Recaps

Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata faced Kakashi in a bell test, and Naruto’s chakra-fueled punch helped them claim the bells. Kakashi revealed that they had all passed, and the new Konoha Genin planned to meet for missions the next morning.

• Naruto used Shadow Clones to attack Kakashi, and Sasuke and Hinata joined the fight after Kakashi revealed his Sharingan.
• Naruto nearly caught Kakashi with One Thousand Years of Death, but Kakashi’s Shadow Clone vanished before the move landed.
• Kakashi attacked Naruto with Chidori, but Naruto’s chakra-powered ordinary punch blew him away and secured two bells.
• Naruto offered the bells to Sasuke and Hinata, but both refused to leave their friends behind, so Kakashi declared all three had passed.
• Kakashi told the three to meet at the Hokage Building at seven the next morning, and they headed to Naruto’s fishing spot to train.

Naruto advised Sasuke to tailor his training to his abilities, while Kakashi reported that Naruto seemed to be hiding his strength. At the mission hall, Naruto clashed with Neji over Hinata, promising to teach him a lesson.

• Naruto explained to Sasuke that he should focus on developing his Sharingan and follow Kakashi's example instead of copying Naruto's training routine.
• Kakashi told Sarutobi Hiruzen that Naruto was skilled with the Three Basic Jutsu and appeared to be concealing his true strength.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata arrived at the mission hall, where Ino and Sakura approached Sasuke and Shikamaru teased Naruto.
• Neji warned Naruto to stay away from Hinata, and Naruto led her away after challenging him.
• Naruto told Hinata he would teach Neji a lesson, while Hinata defended Neji as a good person.

Naruto and his teammates completed a river-cleaning mission before Naruto agreed to spar with Rock Lee. The chapter ended as Lee removed his training weights, preparing to fight Naruto at full speed.

• Kakashi led Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata on a river-cleaning mission, which they finished quickly with help from Naruto's Shadow Clones.
• The team collected their payment and split it, then Kakashi dismissed them until the next day.
• Naruto sent Sasuke to find Kakashi and ask about using the Sharingan, then went with Hinata to Ichiraku for ramen and training.
• Rock Lee found Naruto and challenged him to a Taijutsu match, and Naruto agreed after noticing Lee's movements were slowed by his weights.
• Might Guy and Tenten arrived, and Guy gave Lee permission to remove his weights.
• Lee dropped his weights with two loud crashes as Naruto prepared to face him.

Naruto fought Rock Lee to demonstrate his speed, strength, and a self-developed Nintaijutsu technique, while Might Guy evaluated him at Kakashi’s request. The fight left Lee dodging Naruto’s wind blades as Guy explained how Naruto had created them.

• Might Guy arranged for Rock Lee to challenge Naruto so he could assess Naruto’s current strength.
• Naruto used his speed to strike Lee, who opened the first three Inner Gates and launched a series of attacks that Naruto blocked with one hand.
• Lee opened the fourth and fifth gates, and Might Guy explained that Naruto was predicting Lee’s movements by sensing his chakra.
• Naruto announced a taijutsu technique of his own, used Shave to leap above Lee, and unleashed Tempest Kick Rainstorm.
• Might Guy warned Lee to dodge the wind blades, then identified Naruto’s attack as Nintaijutsu.

Naruto fought Rock Lee and then Might Guy in a taijutsu match, revealing new techniques and a chakra-fueled Body Release form. He traded blows with Guy and asked for a moment to try another move.

• Naruto used Moonwalk and Falling Leaf Battle Axe against Rock Lee, but Might Guy intercepted his kick when Lee's Eight Inner Gates time limit expired.
• Naruto challenged Might Guy and attacked with Tempest Kick: Circumference Sever, while Guy dodged and sent Naruto crashing through a tree.
• Naruto emerged unharmed and activated Body Release, swelling his muscles and boosting his strength and defense.
• Naruto used his Mind's Eye of the Kagura to track Guy and blocked his attack, then struck Guy's leg hard enough to make him step back.
• Naruto and Guy continued trading blows until Guy kicked Naruto away, and Naruto asked for a moment to try another move.

