List of Naruto episodes (season 4)

Naruto (season 4)
Season 4 Cover
No. of episodes	54
Season chronology

The fourth season of the Naruto anime series, titled "4th Stage" in Japan, is directed by Hayato Date and produced by Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo.^[1] Based on the Naruto manga by Masashi Kishimoto, the season finishes the Konohagakure's ninjas' mission to retrieve their defected comrade Sasuke Uchiha. While episode 135 concludes the mission in failure, episodes 136 onwards follow a series of short missions focused on the Konohagakure's ninjas.

The episodes aired in Japan from April 27, 2005, to May 17, 2006, on TV Tokyo.^[2] In North America, the English adaptation from this season was shown between January to August 2008. It was shown on Cartoon Network's Toonami and YTV's Bionix programming blocks.^[3][4] Sony Pictures Entertainment collected the episodes in a total of twelve DVD volumes, each containing four episodes, between January 1, 2006 and December 6, 2006.^[5] Only the first three episodes were released by Viz Media in DVD volumes, leaving to DVD boxes that collected the entire series.^[6][7]

Eight pieces of theme music are used in the episodes; three opening themes and five ending themes. The three opening themes Stance Punks' "No Boy No Cry" (ノーボーイ·ノークライ Nō bōi - Nō kurai), used until episode 153, "Namikaze Satellite" (波風サテライト, lit. "Discord Sateraito") by Japanese rock band Snowkel, used for the first twenty-two episodes, Flow's "Re:member" for the remaining episodes. The ending themes are No Regret Life's "Nakushita Kotoba" (失くした言葉, lit. "Lost Words"), utilized until episode 141, "Speed" by Analog Fish for the next twelve episodes, "Soba ni Iru Kara" (そばにいるから, lit. I'm Always by Your Side") by Amadori for the next nine episodes, J-pop band Chaba's "Parade" (パレード Parēdo) for the next thirteen episodes, and Japanese singer Akeboshi's "Yellow Moon," used for the subsequent episodes. The English episodes use the same openings, and an instrumental version of "Rise" by Jeremy Sweet and Ian Nickus as the closing theme.

Episode list

No.	Title	Original airdate	English airdate
132	"For a Friend" "Tomo yo!" (親友よ!)	April 27, 2005	January 19, 2008
While Naruto Uzumaki battles Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake learns of Sasuke's defection from Tsunade and is confronted by Sakura Haruno. After trying to calm Sakura down, Kakashi heads off to search for Sasuke and Naruto. Meanwhile, believing Naruto to be his closest friend, Sasuke prepares to kill him in hopes that Naruto's death would be an acceptable price for his Sharingan to evolve into a Mangekyo Sharingan. Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Chidori clash, though neither is capable of overpowering the other. Activating his cursed seal in order to gain an advantage, Sasuke mercilessly beats Naruto but his Chidori nearly hits Naruto's heart. While Sasuke thinks the battle to be won, the Nine-Tails's chakra begins to envelop Naruto as his wounds are healed as he resolves to beat Sasuke to a bloodied pulp if that is what it will take to bring him home.
133	"A Plea From a Friend" "Namida no hōkō! Omae wa ore no tomodachi da" (涙の咆哮!オマエはオレの友達だ)	May 4, 2005	January 19, 2008
Naruto's newfound power overwhelms Sasuke as he yells at Naruto about not knowing how it feels to lose a family. But Naruto, having known the pain of not having a family, explains that he considers Sasuke as a brother. Sasuke puts on his headband while proclaiming that Naruto will not be able to hit it as he manages to fully develop his Sharingan and is now able to read Naruto's quick movements and counterattack, even when using Shadow-Clones. Sasuke manages to inflict numerous devastating and bone-crushing attacks on Naruto. It is not until Sasuke slams him from the sky all the way to the ground that Naruto is still and beaten. Needing more strength to fight, Naruto calls upon even more of the Nine-Tails's chakra as it covers his body. Due to the movement of the chakra cloak, Sasuke cannot read Naruto's movements. This shroud also acts as a shield, and Sasuke's attacks are quickly dispersed before reaching Naruto; the tangible chakra also acts as a potent weapon, negating the Sharingan's prediction abilities and allowing Naruto to attack from afar by extending the chakra into a claw-like attack. As the demon fox-form continues its ravaging onslaught, Sasuke is put on the defensive, forcing him to advance his Cursed Mark powers to its final level to compensate.
134	"The End of Tears" "Namida ame no ketsumatsu" (涙雨の結末)	May 11, 2005	January 26, 2008
After activating Stage 2 of his Cursed Mark, Sasuke transforms into a winged equal to Naruto in power. Both remembering their time as teammates, Sasuke enlightens Naruto that they are in the "Final Valley" and mentions the irony of it as a fitting place to settle things between them once and for all. With Naruto and Sasuke at their peaks of power, the two prepare their final attacks: Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra infused Rasengan and Sasuke's Curse-Mark enhanced Chidori collide and forming a dome around the two boys as they exchanged numerous blows before Sasuke slashes Naruto's chest. With the last of his strength, Naruto succeeds leaving a deep scratch on Sasuke's headband. Standing over Naruto, Sasuke attempts how impressed he was in his opponent's last act before his headband fall off. Refusing to follow the same path as his brother and also remembering what Naruto means to him, Sasuke decides to gain power his own way and heads to Orochimaru. Kakashi arrives soon after to see a knocked-out and injured Naruto, carrying him away while unaware that a mysterious member of the Akatsuki had watched the entire fight unfold from underground.
