Sasuke's brutal duel with a mysterious Grass ninja climaxes with a devastating fire technique, only to expose a far deadlier opponent. The stranger sheds a false face to reveal Orochimaru, who brands Sasuke and vanishes into the forest.
Summary
Deep in the Forest of Death, Sasuke trades blows with Shiore across a grueling, drawn-out fight. Convinced he has finally prevailed, he calls on the Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique, meaning to reduce his opponent to ash. The attack fails to finish the job. The ninja endures, features half-melted away to reveal a second face lurking beneath the ruined one.
Key Events
The imposter drops the disguise entirely and names himself Orochimaru. Stretching his neck unnaturally, he sinks his fangs into Sasuke and imprints a Cursed Seal of Heaven upon him, mockingly wishing the boy luck in surviving before he departs. Anko intercepts her former teacher and hurls herself at him, ready to trade her own life to end his crimes, but her assault comes up short and Orochimaru gets away.
Notes
This is episode 30 of the original Naruto series, set within the Chunin Exams arc and drawn from chapters 49 and 50. It first aired in Japan on 23 April 2003 and in English on 22 April 2006, opening with Far Away and closing with Harmonia. It also stands as the first Naruto episode handled in production by Aniplex rather than VIZ Media.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Naruto episode 30?
In Naruto episode 30, "The Sharingan Revived: Dragon Flame Jutsu," Sasuke battles the Grass ninja Shiore in the Forest of Death and unleashes the Fire Release Dragon Fire Technique, only for his opponent's disguise to melt away and reveal Orochimaru underneath. Orochimaru bites Sasuke to brand him with the Cursed Seal of Heaven, then escapes into the forest despite Anko Mitarashi's attempt to stop him.
Is there a fire dragon jutsu in Naruto?
Yes, the Fire Release Dragon Fire Technique appears in Naruto episode 30, where Sasuke Uchiha uses it against the disguised Orochimaru during their duel in the Forest of Death.
Who is really behind the Grass ninja mask Sasuke fights in this episode?
The Grass ninja known as Shiore is revealed to be Orochimaru in disguise. His features melt away mid-fight to expose a second face lurking beneath the ruined one.
What mark does Orochimaru leave on Sasuke before fleeing?
Before escaping, Orochimaru stretches his neck unnaturally and sinks his fangs into Sasuke, branding him with the Cursed Seal of Heaven and mockingly wishing him luck in surviving it.
Who tries and fails to stop Orochimaru from escaping?
Anko Mitarashi, Orochimaru's former student, intercepts him and hurls herself at him, ready to trade her own life to end his crimes, but her assault comes up short and he gets away.
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.
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:
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- 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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