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Characters in order of appearance:

Transcript

  • Episode begins with a flashback of Kurama’s rampage*

Narrator: A long time ago, a powerful demon fox appeared with nine tails.

  • Kurama stands in a forest of Konohagakure, towering over all of the surrounding trees while swinging his nine tails around*

Narrator: With its powerful tails, it could smash mountains and create tidal waves.

  • Kurama jumps off the ground, picking up a large cloud of dust and uprooting numerous trees*

Narrator: A band of Ninjas rose to defend their village from attack.

  • Several Shinobi look up towards Kurama, while one lays on the ground motionless, and another kneels with his head down while bleeding from his hip*

Konoha Shinobi: We have to wait until the Fourth Hokage gets here!

  • A Shinobi jumps into the air in Kurama’s direction, while several others throw kunai in his direction, another Shionbi jumps into the air in Kurama’s direction*

Konoha Shinobi: We can’t let it get any closer to our village!

  • A Shinobi jumps into the air in Kurama’s direction, then a Shinobi falls to the ground violently coming from Kurama’s direction, as several other Shinobi throw kunai in Kurama’s direction*
  • Gamabunta appears in front of Kurama, crushing the ground and trees underneath his feet, while carrying the Fourth Hokage on his head*

Narrator: One great Ninja was able to imprison the monster but died in the process. This Ninja was known as the Fourth Hokage.

  • The Fourth Hokage creates a bright flash of light from his body, illuminating the forest between Gamabunta and Kurama*
  • Scene changes to a newborn Naruto crying while surrounded by lit candles*
  • Scene changes to a present Konoha*
  • Naruto runs from two Shinobi, through the streets of Konoha, after vandalizing the Hokage Monument with paint*

Naruto: *laughs* Konoha Shinobi: Naruto! Why did you do such a thing? Konoha Shinobi: You’re really gonna get it this time!

  • Naruto jumps from the street to the rooftop of a nearby building, jumping from building to building while appearing as a blur, with the two Shinobi chasing him while doing the same*

Naruto: *laughs* I don’t care! You know your problem? You can’t do the things I do! Only I can do this! I’m better than all of you! Believe it!

  • Scene switches to Hiruzen’s room*

Konoha Villager: There’s a problem, sir! Konoha Shinobi: Lord Hokage!

  • Hiruzen practices calligraphy on a canvas*

Hiruzen: What is it? Did that Naruto do something again? Konoha Villager: Yes. He climbed onto the mountainside images… Konoha Shinobi: And he vandalized and graffitied all over them! Hiruzen: *groans*

  • Scene switches back to Naruto, who jumps from rooftop to rooftop in a blur, with the two Shinobi chasing him following suit. Naruto jumps to the ground and runs through the street, while the two Shinobi follow close behind.*

Konoha Shinobi: Wait!

  • Naruto appears in front of the fence that he and the two Shinobi had just run past, having perfectly camouflaged himself with a cloth.*

Naruto: *laughs* Why should I?

  • Iruka appears behind Naruto*

Iruka: Hey, Naruto! Naruto: *screams in surprise* How did you suddenly get here, Iruka Sensei? Iruka: The question is what are you doing here when you should be in class now?

  • Scene switches to the Ninja Academy*

Iruka: Now listen, Naruto.

  • Naruto is sitting on the ground in front of the classroom, tied up with a rope*

Iruka: You failed the last graduation test and the one before that. This is no time to be goofing off, you fool! Naruto: Hmph! Iruka: We will have a re-test on the Henge no Jutsu! Even those who already passed will take it! Academy Students: What?! Sakura: Haruno Sakura. Here I go…Henge!

  • A cloud of smoke covers Sakura’s body, before she emerges as Iruka*

Iruka: OK!

  • A cloud of smoke covers Sakura’s body as Iruka and she emerges as herself*

Sakura: I did it! Sakura (Thinking): Cha! Sakura: Did you see that, Sasuke? Iruka: Next, Uchiha Sasuke. Sasuke: Yes.

