<P> In Japan, the season released in both VHS and DVD format . A total of twelve volumes were released by Sony Pictures Entertainment between January 1 and December 3, 2003 . Episodes from this season were later released on nine DVD compilations by Viz Media between March 28, 2006 and February 20, 2007, with two compilations of thirteen and twelve episodes released for the first season . The first of these compilations was nominated at the American Anime Awards for best package design . In 2009, Viz released another two DVD boxes containing episodes 1 - 25 and 26 - 52, respectively . </P> <P> Five pieces of theme music are used for the episodes; two opening themes and two closing themes in the Japanese episodes and a single theme for the openings and endings in the English - dubbed version . The two Japanese opening themes are "Rocks" (R O C K S) by Hound Dog, used for the first twenty - five episodes, with the rest using "Haruka Kanata" (遥か 彼方, lit . Far Away) by Asian Kung - Fu Generation . The two closing themes are Japanese pop singer Akeboshi's "Wind" and "Harmonia" by Rythem, used for the first twenty - five and remaining episodes respectively . The opening and ending theme for the English airing is "Rise" by Jeremy Sweet and Ian Nickus, with an instrumental version played as the closing theme . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th> No . </Th> <Th> Title </Th> <Th> Original airdate </Th> <Th> English airdate </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> </Th> <Td> "Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!" "Sanjō! Uzumaki Naruto!" (参上! うずまき ナルト) </Td> <Td> October 3, 2002 </Td> <Td> September 10, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> For the first twelve years of his life, an orphaned boy named Naruto Uzumaki lived a life of enduring the apparent unsolicited hate from a majority of the villagers of the Hidden Leaf Village with a strong ambition to be acknowledged . Caught by Iruka Umino, his teacher, while defacing the Hokage monument, he tells Iruka that he did it for attention and of his dream of becoming a Hokage to win everyone's respect . However, after failing to graduate from the Ninja Academy for the third year in a row for being unable to use the Clone Technique, Naruto is approached by another instructor named Mizuki who tricks him into stealing a scroll of forbidden ninja techniques from the Hokage's residence, with a promise that he would be able to graduate if he was able to learn one of the techniques it contained . After successfully stealing the scroll, Naruto is caught by Iruka, who realises that Naruto had been tricked and protects him from Mizuki, revealed to have been planning to take the scroll for himself . During the ensuing confrontation, Mizuki reveals the fact that Naruto is the host of the Nine - Tails, a fox - like monster that attacked the village twelve years ago and took the life of the Fourth Hokage who managed to seal the Nine - Tails within the newborn Naruto, which he claims is the reason for the hate directed at Naruto . Horrified by this revelation, Naruto runs off and only returns when Iruka, whose parents were killed by the Nine - Tails, refuses to accept Naruto as anything but his student . Touched by his mentor's words, Naruto proceeds to defeat Mizuki using the Multiple Shadow Clone technique he learned from the scroll . Due to the act of saving his life and making an outstanding performance proving him worthy of being a ninja, Iruka allows Naruto to graduate . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> </Th> <Td> "My Name is Konohamaru!" "Konohamaru da kore!" (木ノ葉 丸 だ コレ!) </Td> <Td> October 10, 2002 </Td> <Td> September 10, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> During an argument with the Third Hokage over how Naruto wanted to present himself on the photo of Ninja Registration Form, the Hokage is attacked by a small boy, who is revealed to be his grandson Konohamaru Sarutobi . While following Naruto, who is the first person to not see him solely as the Hokage's grandson, Konohamaru asks to be taught the transformation technique that Naruto was using on Hiruzen: the Sexy Technique . In the process, Konohamaru reveals his own reasons for wanting to become Hokage and his desire to be recognised for his own achievements . Eventually, the two are found by Konohamaru's mentor Ebisu, who sees Naruto as a bad influence on Konohamaru, with the resultant confrontation ending after Naruto uses Ebisu's lust against him, by combining his Sexy Technique and the Shadow Clone Technique to produce the overwhelming Harem Technique . Through Naruto's guidance, Konohamaru is able to accept that he cannot follow in his grandfather's footsteps by his name alone . