Episode 36 Clone vs. Clone: Mine are Better than Yours!

Naruto and the gang realize they have been caught in an illusionary technique and then they are attacked. Several Clones appear and Naruto tries to get rid of one, but is attacked when he isn't looking. He then uses his Shadow Clone Jutsu and the others join in to help him fight. The real Rain ninja come out when the group is tired and realize they have been tricked when Kabuto, Sasuke, and Sakura appear behind them. The Rain ninja then show they are not done fighting yet. Can the four defeat the three ninja when they can't even see them? And what are Kabuto true reasons for helping out the group?

Episode 37 Surviving the Cut! The Rookie Nine Together Again!

The second exam ends and Team Kakashi has made it through. They open their scrolls and Iruka is summoned and he explains what it means to be a Chuunin and expresses his concern for the three. His worries are put to ease with a comment from Naruto. Meanwhile, Anko informs the ANBU about Orochimaru the S-Class criminal who even the ANBU cannot stop. As the group enters a large room, they see that all of the Konoha rookie Genins have passed, along with Kabuto's group, Gaara's group, the Sound ninja group, and Rock Lee's group. The Third Hokage explains to everyone what the third exam truly holds. They aren't just testing, they're actually fighting a miniature war!

Episode 38 Narrowing the Field: Sudden Death Elimination!

With so many participants still left, the groups are told that they will be pitted against each other in preliminary matches. Kabuto leaves, then Sasuke is told he has to fight. They know that Sasuke was given the cursed seal and if it takes over they will stop him. Can Sasuke stop the seal from taking over again and still win?

Episode 39 Bushy Brow's Jealousy - Lions Barrage Unleashed!

Unable to use his chakra against Akado, Sasuke uses good old-fashioned taijutsu to defeat him. Kakashi, tipped off by Sakura's exceptionally worrisome behavior, senses something is wrong with Sasuke, and takes him away after his match. Now, the next match of Shino vs. Zaku arrives.

Episode 40 Kakashi and Orochimaru: Face-to-Face!

While Shino and Zaku finish their fight Kakashi seals the Curse Seal on Sasuke. When he finishes explaining how it works Orochimaru himself shows up in flesh and blood. Will Kakashi be able to protect the weakened Sasuke from this skilled foe. And who will be fighting in the next match?

Episode 41 Kunoichi Rumble: The Rivals Get Serious!

Kankuro takes on Kabuto's teammate, Misumi, in a quick battle, proving how tough the Sand ninja really are. However, the real match comes when Sakura and Ino are pitted against one another!

Episode 42 The Ultimate Battle: Cha!

Sakura and Ino prepare to settle the score once and for all! However, when Sakura becomes the victim of Ino's Mind-Body Switch Justu, will she be forced to give up the match?

Episode 43 Killer Kunoichi and a Shaky Shikamaru

Temari of the Sand Village battles Tenten from Leaf Village, with Tenten losing. Now, Shikamaru battles Kin of the Sound village, but can he defeat an opponent who has already seen his moves once before?

Episode 44 Akamaru Unleashed! Who's Top Dog Now?

The match between Kiba and Naruto kicks off, with Kiba immediately proving he has the upper hand in the battle. Everyone still believes Naruto is the weak ninja he's always been, everyone except for Hinata, Kakashi, and Sakura. Now it's Naruto's time to shine, and this time...everyone will be watching him!

Episode 45 Surprise Attack! Naruto's Secret Weapon!

The battle between Naruto and Kiba draws to a close, with each of them giving it everything they've got. After being tricked by Naruto, Kiba can no longer rely on Akamaru's help. Naruto decides now is the time to release his new jutsu, only Kiba won't give him time to prepare it!

Episode 46 Byakugan Battle: Hinata Grows Bold!

Kiba alerts Hinata, as he's being taken away, that there are only a few fighters left. He warns her that if she fights Gaara, she has to give up immediately or she could be killed. He also tells her to give up if paired against Neji, because Neji already has issues with her. Just then, the board shows the next fight...Hinata vs. Neji. Just how far will Hinata go to prove herself?

Episode 47 A Failure Stands Tall!

Hinata will not give up so easily, especially with Naruto watching her. Will Hinata be willing to give up her own life in order to prove herself, or will the match be stopped before Neji can connect a killing move?

