Naruto (season 2)

Naruto
Season 2
Season 2 cover
No. of episodes	43
Release
Original network	TV Tokyo
Original release	November 12, 2003 (2003-11-12) – September 8, 2004 (2004-09-08)
Season chronology
← Previous Season 1 Next → Season 3
List of episodes

The second season from the anime series Naruto is directed by Hayato Date, and produced by Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo. Based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga series,^[1] the season follows Naruto Uzumaki succeeding the Chūnin Exams only to discover the invasion of the Leaf Village.

The second season aired from November 12, 2003 to September 29, 2004 on TV Tokyo.^[2]

The English dub aired on both Cartoon Network's Toonami and YTV's Bionix programming blocks from November 11, 2006 to August 19, 2007.^[3]^[4]

Sony Pictures Entertainment collected the episodes in a total of twelve DVD volumes under the name "2nd Stage",^[5] between January and December 1, 2004.^[6]^[7] Episodes from this season were released on by Viz Media between the ninth and twenty-first DVD volumes from the series,^[8]^[9] while several uncut DVD boxes have also been released.^[10]^[11]

Six pieces of theme music are used for the episodes in Japanese version; two opening themes and four closing themes. The first opening theme is "Kanashimi Wo Yasashisa Ni" (悲しみをやさしさに, lit. Sadness into Kindness) by Little By Little, which is used until episode 80, and "GO!!!" by Flow, used for episodes 81 to 100. The four closing themes are "Viva Rock" by Orange Range (used until episode 63), "Alive" by Raico (used for episodes 64 to 76), "Ima Made Nando Mo" (今まで何度も, lit. Many Times Before) by The Mass Missile (used for episodes 77 to 89), and "Ryūsei" (流星, lit. Meteor) by TiA (used for episodes 90 to 100). The opening theme for the English airing is "Haruka Kanata" by Asian Kung-Fu Generation, which is used until episode 80, and is then replaced by "GO!!!" in the same way as the Japanese version, while the closing theme is "Rise" by Jeremy Sweet and Ian Nickus, which is used in all episodes.

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Transcription

Episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original air date	English air date
58	1	"Hospital Besieged: The Evil Hand Revealed!" Transliteration: "Shinobiyoru ma no te! Nerawareta Byōshitsu" (Japanese: しのび寄る魔の手!狙われた病室)	November 12, 2003 (2003-11-12)	November 11, 2006
When Naruto awakens, he finds Shikamaru Nara sitting by his bed, bringing him a basket of fruit. The two locate Gaara elsewhere in the hospital and halt his attempt to assassinate Rock Lee. Gaara explains that his reason for existing is to kill everyone, and reveals that he, like Naruto, was alone for much of his childhood, hated and feared by others for being a host of a tailed beast. Gaara prepares to kill Naruto and Shikamaru as well, but is stopped by the arrival of Might Guy, Lee's sensei, and leaves.
59	2	"The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena!" Transliteration: "Mō retsu Mō Tsui Mō Dasshu Hansen kaishi dattebayo" (Japanese: モー烈モー追モーダッシュ本選開始だってばよ)	November 19, 2003 (2003-11-19)	November 18, 2006
On the day of the finals, Naruto makes his way to the arena. Along the way, he encounters and converses with Hinata Hyuga. Hinata thanks Naruto for Naruto's words of encouragement during her match with Neji made her a better person. Hinata reassures him of his talents, removing any doubts he had about the finals. Naruto thanks Hinata and goes on his way. As he gets closer to the arena, Naruto meets Konohamaru, who tries to use a number of shortcuts to help Naruto get to the arena faster. The shortcuts end up being ineffective and time consuming, as a result, Naruto makes it to the stadium late but can still enter.
60	3	"Byakugan vs. Shadow Clone Technique!" Transliteration: "Byakugan bāsasu Kage Bunshin! Ore wa zettē katsu!!" (Japanese: 白眼VS影分身!オレはゼってー勝つ!!)	November 26, 2003 (2003-11-26)	November 18, 2006
Naruto begins his match with Neji Hyuga, who Naruto promised to defeat a month earlier during the preliminaries. Since taijutsu proves ineffective, Naruto creates a large number of shadow clones. Though Neji is able to destroy them all, Naruto creates more.