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> </Th> <Td> "Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?" "Shukuteki!? Sasuke to Sakura" (宿敵!? サスケ と サクラ) </Td> <Td> October 17, 2002 </Td> <Td> September 17, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Once graduated from the Ninja Academy, having drank some milk before meeting up with his former classmates, Naruto is assigned to be a member of a three - person squad before undergoing a test to obtain the rank of Genin . He is put into Team 7, along with Sasuke Uchiha, his long - time rival, and Sakura Haruno, whom he has feelings for though she instead has feelings for Sasuke . Knowing of Sakura's feelings for Sasuke, Naruto formulated a scheme to dispose of his rival and pose as Sasuke to get close to Sakura . But at the last second, Naruto is forced to go to the bathroom while the real Sasuke somehow escapes and runs into Sakura while searching for Naruto . After expressing disgust toward Sakura when she blames Naruto's stupidity on not having parents, Sasuke finds Naruto after he was forced to ditch a guilt - driven Sakura to go to the bathroom again, with their confrontation short - lived . Meanwhile, Naruto's stomach pains are revealed to be the result of drinking long - expired milk earlier, and Hiruzen briefs an unidentified instructor on Naruto and his teammates . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> </Th> <Td> "Pass or Fail: Survival Test" "Shiren! Sabaibaru enshū" (試練! サバイバル 演習) </Td> <Td> October 24, 2002 </Td> <Td> September 24, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> As their classmates gradually all meet up with their Jonin instructors who will decide whether they are fit to become Genin, Team 7 are forced to wait for theirs . Eventually, after Naruto sets up a juvenile trap, he and his group meet their instructor: Kakashi Hatake . Appearing to be a slacker, Kakashi takes the day to let his students each introduce themselves and tell each other their desires and aims: Naruto states that his dream is to become Hokage, Sakura seems to embarrassed by hers to say them publicly, and Sasuke declares his intent to restore his clan by killing an unnamed person . With the introductions over, Kakashi tells Team 7 that their test will begin tomorrow and that they are not to eat before then . The next day, after forcing Team 7 to wait for him again, Kakashi explains that the test entails the seizure of one of two bells from his person, the catch being that only two of the prospective Genin will be able to pass, while the remaining child will be sent back to the Academy . While Sasuke and Sakura hide themselves away as the test begins, Naruto attempts to face Kakashi head - on with his Shadow Clone Technique, which is easily countered, and then falls for a snare trap . Taking advantage of Kakashi lecturing Naruto about falling for obvious traps, Sasuke seemingly takes out the instructor with shuriken and kunai knives . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 5 </Th> <Td> "You Failed! Kakashi's Final Decision" "Shikkaku? Kakashi no Ketsuron" (失格? カカシ の 結論) </Td> <Td> October 31, 2002 </Td> <Td> October 1, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> After his sneak attack failed, Sasuke attempts to fight Kakashi before being buried up to his neck underground . From there, Kakashi subjects Sakura to a genjutsu of Sasuke bleeding to death before dealing with Naruto when he decides to help himself to everyone's lunches . Once the time limit for the test is reached, Naruto is tied to a pole, and Kakashi deems all members of Team 7 utter failures as he reveals that his test was impossible for them, due to their lack of teamwork during the exercise . From there, Kakashi explains the essential need for ninja groups to work as a unit, as well as stating his own ideal that, while ninja who break the rules are scum, those who abandon their friends are worse than scum . From there, Kakashi offers to give Team 7 one final chance and leaves them with a single order to follow: not to feed Naruto . However, knowing that they need Naruto at full strength for what Kakashi has in store for a make - up test, Sasuke and Sakura feed Naruto . Having watched the entire event, Kakashi dramatically appears before them . As Kakashi apparently prepares to punish them all, Sakura stands up to him, explaining that they gave Naruto food because he's a member of their team . Ultimately, finding a group who actually met his test's standards, Kakashi decides that Team 7 pass his test and accepts them as his students . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 6 </Th> <Td> "A Dangerous Mission! Journey to the Land of Waves!" "Jūyō ninmu! Nami no Kuni e chō - shuppatsu!" (重要 任務! 