Episode 48 Gaara vs. Rock Lee: The Power of Youth Explodes!

The second-to-last match finally arrives! Rock Lee must face down the mysterious and dangerous Gaara, a ninja who is said to have never been truly injured in a fight before.

Episode 49 Lee's Hidden Strength: Forbidden Secret Jutsu!

As the battle between Lee and Gaara continues, Gai remembers how hard Lee used to train and how Lee has pretty much no ninjutsu or genjutsu skills. Lee is also a dropout, like Naruto. In order to defeat Gaara, Lee will have to use the move Gai forbade him to use.

Episode 50 The Fifth Gate: A Splendid Ninja is Born

The match between Gaara and Lee draws to an end as Lee unleashes his ultimate move. But will even this be enough to defeat Gaara? Even if Lee does make it out in one piece, even more shocking news awaits him.

Episode 51 A Shadow in the Darkness: Danger Approaches Sasuke

As Chouji faces off against Dosu, Orochimaru gives an order for Kabuto to abduct Sasuke. He also tells Kabuto that if he wants to stop him, he'll have to kill Sasuke. As Kabuto approaches Sasuke, he hesitates on what to do. His spy cover is soon blown though, as Kakashi appears on the scene. Will Kakashi save Sasuke from Kabuto's grasp?

Episode 52 Ebisu Returns: Naruto's Toughest Training Yet!

Naruto wants Kakashi to train him, but Kakashi has other things to do. Naruto knows he's planning on training Sasuke, and becomes jealous. Kakashi tells him Naruto has a better instructor coming to teach him. To Naruto's surprise, his new teacher is Konohamaru's teacher, Ebisu. Naruto wants to know how come he has to be trained by somebody whom he defeated once before. Ebisu makes Naruto a deal, saying he'll make Kakashi train him if he can get away from him. Naruto decides to take on Ebisu's challenge, but can he escape from Ebisu?

Episode 53 Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!

While Ebisu trains Naruto on how to walk on water in a hotspring, he spies somebody trying to peep on women in a hotspring. Ebisu attacks him, only to be defeated quickly. Since Naruto's teacher has been knocked out, Naruto demands that the stranger become his teacher instead, but he has other plans. Naruto's Sexy Jutsu may be just the thing to get this pervert's attention.

Episode 54 Summoning Jutsu; Wisdom of the Toad Sage!

While Jiraiya attempts to teach Naruto the Summoning Jutsu, while doing research as well, Dosu learns the hard way why Gaara is so dangerous. Meanwhile, Baki and Kabuto secretly meet and reveal a sinister plot against Konoha. When Hayate discovers this dark secret, he attempts to warn the Hokage. However, he'll have to get through Baki first!

Episode 55 A Feeling of Yearning, A Flower Full of Hope

Sakura goes to visit Sasuke and Lee in the hospital, along the way, she meets up with Ino and the two make the trip together. Lee tries to resume his training with limited success, making Sakura worry more about him and Sasuke.

Episode 56 Live or Die: Risk It All to Win It All!

Since Naruto is having little to no success at summoning frogs, Jiraiya figures that if Naruto's to learn how summon Kyubi's chakra, he's going to need to be put into a life-threating situation. After having Naruto do a bunch of tasks, he throws Naruto off a cliff. Naruto's only hope of survival lies within an encounter with the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox himself. But, will Kyubi be willing to help him?

Episode 57 He Flies! He Jumps! He Lurks! Chief Toad Appears!

Overjoyed at his success, Naruto manages to enrage Gamabunta. With him not willing to accept that Naruto was able to summon him, Naruto challenges Gamabunta to accept him as his subordinate if he is able to stay on his back until sundown.

Episode 58 Hospital Besieged: The Evil Hand Revealed!

Due to the events with Gamabunta, Naruto is now stuck in the hospital. Shikamaru unexpectedly pays him a visit, saying the two of them are the types who never get girls to visit them. Meanwhile, Gaara approaches an unconscious Rock Lee, with the full intention of taking his life. Luckily for Lee, Naruto and Shikamaru are there to protect him. However, can they save even themselves after learning Gaara's shocking secret? What is it that Naruto has realized about Gaara?

Episode 59 The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena!