61	4	"Ultimate Defense: Zero Blind Spot!" Transliteration: "Shikaku zero! Mō hitotsu no zettai bōgyo" (Japanese: 死角ゼロ!もうひとつの絶対防御)	December 3, 2003 (2003-12-03)	November 18, 2006
Naruto creates more shadow clones, and this time manages to sneak up on Neji. Before he can land a blow, Neji uses a powerful defensive technique, then follows up with blocking Naruto's chakra path. Even though he can no longer fight, Naruto refuses to give up, and berates Neji over how he treated Hinata. Neji then reveals the history of the Hyuga clan and how the death of his father Hizashi Hyuga was arranged to protect the Hyuga Clan's head: Hinata's father Hiashi Hyuga. He reaffirms his belief in the unchanging nature of one's destiny.
62	5	"A Failure's True Power" Transliteration: "Ochikobore no Sokojikara!" (Japanese: 落ちこぼれの底力!)	December 10, 2003 (2003-12-10)	November 18, 2006
Determined to prove Neji wrong, Naruto draws on the demon fox's strength, surprising many of the older ninja present with his ability to use the fox's chakra. Following an explosive clash between the two, Naruto manages to defeat Neji through the use of a shadow clone as a decoy. After telling Neji to stop putting so much faith in fate, Naruto is declared the winner.
63	6	"Hit it or Quit it: The Final Rounds Get Complicated!" Transliteration: "Shikkaku!? Kiken! Maedaoshi! Haranbukumi no daihonsen!" (Japanese: 失格!?キケン!前倒し!波乱含みの大本戦)	December 17, 2003 (2003-12-17)	November 25, 2006
When Neji is taken away to recover, he is approached by Hiashi who decides to reveal the truth behind Hizashi's death. Because Hiashi killed a head ninja from the Land of Lightning who was kidnapping Hinata, a threat to an established treaty between the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Storm ninja unless Hiashi is killed and sent to the Land of Lightning in good will. But the Hyuga clan plan to have Hizashi, Hiashi's younger twin brother, die in his place to keep the Byakugan of a main house Hyuga from falling into enemy hands. Despite Hiashi disapproving of his brother being sacrificed, Hizashi agrees to die on his own freewill to protect his brother. Though Neji did not believe this at first, he realizes it to be the truth upon seeing a final letter written by his father after his uncle apologizes. Meanwhile, the match between Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara is postponed due to Sasuke's absence, and the match between Shino Aburame and Kankuro is set to start. But Kankuro forfeits and a match between Shikamaru and Temari begins instead.
64	7	"Zero Motivation: The Guy with Cloud Envy!" Transliteration: "Kumo wa ii naa... yaruki zero no otoko" (Japanese: 雲はいいなあ...やる気ゼロの男)	December 24, 2003 (2003-12-24)	December 2, 2006
Though initially unwilling, Shikamaru fights Temari because he refuses to lose to a girl. Shikamaru quickly studies the arena and its elements and comes up with a plan. Despite this, Temari has seen Shikamaru's primary attack, The Shadow Possession Jutsu in action and knows how it works. Shikamaru relies on strategy to defeat his opponent, but it becomes evident that Temari is a keen strategist too. However, Shikamaru's strategies are superior and enable him to capture Temari with his jutsu, but he forfeits as he has no chakra left to fight.
65	8	"Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand" Transliteration: "Gekitotsu! Konoha mai Suna ugomeku toki" (Japanese: 激突!木ノ葉舞い砂うごめく瞬間)	December 31, 2003 (2003-12-31)	December 9, 2006
With Sasuke and Gaara's match needing to start, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi sets a time limit for Sasuke to arrive of 10 minutes. Sasuke arrives at the last minute with Kakashi Hatake. Meanwhile, Gaara kills a pair of ninjas who are attempting to fix the match on his way to enter the arena.
66	9	"Bushy Brow's Jutsu: Sasuke Style!" Transliteration: "Arashi o yobu otoko!! Sasuke no Gejimayu-ryū Taijutsu!" (Japanese: 嵐を呼ぶ男!!サスケのゲジマユ流体術!)	January 14, 2004 (2004-01-14)	December 16, 2006
Sasuke's enhanced speed and taijutsu skills enable him to bypass Gaara's sand-based defenses with ease, as Rock Lee did previously. Determined to kill Sasuke, Gaara retreats inside a sphere of sand and begins to transform.
67	10	"Late for the Show, But Ready to Go! The Ultimate Secret Technique is Born!" Transliteration: "Date ni okureta wake ja nai! Kyūkyoku ōgi - Chidori tanjō!!" (Japanese: だてに遅れたわけじゃない!究極奥義·千鳥誕生!!)	January 14, 2004 (2004-01-14)	December 23, 2006
To break through Gaara's defense, Sasuke uses his new jutsu, Chidori, to pierce Gaara's shield. This causes Gaara to stop his transformation as he panics upon seeing that he is bleeding. At that moment, Kabuto uses a genjutsu to put the audience to sleep, signaling the start of the invasion of Konoha.