波 の 国 へ 超 出発!) </Td> <Td> November 7, 2002 </Td> <Td> October 8, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> After Team 7 completes a few miscellaneous D - ranked missions, Naruto relentlessly asks Hiruzen for a higher level mission, and they are eventually assigned to escort a bridge builder named Tazuna back to the Land of Waves . However, on their way there, Team 7 is ambushed by the Demon Brothers, two Chunin from the Hidden Mist Village in the Land of Water . Though it appeared they killed him as they go after Team 7 and Tazuna, the Demon Brothers learned that Kakashi was aware of their presence and faked his death to catch them off - guard and see his students in action . While applauding Sasuke for holding off the Demon Brothers and Sakura for guarding Tazuna, Kakashi expresses disappointment in how poorly Naruto handled the situation and got himself poisoned . However, Naruto refuses to quit the mission, and with Sasuke's taunting getting to him, uses a kunai to stab his hand to bleed out the poison while making a promise to never back down again . Though Kakashi decides to have Naruto's self - inflicted wound dealt with, he is amazed by the boy's rapid healing and wonders if it is the Nine - Tails's doing . Elsewhere, a man named Gato confronts the Demon Brothers' boss for his subordinates' failure to assassinate Tazuna . Threatening Gato with his large sword, the figure decides to handle the job personally . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 7 </Th> <Td> "The Assassin of the Mist!" "Kiri no ansatsusha!" (霧 の 暗殺 者!) </Td> <Td> November 14, 2002 </Td> <Td> October 15, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> On the way to the Land of Waves, with Kakashi threatening to abandon the mission if he does not provide an adequate explanation for lying about the mission's difficulty level, Tazuna reveals his desire to build a bridge to save the impoverished Land of Waves from the wealthy shipping - magnate Gato . Hearing his story, Team 7 agree to go through with the mission regardless for humanitarian reasons . However, once on the bridge, the group is ambushed by Zabuza Momochi, a rogue ninja from the Hidden Mist Village who works for Gato . Refusing to hand Tazuna over, Kakashi is forced to reveal a strange eye . The former confused as to how Kakashi obtained it, Sasuke and Zabuza both recognise the strange eye as the Sharingan . While Team 7 protects Tazuna, Kakashi engages Zabuza, both using clones to distract the other to get them from behind . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 8 </Th> <Td> "The Oath of Pain" "Itami ni chikau ketsui" (痛み に 誓う 決意) </Td> <Td> November 21, 2002 </Td> <Td> October 22, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Kakashi is eventually caught off - guard and is captured in the Water Prison Technique . With Kakashi immobilised, Zabuza creates a water clone to go after the rest of Team 7 and Tazuna . Though Kakashi tells his students to run, Naruto remembers the promise he made to himself and decides to fight to save Kakashi and keep Tazuna alive . With Naruto using his transformation skills with Sasuke's expertise with a Fuma Shuriken, the two youths succeed in forcing Zabuza to release Kakashi in order to avoid Naruto's kunai . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 9 </Th> <Td> "Kakashi: Sharingan Warrior" "Sharingan no Kakashi" (写 輪 眼 の カカシ) </Td> <Td> November 28, 2002 </Td> <Td> October 29, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Once freed from the Water Prison, Kakashi uses his Sharingan to replicate many of Zabuza's water - based attacks, causing him to become agitated and is easily defeated . At the last second, Zabuza is seemingly killed by a young masked hunter ninja from the Hidden Mist Village . Naruto is angry and jealous that someone so young could easily defeat an opponent that gave Team 7 so much trouble, but Kakashi says that there are many ninja younger than Naruto yet stronger than himself . The hunter - nin leaves with Zabuza's body, and Kakashi then collapses from fatigue as a result of using his Sharingan for too long . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 10 </Th> <Td> "The Forest of Chakra" "Chakura no mori" (チャクラ の 森) </Td> <Td> December 5, 2002 </Td> <Td> November 5, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Brought to Tazuna's home to recover from his fight with Zabuza, Naruto meets the bridge builder's grandson Inari, while Kakashi awakens realizing that there were numerous inconsistencies between the actions of the masked youth and that of other hunter - nin . Expecting to face Zabuza again, Kakashi decides to take Team 7 to the woods to teach them chakra control by having them walk up a tree by focusing chakra beneath their feet . While Sakura was successful on her first try, both Naruto and Sasuke had to attempt it numerous times . Elsewhere, revealed to be Zabuza's follower, the masked youth known as Haku tends to Zabuza's wounds as the swordsman intends to settle things with Kakashi once fully healed in a week's time . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 11 </Th> <Td> "The Land Where a Hero Once Lived" "Eiyū no ita kuni" (英雄 の いた 国) </Td> <Td> December 12, 2002 </Td> <Td> November 12, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> While Naruto and Sasuke try to outdo each other in their Tree Climbing Practice, Sakura accompanies Tazuna and is astonished by the poverty and fear in the Land of Waves . Following dinner, Sakura asks about Inari staring at the torn family photo on the wall, but the boy runs off with his mother Tsunami chasing after him . Tazuna then explains that the man torn from the picture, named Kaiza, was once a hero in the Land of Waves whom Inari looked up to . When Gato arrived, Kaiza was executed by Gato's men to serve as an example of anyone who opposes Gato, which traumatised Inari greatly . Moved by the story, Naruto resumes his training with the intent to prove to Inari that there are still heroes in the world . