Ep 114. Ep 114 - The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight!
- January 1, 2002
Ep 114 - The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight!:
This episode begins with the Leaf Village preparing for war against the Sound and Sand villages. Naruto, who has been training with Jiraiya, finally returns to the village and is surprised by the somber mood that has taken hold of the people. Tsunade, the current Hokage, is aware of the gravity of the situation, and she orders a curfew in the village to prevent any civilians from getting in harm's way.
Meanwhile, the members of Team Asuma, which consists of Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, are assigned to support the frontline troops. Shikamaru and Naruto, who have always had a somewhat competitive relationship, cross paths, and Shikamaru tells Naruto that he should fight with the intention of preserving the peace of the Leaf Village and not just to save Sasuke. This conversation leaves Naruto with plenty to think about, and so he withdraws for some introspection.
As the fighters prepare for the first assault, Naruto decides that he wants to take on Kimimaro, one of Orochimaru's most powerful henchmen. He takes a chance and reveals his idea to the other ninjas, who initially dismiss his plan as foolhardy. Nevertheless, Naruto remains determined and manages to convince Lee and Gaara of the Sand Village to join him in the fight against Kimimaro.
In the episode's final minutes, the fight between Kimimaro, Naruto, Lee, and Gaara ensues. It does not take long for everyone present to realize that they are facing a formidable adversary in Kimimaro. He has the ability to manipulate his body like clay and can harden his bones, making him almost unbreakable. This situation leaves Naruto and the others in an uneasy position, but they are determined to do everything they can to protect their village.
Ep 114 - The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight! - is a classic Naruto episode that deals with the themes of competitiveness, teamwork, and courage. Despite the lighthearted tone that the show often has, this episode takes a serious turn, highlighting the risks of war and the sacrifices that are sometimes necessary to protect the common good.
The episode is full of some of the most exciting fight scenes that Naruto has to offer. While Naruto, Lee, and Gaara join forces against Kimimaro, the viewer is treated to some of the most visual sequences that the anime has produced. For fans of the Naruto universe, this fight scene alone is well worth the watch.
Above everything else, however, this episode stands out for the way it handles Naruto's character development. In this episode, Naruto is forced to confront the limitations of his own abilities. He realizes that his desire to "save Sasuke" cannot be the only thing driving him, and he must fight for a greater purpose. This realization marks an important moment in Naruto's maturation as a character, and it is one of the critical moments that the show relies on to carry its story forward.
Overall, Ep 114 - The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight! - is an excellent episode that showcases everything that makes Naruto such a great anime series. The show's use of themes, character development, and fantastic fight scenes work in concert to deliver a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you are new to Naruto or a longtime fan, this episode is a must-watch.