135	"The Promise That Could Not Be Kept" "Mamorenakatta yakusoku" (守れなかった約束)	May 18, 2005	January 26, 2008
Briefly coming to on Kakashi's back as the rest of the Sasuke Retrieval Team is brought back to the Hidden Leaf to make full recovery, Naruto learns that Sasuke escaped. Once fully recovered in his hospital bed, Naruto talks to Shikamaru Nara of how he failed to get Sasuke. Eavesdropping on them and reluctant to enter until Tsunade arrived to check up on Naruto, Sakura resolves to hide her sadness to cheer her team mate up as he apologizes to her for not keeping his promise. But Sakura tells him that they'll get Sasuke back together when another chance comes. Jiraiya offers Naruto a chance to leave with him for three years to train to defend himself against Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. Naruto rebukes his offer, saying that he needs to focus on saving his friend first. Though Jiraiya tries to convince him that Sasuke is beyond the point of return, Naruto refuses to accept it and vows to become strong enough to get Sasuke back. Though seeing the boy's intent foolish, Jiraiya decides to help Naruto and agrees to train him when he is ready. Elsewhere, as Sasuke arrives to Orochimaru's lair to become his apprentice, the Akatsuki assemble to discuss the new turn of events while their leader tells them that their mission is more vital.
136	"Deep Cover!? A Super S-Ranked Mission!" "Sennyū sōsa!? Tsui ni kitakita chō-Esu-kyū ninmu" (潜入捜査!? 遂にきたきた超S級任務)	May 25, 2005	February 2, 2008
Jiraiya begins to worry about Naruto and Sakura's well-being. He then requests that Tsunade send the two on a mission with him. He finds Naruto, telling Sakura he is not going to stop her from going after Sasuke, but he is going with her, and tells them about the mission. They head off to the Land of Rice Fields to find the Hidden Sound Village, and hopefully Sasuke as well.
137	"A Town of Outlaws, the Shadow of the Fuma Clan" "Muhōmano no machi Fūma ichizoku no kage" (無法者の街 ふうま一族の影)	June 1, 2005	February 2, 2008
Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya end up in a town that is worse than the one out of which they were chased. Jiraiya heads off and leaves Naruto and Sakura to get food. Along the way, they find the female ninja that attacked them before. Because the ninja is injured, Naruto and Sakura fight some Sound ninja to save her. They then learn that her name is Sasame, and that she is looking for her cousin Arashi, who went with several members of their clan to join Orochimaru to revive the clan.
138	"Pure Betrayal, and a Fleeting Plea!" "Kiyoki uragiri Hakanaki negai" (清き裏切り はかなき願い)	June 8, 2005	February 9, 2008
When Sasame drugs Naruto, Sakura and Jiraiya, she prepares to let them be given to Orochimaru in order for her to be led to Arashi. But, when she discovers that they were planning to be killed, she begs the ones about to do so to stop. Naruto reveals that he and the others faked being put to sleep, and attack. Kagerou attacks Naruto and Jiraiya with a powerful technique that shortens her life, then escapes with Jigumo and Kamikiri. When Jigumo and Kamikiri discover that they were being used by Orochimaru, they attack him, but are apparently killed.
139	"Pure Terror! The House of Orochimaru" "Kyōfu! Orochimaru no yakata" (恐怖!大蛇丸の館)	June 15, 2005	February 9, 2008
Sasame leads Naruto, Jiraiya, and Sakura to Orochimaru's hideout. They send Sasame back to the village because of the danger level. Jiraiya summons Gamakichi to go in first and investigate. The four come to three tunnels. Jiraiya goes off to the right, Naruto and Sakura down the middle and Gamakichi down the left. Through the tunnels, they find several deadly booby-traps and dangers. Naruto easily falls for the first, but manages to rescue Sakura from the rest. It comes to the point where there is a trap-door in which Naruto saves Sakura from, falling into it himself. He tells her to go on without him. Sakura trusts him and leaves, Naruto ends up in a dark room with many bamboo sticks and struggles to get free.Meanwhile, as Sakura enters a large vacant room she battles Kabuto Yakushi and Orochimaru, who already have the upper hand.
140	"Two Heartbeats: Kabuto's Trap" "Futatsu no kodō Kabuto no wana" (二つの鼓動 カブトの罠)	June 22, 2005	February 16, 2008
In the room Naruto's in, he encounters Gamakichi, who seems to be of no use in his struggle, the room soon floods with water. Sakura attempts to battle Kabuto, telling him that she believes Naruto and herself will save Sasuke together. She soon loses focus when Kabuto begins harassing her with thoughts of Sasuke's inevitable death. He states that " Sasuke is already dead, and you two can meet with him in the afterlife." She begins sobbing and remains still as Kabuto is about to murder her. Naruto arrives in the nick of time to save Sakura, but she is still petrified in tears. Naruto tells her not to believe him, takes her away and a battle ensues. Naruto battles Kabuto viciously using Shadow-Clones, but Kabuto defeats them with a fire technique. Eventually, Naruto corners and defeats him with the Rasengan, injuring him badly. Although appeared defeated, Kabuto traps him in some chakra threads immune to normal blades that connect their hearts; if Kabuto's heart stops, so will Naruto's. He states that he is willing to sacrifice himself to please Orochimaru.
141	"Sakura's Determination" "Sakura no ketsui" (サクラの決意)	June 29, 2005	February 16, 2008
Naruto takes on Arashi, but gets trapped and beaten easily. Sakura thinks he's dead and Naruto ends up blowing his sneak attack cover to protect her, getting pierced by the spine. Naruto tries his attack again, but his injury causes a problem. Naruto gets trapped in an attack that will crush him if he doesn't get out. Sasame attacks Arashi and manages to set him free for a second. However, it doesn't last long and he soon tries to kill Sasame. Sakura jumps in the way and says she will give her life to protect her friends. Naruto tells her she can't die and Arashi tries to finish Naruto off. Sasame causes enough of a distraction for Naruto to break free. The attack caused by Naruto frees Arashi, and Arashi protects Sasame from the monster that was part of his body. The place begins to collapse and Jiraiya arrives. Arashi throws them out and tells them he can't leave since he is a puppet. He tells Naruto that Sasuke is alive and they all leave, leaving Arashi behind. The Fuma Clan promises to rebuild their town and everyone heads back to Konoha. Considering herself to have been of little use, Sakura asks to become Tsunade's pupil and learn to become a medical ninja. She also meets Naruto in the hospital and thanks him, insisting that next time, she would help him save Sasuke.
