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Jōnin Leader

EpisodeEp. 360

Freshly released from the Anbu, Kakashi takes up teaching genin and wrestles with the lingering darkness in his heart, all while Hiruzen watches to decide which squad the young instructor should be trusted to lead.

Japanese Airdate: 2014-04-24
English Airdate: 2016-10-04
Opening Theme: Crimson Lotus
Ending Theme: FLAME
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Summary

No longer bound to the Anbu, Kakashi begins his life as a jōnin charged with guiding genin. He reflects on the errors of his own student days under Minato Namikaze and resolves to teach differently, stressing cooperation over rigid obedience to the rules. Yet when he fails every genin squad he tests through the bell exercise, Hiruzen recognises that a shadow still clings to Kakashi's heart. The old leader keeps a careful eye on how the young instructor conducts himself.

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Key Events

Elsewhere, Guy puts Lee, Neji, and Tenten through their paces, and the three excel. While resting, they bring up Kakashi's teaching methods, which unsettles Guy. At the Dango Shop, Guy shares his concerns with Asuma and Kurenai before Hiruzen unexpectedly joins them. After being repeatedly brushed off by Kakashi, Guy is caught off guard when his former students track Kakashi down and thank him for what the bell test taught them. At last Hiruzen names the next trio to fall under Kakashi's charge: Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha, and Naruto Uzumaki.

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Notes

This is episode 360 of Naruto Shippūden, part of the arc titled Kakashi's Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives in the Darkness, adapting chapter 607. A continuity slip appears in the data Hiruzen presents on Team 7, listing Sakura's birthday as March 26, whereas the databooks record it as March 28. The episode features the opening theme Crimson Lotus and the ending theme FLAME.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jōnin Leader episode about?

Jōnin Leader, episode 360 of Naruto: Shippūden, follows Kakashi's transition from Anbu operative to jōnin instructor as Hiruzen Sarutobi evaluates which genin squad he should be trusted to lead.

Why does Kakashi fail every genin squad he tests?

Kakashi puts every genin squad he tests through the bell exercise and none of them pass, leading Hiruzen to sense that a shadow still clings to Kakashi's heart from his own troubled student days.

Which genin team does Kakashi end up leading?

By the end of the episode, Hiruzen assigns Kakashi to lead Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha, and Naruto Uzumaki, the future Team 7.

How do Guy's students perform in this episode?

Might Guy puts Rock Lee, Neji Hyūga, and Tenten through their paces, and all three of his students excel.

What manga chapter does Jōnin Leader adapt?

Jōnin Leader adapts chapter 607 of the manga, as part of the arc Kakashi's Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives in the Darkness.

Sources & Information

Looking for more on Jōnin Leader? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.

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This 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.

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