Waking up late, Naruto hurries to the stadium where the Chuunin matches will be held, along the way he stops at his old training ground and meets up with Hinata. Naruto tells Hinata that he's afraid he'll lose, but with Hinata's encouragement and sort-of-confession of her feelings, Naruto is filled with renewed confidence and proceeds to the stadium leaving a shellshocked Hinata in his wake. Now Naruto must try to make it the stadium before it's too late, and Konohamaru has a plan to help him out.

Episode 60 Byakugan vs. Shadow Clone Jutsu!

The opening ceremony to the Final Matches begins and Sasuke is missing, worrying Naruto. The ceremony ends and Naruto starts his fight with Neji. Will Naruto's confidence lead him to a victory or are Neji's skills to much for him? And where is Sasuke?

Episode 61 Ultimate Defense: Zero Blind Spot!

Naruto begins his assault with his Shadow Clones but Neji analyzes Naruto's actions and determines the real one. Much to his surprise the one he thought was real is a fake as well. Naruto manages a sneak attack, but fails when Neji finds a way to counter it. Unable to figure out why Naruto won't admit his defeat, he takes off his headband and reveal a mysterious mark on his forehead. Neji reveals the turth about his hatred towards the main family of the Hyuuga Clan.

Episode 62 A Failure's True Power

With all of his tenketsus closed, Naruto cannot feel chakra in him and can barely stand. Neji continues to say that Naruto's fate does not include his winning. Neji exclaims that Naruto has no idea what it feels like to carry a seal that cannot be removed. Naruto thinks about how he was neglected and ignored because of the Nine-Tails sealed within him and says that he does too understand. Now, the only way for Naruto to win lies in summoning Kyubi's chakra.

Episode 63 Hit It or Quit It: The Final Rounds Get Complicated!

With Sasuke still absent, and everyone anxiously anticipating his match against Gaara, the tournament is forced to move on to the next round. Meanwhile, Neji learns the shocking truth about his father.

Episode 64 Zero Motivation: The Guy with Cloud Envy!

Shikamaru takes on Temari, only he doesn't want to fight. Can the lazy Shikamaru even last the round? Or is there more to Shikamaru than meets the eye?

Episode 65 Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand

It's time for Sasuke's match against Gaara, only Sasuke has yet to show up. Normally they'd disqualify him, but everyone's anxiously awaiting the match. Therefore, they give Sasuke a time limit before disqualifying him. As time slowly begins to run out, only one question remains on everyone's mind...where's Sasuke?

Episode 66 Bushy Brow's Jutsu: Sasuke Style!

Sasuke's match against Gaara finally begins! Gaara seems to have the upper hand at the beginning, until Sasuke shows off his newly found taijutsu techniques. Gaara is reliving the battle against Rock Lee all over again, only this time he's facing an opponent who can use more than simple taijutsu attacks.

Episode 67 I Wasn't Late for Nothing! Ultimate Move - Chidori Revealed!!

With Gaara's ultimate defense in place, Sasuke's only hope of winning lies within the move Kakashi taught him...Chidori. But, how will Gaara react when Sasuke causes him to bleed?

Episode 68 Zero Hour! Destruction of Konoha Commenced!

Sasuke's match is interrupted when Orochimaru puts his plan into action. Temari and Kankuro are ordered to get Gaara to safety until he recovers, leaving Sasuke to chase after them. War has begun!

Episode 69 Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!

Knowing that Sasuke is in over his head, Kakashi sends Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru, being guided by a dog named Pakkun, to stop Sasuke from pursuing Gaara.

Episode 70 A Shirker's Call to Action: Layabout No More!

Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Pakkun are being chased down by several Sound ninja. Shikamaru decides to stop and try to hold them off so the others can catch up to Sasuke without fear of pursuit. Shikamaru is the logical choice because of his Shadow Possession Jutsu...needless to say, Shikamaru's not too thrilled by this.

Episode 71 Absolutely Incomparable! A Hokage-Level Battle!

This is a battle of kings has begun as Orochimaru has summoned the bodies of the First and Second Hokage, using a forbidden technique. They have no choice but to fight. Now, the Third Hokage not only has to deal with Orochimaru, his student and one of the Legendary Sannin, but two of the greatest Hokages of all of Konoha as well. Meanwhile, Sasuke finally catches up with the Kakurou, Gaara, and Temari. Will the Third be able to beat the these killing puppets? And, what will become of Sasuke?

