Chapter Summaries

Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata began the Chunin Exam’s written test, where cheating cost points and could eliminate an entire squad. As Naruto worked through questions taught by Hagoromo, an examinee beside him was caught cheating and protested his expulsion.

• Naruto, Shikamaru, Hinata, Ino, and Sasuke arrived at their assigned exam classrooms, and Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata entered room 4-5.
• Yoshino Koshū explained the written exam’s scoring rules and warned that five cheating penalties would eliminate an examinee and their teammates.
• Naruto recognized the test questions, including one about sealing runes that his father had taught him, while Sasuke began answering his paper.
• A proctor ordered the examinee beside Naruto and his teammates to leave, and Yoshino Koshū punched the examinee and pulled him forward.
• The examinee denied cheating, but Naruto counted that he had peeked at Naruto’s paper three times and used wire to pass answers to his teammate twice.

Naruto exposed a cheating candidate, finished his exam, and went to sleep, while Sasuke used Genjutsu to take down several candidates. After the exam ended, Naruto left with Sasuke and Hinata, confident he had scored at least ninety points.

• Naruto pointed out that a candidate was cheating, and the candidate admitted it and left the classroom.
• With thirty minutes remaining, Naruto folded his nearly completed exam paper and went to sleep, drawing other candidates' attention toward Sasuke and Hinata.
• Sasuke formed Hand Seals beneath his desk and used Genjutsu to make several candidates collapse.
• Yoshino Koshū called out candidates targeting Hinata, and they left the classroom in groups of three.
• When time was called, Naruto woke up and left with Sasuke and Hinata, inviting them to Ichiraku Ramen.
• Naruto claimed he had earned at least ninety points, and Sasuke believed him because Hagoromo-sensei had given him extra lessons.

Naruto and his friends learned that they had all passed the written exam and headed to the Forest of Death for the second round. Kakashi Hatake appeared as the chief examiner, injured a complaining Genin, and ordered the Genin’s teammates to remove him from the exam.

• Sasuke used his Sharingan to check the results and told the group that they had all passed.
• Sasuke revealed that Naruto had scored ninety, matching Naruto’s prediction.
• The group learned that the second exam would take place on the outskirts of the Forest of Death and went there.
• Shikamaru noticed that fewer examinees seemed to have been eliminated than in previous years.
• After the examinees waited nearly half an hour, Kakashi Hatake appeared and kicked a complaining Genin into the ground.
• Kakashi identified himself as the chief examiner and disqualified the injured Genin.

Kakashi laid out the deadly rules of the second exam, which required teams to obtain two different scrolls and reach the Central Tower within five days. Shikamaru planned for the teams to split up at first and meet at the tower on the fourth day if they still lacked the scrolls they needed.

• Naruto realized Kakashi's unusual harshness likely served a hidden purpose and chose not to interfere.
• Kakashi required the Genin to sign consent forms acknowledging that they could be injured or killed during the exam.
• Kakashi explained that each team would receive one scroll and had to obtain another before reaching the Central Tower within five days.
• Shikamaru advised the teams to split up rather than draw attention by hunting together.
• Shikamaru proposed that the teams meet at the Central Tower on the fourth day if they had not yet obtained the required scrolls, and Hinata explained the plan to Naruto.

Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Hinata, and Ino began the second exam while trying to hide their plans from watching squads. Kakashi revealed that the exam had become a contest between the Five Great Nations for command of the operation against the Akatsuki, and he could only hope the young ninjas understood the danger.

• Shikamaru told Sasuke and Hinata to call for help if anything went wrong, then the squads split up to collect their scrolls.
• Hinata and Ino collected their scroll while Sasuke used his Sharingan to inspect other squads’ scrolls, and Hinata spotted a sand-made eyeball watching them.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata pretended to enter one gate before racing toward a different entrance when the exam began.
• Temari restrained Gaara from pursuing Naruto and Sasuke, and Gaara headed deeper into the exam grounds to kill other squads instead.
• Kakashi sent the examiners into the grounds and revealed that the Five Great Nations had made the exam a wager for control of the operation against the Akatsuki.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata entered the Forest of Death and encountered Suigetsu and his Kirigakure teammates while heading toward the Central Tower. Sasuke fought Suigetsu, who used powerful Water Release techniques and a Water Clone to get past him and target Hinata’s scroll.