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 12 </Th> <Td> "Battle on the Bridge! Zabuza Returns!!" "Kyōjō kessen! Zabuza futatabi!!" (橋上 決戦! ザブザ 再び!!) </Td> <Td> December 19, 2002 </Td> <Td> November 19, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Taking a nap after training in the woods, Naruto is awoken by someone whom he thought was a girl . Eventually learning that the person is actually a boy, but unaware that he is the masked youth Haku, Naruto gets into an exchange of ideals and morals before the two part ways . Once found by Sasuke, Naruto resumes his Tree Climbing Practice into the evening until he and Sasuke finally make it to the top of their respective trees . Naruto and Sasuke return triumphantly to Tazuna's home, with Naruto cheerful yet completely drained from the effort . Inari is disturbed by the sight of Naruto, thinking about Kaiza and gets into a heated dispute with Naruto, who leaves while calling him a coward . Later that night, Kakashi tells a despondent Inari that Naruto understands the boy's pain from his own hardships . The next morning, deciding to let Naruto sleep in, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura escort Tazuna to work . Upon arriving at the bridge, they find Tazuna's workers unconscious with Zabuza and a masked Haku revealing themselves as the culprits . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 13 </Th> <Td> "Haku's Secret Jutsu: Crystal Ice Mirrors" "Haku no hijutsu - Makyō Hyōshō" (白 の 秘術 魔 鏡 氷 晶) </Td> <Td> December 26, 2002 </Td> <Td> November 26, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> At Tazuna's house, two of Gato's thugs arrive to kidnap Tsunami . Inari musters his courage in an attempt to stop them, but is saved when Naruto defeats them . Before leaving to join the others at the bridge, Naruto apologises to Inari for calling him a coward and acknowledges his bravery . On the bridge, as Kakashi engages Zabuza, Sasuke's newly gained speed gives him an advantage against Haku before the masked ninja traps him in his personal Crystal Ice Mirrors Technique . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 14 </Th> <Td> "The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight!!" "Igaisei nanbā wan, Naruto sansen!" (意外 性 No. 1, ナルト 参戦!) </Td> <Td> January 9, 2003 </Td> <Td> December 3, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Having arrived, with Kakashi preoccupied with Zabuza, Naruto attempts to help Sasuke by attacking the Crystal Ice Mirrors from the outside while Sasuke attacks from the inside . Unfortunately, ignorant of Haku's technique, Naruto enters the cage of ice as he and Sasuke are forced to work together against Haku, who sees that he must make an exception to his no killing policy . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 15 </Th> <Td> "Zero Visibility: The Sharingan Shatters" "Shikai zero no tatakai - Sharingan kuzushi" (視界 ゼロ の 戦い 写 輪 眼 崩し) </Td> <Td> January 16, 2003 </Td> <Td> December 10, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Naruto and Sasuke both attempt to destroy the ice mirrors, their respective Shadow Clone and Fireball Techniques having no effect . Realizing that Haku's Crystal Ice Mirrors are actually an Ice - Style Bloodline Limit, Kakashi decides to use his Sharingan to quickly end his fight with Zabuza . However, as Haku told him about Kakashi's methods during their last fight, Zabuza has the advantage as he uses his Hidden Mist technique to counter Kakashi's Sharingan and force the ninja to try to anticipate his opponent's next move . Kakashi finally guesses that Zabuza will target Tazuna and Sakura and rushes to intercept, but Zabuza lands a strike on Kakashi from behind with his Kubikiribōchō sword . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 16 </Th> <Td> "The Broken Seal" "Kaihōsareta fūin" (解放 され た 封印) </Td> <Td> January 23, 2003 </Td> <Td> December 17, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Naruto and Sasuke are both injured severely from Haku's Crystal Ice Mirrors before the latter reveals his Uchiha lineage by awakening his clan's own Bloodline Limit: the Sharingan . With Sasuke's Sharingan allowing him to track Haku's incredibly fast movements, he is deemed a bigger threat than Naruto and a volley of senbon (fr) is used to force Sasuke to take a hit meant for his teammate . Believing his teammate had died in his arms, Naruto is enraged and unconsciously taps into chakra of the Nine - Tails to heal his wounds while punching Haku . