The Chunin Exams arc is often praise as one of the best in theNarutoseries , and for just reasonableness . It return thrilling battles , showcased unique jutsu , and introduce fan - favourite character like Gaara , Neji , and Rock Lee . Even Naruto got a chance to prove himself , stick out out in ways that would define his journeying . Orochimaru ’s terrific debut also parent the stake , plant the stage for succeeding conflict .

However , despite its strength , the arc came too ahead of time and left one major flaw in the serial publication . Because it followed right after the Land of Waves , fans did n’t get enough time tosee Team 7 bondthrough smaller missions . This lack of fundament made Sasuke ’s eventual treachery find less emotionally grounded . If the serial had taken more time before the exams , later story arcs could ’ve had an even greater worked up impact .

Chunin Exam Was Great, No Doubt About It

This Arc Still Rivals Post-Time Skip Highlights

The Chunin Exams arc is undeniably a fan - favoritein theNarutoseries . It happened decent after the prologue and wasted no time in expanding the domain by bring out pivotal character like Gaara , Rock Lee , and Neji Hyuga . Even inBoruto , Gaara stay a key fibre , showing how important his unveiling was during this arc . The structure of the tournament leave character to radiate individually , giving fans battles and moment they still speak about today .

This electric discharge was also crucial for Neji Hyuga ’s development , peculiarly during his fight with Naruto in episode # 59 . At first , Neji looked down on Naruto , but during their match , he began to let down his guard and recognize Naruto ’s resolution . That fight also depict Naruto tap into the Nine - Tails ’ power , suggest at the deep potential within him . These bit added emotional weight , proving that the Chunin Exams were n’t just about flashy fight but personal emergence , too .

Naruto is one of my favorite Zanzibar copal series of all clip , but at the end of 500 episodes , I believe that one case ruin the finale for everyone .

Naruto Deaths

The rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke was also spotlightedas Sasuke observed Naruto ’s enduringness during his fight with Gaara . Seeing Naruto ’s speedy maturation made Sasuke feel left behind , at long last fueling his obsession with gaining more world power . While the Chunin Exam discharge was full of unforgettable consequence , pass on it so much focal point left little way to further develop Team 7 ’s hamper . As a result , Sasuke ’s departure from Konoha lacked the emotional depth it could ’ve had had the team divvy up more meaningful missions beforehand .

Not Enough Time With Team 7 Before the Exams

Mini-Arcs Could Have Highlighted Sakura and Naruto’s Bond with Sasuke

Inlong - running anime likeNaruto , other resister can easy be eclipse , but the Land of Waves arc stood out as a muscular first appearance for Team 7 . The battle against Zabuza and Haku , which began in episode # 7 , is still remembered lovingly by buff for its excited stake and acute action . It was the first sentence thebestNarutomain type — Naruto , Sasuke , and Sakura — go as a veridical squad , showcasing the strength of their bond and the teachings of Kakashi . That ’s why this arc rest one of the most pivotal in the full series .

Naruto is filled with obsess moments , from Itachi ’s treachery to Jiraiya ’s heartbreaking demise — each episode leaves a painful and lasting impact .

However , justly after this knock-down introduction , the Chunin Exams were rushed into the storyline . Naruto , Sasuke , and Sakura scarcely had meter to grow as a unit before being separated by larger secret plan developments . Mini - arcs in between could have shown more of their growing bond and made Sasuke ’s eventual difference even more heartbreaking . While the conclusion to bring Sasuke back is central to the story , fans would ’ve felt it even more deeply if we had seen Team 7 ’s friendship in full blossom first .

Masashi Kishimoto_Rock-Lee-Sakura-Haruna

The Sudden Shift Hurt Sasuke’s Betrayal Arc

Sasuke Uchiha Was a Friend, But the Series Didn’t Show It

Sasuke ’s reason for leaving the village and turn over his back on Team 7 has always been understood by rooter . His cryptical gall toward his older brother , Itachi Uchiha , who massacred their full clan include their parent , served as a powerful aroused mainstay for his decision . However , alongside that pain in the neck , Sasuke also developed jealousy toward Naruto , especially as he begin witnessing Naruto ’s growing strength through the Nine - Tails ' power . This combining of brokenheartedness and rivalry pushed Sasuke to follow up on power at all costs , even if it meant severing ties .

Naruto and Sasuke are amazing face of the iconic shonen dealership , but its serious fictional character are so obscure even Kishimoto missed their value .

Still , Sasuke ’s perfidy lacked the worked up weight it could have had due to the belt along tempo of the former arcs . present moment that play up their friendship , like the heartfelt and comedic Team 7 bonding in Naruto Shippuden installment # 469 , add up too late . That installment , where they tried to unmask Kakashi , prove the genuine association they apportion as kids , something the original electric arc could have built on more soundly . If more scenes like that existed before his departure , Sasuke Uchiha ’s stress on leaving Team 7 would have finger less rush and more emotionally base , rather than like a bond was break before it was ever truly built .

Naruto punches Neji during their Chunin Exams battle.

Kishimoto Was Likely Rushed Into the Arc

Chunin Exams Arc’s Early Introduction Wasn’t Originally Part of the Plan

According to Masashi Kishimoto himself , his original vision was to proceed focusing on Naruto and Team 7 , having them grow organically through missions that bit by bit introduce ninjas from other settlement . He intended for the three to encounter these character along the room , allowing fan to witness their teamwork , friendly relationship , and case-by-case development over time . However , his editors at Shueisha feel that this glide slope was too slow - pace for a shōnen series . They insist he make a tournament arc instead , and althoughKishimoto replied that doing so would " kill " him , the editors firmly responded , " Do it even if it kills you . "

Naruto becoming a Chunin has always been a strange topic , but he had already proven he deserve the title during the chunin test .

Although Kishimoto never plan to compose a tournament bow , he later acknowledge that the Chunin Exams brought the series a significant surge in popularity , and it is easy to see why . Tournament arc have become staple of shōnen gum anime because they offer the perfect apparatus to introduce grapheme abilities , rivalry , and development .

naruto chunin exams

Studio Pierrot

Still , sports fan ca n’t serve but wonder what Kishimoto in the beginning intended for Team 7 . The news report , muted moments , and reference arc fans could have experienced if the pace had not been forced to shift . A deeper dive into those former , intended arcs could have made Sasuke ’s later betrayal more emotionally impactful and givenNaruto ’s Team 7 adhesiveness the development it truly deserve .

Summary

Naruto is a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Masashi Kishimoto . It survey Naruto Uzumaki , a untested ninja striving for recognition and direct to become the Hokage , the leader of his village . The franchise has a world fanbase due to its rich storytelling , character development , and themes of perseverance and friendly relationship . It has expand into anime series , film , novels , video game , and more . The subsequence serial Boruto continue the story , focusing on Naruto ’s son , Boruto Uzumaki .

Naruto in a battle pose, throwing a kunai while he holds three more. Behind him, Kaguya and Madara can be seen.

Naruto (2002) TV Show Poster

Anime

Naruto