List of Naruto volumes: Difference between revisions
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Sasuke once again catches up with Gaara just as Gaara's transformation begins. Wanting to defeat Gaara to prove himself Sasuke slices through Gaara with his Chidori, though Gaara's transformation allows him to heal the wound. As the transformation spreads and Gaara's strength grows Sasuke attacks him with another Chidori, though Gaara is again able to heal the damage. Sasuke, however, is unable to move after the use of his third Chidori, and as Gaara is about to finish him off Naruto and Sakura arrive to help. With their arrival Gaara begins to fight Naruto, and traps Sakura to discourage him from fleeing. Determined to save his friends Naruto taps into the demon fox's power to fight Gaara and gains the upperhand, overwhelming Gaara with a new jutsu involving [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto ( |
Sasuke once again catches up with Gaara just as Gaara's transformation begins. Wanting to defeat Gaara to prove himself Sasuke slices through Gaara with his Chidori, though Gaara's transformation allows him to heal the wound. As the transformation spreads and Gaara's strength grows Sasuke attacks him with another Chidori, though Gaara is again able to heal the damage. Sasuke, however, is unable to move after the use of his third Chidori, and as Gaara is about to finish him off Naruto and Sakura arrive to help. With their arrival Gaara begins to fight Naruto, and traps Sakura to discourage him from fleeing. Determined to save his friends Naruto taps into the demon fox's power to fight Gaara and gains the upperhand, overwhelming Gaara with a new jutsu involving [[List of ninjutsu in Naruto (S-Z)#Uzumaki Naruto Two Thousand Combo|two-thousand clones]]. Gaara, surprised by Naruto's strength, completes his transformation by becoming a life-size replica of [[Tailed beasts#One-Tailed Shukaku|Shukaku]], the beast sealed within him. As Gaara uses his sand to try and crush Naruto, Naruto again uses the fox's strength to summon the giant toad [[List of Naruto summons#Gamabunta|Gamabunta]]. Once again surprised by Naruto's abilities, Gaara forces himself to fall asleep, thus awakening the dormant personality of Shukaku. Shukaku and Gamabunta fight, though the giant toad is quickly put on the defensive. Needing to awaken Gaara to win the battle, Naruto leaps from Gamabunta to Shukaku in an attempt to wake Gaara up. |
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Revision as of 15:17, 1 September 2007
This is a list of chapters for the manga series Naruto, sorted into volumes where applicable. In Japan, chapters are typically released on a weekly basis in Weekly Shonen Jump, and are put into tankobon format every three months. Chapters are released through the Viz Media distributed Shonen Jump in the US as well, with each issue having between three and four chapters a month. Depending on how long it takes for a volume's chapters to appear in Shonen Jump, the English tankobon are released every three to four months. Beginning in September and ending in December of 2007, Viz will begin releasing three tankobon a month in order to shorten the gap between the Japanese manga, pushing the English manga into the second half of the series.[1]
Volume list
Part I
| Title | Volume | Release date | |||
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| English | Japanese | Japan | US | ||
| The Tests of the Ninja | うずまきナルト!! | 1 | March 3, 2000 | August 16, 2003 | |
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For the first twelve years of his life, Naruto Uzumaki had to live a life without parents and endure the apparent unsolicited hate from the villagers of Konohagakure, never knowing what it was like to be loved or have friends as a result. On the day that he learns that the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, a powerful monster that almost destroyed the village, was sealed within him soon after his birth and is the reason he is alone in the world, Naruto's fortunes begin to change. In addition to finding a father-figure in the form of Iruka Umino and someone who idolizes him in the form of Konohamaru, Naruto achieves his dream by finally becoming a ninja. In doing so, Naruto is added to Team 7 along with Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno under the leadership of Kakashi Hatake. To see whether or not the three are truly ready to become ninja Kakashi administers a test, and each, in turn, independently fails to succeed in the task given to them. By the time that lunch arrives, and much to their dismay, Kakashi expresses his opinion that the three will never be suitable for becoming ninja. | |||||
| The Worst Client | 最悪の依頼人 | 2 | June 2, 2000 | December 26, 2003 | |
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Despite his first impressions Kakashi decides to give the three a second chance, and as soon as they start focusing on the team's well-being instead of their own Kakashi allows them to pass. Since the three rookies have now officially passed into ninja-hood, Team 7 goes out a number of uneventful missions. Unimpressed by this lack of action, Naruto manages to get the team a more interesting mission: to escort Tazuna to the Land of Waves. Along the way, the group is attacked by Zabuza Momochi, an assassin sent to kill Tazuna. Kakashi and Zabuza do battle, though Kakashi is soon captured, and it is only through the combined efforts of Sasuke and Naruto that he is freed. After thanking his team for the help, Kakashi uses his Sharingan eye to get the upperhand on Zabuza and use his own attacks against him. As he is about to finish Zabuza off, a masked boy named Haku arrives to kill him first, and takes Zabuza's body elsewhere. While thinking nothing of it at the time, Kakashi soon begins to suspect that Haku only appeared to kill Zabuza and, in the event that Zabuza attacks again, he decides to train Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. | |||||
| Bridge of Courage | 夢の為に・・・!! | 3 | August 4, 2000 | April 24, 2004 | |
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As Team 7's training continues, they learn that Zabuza was sent kill Tazuna by Gato, a man who has a stranglehold over the Land of Waves and does not want Tazuna to build a bridge that will free the people from his rule. Determined to help the country, Naruto trains harder than Sasuke and Sakura. As he lies asleep in the neighboring forests one day due to exhaustion he is awoken one day by a maskless Haku who, in addition to not being recognized by Naruto, inspires Naruto and gives him a belief to live by. After they part Naruto returns home to have a proper rest. To allow him a chance to regain his energy, the rest of Team 7 goes to escort Tazuna without him. Once they arrive at the bridge's construction site, however, they are met again by Zabuza and a masked Haku. Using his new training, Sasuke does battle with Haku and proves to be an equal match, forcing Haku to trap him in a prison of ice. As Sasuke is repeatedly attacked by Haku Naruto arrives to help, and while he manages a sneak attack on Haku he makes the mistake of getting trapped as well. After the two endure repeated rounds of attacks, Haku makes to finish off Naruto though Sasuke uses himself as a shield to block the attack. After Sasuke appears to die, Naruto, in his anger, taps into the dormant powers of the demon fox sealed within him. | |||||
| The Next Level | 英雄の橋!! | 4 | October 4, 2000 | August 3, 2004 | |