142	"The Three Villains from the Maximum Security Prison" "Genkai shisetsu no san akunin" (厳戒施設の三悪人)	July 6, 2005	February 23, 2008
With the events of the Rice Field Country behind them, everyone prepares for their training. But, a new threat soon arises. Mizuki is back, and he's planning to break out of Konoha's Correctional Facility along with the help of Fujin and Raijin, the Legendary Stupid Brothers (changed to the Famous Idiot Brothers in the dub). However, this time Orochimaru may be pulling the strings. Asuma and Kurenai are sent to interrogate Mizuki, but they run into trouble on the way. Naruto shows up and find the two jonin injured and defeated.
143	"Tonton! I'm Counting on You!" "Hashire Tonton! Omae no hana ga tayori dattebayo" (走れトントン!お前の鼻が頼りだってばよ)	July 13, 2005	February 23, 2008
Shizune and her team encounter Mizuki, but all of them are defeated. When Tonton comes back to warn Tsunade, Naruto takes the initiative to find Shizune with Tonton's help. Kakashi arrives and finds out the situation. Unfortunately, he has another mission. So, he summons Pakkun who will guide Iruka to Naruto. Iruka eventually catches up to Naruto and Pakkun sends Tonton back to the village. Pakkun leads them and they soon find Shizune. They chase after Mizuki, when they soon fall into a trap. Iruka reveals that Shizune is not Shizune, but actually Mizuki. Mizuki attacks Iruka while Naruto deals with Fujin and Raijin. Naruto soon finds that his attacks are ineffective.
144	"A New Squad! Two People and a Dog?!" "Shin'sei surīman seru futari to ippiki" (新生三人一組 二人と一匹!)	July 20, 2005	March 1, 2008
Naruto is having trouble with the two brothers, and Iruka is having his share of difficulties with Mizuki. Iruka struggles to try to get the old Mizuki back, but Mizuki explains the only reason he was ever nice to Iruka was because he wanted to be the Hokage's favorite too. He wanted Iruka to be miserable, and not to have everyone else be so kind to Iruka and not himself. Iruka and Mizuki then prepare to fight again. Meanwhile, after many shadow clone attacks, Naruto finally has a chance to use Rasengan. The brothers accidentally destroy their lunch and make Naruto's attack hit his shadow clones. As they prepare to kill him, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino come to the rescue.
145	"A New Formation: Ino-Shika-Cho!" "Sakuretsu! Nyū fōmēshon Inoshikachō" (炸裂!ニューフォーメーションいのシカチョウ)	July 27, 2005	March 1, 2008
Team 10 tells Naruto that they will take care of the brothers, and use their combined skills to immobilize them. Naruto leaves to catch up to Iruka, who is fighting Mizuki in a building used to test academy instructors. It is revealed that Iruka and Mizuki are childhood friends, although Mizuki only hoped to get close to the Hokage. Mizuki reveals that he has become stronger and learned new techniques while in prison, and destroys the building they are in.
146	"Orochimaru's Shadow" "Nokosareta yabō Orochimaru no kage" (残された野望 大蛇丸の影)	August 10, 2005	March 8, 2008
Naruto, Iruka, and Pakkun meet up with Mizuki's fiancée Tsubaki, and she has come to offer help to the three, feeling responsible for not having stopped him earlier. Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji are having trouble holding the two brothers off, and they know that they can't defeat them, so they are stalling for time. Meanwhile, Tsunade discovers a startling secret about Mizuki and Orochimaru, and leaves to intervene. Naruto, Iruka, Pakkun, and Tsubaki finally reach Mizuki, but it's too late, he's already completed the formula he was making. Now that he's drank it, he turns into a new monstrous form. And, Naruto has recognized Mizuki's transformation as one nearly identical to that of Orochimaru's cursed seal.
147	"A Clash of Fate: You Can't Bring Me Down" "Innen no taiketsu! Omae ni ore wa taosenee" (因縁の対決!オマエにオレは倒せねえ)	August 17, 2005	March 8, 2008
Mizuki is determined to make Naruto and Iruka suffer, and it appears like he has the upper edge with his improved strength and speed. Meanwhile, Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru are at their limits, and now Fujin and Raijin are free. That is until Tsunade shows up and defeats them both easily. Fujin and Raijin surrender and agree to return peacefully to the institution. Mizuki on the other hand has converted all of his speed to power and prepares to finish Naruto off. But, Iruka thinks up a plan and traps Mizuki, giving Naruto the chance to use the Rasengan on him. Mizuki reverts to his original form, badly damaged when Tsunade shows up and explains everything about the potion Mizuki took. Mizuki will no longer be able to fight as a shinobi. Iruka offers to treat everyone at the ramen bar, and thinks about how Naruto saved his life the same way he had saved Naruto before.
148	"Search for the Rare Bikochu Beetle" "Chō-tsuibiryoku ni Akamaru mo shitto! Maboroshi no Bikōchū o sagase" (超追尾力に赤丸も嫉妬!幻の微香虫を探せ)	August 17, 2005	March 15, 2008
Naruto is frustrated by Mizuki's inability to lead him to Sasuke or Orochimaru, and begins pestering Tsunade to allow him to look for him. Hinata sympathizes with Naruto, and suggests trying to find a way to help him. Shino realizes that a Bikochu, a very rare insect, could track down Sasuke if it smelled his scent. As Kurenai Yuhi is being hospitalized for injuries suffered during the prison break, Shino is tasked with leading Team 8 to find the Bikochu, and Naruto joins as the fourth member. It is also revealed that Hinata is practicing a new defensive technique, and has nearly mastered it.