  • Sasuke transforms himself into Iruka within a cloud of smoke*

Iruka: O…OK.

  • Sasuke transforms back into himself within a cloud of smoke*

Iruka: Next, Uzumaki Naruto. Shikamaru: This is a real pain. Ino: And it’s all your fault. Naruto: Like I care. Naruto (Thinking): Ok…

  • Hinata stares at Naruto while blushing and fidgeting with her fingers*

Hinata (Thinking): Good luck, Naruto… Naruto: Henge!

  • A current of Chakra appears around Naruto’s body, before he transforms into a taller, naked, female version of himself within a cloud of smoke. Iruka suffers a nosebleed and lurches backward. Naruto transforms back into himself within a cloud of smoke.*

Naruto: *laughs* How was it? I call it the Oiroke no Jutsu. Iruka: You fool! Stop making idiotic Jutsu!

  • Scene changes to the Hokage Monument. Iruka sits on the top of one of the faces, while Naruto washes the paint off it*

Naruto: Damn…Damn… Iruka: I won’t let you go home unless you clean that all up. Naruto: I don’t care…there’s nobody home anyway. Hmph! Iruka: Naruto… Naruto: What is it this time? Iruka: What I meant was…if you clean up all that mess, I’ll buy you ramen tonight. Naruto: Huh?! Yes! I will finish it in no time!

  • Scene switches to Ramen Ichiraku, at night, where Naruto and Iruka are sitting and eating ramen.*

Iruka: Naruto. Why did you vandalize those faces? Don’t you know who the Hokage leaders are? Naruto: Of course, I do! I know they earned the title Lord Hokage because they were the best ninja of their time, right? Especially the Fourth Hokage was a hero who saved the village from the nine-tail demon fox. Iruka: Then why did you do that? Naruto: Because I’ll become a Hokage myself. And I’ll be the greatest Hokage of all time! So that everyone will finally learn to accept me! By the way, Sensei, I have a favor to ask. Iruka: You want another bowl? Naruto: Mmmm…no…can I borrow that Konoha headband for a while? Iruka: Ah...this? No, no. This is worn only by those who have graduated from Ninja Academy. Tomorrow, you will… Naruto: You’re so mean! Iruka: *laughs* So that’s why you took off your goggles? Naruto: One more bowl please! Iruka: Aaah!

  • Scene switches to the Ninja Academy, the next day*

Iruka: We are now about to begin the graduation test. When your name is called, proceed to the next classroom. The test is on the Bunshin no Jutsu. Naruto (Thinking): Oh no…of all the…! That is my weakest Jutsu! But still…I will do it no matter what!

  • Naruto places his hands together, creating a current of Chakra around himself*

Naruto: Bunshin no Jutsu!

  • Naruto creates a cloud of smoke, before it gives way to reveal a pale imitation of himself, laid out on the ground with it’s tongue sticking out*

Iruka: Disqualified! Mizuki: Iruka Sensei. His physical coordination and stamina are excellent. And he managed to come up with something. Isn’t that enough for him to pass?

  • Naruto smiles widely*

Iruka: Mizuki Sensei…all the others created three or more clones. Naruto created just one. And it’s practically useless. I can’t give him a passing mark.

  • Scene changes to outside the Ninja Academy. All the students are celebrating their graduation, while Naruto watches while sitting on a swing*

Academy Student: I’m a ninja now! Konoha Villager: You did well. That’s my son. Konoha Villager: Congratulations for your graduation. I’ll cook something good tonight!

  • Ibara and Tsubaki stare at the distant Naruto*

Tsubaki: Look at that one. Ibara: It’s that boy. I hear he’s the only one who failed. Hmm! Serves him right. Tsubaki: Imagine what would happen if he became a Ninja. Ibara: Isn’t that the boy who is actually… Tsubaki: Hey! We’re not supposed to talk about that.

  • Mizuki appears beside Naruto*

Hiruzen: Iruka. We need to talk later. Iruka: Yes.

