Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.
Naruto (Season 3)
A Fierce Battle of Rolling Thunder! (Episode 1) 6.3
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2004-10-20
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: With Naruto's help, Idate reaches the Modoroki Shrine... But just as he's about to cross the bridge, an old nemesis stands in his way.
The Last Leg: A Final Act of Desperation (Episode 2) 7.4
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2004-10-27
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Now that Sasuke and Sakura are trapped at the bottom of a cliff, it's up the Number One Knucklehead Ninja to defeat the malevolent Aoi and help Idate cross the finish line.
The Battle Begins: Naruto vs. Sasuke (Episode 3) 6.6
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2004-11-03
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Hospital bound and feeling his pride shattered, Sasuke finds there is only way to redeem himself: Battle Naruto! Meanwhile, the Ino-Shika-Cho Squad sit down for some barbeque to celebrate a special occasion!
Bitter Rivals and Broken Bonds (Episode 4) 7.8
Writer: Akatsuki Yamatoya
Air date: 2004-11-10
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: As their rivalry reaches a fever pitch, Kakashi-sensei breaks up the battle and sends Naruto and Sasuke to their corners. Meanwhile, Four Sound ninja enter the Hidden Leaf Village with only one thing on their mind... Sasuke!
An Invitation from the Sound (Episode 5) 7.6
Writer: Michiko Yokote
Air date: 2004-11-17
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Sasuke takes on all four Sound Ninja, but soon learns it's going to take more than Chidori to defeat them!
Formation! The Sasuke Retrieval Squad (Episode 6) 7.4
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2004-11-24
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Now that word of Sasuke's departure has spread to the Fifth Hokage, she calls upon the newest Chunin, Shikamaru, to put together a squad to bring Sasuke back to the village.
Sound vs. Leaf (Episode 7) 7.2
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2004-11-24
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: The Sound Ninja have Sasuke in their clutches and it's up to the Hidden Leaf Village's top Shinobi to stop them.
Squad Mutiny: Everything Falls Apart! (Episode 8) 7.2
Writer: Akatsuki Yamatoya
Air date: 2004-12-01
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: As Shikamaru and the rest of the squad move in, Jirobo, one of the Sound Ninja, traps them within an Earth Dome Prison and sucks up their chakra!
Full Throttle Power! Choji, Ablaze! (Episode 9) 7.2
Writer: Satoru Nishizono
Air date: 2004-12-08
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Upon breaking free from the Earth Dome Prison, The Sasuke Retrieval Squad realize they don't have enough chakra to take on Jirobo... but Choji's got another idea up his sleeve.
Good-bye Old Friend...! I'll Always Believe in You! (Episode 10) 7.8
Writer: Satoru Nishizono
Air date: 2004-12-15
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: With his life on the line against the Sound Ninja Jirobo, Choji looks back on the seeds of his friendship with Shikamaru. Can he defeat his fearsome opponent without any Chakra?
Your Opponent Is Me! (Episode 11) 7.4
Writer: Michiko Yokote
Air date: 2004-12-22
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Hot on Sasuke's trail, Shikamaru and his squad get caught up in a web of unparalled chakra when they tangle with the six-armed Kidomaru!
360 Degrees of Vision: The Byakugan's Blind Spot (Episode 12) 7.2
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2005-01-05
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: While Naruto and the others go after Sasuke and the other Sound Ninja, Neji is locked in a desperate no-holds-barred battle with Kidomaru.
Losing is Not an Option! (Episode 13) 7.5
Writer: Akatsuki Yamatoya
Air date: 2005-01-05
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Neji's on the run from Kidomaru's bow and arrow attacks. Will Neji make it out alive or will his new-found enemy hit his blindspot dead on?
The Vessel Arrives Too Late (Episode 14) 7.4
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-01-12
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: In pursuit of the Sound Ninja, Naruto, Kiba and Shikamaru strike at dawn to retrieve Sasuke and bring him back to the Hidden Leaf Village.
Miscalculation: A New Enemy Appears! (Episode 15) 7.2
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-01-19
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto, Kiba and Shikamaru intercept Sasuke from the Sound Ninja Four, but little do they know that another ninja from the Sound Village has been dispatched to grab Sasuke as well.