68	11	"Zero Hour! The Destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village Begins!" Transliteration: ""Konoha Kuzushi" Shidō!" (Japanese: 「木ノ葉崩し」始動!)	January 28, 2004 (2004-01-28)	January 6, 2007
Revealing himself to have killed the Fourth Kazekage to get to him, Orochimaru takes Hiruzen hostage as he has his personal bodyguards, the Sound Four, establish a barrier to so no one would interfere. Meanwhile, invading Sound and Sand ninja infiltrate Konoha, and battles begin breaking out across the village. Kankuro and Temari carry Gaara from the village so that he can recover with Sasuke in pursuit. Preoccupied with fending off the invading forces, Kakashi instructs Sakura, who had managed to repel the sleep-inducing genjutsu, to wake Naruto and Shikamaru.
69	12	"Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!" Transliteration: "Mattemashita! Ē-ranku ninmu dattebayo!!" (Japanese: 待ってました!Aランク任務だってばよ!!)	February 4, 2004 (2004-02-04)	January 13, 2007
Once Naruto and Shikamaru awaken (the latter actually faked sleep), Kakashi summons Pakkun to assist them in tracking down Sasuke. Meanwhile, Orochimaru begins his battle with Hiruzen, his mentor before becoming the Third Hokage. Both display powerful techniques in what the observing ANBU describe as a Kage-level battle. During the battle, Orochimaru uses the Reanimation Jutsu to summon Hiruzen's deceased predecessors: the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju who invented the Reanimation Jutsu and the First Hokage Hashirama Senju. The Senju brothers apologize to their former student for what is about to happen as Orochimaru forces them to fight Hiruzen.
70	13	"A Shirker's Call to Action: A Layabout No More!" Transliteration: "Nigegoshi nanbaa wan Mendokuse~ ga yarukkya nē!!" (Japanese: 逃げ腰NO.1 めんどくせーがやろっきゃねえ!!)	February 11, 2004 (2004-02-11)	January 20, 2007
As Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Pakkun pursue Sasuke, it soon becomes apparent that they're being followed by a group of nine Sound ninja. Shikamaru volunteers to stall them to buy the others time and falls back. Once the Sound ninja get close enough, Shikamaru traps them with his shadow, though he finds that he has only captured eight. Attempting to kill the eight, Shikamaru discovers the ninth's location, but lacks the chakra to trap him. As his shadow recedes and the eight freed ninja prepare to kill Shikamaru, Asuma Sarutobi, Shikamaru's sensei, arrives and defeats all the Sound ninja, saving Shikamaru.
71	14	"An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!" Transliteration: "Kokon musō! "Hokage" to iu reberu no tatakai" (Japanese: 古今無双!「火影」というレベルの戦い)	February 18, 2004 (2004-02-18)	January 27, 2007
The Hokage battle begins, with Hashirama's Wood Style giving him and his brother the advantage on Hiruzen as he summons Enma to help him in the uneven fight as Orochimaru brings out his Kusanagi sword. During the fight, Hiruzen learns that ninja brought back by the Reanimation Jutsu are immune to any normal form of attack and regenerate from any injury dealt on them. At that time, explaining his desire to become immortal to know every form of ninjutsu, Orochimaru decides to reveal the fruits of his labor by peeling away his face: revealing the face of a girl whose body he now occupies.
72	15	"A Mistake from the Past: A Face Revealed!" Transliteration: "Hokage no ayamachi Kamen ni shita no sugao" (Japanese: 火影の過ち仮面の下の素顔)	February 25, 2004 (2004-02-25)	January 27, 2007
Though Temari tries to hold off Sasuke so the brothers can escape, Sasuke easily dispatches her and resumes his chase. At the Hokage battle, Orochimaru reveals the nature of his Transference Ritual that allows him to transfer his being into the body of another every few years and that he intends to make Sasuke his new vessel. Regretting not killing Orochimaru when he had the chance the night his former student left the village, Hiruzen musters up his chakra and summons shadow clones for a last resort attack to rectify that mistake.
