List of Naruto episodes (season 4)

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

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 Masashi Kishimoto's manga, the season finishes the Leaf ninjas failing to stop Sasuke Uchiha. While episode 135 concludes the manga adaptation, episodes from 136 to 220 marked the anime-exclusive story.

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
Near the end of battle between Naruto and Sasuke, Tsunade sends Kakashi to find them. Meanwhile, Sasuke forces to kill Naruto and Sasuke's special eye evolves into a Mangekyo Sharingan. As Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Lightning Blade clash, Sasuke uses his curse mark and Naruto uses the Nine-Tails chakra to heal his wounds.
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
Asking Naruto that they are still orphans, Sasuke wears his headband and inflict Naruto's quick movements and counterattack of the shadow clones, before the mark reaches to the first level.
134	"The End of Tears" "Namida ame no ketsumatsu" (涙雨の結末)	May 11, 2005	January 26, 2008
Sasuke activates the mark to the second level and grows webbed-claw-shaped wings on the back. He informs Naruto that they are at the "Final Valley". Both boys prepare their final attacks, with Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra infused Rasengan and Sasuke's Curse-Mark enhanced Lightning Blade colliding and exploding. Naruto leaves a deep scratch on Sasuke's headband that drops to the ground, after Sasuke apparently defeats Naruto. Not following Itachi's path, Sasuke continues to join with Orochimaru, while Kakashi arrives and brings Naruto back home before the mysterious member of the Akatsuki watched on 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
The boys are sent back to the Leaf Village for full recovery at the hospital. Lying on bed, Naruto keeps Sasuke's headband and talks to Shikamaru. Tsunade arrives and realizes that Naruto cannot break his promise. Jiraiya asks Naruto to stay home and train for three years in order to stop Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. That evening, Naruto asks Jiraiya to let him bring Sasuke back, but Jiraiya refuses. As Orochimaru makes Sasuke his apprentice, the Akatsuki assemble with their leader that they will plan to take all Tailed Beasts.
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, Naruto and Sakura are assigned to investigate the Land of Sound before escaping.
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
While Jiraiya is around town, Naruto and Sakura meet and save Sasame who asks them that Orochimaru has kidnapped her cousin Arashi, before the mysterious trio destroys the house with quicksand.
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
Jiraiya saves Naruto, Sasame and Sakura, before Sasame drugs Jiraiya, Naruto and Sakura with sleeping tea at the picnic, she asks Kagerou, Jigumo and Kamikiri to bring them to Orochimaru, but they refuse. Naruto, Sakura and Jiraiya faked their sleep, and saves Sasame. As the enemy trio return to the temporary hideout, Orochimaru kills Jigumo and Kamikiri.
139	"Pure Terror! The House of Orochimaru" "Kyōfu! Orochimaru no yakata" (恐怖!大蛇丸の館)	June 15, 2005	February 9, 2008
Arriving at the hideout, Jiraiya heads to the right tunnel, Naruto and Sakura at the center, and Gamakichi in the left one. After the rest are trapped, Sakura enters a large vacant room to confront the fake Kabuto.
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
Naruto escapes from the flood room and fights with Kabuto, who traps him and himself in chakra threads that connect their hearts. Sasame arrives and gives the tag to Sakura who uses it with the kunai to cut the threads and save Naruto. Kabuto, revealing to be Kagerō, dies from a heart attack. Naruto, Sakura and Sasame confronts Orochimaru who reveals to be Arashi and becomes a combined humanoid monster.
141	"Sakura's Determination" "Sakura no ketsui" (サクラの決意)	June 29, 2005	February 16, 2008
Naruto fights with Arashi, before Sasame stabs him with the kunai. As Sakura declares that she can protect her friends, Sasame stops Arashi from killing Naruto with the crushing rectangle, which explodes and makes Arashi normal. He asks Jiraiya, Naruto and Sakura to bring Sasame home for the Fuma Clan and set them free, before the collapsing hideout kills Arashi. As the Fuma Clan at their town say farewell to Jiraiya, Naruto and Sakura, they return to the Leaf Village and Sakura asks Tsunade to become a medical ninja.