• Sasuke planned for the squad to head toward the Central Tower while Hinata used her Byakugan to watch for enemies.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata discovered Suigetsu and two Kirigakure Genin hiding near a giant tree.
• Sasuke attacked Suigetsu while Naruto and his Shadow Clones engaged the other two Kirigakure Genin.
• Suigetsu fired powerful water bullets and used a high-pressure Water Release technique to block Sasuke’s Great Dragon Fire Technique.
• Sasuke recognized that Suigetsu’s Water Release was enhanced and struck a Water Clone that had moved toward Hinata.
• Suigetsu fell toward Hinata and declared that he would take her scroll as she countered with Gentle Fist: Vacuum Palm.

Sasuke and Naruto defeated Suigetsu after Sasuke paralyzed him with Chidori and Naruto's clones battered him, then sealed him and continued toward the Central Tower with Hinata. An unseen watcher with vertical pupils observed them before slipping underground.

• Suigetsu grabbed Sasuke and demanded their scroll, but Sasuke struck him with Chidori Stream while Naruto summoned Shadow Clones.
• Naruto's Shadow Clones beat Suigetsu, and Naruto took his Heaven Scroll before Sasuke kept it for the team.
• Naruto trapped Suigetsu in a sealing formation that would hold him for half a day, and Sasuke and Naruto left with Hinata.
• Naruto and Sasuke discussed the nearby teams fleeing and continued toward the Central Tower.
• A watcher with vertical pupils observed Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata, then slipped underground after noticing Hinata's Byakugan.
• Hinata sensed something nearby, and Naruto asked her what was wrong.

Hinata sensed someone watching Naruto and Sasuke, while Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hagoromo monitored the Chunin Ninja Exams and discussed Orochimaru. In the Forest of Death, Shikamaru’s team was attacked by Kumogakure Genin, but Shikamaru and Ino turned the fight against them.

• Hinata told Naruto and Sasuke she had briefly felt someone watching them, and Sasuke urged the team to stay alert.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hagoromo watched the exam screens, noted Orochimaru’s absence, and discussed keeping the Forest of Death under surveillance.
• Mei Terumi fumed over Suigetsu’s performance, while Raikage A praised Killer B’s disciples for securing both scrolls and heading to the Central Tower.
• A Kumogakure team found Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji and taunted them over their performance in the first exam.
• The Kumogakure Genin attacked, but Shikamaru trapped their leader with his Shadow Imitation Technique and Ino took control of another Genin, making him swing his blade at his teammate.

Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino defeated a Kumogakure team and took its Earth Scroll, then planned to wait for more opponents. At the same time, Gaara killed another team despite Temari’s warnings, and Rock Lee challenged him as Neji and Mu San confronted the rest of the Sunagakure team.

• Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino defeated the Kumogakure shinobi, took their Earth Scroll, and left them unconscious.
• Gaara killed an Amegakure Genin after taking his team’s scroll, while Kankuro confirmed it matched theirs.
• Temari urged Gaara to stop killing, but Rock Lee and his teammates arrived before she could settle him.
• Rock Lee challenged Gaara after learning the Amegakure Genin had surrendered, and Neji agreed to let him fight.
• Gaara charged at Neji, sand blocked Rock Lee’s kick, and Mu San stopped Kankuro from interfering.

Rock Lee broke through Gaara’s sand defense and injured him, triggering a violent surge of power. Neji recognized Gaara as a Jinchūriki, sent Rock Lee and Mu San away, and stayed behind as Gaara unleashed an enormous sand attack.

• Neji restrained Temari while Rock Lee attacked Gaara and landed a kick that made him bleed.
• Gaara became enraged and attacked Rock Lee, who used Lotus but could not overcome the spreading sand.
• Neji rescued Mu San and told Rock Lee to leave with him while he held Gaara off.
• Neji blocked Gaara’s sand bullets with Kan Water Style · Whirlpool Shield.
• Gaara launched Sand Waterfall Funeral, sending a growing mass of sand surging toward Neji.

Neji defeated Gaara with his Yin-Yang Gentle Spiral, and Kakashi’s team arrived too late to find either fighter. Temari and Kankuro took the unconscious, badly injured Gaara to shelter and considered seeking help.

