Naruto (season 3)

Naruto
Season 3
Season 3 cover
No. of episodes	41
Release
Original network	TV Tokyo
Original release	September 15, 2004 (2004-09-15) – June 29, 2005 (2005-06-29)
Season chronology
← Previous Season 2 Next → Season 4
List of episodes

The third season of the Naruto anime series, titled "3rd Stage" in Japan, is directed by Hayato Date, and produced by Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo. ^[1] Based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga series, the season follows Sasuke Uchiha leaving the Hidden Leaf Village, with the hopes of gaining more power by joining up with Orochimaru. The season aired from September 15, 2004 to June 29, 2005 on TV Tokyo. ^[2]

The English dub aired on both Cartoon Network's Toonami and YTV's Bionix programming blocks from August 25, 2007 to February 16, 2008. ^{[3] [4]}

Sony Pictures Entertainment collected the episodes in a total of twelve DVD volumes, each containing four episodes, ^[5] between January 1 and December 7, 2005. ^{[6] [7]} The English adaptation of these dub was released between twenty-first and thirty-second DVD volumes released by Viz Media, ^{[8] [9]} while various compilations were later released. ^{[10] [11]}

The Japanese version of this season feature seven theme musics: three openings and four endings. The openings are "GO!!!" by Flow, used for episodes 101 to 106, Sambomaster's "Seishun Kyōsōkyoku" (青春狂騒曲, lit. Youth's Rhapsody), used for episodes 107 to 135, and "No Boy No Cry" (ノーボーイ·ノークライ, Nō Bōi Nō Kurai) by Stance Punks, from episode 136 to 141. The endings are "Ryūsei" (流星, lit. Meteor) by TiA (used until episode 102), "Mountain A Go Go 2" (マウンテン·ア·ゴーゴー·ツー, Maunten A Gō Gō Tsū) by Captain Straydum (used for episodes 103 to 115), "Hajimete Kimi to Shabetta" (はじめて君としゃべった, lit. The First Time I Spoke With You) by GaGaGa SP (used for episodes 116 to 128), and "Nakushita Kotoba" (失くした言葉, lit. Lost Words) by No Regret Life (used for episodes 129 to 141). The English version replaces the endings with an instrumental version of "Rise" by Jeremy Sweet and Ian Nickus.

Episodes

See also: List of Naruto episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original air date	English air date
101	1	"Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face!" Transliteration: "Mitai, Shiritai, Tashikametai Kakashi-sensei no sugao" (Japanese: 見たい, 知りたい, 確かめたい カカシ先生の素顔)	September 15, 2004 (2004-09-15)	August 25, 2007
In this episode based on a special omake , Naruto convinces Sasuke and Sakura Haruno to help him see what Kakashi's face looks like under his mask. Each one of their plans, such as buying him ramen to force him to remove his mask while he eats, fails in a comedic fashion. At the same time, they inadvertently and unknowingly thwart attempts by three ninja to kill Kakashi for goofy reasons. Finally, Kakashi agrees to take off his mask, revealing another slightly paler mask beneath it.
102	2	"Mission: Help an Old Friend in the Land of Tea" Transliteration: "Iza shin ninmu Giri to ninjō to Chakoku o sukue!" (Japanese: いざ新任務 義理と人情と茶国を救え!)	September 22, 2004 (2004-09-22)	September 1, 2007
Team 7, without Kakashi, is given a mission to protect a young man, Idate, during his foot race against a rival clan that will settle the feud between the two. Idate, however, has a strong distaste for ninja. At the start of the race, he runs off in the wrong direction, confusing everyone.
103	3	"The Race is On! Trouble on the High Seas!" Transliteration: "Naruto gekichin!? Inbau uzumaku ōunabara" (Japanese: ナルト撃沈!?陰謀うずまく大海原)	September 29, 2004 (2004-09-29)	September 15, 2007
Team 7 follows Idate to another port, which makes for a better starting point of the boating part of the race, due to the winds and the current. En route, they are attacked by the Rain ninja from the Chunin exam, who have been hired by the other clan. Team 7 defends Idate and tell him to swim for the shore, while they follow later. He does so, but is confronted by Aoi, an Amegakure ninja.
