The Best Episodes Written By Akatsuki Yamatoya

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.6/10(10 votes)

   #1 - Ikkakumon's Harpoon Torpedo

   S1:E74/18/1999

   Tai and Matt argue whether they should climb Infinity Mountain. Joe and Gomamon decide to climb the mountain by themselves. While on the mountain, they are attacked by a Unimon.

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya
2. 

   8.2/10(6 votes)

   #2 - Sasuke's Decision: Pushed to the Edge!

   S2:E753/17/2004

   Sasuke struggles to keep up with Gaara's monstrous capacity. Only able to use Chidori twice in normal circumstances, Sasuke remembers that tragic day when his family died and realises he must risk the use of Chidori beyond his limit if he is to defeat Gaara. That is, if he can...

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya
3. 

   8.0/10(16 votes)

   #3 - The Demon in the Snow

   S1:E192/13/2003

   Thinking of Haku, Naruto angrily confronts Zabuza, but he learns that cruel reality is the fate of a ninja.

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya
4. 

   8.0/10(5 votes)

   #4 - Hate Among the Uchihas: The Last of the Clan

   S2:E855/26/2004

   Jiraiya and Naruto look on as Sasuke takes on Itachi alone. However, when the young ninja is severely outclassed, Jiraiya is forced to step in. Itachi and Kisame try to flee, but Jiraiya isn't about to let them get away so easily.

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya
5. 

   7.9/10(7 votes)

   #5 - The Oath of Pain

   S1:E811/21/2002

   With Kakashi captured, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura must defend against Zabuza's attacks. Naruto realizes that working together with Sasuke may be the only way to save Kakashi. Will the combined effort of the two be enough to free Kakashi and defeat Zabuza?

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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6. 

   7.8/10(5 votes)

   #6 - Ultimate Defense: Zero Blind Spot!

   S2:E6112/3/2003

   Naruto begins his assault with his Shadow Clones but Neji analyses Naruto's actions and determines what he believes to be the real one. Unable to figure out why Naruto won't admit defeat, he takes off his headband and reveals a mysterious mark on his forehead. What is the truth about his hatred towards the main family of the Hyuuga Clan?

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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7. 

   7.8/10(4 votes)

   #7 - Bitter Rivals and Broken Bonds

   S3:E10811/10/2004

   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!

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya
8. 

   7.8/10(4 votes)

   #8 - Assassin of the Moonlit Night

   S2:E763/24/2004

   As Sasuke is about to be defeated, Naruto and Sakura show up to save him. With this Gaara begins to have flashbacks of his childhood. What happened in Gaara's past to make him experience so much suffering?

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya
9. 

   7.7/10(6 votes)

   #9 - An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!

   S2:E712/18/2004

   The battle of kings has begun as Orochimaru has summoned some unexpected help. How can the Third Hokage handle this uncomfortable situation? Meanwhile, Sasuke finally catches up with Kakurou, Gaara and Temari...

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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10. 

    7.6/10(9 votes)

    #10 - A Failure Stands Tall!

    S1:E478/27/2003

    Hinata will not give up so easily, especially with Naruto watching her. Will Hinata be willing to give up her own life in order to prove herself, or will the match be stopped before Neji can connect a killing move?

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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11. 

    7.6/10(5 votes)

    #11 - The Third Hokage, Forever...

    S2:E804/21/2004

    As the war draws to a close, Gaara admits his defeat to Naruto, and Orochimaru is forced to retreat as Sarutobi took away his arms. Now, all of the Konoha shinobi gather together to pay their respects to the person whom they respected the most...Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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12. 

    7.5/10(5 votes)

    #12 - A Failure's True Power

    S2:E6212/10/2003

    When it looks as if Naruto can't win, Neji continues to tell him that he cannot change his fate and that he has no idea what it feels like to carry a seal that cannot be removed. Naruto thinks back about his childhood and how he was treated because of the Nine-Tails sealed inside him. However, that same curse may prove to be his only chance at winning...

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    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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13. 

    7.4/10(4 votes)

    #13 - Bushy Brow's Jutsu: Sasuke Style!

    S2:E661/14/2004

    Sasuke's match against Gaara finally begins! Gaara seems to have the upper hand at the beginning, until Sasuke shows off his newly found taijutsu techniques. Gaara is reliving the battle against Rock Lee all over again, only this time he's facing an opponent who can use more than simple taijutsu attacks.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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14. 

