Naruto Anime Guide: Season 1 (Episodes 20-25)

The next arc details Team 7 and their entrance into the Chuunin Exam. This "mini-arc" is part of a larger "Chuunin Exam/Invasion" arc which will span until Episode 81.







In the following summaries, Orange = Filler.

Episode 20: "Shinshou totsunyuu! Chuunin shiken dattebayo ~ Rushing Into a New Chapter! It's the Chuunin Exam"

Airdate: 02/20/2003




Introduces Gaara, Temari and Kankurou. Kakashi nominates his team to take the Chuunin Exam. Team 7 meets three other Genin from Hidden Sand, and these siblings leave unimpressed by the Leaf ninja.

Episode 21: "Nanore! Arawareta kyouteki tara!! ~ Identify Yourselves! The Formidable Enemies who have Appeared!!"

Airdate: 02/27/2003




Introduce Lee, Neji and TenTen. Iruka doubts that his former students are ready to take on the Chuunin Exam, so he tests each to make sure they are ready. Team 7 then makes their way to the testing center and meets three other Leaf Genin who are a year older than them.

Episode 22: "Kiai 120%, Nau de rokku na chousenjou! ~ Fighting Spirit 120%, Now the Rocking Challenge!"

Airdate: 03/06/2003




Rock Lee challenges Sasuke to prove he can push himself beyond the skills of a "genius" like Sasuke. However, Lee's sensei Gai appears and ends the match. Team 7 then heads to the written exam testing room.

Episode 23: "Kechirase raibaru! Shinjin 9 zen'in shuugou ~ Defeat the Rivals! The Rookie 9 all Gathered"

Airdate: 03/13/2003




Introduces Chouji, Shikamaru, Ino, Kiba, Hinata, Shino and Kabuto Team 7 meets their fellow Genin in the testing room. A fellow Genin with more experience named Kabuto tells the Genin to not make any enemies. Kabuto gives out ninja info he has collected and Genin from Hidden Sound attack him after being insulted by his report on them.

Episode 24: "Ikinari shikkaku? Chou-nankan no daiichi shiken ~ Suddenly Disqualified? The Super-Obstacle First Test"

Airdate: 03/20/2003




The Genin sit and begin their test. A difficult combination of book and experience knowledge is required. Many realize the goal of the test is to cheat and not get caught, everyone realizes this except for Naruto...

Episode 25: "Deta-toko shoubu! Funbari dokoro no 10 monme ~ Leaving Victory or Defeat to a Gamble! Standing Firm in Place on the 10th Question"

Airdate: 03/27/2003



The tenth question is difficult, with the statement that if you fail, you can never take the exam again. Many ninja give up to allow them to take the exam again, Naruto refuses to give-up, stating his way of the ninja prevents him from ever backing down. Those that remain then learn the tenth question was a trick, those that remain and face their fears as a team automatically pass.