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
While everyone prepares for training, Mizuki returns and plans to break out of the Leaf's Correctional Facility with Fujin and Raijin, the Legendary Stupid Brothers (Famous Idiot Brothers in the English dub). Asuma and Kurenai failed to interrogate Mizuki, before Naruto arrives.
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
As Mizuki defeats the real Shizune and her team, Tonton returns home and asks Naruto for help. Pakkun, Iruka and Naruto recovers and confronts Mizuki as the fake Shizune who attacks Iruka, while Naruto battles with Fujin and Raijin with ineffective attacks.
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
Iruka fights and reasons with Mizuki, who explains that they were friends not before Mizuki wanted to become Hokage's favorite. Naruto fails to attack the two brothers with the shadow clones and the Rasengan, before Shikamaru, Choji and Ino arrive to save Naruto.
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 fights with the brothers and Mizuki lures Iruka into a trap at the building that explodes and Naruto arrives.
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
Mizuki's fiancée, Tsubaki meets and asks Naruto, Iruka and Pakkun for help. Having suffered with Orochimaru's curse mark, Mizuki stalls and steals the formula from the Leaf Village research lab and that Tsunade learned. As Naruto, Iruka, Pakkun and Tsubaki head near the lab cave, they confront Mizuki for drinking the formula that turns him into a monstrous tiger.
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 attacks Naruto, Iruka and Tsubaki, As Team 10 reach their limits to free Fujin and Raijin, Tsunade arrives to punish the brothers into returning home. Iruka uses Sealing Capturing Perimeter and Naruto uses the Rasengan to defeat Mizuki who reverts back to normal. Tsunade asks Mizuki that he used the incomplete DNA animal potion, before they all return home.
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
Back at the hospital, Hinata sympathizes with Naruto, Yuhi recovers herself during prison break and Shino inspects the rare beetle Bikochu, that can sense and track down Sasuke. Naruto and Team 8 are assigned to find the Bikochu, before Hinata practices and nearly masters her new defensive technique.
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
Naruto and Team 8 are pursued by hostile bug-users, the Kamizuru Clan and learn about the presence for fear of endangering the Bikochu. Knowing that she hinders her friends, Hinata finds the Bikochu with the Byakugan and Naruto captures it, before Hinata is abducted by the bug users who asks Naruto, Shino and Kiba to give the Bikochu to them in exchange for her.
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
The boys arrive at the hive to find a female bug-user as the fake Hinata who lures them into a trap. while the real Hinata inside the cocoon ends up in the river.
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
As Hinata arrives and defeats the bug users to save the boys, Naruto accidentally farts and the Bikochu senses and touches him. Back at the Leaf Village, Hinata sits with Neji and Hiashi.
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
As Naruto saves to bring Rokusuke, Sangorō and Hachidai from the Katabami Gold Mine, they are assigned to the Land of Rivers with Team Guy. They arrive at the Curry of Life Shop to meet Sansho and her son Karashi, who fed curry for Lee after resting. That night, Naruto and Team Guy chase Rokusuke while escaping.
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
The Kurosuki Family, led by Raiga, one of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist captures Rokusuke alive. Naruto and Team Guy ambush them to save the old man at the mine, before hearing a gong and Neji senses that Rokusuke is inside the coffin. After defeating Raiga's gang, reasoning with Karashi and freeing Rokusuke, Naruto and Team Guy confront Raiga at the fog.
154	"The Enemy of the Byakugan" "Byakugan no tenteki" (白眼の天敵)	October 5, 2005	April 5, 2008
Neji senses all decoys through the mist, before he and the others destroy it. Naruto knocks Raiga off from the cliff and the rocks apparently buried him. The gang opens the bag with the young boy Ranmaru, who tells them that he cared for Raiga. The gang put him in the shed and close it with the Chakra Sealing Tag.
155	"The Dark Creeping Clouds" "Shinobi yoru anun" (忍び寄る暗雲)	October 12, 2005	April 5, 2008
Naruto and Team Guy reasons with Karashi and the villagers, with Lee intercepting them and saying that Karashi is not with the Kurosuki Family, and begs them to bring Karashi home. The group heads back to the shed, where Ranmaru tells them that he accidentally fears against the villagers. Back at the canyon, Karashi fails to stop Ranmaru from reviving Raiga with chakra.