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With the demon fox's power Naruto is easily able to defeat Haku. As he goes in for the kill and Haku's mask breaks away, Naruto realizes that the masked boy is the same person he met in the forest, causing him to stop the attack. Elsewhere on the bridge Kakashi and Zabuza do battle. Although Zabuza manages to strike Kakashi with his sword, Kakashi is able to turn the tables and restrain him. Deciding to kill Zabuza Kakashi readies his Lightning Blade attack, though as he is about to land his blow Haku appears to use himself as a shield for Zabuza, dying in the process. While he is unable to kill Zabuza Kakashi manages to take away his ability to continue the battle, just as Gato shows up with his hired thugs to finish the job. Having no further reason to kill Tazuna, Zabuza ends his battle with Kakashi. Naruto, however, is not happy with this, and is instead angry that Zabuza has shown no remorse for Haku's death. Determined to prove the value he held for Haku, Zabuza uses the last of his strength to charge through Gato's men and kill Gato, freeing the Land of Waves from his tyranny though dying the process. With Gato's rule ended, the bridge is completed and Sasuke is discovered to have survived Haku's last attack, so Team 7 returns to Konoha. Soon after returning home, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are entered into the Chunin Exams, a chance for them to rise up the ninja ranks and test their abilities. The three head for the site of the exams' start, and meet a number of their fellow hopefuls along the way. | |||||
| The Challengers | 挑戦者たち!! | 5 | December 4, 2000 | December 7, 2004 | |
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Upon arriving at the location of the exams' first phase, Team 7 has a chance to mingle with their former classmates and fellow rookie ninja: the members of Team 8 and Team 10. Once the first phase begins, it is revealed that all of those wishing to advance in rank must first complete a written test. The test's questions, however, prove too difficult for almost all present, and it soon becomes apparent that the true objective of the first phase is to cheat without getting caught. The rookie ninja exercise their various unique abilities in order to answer all of the questions, and all the while those who are unsuccessful in hiding their cheating methods are disqualified. Towards the test's end the remaining few are given the option of forfeiting, as the consequence of failing the test means that they will never be able to retake the test again. While some are persuaded to leave, Naruto, who was unable to answer any of the questions and did not realize he was supposed to cheat, proclaims that he will not back down, inspiring everyone left to do the same. Due to their willingness to face the unknown they all pass and proceed to the second phase. | |||||
| The Forest of Death | サクラの決意!! | 6 | March 2, 2001 | April 5, 2005 | |
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For the second phase of the exams, the remaining teams of three must enter an enclosed area called the Forest of Death and reach the forest's center with two scrolls, one of which is given to them, in five days' time. Soon after they enter the forest Team 7 is attacked by Orochimaru, who quickly strikes fear into the hearts of Sasuke and Sakura. Using his demon fox power Naruto does battle with him to save his teammates, though is defeated after Orochimaru seals his access to the fox's power. Sasuke, inspired by Naruto's determination, continues the battle in Naruto's place and defeats Orochimaru. As a reward for his success, Orochimaru brands Sasuke with the Cursed Seal of Heaven, a source of power that causes the wearer immense pain. Orochimaru departs as Sasuke passes out, wishing Team 7 luck in surviving the impending attack by his followers. Sakura, the only conscious member of the team, is forced to look after her teammates and defend them from the attacks of Orochimaru's followers, a team of three Sound ninja. While she is able to hold them off for a while, the Sound ninja prove too much for her. As she is about to be defeated Team 10 arrives to help, allowing Sakura to return to attending to Naruto and Sasuke as the others deal with her attackers. | |||||
| Orochimaru's Curse | 進むべき道・・・!! | 7 | May 1, 2001 | August 2, 2005 | |
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Team 10 and the Sound ninja do battle, though their progress is slow in either side claiming victory. Just as additional reinforcements begin to arrive to help Team 10 Sasuke finally awakens, the cursed seal given to him by Orochimaru covering his body and giving him power. With his new strength Sasuke is able to make quick work of one of the Sound ninja, forcing the others to flee. Although the battle is won, Team 7 needs three days to recover and they are still in need of finding a second scroll. Hoping to get lucky in this regard they and Kabuto head to the forest's center where they are attacked by three Rain ninja. The Rain Genin use illusionary techniques, preventing Team 7 from attacking the real ones. As they fight through the night Team 7 appears exhausted, bringing the Rain ninja out to attack. Their exhaustion having been an illusion of their own, Team 7 attacks the unwary Rain ninja, takes their scroll, and finishes the second phase. | |||||
| Life-and-Death Battles | 命懸けの戦い!! | 8 | August 3, 2001 | December 6, 2005 | |
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Seven teams of three pass the second phase, far too many aspiring ninja to advance to the final rounds. To reduce the number of participants ten preliminary matches are held, with the winner of each match advancing to the finals. Sasuke claims victory in the first match, Shino Aburame wins in the second, and Kankuro beats his opponent in the third. For the fourth match, Sakura is pitted against her rival and childhood friend Ino Yamanaka. While neither is fond of fighting the other, the two girls give the fight their all after Sakura decides that she does not want to be pitied by Ino. Although Sakura is able to avoid Ino's attacks for much of the match's duration, Ino is eventually able to restrain her. Using one of her family's signature abilities Ino takes control of Sakura's mind, intending to force Sakura to forfeit the match. | |||||
| Turning The Tables | ネジとヒナタ | 9 | October 4, 2001 | March 7, 2006 | |
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Just as Ino is about to make Sakura surrender, Sakura is able to expel Ino from her mind. This turn of events tires both girls out, leaving them able to make only one more attack. The two exchange blows resulting in a double knockout, though the fight causes the two to begin to reform their friendship. Temari quickly defeats her opponent in the fifth match and Shikamaru Nara wins in the sixth. For the seventh round Naruto is able to outsmart his opponent, much to the surprise of the onlookers. Naruto's success motivates Team 8 member Hinata Hyuga to do her best in the eight match against her cousin, Neji Hyuga. Although Hinata tries her best despite Neji being far stronger, Neji's hate for her family causes him to show no mercy to her during their fight, and he even attempts to kill her after she is unable to continue fighting. By the time of the match's conclusion Hinata is left in critical condition and Neji shows no signs of remorse. Naruto, enraged by this, swears upon Hinata's spilled blood that he will defeat Neji in the final matches. | |||||
| A Splendid Ninja | 立派な忍者・・・!! | 10 | December 4, 2001 | June 6, 2006 | |