73	16	"Forbidden Secret Technique: Reaper Death Seal!" Transliteration: "Kinjutsu ōgi! "Shiki Fūjin"" (Japanese: 禁術奥義!「屍鬼封尽」)	March 3, 2004 (2004-03-03)	February 3, 2007
As the battles across Konoha rage on, Hiruzen has his clones use the Reaper Death Seal on the Senju brothers. As the corpses used to reanimate the first two Hokage are revealed to be Kin and Zaku, Hiruzen reveals that the Reaper Death Seal is a double-edge attack that the Fourth Hokage used to defeat the Nine-Tails with his own soul as the price. Having given up two thirds of his own soul to seal the Senju brothers within the Reaper's stomach, Hiruzen intends to feed what remained of his own soul and Orochimaru's soul to the monster as well. However, Orochimaru has his Kusanagi stab the Third Hokage in the back. Meanwhile, Sasuke again catches up with Gaara, and Kankuro prepares to hold Sasuke off while Gaara escapes with Temari. Before they can begin, Shino Aburame arrives to fight Kankuro, allowing Sasuke to proceed.
74	17	"Astonishing Truth! Gaara's Identity Emerges!" Transliteration: "Kyōgaku! Gaara no Shōtai" (Japanese: 驚愕!我愛羅の正体)	March 10, 2004 (2004-03-10)	February 10, 2007
Leaving Shino to deal with Kankuro, Sasuke continues his pursuit of Gaara. Kankuro attacks Shino with his puppet, using its many hidden weapons to catch Shino by surprise. Shino is able to dodge the attacks through the use of his destruction bugs, but eventually makes the mistake of inhaling some of the puppet's poison gas. As the battle goes on, Shino directs his bugs to Kankuro's location. They consume his chakra once they get there, causing Kankuro to collapse. The battle won, Shino also collapses due to Kankuro's poison. Sasuke catches up with Gaara as Shino's battle ends, and the two resume their match.
75	18	"Sasuke's Decision: Pushed to the Edge!" Transliteration: "Genkai o koete... Sasuke no ketsudan!!" (Japanese: 限界を越えて... サスケの決断!!)	March 17, 2004 (2004-03-17)	February 17, 2007
Gaara begins transforming into Shukaku, dramatically increasing his strength and speed. Sasuke uses his Chidori to slice Gaara's arm off, but the pain only makes Gaara more determined and excited to kill Sasuke. Unable to use the Chidori a third time, Sasuke is forced to use his Cursed Seal so that he can attack Gaara again. This fails to defeat him, and Sasuke collapses due to the use of the Cursed Seal. As Gaara prepares to inflict the finishing blow, Naruto repels the attack with a kick. Naruto, Sakura, and Pakkun arrive ready to help Sasuke.
76	19	"Assassin of the Moonlit Night" Transliteration: "Tsukiyo no ansatsusha" (Japanese: 月夜の暗殺者)	March 24, 2004 (2004-03-24)	February 24, 2007
Gaara tries to attack Sasuke again but is covered by Sakura who got in the way, Gaara pushes Sakura out of the way while Naruto grabs Sasuke's body and saves him. Gaara remembers his childhood with his maternal uncle Yashamaru. While Yashamaru had for many years been the only person who seemed to care for him, Gaara is shocked to find Yashamaru suddenly attacking him out of sheer hatred.
77	20	"Light vs. Dark: The Two Faces of Gaara" Transliteration: "Hikari to Yami Gaara to iu na" (Japanese: 光と闇我愛羅という名)	March 31, 2004 (2004-03-31)	March 3, 2007
As Gaara continues to reminisce about Yashamaru, he remembers Yashamaru's statement of his mother's death and his uncle's suicide bombing. Though Gaara survived the blast - thanks to the sand shield - he lost the only person who ever cared for him. From that point on, Gaara came to love only himself and started to find purpose in killings others. Returning to the present, Gaara keeps his grip on Sakura with his sand claw choking her to death. Gaara, feeling deranged, asks Naruto to play a game with him saying that if he can beat him, Sakura will be set free. Determined to save Sakura, an enraged Naruto violently attacks Gaara and they engage in battle.
78	21	"Naruto's Ninja Handbook" Transliteration: "Bakuhatsu! Kore zo Naruto ninpōchō~~!!" (Japanese: 爆発!これぞナルト忍法帖〜〜っ!!)	April 7, 2004 (2004-04-07)	March 10, 2007
Naruto has been afraid of Gaara ever since he met him. But now, Naruto's determination is awakened truly along with the will of fire. Rejuvenated, Naruto uses techniques from his Ninja Handbook scroll. Naruto unleashes new and improved Naruto Uzumaki Barrage consisting of 2,000 shadow clones (Naruto Uzumaki 2k Barrage). 8 shadow clones kicked Gaara into the air and all 2,000 shadow clones punched Gaara on every inch of his body before 2 shadow clones delivered the final blow to the barrage. Naruto attempts a 2nd attack twice as powerful, with kicks. To fend off the attack, Gaara completes his transformation into a replica of the One Tail Shukaku. Gaara tries to crush Naruto with his sand. Thinking of Sakura, Sasuke and his friends, Naruto uses his own chakra to summon Gamabunta. Gaara forces himself to sleep and allows Shukaku to take over. Needing to get close to Shukaku to wake Gaara up, Naruto and Gamabunta transform into a replica of the Nine-Tails to fight.