156	"Raiga's Counterattack" "Gyakushū no Raiga" (逆襲の雷牙)	October 19, 2005	April 12, 2008
Raiga blames Karashi for helping Ranmaru. Tenten takes Ranmaru back to the shop, and recover Ranmaru with the curry. Later, Raiga uses the powerful thunderstorm to knock Naruto, Lee and Neji unconscious.
157	"Run! The Curry of Life" "Hashire!!! Seimei no karē" (走れ!!!生命のカレー)	October 26, 2005	April 12, 2008
Sanshou, Tenten and Karashi return to the canyon and fed curry to Naruto, Lee and Neji. Raiga holds Ranmaru and evades Lee's kick, causing Ranmaru to fall off from the cliff and Naruto saves to reason with him. Naruto punches off from the ledge against Raiga, who commits suicide by using lightning to incinerate his body. Ranmaru trains to cook curry with Karashi as Sansho's apprentices.
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
Back at the Leaf Village, each Genin are assigned to lead the trio of academy students in a survival exercise. Naruto and Konohamaru's squad end up in the mountains during a thunderstorm, before surviving. The next day, Tsunade reprimands Naruto.
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 are assigned to capture Gosunkugi in the Land of Stone, where bounty hunter Sazanami does the same thing. The group recovers and takes Sazanami to safety, before discovering that he 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
Learning that Gosunkugi had accused Sazanami for murdering a family. The group confronts Gosunkugi for stealing the giant bell in a nearby city. After capturing Gosunkugi, Sazanami becomes innocent and Naruto's group fails the mission.
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
Back at the Leaf Village, two outsiders Mondai and Potcha, disguise themselves as Guy and Lee, and infiltrate there to gather secrets, before the real ones see them that they fool no one, except Naruto. Not before Tsunade, Sakura and Tenten capture them, Lee and Guy send Mondai and Potcha off the distance, and Naruto keeps it a secret.
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 assigned to the Land of Birds, where Chishima tells them that the Cursed Warrior terrorized there, after Owashi and Toki died leaving Sagi to care less on duty. That night, the group pursue and defeats the warrior that turns out to be an empty armor.
163	"The Tactician's Intent" "Sakushi - Kōmei no omowaku" (策士·紅明の思惑)	December 7, 2005	May 3, 2008
After conversing with Mousou about Koumei, the group arrives at the lake to meet and see Sagi recalling Toki's memory, and saves him from assassins, before Sagi leaves. The group sees and defeats the fake Cursed Warrior from the box, and realize that they defeat the warrior twice a day, before the guards arrest Koumei.
164	"Too Late for Help" "Ososugita suketto" (遅すぎた助っ人)	December 14, 2005	May 10, 2008
Naruto finds the black kite on the tree and opens a secret passage to the feudal lord's mansion, before the guards arrested him. Learning that Mousou is working with the group of Watari ninjas, Chishima is attacked and injured by them. At the cell, Naruto finds Sagi as the real Cursed Warrior. After sensing at the grave that Owashi is poisoned, Neji and Tenten escape to the forest and meet Kakashi.
165	"The Death of Naruto" "Naruto shisu" (ナルト死す)	December 21, 2005	May 10, 2008
After visiting the grave, Neji, Tenten and Kakashi are pursued by Hokushin while escaping from the Land of Birds. Mousou forces Koumei to perform seppuku, but Naruto disguising himself as the Cursed Warrior saves Koumei. Kakashi and Pakkun confront Nagare for hiding with camouflage. Neji and Tenten realize that Sagi asked Naruto to save Koumei. Sagi tells the group that he recovered Chishima who informs him and Naruto that Mousou has killed Owashi and betray them.
166	"When Time Stands Still" "Todomatta mama no jikan" (止まったままの時間)	January 4, 2006	May 17, 2008
As Sagi leaves to take revenge and traps the group in his house, Koumei tells them that Toki refuses to commit suicide, mourning for the real Sagi and disguises herself as the fake one. Toki disguises herself as the real Cursed Warrior and confronts Mousou who reveals himself to be Hoki who masters as many jutsus as possible. While Kakashi, Neji and Tenten arrive to fight the group of Watari ninjas, Hoki kidnaps Toki and Naruto follows them to the lake on the boat.
