Ep 33: The Next Target

Kotetsu yawns deeply. Izumo scolds him since they're both on guard duty. Kiba and Akamaru train. Shikamaru gets up before his alarm rings, but he's too lazy to get up and turn it off. Someone approaches the Konoha gate. It's Gai carrying poor Kakashi on his back, racing Lee who comes in second. But Gai tells Lee Kakashi actually came in second since he was carrying him. Lee scribbles this profound point into his notebook. Tenten teases Neji that he got into the race even though he thinks it's silly. Gai is about to report to Tsunade, but Sakura points out Kakashi. Gai then realizes he needs to take him to hospital first.

At the hospital, poor Kakashi wakes to see the team around him. Tsunade comes in so Kakashi tries to get up. The sheet slips and almost reveals his face. Tsunade tells him he has to stay in bed for a week and it'll be another several days before he can go on a mission. Naruto tries to get a look at Kakashi's face. Tsunade orders Gai to rest too, and submit his report tomorrow. Tsunade leaves with Shizune. Sakura follows to tell her about Sasori's tip: in 10 days go to Heaven and Earth Bridge to meet with a spy. That was four days ago, now it's only six days.

Tsunade decides to recruit new team members. Shizune suggests sending a small team to check it out and to exclude Naruto. Shizune suggests sending her team, but Tsunade says Sakura and Naruto want to save Sasuke more than anyone else.

Naruto has been listening from high up. He leaps down and then leaves to find new team members. He wanders around thinking who to recruit, who wouldn't get in the way and have a good attitude, but not too good looking.

Someone greets him and he doesn't recognize Shino even after seeing one of his bugs. Shino's feelings are hurt. Naruto finally remembers him from the annoying way he talks. Kiba drops down on them, riding Akamaru. Naruto recognizes them immediately. Kiba sniffs him to make sure he's Naruto. Naruto is shocked how big Akamaru has grown. Shino sulks that Naruto recognized Kiba so easily. Hinata hides around the corner afraid to greet him. Naruto sneaks up on her and she faints. Naruto begs Kiba to join his team but he's waiting for Kurenai for a mission. He asks Shino but he's still sulking. Then he tries Hinata who wakes up, but she faints again.

Naruto runs off and finds Shikamaru but he's busy as an examiner of the chuunin exams. Chouji appears with Shika's lunch and offers to help Naruto, but Shika reminds him he also has a mission with Asuma and Ino. Chouji eats chips as usual. Naruto is about to call him fatass, when Shika grabs Naruto out of the way and a tiger like creature attacks. Chouji destroys it with one punch then another attacks and he crushes that one as well. They see a boy on the roof of building with a brush in hand. Shika tries to capture him with his shadow, but Sai draws a number of creatures and activates scroll with the ninpou choujuu giga: ninja art, great beast painting and six beasts come out of the scroll to attack Naruto.

End: Kiba talks to Hinata about Naruto growing up in 2.5 years. Hinata wonders if she's grown up but Kiba says she's the same. Shino comes out from behind complaining they don't notice him.

Review: Good to see the rest of the gang's makeover.

Notes:
It's been four days since Sakura defeated Sasori. It takes three days from Konoha to Sand so it was just one day for her to catch up with Kakashi and return to Sand Village.
Ninpou choujuu giga: ninja art, great beast painting

Thoughts: Tsunade orders Gai to rest and submit his report tomorrow, but isn't it important to know all details ASAP?