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For the ninth match, Rock Lee, a hand-to-hand combat specialist, is pit against Gaara, a mysterious ninja who fights with sand. While Lee's speed and strength surprises Gaara, he is unable to fully bypass Gaara's defenses. Determined to prove himself capable of defeating such a strong opponent Lee uses his trump card, though Gaara is able to avoid the attack. Running out of options, Lee uses his strongest attack against Gaara. Although he is able to give Gaara the full force of his attack, Gaara is able to nullify much of the damage, allowing him to quickly resume battle. Lee, however, is left unable to move after his last attack and is left at Gaara's mercy. After his body is broken by Gaara's attacks and Gaara makes to finish him off, Gaara is declared the victor to prevent further damage to Lee. Lee is taken away to recover and Dosu Kinuta, one of the Sound ninja, wins the tenth and final match. The finalists are assigned opponents for the finals in a month's time, leaving them plenty of time to recuperate and train. Naruto, eager to get ready for his match against Neji Hyuga, approaches Kakashi to help him train. Kakashi, having already decided to train Sasuke, gives Naruto a different tutor in his place. Just as his new tutor begins training him, however, the tutor is rendered unconscious by an older man named Jiraiya. | |||||
| Impassioned Efforts | 弟子入り志願 !? | 11 | March 4, 2002 | September 5, 2006 | |
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Now without a tutor, Naruto demands that Jiraiya start overseeing his training. After Jiraiya complies and Naruto resumes what he was doing, Jiraiya notices that the demon fox's power is still sealed off by Orochimaru's earlier seal. After removing it and allowing Naruto to access its strength again, Jiraiya begins to train Naruto to better utilize it. Elsewhere, Dosu Kinuta, still determined to kill Sasuke, confronts Gaara, Sasuke's first opponent in the finals. He is quickly killed by Gaara, and all the while rumors of an impending invasion of Konoha by the villages of Otogakure and Sunagakure begin to spread, causing the Konoha ninja to begin preparing for the worst. For Rock Lee, however, the damage he sustained during his match with Gaara proves too severe for anyone to heal, and despite his efforts to regain his strength he is doomed to abandoning his dream of becoming a true ninja. For Naruto, his training with Jiraiya sees little progress; although Jiraiya tries to teach Naruto to use the demon fox's power to help him call upon toads for assistance in battle, Naruto is too inept to summon useful toads. Deciding to use drastic measures Jiraiya takes Naruto to a nearby cliff and throws him off it to force him to tap into the demon fox's strength to save himself. The attempt is successful, though Naruto is left exhausted afterwards and is sent to the hospital to rest. Once he recovers he heads to the location of the final matches, eager to defeat Neji Hyuga after some encouragement from Hinata. | |||||
| The Great Flight | 大いなる飛翔!! | 12 | May 1, 2002 | December 5, 2006 | |
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In the first match of the finals, Naruto gets his chance to fight Neji Hyuga, and by creating many copies of himself he tries to overwhelm Neji and defeat him. Neji's defenses, however, are more than able to deal with the additional Narutos and sap what is left of Naruto's strength. Unwilling to let this stop him, Naruto uses what he learned from Jiraiya to call upon the dormant powers of the demon fox within him, renewing his reserves and healing his wounds. Neji and the newly powered-up Naruto clash, with the force of their attacks propelling each other into craters. Neji rises from his pit to find Naruto lying unconscious in the opposite crater, and begins to taunt him for believing he could win. As he does so another Naruto bursts from the ground beneath him and delivers a punch to his jaw, the Naruto across the way being a copy used to cover the hole dug to reach Neji. Naruto is declared the winner, and Neji is taken away to recover. For the second match Sasuke is scheduled to fight Gaara, though because Sasuke hasn't shown up yet the match is postponed. Kankuro, having expected the invasion to start before his match, forfeits the third round to Shino. Shikamaru and Temari begin their fight, with Shikamaru using his shadow to try and trap her. Although she is able to avoid his attempts and stays out of his shadow's range, Shikamaru is able to navigate her nearer and nearer to the hole dug by Naruto, allowing him an easy chance to catch her. Just as Shikamaru appears ready to claim victory, he forfeits his match due to the amount of energy wasted in trying to catch Temari. | |||||
| The Chunin Exam, Concluded...!! | 中忍試験、終了・・・!! | 13 | August 2, 2002 | March 6, 2007 | |
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In the aftermath of Shikamaru's unexpected forfeit, the audience of the Chunin Exams eagerly await the arrival of Sasuke. Just as time is about to run out and Gaara is about to be claimed the winner Sasuke shows up, ready to have his match. Using the increased speed he has gained in the month of training with Kakashi, Sasuke is able to get around Gaara's defenses and get in a few attacks. Determined to kill Sasuke Gaara uses his sand to create an impenetrable shield around him where he will be able to transform into his "true" form. Sasuke, not interested in giving Gaara the time he needs, uses the Chidori attack taught to him by Kakashi to break through Gaara's shield and injure him, forcing him to stop his transformation. As Gaara cries in pain the invasion of Konoha starts. Orochimaru, the mastermind behind the invasion, takes the Third Hokage, Konoha's leader, hostage and the two begin to fight. As invading forces pour into Konoha Sasuke pursues Gaara, who is being carried to safety by Kankuro and Temari. Not wanting Sasuke to get too far away, but not able to follow him personally, Kakashi sends Sakura, Naruto, and Shikamaru to stop him. | |||||
| Hokage vs. Hokage!! | 火影VS火影!! | 14 | November 1, 2002 | May 1, 2007 | |
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Orochimaru, a former student of the Third Hokage that is eager to kill his old master, resurrects the First and Second Hokage, the Third's former teachers, to fight him. Due to his old age the Third is unable to put up much of a fight, and what little damage he is able inflict on them is quickly healed. Needing to get rid of the two if he is to defeat Orochimaru, the Third seals away their souls to dispose of them. Turning his attention to Orochimaru the two exchange blows, and the Third attempts to seal his soul as well. Orochimaru, sensing what the Third is trying to do, stabs the Third in the back with his sword, sapping what little strength he had left. The Third, unconcerned with his wound due to death being guaranteed as a result of trying to seal another's soul, continues to try and finish the sealing. Elsewhere, Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru discover that they are being followed by some of Konoha's invaders, and Shikamaru opts to stay behind to stall them. Using the strength left over from his fight with Temari he buys them the necessary time, and is even able to avoid death at the hands of the invaders when his sensei, Asuma Sarotobi, arrives. Meanwhile, Sasuke catches up with Gaara, though Kankuro decides to fight him to give Gaara a chance to escape. Before they can start, however, Shino arrives to fight Kankuro in Sasuke's place, eager to have the battle he was denied during the finals. Sasuke goes on ahead and Shino is eventually able to defeat Kankuro. | |||||