149	"What's the Difference? Don't All Insects Look Alike?" "Doko ga chigau no sa!? Mushi tte onaji mienai ka" (どこが違うのさ!? 虫って同じに見えないか)	August 24, 2005	March 15, 2008
The original members of Team 8 realize that they are being followed by hostile bug-users (Kamizuru Clan), but decide not to engage them or tell Naruto about the enemy's presence, for fear of endangering the Bikochu. Hinata begins to worry that she is hindering her group, but eventually manages to locate the Bikochu with her Byakugan, allowing Naruto to capture it. Before Team 8 can leave the forest, however, Hinata is attacked and abducted by the bug users, who demand the Bikochu in return for her safety.
150	"A Battle of Bugs: The Deceivers and the Deceived" "Damashite bakashite damasarete! Sōzetsu mushimushi dai batoru" (だまして化かしてだまされて! 壮絶ムシムシ大バトル)	August 31, 2005	March 22, 2008
It is revealed that the bug users who kidnapped Hinata are part of a clan that was an old rival of the Aburame clan. It seeks to recover a scroll using the Bikochu in order to restore its former glory. Hinata's companions hide the Bikochu and attempt to rescue her, but are lured into a trap. Hinata attempts to escape, but is swept down a river while stuck in a cocoon.
151	"Blaze Away Byakugan: This Is My Ninja Way" "Moe yo Byakugan! Kore ga watashi no nindō yo" (燃えよ白眼! これが私の忍道よ)	September 14, 2005	March 22, 2008
Hinata's companions are captured by the Kamizuru Clan, who attempt to search for the Bikochu, Hinata successfully escapes, and destroys all of the rival bug users' insects with her new technique and forces them away, saving her companions. While trying to retrieve Sasuke's forehead protector, Naruto accidentally farts on the Bikochu, causing it to memorise his scent instead of Sasuke's. Although the mission fails to find a way of locating Sasuke, Hinata appears more confident, and her father seems to respect her more.
152	"Funeral March for the Living" "Sei aru mono e no sōsōkyoku" (生あるものへの葬送曲)	September 21, 2005	March 29, 2008
When Naruto saves three guys, he is dragged into yet another mission. However, unlike the last two this is one he does not wish to partake in. However, when Guy reveals information that the leader of the Kurosuke Family, Raiga, is connected with the Seven Swordsman of the Mist, Naruto decides to change his mind, since Zabuza Momochi and Kisame Hoshigaki of Akatsuki were each a part of the group. Lee concludes that as Kisame is Itachi's partner, finding Itachi may bring them closer to Sasuke. With Neji, Lee, and Tenten as his allies, the group goes on their new mission.
153	"A Lesson Learned: The Iron Fist of Love" "Kokoro no todoke! Ai no Tekken" (心に届け!愛の鉄拳)	September 28, 2005	March 29, 2008
Out to try and save Rourusuke, Naruto and the others ambush members of the Kurosuke Family and save an old man. They soon hear the funeral bell and go and save Rourusuke. However, Rock Lee meets an old friend among the group, and Lee must now convince Karashi to return to his old way of life. Their time together is cut short, as Raiga watches from the sidelines. Naruto and his team pursue Raiga into a thick fog, and find that Raiga is able to conceal himself from even the Byakugan.
154	"The Enemy of the Byakugan" "Byakugan no tenteki" (白眼の天敵)	October 5, 2005	April 5, 2008
With Neji unable to see through the mist, the group loses the advantage of his eyesight. He is tricked into thinking that random objects are real people by a mysterious jutsu. Rock Lee manages to hold Raiga off by fighting while still unconscious. When a mysterious case is knocked off of Raiga's back, Raiga becomes weaker and is eventually defeated by Naruto. When the gang opens the case, they discover a young boy named Ranmaru, who has been riding on Raiga's back the entire time. Ranmaru reveals that Raiga cared for him, and that he helps Raiga fight by serving as his "eyes".
155	"The Dark Creeping Clouds" "Shinobi yoru anun" (忍び寄る暗雲)	October 12, 2005	April 5, 2008
With Raiga seemingly dead, the gang heads back to find Karashi waiting for them. It turns out to be a trap as the Kurosuke Family ambushes them. Luckily, Naruto fools them not once, but twice, with his clones. With the enemies defeated, the villagers focus their anger on Karashi. Rock Lee intercepts them and says that Karashi is still young and weak, and that it is partially his fault Karashi joined the Kuruki Family. Lee begs them to let him return to his mother, promising to punish Karashi himself if he should fall from grace. The villagers agree and the group heads back, but not before picking up Ranmaru. They head back to the Curry of Life shop for a meal, where Naruto tries to retrieve information from Ranmaru. Ranmaru has Karashi take him to the canyon where Raiga fell, and uses his own chakra to revive him.
156	"Raiga's Counterattack" "Gyakushū no Raiga" (逆襲の雷牙)	October 19, 2005	April 12, 2008
Raiga awakes to find Ranmaru unconscious. Tenten has no choice but to engage Raiga by herself, but is eventually defeated. Raiga then demands that Karashi turn over Lee, Neji and Naruto to him, threatening to kill him and his mother. Karashi tricks the group into going to Raiga, and attempts to escape with his mother. Tenten returns with Ranmaru, insisting that he live because it is a choice his and Raiga's victims did not have, and has Sanshou make the Curry of Life for him. Elsewhere, Naruto, Lee and Neji are faring badly against Raiga, who is using a thunderstorm to increase his power, but Sanshou heads out to provide curry for them.