79	22	"Beyond the Limit of Darkness and Light" Transliteration: "Rimitto bucchigiri! ~Hikari to Yami~" (Japanese: リミットぶっちぎり! 〜光と闇〜)	April 14, 2004 (2004-04-14)	March 17, 2007
As the transformed Gamabunta holds Shukaku in place, Naruto awakens Gaara. Tapping into the fox's power again, Naruto headbutts Gaara and destroys Shukaku's form. Across Konoha, the village's ninja, including the parents of many of the Genin, begin the counterattack of the invading forces. At the site of his battle with Orochimaru, Hiruzen realizes that he does not have enough strength left to fully seal Orochimaru's soul, and instead opts to seal the part of his former pupil's soul within his arms. Robbing Orochimaru his ability to use jutsu, Hiruzens bids his enraged student a fond farewell as he dies reciting one last proverb. At this time, Naruto and Gaara jump at each other, and Naruto succeeds in throwing the winning blow.
80	23	"The Third Hokage, Forever..." Transliteration: "Sandaime yo, towa ni......!!" (Japanese: 三代目よ, 永久に......!!)	April 21, 2004 (2004-04-21)	March 24, 2007
Critically damaged, Orochimaru calls off the invasion and flees the village with his forces. In the forest, Naruto and Gaara both lay on the ground, devoid of chakra. Naruto sympathizes with Gaara for his childhood, but threatens to kill Gaara if he should ever bring harm to his friends again. Realizing that Naruto's strength came from the desire to protect others, Gaara begins to reshape his view of the world as his siblings take him home, and apologizes to Temari and Kankuro. The next day, the ninja of Konoha mourn the deaths of those who died during the invasion, especially Hiruzen as they ponder the meaning of the Third Hokage's sacrifice.
81	24	"Return of the Morning Mist" Transliteration: "Asagiri no kikyō" (Japanese: 朝霧の帰郷)	April 28, 2004 (2004-04-28)	March 31, 2007
After Hiruzen's death, Jiraiya, revealed to be pupil alongside Orochimaru is approached by the village's elders as they offer him the position of Fifth Hokage. He declines, saying that his former team mate Tsunade Senju would be a much better candidate for the title. Jiraiya offers to find her for Konoha and asks that he be allowed to take Naruto with him. Meanwhile, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki enter Konoha, and are confronted by Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi. Itachi and Kisame quickly gain the advantage in battle, but Kakashi comes to their rescue at the last moment.
82	25	"Eye to Eye: Sharingan vs. Sharingan!" Transliteration: "Sharingan tai Sharingan!!" (Japanese: 写輪眼VS写輪眼!!)	May 5, 2004 (2004-05-05)	April 7, 2007
Kakashi and Itachi exchange blows, each being very proficient with the Sharingan. Itachi neutralizes Kakashi with his Tsukuyomi. As Kakashi struggles to remain standing, he asks Itachi why he's returned to Konoha. Itachi replies that they're after Naruto, which Kakashi elaborates as meaning they want the Nine-Tails for their organization Akatsuki. Annoyed that Kakashi knows of their organization, Itachi instructs Kisame to kill Asuma and Kurenai before bringing Kakashi to him so they can find out what else he knows of their group. Before Kisame can do so, Might Guy arrives. Itachi states he did not go to Konoha to "start a war", so he and Kisame left the battle.
83	26	"Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!" Transliteration: "Ō, nō~! Jiraiya no jonan, Naruto no sainan" (Japanese: おお, のォ〜っ!自来也の女難, ナルトの災難)	May 12, 2004 (2004-05-12)	April 14, 2007
Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai take an unconscious Kakashi home to rest, where they decide Sasuke should not know of Itachi's return. Despite their wishes, Sasuke finds out, and also learns that Itachi is after Naruto. Determined to kill Itachi for murdering the Uchiha clan, Sasuke rushes out to find Naruto, though discovers that Naruto has already left the village with Jiraiya. In another town, Naruto sits in a hotel room while Jiraiya tries to pick up women. After someone knocks on his door, Naruto opens it to reveal Itachi and Kisame standing before him.