Episode 72 A Mistake from the Past: A Face Revealed!

Naruto and Sakura continue to catch up to Sasuke. At the same time, Sasuke catches up to Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara. Temari tries to stall Sasuke long enough for Kankuro to get Gaara to safety, but Sasuke doesn't have time to waste on her. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage continues his battle with Orochimaru, and is ready to use a move that not even he knows.

Episode 73 Forbidden Secret Jutsu! Shiki-Fujin

Naruto and Sakura continue to catch up to Sasuke. At the same time, Sasuke catches up to Kankuro and Gaara. Kankuro tell Temari to take Gaara and run, as he prepares to stall Sasuke. An unlikely ally saves Sasuke the burden of fighting Kankuro, and allows him to continue to pursue Gaara. Meanwhile, the Hokage prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to rid his village of Orochimaru.

Episode 74 Astonishment! Gaara's True Identity!

While Shino and Kankuro fight the match they should've fought back during the Chuunin Exam, Naruto, Sakura, and Pakkun slowly catch up to Sasuke. Meanwhile, Sasuke has finally caught up with Gaara and Temari, but is he ready to face true horror when Gaara reveals his demon form?

Episode 75 Over the Limit! Sasuke's Decision

Sasuke struggles to keep up with Gaara's monstrous capacity. Only able to use Chidori twice on normal circumstances, Sasuke remembers the tragic day that his family died. After failing to defeat Gaara, Sasuke realizes he must risk the use of Chidori beyond his limit if he's to defeat Gaara. That is, will he make it?

Episode 76 An Assassin in the Moonlight!

As Sasuke is about to be defeated, Naruto and Sakura show up to save him. With this Gaara begins to have flashbacks of his childhood. What happened in Gaara's past to make him experience so much suffering?

Episode 77 Light and Shadow: The Name of Gaara!

Gaara continues to talk about his past. When Gaara states that Naruto can't become stronger when he fights for everyone else, Naruto recalls that if he didn't meet his friends, he would be the same as Gaara. Realizing that he has to protect his friends, Naruto overcomes his fear and decides to take on Gaara.

Episode 78 Naruto's Ninja Handbook

Naruto and Gaara continue their fight. Naruto begins to get an advantage, and Gaara transforms into the final form of Shukaku of the Sand. As he begins to put the squeeze on Naruto, Naruto summons Gamabunta Oyabun, and his comeback begins. Once again, Naruto begins to get an advantage, but Gaara casts the technique of fake sleep, releasing the full power of Shukaku. Now that the demon is free, what will Naruto do?

Episode 79 Beyond the Limit of Darkness and Light

Transformed into Kyubi, Naruto and Gamabunta prepare to stop Shukaku by waking Gaara up. Though they succeed, the battle is far from over as Gaara won't stop until Naruto is dead. Naruto and Gaara prepare for their final attacks. Meanwhile, Sarutobi continues trying to defeat Orochimaru. And even though Sarutobi isn't strong enough to kill Orochimaru, he does have enough strength to take away Orochimaru's most prized possession...the use of his arms!

Episode 80 The Third Hokage, Forever...

As the war draws to a close, Gaara admits his defeat to Naruto, and Orochimaru is forced to retreat as Sarutobi took away his arms. Now, all of the Konoha shinobi gather together to pay their respects to the person whom they respected the most...Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

Episode 81 Coming Home in the Morning Mist

Two mysterious ninja infiltrate Konoha, and one of them bares the Sharingan. Just what are these two after? Why has Itachi Uchiha returned to Konoha?

Episode 82 Sharingan vs. Sharingan!

Kakashi takes on Itachi, with both of them using the Sharingan. However, Kakashi soon realizes that he stands no chance against the legendary ninja. Itachi reveals that he has not come for his little brother, but instead he's come to do something else...abduct Naruto, and Kyubi as well!

Episode 83 Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!

Jiraiya and Naruto begin their search for Tsunade, but are constantly sidetracked by Jiraiya's peeping and hitting on pretty girls. Jiraiya tells Naruto some stories about the 3rd and 4th Hokages. Meanwhile, Sasuke learns that his brother, Itachi, is after Naruto and goes to warn him.