Roar and Howl! The Ultimate Tag-Team! (Episode 16) 7.0
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-02-02
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Faced against the vicious twin duo of Sakon and Ukon, Kiba and Akamaru team up to take them out, using their most powerful jutsu.
To Each His Own Battle (Episode 17) 7.0
Writer: Akatsuki Yamatoya
Air date: 2005-02-09
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: With the Sasuke retrieval squad now split into individual battles, it's up to Naruto, Kiba and Shikamaru to stop the sound ninja. But little do they realize that there's more to their opponents than their basic techniques.
Fakeout: Shikamaru's Comeback! (Episode 18) 6.8
Writer: Michiko Yokote
Air date: 2005-02-16
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Shikamaru's got his hands full with Tayuya and her melodic attacks. Can he stop her and put an end to her malevolent flute playing?
The Leaf's Handsome Devil! (Episode 19) 6.8
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2005-02-23
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto's Shadow Clones are no match for Kimimaro's attacks. But when an old bushy-browed buddy from the Leaf Village shows up, all bets are off!
The Beast Within (Episode 20) 7.8
Writer: Satoru Nishizono
Air date: 2005-03-02
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Rock Lee's back and he's full of a special medicine that has Kimimaro on the run! Can he take out the fifth Sound Ninja?
The Sand Shinobi: Allies of the Leaf (Episode 21) 7.6
Writer: Akatsuki Yamatoya
Air date: 2005-03-09
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Down for the count and at the mercy of the Sound Ninja, Kiba, Shikamaru and Rock Lee get help from an unlikely bunch of new allies.
Showdown: Gaara vs. Kimimaro (Episode 22) 7.8
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-03-16
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Itching to fight and with a sense of guilt from the past, Gaara tells Rock Lee to stand down and let him take on Kimimaro. Meanwhile, Naruto continues on his quest to catch the runaway Sasuke.
Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance! (Episode 23) 7.0
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-03-30
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: As Gaara demonstrates he has more than enough backbone to take on Kimimaro, Orochimaru recollects on how he brought him as a young man into the Sound Village.
A Cry on Deaf Ears (Episode 24) 7.5
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-03-30
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Finally catching up to Sasuke, Naruto does all he can to keep him from going to Orochimaru. Does he have enough strength to stop him or is Sasuke gone for good?
Brothers: Distance Among the Uchihas (Episode 25) 7.7
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-04-06
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto and Sasuke face off in battle as we get a glimpse into Sasuke's past where his achievements were ignored by his father and his brother Itachi's behavior began to take a turn for the worst.
Father and Son, the Broken Crest (Episode 26) 7.7
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-04-13
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: As Sasuke squares off against Naruto, he reflects on his past when he was neglected by both his stern father and Itachi, his brooding older brother.
The Secrets of the Mangekyo Sharingan! (Episode 27) 7.5
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-04-20
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: While Naruto is busy underwater, Sasuke remembers the fateful day in which his clan was killed. He remembers why Itachi spared his life, and why Itachi did what what he did. Now, in order to gain the same power as his brother, he must kill his closest friend...Naruto!
For a Friend (Episode 28) 8.1
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-04-27
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Kakashi learns the truth about the chase after Sasuke, and orders his dogs, including Pakkun, to go find Naruto and Sasuke. However, things are looking grim as the clash between the Chidori and the Rasengan ensues. The attacks are even, causing Naruto and Sasuke to both fly back. Naruto finally realizes how serious Sasuke is, and gets the snot beat out of him while he remembers how he always wanted to be friends with Sasuke.
A Plea from a Friend (Episode 29) 8.6
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-05-04
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto proves to be too much for Sasuke to handle as Naruto fights back with renewed vigour. Finally acknowledging Naruto's strength, Sasuke puts on his forehead protector, symbolizing both as equals. But when Sasuke's Sharingan is upgraded to level 3, the tables turn on Naruto. Just when all hope seems lost for Naruto, he undergoes a startling transformation, but will it be enough?
The End of Tears (Episode 30) 8.0
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-05-11
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: The battle between Naruto and Sasuke comes to a close, as One-Tailed Naruto takes on Cursed Seal Level 2 Sasuke in one final Rasengan vs. Chidori clash! And this time...only one person will emerge victorious. Will Kakashi and Pakkun make it in time? And who is this mysterious ninja watching everything?
