The BEST episodes directed by Hayato Date

A Cry on Deaf Ears
star
9.30
120 votes

#1 - A Cry on Deaf Ears

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 45

Finally catching up to Sasuke, Naruto does all he can to keep him from going to Orochimaru. Does he have enough strength to stop him or is Sasuke gone for good?

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Thank You
star
9.17
224 votes

#2 - Thank You

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 7

The Nine Tails, having been released from Madara's control, continues to wreck havoc in the city. The Third Hokage summons the Monkey King Enma and drives the Nine Tails away from the city. Minato then returns to the city and with the help of the toad Gamabunta is able to restrain the Nine Tails long enough for him to teleport it along with his family to the outskirts of the village. Kushina binds the Nine Tails and as Minato prepares to do the Reaper Death Seal to seal away half of the Nine Tails Chakra and seal the rest inside Naruto using the Eight Trigrams Seal. He also seals a bit of Kushina's chakra to help Naruto tame the Nine Tails. All of this is witnessed by the Third Hokage and a few other ninja.

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The Fourth Hokage's Death Match
star
9.15
224 votes

#3 - The Fourth Hokage's Death Match

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 6

Kushina successfully delivers Naruto but their celebration comes short when Madara suddenly appears and kills Taji and Biwako. Madara attempts to kill Naruto but Minato quickly saves Naruto from explosion, and as Minato fled and put Naruto to safety Madara manages to release Nine Tails from Kushina. Madara takes control of the Nine Tails by using his Sharingan and tries to eliminate Kushina, but quickly saved by Minato and being brought back to Naruto. Madara summons Nine Tails to start the carnage over Konoha and Minato prepares himself to face Madara. As Minato arrives in Konoha and Nine Tails' Tailed Beast Ball was being absorbed, Madara appears on Minato and tries to grab him however Minato teleports and been easily followed by Madara. Minato and Madara start their clash, and Minato cleverly defeats Madara using his Rasengan and applying the contract seal to remove control on Nine Tails.

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Father and Son, the Broken Crest
star
8.70
210 votes

#4 - Father and Son, the Broken Crest

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 47

As Sasuke squares off against Naruto, he reflects on his past when he was neglected by both his stern father and Itachi, his brooding older brother.

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Hospital Besieged: The Evil Hand Revealed!
star
8.70
150 votes

#5 - Hospital Besieged: The Evil Hand Revealed!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 23

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

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An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!
star
8.65
240 votes

#6 - An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 36

The battle of kings has begun as Orochimaru has summoned some unexpected help. How can the Third Hokage handle this uncomfortable situation? Meanwhile, Sasuke finally catches up with Kakurou, Gaara and Temari…

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He Flies! He Jumps! He Lurks! Chief Toad Appears!
star
8.62
180 votes

#7 - He Flies! He Jumps! He Lurks! Chief Toad Appears!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 22

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

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Battle in Paradise! The Odd Beast vs. The Monster!
star
8.61
223 votes

#8 - Battle in Paradise! The Odd Beast vs. The Monster!

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 8

Kushina finally departs from Naruto's psyche and Naruto promises himself that he will train hard and surpass all Hokages in pursuit of his dream to become the next Hokage. Naruto wakes up and activates his Nine Tails chakra mode, which allows him to sense negative energy from Killer Bee's Samehada. Kisame Hoshigaki suddenly appears and escapes the chamber. Kisame swims down and uses his Samehada to absorb Killer Bee's chakra. When Kisame attempts to escape the island to give information on their location to Madara, Might Guy chases him down and stops him.

The Orange Spark
star
8.61
223 votes

#9 - The Orange Spark

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 4

Naruto's initial attack is ineffective against the beast but wasting no time he flips the beast over and launches a Rasenshuriken at it. He immediately tries to separate the beast's chakra but the beast's hatred and malice begins to fill him. While in the training chamber, B alerts Yamato who begins to attempt to suppress the beast. As the hatred fills him he is reminded of the people that spurned him in his childhood but a small gentle voice rings out telling him that he could stay there. With that chains erupt from Naruto's body and restrain the beast who recognises them as Kushina Uzumaki's. Within Naruto's mind a kind-faced woman with long, bright red hair appears before him who Naruto initially believes to be the Nine-Tails trying to deceive him. After Kushina brutally corrects him — realising who she is — an emotional Naruto greets his mother. With this, the two begin to talk and Kushina tells Naruto of her youth and how she fell in love with Minato Namikaze.

Sound vs. Leaf
star
8.60
150 votes

#10 - Sound vs. Leaf

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 28

The Sound Ninja have Sasuke in their clutches and it's up to the Hidden Leaf Village's top Shinobi to stop them.