84	27	"Roar, Chidori! Brother vs. Brother!" Transliteration: "Unare Chidori, Hoero Sasuke!" (Japanese: 唸れ千鳥吠えろサスケ!)	May 19, 2004 (2004-05-19)	April 21, 2007
In a flashback, Sasuke Uchiha reminisces the night his entire clan was killed and how he came home to find his parents dead and Itachi standing over them. Confronting his brother, Sasuke is subject to Itachi's Tsukuyomi, who shows him how he killed the clan, causing Sasuke to collapse from the experience. Back in present time, as Kisame and Itachi contemplate how best to carry Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke arrives and attacks Itachi with his Chidori. Uninterested in their quarrel, Itachi effortlessly stops the attack. Naruto attempts to summon a toad, but Kisame absorbs his chakra before he can do so and proceeds to attack. Jiraiya arrives to block the attack.
85	28	"Hate Among the Uchihas: The Last of the Clan!" Transliteration: "Orokanaru otōto yo urame, nikume!" (Japanese: 愚かなる弟よ恨め, 憎め!)	May 26, 2004 (2004-05-26)	April 28, 2007
Although Jiraiya prepares to fight the two Akatsuki members, Sasuke proclaims that he will kill Itachi. Itachi brutally beats and berates his brother, even using Tsukuyomi. Sasuke falls unconscious, and Jiraiya uses the ensuing chaos to prepare a powerful technique, forcing the Akatsuki team to flee. Might Guy arrives and takes Sasuke back to Konoha. Before he leaves, he asks Naruto and Jiraiya to find Tsunade, hoping that she will be able to heal Lee's injuries. They reassure him, and Naruto and Jiraiya set out to resume their search.
86	29	"A New Training Begins: I Will Be Strong!" Transliteration: "Shugyō kaishi, Ore wa zettē tsuyoku naru!" (Japanese: 修行開始オレはぜってー強くなる!)	June 2, 2004 (2004-06-02)	May 5, 2007
Jiraya tells Naruto about Tsunade and how she is known by the nickname Legendary Loser because she is poor in gambling. At the same time, Tsunade decides to partake in gambling at Machijūtoba, a casino where the big bets are made. Tsunade uses all of her cash, exciting the head gambler as he is aware of her reputation. Naruto enjoys a day out on the town while Jiraiya does some investigating into Tsunade's whereabouts. When Jiraiya ends up using his time - and Naruto's money - to enjoy sake and women, he starts teaching Naruto the Rasengan after a conflict with ex-Chunnin Ninjas. To begin learning the technique, Naruto must pop a water-filled balloon held in the palm of his hand by spinning the water with his chakra, something he starts with great enthusiasm.
87	30	"Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!" Transliteration: "Konjō!!! Warero mizufūsen" (Japanese: 根性!!!割れろ水風船)	June 9, 2004 (2004-06-09)	May 12, 2007
Soon after his training begins, Naruto finds himself unable to make any progress. After asking Jiraiya for tips, Naruto decides he will master the jutsu in three days. Jiraiya doubts the likelihood that Naruto will live up this promise, explaining that the Rasengan was developed by the Fourth Hokage in a duration of three years. He then goes on to explain that popping the balloon is only one of three steps, and leaves Naruto to resume his training. Naruto soon discovers that popping the balloon is easier if he uses both of his hands after observing a cat, and progresses to the second step.
88	31	"Focal Point: The Mark of the Leaf" Transliteration: "Konoha māku to hitaiate" (Japanese: 木ノ葉マークと額当て)	June 16, 2004 (2004-06-16)	May 19, 2007
The second step involves Naruto popping a rubber ball, something that will require much more power. After Naruto struggles with this step, Jiraiya helps him by drawing a leaf on his palm to give him a point to concentrate his efforts on. With some additional practice, Naruto is able to complete this stage as well. Elsewhere, Tsunade Senju, an avid and extremely unlucky gambler, hits a winning streak, leading her to believe something bad is about to happen. She is correct, as when she tries to leave the city, she is met by Orochimaru and Kabuto.
89	32	"An Impossible Choice: The Pain Within Tsunade's Heart" Transliteration: "Hamon" (Japanese: 波紋)	June 23, 2004 (2004-06-23)	May 26, 2007
Naruto is tasked with combining the spinning and the power developed in the previous steps, something that Jiraiya cannot help him with. As he attempts to do both, a frail and sickly Orochimaru asks Tsunade to heal his soulless decayed arms as the effects of the Reaper Death Seal inflicted on him are causing him excruciating pain. Although she has no intentions of helping Orochimaru due to his killing their teacher, Tsunade decides to consider the matter when he offers to revive her dead brother, Nawaki, and lover, Dan.
