A long-range duel of wits sets Kidōmaru's web-spun archery against Neji's all-seeing eyes. When the Sound ninja aims for the single gap in the Hyūga's vision, he learns his target has already braced for the weakness, forcing him to rebuild his attack on the spot.
Main Characters (2)
Summary
Kidōmaru sends an arrow racing toward the one point Neji's Byakugan cannot cover. Having guessed that his blind area had been found out, Neji shifts just enough to keep the shot from finishing him. His attacker works out that the Hyūga has ringed himself in chakra, letting him feel anything creeping in from behind.
Key Events
Let down that the squad's finest member gave up his secret so quickly, Kidōmaru overhauls his weapon. He gives a fresh arrow more speed and ties a thread to it so he can steer the shot while it flies. When the worn, bleeding Neji finally exposes his weak spot in mid-retreat, the archer looses the guided arrow and scores a direct hit.
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Notes
The chapter belongs to the Sasuke Recovery Mission and appears as number 196 in volume 22. It frames Neji as the team's strongest fighter while showing an opponent adapting on the fly to break through a defense once its logic is understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in "The Number One Strongest Enemy!!"?
This chapter stages a long range duel between Kidomaru's web spun archery and Neji Hyuga's Byakugan, as Kidomaru targets the one blind spot in Neji's vision and Neji counters by anticipating the attack.
How does Neji defend the blind spot in his Byakugan?
Neji rings himself in chakra so he can sense anything approaching from his one blind spot, letting him shift out of the way when Kidomaru's arrow targets it directly.
How does Kidomaru adapt his attack after his first shot fails?
Kidomaru rebuilds his weapon, firing a faster arrow tied to a thread so he can steer it mid flight, and eventually lands a direct hit once the exhausted, bleeding Neji exposes his weak spot again.
Why is this chapter titled "The Number One Strongest Enemy!!"?
The chapter frames Neji Hyuga as the strongest fighter on his team while showing his opponent Kidomaru adapting on the fly to break through Neji's defense once its logic is understood.
What arc and chapter is "The Number One Strongest Enemy!!"?
"The Number One Strongest Enemy!!" is chapter 196 of the Naruto manga, collected in volume 22 as part of the Sasuke Recovery Mission arc.
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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