157	"Run! The Curry of Life" "Hashire!!! Seimei no karē" (走れ!!!生命のカレー)	October 26, 2005	April 12, 2008
Naruto Uzumaki, Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga continue their fight against Raiga Kurosuki, with Raiga utilizing a local thunderstorm to provide him with a practically infinite source of lightning to use. Raiga manages to knock all of them out with his electricity, but Sanshou, Tenten, Karashi and Ranmaru give them the Curry of Life, but accidentally intoxicate Lee in the process. Ranmaru returns to Raiga, telling him the four are dead, and with his viewpoint of the world changed by the Konoha ninja, attempts to lead Raiga off a cliff. This fails when a drunken Lee attacks Raiga, who angrily dispatches him. Ranmaru attempts to get Raiga to stop the battle, but Raiga attacks him, accusing him of abandoning him. Naruto returns, though and defeats Raiga by punching him off a ledge, from which Raiga commits suicide by using lightning to incinerate his body. Ranmaru begins training alongside Karashi as an apprentice at the curry shop, and Naruto's team returns to Konoha.
158	"Follow My Lead! The Great Survival Challenge" "Minna ore ni tsuite koi! Ase to namida no takurami dai sabaibaru" (みんなオレについて来い!汗と涙のタクラミ大サバイバル)	November 2, 2005	April 19, 2008
Each of Konoha's Genin have been assigned to lead a squad of three academy students in a survival exercise. Naruto Uzumaki is teamed up with Konohamaru and his two friends. The three find out that Naruto's leadership, navigation, and foraging skills leave much to be desired and they end up lost in the mountains during a thunderstorm. They learn to pull their strengths to survive the mountains long enough for help to arrive. Then they blame Naruto for getting them into the disaster.
159	"Bounty Hunter from the Wilderness" "Teki ka mikata ka!? Kōya no shōkinkasegi" (敵か味方か!?荒野の賞金稼ぎ)	November 9, 2005	April 19, 2008
Naruto, Hinata and Kiba accept what they believe will be an easy mission to catch a crook. Upon arriving at the thief's last known location, however, they learn that another bounty hunter is pursuing the thief and that the thief is a skilled ninja. The bounty hunter is wounded in the battle, and Naruto's group take him to safety, but discover that he, too, is a wanted criminal.
160	"Hunt or Be Hunted?! Showdown at the O.K. Temple!" "Eru ka erareru ka!? Okkē tera no kettō" (獲るか獲られるか!?オッケー寺の決斗)	November 16, 2005	April 26, 2008
The bounty hunter reveals that he was framed for murdering a family and that the thief that he and Naruto's group is hunting is the culprit; he wants to capture him to clear his name. The four locate the thief in a nearby city, in the process of attempting to steal a valuable bell. After the bounty hunter captures the thief, he is captured himself, and his innocence is revealed. Despite this, Naruto's group fails the mission because they did not capture the thief.
161	"The Appearance of Strange Visitors" "Sankyaku kenzan Ao no Yajū? Mōjū?... Sanjū?" (珍客見参 碧の野獣?猛獣?...珍獣?)	November 23, 2005	April 26, 2008
Two outsiders, Mondai and Potcha, come to infiltrate the village and gather its secrets by disguising themselves as Might Guy and Rock Lee, while the real Guy and Lee are out on a mission. They are oblivious to the fact that their disguises are fooling nobody, except for Naruto. Tsunade, Sakura, and Tenten string them along by giving them outrageous missions, preventing them from learning anything. The real Lee and Guy return to kick their impostors off into the distance, and discover that Naruto never realized the truth.
162	"The Cursed Warrior" "Shiroki noroi musha" (白き呪いの武者)	November 30, 2005	May 3, 2008
Naruto, Neji, and Tenten are sent by Tsunade to the Land of Birds to investigate reports of a ghost, Noroimusha, terrorizing the local population. Upon arriving, they learn that the daimyo has died, and that his son, the successor, cares little about his duties due to the recent death of his sister. Later that evening, the Konoha ninja encounter Noroimusha and give chase. After cornering it, however, an examination by Neji's Byakugan makes the group realize that the armor the Noroimusha is wearing is empty.
163	"The Tactician's Intent" "Sakushi - Kōmei no omowaku" (策士·紅明の思惑)	December 7, 2005	May 3, 2008
The episode starts with the group talking at Mousou's house. After that they discuss that Koumei, the village strategist and the son's potential rival for succession, may be behind the Noroimusha. To prove this, they try to visit the new feudal lord Sagi at a lake where he holds his lost memories of his sister Toki. The group protects the feudal lord from assassins, and pursues the Noroimusha to its meeting with Koumei, where after it is defeated, it is revealed that it and the previous Noroimusha were two different individuals. The group finds evidence that indicates that Koumei may have been behind the second Noroimusha's appearance, and Koumei is arrested.
164	"Too Late for Help" "Ososugita suketto" (遅すぎた助っ人)	December 14, 2005	May 10, 2008
The episode starts with Mousou stating the mission is over. Naruto, however, is skeptical, and investigates where he and his companions fought the Noroimusha. He finds a secret passage to the feudal lord's mansion, but is caught. When Shima goes to warn Mousou about Naruto investigating, he accidentally sees Mousou meeting with Watari ninja. Shima tries to escape to inform the others about this development, but is pursued and injured by the Watari ninja. The Noroimusha arrives in Naruto's cell, and he is sentenced to death.
165	"The Death of Naruto" "Naruto shisu" (ナルト死す)	December 21, 2005	May 10, 2008
The episode starts with Neji, Tenten, and Kakashi staring at a grave. As they head back they throw off a pursuer with a replacement, but are being shadowed by another. Koumei is about to be forced to commit seppuku, but the Noroimusha saves him. Shortly afterwards, it is revealed that Naruto disguised himself as the Noroimusha. Kakashi fights Nagare, who uses moves copied from other ninja. Naruto, Neji and Tenten discover that the true identity of the Noroimusha is the feudal lord himself, who seeks to kill Mousou to avenge his father.
166	"When Time Stands Still" "Todomatta mama no jikan" (止まったままの時間)	January 4, 2006	May 17, 2008
The episode begins with a flashback that reveals that Sagi, not Toki, died, and that Toki took on her brother's identity to avenge his death. Toki assumes the identity of the Noroimusha, and attempts to attack Mousou, but is subdued by Mousou's imitation ninjutsu. Mousou's Watari ninjas and Naruto's group join the battle. While his companions fight the Watari ninja, Naruto pursues Mousou and is caught in a genjutsu.
