Episode 96 of the original Naruto brings the three-way summon battle to its close, as Tsunade's raw strength finishes what Katsuyu and Gamabunta started and Orochimaru is forced to flee crippled.
Main Characters (3)
Summary
Working together, Katsuyu and Gamabunta wear down Manda, though the great serpent refuses to fold easily. Tsunade turns the tide by driving Gamabunta's blade through Manda to pin him in place, then lands a decisive strike on Orochimaru. Left with no arms and no advantage, Orochimaru falls back to his last option, retreating alongside Kabuto and abandoning the field to Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto.
Key Events
Once Naruto comes to and hears that Tsunade has agreed to become Hokage, he snaps that she is unworthy of the role, insisting the Third had surpassed her in every respect. The two take their argument back outside the restaurant, but the confrontation ends differently this time, with Tsunade planting a soft kiss on Naruto's forehead rather than a punch to the face. With the meal finished and the fight settled, the group turns homeward toward Konoha.
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Notes
Belonging to the Search for Tsunade arc, the episode adapts chapters 170 and 171 and marks the resolution of the Sannin confrontation. It pairs the opening theme GO!!! with the ending song Meteor, and first aired in Japan on August 11, 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
What episode is Deadlock! Sannin Showdown!?
"Deadlock! Sannin Showdown!" is episode 96 of the original Naruto anime, closing out the Search for Tsunade arc and adapting manga chapters 170 and 171.
How does Tsunade defeat Orochimaru and Manda in this episode?
After Katsuyu and Gamabunta wear down the serpent Manda, Tsunade drives Gamabunta's blade through Manda to pin him down, then lands a decisive strike on Orochimaru, leaving him without arms and forcing him to retreat with Kabuto.
Why does Naruto argue with Tsunade after the fight?
When Naruto hears that Tsunade has agreed to become Hokage, he snaps that she is unworthy of the title, insisting the Third Hokage surpassed her in every way, sparking an argument between them.
How does the argument between Naruto and Tsunade end?
Unlike their earlier clash, the argument ends with Tsunade planting a soft kiss on Naruto's forehead instead of punching him, after which the group heads home to Konoha.
What are the opening and ending songs for this episode?
"Deadlock! Sannin Showdown!" pairs the opening theme "GO!!!" with the ending song "Meteor," and it first aired in Japan on August 11, 2004.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Deadlock! Sannin Showdown!? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
Official resources:
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