Naruto used Second Gear to spar with Might Guy, then recovered rapidly with the Six Thief Immortals. After the others left, Tenten asked Naruto to teach her his Taijutsu techniques, and he told her to ask Guy-sensei.

• Naruto activated Second Gear, shrinking his body while greatly increasing his speed.
• Might Guy opened the Third Gate, and he and Naruto fought at extreme speed for three minutes before stopping.
• Hinata rushed to Naruto, and the Six Thief Immortals quickly restored his battered body.
• Might Guy and Rock Lee left with new ideas, while Tenten stayed behind to speak with Naruto.
• Tenten asked to learn Naruto's Taijutsu, and Naruto told her that Guy-sensei could teach her the techniques.

Naruto taught Tenten and Hinata some Taijutsu, then absorbed more of the Nine-Tails' chakra and questioned whether he was still human. By morning, his body and abilities had changed further, and the chapter left him on a cat-finding mission while Kakashi secretly watched him.

• Naruto agreed to teach Tenten and Hinata the Taijutsu techniques, using shadow clones while he continued training.
• Naruto entered the Sealing Space and absorbed the Nine-Tails' chakra as the Nine-Tails asked whether he still considered himself human.
• Naruto accepted his transformation, and the Nine-Tails willingly gave him more chakra, causing him to develop foxlike features and a changed life essence.
• Naruto concealed his red hair, discovered he had awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, and considered releasing the other half of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
• Naruto met Hinata and Sasuke the next day, realized Kakashi had taught Sasuke Chidori, and joined them on a mission to find a cat while Kakashi watched him.

Naruto’s team took a mission outside Konoha to hunt wild boars, where Naruto wondered how he could awaken Wood Release. When two enormous boars approached, Sasuke and Hinata prepared to fight while Naruto stayed behind Hinata, ready to protect her.

• Kakashi took Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata on a mission to help a farm owner hunt wild boars outside Konoha.
• Naruto learned from Kakashi that the First Hokage had created the forests with Wood Release and declared that he could awaken the ability himself.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata found large wild boar tracks, while Kakashi stayed in the village with the chief.
• Naruto sensed the boars approaching and sent Sasuke and Hinata to practice, promising to watch over Hinata.
• Two huge boars drew near, and Hinata formed a Chakra Needle as Sasuke prepared Chidori.

Hinata and Sasuke fought the armored boars while Naruto watched anxiously, and Danzo’s agents learned that Naruto’s blood had been spilled. Hinata defeated a boar with Gentle Fist, and a bird found Naruto’s silver blood, leaving the agents’ mission nearly complete.

• Hinata’s Chakra Needles failed to pierce the mud-armored boar, while Sasuke killed another with Chidori but was thrown backward by the impact.
• Hinata stepped in to protect Sasuke, but a boar sent her flying, and Naruto’s worry caused his blood to fall and disappear into the earth.
• Yamanaka Daishan and Aburame Dungen learned that Naruto had injured himself and decided their mission to obtain his blood was nearly complete.
• Naruto advised Hinata to use Gentle Fist and target the boar’s head, and she crushed its brain with a palm strike.
• Naruto praised and helped Hinata as she rested, then knocked out the remaining little boars with a surge of chakra.
• A bird found Naruto’s silver blood in the earth, confirming that the mission was nearly complete.

Naruto healed Hinata and Sasuke with his unusual chakra after the wild boar hunt, while Root agents collected a drop of his blood. Danzo examined it with Shisui Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan, saw a miniature Nine-Tails in its chakra, and went deeper into Root to investigate.

• Naruto healed Hinata's scratched hands with his chakra and then helped Sasuke recover from his injuries.
• Naruto made Shadow Clones carry Hinata's wild boar and told Sasuke to return and train instead of insisting on helping.
• Yamanaka Daishan and Torune retrieved Naruto's blood and brought it to Danzo, reporting how Naruto had been injured while saving Hinata.
• Danzo questioned whether the blood came from a Jinchūriki, then examined it and saw a miniature Nine-Tails through Shisui Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Danzo carried Naruto's blood deeper into Root and entered a room where a researcher was working.

