Naruto

Welcome to Konoha, where deadly ninja roam the land and the mischievous Naruto Uzumaki causes trouble everywhere he goes. But when he steals the ancient scroll of sealing, he unleashes a rare power rarely seen in a 12-year-old boy.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Katsuyuki Sumizawa

Naruto finally graduates from the Ninja Academy and claims to know it all. Well, at least that's what he tells Konohamaru, Konoha's Hokage grandson.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Ikue Ôtani, Hidekatsu Shibata
Director(s): Hayato Date, Rion Kujô
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

On the way to becoming a ninja, Naruto must team up with his classmates, the pretty Sakura and the pretty serious Sasuke, whose common bond is that they both hate Naruto. So Naruto will try a different approach.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Harume Kosaka
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

The recently formed Team 7 (Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke) meet their instructor, Hatake Kakashi, and begin training to see if they pass to the next stage of ninja training. Kakashi tells them to engage in the following exercise: try and take two bells away from him using their ninja knowledge.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Kyôsuke Mikuriya
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

With the threat of failure hanging over their heads, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura try everything they know to pass the grueling survival test. But it will take some wise advice from Kakashi to teach these selfish ninja a thing or two about teamwork.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Yasunori Urata
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

Naruto and his squad start their first ninja missions with boring and menial tasks. Weary and angry, Naruto vents his frustration at the Hokage. Amused by Naruto's excitement, he gives them a new mission, to protect a grumpy old man named Tazuna as he returns to his home!

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masahiko Murata
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Mushi Kôhei

Naruto and his squad arrive in the Land of the Waves and learn that an evil businessman named Gato has taken over the land. Zabuza Momochi appears, hired by Gato to kill Tazuna. Excited and ready to attack, Naruto can't wait to take on this powerful ninja assassin. Will he be up to the challenge?!

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masayuki Iimura
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

Kakashi has the upper hand in his battle with Zabuza. But the tide turns when Kakashi is trapped inside Zabuza's Water Prison! Kakashi urges the squad to flee, but Naruto remembers the pledge he made--to never run away again--and holds his ground!!

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Rion Kujô
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

Thanks to Naruto's ingenious plan, Kakashi is freed from the water prison. Kakashi is ready to use his Sharingan against Zabuza.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Harume Kosaka
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

Recuperating at Tazuna's house, Kakashi is dissatisfied with the outcome of the battle. He concludes that Zabuza isn't dead and the young tracking ninja helped Zabuza escape! Kakashi decides to implement some interesting training that will allow Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura to better control their chakra!

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Kazuyoshi Yokota
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Katsuyuki Sumizawa

Sakura goes into town with Tazuna and sees the hardships that the people of the Land of Waves suffer under Gato's rule. This is the reason Tazuna is risking his life to build a bridge that crosses the ocean. With a bridge that gives everyone access to other lands, people will no longer have to rely on Gato, who controls all imports. Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke continue to train, using chakra to climb a tree.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Yasunori Urata
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

While Naruto concentrates on the training to control his chakra, a mysterious person suddenly appears before him. The person tells Naruto that as long as one has the desire to protect what he loves, there is no limit to becoming stronger. The mysterious figure echoes the sentiment inside Naruto and the two feel a sense of connection.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masaaki Kumagai
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

Once again, the time has come to fight Zabuza, and this time he's got company -- the tracking ninja who supposedly killed him. Zabuza and his companion take notice of Sasuke's abilities, and Sasuke in turn realizes the immense power that the masked ninja holds. As if they were meant to fight each other, Sasuke and the masked ninja begin to battle.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masayuki Iimura
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

Sasuke finds himself in a pinch inside of Haku's Crystal Ice Mirrors, but Naruto comes to the rescue. But Sasuke has a plan to counter Haku's jutsu with attacks from both the inside and outside the Crystal Ice Mirrors, and Naruto's unexpected action ruins Sasuke's strategy. Eventually, both young ninja are trapped.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Rion Kujô
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

Realizing time is of the essence, Kakashi decides to use the Sharingan once again to defeat Zabuza.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Harume Kosaka
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

Naruto and Sasuke continue to receive punishing attacks from within Haku's Crystal Ice Mirrors. Naruto can no longer stand on his feet. But during the intense battle, Sasuke starts to realize the power of his own Sharingan and gradually starts to elude Haku's assault. Haku decides to finish them off immediately. Sasuke is caught off guard by Haku's action and uses his own body to shield Naruto...