| Naruto's Ninja Handbook! | ナルト忍法帖!! | 15 | December 20, 2002 | July 3, 2007 | |
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Sasuke once again catches up with Gaara just as Gaara's transformation begins. Wanting to defeat Gaara to prove himself Sasuke slices through Gaara with his Chidori, though Gaara's transformation allows him to heal the wound. As the transformation spreads and Gaara's strength grows Sasuke attacks him with another Chidori, though Gaara is again able to heal the damage. Sasuke, however, is unable to move after the use of his third Chidori, and as Gaara is about to finish him off Naruto and Sakura arrive to help. With their arrival Gaara begins to fight Naruto, and traps Sakura to discourage him from fleeing. Determined to save his friends Naruto taps into the demon fox's power to fight Gaara and gains the upperhand, overwhelming Gaara with a new jutsu involving two-thousand clones. Gaara, surprised by Naruto's strength, completes his transformation by becoming a life-size replica of Shukaku, the beast sealed within him. As Gaara uses his sand to try and crush Naruto, Naruto again uses the fox's strength to summon the giant toad Gamabunta. Once again surprised by Naruto's abilities, Gaara forces himself to fall asleep, thus awakening the dormant personality of Shukaku. Shukaku and Gamabunta fight, though the giant toad is quickly put on the defensive. Needing to awaken Gaara to win the battle, Naruto leaps from Gamabunta to Shukaku in an attempt to wake Gaara up. | |||||
| Eulogy | 木ノ葉崩し、終結!! | 16 | March 4, 2003 | September 4, 2007 | |
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With a punch to the face Naruto is able to awaken Gaara and suppress Shukaku's personality once more. By then giving Gaara a demon fox-fueled headbutt he is able break the Shukaku body, causing the two boys to prepare for a final exchange of blows. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage realizes that he lacks the strength needed to fully seal away Orochimaru's soul, and instead decides to seal his arms to take away his ability to use jutsu. Once the sealing is completed the Third dies, and Orochimaru is forced to call off the invasion and flee the village due to the loss of his arms. As the invading forces flee Naruto lands a final blow on Gaara, bringing Gaara his first defeat and a new view of the world. Gaara is carried to safety by Kankuro and Temari, and Sasuke and Sakura accompany Naruto back to Konoha. After the dead are mourned, the villagers of Konoha begin to rebuild after the failed invasion. The village's elders approach Jiraiya with the offer of becoming the next Hokage. Jiraiya declines, though offers to look for Tsunade, his old teammate, to fill the post instead, and takes Naruto with him for the search. As they leave, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki infiltrate Konoha and are engaged in battle by Konoha's elite ninja. The two prove too much for Konoha's forces, and even Kakashi is left beaten after fighting the two. Before they leave Kakashi is able to learn that they are members of Akatsuki who seek to capture Naruto for the demon fox sealed within him. Sasuke learns of this and, having a prior desire to kill his brother Itachi, races out to find Naruto before they do. | |||||
| Itachi's Power | イタチの能力!! | 17 | May 1, 2003 | September 4, 2007 | |
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Itachi and Kisame find Naruto alone at a motel, where he and Jiraiya had planned to rest for the night. As they prepare to take Naruto with them, however, Sasuke arrives, ready to kill Itachi for murdering their clan years earlier. Although he tries to use his Chidori to achieve this goal, Itachi is more than capable of defeating his brother. As Itachi begins to torture Sasuke Jiraiya arrives and makes ready to drive the Akatsuki members off. Rather than be drawn into battle with him the two flee, deciding to capture Naruto another day. Sasuke is sent back to Konoha to recover, and Naruto and Jiraiya continue their search. As they travel from town to town trying to find out about Tsunade's location, Jiraiya begins teaching Naruto how to use the Rasengan, an attack that is stronger than Sasuke's Chidori. As Naruto slowly progresses through the learning stages, Orochimaru, in need of a way to heal his arms, also sets out to find Tsunade, her medical expertise being the only thing that can help him. | |||||
| Tsunade's Choice | 綱手の決意!! | 18 | August 4, 2003 | September 4, 2007 | |
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Orochimaru tracks down Tsunade and makes an offer to entice her to help him: heal his arms and in exchange he will revive her dead brother and lover. He gives her a week to consider it and leaves. Soon afterwards Jiraiya and Naruto find her and offer her the title of Hokage. Tsunade turns down the offer and begins to insult the title and those who have held it, enraging Naruto. Naruto is able to get her to fight him, and although she far outmatches him he is almost able to hit her with his incomplete Rasengan. Intrigued by his progress, Tsunade makes a wager with him: if he can perfect the Rasengan in a week she will give him her priceless amulet. Naruto accepts and spends the next week trying to complete the attack. As Tsunade watches his training from afar she contemplates Orochimaru's offer and what it would be like to have her loved ones alive again. After the week passes Naruto appears to have been unsuccessful in completing the Rasengan, and Tsunade goes to meet Orochimaru. Upon learning of the offer Orochimaru made to her, Naruto and Jiraiya race to find her, determined to prevent her from healing his arms. | |||||
| Successor | 受け継ぐ者 | 19 | November 11, 2003 | October 2, 2007 | |
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Tsunade meets with Orochimaru and appears ready to accept his offer. As she nears him and seems to be in the process of healing his arms, Orochimaru's assistant, Kabuto Yakushi, interrupts them. Having noticed that Tsunade's healing abilities were laced with killing intent, Kabuto was able to deduce that Tsunade had no intention of healing Orochimaru. Tsunade confirms this, citing that she couldn't help Orochimaru since he would only attack Konoha again, the village her loved one's loved until the end of their days. With that, Tsunade attacks Orochimaru, though is forced into battle with Kabuto instead. Eventually, Kabuto realizes that Tsunade could easily win the battle, and douses her in his own blood to immobilize her due to her phobia. Naruto and Jiraiya soon arrive to help her, with Jiraiya battling Orochimaru and Naruto fighting Kabuto. Although Kabuto appears in control of the battle by quickly defeating Naruto, he is proven wrong as Naruto rushes to Tsunade's side and delivers a completed Rasengan to his stomach, assuring his victory. Orochimaru, fearing what Naruto might one day become if he can already defeat Kabuto, makes to kill him, though Tsunade overcomes her fear of blood for the sole purpose of protecting Naruto. Finally accepting the role of Hokage, Tsunade joins Jiraiya in trying to defeat Orochimaru, though he is ultimately able to escape with Kabuto. After Naruto recovers the group returns to Konoha. | |||||
| Naruto vs. Sasuke | ナルトvsサスケ!! | 20 | December 19, 2003 | October 2, 2007 | |