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Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad
star
8.60
150 votes

#11 - Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 27

Now that word of Sasuke's departure has spread to the Fifth Hokage, she calls upon the newest Chunin, Shikamaru, to put together a squad to bring Sasuke back to the village.

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The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke
star
8.60
210 votes

#12 - The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 24

Hospital bound and feeling his pride shattered, Sasuke finds there is only way to redeem himself: Battle Naruto! Meanwhile, the Ino-Shika-Cho Squad sit down for some barbeque to celebrate a special occasion!

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A Mistake from the Past: A Face Revealed!
star
8.60
210 votes

#13 - A Mistake from the Past: A Face Revealed!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 37

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

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Bitter Rivals and Broken Bonds
star
8.50
180 votes

#14 - Bitter Rivals and Broken Bonds

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 25

As their rivalry reaches a fever pitch, Kakashi-sensei breaks up the battle and sends Naruto and Sasuke to their corners. Meanwhile, Four Sound ninja enter the Hidden Leaf Village with only one thing on their mind... Sasuke!

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Losing Is Not an Option!
star
8.50
120 votes

#15 - Losing Is Not an Option!

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 34

Neji's on the run from Kidomaru's bow and arrow attacks. Will Neji make it out alive or will his new-found enemy hit his blindspot dead on?

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A Feeling of Yearning, a Flower Full of Hope
star
8.49
180 votes

#16 - A Feeling of Yearning, a Flower Full of Hope

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 20

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

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Land Ahoy! Is this the Paradise Island?
star
8.41
251 votes

#17 - Land Ahoy! Is this the Paradise Island?

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 1

After a long voyage at sea, Naruto’s ship finally arrives at the island of its destination. Before everyone can rejoice, a giant squid attacks the ship. Fortunately, the crew is saved by Killer Bee, the Eight Tails’ jinchuriki host.

Target: Nine Tails
star
8.41
223 votes

#18 - Target: Nine Tails

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 5

Naruto defeats Nine Tails and manages to extract its chakra. Kushina reveals to Naruto that she became the Nine Tails' Jinchuriki. She also revealed her origin from the Hidden Eddy Village, which is highly recognized for its powerful sealing techniques and close ally of the Hidden Leaf Village. As Kushina gave birth to Naruto, Madara Uchiha silently attacked ANBU ninjas and infiltrated the venue.

The Man Named Kisame
star
8.40
223 votes

#19 - The Man Named Kisame

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 9

The after-effects of Guy's Daytime Tiger are felt throughout the island. Kisame is defeated, and Guy explains his technique. Yamato restrains him so Aoba can gather intel. When he's about to learn Tobi's identity, Kisame forces himself awake by biting off his own tongue. Kisame breaks free of his restraints and creates a water dome around himself. He recalls Itachi's words about learning what kind of person one is when they die. Knowing he's too weak to resist, and to prevent his enemies from gathering intel, Kisame summons sharks and allows himself to be eaten. The others are impressed by Kisame's resolution. When they open the scroll Kisame intended to deliver, it turns out to be a trap, leaving them stuck inside water prisons, while a summoned shark takes the scroll with the intel away.

The Next Challenge! Naruto vs. Nine Tails!!
star
8.40
196 votes

#20 - The Next Challenge! Naruto vs. Nine Tails!!

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 3

With Killer Bee as his new master, Naruto begins his training to control the power of a Tailed Beast. In order to do so, one must fight the Tailed Beast head on and absorb its chakra, converting it into one’s own power.

Brothers: Distance Among the Uchiha
star
8.40
150 votes

#21 - Brothers: Distance Among the Uchiha

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 46

Naruto and Sasuke face off in battle as we get a glimpse into Sasuke's past where his achievements were ignored by his father and his brother Itachi's behavior began to take a turn for the worst.

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360 Degrees of Vision: The Byakugan's Blind Spot
star
8.40
210 votes

#22 - 360 Degrees of Vision: The Byakugan's Blind Spot

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 33

While Naruto and the others go after Sasuke and the other Sound Ninja, Neji is locked in a desperate no-holds-barred battle with Kidomaru.

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Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance
star
8.40
210 votes

#23 - Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 44

As Gaara demonstrates he has more than enough backbone to take on Kimimaro, Orochimaru recollects on how he brought him as a young man into the Sound Village.