    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #14 - An Impossible Choice: The Pain Within Tsunade's Heart

    S2:E896/23/2004

    Naruto continues his training of the Rasengan, having mastered the stages of spin and power. The final stage proves to be the most difficult: control. Meanwhile, Orochimaru and Kabuto accost Tsunade and ask her to restore Orochimaru's arms. If she restores Orochimaru's arms, he promises to use his Rebirth of the Impure World kinjutsu to revive her lost lover and little brother.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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15. 

    7.3/10(10 votes)

    #15 - Bushy Brow's Jealousy: Barrage of Lions Unleashed!

    S1:E397/2/2003

    The preliminaries of the third exam consist of one-on-one combat, and the first match is between Sasuke and Orochimaru's minion Yoroi.

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    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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16. 

    7.3/10(4 votes)

    #16 - Late for the Show, But Ready to Go! The Ultimate Secret Technique is Born!

    S2:E671/14/2004

    With Gaara's ultimate defense in place, Sasuke's only hope of winning lies within the move Kakashi taught him...Chidori. But, how will Gaara react when Sasuke causes him to bleed?

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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17. 

    7.2/10(6 votes)

    #17 - Unforgivable! A Total Lack of Respect!

    S2:E907/7/2004

    Jiraiya and Naruto catch up to Tsunade, whereupon she learns that Konoha wants her to be the 5th Hokage. She refuses the title, angering Naruto, who mistakes her for being a weakling. Naruto learns first-hand how strong she really is. Naruto decides now is the time to try out the Rasengan, only he hasn't perfected it yet.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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18. 

    7.2/10(5 votes)

    #18 - Byakugan vs. Shadow Clone Jutsu!

    S2:E6011/26/2003

    The opening ceremony to the Final Matches begins and Sasuke is missing, worrying Naruto. The ceremony ends and Naruto starts his fight with Neji. Will Naruto's confidence lead him to a victory or are Neji's skills to much for him? And where is Sasuke?

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya
19. 

    7.1/10(9 votes)

    #19 - Byakugan Battle: Hinata Grows Bold!

    S1:E468/20/2003

    Kiba alerts Hinata, as he's being taken away, that there are only a few fighters left. He warns her that if she fights Gaara, she has to give up immediately or she could be killed. He also tells her to give up if paired against Neji, because Neji already has issues with her. Just then, the board shows the next fight...Hinata vs. Neji. Just how far will Hinata go to prove herself?

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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20. 

    7.1/10(14 votes)

    #20 - The Weapons Known as Shinobi

    S1:E182/6/2003

    Kakashi prepares to stop Zabuza once and for all, but Haku has other plans. Zabuza's employer shows up and he's decided to take matters into his own hands...

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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21. 

    7.1/10(8 votes)

    #21 - Surprise Attack! Naruto's Secret Weapon!

    S1:E458/13/2003

    The battle between Naruto and Kiba draws to a close, with each of them giving it everything they've got. After being tricked by Naruto, Kiba can no longer rely on Akamaru's help. Naruto decides now is the time to release his new jutsu, only Kiba won't give him time to prepare it!

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    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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22. 

    7.1/10(15 votes)

    #22 - Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke!

    S1:E223/6/2003

    Rock Lee challenges Sasuke to a one-on-one fight. Naruto grows angry and attacks him, only to be beaten in one attack. Sasuke realizes the challenge and eagerly accepts. But will Sasuke be defeated just as easily by this mysterious ninja? Sasuke's only advantage seems to be his Sharingan, but what happens when not even that will work?

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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23. 

    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #23 - Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face!

    S2:E1019/15/2004

    After their mission, Naruto persuades Sakura and Sasuke to help him unmask their sensei, Kakashi. However, Squad 7 soon finds out that this is easier said than done...

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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24. 

    7.0/10(4 votes)

    #24 - Mission: Help an Old Friend in the Land of Tea

    S2:E1029/22/2004

    Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke find out their newest mission will be without Kakashi who has responsibilities elsewhere. Tsunade sends them to the Tea Country to protect someone, but the details are vague at best. Along the way they meet Idate Morino who causes the group a lot of trouble, especially when they discover who they have to protect!

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    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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25. 

    7.0/10(4 votes)

    #25 - To Each His Own Battle

    S3:E1212/9/2005

    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.

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    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

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