Chuunin Exam Prelims

Ep 38
Hayate says they need to fight in some preliminary matches to see who gets to advance to the third exam's main battle. Sakura tries to convince Sasuke to withdraw, but he refuses. Kabuto volunteers to quit, his body is already completely wornout. Hayate explains the one-on-one matches are like real combat, 20 people, 10 matches. Winners will advance to the finals. There are no rules, fight until one dies, gets knocked out, or admits defeat. If judge decides the match is over, it may be stopped to prevent any unnecessary deaths. The electronic bulletin randomly displays the names of two fighters for each match. First match is Akadou Yoroi vs. Uchida Sasuke!

Ep 39
Yoroi is able to suck out mind and body energy by placing his palm on the enemy's body. Once Sasuke's chakra is gone, he must rely on the cursed seal. Naruto starts to insult him - Sasuke looks up and sees Lee next to Naruto and gets the idea to use Lee's taijutsu. Sasuke wins, but can't stay for the matches. Kakashi seals Sasuke's cursed seal. But then Orochimaru appears!

Ep 40
Kakashi and Orochimaru exchange words as Kakashi tries to protect Sasuke from being part of Orochimaru's plans. Zaku gets his own personal flashback and finishes fight (or gets finished) against Shino. Kakashi starts his chidori against Orochimaru, but is that enough?

Ep 41
Match between Kankurou and Misumi concludes. Next fight is Sakura vs. Ino. Ino goes easy on Sakura when she thinks back to the time they were friends as children. Lots of flashbacks to their past. Finally they put on their forehead protectors properly to fight seriously.

Ep 42
Sakura and Ino are evenly matched. After a round of insults, Ino cuts her hair and throws it at Sakura. Then she tries to use her mind transfer technique, but it's a straight line of sight technique and unlikely to work. But Ino has something else in mind!

Ep 43
A quick match between Ten Ten and Temari where Temari's fan just blows away all of Ten Ten's weapons. Then onto Shikamaru vs. Kin. Kin uses needles to skewer him and bells for a sound attack, but Shikamaru uses his smarts and his single technique (shadow imitation).

Ep 44
Now it's Kiba and his dog Akamaru against Naruto. It's two against one and Naruto is at a disadvantage. Kiba transforms Akamaru to himself and Naruto has to fight two Kibas!

Ep 45
Fight between Kiba and Naruto continues. Naruto transforms into Kiba thereby confusing him and he ends up knocking out his own dog. But Kiba still has the advantage even when fighting one-on-one. His fast attacks prevent Naruto from completing the seals required for kage bunshin. But then Naruto does something rather gross.and the tables are turned!

Ep 46
Next match is Hinata vs Neji. Hinata unwisely disregards Kiba's advice to quit. Lee explains the Hyuuga system of Head family (Hinata) and Branch family (Neji) and the bad blood between them. Hinata is trying to change herself, but Neji scoffs at that and believes only in fate and destiny. The powers of the Byakuugan eyes are revealed as the two face off.

Ep 47
Neji scores a direct hit and has stopped Hinata's chakra flow, but she refuses to give up being inspired by Naruto. Hinata tells Neji that he is suffering more than she is, he is confused and suffering inside about the fate of the head and branch families. This really pushes his button and he runs at her with the intent to kill!

Ep 48
Lee vs. Gaara - one of the greatest Naruto battles begin! It's revealed that Lee cannot use ninjutsu or genjutsu. His only talent is taijutsu, but will that and his super speed be enough against Gaara and his shield of sand and armor of sand?

Ep 49
Lee's use of the lotus fails as Gaara switched his body with just a shell of sand. Lots of Lee flashbacks showing his lack of talent and his hard word and determination to succeed. Lee gets beaten up by Gaara, but he has another trick up his sleeve - he starts to open the inner gates!

Ep 50
Lee attacks Gaara with explosive speed. The sand can't keep up. Gaara's armor of sand cracks. Lee attacks again and again and the armor of sand is being penetrated. But is opening 5 of the 8 inner gates enough to defeat Gaara and his sand and more sand?

Ep 51
Last match is Dosu vs. Choji. Dosu quickly dispatches Choji as more than 70% of the human body is made of water and water transmits sound. Meanwhile Kabuto and Orochimaru discuss their plans. Kabuto faces off against Kakashi and the genin are assigned their opponents in the final matches.