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To mark her return to Konoha, Tsunade travels through the village hospital to heal various injures that have yet to be dealt with. She first cures Kakashi and Sasuke of the damage received during their fights with Itachi, and then turns her attention to Rock Lee. After inspecting the damage to his body Tsunade advises that he give up his dream of becoming a ninja, explaining that the surgery that would be required to cure him is just as capable of killing him. Lee considers the offer, not wanting to live without being a ninja but also not wanting to die. With the encouragement from his sensei, Might Guy, Lee goes through with the operation. Meanwhile, Sasuke, angry with himself for being so easily defeated by Itachi, begins to search earnestly for ways to get stronger. In doing so he forces Naruto to fight him, though his spirits are only dampened further when Naruto's Rasengan proves stronger than his Chidori. To draw Sasuke further down the path of vengeance, Orochimaru sends his Sound Four to confront Sasuke and show him the strength that can be gained by joining him. The Sound Four succeed in showing Sasuke what he can gain by easily defeating him, and leave him to allow Orochimaru's offer to fester. | |||||
| Pursuit | 許せない!! | 21 | March 4, 2004 | October 2, 2007 | |
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Sasuke decides to go to Orochimaru in order to get stronger, and leaves Konoha to accompany the Sound Four back to his lair. As they go, the Sound Four prepare Sasuke for Orochimaru's training by forcefully advancing his cursed seal to its second stage, rendering Sasuke unconscious for the process's duration. Upon learning of Sasuke's defection, Naruto accompanies Shikamaru Nara in assembling a team to retrieve him, and the two gather Neji Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Choji Akimichi to their cause. The team pursues the Sound Four though they are eventually trapped by Sound Four member Jirobo, who distracts the team as the rest of the Sound Four goes on ahead. With Shikamaru's guidance Choji is able to release the team from Jirobo's trap, and sends them on their way as he deals with Jirobo, using food pills to enhance his chakra. As the two battle Jirobo begins to insult Shikamaru for being a bad leader who left his weakest member, Choji, behind. Unwilling to allow anyone to insult Shikamaru, Choji decides to use the last food pill, despite knowing that it will cause the death of the user. Before he can succumb to the attack's side effects he uses it to kill Jirobo with an extremely powerful punch, and then passes out due to exhaustion after realizing that his friends value him. | |||||
| Comrades | 転生・・・!! | 22 | April 30, 2004 | November 6, 2007 | |
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Once the retrieval team catches up with the Sound Four, Kidomaru uses his personal webbing to trap them. Neji frees the team from his bindings and sends the others on to continue following the remaining Sound Four members. Since his defeat by Naruto during the Chunin Exams, Neji has become determined to never lose again to show those who believe in him that he truly is a genius. Noticing Neji's determination, Kidomaru attacks him from afar, slowly studying Neji's movements and attacks and devising a way to defeat him. Using his webbing to create a bow and arrow, Kidomaru begins firing shots at a blindspot in Neji's defenses, though Neji is able to avoid his attacks. To take away Neji's ability to dodge the attacks Kidomaru refashions his arrows, adding a string to it so he guide it to Neji. His new weapon succeeds in hitting its target, though Neji is able to prevent it from piercing his heart. After noticing the string attacked to the arrow Neji uses it to his advantage to immobilize Kidomaru. Unable to move Kidomaru is killed by Neji, and soon afterwards Neji collapses due to the injuries he has sustained. Elsewhere, Orochimaru earnestly awaits Sasuke's arrival, planning to take Sasuke's body for himself to regain the use of his arms and escape the pain caused by the Third's seal. Although he puts it off for as long as he can can Orochimaru is forced to take a different body for his use, deciding to take Sasuke's body at a later date. | |||||
| Predicament | 苦境・・・!! | 23 | August 4, 2004 | November 6, 2007 | |
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After the remaining portion of the retrieval team catches up with the Sound Four again, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kiba split up to fight the remaining Sound Four members individually. Kiba and his dog Akamaru are forced into battle with Sakon and Ukon, both of which are able to combine with the bodies of others to attack them from the inside. Despite Kiba and Akamaru's best efforts, Sakon and Ukon are able to badly injure both of them, and Kiba is forced to retreat to protect the unconscious Akamaru. The two try to flee, though Sakon and Ukon follow them. Shikamaru, meanwhile, fights Tayuya, who is able to use her flute to summon and control ogres and keep Shikamaru on the defensive. Shikamaru is eventually able to bypass her defenses and trap her with his shadow, though Tayuya begins to fight his control. Elsewhere, Kimimaro Kaguya, a former member of the Sound Four sent to continue the task of bringing Sasuke to Orochimaru, is forced to fight Naruto. Naruto, determined to bring Sasuke back to Konoha, uses the demon fox's power to create hundreds of copies of himself and overwhelm Kimimaro. Kimimaro, however, is able to use his unique control over his own bones to defeat all of Naruto's clones without being harmed in the process. | |||||
| Unorthodox | ピンチ・ピンチ・ピンチ!! | 24 | October 4, 2004 | November 6, 2007 | |
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Sasuke's cursed seal completes its advancement and he goes on ahead to Orochimaru's lair. As Naruto begins to wonder how he will defeat Kimimaro and stop Sasuke, Rock Lee, having recovered from his surgery, arrives to fight Kimimaro in his place. As Naruto goes off to follow Sasuke, Lee begins his fight with Kimimaro. He becomes unpredictable after unintentionally drinking saké, but is still unable to injure Kimimaro. Lee, Kiba and Shikamaru, appears on the verge of defeat. Before any of them can meet their end, however, Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari arrive to help. Temari uses her giant fan to create a large windstorm that crushes Tayuya in debris. Kankuro is able to capture Sakon and Ukon and kill the two with a barrage of weapons. Gaara, as thanks to Naruto for his new view of the world, uses his sand to try and crush Kimimaro. Kimimaro's bones, however, allow him to escape the sand's crushing effects and begins to attack Gaara, though proves unable to get past his sand. Gaara tries once again to bury Kimimaro in sand, though he is again able to escape. As he is about to finish off Gaara and Lee, Kimimaro dies of the illness that forced him to leave the Sound Four. Their battles won, the Konoha ninja return home with their saviors, just as Naruto catches up with Sasuke. | |||||
| Itachi and Sasuke | 兄と弟 | 25 | December 3, 2004 | December 2, 2007 | |