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 17 </Th> <Td> "White Past: Hidden Ambition" "Shiroi Kako - Himeta omoi" (白い 過去 秘め た 想い) </Td> <Td> January 30, 2003 </Td> <Td> December 31, 2005 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Inari is shown running from door to door throughout the Land of Waves, trying to rally the villagers into defending Tazuna and the bridge . Meanwhile, after using his new power to punch Haku while dispelling his mirrors, Naruto regains control of himself when Haku's mask breaks away, recognising him as the boy he previously conversed with . Asking Naruto to kill him as he had failed Zabuza, a flashback reveals that he had inherited his ability from his mother . It is then shown that he once lived in the Land of Water, where people with Bloodline Limits were forced to conceal their powers out of fear of persecution . When Haku's father learned of his power, he killed Haku's mother, forcing Haku to subconsciously invoke his powers to kill his father and the angry mob . Some time after, Haku was found by Zabuza and trained to hone his skills to be of use to the swordsman . Meanwhile, having sensed Naruto only released a fraction of the Nine - Tails's chakra, Kakashi summons a number of dogs to find and restrain Zabuza . At that time, Haku manages to convince Naruto to kill him before seeing Kakashi about to finish Zabuza off with his Lightning Blade Technique . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 18 </Th> <Td> "The Weapons Known as Shinobi" "Shinobi to iu na no dōgu" (忍 という 名 の 道具) </Td> <Td> February 6, 2003 </Td> <Td> January 7, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Though he agrees to kill Haku, Naruto instead witnesses Haku sacrificing himself to protect Zabuza from Kakashi's Lightning Blade . Unfazed by his apprentice's sacrifice, Zabuza continues attacking Kakashi while Tazuna accompanies Sakura to Sasuke's body . Eventually, Kakashi manages to disable Zabuza's arms . However, before their battle can be resolved, Gato arrives with his men, intending to kill everyone present, Zabuza included . Meanwhile, disappointed in his attempts to rally the villagers support for the bridge, Inari sets out alone but finds a crowd waiting for him outside . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 19 </Th> <Td> "The Demon in the Snow" "Zabuza yuki ni chiru ..." (ザブザ 雪 に 散る ...) </Td> <Td> February 13, 2003 </Td> <Td> January 14, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Now fired by Gato, Zabuza no longer sees a reason to fight Kakashi, and is unfazed when his former employer kicks Haku's corpse . Though Zabuza sees Haku as nothing more than a tool, he is moved by Naruto's words as he tearfully acknowledges Haku's sacrifice . With Kakashi telling Naruto not to interfere out of respect, Zabuza is allowed to redeem himself as a ninja . With only a kunai in his mouth, enduring multiple stabs and beatings, Zabuza manages to break through Gato's men and kills the businessman before collapsing as Gato's forces retreat when the villagers arrive . Soon after, Team 7 are relieved to discover that Sasuke is still alive, having been spared any lethal injuries . Honouring Zabuza's dying wish to place him beside Haku, Kakashi assures his former enemy that he and Haku will go to the same place . Soon after, he and Team 7 give the two rogue ninjas a burial with Zabuza's Kubikiribōchō as a grave marker, and Naruto express his disdain for the notion that ninjas should strive to become merely tools and declares that he will find his own Ninja Way . As Team 7 leave for the Hidden Leaf, Tazuna proclaims to the village that the bridge will be called the Great Naruto Bridge to signify the strength that Naruto gave Inari, who in turn gave it to the whole town . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 20 </Th> <Td> "A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!" "Shinshō totsunyū! Chūnin Shiken dattebayo" (新 章 突入! 中 忍 試験 だって ば よ) </Td> <Td> February 20, 2003 </Td> <Td> January 21, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> After their adventure in the Land of Waves, Team 7 has returned to doing miscellaneous missions, with Naruto's rivalry with Sasuke making matters worse to the point that Kakashi decides to call it a day and sends his students home . After Sasuke takes his leave, Naruto and Sakura meet up with Konohamaru and his friends Udon and Moegi . As antics ensue with him making Sakura mad, Konohamaru accidentally bumps into two foreign ninja . Despite advice from his older sister Temari (one of the two mystery ninja), Kankuro (the other) threatens to kill Konohamaru . After somehow tripping Naruto, Kankuro was about to hit Konohamaru when Sasuke hits the ninja with a stone . Just as Kankuro is about to attack Sasuke, he is stopped by his younger brother Gaara as Temari explains that they are ninja from the Hidden Sand Village in the Land of Wind who have arrived for the Chunin Exams . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 21 </Th> <Td> "Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals" "Nanore! Arawareta kyōteki tachi!!" (名乗れ! 