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masaaki Kumagai
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Katsuyuki Sumizawa

Naruto finally explodes. His anger against Haku, who defeated Sasuke, unleashes the power of the Kyûbi. Naruto's chakra becomes so intense that even Kakashi and Zabuza, fighting in the distance, take notice. Haku is unable to do anything in the face of Naruto's hidden power.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Toshiyuki Tsuru
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

Haku tells the hesitant Naruto to finish him off. Naruto strongly questions Haku's philosophy of existing only to fight and win. Meanwhile, the battle between Kakashi and Zabuza approaches its climax. Zabuza's movement is restrained by Kakashi's Summoning Jutsu. With victory within his grasp, Kakashi unleashes his most devastating maneuver.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Yasunori Urata
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

Zabuza is no longer Kakashi's enemy, and thanks to a little speech by Naruto about how ninja are, Zabuza takes on Gato's men single handily. The Demon of the Hidden Mist takes his vengeance on Gato and all of those dumb enough to follow him, and apologizes to Haku for what he did to the kind little boy. After the group takes care of the rest of Gato's men, Zabuza asks Kakashi one final request, to see Haku one final time. This is Zabuza's requiem.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Toshiyuki Tsuru
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

With their latest mission complete, it's time once again for the group to go back to mediocre missions. After all are done, Konohamaru and his friends pay a visit to Naruto. All which result in being chased by Sakura. Everyone is soon over though, as two mysterious ninja block their way, and one of them isn't too happy with Konohamaru. Sasuke arrives to save the day, but the leader of the group shows up, with stealth skills that surprise even Sasuke. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage announces that it's time once again for the Chuunin selection exams.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Mitsutaka Noshitani
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Mushi Kôhei

After the three ninjas take their leave, Sasuke realizes he has a powerful rival out there. The next day, Kakashi announces that he has recommended all of them for the Chuunin Exams. While Naruto and Sasuke are pleased, Sakura is afraid of letting everyone down. Also, someone decides they aren't ready and decides to test their abilities.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Matsuo Asami
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Katsuyuki Sumizawa

The eccentric Rock Lee challenges Uchiha Sasuke to a battle before the Chuunin Exam begins.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Rion Kujô
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

All Konoha Genins are put to an introductory test to determine who will continue on in the actual exam.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Harume Kosaka
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

All Genins meet together and begin a written test as part of the first Chuunin Exam.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Shinsu Itô
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

The Genins work on gathering information furtively while worries over the tenth question surface.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masaaki Kumagai
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Mushi Kôhei

A Naruto Special which recaps the previous 25 episodes and sets the stage for the second Chunnin exam.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Katsuyuki Sumizawa

The second Chuunin Exam begins as the Genins start their search for two scrolls to enable them to finish the second Exam.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Mitsutaka Noshitani
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

The Genin teams continue their search for the two scrolls in the Forest of Death. Meanwhile, Team 7 is sidetracked by a powerful enemy.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masahiko Murata
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

Naruto and the rest of Team 7 continue their fight against their ruthless enemy in the Shi no Mori.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Takeyuki Sadohara
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

Sasuke finally recovers his will to fight and receives a dangerous "present" from Orochimaru. The emergency surrounding Orochimaru in Konoha spreads to village officials.

Stars: Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura, Takako Honda
Director(s): Hayato Date, Atsushi Wakabayashi
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Mushi Kôhei

Rock Lee and Sakura must defeat the Sound Genin in order to protect Naruto and Sasuke.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Hiroshi Kimura
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Satoru Nishizono

The Sound Ninja attack incapacitated Team 7 and Sakura is left to fight them all.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masahiko Murata
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Michiko Yokote

Team 10 gains the courage to help Sakura defeat the Sound Genin.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Rion Kujô
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Katsuyuki Sumizawa

The other Genin teams continue their search for the scrolls and Gaara's power is revealed to Team 8.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Mitsutaka Noshitani
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Akatsuki Yamatoya

Naruto muses peeking into his team's scroll and Kabuto joins Team 7 in order to reach the tower in the center of the Forest of Death.

Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Director(s): Hayato Date, Masaaki Kumagai
Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto, Mushi Kôhei