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Naruto tries to reason with Sasuke, though Sasuke is uninterested in returning to Konoha. The two begin to battle though Sasuke's newfound strength allows him to gain the upperhand. In between attacks, Sasuke reminisces about why he became so determined to gain power and kill Itachi. Itachi, having always been the most talented member of their clan, received all of their family's attention, leaving Sasuke to be neglected. Although Sasuke did all he could to win some attention for himself he could never outdo Itachi. After a while Itachi began to distance himself from the clan and as a result started losing his family's favor. At the same time Itachi became a prime suspect in the apparent suicide of his closest friend, though his involvement could never be proven. Nevertheless, the suspicions surrounding Itachi gave Sasuke a chance to enjoy his family's attention, brining him happiness for the first time. Soon afterwards, however, Sasuke returned home one day to find that Itachi had killed their entire clan. After explaining that Sasuke was not worth killing, Itachi left Sasuke with words of advice: in order to become strong enough to kill him and avenge the clan, Sasuke need only live a life of hate and strive for power. To help Sasuke down this path, Itachi told Sasuke how to gain the Uchiha clan's most powerful ability, the Mangekyo Sharingan: simply kill your closest friend. Having since come to find Naruto to be his closest friend, Sasuke prepares do just that, finding the loss of Naruto to be an adequate payment for the strength needed to kill Itachi. Naruto, upon realizing this, finds his resolve and decides to fight with his full strength, vowing to beat Sasuke back to his former self. After a short exchange of fists, the two ready their strongest jutsu (Sasuke's Chidori and Naruto's Rasengan) and clash with each other. | |||||
| The Day of Separation...!! | 別れの日・・・!! | 26 | February 4, 2005 | December 2, 2007 | |
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As Naruto and Sasuke clash the two prove to be equally matched. It is only by tapping into the power of his cursed seal that Sasuke is able to gain the upperhand and pierce through Naruto with a second Chidori. While the attack appears strong enough to kill him, Naruto taps into the demon fox's strength to heal the damage and increase the force of his attacks. In a rage, Naruto vows to break Sasuke's bones to stop him from leaving Konoha. Sasuke is overwhelmed and pummeled by Naruto as a result of the fox's chakra. As the two realize that this will be their last battle, they both decide to give it their all. As they once again exchange blows Sasuke utilizes his Sharingan to the fullest to read Naruto's movements, allowing him to easily repel Naruto and counter with devastating force. Unwilling to be beaten so easily Naruto draws upon even more of the demon fox's power, so much so that the fox begins to manifest itself on Naruto's body. The new Naruto leaves Sasuke severely outmatched, forcing him to advance his cursed seal to its second level. With the playing field leveled once again, Naruto and Sasuke fuel their sources of strength into their Rasengan and Chidori and attack one another. Once the energy created by the meeting dissipates Sasuke stands over a defeated Naruto, though his injuries leave him little better off. Although he contemplates killing Naruto he eventually decides against it, realizing that that is what Itachi would want. Deciding to get power in his own way Sasuke goes to Orochimaru, ready for whatever is necessary to get stronger. Kakashi arrives to retrieve Naruto and take him back to Konoha, where he, like the rest of the retrieval team, are healed. Although their mission was a complete failure, all members of the team make full recoveries, and Naruto vows to find Sasuke. | |||||
| The Day of Setting Off!! | 旅立ちの日!! | 27 | April 4, 2005 | December 2, 2007 | |
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Sakura goes to see Naruto at the hospital, though is saddened by the injuries he sustained in trying to retrieve Sasuke. Naruto promises her that someday he will bring Sasuke back, though she corrects him by saying that when that day comes they will bring him back together. Resolving to get stronger Sakura asks to become Tsunade's apprentice, and begins training for the next time she sees Sasuke. Jiraiya, meanwhile, offers to take Naruto away for three years to help him get stronger. Jiraiya warns Naruto that Sasuke cannot be brought back, but Naruto is unwilling to accept this. Naruto eventually agrees to train with Jiraiya, though, and after getting out of the hospital sets out with him, determined to be stronger by the time he returns to the village. Elsewhere, Akatsuki makes plans to capture all the tailed beasts in three years, and Orochimaru covets the day that he can take Sasuke's body. In the intermission between Naruto's departure and eventual return, the story of Kakashi Gaiden is told, explaining how Kakashi received his Sharingan eye from his best friend Obito Uchiha. | |||||
Part II
| Title | Volume | Release date | |||
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| Naruto's Homecoming!! | ナルトの帰郷!! | 28 | June 3, 2005 | March 4, 2008 | |
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Naruto returns to Konoha after an absence of two-and-a-half years, and reforms a team with Sakura under Kakashi's leadership. To coincide with Naruto's return, Akatsuki becomes more active. In its quest to obtain all of the tailed beasts for itself, Akatsuki sends Deidara and Sasori to Sunagakure to capture Gaara. Gaara, despite becoming stronger over the timeskip and rising to the rank of Kazekage, the village's protector, is unable to defeat Deidara and is captured. As the two Akatsuki members carry Gaara to their hideout, Kankuro arrives to stop them from taking Gaara. Sasori quickly defeats and poisons him, giving him three days until he dies of the poison's effects. Upon hearing of Sunagakure's plight Konoha sends Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi to assist in rescuing Gaara. Once arriving in the village Sakura uses the medical expertise she has learned from Tsunade to cure Kankuro, saving him from certain death. | |||||
| Kakashi vs. Itachi!! | カカシVSイタチ!! | 29 | August 4, 2005 | ||
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Using some of the poison she was able to extract from Kankuro, Sakura creates an antidote to be used in case the group encounters Sasori. As they set out they are joined by Chiyo, the grandmother of Sasori who is eager to see her grandson again. The members of Akatsuki, meanwhile, assemble to begin extracting the Shukaku from Gaara's body, a process that will require time. As Team Kakashi heads towards their hideout from Sunagakure and Team Guy, sent to assist Team Kakashi, does the same from Konoha, Akatsuki sends Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki to stall the two teams. After prolonged battles both Itachi and Kisame are defeated, though as the teams examine their corpses they find the two to have merely been lookalikes and that the real Itachi and Kisame are still alive and well. The two teams continue on their way and eventually meet up outside the Akatsuki hideout, just as the Shukaku's extraction reaches completion, causing Gaara's death. | |||||
| Chiyo and Sakura | チヨバアとサクラ | 30 | November 4, 2005 | ||