  • Scene switches to Mizuki and Naruto sitting on a rooftop at sunset*

Mizuki: Iruka Sensei isn’t trying to be mean to you. Naruto: Then why only me? Mizuki: He wants you to become strong from the bottom of his heart. You both don’t have parents. Naruto: But I really wanted to graduate. Mizuki: Heh….I guess I have no choice… Naruto: Eh? Mizuki: I’ll let you in on a big secret. Naruto (Thinking): Secret?

  • Scene switches to Iruka in his bedroom at night, thinking about his conversation with Hiruzen*

Hiruzen: Iruka. Iruka: What is it, Lord Hokage? Hiruzen: I know how you feel. But…Naruto also grew up without knowing the love of his parents…like you.

  • Iruka imagines Kurama rampaging throughout Konoha, having a flashback of a Shinobi carrying him away from his parents who were involved in fighting against Kurama*

Iruka: Let me go! My mom and dad are still out there fighting!

  • Scene switches back to Iruka in his room where Mizuki is knocking on his door*

Mizuki: Wake up, Iruka Sensei!

  • Iruka opens his door*

Iruka: What’s the matter? Mizuki: Come to Lord Hokage’s immediately! I heard that Naruto…stole the Scroll of Sealing. Iruka: The Scroll of Sealing?!

  • Scene switches to Naruto reading the Scroll of Sealing within a forest*

Naruto: Let’s see…the first Jutsu is…Taju Kage Bunshin? What?! Already a Jutsu I’m no good at?

  • Scene switches to a group of Konoha Shinobi talking with Hiruzen*

Bekko: Lord Hokage! We can’t forgive him! This is not just a prank! Iwana: The Scroll is a dangerous item that the First Hokage sealed! Depending on its use… Yajirobee: It will be a major disaster if it is taken out of the village! Hiruzen: Yes. Bring Naruto here at once! Konoha Shinobi: Yes!

  • The group of Shinobi in front of Hiruzen, including Mizuki, Iruka, Bekko, Iwana, and Yajirobee, all jump into the air at once in a blur, picking up a cloud of dust. Iruka searches throughout the village*

Iruka (Thinking): Where did you go…Naruto?

  • Mizuki runs through the village*

Mizuki (Thinking): *laughs* I will tell everyone in the village about this and eliminate Naruto. Then the Scroll of Sealing will be mine!

  • Scene switches to Naruto, in a forest, panting heavily. Iruka appears in front of him*

Iruka: Hey you, Naruto! Naruto: *laughs* You found me…and I’ve only learned one Jutsu. Iruka (Thinking): He’s been practicing the Jutsu…until he’s become this exhausted and dirty…? Naruto: Listen, listen! I’m gonna show you this amazing Jutsu! You’re gonna let me graduate if I can do it! Isn’t it true that I can graduate if I can do one of the Jutsu written here? Iruka: Who told you that? Naruto: Mizuki Sensei. He told me about this scroll, and this place… Iruka: Mizuki did?!

  • Iruka suddenly looks behind him, as Mizuki, while standing on a tree branch overlooking Iruka and Naruto, launches numerous kunai knives at them. Iruka pushes Naruto out of the way as one of the kunai pierces his leg and the others pin him against a wall*

Mizuki: I’m impressed you found this place. Iruka: I see now…how it is. Mizuki: Naruto, give me that scroll. Naruto: Wait, wait…what’s going on here?

  • Iruka pulls a kunai out of his leg*

Iruka: Naruto! Never give him that scroll! It is a dangerous object that contains forbidden ninja Jutsu. It was sealed. Mizuki used you in order to get it for himself! Mizuki: Naruto, Iruka is only afraid of you holding that scroll! Naruto: Huh? Iruka: What are you saying, Mizuki! Don’t let him fool you, Naruto! Mizuki: *laughs* I will tell you the truth. Iruka: Idiot! Don’t do that! Mizuki: After an incident 12 years ago, a rule was created. Naruto: A rule? Mizuki: That is, Naruto, a rule everybody but you knows. Naruto: Except me?! What is it? Iruka: Stop it, Mizuki! Mizuki: The rule forbids anyone from revealing that you are actually the Demon Fox Spirit. Naruto: Huh? Mizuki: You are actually the Demon, Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit, who killed Iruka’s parents and destroyed our village! Iruka: Stop it! Mizuki: Everyone has been deceiving you ever since. Didn’t you find it strange? Why everyone hated you so much? Naruto: No! No! No! No! No!

