A quieter chapter split between two threads: Asuma's squad heading out on assignment and Naruto grinding through waterfall training. Fueled by his rivalry with Sasuke, Naruto keeps scaling up his shadow clone method until his wind chakra finally halts a falling torrent.
Summary
Asuma leads his team out on their mission, routing their path so it passes within sight of Kurenai's home as she watches them leave. Far away, Naruto and a small cluster of duplicates keep failing to make any dent in the cascade they are practicing against. Convinced that going bigger, more clones and a heavier flow, is the only way forward, Naruto pitches the idea to Kakashi, who is reluctant at first. Naruto counters that closing the gap with Sasuke leaves him no other option, so Kakashi relents and has Yamato enlarge the falls. Working straight through the dark hours and pushed on by thoughts of his lost friend, Naruto eventually channels enough Wind Release to bring the rushing water to a standstill.
Key Events
Asuma's group sets off toward the Fire Temple, deliberately passing near Kurenai. Kakashi drops his objection and authorizes a larger waterfall for Naruto's regimen. Naruto's all-night effort ends with him freezing the cascade using wind-natured chakra.
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Notes
The installment ties Naruto's relentless drive to catch Sasuke directly to his training breakthrough. It also seeds a quiet beat between Asuma and Kurenai as his mission begins. The original Japanese title reads Tsukiugokasu Mono, and it ran in a September 2006 issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the Naruto chapter "Driving Forces"?
"Driving Forces" follows Asuma's team departing on a mission past Kurenai's home while Naruto struggles through waterfall training. Naruto eventually convinces Kakashi to enlarge the falls and pushes through the night to master a new level of Wind Release.
What are Naruto's motivations in "Driving Forces"?
In "Driving Forces," Naruto is driven by his rivalry with Sasuke, telling Kakashi that closing the gap between them leaves him no other option but to push his training further. That determination fuels his all-night effort to master a stronger technique.
How does Naruto's waterfall training end in this chapter?
Naruto's training in "Driving Forces" ends with him channeling enough Wind Release chakra to bring the rushing waterfall to a complete standstill after working through the night.
Why does Kakashi initially resist enlarging the training waterfall?
Kakashi is reluctant at first when Naruto asks for a bigger waterfall and more shadow clones in "Driving Forces." He relents only after Naruto argues that catching up to Sasuke leaves him no other choice.
What quiet relationship moment appears in "Driving Forces"?
"Driving Forces" includes a small moment between Asuma and Kurenai, as Asuma deliberately routes his squad's departure so it passes within sight of Kurenai's home while she watches them leave.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Driving Forces? 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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