167	"When Egrets Flap Their Wings" "Shirasagi no habataku jikan" (白鷺のはばたく時間)	January 4, 2006	May 17, 2008
Mousou reveals himself to be Hoki the migrating ninja, who plans to travel and collect as many jutsus as possible. He seemingly kills Shima and knocks Naruto underwater. Naruto awakens when Sagi's ghost asks him to save Toki from her desire for revenge and defeat Mousou. Naruto rises from the water and punches Hoki, then tells Toki that he has seen Sagi. Naruto then fights against and defeats Hoki. Shima turns out to have survived Hoki's attack. Toki apologizes to her subjects for deceiving them, but asks them to allow her to remain ruler in order to restore the Bird Country. After the group leaves, Neji tells Naruto that the first Cursed Warrior they encountered was a real ghost, much to his horror.
168	"Mix It, Stretch It, Boil It Up! Burn, Copper Pot, Burn!" "Moero Zundō! Mazete nobashite yude agero!" (燃えろ寸胴!混ぜて伸ばして茹で上げろ!)	January 18, 2006	May 24, 2008
This episode pays tribute to cooking-themed anime series such as Chūka Ichiban and Yakitate!! Japan. Naruto, Chouji and Sakura volunteer to help Teuchi, whose daughter Ayame was kidnapped by a band of cooking ninja. To save her they must come up with the ultimate ramen recipe. Teuchi tries to teach them how to cook, and the three take advantage of their ninja techniques to make the perfect bowl of ramen. When they rescue Ayame, she has grown fat due to being unable to resist the cooking ninjas' food. To bring her to her regular self, she eats Teuchi's diet ramen that appears to be designed to make people lose weight from eating it. The episode ends by showing almost every single female ninja in the show lined up for ramen. However, in the end it shows Teuchi eating the diet ramen and losing too much weight.
169	"Remembrance: The Lost Page" "Kioku Ushinawareta peiji" (記憶 失われた頁)	January 25, 2006	May 24, 2008
Anko Mitarashi is dispatched to the Land of the Sea with Naruto, Shino, and Ino to investigate the nature of the "Kaima" monster. Upon arriving, Anko recalls her time with Orochimaru in this area, and her cursed seal begins to resonate and cause her pain. At the docks, the group sees Yoroi Akado and Misumi Tsurugi accosting a young girl. Naruto chases them away, but does not recognize them. When the group sets off to one of the islands, Yoroi and Misumi attack, and Naruto nearly drowns until he is saved by the girl he saw earlier.
170	"The Closed Door" "Shōgeki Tozasareta doa" (衝撃 閉ざされた扉)	February 1, 2006	May 31, 2008
Naruto awakens in the girl's hut, where she identifies herself as Isaribi. Upon thanking her, Naruto realizes that she is being ostracized by the local residents, and he angrily chases away the children that have arrived to torment her. Meanwhile, Orochimaru is meeting with Amachi, a scientist conducting experiments under his direction. Sasuke Uchiha is also present, and ends their conversation when it's directed towards him. The remaining members of Team Anko have arrived at the island, where they are briefed on the payment schedule that they have to defend, and they locate the Demon of the Ocean (Kaima) in the meantime. However, Naruto arrives, and identifies the Kaima as Isaribi. The arrival of Yoroi enables Isaribi to escape, and the two escape. Anko attempts to pursue but is paralyzed by pain from her cursed seal. Anko falls unconscious from the pain caused by the cursed seal.
171	"Infiltration: The Set-Up!" "Sen'nyū Shikumareta torappu" (潜入 仕組まれた罠)	February 8, 2006	May 31, 2008
While in the beach, Anko, still unconscious, is being tended by Ino. Meanwhile, Naruto explains his encounter with Isaribi earlier. The episode continues back into Anko's sudden remembrance of her memories. She sees Orochimaru approaching her, telling her that the Hokage knows about their experiments. Shino, Naruto and Ino decided to continue their original mission: To protect the official payments and capture the Kaima (Isaribi). The group heads to Demon Island (Kikaijima), an island located in the Land of the Sea where supposedly the Kaima resides. Anko awakes and explains that the Kaima (Demon of the Ocean) is a human who has undergone physical transmutations. While they are talking, Yoroi and Isaribi head underwater to Orochimaru's lair. Inside, Isaribi passes on the information relating to the official payments and asks when she will return to normal. Yoroi tells her that she is a prototype and when he is done collecting information from her, he would change her back. He also sends her to dispatch Naruto and the rest of the group who has just arrived on the shore. Shino, Naruto and Ino find themselves in an experimental laboratory with many creatures contained in test pillars. Isaribi approaches from behind and triggers a trapdoor. The three genin fall through the trapdoor and Anko appears behind Isaribi with a kunai at her throat. Isaribi gets away and leaves Anko locked in the room facing three large lion-like animal mutations. Anko makes quick work of the three, only leaving the curse mark to pain her. The rest of the team faces Yoroi Akado, who is working for the enemy. Shino takes up the challenge while Naruto and Ino continue running to catch up with Anko. Anko, Naruto and Ino find themselves facing Amachi and Isaribi. Amachi and Isaribi run off just while Misumi Tsurugi comes to face them. Ino uses her mind manipulation jutsu to restrain him. Shino's opponent disappears as the island begins to collapse. Isaribi, Amachi and Yoroi escape on a ship, leaving Team Anko to die in the collapsing building. Naruto frantically searches for an exit.
172	"Despair: A Fractured Heart" "Zetsubō Hikisakareta hāto" (絶望 引き裂かれた心)	February 15, 2006	June 7, 2008
Anko rescues the team by summoning a giant snake, which takes the team in its mouth and breaks through the wall. Team Anko quickly pursues the enemy. After encountering Amachi, Naruto is caught in his attack and is able to use the demon fox's chakra to free himself.