  • Naruto releases a current of Chakra around his body*

Iruka (Thinking): Naruto… Mizuki: Nobody accepts you. That’s why Iruka hates you so much!

  • Iruka clutches his leg in pain and thinks back to his previous conversation with Hiruzen*

Hiruzen: Iruka…Naruto grew up without the love of parents. Everyone avoids him like the plague after what happened. That’s why he keeps misbehaving. It’s the only way for him to get any attention or acknowledgement. He pretends to be tough, but inside he is really hurting.

  • Mizuki spins a large Fuma shuriken around with his hand*

Mizuki: Die, Naruto!

  • Mizuki launches a Fuma shuriken towards Naruto, who falls to the ground and attempts to crawl away*

Iruka: Naruto! Get down!

  • Iruka jumps over Naruto before Mizuki’s Fuma shuriken reaches him, causing himself to be stabbed in the middle of his back. Iruka coughs up blood and grimaces in pain.*

Naruto: Why…? Iruka: Because you and I are the same. After my parents died, nobody paid attention to me or gave me any support.

  • Iruka thinks back to his childhood, where he walks on a tightrope over a river, before falling off and into the river*

Iruka: I wasn’t a good student in school. I was the class clown…because I wanted people to notice me. I couldn’t get noticed through excellence, so I kept doing stupid things. It was so hard. *cries* Isn’t that right, Naruto? You felt so lonely…right? And you suffered inside, right? I’m sorry, Naruto…If I had been more responsible, maybe you wouldn’t have suffered so much. Mizuki: *laughs* Don’t make me laugh! Iruka has always hated you, ever since you killed his parents! He’s just saying all that to get the Scroll of Sealing back!

  • Naruto runs further into the forest*

Iruka: Naruto. Naruto!

  • Mizuki jumps to the ground from the tree branch he was standing on*

Mizuki: *laughs* He is not the type of kid who will change his mind.

  • Naruto runs through the forest with such speed that his legs look like blurs*

Mizuki: He will take revenge against our village using that scroll. Didn’t you see his eyes? Those are the eyes of a Demon Fox.

  • Iruka pulls Mizuki’s Fuma shuriken out of his back and stands to his feet*

Iruka: No…Naruto…isn’t…like that at all!

  • Iruka launches Mizuki’s Fuma shuriken back towards him, who sidesteps it, as it disappears into the trees*

Mizuki: All I want is to kill Naruto and get the scroll. I’ll take care of you later!

  • Mizuki jumps into the air and disappears with a flicker*

Iruka: I…I won’t let you…

  • Scene changes to Hiruzen in his room, as he watches the events between Naruto, Iruka, and Mizuki unfold on a crystal ball*

Hiruzen: Well, well. Mizuki has a big mouth! Naruto feels worse than he’s ever felt. He might unleash the power locked up inside him. The Scroll of Sealing is now with him. There’s a slight chance he might actually release the Kyubi sealed inside him. If that happens…

  • Scene changes back to the forest where ”Iruka” jumps from tree to tree while following “Naruto” who is doing the same*

“Iruka (Thinking):” I’ve found him! “Iruka:” Naruto! Everything that Mizuki said was a lie! Give me that scroll, quick! Mizuki is after the scroll!

  • ”Naruto” propels himself off a tree branch and slams his body into “Iruka’s” chest knocking him out of the air and to the ground*

“Iruka:” It can’t be. Why is it, Naruto? How…

  • ”Iruka” reveals that he was Mizuki, transforming back into himself within a cloud of smoke*

Mizuki: …did you know I wasn’t Iruka…? “Naruto:” *laughs*

  • ”Naruto” reveals that he was Iruka and the scroll he was carrying was actually a log, transforming back into himself and the scroll back into a log within a cloud of smoke*

Iruka: Because I’m Iruka. Mizuki: I see.