104	4	"Run Idate Run! Nagi Island Awaits!" Transliteration: "Hashire Idate! Arashi o yubi haran no Nagitō!!" (Japanese: 走れイダテ!嵐を呼ぶ波乱のナギ島!!)	October 13, 2004 (2004-10-13)	September 22, 2007
Aoi taunts Idate and attacks him. Team 7, who are still swimming for the island, are attacked underwater by the Rain ninja. Using the first step of training for the Rasengan, Naruto creates a huge whirlpool that saves them. They then try to rescue Idate, but prove to be no match for Aoi, who poisons them and leaves. Sakura gives them all medicine Tsunade had given her, and they seek shelter in a cave. Idate explains that he was once a Leaf ninja, but was tricked by Aoi into betraying the village after failing the Chunin Exam.
105	5	"A Fierce Battle of Rolling Thunder!" Transliteration: "Gōru chokuzen! Raimei todoroku daigekitō" (Japanese: ゴール直前!雷鳴とどろく大激闘)	October 20, 2004 (2004-10-20)	September 29, 2007
Fukusuke continues to celebrate with women and food when Aoi warns him that he might be celebrating prematurely. Naruto Uzumaki, carrying Idate, ascends the long flight of stairs to the Modoroki Shrine. Idate grabs the orb and heads out on his own two feet, but they are soon confronted by Aoi, waiting with Tobirama's sword of Raijin that he had Idate steal for him. Both Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Chidori are repelled by the sword, though the latter is able to crack it slightly.
106	6	"The Last Leg: A Final Act of Desperation" Transliteration: "Todoku ka Idate! Shūnen no rasuto supāto!!" (Japanese: 届くかイダテ!執念のラストスパート!!)	October 27, 2004 (2004-10-27)	October 6, 2007
When Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno are defeated, it is up to Naruto to defeat Aoi so Idate can continue the race. After a few failed attacks, Naruto is finally able to defeat Aoi, which means Idate can continue the race. Though Fukusuke is already near the finish line, with determination and encouragement from Naruto, Idate manages to catch up and win the race, saving the Wasabi Clan.
107	7	"The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke" Transliteration: "Omae to tatakaitai! Tsuini 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, 2004 (2004-11-03)	October 13, 2007
As Shikamaru is officially promoted to Chunin while Lee accepts undergoing the operation, Sasuke is recuperating in the hospital after the injuries he received in the Land of Tea. 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.
108	8	"Bitter Rivals and Broken Bonds" Transliteration: "Mienai kiretsu" (Japanese: 見えない亀裂)	November 10, 2004 (2004-11-10)	October 20, 2007
As Naruto and Sasuke are about to clash, Kakashi Hatake appears and deflects them into different water towers. Sasuke finds Naruto's tower to be considerably worse off, and only comes to envy Naruto's strength more upon seeing the actual damage. Kakashi takes Sasuke aside and lectures him about not attacking friends. Sasuke said if anyone Kakashi cared about gets killed in front of him maybe he would think differently. 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 she had denied a long time ago when they were first assigned 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	9	"An Invitation from the Sound" Transliteration: "Oto no izanai" (Japanese: 音の誘い)	November 17, 2004 (2004-11-17)	October 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 would lend his power 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".
110	10	"Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad" Transliteration: "Kessei! Teppeki fōmēshon" (Japanese: 結成!鉄壁のフォーメーション)	November 24, 2004 (2004-11-24)	October 27, 2007
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	11	"Sound vs. Leaf" Transliteration: "Sesshoku ~Oto Yoninshū no jitsuryoku~" (Japanese: 接触〜音四人衆の実力〜)	November 24, 2004 (2004-11-24)	October 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.
112	12	"Squad Mutiny: Everything Falls Apart!" Transliteration: "Ikinari nakamaware!? Shikamaru shōtai daipinchi" (Japanese: イキナリ仲間割れ!?シカマル小隊大ピンチ)	December 1, 2004 (2004-12-01)	November 3, 2007
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.
113	13	"Full Throttle Power! Choji, Ablaze!" Transliteration: "Pawā zenkai! Moero Chōji" (Japanese: パワー全開!燃えろチョウジ)	December 8, 2004 (2004-12-08)	November 3, 2007
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	14	"Good-bye 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, 2004 (2004-12-15)	November 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	15	"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, 2004 (2004-12-22)	November 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	16	"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, 2005 (2005-01-05)	November 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	17	"Losing is Not an Option!" Transliteration: "Makerarenai riyū" (Japanese: 負けられない理由)	January 5, 2005 (2005-01-05)	November 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	18	"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, 2005 (2005-01-12)	December 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 tries to get Sasuke back.