現れ た 強敵 たち!!) </Td> <Td> February 27, 2003 </Td> <Td> January 28, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Encountering the Sand Siblings, Team 7 learns that the three are ninja who have come from the Hidden Sand Village to participate in the Chunin Exams to be promoted to Chunin - level ninja . Elsewhere, meeting with Hiruzen on the matter, Kakashi, the Third Hokage's son Asuma Sarutobi, and Kurenai Yuhi all nominate their students for the Chunin Exams to Iruka's disbelief . Iruka challenges their decision as he believes Naruto and the others are not ready for the exam, but Kakashi explains to Iruka that they are no longer his students . The next morning, Kakashi gives Team 7 the application forms for the Chunin Exams with Sasuke and Naruto more than willing, while Sakura is uncertain . Later, each member of Team 7 is attacked by a mysterious ninja that they defeated in a one - on - one fight . The figure is revealed to be Iruka, who reports to Kakashi of approving his choice . Later, while making their way to site of the Chunin Exam, Team 7 meets Rock Lee and his teammates Neji Hyuga and Tenten . Though they leave to make their way to where the exams are, Team 7 is followed by Lee who intends to issue a challenge to Sasuke . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 22 </Th> <Td> "Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke!" "Kiai hyaku - nijū pāsento Nau de rokku na chōsenjō!" (気合い 120% ナウ で ロック な 挑戦 状!) </Td> <Td> March 6, 2003 </Td> <Td> February 4, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Following Team 7, and revealed to have a crush on Sakura, Lee challenges Sasuke to a battle . Feeling neglected in his teammates' shadows, Naruto's attempt to fight Lee himself only ended with him being quickly knocked out . Now interested to face an opponent calling himself the strongest Genin, Sasuke accepts his challenge but finds himself powerless against an opponent who uses taijutsu. Lee was about to finish the fight with his Dancing Leaf Shadow attack when a large turtle named Ningame appears . Soon after, as Naruto thinks Ningame is his mentor, Lee's actual mentor Might Guy appears on top of Ningame with Team 7 a bit taken back by Guy's tough love and motivational speech for Lee . Upon noticing them, Guy reveals himself to be a rival of Kakashi's before taking his leave after giving Lee a punishment task to complete . Before leaving, Lee confesses that he is not actually the strongest Genin, who is in fact someone else on his team, and that he only fought Sasuke to train himself . After Naruto pressures Sasuke over this turn of events, Team 7 reaches the room where the Exams are to take place . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 23 </Th> <Td> "Genin Takedown! All Nine Rookies Face Off!" "Kechirase raibaru! Rūkī nain zen'in shūgō" (蹴 散ら せ ライバル! 新人 9 人 全員 集合) </Td> <Td> March 13, 2003 </Td> <Td> February 11, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Before entering the Chunin Exam hall, Team 7 are greeted by Kakashi, who informs them that all three of them had been required to consent to taking the exams before they would have been allowed in, and wished them luck . Once inside, Team 7 meet up with their classmates: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi of Asuma's Team 10 and Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga, and Kiba Inuzuka of Kurenai's Team 8 . The Rookie Nine have a spirited discussion before they meet an exam veteran named Kabuto Yakushi who informs them about each of the villages represented while also giving Sasuke information on Gaara and Lee . Though Kabuto intimidated the other Rookie Nine members by telling them that there were only elite Genin among the individuals taking the exams, Naruto loudly proclaims that he will beat every ninja in the room, to his friends' annoyance of being targeted by association . At that time, Kabuto is attacked by Team Dosu from the Hidden Sound Village for his earlier remark about their village . Although it appears that Kabuto dodged the attack, his glasses suddenly break and he becomes nauseated . Before the confrontation escalates any further, the examiner Ibiki Morino and his team enter to commence the Chunin Exams . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 24 </Th> <Td> "Start Your Engines: The Chunin Exam Begins!" "Ikinari shikkaku? Chō - nankan no daiichi shiken" (いきなり 失格? 超 難関 の 第 一 試験) </Td> <Td> March 20, 2003 </Td> <Td> February 18, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> As everyone takes their seats, Ibiki explains that the first phase of the exam will be a written test where the teams with higher points continue to the next phase . Ibiki's assistants line the sides of the room to observe the Genin to ensure they do not cheat, with teams removed from the room if any member is caught cheating five times . With the exception of Naruto and Sakura, Sasuke and everyone else realise that the real test is to subtly cheat using their unique skills . While Sakura is able to answer the questions, Naruto is the opposite as he feels he must place all his faith in the final question, which will be given fifteen minutes before the test's end . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 25 </Th> <Td> "The Tenth Question: All or Nothing!" "Detatoko shōbu! Funbaridokoro no jū monme" (出 た とこ 勝負! 