  • Naruto hides behind a tree while watching Mizuki and Iruka from afar*

Mizuki: What’s in it for you to protect the one who killed your family? Iruka: I’m not gonna let a stupid idiot like you get that scroll! Mizuki: You’re the idiot. Naruto is the same as me. Iruka: Same? Mizuki: Anyone can do whatever he wants once he has the scroll. There is no way that that monster…that Fox Spirit, won’t take advantage of the power of that scroll! Iruka: You’re right…

  • Naruto looks on in shock before laying his head down on the scroll*

Naruto (Thinking): I guess it was true all along! See, Iruka Sensei never really cared for me at all! Iruka: …if he was the Demon Fox Spirit. But Naruto is different! I know that he is an exceptional student. He works very hard, and he’s single minded and clumsy at the same time. No one accepts him, but he knows the meaning of human suffering. He is not the Demon Fox Spirit. He’s Naruto Uzumaki of Konohagakure.

  • Naruto cries*

Mizuki: *laughs* You are so gullible. Iruka! I was gonna take you down later, but I have changed my mind. Die!

  • Mizuki spins a Fuma shuriken around with his hand before charging towards Iruka*

Iruka (Thinking): I guess this is the end for me…

  • Naruto jumps towards Mizuki and knees him in the face, knocking him away and causing the Fuma shuriken to escape his hand, and hurtle into the air after cutting two tree branches in half*

Iruka (Thinking): Naruto?! Mizuki: You surprised me there, freak. Naruto: If you ever lay a hand on Iruka Sensei, I’ll kill you! Mizuki: Shut up! I can take care of a kid like you with a single blow! Naruto: Why don’t you try then? I’ll strike you back a thousand-fold! Mizuki: Let’s see you try! Show me what you can do, Demon Fox! Naruto: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!

  • Naruto creates dozens of exact, physical copies of himself, that surrounded Mizuki from all sides*

Iruka (Thinking): Naruto! You’ve…those aren’t just images but actual clones! That’s an advanced Ninjutsu! Mizuki: What’s this…? Naruto and his Kage Bunshin: What’s the matter? C’mon! Weren’t you gonna get me with one blow? Here!

  • Mizuki falls to the ground in fear*

Naruto: In that case…I’ll come to you. Mizuki: *screams*

  • Naruto and his dozens of Kage Bunshin pummel Mizuki into unconsciousness off-screen*

Naruto: *laughs* I kinda got carried away. Iruka Sensei, are you okay? Iruka: Y…Yeah. Iruka (Thinking): He’s really something. Maybe it is true. Maybe he will surpass all the Hokage leaders. Iruka: Naruto, come over here. I’d like to give you something.

  • Scene changes to a group of Konoha Shinobi standing outside the Hokage’s building*

Bekko: Has anyone found Naruto yet? Yajirobee: No. Konoha Shinobi: Damn, this is going to be bad…

  • Hiruzen walks out*

Hiruzen: There’s no need to worry anymore. Bekko: Lord Hokage! Hiruzen: He’ll be back soon.

  • Scene changes back to Naruto and Iruka*

Naruto: Sensei, how much longer? Iruka: Okay, you may open your eyes now.

  • Naruto opens his eyes to see that Iruka had placed his own headband over Naruto’s forehead*

Iruka: Congratulations…on your graduation. In celebration, we’ll have ramen tonight! Naruto: Iruka Sensei!