The Promise That Could Not Be Kept (Episode 31) 7.6
Writer: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Air date: 2005-05-18
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Shikamaru's group is brought back to Konoha with many injuries. Neji and Chouji could possibly die, Kiba has a deep wound but nothing too serious, and Naruto and Shimakamru have a few injuries. When Sakura finds out they are back ,she goes immediatley to see Sasuke and Naruto but finds out Sasuke got away. Can Naruto keep his promise to Sakura? And what news does the Jiraiya have for Naruto?
Deep Cover?! A Super S-Ranked Mission! (Episode 32) 7.2
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-05-25
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Jiraiya begins to worry about Naruto and Sakura's wellbeing. He then requests that Tsunade send them 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 Rice Country to find the Hidden Sound Village, and hopefully Sasuke as well.
A Town of Outlaws, The Shadow of the Fuma Clan (Episode 33) 7.0
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-06-01
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto, Sakura and Jiraiya end up in a town that is even worse than the one they were chased out of. Jiraiya heads off and leaves Naruto and Sakura to get some food. Along the way they find the ninja that attacked them before, but things are not as clearcut as they might seem.
Pure Betrayal, and a Fleeting Plea! (Episode 34) 7.2
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-06-08
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: When Sasame drugs the gang, she prepares to hand them over to Orochimaru. But, when she discovers that they are to be killed, she has a change of heart...
Pure Terror! The House of Orochimaru (Episode 35) 6.4
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-06-15
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: 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. Will the four of them make it past the traps?
Two Heartbeats: Kabuto's Trap (Episode 36) 6.8
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-06-22
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto arrives in the nick of time to save Sakura, but not before Kabuto tells her that Sasuke is dead! Naruto attacks but ends up tangled in a deadly trap of Kabuto's. Is it all over for our hero and will they find Arashi?
Sakura's Determination (Episode 37) 7.4
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-06-29
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: The battle between Naruto and Arashi continues, but Naruto's injury is making it difficult for him to succeed. Sasame jumps in to try to save Naruto but will it be enough?
The Three Villains from the Maximum Security Prison (Episode 38) 6.6
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2005-07-06
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: With the events of the Rice Field Country behind them, everyone prepares for their training. But a new threat soon arises. Remember Mizuki? He's back and he's planning to break out of Konoha's Correctional
Tonton! I'm Counting on You! (Episode 39) 7.2
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2005-07-13
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Shizune and her team encounter Mizuki, but it doesn't go as planned! When Ton-ton comes back to warn Tsunade, Naruto takes the initiative to find Shizune with Ton-ton's help. Kakashi arrives and lends Pakkun's assistance to Iruka before departing on a mission of his own. Will it all be enough to save the day?
A New Squad! Two People and a Dog?! (Episode 40) 6.8
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2005-07-20
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto is having trouble with the two brothers and Iruka is having his share of difficulties with Mizuki! Iruka struggles to try and get the old Mizuki back but he doesn't have much success.... Meanwhile, when things are looking bleak for Naruto, can 3 friendly Ninja save the day?
A New Formation: Ino-Shika-Cho! (Episode 41) 7.0
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2005-07-27
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto's backup has arrived and they are Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji. They tell Naruto that they will take care of the brothers. Naruto leaves to catch up to Iruka, who is fighting Mizuki. Can Naruto arrive before Mizuki kills Iruka? And can Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji hold off the brothers?
Orochimaru's Shadow (Episode 42) 7.0
Writer: Yuka Miyata
Air date: 2005-08-10
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto, Iruka and Pakkun meet up with Mizuki's fiancee Tsubaki and she has come to offer help to the three. Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji are having trouble holding the two brothers at bay. While this is going on, Tsunade discovers a startling secret about Mizuki and Orochimaru and plans to take matters into her own hands....
A Clash of Fate: You Can't Bring Me Down! (Episode 43) 7.2
Writer: Yuka Miyata
Air date: 2005-08-17
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Mizuki is determined to make Naruto and Iruka suffer and it appears that he has the upper edge with his improved strength and speed! Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji are also at their limits and now Fuujin and Raijin are free. Can Tsunade arrive in time to help?