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
Hoki apparently kills Chishima and knocks Naruto down underwater, where Sagi wakes Naruto up and asks him to save Toki rather than taking revenge. Naruto swims back to the surface and defeats Hoki. The next day after recovering Chishima up, Toki becomes the new feudal lord for the Land of Birds. While Kakashi, Naruto, Neji and Tenten return to the Leaf Village, they learn that the Cursed Warrior is an illusion.
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
Teuchi hires Naruto, Choji and Sakura to create the food cooking tribute, after telling about Hakkaku and his group kidnapping Ayame. Teuchi teaches Naruto, Choji and Sakura how to cook, and take advantage of their techniques to make the perfect bowl of ramen with the scum recipe. The group cook and serve delicious ramen for Hakkaku and his group who forgives them and sees Ayame with heavy weight. Naruto, Choji and Sakura arrive to see the now normal Ayame who continues to serve ramen to other people and show Teuchi that he lost weight after having diet ramen.
169	"Remembrance: The Lost Page" "Kioku Ushinawareta peiji" (記憶 失われた頁)	January 25, 2006	May 24, 2008
Arriving in the Land of the Sea with Naruto, Shino and Ino to find the Demon of the Ocean (Kaima), Anko recalls her memory with Orochimaru. That evening at the docks, the group meets and sees Isaribi, and Naruto fails to chase the now defected Yoroi and Misumi. As the group sets off to one of the islands, Yoroi and Misumi nearly drowns Naruto but Isaribi saves him.
170	"The Closed Door" "Shōgeki Tozasareta doa" (衝撃 閉ざされた扉)	February 1, 2006	May 31, 2008
As Naruto wakes up and thanks Isaribi at the hut, and Orochimaru converses with scientist Amachi, Anko, Ino and Shino arrive at the island, and converse with Hidote on the payment schedule to defend it. Naruto learns that Isaribi is feared by local residents and keeps the children away from them. Anko remembers that Orochimaru left her at the island before she suffered with the curse mark at the the Leaf Village. Naruto arrives and sees Anko, Ino and Shino capturing Isaribi as the real Demon of the Ocean, before Yoroi kidnaps her and escape.
171	"Infiltration: The Set-Up!" "Sen'nyū Shikumareta torappu" (潜入 仕組まれた罠)	February 8, 2006	May 31, 2008
As Ino and Shino recovers Anko who had more memories about being part of Orochimaru's experiments, Naruto tells them that Isaribi trust him. Continuing to protect the official payment for capturing Isaribi, the group arrive to Orochimaru's fake hideout on Demon Island (Kikaijima), while learning that Isaribi had undergone physical transmutations. As a prototype, she gives the information to Amachi and Yoroi that she will return to normal. Yoroi and Isaribi decide to stay at the hideout. At the monster experimental laboratory after luring Naruto, Ino and Shino into the trapdoor, Isaribi escapes and Anko kills three large lion-like animal mutants. Shino confronts to fight with Yoroi, while Naruto, Ino and Anko confront Misumi that Ino uses her Mind Transferring Jutsu against him before Amachi, Yoroi and Isaribi escape from the collapsing hideout.
172	"Despair: A Fractured Heart" "Zetsubō Hikisakareta hāto" (絶望 引き裂かれた心)	February 15, 2006	June 7, 2008
Naruto, Ino, Shino and Anko escape and leave the island before Amachi, Yoroi and Isaribi invade Hidote's ship. As Naruto reasons with Isaribi, Amachi transforms into a monstrous sea creature and summons the Sea Monster to attack Naruto, but he uses 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
Gamabunta spews oil and Naruto sets it on fire to defeat the Sea Boss and the group captures Amachi. Anko visits the deserted house on the island, where Orochimaru planted the curse mark on her and left Amachi to take her for research. Isaribi believes in Naruto and goes to the Leaf Village to have Tsunade curing 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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