A training-focused chapter in which Naruto clears the first hurdle of the Rasengan and immediately runs into the tougher demands of the second.
Main Characters (1)
Summary
By whirling chakra through both hands and forcing it into the water balloon from opposing angles, Naruto at last makes it burst. Impressed by the unconventional approach, Jiraiya moves him along to the next phase of learning the Rasengan.
Key Events
This stage closely echoes the first, only now the target is a rubber ball. Because it is far sturdier than the balloon, Naruto has to push the Rasengan's raw power higher. He struggles once more, managing only to punch a hole in the ball rather than shatter it.
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
Satisfied with that much headway, Jiraiya draws a mark on Naruto's palm to guide his next attempts. This is chapter 152, collected in volume 17 during the Search for Tsunade, released in January 2003, and titled by Viz as "The Second State".
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in "The Second Step"?
In "The Second Step", Naruto finally bursts the water balloon in his Rasengan training and immediately moves on to the tougher second phase, popping a rubber ball.
How does Naruto finally burst the water balloon?
Naruto bursts the water balloon by whirling chakra through both hands and forcing it into the balloon from opposing angles.
Why is the rubber ball harder for Naruto than the water balloon?
The rubber ball is far sturdier than the balloon, so Naruto has to push the Rasengan's raw power higher, and he struggles, managing only to punch a hole in the ball rather than shatter it.
What does Jiraiya draw on Naruto's palm at the end of the chapter?
Satisfied with Naruto's progress, Jiraiya draws a mark on his palm to guide his next attempts at the Rasengan.
What is the Viz title and chapter placement for "The Second Step"?
Viz titled this chapter "The Second State"; it is chapter 152, collected in volume 17 during the Search for Tsunade arc, released in January 2003.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Second Step? 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.