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With Shukaku extracted from Gaara's body, the Akatsuki members depart to leave Deidara and Sasori to deal with Teams Guy and Kakashi. In order to enter the lair, however, Team Guy is forced to split up and break away from Team Kakashi so that they can take down the barrier that surrounds the entrance. Once they do so Team Kakashi finds Sasori and Deidara with Gaara's body. Deidara flies off with Gaara while Naruto and Kakashi pursue him, leaving Chiyo and Sakura to deal with Sasori. Sasori, a master of puppets, hides within one of his puppets for protection and attacks the two with poison-laced weapons. To give Sakura the reflexes needed to dodge Sasori's attacks and get close enough to destroy his puppet, Chiyo controls her like a puppet and helps to navigate her closer to Sasori. Their combination of efforts succeeds, though Sasori merely brings out another puppet, that of the Third Kazekage. As the Kazekage attacks Chiyo brings out the puppets of Sasori's deceased parents to defend herself, though they are quickly rendered inoperable. The Third's abilities, only being made more deadly by the addition of Sasori's poison, push Sakura and Chiyo to their limits. By feigning defeat Sakura is eventually able to draw the Kazekage into a trap and destroy it, taking away another of Sasori's puppets. His two favorite puppets gone, Sasori begins utilizing himself against Sakura and Chiyo, having long since converted his body into that of a puppet. | |||||
| Entrusted Thoughts!! | 託された想い!! | 31 | December 26, 2005 | ||
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In addition the various weapons his body contains, Sasori's puppet body allows him to control 100 puppets simultaneously. To combat this army Chiyo brings out her own ten puppets, which are able to work together to rapidly cut through Sasori's puppets despite their overwhelming numbers. With his puppet armada gone Sasori is left defenseless and Sakura is able to seal off his ability to control puppets. Before the seal could hit him, however, Sasori used the advantages granted to his puppet body to switch to a new body, and uses this opportunity to sneak up on Chiyo. Before he can harm her, however, Sakura appears to use herself as a shield and take the blow intended for Chiyo. To save Sakura from the deadly effects of the poison Chiyo injects their last bit of antidote into her. Sasori attempts to use Chiyo's preoccupation to attempt another attack, though she beats him to it by using the puppets of his parents to stab him through the heart. As a reward to Sakura for surviving their battle Sasori tells her of when and where she can meet with a spy within Orochimaru's ranks, a chance for her to find Sasuke at long last. Elsewhere, Naruto and Kakashi are finally able to retrieve Gaara's body, though Deidara is able to escape. After they regroup with Chiyo, Sakura, and Team Guy, Sakura tries to revive Gaara, though as a result of Shukaku's extraction there is nothing she can do. As Naruto mourns his death, Chiyo begins transferring her life energy to Gaara's body, restoring him to life at the cost of her own. The group honor's Chiyo's memory and then returns home. | |||||
| The Road to Sasuke!! | サスケへの道!! | 32 | April 4, 2006 | ||
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Upon getting back to Konoha Kakashi is left bedridden, his energy gone after his battle with Deidara. As such, he is unable to join Naruto and Sakura in going to meet the spy Sasori told them about, and Yamato is assigned to lead them in his stead. Konoha's elders, worried that Akatsuki might try to capture Naruto for the demon fox within him, assigns Sai to join them as extra protection, though neither Naruto nor Sakura are happy to have him. Once the group sets out rifts begin to form between Sai and the others as a result of the unintentional insults he directs towards them, and his apparent contempt for Sasuke. Yamato is able to get them to work together long enough to formulate a plan for the meeting in the event that it proves necessary to capture the spy. They proceed to the designated meeting spot, and Yamato, disguised as Sasori, leaves the three in the shadows as back up. He finds the spy, revealed to be Kabuto Yakushi, and begins to question him about Orochimaru's base of operations, just as Orochimaru himself shows up to break up their discussion. | |||||
| Secret Mission...!! | 極秘任務・・・!! | 33 | June 2, 2006 | ||
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Yamato tries to think of a way that he can fight Orochimaru while maintaining the illusion that he is Sasori. Before he can do so, however, Kabuto severs the Sasori disguise's head, having intended to kill Sasori on Orochimaru's orders. With his cover blown and Kabuto's true loyalties now known, Yamato calls in his backup. After taking in the situation Orochimaru wonders aloud how Naruto's abilities now compare to his Sasuke's, angering Naruto by his indication that Sasuke is property. As his rage grows Naruto allows himself to succumb to the demon fox within him, and the fox begins to turn Naruto into a four-tailed manifestation of itself. This new Naruto, having lost all sense of self, attacks Orochimaru and devastates the surrounding area. While Orochimaru finds the battle amusing he is pushed to his limits, and is only barely able to repel Naruto. To stop Naruto from continuing his attack Yamato uses his abilities to suppress the demon fox's influence, returning Naruto to his normal state. Meanwhile, Sai approaches Orochimaru on behalf of his superior with an undisclosed offer. Intrigued, Orochimaru takes him and Kabuto back to their hideout. Once learning of this Yamato, Naruto, and Sakura follow him, hoping to find out why he has joined Orochimaru and see if he can lead them to Sasuke. | |||||
| The Time of Reunion...!! | 再会の時・・・!! | 34 | August 4, 2006 | ||
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Yamato, Naruto, and Sakura infiltrate Orochimaru's base and find Sai. Having no way to escape, Sai gives up and explains that he was sent to Orochimaru to help plan for another invasion of Konoha. Appalled by the thought of the idea the three restrain him and then prepare to go looking for Sasuke. Sai questions Naruto's reasons for wanting to have Sasuke back, to which Naruto responds that the two had formed a bond together, and that he won't allow anything to get in the way of that. Kabuto soon arrives to free Sai and fight the three, though Sai, touched by the idea of bonds, restrains him and joins the others in looking for Sasuke. After the group splits up, Yamato goes through some of Sai's belongings and discovers that Sai was in reality sent to kill Sasuke as a traitor of Konoha. The three change objectives and begin searching for Sai in order to stop him from completing his mission. Sai, however, has had a change of heart, and upon finding Sasuke attempts to return him to Naruto. Sasuke proves too much for him, and the force of his attack draws Naruto, Sakura, and Yamato to their location. Once learning what Sai tried to do they accept Sai back into their ranks and attack Sasuke, willing to do whatever is necessary to bring him home. Sasuke makes short work of them all, though before he can kill them he is stopped by Orochimaru. They disappear with Kabuto, and the defeated retrieval team returns home. | |||||
| The New Pair!! | 新たなる二人組!! | 35 | November 2, 2006 | ||
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Kakashi, hoping to help Naruto be a better match for Sasuke during their next meeting, begins to train him in creating a new attack. Once finding that Naruto has a natural affinity for wind-based attacks, Kakashi helps him hone the ability to control wind. To expedite this process Kakashi has Naruto train with hundreds of copies of himself, allowing their collective knowledge to complete a year's worth of training in a few days. Meanwhile, two Akatsuki members, Hidan and Kakuzu, head towards Konoha to further their organization's goal of obtaining all the tailed beasts. Tsunade, determined to either capture or eliminate the pair, mobilizes the Niju Shotai, a group of twenty squads of four ninja assigned to accomplish this very task, to find the two. | |||||