踏ん張り どころ の 10 問 目) </Td> <Td> March 27, 2003 </Td> <Td> February 25, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Forty - five minutes into the written portion of the Chūnin Exams, Ibiki announces that it is time for the tenth and final question . But he ominously states that while their team would fail the exam if they do not take it, failure to answer it correctly would result in the participant being barred from any future Chunin Exams . Fretting over the unpredicted turn of events, Naruto refuses to give in to fear with his outburst putting the minds of those remaining at ease . Seeing that no one else would be leaving, Ibiki reveals that the first nine questions were to test their skills in intelligence gathering while the final question was to test their resolve . Passing Ibiki's test, the proctor was amused to find that Naruto passed without answering any of the questions, while the remaining Genin meet their next examiner Anko Mitarashi the next day at the site of the second phase of the exam: the Forest of Death . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 26 </Th> <Td> "Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!" "Zettai hikken! Shi no Mori chokusen rupo! Konoha no gakkyū shinbun da kore!" (絶対 必見! 死 の 森 直前 ルポ! 木ノ葉 の 学級 新聞 だ コレ!) </Td> <Td> April 2, 2003 </Td> <Td> March 4, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> The episode is an anime - exclusive episode for Konohamaru and his classmates' news report starring the Chunin - in - training . Before the second exam can begin, Konohamaru and his friends pull the members of Team 7 aside for interviews, where they retell the story up until this point . They discuss the Hokages, the rogue ninja etc . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 27 </Th> <Td> "The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death" "Daini shiken sutāto! Mawari wa minna teki darake!" (第 二 試験 スタート! 周り は みんな 敵 だらけ!) </Td> <Td> April 2, 2003 </Td> <Td> April 15, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Anko briefs the candidates on their goal for the second portion of the exam . Each team is given one of two scrolls: a Heaven Scroll or an Earth Scroll . Once in the Forest, they must take the other scroll from an opposing team, and reach the tower in the centre of the forest with both to continue . After receiving their scroll, each team enters the Forest of Death simultaneously . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 28 </Th> <Td> "Eat or be Eaten: Panic in the Forest" "Kū ka kuwareru ka! Esa ni natta Naruto" (喰う か 喰わ れる か! エサ に なっ た ナルト) </Td> <Td> April 9, 2003 </Td> <Td> April 15, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> A few minutes after entering the Forest of Death, Naruto leaves the team to relieve himself, but he is knocked out by a Genin from the Hidden Rain Village who mimics his appearance to infiltrate Team 7 . Luckily, seeing through the disguise, Sasuke drives away the attacking Rain Genin . While he and his team mates go over a password to identify themselves in such a situation, Naruto is separated from the others by a powerful gust of wind before being swallowed by a giant snake . In the meantime, Sasuke and Sakura are disabled by a Grass ninja named Shiore . Before they even fight, Sasuke and Sakura have visions of their own deaths upon looking into Shiore's eyes, paralysing them with fear . Regaining his composure, Sasuke flees with Sakura as Shiore pursues . Luckily, having managed to kill the snake, Naruto arrives in time to save them both . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 29 </Th> <Td> "Naruto's Counterattack: Never Give In!" "Naruto hangeki! Nigenēndattebayo!" (ナルト 反撃! 逃げ ねー ん だって ば よ!) </Td> <Td> April 16, 2003 </Td> <Td> April 15, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Despite Naruto's timely appearance, Sasuke offers Shiore the scroll in exchange for their lives . Sasuke then throws the scroll to Shiore but Naruto intercepts it . Naruto punches Sasuke during his attempt to convince Naruto to give the scroll up, causing Naruto to accuse Sasuke of being an impostor as the Sasuke he knew would never be so weak and cowardly . Shiore summons a giant snake and engages Naruto, who uses the Nine - Tails chakra to fight . Eventually, upon learning that his opponent is the host of the Nine - Tails, Shiore seals Naruto's ability to access the monster's power . As Naruto's unconscious body is saved by Sakura pinning it to a tree with a kunai in mid-air, Sasuke manages to muster the courage from Naruto's words to fight . Meanwhile, Anko learns of three faceless corpses found near the exams, one of them revealed to be Shiore, and recognizes the technique used to remove their faces . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 30 </Th> <Td> "The Sharingan Revived: Dragon - Flame Jutsu!" "Yomigaere Sharingan! Hissatsu: Katon Ryūka no Jutsu!" (蘇れ 写 輪 眼! 