Training and the Chuunin Exam Finals

Ep 52
Ebisu is back - this time as Naruto's tutor. But what is he going to do with an unwilling student? Naruto challenges Ebisu to catch him! Episode includes explanation on chakra control and chakra channeling.

Ep 53
A perverted old guy knocks out Ebisu to Naruto's consternation. Naruto insists the "frog hermit" guy train him. He agrees but only after Naruto does his sexy no jutsu! Despite being a super-pervert, he's more than just the author of Come "Come Paradise."

Ep 54
Dosu unwisely challenges Gaara. Baki and Kabuto discuss their invasion plans. Hayate overhears them and tries to escape but Baki catches up.Meanwhile Jiraiya takes out a summoning contract for Naruto.

Ep 55
At the meeting of the shinobis the Hokage announces finding Hayate's body. Ino and Sakura try to visit Sasuke at the hospital, but he's gone! Meanwhile Lee is still as hardworking as ever despite his devastating injuries.

Ep 56
Naruto agrees to put his life on the line in order to learn the summons technique and to tap into the ninetails demon fox's chakra. He didn't know Jiraiya meant it literally until he gets pushed off a cliff!

Ep 57
The Frog Boss Gamabunta is not happy to have been summoned and does not believe Naruto did it. He proceeds to shake Naruto off his back by jumping, swimming, etc. but Naruto hangs on for dear life! Meanwhile, the Sand genin learn about their mission and the tenuous treaty between Fire and Wind countries.

Ep 58
Naruto ends up sleeping for days at the hospital and is visited by Shikamaru. Meanwhile Lee is visited by Gaara who plans to really finish their match. Shikamaru binds Gaara before he can do anything, but what will happen when his shadow bind reaches its limit?

Ep 59
Hinata gives Naruto a pep talk before the final matches. But Naruto is running late and all of Konohamaru's shortcuts make things worse. Then Naruto is chased by bulls. Will he make it in time?

Ep 60
Sasuke is still missing. Neji gives Naruto his destiny speech. Neji's Byakugan and Naruto's clones face off.

Ep 61
The clones have no effect against Neji who takes care of them with his heavenly spin defense. Neji reveals his cursed seal and explains the relationship between the Head and Branch families and his father's sacrifice.

Ep 62
Neji beats up Naruto, gives him more of his destiny speech. Naruto's tenketsu are closed, can he tap into the ninetails' chakra?

Ep 63
Hiashi reveals to Neji what really happened with his father. He did not sacrifice himself for the Head family but rather for his brother, the village and Neji. Meanwhile, Kankurou forfeits his match against Shino.

Ep 64
Shikamaru faces off against Temari. Shikamaru uses his wits and his single technique, but Temari's pretty smart as well and she has good offense and defense. But is his apparent laziness and apathy just as it appears, or is he setting her up for a trap?

Ep 65
Even though Shikamaru gave up, he still has the best chance of being chuunin. Sasuke's still not there and the Hokage thinks of calling off the match, but the Kazekage insists that they wait a few more minutes. Kakashi and Sasuke finally arrive with a fluorish. On the way up the stairs, Naruto and Shikamaru see Gaara face off against 2 grass nins.

Ep 66
Sasuke faces off against Gaara and his sand clone! Sasuke's now as fast as Lee, and lands some hits, but is just speed going to be enough? Naruto tries to stop the match.

Ep 67
Sasuke turns on his sharingan. Kakashi says they're in for a surprise. Gaara is protected by a sphere of apparently impenetrable sand. Sasuke reveals he learned the chidori from Kakashi and is able to penetrate the shell, but Gaara is more than he appears. The Sand and Sound are now ready to start their invasion!