  • Naruto hugs Iruka, knocking him over and into a tree*

Iruka: That hurts! Iruka (Thinking): Naruto…I was going to lecture to you…that the road gets more difficult now that you’re a ninja. But I guess I’ll just wait to tell you that until we get to the ramen stand…

  • Episode ends*

Episode Rating

Story & Pacing (8.5/10)

  • The episode introduces the main plot elements effectively, blending flashbacks, action, and character drama.
  • The Nine-Tails attack is brief but impactful, establishing the tragic backdrop for Naruto’s struggles.
  • The early humor with Naruto’s pranks lightens the tone before the story shifts to a serious and emotional climax.
  • Naruto’s desperate attempt to pass the ninja exam, and his eventual betrayal by Mizuki, creates a compelling turning point.
  • The final confrontation between Naruto, Mizuki, and Iruka delivers a powerful character moment, leading to Naruto’s first real victory.

Characterization & Themes (9.0/10)

  • Naruto Uzumaki – The Underdog Hero
    • Naruto is instantly likable, balancing goofy antics, determination, and deep-seated pain.
    • His desire to be acknowledged fuels his reckless behavior, but his actions are rooted in his loneliness rather than malice.
    • The moment Iruka acknowledges him is deeply moving, marking his first step toward true acceptance.
  • Iruka Umino – The Father Figure
    • Iruka steals the show emotionally, acting as both a teacher and a surrogate father to Naruto.
    • His backstory parallels Naruto’s, making his eventual acceptance of Naruto all the more powerful.
    • His sacrifice to protect Naruto proves that Naruto is more than just the Nine-Tails to him.
  • Mizuki – The First Antagonist
    • A simple but effective first villain.
    • His manipulation of Naruto and betrayal of Iruka make him instantly detestable.
    • His role highlights the prejudice Naruto faces, reinforcing the episode’s theme of loneliness and acceptance.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi – The Wise Leader
    • Hints at a larger backstory while establishing his role as a mentor figure.
    • His decision to observe rather than interfere adds weight to Naruto’s personal growth.
  • Supporting Cast
    • The Academy students (Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, etc.) get brief but effective introductions, hinting at their relationships with Naruto.
    • The villagers' disdain for Naruto reinforces his isolation and need for recognition.

Action & Emotional Payoff (8.8/10)

  • Naruto unlocking the Shadow Clone Jutsu is a cathartic moment, proving that he’s not talentless, just underestimated.
  • The beatdown on Mizuki is satisfying and sets the stage for Naruto’s growth as a shinobi.
  • Iruka’s sacrifice and confession make for one of the most heartfelt moments in the series.

Worldbuilding & Themes (8.9/10)

  • The flashback to the Nine-Tails attack introduces the hidden tragedy behind Naruto’s upbringing.
  • The Hokage Monument scene symbolizes Naruto’s desire to be recognized and respected.
  • The secrecy surrounding the Nine-Tails highlights the village’s fear and bias against Naruto.
  • The importance of ninja ranks, training, and forbidden scrolls is set up well.

Cinematography & Atmosphere (8.5/10)

  • The animation is solid for an early 2000s anime, with expressive character movements and fluid action.
  • The use of lighting in emotional moments (Naruto’s loneliness, Iruka’s confession) enhances the drama.
  • The contrast between Naruto’s colorful, playful introduction and the dark, emotional climax is well done.

Final Verdict: 8.7/10 – A Strong and Emotional Start

This episode perfectly introduces Naruto’s world and emotional core, setting the stage for his journey toward recognition and strength.

  • Strengths:
    • ✔️ Naruto’s character is instantly compelling, balancing comedy and emotional depth.
    • ✔️ Iruka’s emotional arc is one of the best in the series.
    • ✔️ The final battle with Mizuki is satisfying, with Naruto proving himself.
    • ✔️ The episode effectively establishes the main themes of the series (loneliness, perseverance, acknowledgment).
    • ✔️ Solid worldbuilding and foreshadowing for future arcs.
  • Weaknesses:
    • ❌ Some of the humor (Sexy Jutsu, Naruto’s pranks) might feel outdated or excessive.
    • ❌ Mizuki is a basic villain with little depth beyond his role in this episode.

Overall, this premiere is one of the strongest in shonen anime, setting up Naruto as a deeply personal story of growth, perseverance, and the pursuit of acknowledgment.