Ep. 40: Lee's Tournament Escape and Naruto's Surveillance by Neji
Aired on January 8, 2013
Rock Lee and his teammates intercept the adults during a competitive game tournament, where the winning reward is exemption from presenting New Year's gifts to their students. Meanwhile, Neji Hyuga chooses to monitor Naruto Uzumaki closely. His objective is to definitively assess whether the orange-clad ninja deserves the romantic interest of Hinata Hyuga. This dual narrative focuses on the students' intervention in the adults' leisure activity and Neji's personal mission to evaluate Naruto's suitability as a partner for his cousin through direct observation.
Episodes
- Ep. 36 · Tenten and Temari clash while Orochimaru seeks a partner with Rock Lee's assistance
- Ep. 37 · Guy becomes temporary Hokage while Shikamaru leads a troublesome mission for rogue ninjas.
- Ep. 38 · Lee's team infiltrates Akatsuki hideout as new members seeking escape
- Ep. 39 · Hidden Leaf Christmas Party and Orochimaru's Romantic Pursuit
- Ep. 40 · Lee's Tournament Escape and Naruto's Surveillance by Neji
- Ep. 41 · Lee and Team Face Deadly Storm and Deceptive Future Visitor
- Ep. 42 · Shino's Insects Stay Inside Due to Cold Weather While Tenten Battles in the Mall
- Ep. 43 · Lee seeks Sai's advice on blending in while his team guards a filthy bathroom.
- Ep. 44 · The Staff Will Eat Beans Afterward and the Raikage Is Attacked