fool around, but Konohamaru wants to interview Naruto for their school newspaper. Anko also agrees to let Konohamaru interview Naruto and gives everyone a ten-minute break.

The report is basically a summary of the previous episodes and re-introduce the main characters. Sakura also contributes to the report by showing various screenshots and talking about various people's ninjutsus.

The Konohamaru Corps then thank all of them for helping with the newspaper report and leave.

Episode 27

The Second Exam Starts! Surrounded Completely by Enemies!

Naruto complains about Anko's decision to bring them all to the Forest of Death, which then makes Anko threaten Naruto with a shuriken. A serpent-tongued ninja prevents Anko from hurting Naruto and tells her to take back the shuriken.

Anko begins to hand out consent forms because some of them may die during this exam, which is a survival exam that will take place in the forbidden 44th training area. A river and forest surround a tower that is in the center of this area, which is also crawling with monsters and poisonous plants.

Anko explains that the exam is a competition between two scrolls--the Heaven scroll and the Earth scroll. Each team receives one of the two scrolls. In order to move past the second exam, a team must bring both scrolls to the tower in five days, which means that half of the teams will not pass. Any team that loses a teammate will also fail and once the consent form is signed, no team is allowed to give up during the five days of the exam. No participant is allowed to look inside the scrolls until they reach the tower.

Once the exam begins, Hinata performs her Bakugan to find a team with the scroll they need and immediately claims the scroll. A Hidden Rain Ninja Team are attacked by insects and Konoha leeches also eliminate multiple teams.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura decide to wait and plan out a strategy first. After a while, Naruto leaves for a while and comes back. Sasuke immediately attacks Naruto, suspecting that this is an imposter. "Naruto" turns into Mubi of the Hidden Rain village and they start to fight.