Search for the Rare Bikochu Beetle (Episode 44) 7.5
Writer: Satoru Nishizono
Air date: 2005-08-17
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto is unable to search for Sasuke due to Tsunade's orders, while Kiba and Hinata wonder how they can help him out. Shino remembers a special type of bug that if it is found, could easily track Sasuke down. they go and discuss it with Tsunade, who agrees to let them search for it, making Shino the leader. Tsunade discovers Naruto eavsfropping the conversation and lets him go with them. But, can they complete a mission with only a 10% success rate? As they travel, Naruto has difficulty dealing with Shino's bizzare behavior. Hinata also sneaks out in the middle of the night to practice some mysterious moves. After two days of travelling, they finally reach their destination. And they're not alone, a mysterious group is also after the same thing.
What's the Difference? Don't All Insects Look Alike? (Episode 45) 6.3
Writer: Satoru Nishizono
Air date: 2005-08-24
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: The group struggles to find a Bikouchuu, but seem to fail at every turn. When it starts to rain they realise they only have one more chance to find it, will Hinata's Byakugan be enough?
A Battle of Bugs: The Deceivers and the Deceived (Episode 46) 7.4
Writer: Satoru Nishizono
Air date: 2005-08-31
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: With Hinata's safety in danger, the group must try and figure out a way to save her and protect the Bikouchuu at the same time. Every time one side seems to have an edge though, the other reveals yet a new trick. As dawn approaches, they don't have long left....can they succeed?
Blaze Away, Byakugan! This is My Ninja Way! (Episode 47) 7.4
Writer: Satoru Nishizono
Air date: 2005-09-14
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: With the group trapped, Shino makes a deal to trade the Bikouchuu for Hinata. Unfortunately for the opponents, Hinata got away, making the deal worthless! They begin to attack but can Hinata show up to save the day?
Funeral March for the Living (Episode 48) 7.0
Writer: Yasuyuki Suzuki
Air date: 2005-09-21
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: When Naruto rescues three strangers he finds himself dragged into yet another mission. However, this time he doesn't want to partake in it! That is until he hears that there might be a connection to Akatsuki. With Neji, Lee and Tenten as his teammates, will he find the information he is looking for?
A Lesson Learned: The Iron Fist of Love! (Episode 49) 6.8
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-09-28
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: 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 Kurashi to return his his old way of life. Their time together is cut short, as Raiga watches from the sidelines. Can Naruto, Neji, Rock Lee, and Tenten defeat an enemy that not even Neji's Byakugan can see?
The Enemy of the Byakugan (Episode 50) 7.2
Writer: Yasuyuki Suzuki
Air date: 2005-10-05
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Naruto, Tenten, Neji and Lee continue their mission to stop Raiga and save the Rourusuke Family. They try to work out a plan but the thick fog makes it difficult for them to see. Even Neji's Byakugan doesn't seem to help. Lee fights Raiga and manages to knock a bag off his back. What is this bag and what is inside it that seems so important? Meanwhile Naruto steps up to battle Raiga. Will he be able to defeat him?
The Dark Creeping Clouds (Episode 51) 7.6
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-10-12
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: With Raiga seemingly defeated, the group can get on with clearing up the remaining enemy Ninja and returning the village to normal. However, what will they do with Ranmaru who tells them about his tragic past?
Raiga's Counterattack (Episode 52) 8.0
Writer: Yasuyuki Suzuki
Air date: 2005-10-19
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Ranmaru is determined to bring Raiga back from the dead and appears to suceed! An enraged raiga now goes on the offensive, starting with Tenten. Karashi runs back to the Curry House to tell the others what has happened, but who's side is he really on?
Run! The Curry of Life (Episode 53) 7.2
Writer: Junki Takegami
Air date: 2005-10-26
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Lee is left facing Raiga alone while Tenten and the others hurry to bring them the curry of life. Ranmaru is reunited with Raiga, but are things the same as they were before?
Follow My Lead! The Great Survival Challenge (Episode 54) 6.8
Writer: Kouhei Urasawa
Air date: 2005-11-02
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Every Genin is assigned a squad of Cadets to lead on a mission that forces all of them to race to the top of a mountain to retrieve a scroll and, wouldn't you know it, guess who Naruto ends up leading? Its none other than the Konohamaru corps. However, when a storm causes the mission to be cancelled without his knowing, he will have to be a better leader than ever to keep his team alive!
