A Chūnin Exams episode where too many genin clear the second stage, forcing a round of one-on-one preliminaries, with the first bout pitting an ailing Sasuke against Yoroi Akadō under Kakashi's watchful eye.
Summary
Hayate informs the survivors that an unusually high number of genin made it through the second stage, so a set of single-elimination preliminary matches must thin the field before anyone reaches the final round. Kabuto pulls out right away, blaming an injury from earlier in the test, though privately he frets that competing might let the "old Kabuto" resurface. Still wracked by the cursed seal, Sasuke is urged by Sakura to withdraw as well.
Key Events
Sasuke refuses to quit. He admits the chūnin rank means little to him, but he insists on measuring himself against the strongest of the new ninja so he can pursue his revenge. The preliminaries open with his match against Yoroi Akadō.
Notes
As the other participants clear out to the gallery, Kakashi approaches Sasuke and cautions him against relying on his Sharingan, making plain that he is aware of the cursed seal. He warns that if the seal starts to take hold of Sasuke during the fight, he will step in and call the match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Naruto episode 38?
In Naruto episode 38, "Narrowing the Field: Sudden Death Elimination!," Hayate Gekkō announces that too many genin passed the Chūnin Exams' second stage, so single-elimination preliminary matches must thin the field, opening with Sasuke Uchiha facing Yoroi Akadō.
Why must the second-stage survivors fight preliminary matches before the final round?
An unusually high number of genin cleared the second stage of the Chūnin Exams, so Hayate Gekkō announces a round of one-on-one preliminary matches is needed to narrow the field before anyone reaches the final round.
Why does Kabuto withdraw from the preliminaries?
Kabuto Yakushi pulls out right away, blaming an injury from earlier in the exam, though privately he worries that competing might let his "old" self resurface.
Why does Sasuke refuse to withdraw despite the cursed seal?
Although Sakura urges him to withdraw because he is still wracked by the cursed seal, Sasuke refuses, saying the chūnin rank means little to him but he wants to measure himself against the strongest new ninja to pursue his revenge.
What warning does Kakashi give Sasuke before his match with Yoroi Akadō?
Kakashi Hatake cautions Sasuke against relying on his Sharingan and makes clear he knows about the cursed seal, warning that he will step in and call the match if the seal starts to take hold of Sasuke during the fight.
Sources & Information
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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.
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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