| Team 10 | 第十班 | 36 | December 27, 2006 | ||
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After Naruto gains proper control over the wind element, Kakashi tells him that creating his own unique attack will require mixing wind with his Rasengan, a feat that will prove very difficult. As Naruto struggles to accomplish this task, a Niju Shotai team consisting of Shikamaru Nara, his sensei Asuma Sarutobi, and two others find Hidan and Kakuzu. Although they are quickly able to deliver a fatal blow to Hidan, it becomes apparent that Hidan cannot be killed by normal means. Asuma is drawn into battle with him, but after Hidan consumes some of his blood he finds that all damage he inflicts upon Hidan is also done to himself. As a result of this connection Hidan is able to wound himself, escaping any harmful effects due to his immortality, and watch Asuma suffer. As he makes to stab himself in the heart and kill Asuma, Hidan is stopped by Shikamaru's shadow. Having studied their battle and learned how Hidan's connection works, Shikamaru breaks Hidan's influence, allowing Asuma a chance to behead him. Hidan survives and quickly has his head reattached by Kakuzu, and before Shikamaru can intervene again he stabs himself in the stomach, resulting in Asuma's death. As reinforcements arrive to join the battle Hidan and Kakuzu are called away to help in the sealing of two more tailed beasts, forcing the Niju Shotai members to return home to bury Asuma. | |||||
| Shikamaru's Battle!! | シカマルの戦い!! | 37 | April 4, 2007 | ||
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After Asuma's funeral Shikamaru sets out with Choji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka to find Hidan and avenge Asuma. To help them in their quest Kakashi joins them as leader, leaving Yamato in charge of overseeing Naruto's training. The team soon finds Hidan and Kakuzu and Shikamaru quickly traps the two with his shadow, though Kakuzu manages to escape. Before he can get too far Kakashi is able to pierce through him with his Lightning Blade, an accomplishment that is only able to destroy one of Kakuzu's four extra hearts. Kakuzu frees Hidan from Shikamaru's control and the two attack the Konoha ninja, putting them on the defensive. Realizing that the Akatsuki duo can't be defeated while together, Shikamaru catches Hidan with his shadow and leads him away. Once reaching their destination Shikamaru's shadow recedes and Hidan is able to get some blood from him, allowing him to create another link. Hidan stabs himself in the heart, though Shikamaru is unaffected, the blood Hidan consumed having belonged to Kakuzu and thus meaning Hidan destroyed another of Kakuzu's hearts. Shikamaru restrains Hidan again, covers him in explosives, and detonates them, causing Hidan's remains to fall into a pit. Still alive, Hidan curses Shikamaru, though having avenged Asuma at last Shikamaru merely has the pit cave in. Kakuzu, meanwhile, prepares to kill Kakashi and the others and subsequently take their hearts for his own use. Before he can do so, Naruto arrives with Yamato, Sakura, and Sai to save them from Kakuzu's attack. | |||||
| The Fruits of Training...!! | 修業の成果・・・!! | 38 | June 4, 2007 | ||
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Having completed his training enough to form a usable attack, Naruto creates his new Wind Release: Spiraling Shuriken. Although Kakuzu is able to avoid the attack for a while, Naruto is ultimately able to strike him with it, attacking him on a cellular level and destroying his remaining two extra hearts. As Kakuzu's final heart lies on the verge of failure and Naruto recovers from the use of the attack, Kakashi takes the liberty of killing Kakuzu. After regrouping with Shikamaru the group heads back to Konoha. Elsewhere, Sasuke decides he has learned all he can from Orochimaru and attacks him as such. Having expected Sasuke to turn on him Orochimaru prepares to take his body by force, and after a short scuffle he transfers Sasuke to a dimension within himself. As Orochimaru tries to take hold of Sasuke's body Sasuke uses his Sharingan to fight the process, eventually turning it against Orochimaru and absorbing him instead. Freed from Orochimaru's control, Sasuke at long last begins recruiting ninja he has deemed essential in his plan to kill Itachi. As each of the ninja were former test subjects of Orochimaru, Sasuke is forced to venture from base to base to find them. After recruiting Suigetsu Hozuki and Karin, he begins searching for the final member of his team, Jugo. | |||||
| Those on the Move | 動き出す者たち | 39 | August 3, 2007 | ||
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Sasuke and the others arrive at the base where Jugo is kept, and after fighting through hordes of escaping prisoners, reach Jugo's cell. Jugo, however, is unwilling to accompany them in their mission, fearing that he might kill someone during their quest. It is only through Sasuke's promises of stopping him from killing others that Jugo agrees to join them. His team assembled, Sasuke calls their team "Snake", and they split up to search for clues about Itachi's whereabouts. Once word of Orochimaru's defeat by Sasuke reaches Konoha, Naruto decides that this would be a good opportunity to try and retrieve Sasuke again. Realizing that Sasuke is looking for Itachi, Naruto sets out with Sakura, Sai, Kakashi, Yamato, and the members of Team 8 to find either Sasuke or Itachi. After the 8-man squad splits up, a group consisting of Naruto, Yamato, and Hinata Hyuga is confronted by Kabuto Yakushi, who reveals that he has absorbed some of Orochimaru's remains into his body to make him stronger. Kabuto only stays long enough to leave the three with a booklet containing the secrets of Akatsuki, and leaves immediately afterwards to exact revenge upon Sasuke, telling Naruto that after he does so, he will come back to fight him. Sasuke, meanwhile, is confronted by Deidara, who decided to seek him out in anger of not getting to kill Orochimaru himself. With the help of his new teammate, Tobi, Deidara engages Sasuke in battle, though Sasuke's jutsu, skills, and Sharingan make his unique exploding clay useless. Angered that his attacks are so easily dealt with, Deidara decides to create his strongest form of exploding clay to end the battle quickly. | |||||
Chapters not yet in tankōbon format
- 360. C4 Garuda (C4カルラ, C4 Karura)
- 361. Weak Point...!! (弱点・・・!!, Jakuten...!!)
- 362. The Ultimate Art!! (究極芸術!!, Kyūkyoku geijutsu!!)
- 363. The Death of Sasuke...!! (サスケの死・・・!!, Sasuke no shi...!!)
- 364. The Target is...!! (狙いは・・・!!, Nerai wa...!!)
- 365. Pursue Itachi (イタチを追え, Itachi o oe)
- 366. Brothers (兄弟, Kyōdai)
- 367. Itachi and Sasuke (イタチとサスケ, Itachi to Sasuke)
- 368. Reconnaissance (情報収集, Jōhōshūshū)
Movie manga
| Title | Volume | Release date | |||
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| English | Japanese | Japan | US | ||
| Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow | 大活劇!雪姫忍法帖だってばよ!! | 1 | August, 2004 | September 11, 2007 | |
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| Great Clash! The Illusionary Ruins at the Depths of the Earth | 大激突!幻の地底遺跡だってばよ | 1 | August, 2005 | ||
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| Great Excitement! The Animal Riot of Crescent Moon Island | 大興奮!みかづき島のアニマル騒動だってばよ | 1 | August, 2006 | ||
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References
- ^ "VIZ Media's Naruto Nation campaign". Retrieved 2007-04-26.
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