Chapter 109 unpacks Shikamaru's calculated surrender, welcomes Lee and Guy to the finals, and delivers Sasuke to the arena at the eleventh hour so his showdown with Gaara can finally begin.
Summary
Naruto drops into the arena to press Shikamaru on why he would throw a match he was clearly set to win. The veteran spectators see the decision in another light, reading his forfeit as proof that he understood his own limits and refused to seize a victory that might endanger him in a later round, precisely the mindset expected of a chūnin.
Key Events
Lee and Guy arrive at the stadium just in time for the finals and are startled to learn that Neji has already fallen to Naruto, though Lee is genuinely pleased for him. With the remaining opening bouts of the finals concluded, the crowd begins to wonder whether the clash between Sasuke and Gaara will take place at all. Sasuke and Kakashi appear at the very last moment, clearing the way for the match to go ahead.
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Notes
Chapter 109 is part of volume 13 within the Chūnin Exams arc. It first appeared in issue 9 of 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Naruto chapter 109, "Tree Leaves, Dancing…!!"?
In "Tree Leaves, Dancing…!!", Naruto confronts Shikamaru about forfeiting a match he was winning, while Lee and Guy arrive just in time for the Chunin Exam finals.
Why did Shikamaru forfeit his match?
The veteran spectators read Shikamaru's forfeit as proof that he recognized his own limits and refused to risk a victory that could endanger him in a later round, exactly the mindset expected of a chunin.
How does Lee react to learning about Neji's defeat?
Lee is startled to learn that Neji has already lost to Naruto, but he is genuinely happy for Naruto despite the surprise.
Does the Sasuke versus Gaara match happen in this chapter?
Sasuke and Kakashi appear at the very last moment after the crowd begins to doubt the match will happen, clearing the way for the Sasuke versus Gaara fight to proceed.
What arc does "Tree Leaves, Dancing…!!" belong to?
"Tree Leaves, Dancing…!!" is chapter 109 of the Naruto manga, collected in volume 13, and it is part of the Chunin Exams 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
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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:
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