Danzo gave a researcher Naruto Uzumaki's strange blood to study while Naruto trained and considered ways to gain more power. Two days later, Team Kakashi received a mission from the Third Hokage, whose client doubted the young ninja could protect him.

• Danzo handed a researcher Naruto Uzumaki's blood, which looked unlike ordinary blood, and asked him to study it.
• Kakashi gave Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata two days off before ordering them to meet at the Hokage Building.
• Hiashi watched Hinata injure her hands while training to keep up with Naruto and regretted agreeing to the Third Hokage's terms.
• Naruto trained, considered devouring the chakra of the Tailed Beasts, and found a faint trace of special chakra but chose not to consume it.
• Kakashi took Team 7 to the Third Hokage for a more difficult mission, where Naruto noticed a drunk old man who questioned whether the young ninja could protect him.

Naruto’s team escorted Tazuna out of the Land of Fire, and Naruto grew impatient with the slow journey. As the group reached the border, two attackers emerged from a puddle and split Kakashi apart before Naruto struck them.

• Tazuna questioned whether Naruto and the others could protect him, and Naruto bragged about Kakashi’s abilities with an embarrassing nickname.
• Naruto’s team left Konoha and traveled toward the Land of Waves, camping overnight along the way.
• Naruto volunteered to carry Tazuna the next day, and the group quickly reached the border of the Land of Fire.
• Two men sprang from a puddle, wrapped Kakashi in chains, and pulled his body apart.
• Naruto used the Body Flicker Technique and punched both attackers in the stomach.

Naruto and his team chose to continue escorting Tazuna after learning the danger behind his mission. At the seaside, Zabuza attacked Kakashi, and after Kakashi was trapped, Hinata and Sasuke faced Zabuza while Naruto watched from behind.

• Naruto defeated Tazuna’s two attackers, and Kakashi took them away.
• Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke agreed to escort Tazuna until the bridge was finished after hearing his story.
• The team reached the seaside, where Zabuza emerged from the fog and attacked Kakashi.
• Naruto’s punch swept away the fog, and Kakashi and Zabuza clashed with Water Dragon Bullet Technique.
• Zabuza trapped Kakashi in a Water Prison, so Hinata attacked him with Sasuke’s support while Naruto stayed back.

Naruto drove Zabuza away while protecting his team, then arrived in the Land of Waves and discovered he had affinities for all five chakra natures. Kakashi offered to teach him ninjutsu and asked what he wanted to learn.

• Naruto revealed his power to Zabuza, struck him with a punch, and forced him to retreat.
• Naruto and his team traveled by boat to the Land of Waves, where the old man's household did not welcome them.
• Haku found Zabuza in the woods, and Zabuza decided to wait before pursuing the team.
• Naruto caught fish for the group, and the team began training after they ate.
• Kakashi tested Naruto with Chakra Paper, which revealed affinities for Lightning, Fire, Wind, Earth, and Water.
• Kakashi asked Naruto what ninjutsu he wanted to learn.

Naruto struggled through Kakashi’s hand-seal lessons, then secretly trained his Chakra Nature Transformation before seeking out Zabuza and Haku in the Land of Waves. He discovered that Haku could absorb chakra, revealing a Dark Release Kekkei Genkai.

• Kakashi selected five jutsu to teach Naruto, but Naruto struggled with their Hand Seals and left to practice on his own.
• Naruto used Shadow Clones to continue training his Chakra Nature Transformation and reflected on his growing chakra reserves.
• Naruto sensed two unfamiliar Jonin-level chakra signatures in the Land of Waves and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach them.
• Naruto appeared at Zabuza and Haku’s cabin, caught Zabuza’s sword barehanded, and overwhelmed him with the Nine-Tails’ presence.
• Naruto touched Haku’s shoulder and began absorbing his chakra, prompting Haku to identify Naruto’s power as Dark Release.