173	"The Battle at Sea: The Power Unleashed!" "Kaisen Tokihanatareta pawā" (海戦 解き放たれた力)	February 22, 2006	June 7, 2008
The demon fox within Naruto helps him beat Amachi. Although Amachi is quickly defeated and captured, the Sea Boss attacks Naruto. Naruto summons Gamabunta and defeats the monster by evaporating its nucleus, then gets beat up by Gama-sama (Gamabunta is a freshwater creature who is extremely uncomfortable in a saltwater environment). Isaribi realized what Naruto said was right and that he did understand her because Naruto was also treated as a monster and with his help, Isaribi was able to overcome her anger. Afterward, Isaribi decided to go to Konoha in the hopes that Tsunade can cure her.
174	"Impossible! Celebrity Ninja Art - Money Style Jutsu!" "Arienēttebayo! Serebu ninpō - Kinton no Jutsu" (ありえねーってばよ! セレブ忍法·金遁の術)	March 1, 2006	June 14, 2008
Naruto is ordered to show a spoiled rich kid named Kunihisa a typical day in the life of a ninja. The kid has an annoying habit of continually flaunting his wealth to get whatever he wants. Trouble arises when kidnappers attempt to abduct the kid for ransom, and Kunihisa, out of money, is unable to summon his bodyguards, who have been paid off by the kidnappers. Naruto helps him to escape, and teaches him that there are more important things in life than money.
175	"The Treasure Hunt is On!" "Koko hore wan wan! Maizōkin o sagase" (ここ掘れワンワン! 埋蔵金を探せ)	March 8, 2006	June 14, 2008
Naruto, Hinata and Kiba are given a mission to find some treasure, and are told that if they fail to find it, they will be returned to the academy, due to Naruto's poor performance on his missions with Kiba and Hinata. They set out to find it, but Naruto and Kiba's arguments prevent them from cooperating. They are ambushed and trapped by three people who then copy their identities, smell, and thoughts and learn that the person who requested the mission is their leader.
176	"Run, Dodge, Zigzag! Chase or Be Chased!" "Shissō, Meisō, Jiguzagu sō! Otte owarete machigaete" (疾走, 迷走, ジグザグ走!追って追われて間違えて)	March 15, 2006	June 21, 2008
Working together, the group escapes from the cave-in with the treasure, but learn that Hinata injured her leg. After realizing that Naruto and Kiba argue too often while Hinata worries for the others too much, they head into town to stop their copies. The group outwits and defeats their copies except Naruto, who uses demon fox chakra fueled shadow clones to defeat his copy, because his copy was running up a huge debt under his name, and ate all his food (including some ramen he was saving for a special occasion). Naruto's copy also accidentally bumped into Sakura, who was walking out of the library with an extremely tall stack of books. The copy then ridicules Sakura for being such a klutz, which angers her and leads her to unknowingly punch the real Naruto. Naruto, Kiba & Hinata learn that the mission was a test to see if they could work together as a team, and that they passed it. Tsunade becomes upset when the "treasure" turns out to be a bill for services rendered.
177	"Please, Mr. Postman!" "OH!? Purīzu ♥ Misutā Posutoman" (OH!?ぷりーず♥みすたーぽすとまん)	March 22, 2006	June 21, 2008
Naruto finds Jiraiya with two women in a town and Jiraiya makes excuses and puts off his training to write his Icha Icha script. Naruto eventually decides to ghostwrite it. Naruto gets the manuscript for Icha Icha Tactics (English version, "Make Out Tactics") mixed up with a peace treaty between the Fang and Claw countries. The two must chase down the courier ninja before he delivers the wrong package and incites war. Unfortunately, the courier is absolutely committed to his duty and will stop at nothing to complete his delivery, no matter what the consequences may be. The wrong package eventually gets delivered but peace is still made between the two countries, as the recipient was a fan of Icha Icha and happily interpreted the document as a peace offering.
178	"Encounter! The Boy with a Star's Name" "Deai "Hoshi" no na o motsu shōnen" (出会い 「星」の名を持つ少年)	March 29, 2006	June 28, 2008
Tenten, Neji, and Rock Lee are assigned to a mission to protect the star belonging to the Hidden Village of Star. When Naruto hears of the star's special chakra enhancing power he decides he too must go along because of his assumption that Orochimaru may be involved. Naruto manages to convince Tsunade to allow him to join Team Guy's mission by bribing her with an expensive treat. Naruto and Team Guy encounter Sumaru of the Hidden Village of Star, who guides them past the poison gasses that surround the Village after demonstrating techniques with strange purple chakra. The Konoha genin meet with the substitute Hoshikage, Akahoshi, who explains Hidden Star's desire to become one of the Five main Hidden Villages. Sumaru expresses his desire to become the first true Hoshikage of Hidden Star, which intrigues Naruto who rushes off after Sumaru in the direction of the place where the village's star is held. Naruto and Sumaru see someone fleeing from the building containing the star and Naruto runs off in pursuit. Sumaru discovers that the star has been stolen and chases after the thief. The thief manages to escape from Naruto, and it is revealed that (s)he was using techniques exclusive to those who had star training, meaning they were once a member of the Star village.
179	"The Remembered Lullaby" "Natsuhi Boshi, Omoide no Komori Uta" (ナツヒボシ 思い出の子守唄)	April 5, 2006	June 28, 2008
With the star stolen, the group has no leads on the mysterious thief who can use chakra to fly. Naruto learns that Sumaru's parents died defending the star from foreign ninja. Tenten and Lee attempt to track two of Akahoshi's men, but are discovered and find no answers. Sumaru and some of his friends find a masked ninja and restrain him, but he renders them unconscious and kidnaps Sumaru.