• Neji used his Yin-Yang Gentle Spiral to scatter Gaara’s Sand Tsunami, knock Gaara unconscious, and leave the battlefield.
• Temari caught Gaara as he fell, and she and Kankuro carried him away using the Body Flicker Technique.
• Orochimaru arrived at the battlefield, sensed a Jonin’s Chakra, and vanished before Kakashi’s team reached the area.
• Kakashi and Tenzo found lingering Chakra in the sand, and Kakashi ordered a search for anyone buried before reporting to the Third.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata sensed Neji’s Chakra and worried briefly about the fight before Sasuke reassured Naruto about Neji’s strength.
• Temari found that Gaara’s injuries were worsening despite his Jinchūriki recovery, and Kankuro asked whether they should signal for help or go to the Central Tower.

Hagoromo saved Gaara by removing the corrosive Yin-Yang Chakra and suppressing Shukaku, while Temari and Kankuro learned he did not intend to harm them. He reinforced Gaara’s seal and left Shukaku unconscious after knocking him out with one punch.

• Temari and Kankuro prepared to fight Hagoromo to protect Gaara, but Hagoromo told them he had no intention of attacking them and warned that Gaara needed treatment.
• Hagoromo pushed Temari and Kankuro aside, then drew the Yin-Yang Chakra out of Gaara and eased his condition.
• Shukaku urged Gaara to kill Hagoromo, so Hagoromo entered Gaara’s inner space and knocked Shukaku unconscious with one punch.
• Hagoromo reinforced Gaara’s seal and left Shukaku unable to break free for a while.

Hagoromo explained to Gaara that his sand reacted to the malice around him, then left Gaara to discover the truth about it for himself. Gaara refused to join Sunagakure’s plan, and Naruto’s group reunited with Shikamaru’s team as they continued toward the Central Tower.

• Hagoromo told Gaara that his sand sensed malice and reassured him that Temari and Kankuro had never wished him harm.
• Gaara told Hagoromo that he would not take part in Sunagakure’s plan, though he withheld its details to protect Temari and Kankuro.
• Hagoromo said Gaara would get along easily with one of his disciples, then vanished.
• Temari and Kankuro joined Gaara, who gently suggested they head to the tower.
• Naruto and his companions met Shikamaru’s team on the fourth day, and Sasuke explained that Naruto’s stop had delayed them.
• Shikamaru asked whether they had collected the scrolls, and Naruto’s group reported that the few teams they had encountered carried the same scroll.

Sasuke and Shikamaru’s teams exchanged their surplus Heaven and Earth Scrolls, but a powerful attacker ambushed them before they could travel to the Central Tower. Hinata broke through his wind attack, and the group recognized Orochimaru and prepared to fight him.

• Sasuke found that his team had collected only Heaven Scrolls, while Shikamaru’s team had collected only Earth Scrolls, so they exchanged scrolls and agreed to travel together.
• An unseen attacker sent a wind blade at Shikamaru, then unleashed a storm of wind blades against the group.
• Hinata used her Byakugan to find the storm’s weak point and split the attack with her Inch Force Vacuum Palm.
• Orochimaru emerged from the dust, and Shikamaru told everyone to use every means at their disposal as the group took defensive positions.
• Orochimaru struck at Sasuke with his tongue, while Naruto charged in and attacked him with a Rasengan.

Naruto, Sasuke, and their teammates attacked Orochimaru with coordinated techniques, but he shed his disguise and proved difficult to harm. Shikamaru and Ino created an opening for Naruto and Sasuke’s finishing attacks, leaving Orochimaru caught between them.

• Orochimaru dodged Naruto and Sasuke’s attacks until Naruto’s Shadow Clones laid threads that let Sasuke’s lightning strike him.
• Naruto and Sasuke hit Orochimaru with a Rasengan and Chidori, but Orochimaru shed the Grass Ninja’s body and rose unharmed.
• Shikamaru ordered the team to restrain Orochimaru while Naruto and Sasuke attacked, and Orochimaru blocked their strikes with his snakes and Kusanagi Sword.
• Shikamaru caught Orochimaru with his Shadow Possession Technique, and Ino used Mind Body Switch Technique to immobilize him.
• Sasuke formed a Lightning Blade as Naruto created a Wind Release: Rasengan and struck Orochimaru.

Naruto and his teammates confronted Orochimaru, whose strength overwhelmed their first combined attack. After learning his identity, they launched another coordinated assault, which ended with Sasuke charging Orochimaru through a swarm of snakes.

