Chapter 38 wraps up the encounter with Rock Lee, introduces his booming mentor Might Guy, and sends Team 7 through the doors of the Chūnin Exams after a last-minute word from Kakashi about why teamwork was required.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
Lee offers an apology to Ningame for nearly resorting to a banned move during his bout with Sasuke. Team 7 mistakes the tortoise for Lee's instructor, an assumption undone when Might Guy bursts onto the scene. Learning what his student attempted, Guy first strikes Lee, then pulls him into a weepy embrace, leaving the onlookers thoroughly baffled. The pair depart, and Sasuke stews over losing with so little effort. Reaching the exam building, the squad meets Kakashi, who praises Sakura for signing on, since a genin trio was mandatory. He admits he withheld that detail so she would not enter purely for Sasuke's sake. The three then head inside.
Key Events
Might Guy is introduced as Lee's teacher. Guy disciplines and then comforts Lee in front of a confused Team 7. Kakashi reveals that a full three-member squad was needed to compete, explaining his silence toward Sakura, and Team 7 enters the examination hall.
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Notes
The thirty-eighth chapter, printed in the fifth volume, belongs to the Chūnin Exams arc. Viz released it under the title On Your Mark, and its Japanese debut fell on July 17, 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the Naruto chapter "Start...!!"?
In "Start...!!" (chapter 38), Rock Lee apologizes to Ningame for nearly using a banned move against Sasuke, Might Guy is introduced as Lee's teacher, and Team 7 finally enters the Chunin Exams building.
Who is Might Guy and how is he introduced in this chapter?
Might Guy is introduced as Rock Lee's teacher. After learning what Lee attempted in his fight, Guy first strikes Lee and then pulls him into an emotional embrace in front of a bewildered Team 7.
Why did Kakashi stay silent about Sakura's team requirement?
Kakashi reveals to Team 7 that a genin trio of three members was mandatory to enter the Chunin Exams, admitting he had withheld this detail so Sakura would not sign up purely for Sasuke's sake.
How does Sasuke feel after his fight with Lee in this chapter?
Sasuke stews over having lost his bout with Rock Lee with so little effort expended, adding to the tension around the exam's start.
What title did Viz use for chapter 38 and what arc is it part of?
Viz published chapter 38 under the title "On Your Mark." It appears in volume 5 of the manga, within the Chunin Exams arc, and first ran in Japan on July 17, 2000.
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.
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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