90	33	"Unforgivable! A Total Lack of Respect!" Transliteration: "Ikari bakuhatsu! Yurusanēttebayo" (Japanese: 怒りバクハツ!許さねーってばよ)	July 7, 2004 (2004-07-07)	June 9, 2007
Orochimaru gives Tsunade a week to think about it, and he leaves. While Tsunade has dinner that night, Jiraiya and Naruto arrive at the same bar. Suspicious of Jiraiya's reason for looking for her, Tsunade asks what he wants, to which he replies that Konoha wants her to be the new Hokage. She rejects the offer, saying anyone who would willingly take the title is a fool. Naruto, enraged that she would disrespect the title of Hokage and those who have held its position, challenges Tsunade to a battle. The two step outside, but Tsunade quickly proves to be far out of Naruto's league. Unwilling to give up, Naruto readies his imperfect Rasengan for an attack.
91	34	"Inheritance! The Necklace of Death!" Transliteration: "Shodai Hokage no isan Shi o yobu kubikazari" (Japanese: 初代火影の遺産死を呼ぶ首飾り)	July 14, 2004 (2004-07-14)	June 16, 2007
Recognizing the danger the attack imposes, Tsunade forces it into the ground, where the minor damage it inflicts indicates that it is not yet complete. Despite this, Tsunade offers Naruto a proposition: if he can master the technique in one week, she'll give him her necklace, something worth an immense amount of money. If he cannot, she gets all the money in his wallet. Naruto agrees to the bet, and leaves to start training. Tsunade meets Jiraiya for drinks, where he tells her that he is aware Orochimaru has offered her something. Jiraiya makes it clear that he will kill her if she helps Orochimaru. Meanwhile, Naruto continues to train To mastered The perfect rasengan, intent on winning the bet with Tsunade.
92	35	"A Dubious Offer! Tsunade's Choice!" Transliteration: "YES ka NO ka! Tsunade no kaitō" (Japanese: YESかNOか!ツナデの回答)	July 21, 2004 (2004-07-21)	June 23, 2007
As the week goes by, Naruto continues his training, though he is unable to properly mix spinning and power and has varying results. Tsunade watches Naruto's progress from the background, noting how similar he is to both Nawaki and Dan. Once a week goes by, Naruto appears to have been unsuccessful To mastered The rasengan and lays unconscious with fatigue. Jiraiya, still uncertain about the situation with Orochimaru & Tsunade, decides to take her out for drinks and reminds her about the bet with Naruto. While they're out together, Tsunade drugs his drink, putting him to sleep. The next morning, Tsunade meets with Orochimaru as promised, and prepares to heal his arms. Before she can do so, she is stopped by Kabuto.
93	36	"Breakdown! The Deal is Off!" Transliteration: "Kōshō Ketsuretsu!" (Japanese: 交渉決裂!!)	July 28, 2004 (2004-07-28)	June 30, 2007
Having recognized that Tsunade's healing jutsu was filled with killing intent, Kabuto realized that she had no intention of helping Orochimaru. With Tsunade being the only person who can heal Orochimaru, Kabuto decides to force her to help as they begin to fight. Although Tsunade has far more battle experience than Kabuto, he is able to hold his own against her, even managing to land a few debilitating attacks. As Kabuto prepares to put Tsunade out of commission, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Tsunade's assistant, Shizune, arrive to help. Uninterested in their assistance, Tsunade tries to resume her battle with Kabuto until he learns of her Hemophobia and uses it against her. As she is taken aside to recover, Naruto and Shizune both launch attacks at Kabuto, which he defeats. Finally Jiraiya states that he and Shizune must team up to take on Orochimaru and Kabuto, respectively.
94	37	"Attack! Fury of the Rasengan!" Transliteration: "Kurae! Ikari no Rasengan" (Japanese: くらえ!怒りの螺旋丸)	August 4, 2004 (2004-08-04)	July 7, 2007
With Tsunade out of commission due to her paralyzing fear of blood, Jiraiya takes on the challenge of defeating Orochimaru. Kabuto continues to insult Tsunade, which angers Naruto and gives him the strength to fight Kabuto and protect Tsunade. However, Naruto is no match for Kabuto, who picks on Naruto and brings back Tsunade's memories of Nawaki, Dan, and the bet made between her and Naruto. Naruto, in the heat of battle, on the spot creates a unique method using a shadow clone to help divide the roles of rotating the chakra and is able to pull together all the strength he has left to make one final attack with his right hand, creating a shadow clone and pulling off a complete Rasengan. Having defeated Kabuto, Naruto passes out after mastering the new jutsu.