必殺 火遁 龍 火 の 術!) </Td> <Td> April 23, 2003 </Td> <Td> April 22, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> After a protracted battle with the mysterious ninja posing as Shiore, Sasuke traps Shiore and uses the Dragon Flame technique to incinerate his attacker . However, Shiore is still alive with his face partially melted off, revealing part of Shiore's true face . After extending his neck to inflict Sasuke with an unidentified mark, the ninja introduces himself as Orochimaru . Burning the scroll he possessed, Orochimaru leaves while promising that Sasuke will look for him in the future . Anko eventually finds Orochimaru, revealed to be her former teacher, and unsuccessfully tries to kill him while learning that his target was Sasuke, and that any interference in the Chunin Exams to remove the youth from the proceedings would end terribly for the Hidden Leaf Village . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 31 </Th> <Td> "Bushy Brow's Pledge: Undying Love and Protection!" "Geki mayu puratonikku! Boku wa shinu made anata o mamoru!!" (激 まゆ プラトニック! 僕 は 死ぬ まで アナタ を 守る!!) </Td> <Td> April 30, 2003 </Td> <Td> April 29, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> After the ordeal with Orochimaru, Sakura managed to move her team mates under a tree to tend to their wounds overnight . During this time, Sakura is unaware that her team are being watched by Team Dosu, and wards off a squirrel that they had placed a paper bomb onto, without knowing that it had been made into an explosive device . Soon after, the Sound Genin make their presence known as they reveal their intent to kill Sasuke while dealing with the numerous traps that Sakura had prepared to defend her teammates . Luckily, having been guided by the squirrel after saving it, Lee arrives to protect Sakura . As the battle ensued, Lee uses the Primary Lotus on Dosu but the impact is cushioned by Zaku Abumi and Lee is knocked out . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 32 </Th> <Td> "Sakura Blossoms!" "Sakura saku! Ketsui no ushiro sugata" (サクラ 咲く! 決意 の 後ろ姿) </Td> <Td> May 7, 2003 </Td> <Td> May 6, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> With her teammates and Lee all unconscious, Sakura is forced to fight on her own before one of the Sound Genin, Kin Tsuchi, grabs the girl by her hair and proceeds to insult her for her perceived vanity . This causes Sakura to remember her past with her own rival, Ino, and she is reminded of the reasons for growing her hair so long . She then decides to focus on being a strong ninja rather than just attractive, cutting her hair to free herself from Kin's grasp before attacking Zaku . Moved by Sakura's determination, Ino and the rest of Team 10 come to her aid . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 33 </Th> <Td> "Battle Formation: Ino - Shika - Cho!" "Muteki no fōmēshon! InoShikaChō!!" (無敵 の フォーメーション! い の シカチョウ!!) </Td> <Td> May 14, 2003 </Td> <Td> May 13, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Team 10 battles Team Dosu, each using their unique techniques to battle . However, though Ino uses her Mind Transfer technique on Kin, the Sound Genin regain the advantage before Sasuke suddenly awakens . Empowered by Orochimaru's curse mark, Sasuke becomes a cruel and sadistic monster as he easily defeats Zaku while breaking his arms . Terrified by Sasuke's extremely cruel brutality, Sakura stops him before he can inflict fatal injuries on either of the remaining Sound Genin . Deciding that they stand no chance, Dosu leaves their scroll behind so that he and his team can retreat without further harm . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 34 </Th> <Td> "Akamaru Trembles: Gaara's Cruel Strength!" "Akamaru bikkuri! Gaara, Kyōi no Jitsuryoku" (赤丸 ビックリ! 我 愛 羅, 驚異 の 実力) </Td> <Td> May 21, 2003 </Td> <Td> May 20, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> As Team 7, Team 10, and Team Guy recover, Team 8 witnesses Gaara mercilessly kill a team of Rain Genin . Although Gaara prepares to turn his attention to Team 8, his siblings persuade him to leave them alone . Gaara's team beats the previous record for getting to the tower by a gigantic margin, and none of them are even remotely injured . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> 35 </Th> <Td> "The Scroll's Secret: No Peeking Allowed" "Nozokimi genkin! Makimono no himitsu" (のぞき 見 厳禁! 巻き物 の 秘密) </Td> <Td> May 28, 2003 </Td> <Td> May 27, 2006 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Naruto awakens and, upon realising that they need another scroll to pass, decides to forge a new one, but has to open their existing scroll to do so, an action banned by the rules of the exam . However, before he could do so, Kabuto, separated from his team, stops him, stating that those who did would be rendered unconscious until the end of the exam . He then accompanies Team 7 to the tower in the center of the forest . Along the way, the group encounters a genjutsu set by the Rain Genin group whose teammate Sasuke had defeated previously . By the time they realise that they are not getting any closer to the center of the forest, they are attacked by a number of clones . </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Th> No . </Th> <Th> Title </Th> <Th> Original airdate </Th> <Th> English airdate </Th> </Tr>

When do the chunin exams start in naruto