Naruto absorbed chakra from Zabuza and Haku, tested his Ice Release, and continued training before helping complete the bridge in the Land of Waves. The mission ended with the villagers naming it Naruto Bridge, while a Root researcher reported to Danzo that Naruto's cells were highly invasive.

• Naruto absorbed most of Haku's chakra and told Zabuza and Haku that the Land of Water had recovered under Mei Terumi.
• Naruto tested his Ice Release by freezing seawater, then returned to train with Hinata and Sasuke for half a month.
• Zabuza and Haku left without informing Gato, and Sasuke defeated the samurai Gato brought to destroy the completed bridge.
• The villagers celebrated the bridge's completion and named it Naruto Bridge; Kakashi accepted their payment and completed the mission.
• A Root researcher told Danzo that Uzumaki Cells were highly invasive and could turn another animal into a red fox.

Naruto returned from a long mission and celebrated with Hinata, Kakashi, and friends at a yakiniku restaurant, where their enormous appetites caused a commotion. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage announced that Konoha and the Sand shinobi would hold joint Chunin Ninja Exams in seven days, and Naruto anticipated that the event was about to begin.

• Danzo learned that Uzumaki cells were too aggressive, and his subordinate promised to explain the results of his research.
• Naruto, Hinata, and Kakashi met Shikamaru, Choji, Asuma, and Ino at a yakiniku restaurant after returning from a long mission.
• Naruto and Hinata ate heartily, prompting Sasuke and Choji to compete with them while Kakashi and Asuma worried about the bill.
• An eagle's cry summoned Kakashi and Asuma away from the restaurant, and Naruto guessed that the Chunin Ninja Exams were approaching.
• The Third Hokage announced that Konoha and the Sand shinobi would hold joint Chunin Ninja Exams in seven days and told the Jonin to invite other villages.

Naruto returned to Konoha, reunited with his friends, and registered for the joint Chunin exam. He sensed Shukaku’s chakra when Gaara and his siblings arrived, and the Nine-Tails recognized its old rival inside Gaara.

• Naruto found his house covered in dust and used a ball of wind to clean it, unaware that Danzo’s Root agents had been investigating him.
• Naruto and his friends spent the next day relaxing together; Rock Lee confessed to Sakura, and Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura later completed their Chunin exam registration forms.
• Naruto sensed Shukaku’s chakra while shopping with Hinata and realized Gaara and the Sand siblings had entered Konoha.
• Baki told Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro to find lodging and avoid trouble, and Temari led her brothers around the village.
• The Nine-Tails sensed Shukaku and recognized its chakra; Naruto appeared in the Sealing Space and teased the Nine-Tails about its rival’s arrival.

Naruto intervened when Kankuro grabbed Konohamaru, then met Gaara, who threatened to kill him. Three days later, Hinata woke Naruto for the Chunin Ninja Exams, and he hurried to get ready while she inspected his home.

• Kankuro grabbed Konohamaru after the boy ran into him, and Temari warned Kankuro not to cause trouble in Konoha.
• Naruto stepped in to protect Konohamaru, but Gaara appeared and told Kankuro to stand down.
• Naruto introduced himself to Gaara, who threatened to kill him, and Naruto dismissed him to Hinata as a lost little kid.
• Naruto and the others trained for three days before the Chunin Ninja Exams began.
• Hinata woke Naruto on exam day, and he rushed to wash up while she checked his home for books.

Naruto and Hinata shared breakfast before joining Sasuke on the way to the Chunin Exam, where Naruto’s casual confidence unsettled the other Genin. The chapter ended as a glasses-wearing ninja approached their seats.

• Naruto used chakra to prepare breakfast and told Hinata that power was meant to protect loved ones and make life easier.
• Hinata decided she wanted to become stronger so she could protect Naruto.
• Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke went to the exam venue, where Neji vowed to defeat Naruto and Rock Lee challenged Sasuke.
• Naruto ignored the genjutsu at the entrance and greeted the tense Genin, drawing hostile stares while Sasuke deterred them with his Sharingan.
• A ninja wearing glasses approached Naruto and his friends just after they sat down.

