The Enemy of the Byakugan

A heavy mist rolls in and robs Neji of his usual advantage, since his all-seeing eyes cannot cut through it. Worse, an unknown technique deceives him into striking at ordinary objects as though they were living opponents. Rock Lee keeps Raiga occupied by continuing to fight even while knocked out cold. The turning point comes when a peculiar case is jarred loose from Raiga's back, draining his power and leaving him open for Naruto to finish him off.

Cracking the case open reveals a small boy named Ranmaru, who had been perched on Raiga's back throughout every confrontation. Ranmaru describes how Raiga looked after him, and explains that he repaid that care by acting as Raiga's sight in battle, the true source of the illusions that had thrown Neji off. His hidden ability, tied to his bloodline, accounts for how a blind opponent could still track the group so precisely.

The episode belongs to the Kurosuki Family Removal Mission arc, one of the anime's original storylines rather than a manga adaptation. It first aired in Japan on October 5, 2005. The opening theme is Wind and Waves Satellite and the closing theme is Because You are With Me.