Ep 16. Fakeout: Shikamaru's Comeback!

Fakeout: Shikamaru's Comeback! is the 16th episode of the fifth season of Naruto. In this episode, the story follows the preparations for the upcoming Chunin exams, which are fast approaching. The main focus is on Shikamaru, who is a part of the Hidden Leaf Village's team.

This episode starts with Shikamaru's team having lunch together. They discuss the Chunin exams and how they're going to ace it. But Shikamaru seems to be on edge, and his teammates notice this.

Later, Shikamaru is challenged to a game of Shogi by his sensei, Asuma. This game is a critical one for Shikamaru as he has always lost to Asuma. In this game, Shikamaru comes up with a surprise move that completely throws off Asuma, causing him to resign the match.

After this game, Shikamaru starts to change. He becomes more confident and no longer doubts himself. He even devises a plan for his team to ace the Chunin exams. This plan involves using a "fake out" to trick their opponents into believing that they are weak and unprepared.

The episode then cuts to Sasuke, who is training with Kakashi. Sasuke is still on an unstoppable path, and all he can think about is getting stronger. Kakashi tells him that the Chunin exams are just around the corner and that he needs to be prepared for them.

Meanwhile, Shikamaru's team puts their plan into action during a sparring match with another team. They pretend to be weak and unprepared, but when the time comes, they launch a surprise attack on their opponents, completely overwhelming them.

This victory boosts Shikamaru's confidence even more, and he is now determined to ace the Chunin exams. However, just as he is about to prepare for the exams, he gets called into a meeting with the Hokage.

At the meeting, Shikamaru finds out that he will be taking the Chunin exams with another team, consisting of two genin from the Hidden Sand Village. This news shocks Shikamaru, as he knows that he will have to work extra hard to get his new teammates up to his level.

The episode ends with Shikamaru taking on this new challenge with confidence. He feels that he can overcome any obstacle and come out on top. The audience is left feeling excited and curious about what other surprises are in store for the Chunin exams.

Overall, Fakeout: Shikamaru's Comeback! is an exciting episode that keeps the audience engaged throughout. It showcases Shikamaru's growth and how he overcomes his doubts. The episode also sets the stage for the upcoming Chunin exams, which promises to be a thrilling event.