Ep. 412: Team Guy assists Matsuri in rescuing Gaara from Houichi's extraction ritual.
Matsuri trades her Heaven Scroll to Team Guy for aid in saving Gaara from Houichi. Neji locates the Kazekage using his Byakugan, prompting the group to risk disqualification in the Chuunin Exams. Houichi extracts tailed beast chakra from Gaara and Fuu, who uses Chakra Threads to form a cocoon and slow the process. Fuu’s hope reminds Gaara of Naruto. Kurenai, Asuma, and Guy detect Gaara’s absence and find Yukata and Mikoshi in the desert. Team Guy reaches the site, where Neji convinces Yourou and Kegon to cooperate. While Lee, Matsuri, and others distract Houichi with attacks, Neji pierces the cocoon with a chakra sword and uses Gentle Fist: Tenketsu Needle to stop the chains. Houichi fears the chains will target him, but Neji seals his chakra and releases him at Gaara’s request. Kurenai, Asuma, and Guy arrive as the rescue concludes.
Episodes
- Ep. 408 · Sakura collapses from chakra strain while Team Asuma battles Team Saya and their puppet techniques.
- Ep. 409 · Choji Fights Saya's Puppet While Naruto Battles the Nine-Tails Seal
- Ep. 410 · Gaara's Third Eye watches the scroll conflict as Fugi and Hōichi unleash a sandstorm to seal Shukaku.
- Ep. 411 · Asuma and Guy infiltrate the desert while Gaara faces Houichi's seal extraction attempt.
- Ep. 412 · Team Guy assists Matsuri in rescuing Gaara from Houichi's extraction ritual.
- Ep. 413 · Gaara halts exams while allies face death, capture, and promotion in the aftermath.
- Ep. 414 · Sakura saves Naruto with manual heart pumping while Madara absorbs Ten-Tails chakra.
- Ep. 415 · Black Zetsu fails to detach from Obito while Obito confronts Madara about his identity and ideals.
- Ep. 416 · Team Minato forms and faces their first C-rank mission with traitors