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Light vs. Dark: The Two Faces of Gaara
star
8.40
210 votes

#24 - Light vs. Dark: The Two Faces of Gaara

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 42

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

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Assassin of the Moonlit Night
star
8.40
180 votes

#25 - Assassin of the Moonlit Night

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 41

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

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Homecoming
star
8.38
937 votes

#26 - Homecoming

Naruto Shippuden - Season 1 - Episode 1

An older and stronger Naruto returns from his two and a half years of training with Jiraiya. When he gets back he finds that many things have changed since he left. From Konohamaru becoming a Gennin and being under the supervision of Ebisu to Tsunade's, the Fifth Hokage, being added to the great stone faces. Now the tasks of starting things where they were left has begun. And what new danger does Jiraiya know about?

Sasuke's Decision: Pushed to the Edge!
star
8.35
180 votes

#27 - Sasuke's Decision: Pushed to the Edge!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 40

Sasuke struggles to keep up with Gaara's monstrous capacity. Only able to use Chidori twice in normal circumstances, Sasuke remembers that tragic day when his family died and realises he must risk the use of Chidori beyond his limit if he is to defeat Gaara. That is, if he can…

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The Oath of Pain
star
8.33
655 votes

#28 - The Oath of Pain

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 8

With Kakashi captured, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura must defend against Zabuza's attacks. Naruto realizes that working together with Sasuke may be the only way to save Kakashi. Will the combined effort of the two be enough to free Kakashi and defeat Zabuza?

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Live or Die: Risk It All to Win It All!
star
8.31
210 votes

#29 - Live or Die: Risk It All to Win It All!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 21

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

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Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!
star
8.30
240 votes

#30 - Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 34

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

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Full Throttle Power! Choji, Ablaze!
star
8.30
210 votes

#31 - Full Throttle Power! Choji, Ablaze!

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 30

Upon breaking free from the Earth Dome Prison, The Sasuke Retrieval Squad realize they don't have enough chakra to take on Jirobo... but Choji's got another idea up his sleeve.

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The Sand Shinobi: Allies of the Leaf
star
8.30
210 votes

#32 - The Sand Shinobi: Allies of the Leaf

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 42

Down for the count and at the mercy of the Sound Ninja, Kiba, Shikamaru and Rock Lee get help from an unlikely bunch of new allies.

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Showdown: Gaara vs. Kimimaro!
star
8.30
210 votes

#33 - Showdown: Gaara vs. Kimimaro!

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 43

Itching to fight and with a sense of guilt from the past, Gaara tells Rock Lee to stand down and let him take on Kimimaro. Meanwhile, Naruto continues on his quest to catch the runaway Sasuke.

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Spiritual Summoning: Shrine Maiden of Life
star
8.25
4 votes

#34 - Spiritual Summoning: Shrine Maiden of Life

Tokyo Underground - Season 1 - Episode 2

The episode starts out with Rumina taking Ruri out to see a real ""botanical garden"". The garden that he takes her to is at the back of their house but unfortunately, it's overgrown with weeds and most of the flowers are dead due to neglect. Rumina promises Ruri that he will take her to as many gardens as she wants. In the meantime, the bad guy that we saw in the first episode, Seki, has found Chelsea and Ruri. Chelsea first defeats all of Seki's soldiers but this has sapped her strength. At a crucial moment in her fight with Seki, she ran out of gravity power. Seki surrounds her in a high-burning ring of fire, intending to suffocate her. Rumina challenges Seki but was killed in one blow. Ruri decides that it's all her fault and uses her abilities as the Shrine Maiden of Life to cast a spiritual summoning and restore Rumina's life. Once revived, Rumina appears to have also gained the power to manipulate wind. He sends Seki flying and the latter decides to take off, but not before warnin

The Assassin of the Mist!
star
8.25
639 votes

#35 - The Assassin of the Mist!

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 7

Team Kakashi and Tazuna are on their way to his home. On the way there they run across a ninja named, Zabuza Momochi. Is the Sharingan enough to defeat this new enemy, or is team Kakashi's first mission over before its even begun?

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You Failed! Kakashi's Final Decision
star
8.24
660 votes

#36 - You Failed! Kakashi's Final Decision

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 5

Time is running out for Naruto and his group. With Sasuke the only one left, he tries to succeed where the others failed. Will they be able to get the bells before time runs out?

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Roar and Howl! The Ultimate Tag Team
star
8.20
180 votes

#37 - Roar and Howl! The Ultimate Tag Team

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 37

Faced against the vicious twin duo of Sakon and Ukon, Kiba and Akamaru team up to take them out, using their most powerful jutsu.

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Fakeout: Shikamaru's Comeback!
star
8.20
180 votes

#38 - Fakeout: Shikamaru's Comeback!