95	38	"The Fifth Hokage! A Life on the Line!" Transliteration: "Godaime Hokage, Inochi o kaketa tatakai!" (Japanese: 五代目火影命を賭けた戦い)	August 11, 2004 (2004-08-11)	July 7, 2007
Despite using a powerful healing technique, Kabuto's wounds are too extensive for him to deal with. When Naruto collapses due to the severity of Kabuto's last attack, a strike to Naruto's heart, Tsunade does what she can, determined to save him and his dream of becoming Hokage. Her efforts work, and he regains consciousness long enough to claim the necklace he has won in the bet. Orochimaru, recognizing Naruto as a potential future threat, tries to kill him. Tsunade, determined to make sure Naruto becomes Hokage, overcomes her fear of blood and uses herself as a human shield to block the attack. When asked why she would risk her life to save him, Tsunade replies that it is her duty as the Fifth Hokage, finally accepting the role she was offered. Intending to eliminate his former teammates, Orochimaru summons Manda while Tsunade and Jiraiya summon Katsuyu and Gamabunta respectively.
96	39	"Deadlock! Sannin Showdown!" Transliteration: "Sansukumi no tatakai" (Japanese: 三すくみの戦い)	August 11, 2004 (2004-08-11)	July 14, 2007
Katsuyu and Gamabunta double-team Manda, though the latter is able to hold his own. Using her inhuman strength, Tsunade is able to pin Manda down and delivers a finishing blow to Orochimaru. Deciding to use his last resort to regain the use of his arms, Orochimaru retreats with Kabuto, leaving Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto to their own devices. Once Naruto recovers and learns of Tsunade's acceptance of the Hokage title, he remarks that she is an undeserving of the job because the Third was better in every possible way. The two step outside to have another fight, though this time Tsunade gives Naruto a kiss on the forehead instead of a blow to the face. The group then sets off for Konoha.
97	40	"Kidnapped! Naruto's Hot Spring Adventure!" Transliteration: "Naruto no yukemuri chindōchū" (Japanese: ナルトの湯けむり珍道中)	August 18, 2004 (2004-08-18)	July 21, 2007
On their way back to Konoha, the group takes a break at a hot spring town. Naruto learns that two ninja of the Akagi family cannot return home unless they collect Tsunade's debts, and attempts to help them. Shizune, fearing that Tsunade's debts, if exposed, would jeopardize her chances of becoming Hokage, disguises herself as Tsunade to stop Naruto, but neither of them realizes that the debt had already been paid.
98	41	"Tsunade's Warning: Ninja No More!" Transliteration: "Ninja o yamero! Tsunade no tsūkoku" (Japanese: 忍者を辞めろ!ツナデの通告)	August 25, 2004 (2004-08-25)	July 28, 2007
Upon arriving in Konoha, preparations are made to formally put Tsunade into office, though she is largely uninterested in formalities and leaves the task to her new assistants. She makes her rounds in the Konoha hospital, healing Kakashi Hatake and Sasuke of the damage done to their minds by Itachi's Tsukuyomi. When examining the wounds to Rock Lee's body, Tsunade discovers that the damage to his spine is too extensive, even for her, to heal with certainty. She advises Lee to give up on his dreams of being a ninja, citing that there is only a 50% chance that he will survive the operation.
99	42	"The Will of Fire Still Burns!" Transliteration: "Hi no ishi o tsugu mono" (Japanese: 火の意志を継ぐもの)	September 1, 2004 (2004-09-01)	August 4, 2007
Unable to accept Tsunade as her grandfather's successor, Konohamaru does everything in his power to prevent her inauguration. As Tsunade does research, hoping to increase the chances of Lee's surviving the operation, Naruto tries to convince Konohamaru that she will be a good Hokage. After Tsunade demonstrates her strength and healing abilities, Konohamaru decides Tsunade can be Hokage and that his grandfather will not fade into memory.
100	43	"Sensei and Student: The Bond of the Shinobi" Transliteration: "Nekketsu shitei no kizuna ~Otoko ga nindō o tsuranuku toki~" (Japanese: 熱血師弟の絆〜男が忍道を貫くとき〜)	September 8, 2004 (2004-09-08)	August 19, 2007
Guy and Lee discuss the operation, and Lee expresses his fears of dying as well as his fears of never being a ninja. The two reminisce about their time together, and Guy finally decides that if Lee dies during the operation, so will he, as he cannot live if Lee is not a ninja. Guy's words inspire Lee, and he decides to take the operation. Tsunade, meanwhile, manages to increase the odds of Lee's survival to 58%, and is satisfied that Lee will most likely survive the operation. Tsunade is inaugurated as Hokage, and the role of the village's protector is passed on to her.