119	19	"Miscalculation: A New Enemy Appears!" Transliteration: "Shissaku! Aratanaru teki" (Japanese: 失策!新たなる敵)	January 19, 2005 (2005-01-19)	December 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	20	"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, 2005 (2005-02-02)	December 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	21	"To Each His Own Battle" Transliteration: "Sorezore no tatakai" (Japanese: それぞれの闘い)	February 9, 2005 (2005-02-09)	December 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.
122	22	"Fakeout: Shikamaru's Comeback!" Transliteration: "Feiku! Otoko Shikamaru kishikaisei no kake" (Japanese: フェイク!男シカマル起死回生の賭け)	February 16, 2005 (2005-02-16)	December 15, 2007
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.
123	23	"The Leaf's Handsome Devil!" Transliteration: "Konoha no aoki yajū kenzan!" (Japanese: 木ノ葉の碧き野獣見参!)	February 23, 2005 (2005-02-23)	December 15, 2007
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.
124	24	"The Beast Within" Transliteration: "Yajū sakuretsu! Hajikero futtobe tsukinukero!" (Japanese: 野獣炸裂!弾けろ吹っ飛べ突き抜けろ!)	March 2, 2005 (2005-03-02)	December 22, 2007
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	25	"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, 2005 (2005-03-09)	December 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. Kiba's nose saves Kankuro from a sneak attack. Ukon underestimates Kankuro and his puppet reeceding from their cursed-seal state, 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	26	"Showdown: Gaara vs. Kimimaro!" Transliteration: "Saikyō taiketsu! Gaara tai Kimimaro!!" (Japanese: 最強対決!我愛羅VS君麻呂!!)	March 16, 2005 (2005-03-16)	December 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 attacks him with his sand burial technique, but Kimimaro survives by hardening a layer of bone under his skin. Kimimaro remembers how he grew up in a cage because of his kekkei genkai, and the battle that killed all of his clan. It was Orochimaro who took him in and gave him a purpose. Kimimaro advances his cursed seal to the first then the second state and continues to fight, much to Lee and Gaara's dismay. All the while Naruto continues his relentless search for Sasuke.
127	27	"Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance" Transliteration: "Shūnen no ichigeki Sawarabi no Mai" (Japanese: 執念の一撃!早蕨の舞)	March 30, 2005 (2005-03-30)	December 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. Gaara reflects that like Lee and Naruto, Kimimaro had someone whom he cared for so much that every ill done to that person was done to him as well, someone he was willing to die for, and that even the companionship of an evil person can be preferable to loneliness. Elsewhere, Naruto has caught up to Sasuke.
128	28	"A Cry on Deaf Ears" Transliteration: "Todokanai sakebi" (Japanese: 届かない叫び)	March 30, 2005 (2005-03-30)	January 5, 2008
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 dodges it and uses Dragon Flame Jutsu and sends it towards Naruto.
129	29	"Brothers: Distance Among the Uchiha" Transliteration: "Itachi to Sasuke tōsugiru sonzai" (Japanese: 兄と弟 遠すぎる存在)	April 6, 2005 (2005-04-06)	January 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 captain. 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	30	"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, 2005 (2005-04-13)	January 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	31	"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, 2005 (2005-04-20)	January 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.
132	32	"For a Friend" Transliteration: "Tomo yo!" (Japanese: 親友よ!)	April 27, 2005 (2005-04-27)	January 19, 2008
While Naruto Uzumaki battles Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake learns of Sasuke's defection from Tsunade and is confronted by Sakura Haruno. After trying to calm Sakura down, Kakashi heads off to search for Sasuke and Naruto. Meanwhile, believing Naruto to be his closest friend, Sasuke prepares to kill him in hopes that Naruto's death would be an acceptable price for his Sharingan to evolve into a 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 an advantage, Sasuke mercilessly beats Naruto but his Chidori nearly hits Naruto's heart. While Sasuke thinks the battle to be won, the Nine-Tails' chakra begins to envelop Naruto as his wounds are healed as he resolves to beat Sasuke to a bloodied pulp if that is what it will take to bring him home.
133	33	"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, 2005 (2005-05-04)	January 19, 2008
Naruto's newfound power overwhelms Sasuke as he yells at Naruto about not knowing how it feels to lose a family. But Naruto, having known the pain of not having a family, explains that he considers Sasuke as a brother. Sasuke puts on his headband while proclaiming that Naruto will not be able to hit it as he manages to fully develop his Sharingan and is now able to read Naruto's quick movements and counterattack, even when using Shadow-Clones. Sasuke manages to inflict numerous devastating and bone-crushing attacks on Naruto. It is not until Sasuke slams him from the sky all the way to the ground that Naruto is still and beaten. Needing more strength to fight, Naruto calls upon even more of the Nine-Tails' chakra as it covers his body. Due to the movement of the chakra cloak, Sasuke cannot read Naruto's movements. This shroud also 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 ravaging onslaught, Sasuke is put on the defensive, forcing him to advance his Cursed Mark powers to its final level to compensate.