Naruto and the other examinees passed Ibiki Morino’s written test and proceeded to the second round of the Chunin Exams. At the Forest of Death, Naruto recognized Orochimaru disguised as a Grass ninja, but Orochimaru focused his attention on Sasuke.

• Kabuto Yakushi introduced himself to Naruto and the others and said he had repeatedly taken the exams because he feared dying and did not want to become a Chunin.
• Ibiki Morino administered the written test, and the examinees used various methods to copy answers while Naruto answered only two questions at random.
• Naruto slept through Ibiki’s announcement of the tenth question, and he and the remaining examinees passed after many candidates chose to withdraw.
• Anko announced the second round and led Naruto and the others to the Forest of Death, where Naruto spotted Orochimaru disguised as a Grass ninja.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and the others received their scrolls and signed death waivers, while Orochimaru glanced at Naruto before turning his attention to Sasuke.

Naruto entered the Forest of Death with Sasuke and Hinata, then intervened after sensing Kusagakure ninjas abusing Karin Uzumaki. He rescued Karin and planned to take her somewhere safe until the Chunin Exams ended.

• Naruto accepted the Earth Scroll from Sasuke and entered the forest with Sasuke and Hinata.
• Naruto released a frightening presence that drove away the forest's poisonous creatures as the team continued toward their goal.
• After hearing a scream, Naruto sensed Karin Uzumaki being abused by two Kusagakure ninjas and sent a Shadow Clone to investigate.
• Naruto's Shadow Clone killed the two Kusagakure ninjas and revealed his red hair to reassure Karin.
• Karin introduced herself to Naruto, and he decided to take her somewhere safe until the Chunin Exams ended.

Naruto brought Karin Uzumaki to his sealed basement and grew murderous after learning of her mistreatment, then faced Orochimaru with Hinata and Sasuke. The fight left Sasuke bitten by Orochimaru as Naruto marked Orochimaru’s neck.

• Naruto used the Flying Thunder God to take Karin Uzumaki to his basement, while his Shadow Clone showed her his Sealing Jutsu research.
• After receiving the clone’s memories, Naruto felt murderous toward Kusagakure, but concealed his reaction from Hinata and Sasuke.
• Naruto sensed Orochimaru approaching and sent Hinata back before Orochimaru appeared and identified Naruto as the Fourth Hokage’s legacy.
• Naruto and his Shadow Clones fought Orochimaru while Sasuke attacked, and Hinata stayed behind to support them.
• Orochimaru bit Sasuke’s neck and transferred chakra into him, giving Naruto an opening to place a red swirling mark on Orochimaru’s neck.

Naruto placed a Flying Thunder God Mark on Orochimaru and revealed his mastery of the Nine-Tails and the Sharingan. He secured Orochimaru’s agreement to provide Hashirama Cells, while Orochimaru left wondering how Naruto had gained his powers.

• Naruto marked Orochimaru’s neck with the Flying Thunder God technique, and Orochimaru recognized that the mark could not be removed.
• Naruto revealed his Nine-Tails power and used his Sharingan to trap Orochimaru in an illusion, then said he wanted Hashirama Cells.
• Orochimaru agreed to provide the cells after Naruto promised to seek only power and stay out of his other plans.
• Naruto laid the unconscious Hinata beside a tree, while Orochimaru left pondering Naruto’s techniques and the origin of his Sharingan.

Orochimaru wondered whether Hiruko had found a way to fuse Kekkei Genkai, while Naruto comforted Hinata after Orochimaru’s attack and checked on Sasuke. The chapter ended with Naruto using the Five Elements Seal to suppress the Cursed Seal on Sasuke’s neck.

• Orochimaru recalled Hiruko’s ambition to fuse Kekkei Genkai and resolved to seek him out.
• Hinata asked Naruto whether she was useless, and Naruto reassured her that Orochimaru was far beyond an ordinary opponent.
• Naruto told Hinata that Sasuke was safe, and she rested against his shoulder.
• Sasuke woke up dazed and remembered being bitten by Orochimaru.
• Naruto explained that he could temporarily seal the mark on Sasuke’s neck, then placed the Five Elements Seal on it.