180	"Hidden Jutsu: The Price of The Ninja Art: Kujaku" "Hijutsu Kujaku Myōhō no Daishō" (秘術 孔雀妙法の代償)	April 12, 2006	July 5, 2008
It is revealed that the masked ninja who stole the star is Sumaru's mother, and that Akahoshi is the one who kidnapped Sumaru. The group learns that the star training is potentially fatal to the ninja who take part in it, but resolve to find the star. Tenten and Lee infiltrate Akahoshi's residence and rescue Sumaru. Meanwhile, Akahoshi approaches Natsuhi and demands the star in exchange for Sumaru, and the two fight. While Natsuhi gains the upper hand, Naruto and Neji intervene for Akahoshi, and Naruto manages to get close enough to punch Natsuhi. After he does, Akahoshi launches an attack at the two of them, dropping them into the Valley of Death.
181	"Hoshikage, The Buried Truth" "Hoshikage Hōmurisarareta Shinjutsu" (星影 葬り去られた真実)	April 19, 2006	July 5, 2008
Akahoshi says that the mission for the Konoha shinobi is over, but Neji says that as the star has not been recovered, the mission will go on. Neji, Lee and Tenten reveal the truth about Akahoshi to the trainees. Naruto awakens and hears about Natsuhi and her husband seeing the horrors of the star training, and trying to steal the star. After they were caught, the Third Hoshikage agreed to end the star training if they left the village and watched from afar to prevent it from resuming. Natsuhi and her husband accepted, asking the Hoshikage to tell Sumaru that they had died. Akahoshi tracks down the star, and reveals that he assassinated the Hoshikage in order to resume the star training. He fights Natsuhi and absorbs his subordinates' chakra to grow stronger, but Naruto's teammates and the star trainees arrive.
182	"Reunion, The Remaining time" "Saikai Nokosareta jikan" (再会 残された時間)	April 26, 2006	July 26, 2008
As Sumaru, the rest of the Star trainees and Naruto's teammates arrive, Akahoshi takes Sumaru hostage and forces Natsuhi to hand over the star. Neji examines Natsuhi and reveals that she could die if she uses her star chakra jutsus again. After Sumaru awakens, he speaks with his mother, who reveals that while she knew that she had to leave him behind to spare him the pain of becoming an exile, she regrets leaving him. While Naruto and Lee insist on going after Akahoshi, Neji says the mission is over and they, as Leaf ninja, cannot betray a client. That night, Natsuhi goes to the star temple to steal the star, but is killed by Akahoshi and his men. Sumaru, following with the Leaf ninja, senses her death and flies to the temple. Akahoshi declares himself Fourth Hoshikage and orders his ninja to kill the Leaf ninja, Sumaru and Hokuto if they set foot in the village.
183	"The Star's Radiance" "Hoshi wa kagayaki o mashite" (星は輝きを増して)	May 3, 2006	July 26, 2008
After Akahoshi tries to execute Sumaru, Hokuto and the rest of the children stand up to protect their village, revealing the poisoning caused by the star. After learning the truth, the adults turn on Akahoshi as well. After Akahoshi nearly kills Mizura, he is given no second chances. Not being one to lose, Akahoshi fuses his body with the Star, causing his chakra to go out of control. Naruto, guided by Natsuhi' s spirit, destroys the star and defeats Akahoshi. Although Tsunade initially seems upset over Naruto failing the mission, she concedes that the mission was "trash" due to being ordered by Akahoshi himself, and heals the children of their poisoning.
184	"Kiba's Long Day!" "Inuzuka Kiba no naga~i ichinichi" (犬塚キバのなが〜い一日)	May 10, 2006	August 2, 2008
Naruto is assigned to watch Akamaru, Kiba Inuzuka's nin-dog, who has recently been acting strangely after being infected by a special bacteria during a mission. This is confirmed when Akamaru begins to violently attack Konoha's inhabitants, and the ANBU take him into custody, being prepared to have Akamaru euthanized if they are unable to cure him. However, this is too much for Kiba, and he rescues Akamaru, attempting to cure him on his own. Naruto pursues Kiba, who refuses to believe that Naruto is attempting to help him. Finally, Kiba's sister arrives, and with Naruto, attempts to restrain a now giant-sized and hostile Akamaru to administer a potential cure developed by Konoha's medical team. However, the cure only has a 50% chance of working. Kiba succeeds in the task, but is nearly killed in the process. It is later revealed that Akamaru tried his hardest to miss Kiba's vital points, something that Kiba thanks Akamaru for.
185	"A Legend from the Hidden Leaf: The Onbaa!" "Konohagakure no Densetsu, Onbaa wa jitsuzai shita!!" (木ノ葉隠れの伝説 オンバアは実在した!!)	May 17, 2006	August 2, 2008
A legendary creature, the Onbaa, is the central focus of this episode, attaching to Naruto's back and causing havoc wherever Naruto goes. Despite Naruto's efforts, it remains firmly attached to Naruto's back. Tsunade mentions that Jiraiya once fought the Onbaa, although Tsunade paid him no heed at the time, believing him to be a fool. The Onbaa continues to increase in size, eventually becoming larger than Naruto himself. However, during a mission, it aids Naruto, causing Naruto to reconsider their relationship, but the Onbaa's mother appears, driving Naruto off and claiming her offspring. The child manages to calm the mother and Naruto is worn off and sleeps. After a while, Naruto awakes and feels something furry where he is lying, getting the feeling to be piggybacked. Naruto wakes up at the front of Konoha and looks behind him, seeing Ombu leaving with his mother and eventually saying goodbye. When Naruto returns to Tsunade, he laughs out loud. She asks how to get the Onbaa off from their backs. Naruto teases by saying he wrestled with them just like Jiraya did. She still doesn't believe him since the Onbaa has been proven to not be a legend. Everyone is found to have an Onbaa on their backs and Naruto leaves laughing.

References

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3. "Viz to Stream Naruto on Naruto.com Within 1 Week of Japanese Airing (Updated)". Anime News Network. November 17, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2009.
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