134	34	"The End of Tears" Transliteration: "Namida ame no ketsumatsu" (Japanese: 涙雨の結末)	May 11, 2005 (2005-05-11)	January 26, 2008
After activating Stage 2 of his Cursed Mark, Sasuke transforms into a winged equal to Naruto in power. Both remembering their time as teammates, Sasuke enlightens Naruto that they are in the "Final Valley" and mentions the irony of it as a fitting place to settle things between them once and for all. With Naruto and Sasuke at their peaks of power, the two prepare their final attacks: Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra infused Rasengan and Sasuke's Curse-Mark enhanced Chidori collide and forming a dome around the two before Sasuke stabs Naruto through the chest. With the last of his strength, Naruto leaves a deep scratch on Sasuke's headband. The dome disappears, and Sasuke stands over Naruto in victory. However, refusing to follow the same path as his brother (killing your best friend to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan), and also remembering what Naruto means to him, Sasuke spares Naruto’s life and heads off to Orochimaru’s hideout. Kakashi arrives soon after to see a knocked-out and injured Naruto, carrying him away while unaware that a mysterious member of the Akatsuki had watched the entire fight unfold from underground.
135	35	"The Promise That Could Not Be Kept" Transliteration: "Mamorenakatta yakusoku" (Japanese: 守れなかった約束)	May 18, 2005 (2005-05-18)	January 26, 2008
Briefly coming to on Kakashi's back as the rest of the Sasuke Retrieval Team is brought back to the Hidden Leaf to make full recovery, Naruto learns that Sasuke escaped. Once fully recovered in his hospital bed, Naruto talks to Shikamaru Nara of how he failed to get Sasuke. Eavesdropping on them and reluctant to enter until Tsunade arrived to check up on Naruto, Sakura resolves to hide her sadness to cheer her team mate up as he apologizes to her for not keeping his promise. But Sakura tells him that they'll get Sasuke back together when another chance comes. Jiraiya offers Naruto a chance to leave with him for three years to train to defend himself against Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. Naruto rebukes his offer, saying that he needs to focus on saving his friend first. Though Jiraiya tries to convince him that Sasuke is beyond the point of return, Naruto refuses to accept it and vows to become strong enough to get Sasuke back. Though seeing the boy's intent foolish, Jiraiya decides to help Naruto and agrees to train him when he is ready. Elsewhere, as Sasuke arrives to Orochimaru's lair to become his apprentice, the Akatsuki assemble to discuss the new turn of events while their leader tells them that their mission is more vital.
136	36	"Deep Cover!? A Super S-Ranked Mission!" Transliteration: "Sennyū sōsa!? Tsui ni kitakita chō-Esu-kyū ninmu" (Japanese: 潜入捜査!? 遂にきたきた超S級任務)	May 25, 2005 (2005-05-25)	February 2, 2008
Jiraiya begins to worry about Naruto and Sakura's well-being. He then requests that Tsunade send the two on a mission with him. He finds Naruto, telling Sakura he is not going to stop her from going after Sasuke, but he is going with her, and tells them about the mission. They head off to the Land of Rice Fields to find the Hidden Sound Village, and hopefully Sasuke as well.
137	37	"A Town of Outlaws, the Shadow of the Fuma Clan" Transliteration: "Muhōmano no machi Fūma ichizoku no kage" (Japanese: 無法者の街 ふうま一族の影)	June 1, 2005 (2005-06-01)	February 2, 2008
Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya end up in a town that is worse than the one out of which they were chased. Jiraiya heads off and leaves Naruto and Sakura to get food. Along the way, they find the female ninja that attacked them before. Because the ninja is injured, Naruto and Sakura fight some Sound ninja to save her. They then learn that her name is Sasame, and that she is looking for her cousin Arashi, who went with several members of their clan to join Orochimaru to revive the clan.
