Chapter 99 opens the Chunin Exam finals inside the Konoha arena, where a reshuffled bracket, an absent Sasuke, and Naruto's long-promised grudge match against Neji all set the stage under the watchful eyes of two seated Kage.
Main Characters (3)
Summary
Inside the arena, the Third Hokage welcomes the Fourth Kazekage, the pair planning to observe the tournament side by side. The remaining competitors learn the bracket has shifted, since Dosu's death slots Shikamaru against Temari to open the round. Sasuke has yet to show, and the officials decide his absence will be handled if and when it matters. As the rest of the fighters clear out, Naruto and Neji ready themselves for the first bout. Hinata joins Kiba in the stands, where he spots masked Anbu scattered through the crowd and puzzles over their presence. Naruto restates his promise to beat Neji, who dismisses the boast outright.
Key Events
The Third Hokage and the Fourth Kazekage take their seats together. The match order changes after Dosu's death, pairing Shikamaru with Temari. Sasuke remains absent as Naruto and Neji prepare to fight. Kiba notices Anbu among the spectators. Naruto vows again to defeat Neji.
Related Reading
See all
Naruto vs Luffy: Does the Fight Change if Luffy Tickles Hinata?
Naruto vs Luffy with the twist nobody asked for: Luffy tickled Hinata on date night, and she kind of liked it. We break down the whole fight and commit to a winner....
Who Is Naruko? What Naruto's Transformation Jutsu Does to the Whole Hidden Leaf
Naruto built the transformation jutsu himself, and the Hidden Leaf has been quietly not talking about it ever since. The story behind our 90s R&B record about the Naruko question everybody dodges....
Notes
Part of Volume 11 in the Chunin Exams arc, the chapter first appeared in Japan in 2001. The Viz edition titles it The Finals Commence…!! The scattered Anbu quietly foreshadow the trouble about to strike the village.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Naruto face in the first match of the Chunin Exam finals?
Naruto faces Neji in the first match, and he restates his promise to defeat him even as Neji dismisses the boast outright.
Why does the match order change for the Chunin Exam finals?
The bracket shifts because Dosu's death opens a slot, pairing Shikamaru against Temari to open the round.
Why is Sasuke absent when the Chunin Exam finals begin?
Sasuke has yet to show up when the finals are set to start, and the tournament officials decide his absence will only be handled if and when it becomes an issue.
What does Kiba notice in the stands during this chapter?
While sitting with Hinata, Kiba spots masked Anbu scattered through the crowd and puzzles over why they are there.
What volume and Viz title is 'The Final Selection Begins…!!'?
This chapter is collected in Volume 11 of Naruto, part of the Chunin Exams arc, and Viz titled its English edition 'The Finals Commence…!!'
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Final Selection Begins…!!? 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.
Official resources:
Help Us Keep This Wiki Accurate
Daddy Jim Headquarters maintains this encyclopedia. If you spot an error, a translation issue, or something that doesn't look right, let us know.
