Episode 168 of Naruto serves up a comic filler caper in which a band of cooking-nin kidnap Ayame from the ramen stand, forcing Naruto, Sakura and Chōji to master the kitchen and cook up the perfect bowl to win her back.
Main Characters (6)
Summary
Hungry for a bowl at Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto and Chōji rush over only to find the shop shut early. The reason soon emerges: Teuchi is scrambling to invent a brand new ramen because his daughter Ayame has been seized by an obscure group of cooking-nin under a leader named Hakkaku. Naruto, Chōji and Sakura volunteer to lend a hand. Teuchi attempts to drill the trio in cooking, and the three lean on their ninja skills, from the Rasengan to Chakra Enhanced Strength to the Multi-Size Technique, to turn out one flawless serving of ramen.
Key Events
When the team finally recovers Ayame, they are startled to find she has ballooned in weight, having proved unable to resist the cooking-nin's rich dishes. The remedy is her father's diet ramen, a recipe apparently built to slim down whoever eats it, and after a few bowls she returns to her usual self. The gag rebounds on Teuchi, however, since he too had sampled the diet ramen and ends up shedding far more weight than intended.
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Notes
The episode is an anime original comedy filler unattached to any manga arc. It premiered in Japan on January 18, 2006, and aired in English on May 24, 2008. The opening theme is Wind and Waves Satellite and the ending theme is Parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the ramen guy's daughter in this episode?
The ramen guy is Teuchi of Ichiraku Ramen, and his daughter is Ayame. In Mix it, Stretch it, Boil it Up! Burn Copper Pot, Burn!, Ayame is kidnapped by a group of cooking-nin, prompting Naruto, Choji, and Sakura to master the kitchen to win her back.
Why does Ichiraku Ramen close early in this episode?
Ichiraku Ramen closes early because Teuchi is scrambling to invent a brand new ramen recipe after his daughter Ayame is seized by a group of cooking-nin led by a man named Hakkaku.
How do Naruto, Sakura, and Choji help rescue Ayame?
Naruto, Sakura, and Choji volunteer to help Teuchi and lean on their ninja skills, including the Rasengan, Chakra Enhanced Strength, and the Multi-Size Technique, to prepare a flawless bowl of ramen and win Ayame's return.
What has happened to Ayame by the time she is rescued?
When the team recovers Ayame, they find she has ballooned in weight after being unable to resist the cooking-nin's rich dishes, and she is restored to normal with her father's diet ramen.
What ironic twist happens to Teuchi at the end of the episode?
The diet ramen gag rebounds on Teuchi himself, since he had also sampled the recipe and ends up shedding far more weight than intended.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Mix it, Stretch it, Boil it Up! Burn Copper Pot, Burn!? 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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