• Naruto and Sasuke’s combined attack failed to hit Orochimaru, who revealed himself from behind a tree.
• Shikamaru asked Orochimaru’s identity and learned he was the Sannin and an S-rank missing-nin from Konoha.
• Orochimaru hinted that he wanted one of the teammates, but Naruto refused to abandon anyone, and the group prepared to fight together.
• Sasuke attacked with Great Dragon Fire while Shikamaru and Choji tried to restrict Orochimaru and Choji struck in Butterfly Mode.
• Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke followed with attacks, but Orochimaru dodged and countered them with substitutions, his sword, and pythons from his sleeves.

Naruto and his comrades battled Orochimaru until Naruto used the Nine-Tails’ chakra to strike him with a Rasenshuriken and save Sasuke. Orochimaru escaped despite his injuries, while Hinata treated Naruto’s badly wounded hands.

• Sasuke, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Hinata attacked Orochimaru together, but he evaded their moves and created an opening to strike Sasuke.
• The Nine-Tails spoke to Naruto, and Naruto formed a Tailed Beast Chakra Cloak before charging Orochimaru to protect Sasuke.
• Naruto grabbed Orochimaru and struck him with a Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, badly injuring both Orochimaru and his own hands.
• Hinata and the others rushed to Naruto, but Naruto asked them to check whether Orochimaru was still alive.
• Orochimaru spoke to Naruto and escaped by sinking his face into the ground, while Hinata treated Naruto and Sasuke worried over him.

Naruto’s teammates rushed to the Highland Tower after Hinata warned that his hand injuries could leave him unable to continue as a ninja. They reached the tower, but an enemy squad ambushed them, forcing Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji to stay behind while Sasuke and Hinata took Naruto toward safety.

• Hinata warned Naruto that fine Chakra needles had severed the meridians in his hands, and Sasuke suggested abandoning the exam so he could be treated sooner.
• Naruto refused to quit, so Shikamaru chose a dangerous shortcut to the Highland Tower, and Sasuke carried Naruto while Choji offered to take over if needed.
• As the squad hurried through the forest, Naruto wished he had mastered Sage Mode, and Sasuke wondered whether his nii-san would have handled the situation better as special Chakra stirred in his brain.
• Hinata spotted two squads fighting ahead, and Shikamaru changed their route; after a long journey, the group emerged from the forest and saw the Highland Tower.
• An enemy squad launched Shuriken at Sasuke and Naruto, but Choji blocked them with his enlarged hands.
• Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji prepared to fight while Sasuke and Hinata took Naruto toward the tower with the required Heaven and Earth Scrolls.

Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata escaped while Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino fought Tayuya, Jirobo, and Kidomaru. Shikamaru caught Kidomaru in his Shadow Gathering Technique: Black Coffin, but the outcome of the battle remained unknown.

• Shikamaru used smoke bombs to help Sasuke, Hinata, and Naruto escape from the enemy squad.
• Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino stayed behind to fight Tayuya, Jirobo, and Kidomaru.
• Choji broke free of Jirobo's Earth Prison Dome with his Partial Expansion Technique: Push Hand.
• Jirobo entered his Cursed Seal state and attacked Choji with greater strength.
• Kidomaru entered his Cursed Seal state and bombarded Shikamaru with spider silk.
• Shikamaru baited Kidomaru into range and engulfed him with Shadow Gathering Technique: Black Coffin.

Shikamaru trapped Kidomaru in the Black Coffin while Choji and Ino held off Jirobo and Tayuya. Kidomaru broke free by activating his Cursed Seal’s second state, but Shikamaru restrained him again and turned his claws toward his vital points.

• Choji entered Butterfly Mode and stopped Jirobo from reaching Kidomaru, while Ino disrupted Tayuya’s summoned Doki with Shikamaru’s help.
• Shikamaru used Black Coffin: Strangulation to trap Kidomaru and attack him with shadows inside the darkness.
• Choji attacked Jirobo with shock waves as Ino continued interfering with Tayuya, while Kidomaru endured Shikamaru’s attacks inside the coffin.
• Kidomaru activated the second state of his Cursed Seal, broke free of the Black Coffin, and charged at Shikamaru.
• Shikamaru caught Kidomaru with shadows again and controlled his claws, aiming them at his vital points.