138	38	"Pure Betrayal, and a Fleeting Plea!" Transliteration: "Kiyoki uragiri Hakanaki negai" (Japanese: 清き裏切り はかなき願い)	June 8, 2005 (2005-06-08)	February 9, 2008
When Sasame drugs Naruto, Sakura and Jiraiya, she prepares to let them be given to Orochimaru in order for her to be led to Arashi. But, when she discovers that they were planning to be killed, she begs the ones about to do so to stop. Naruto reveals that he and the others faked being put to sleep, and attack. Kagerou attacks Naruto and Jiraiya with a powerful technique that shortens her life, then escapes with Jigumo and Kamikiri. When Jigumo and Kamikiri discover that they were being used by Orochimaru, they attack him, but are apparently killed.
139	39	"Pure Terror! The House of Orochimaru" Transliteration: "Kyōfu! Orochimaru no yakata" (Japanese: 恐怖!大蛇丸の館)	June 15, 2005 (2005-06-15)	February 9, 2008
Sasame leads Naruto, Jiraiya, and Sakura to Orochimaru's hideout. They send Sasame back to the village because of the danger level. Jiraiya summons Gamakichi to go in first and investigate. The four come to three tunnels. Jiraiya goes off to the right, Naruto and Sakura down the middle and Gamakichi down the left. Through the tunnels, they find several deadly booby-traps and dangers. Naruto easily falls for the first, but manages to rescue Sakura from the rest. It comes to the point where there is a trap-door in which Naruto saves Sakura from, falling into it himself. He tells her to go on without him. Sakura trusts him and leaves, Naruto ends up in a dark room with many bamboo sticks and struggles to get free. Meanwhile, as Sakura enters a large vacant room she battles Kabuto Yakushi and Orochimaru, who already have the upper hand.
140	40	"Two Heartbeats: Kabuto's Trap" Transliteration: "Futatsu no kodō Kabuto no wana" (Japanese: 二つの鼓動 カブトの罠)	June 22, 2005 (2005-06-22)	February 16, 2008
In the room Naruto's in, he encounters Gamakichi, who seems to be of no use in his struggle, the room soon floods with water. Sakura attempts to battle Kabuto, telling him that she believes Naruto and herself will save Sasuke together. She soon loses focus when Kabuto begins harassing her with thoughts of Sasuke's inevitable death. He states that " Sasuke is already dead, and you two can meet with him in the afterlife." She begins sobbing and remains still as Kabuto is about to murder her. Naruto arrives in the nick of time to save Sakura, but she is still petrified in tears. Naruto tells her not to believe him, takes her away and a battle ensues. Naruto battles Kabuto viciously using Shadow-Clones, but Kabuto defeats them with a fire technique. Eventually, Naruto corners and defeats him with the Rasengan, injuring him badly. Although appeared defeated, Kabuto traps him in some chakra threads immune to normal blades that connect their hearts; if Kabuto's heart stops, so will Naruto's. He states that he is willing to sacrifice himself to please Orochimaru. Before Kabuto can crush his own heart, Sasame arrives and gives Sakura a tag to wrap on her kunai. Sakura cuts off Kabuto's threads and frees Naruto. Sasame reveals that the chakra threads are a special technique of the Fuma clan. A dying Kabuto's mask is removed and it is revealed that it was Kagerou all along. Orochimaru arrives and in turn removes his mask to reveal he is in fact Arashi. Arashi begins to Transform into a monster.
141	41	"Sakura's Determination" Transliteration: "Sakura no ketsui" (Japanese: サクラの決意)	June 29, 2005 (2005-06-29)	February 16, 2008
Naruto takes on Arashi, but gets trapped and beaten easily. Sakura thinks he's dead and Naruto ends up blowing his sneak attack cover to protect her, getting pierced by the spine. Naruto tries his attack again, but his injury causes a problem. Naruto gets trapped in an attack that will crush him if he doesn't get out. Sasame attacks Arashi and manages to set him free for a second. However, it doesn't last long and he soon tries to kill Sasame. Sakura jumps in the way and says she will give her life to protect her friends. Naruto tells her she can't die and Arashi tries to finish Naruto off. Sasame causes enough of a distraction for Naruto to break free. The attack caused by Naruto frees Arashi, and Arashi protects Sasame from the monster that was part of his body. The place begins to collapse and Jiraiya arrives. Arashi throws them out and tells them he can't leave since he is a puppet. He tells Naruto that Sasuke is alive and they all leave, leaving Arashi behind. The Fuma Clan promises to rebuild their town and everyone heads back to Konoha. Considering herself to have been of little use, Sakura asks to become Tsunade's pupil and learn to become a medical ninja. She also meets Naruto in the hospital and thanks him, insisting that next time, she would help him save Sasuke.

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