The mystery of the stolen star cracks open when the masked thief is unmasked as Sumaru's own mother. As the risks of the star training come to light, Team Guy and Naruto race to reunite a family while Akahoshi maneuvers to keep the prize for himself.
Main Characters (7)
Summary
The hidden thief who took the star turns out to be Natsuhi, mother of the young shinobi Sumaru, while Akahoshi is exposed as the one who seized the boy. Learning that the star's training can kill those who undergo it does nothing to shake the group's resolve to recover it. Tenten and Lee slip into Akahoshi's residence and free Sumaru, while elsewhere Akahoshi confronts Natsuhi and offers to trade her son for the star.
The confrontation turns into a fight, and Natsuhi begins to overpower Akahoshi. Naruto and Neji step in on Akahoshi's side, and Naruto closes the distance to land a blow on Natsuhi. The moment he does, Akahoshi turns his attack on both of them, sending the pair plunging into the Valley of Death.
Key Events
Natsuhi is revealed as the star's thief and Akahoshi as Sumaru's captor. Tenten and Lee rescue Sumaru from Akahoshi's home. Akahoshi bargains the boy against the star, then battles Natsuhi. Naruto strikes Natsuhi during the exchange, and Akahoshi betrays them all by hurling Naruto and Neji into the Valley of Death.
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Notes
This episode is drawn from the anime-original Star Guard Mission arc of the first Naruto series. It aired in Japan on April 12, 2006, and in English on July 5, 2008. The opening theme is Re:member and the ending theme is Yellow Moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kujaku in Naruto?
In Hidden Jutsu! The Price of Ninja Art: Kujaku, Kujaku is the secret technique tied to the star that Team Guy and Naruto are trying to recover, and training in it is dangerous enough to kill those who undergo it.
Who is revealed to be the thief who stole the star?
The thief turns out to be Natsuhi, the mother of the young shinobi Sumaru, while Akahoshi is exposed as the one who kidnapped her son.
How do Tenten and Lee help rescue Sumaru?
Tenten and Lee sneak into Akahoshi's residence and free Sumaru while Akahoshi is elsewhere confronting Natsuhi over the star.
How does the fight between Natsuhi and Akahoshi unfold?
When Natsuhi begins to overpower Akahoshi during their confrontation, Naruto and Neji step in on Akahoshi's side, and Naruto lands a blow on Natsuhi.
How does Akahoshi betray Naruto and Neji?
The moment Naruto strikes Natsuhi, Akahoshi turns on both Naruto and Neji and throws them into the Valley of Death, revealing his true colors as a betrayer.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Hidden Jutsu! The Price of Ninja Art: Kujaku? 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.
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