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 39

Shikamaru's got his hands full with Tayuya and her melodic attacks. Can he stop her and put an end to her malevolent flute playing?

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The Broken Seal
star
8.20
650 votes

#39 - The Broken Seal

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 16

Naruto and Sasuke continue their rigorous battle against Haku. When Haku targets a vulnerable Naruto, Sasuke risks everything to save him. Seeing his friend lie before him, a powerful force awakens inside Naruto. Has Kyubi been set free. If so, can anyone stop him?

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Pass or Fail: Survival Test
star
8.19
698 votes

#40 - Pass or Fail: Survival Test

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 4

Naruto finally meets his new sensei. His name is Kakashi Hatake. He tells the group that before they could become Genin, they will have to pass his survival test. The problem is, the test has a 66% chance of failure, and if they fail they'll be sent back to the academy. To make matters even worse, one of them will fail no matter what. Can the three pass Kakashi's test?

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Forbidden Secret Technique: Reaper Death Seal!
star
8.19
210 votes

#41 - Forbidden Secret Technique: Reaper Death Seal!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 38

An unlikely ally appears to help Sasuke and allows him to continue to pursue Gaara. Meanwhile, the Hokage prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to rid his village of Orochimaru!

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The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena!
star
8.17
180 votes

#42 - The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 24

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

A Shirker's Call to Action: A Layabout No More!
star
8.17
210 votes

#43 - A Shirker's Call to Action: A Layabout No More!

Naruto - Season 2 - Episode 35

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

Haku's Secret Jutsu: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals
star
8.16
556 votes

#44 - Haku's Secret Jutsu: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 13

Round two with Zabuza has started, but this time… Zabuza has Haku fighting along side him. Haku and Sasuke go at it with Sasuke falling behind until he manages to get a kick in. Meanwhile Naruto deals with some of Gato's henchmen. Back at the bridge Haku uses his secret jutsu, Demonic Ice Mirrors. What does this jutsu hold in store for Sasuke? Will Naruto make it to the bridge in time and save Tsunami and Inari as well?

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The Kazekage Stands Tall
star
8.16
518 votes

#45 - The Kazekage Stands Tall

Naruto Shippuden - Season 1 - Episode 5

Gaara and Deidara continue their fight with Gaara gaining the upper hand. Deidara then begins to attack the village and Gaara, the Kazekage, must protect it. Can Gaara defeat Deidara or is he playing right into his hands.

Killer Bee and Motoi
star
8.15
223 votes

#46 - Killer Bee and Motoi

Naruto Shippuden - Season 12 - Episode 2

Motoi confesses to Naruto and Yamato that he attempted to kill Bee during their childhood because of his father's death due to the sealing of the Eight Tails 30 years ago. As the young Bee became the Jinchuriki of Eight-Tails, Motoi realized that Bee had the same maltreatment of people just like Naruto and he understood what kind of life Bee is experiencing that time. After Motoi's confession, Naruto leaves the Waterfalls of Truth and heads to edge of the island where he thinks how to overcome his hatred and defeat his dark self. The squid again returns and attacks Naruto but Motoi is caught from its tentacles, then Bee appeared as the Eight Tails defeating the squid and saving Motoi. Motoi asked Bee why saved him despite he attempted to kill Bee. Bee answered in a rap that he and Motoi will remain good friends.

Kakashi: Sharingan Warrior!
star
8.14
655 votes

#47 - Kakashi: Sharingan Warrior!

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 9

With Kakashi free, the fight between him and Zabuza resumes. Kakashi decides to show Zabuza what the Sharingan is really capable of. Can Kakashi's Sharingan defeat Zabuza? And who is the mysterious person watching the fight?

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White Past: Hidden Ambition
star
8.14
586 votes

#48 - White Past: Hidden Ambition

Naruto - Season 1 - Episode 17

Naruto takes out his rage on Haku, who doesn't stand a chance. However, Naruto realises that Haku is the boy he met back at the forest. Haku tells Naruto the story of his past and asks for Naruto to do him one favour..... Will Naruto do the one thing he could never do just as Haku wishes?

An Invitation from the Sound
star
8.10
210 votes

#49 - An Invitation from the Sound

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 26

Sasuke takes on all four Sound Ninja, but soon learns it's going to take more than Chidori to defeat them!

Good-bye Old Friend…! I'll Always Believe in You!
star
8.10
240 votes

#50 - Good-bye Old Friend…! I'll Always Believe in You!

Naruto - Season 3 - Episode 31

With his life on the line against the Sound Ninja Jirobo, Choji looks back on the seeds of his friendship with Shikamaru. Can he defeat his fearsome opponent without any Chakra?