The first filler installment of the original series, a comic recap in which the Konohamaru squad interviews Team 7 outside the Forest of Death. Each ninja bends the story to flatter himself, and the interviews turn into another round of squabbling between Naruto and Sasuke.
Summary
Waiting at the Forest of Death for the second phase of the Chunin Exams, Naruto notices a boxy rock creeping along behind him. It bursts apart to reveal the Konohamaru squad, who have shown up for an interview. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura then retell the story of their journey so far, each version colored by its teller's personal bias.
Key Events
Konohamaru questions Naruto, who mainly boasts about his own abilities while sizing up his teammates. Moegi takes Sakura, who runs through assorted techniques but keeps steering back to Sasuke and Kakashi. Udon interviews Sasuke, who dismisses Naruto's account as pure fantasy, rates the other genin, and insists he outclasses every one of them.
Notes
Naruto and Sasuke fall into yet another argument until Sakura reminds them they have to cooperate, and the young reporters head off once the interview wraps. This installment marks the very first filler episode of the Naruto anime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!' filler?
Yes, "Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!" is a filler episode, in fact the very first filler episode of the Naruto anime, built around a comic interview with Team 7 outside the Forest of Death.
Is Naruto season 1 episode 26 filler?
Yes, episode 26, "Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!," is filler; it marks the first filler episode in the entire Naruto anime.
What happens in 'Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!'?
The Konohamaru squad interviews Team 7 outside the Forest of Death before the second phase of the Chunin Exams, and each ninja retells the story of their journey so far in a way that flatters himself.
How does Sasuke describe his teammates in his interview?
When Udon interviews Sasuke, he dismisses Naruto's account of their journey as pure fantasy, rates the other genin, and insists he outclasses every one of them.
What does Sakura talk about during her interview?
Moegi interviews Sakura, who runs through assorted techniques but keeps steering the conversation back to Sasuke and Kakashi.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!? 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.
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.
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