Qiuqa highlights 4 key points from Naruto Classic Episode 26.

1. Anko Attacks Naruto

All the candidates gathered in front of the fenced-off Forest of Death. Before them, Anko announced that the second phase of the exams would take place inside the forest. The participants stood in silence; not a single one dared to speak.

Naruto, on the other hand, danced around and loudly declared that he wasn’t afraid. Instantly, Anko threw a kunai that grazed Naruto’s cheek.

In a flash, Anko materialized right behind him, whispering a cold warning that he would surely die if he underestimated the Forest of Death. Shortly after, a ninja named Shiore appeared behind Anko and handed the kunai back—using her tongue.

2. The Rules of Passing

Anko explained that 26 teams had passed the first phase. Half of them would receive a Heaven Scroll, while the remaining 13 would receive an Earth Scroll. To pass, each team had to steal the scroll they lacked, ensuring that only the teams possessing both the Heaven and Earth Scrolls could advance.

These scrolls had to be brought to a tower located in the dead center of the forest within a 120-hour time limit. Furthermore, all three team members had to arrive together and alive. However, Anko issued a strict warning: anyone who dared to open the scrolls before reaching the tower would be instantly disqualified.

3. Team 8 in Action

With the briefing complete, the gates of the Forest of Death swung open. Anko officially announced the start of the second phase. The candidates surged into the woods, bracing themselves for a grueling five-day survival mission.

High up in the canopy, three Amegakure ninja spied on Team 8. Suddenly, a swarm of leeches rained down, latching tightly onto their bodies. The three assassins plummeted to the ground—they had walked right into a trap set by Team 8. Watching from afar, Kiba smiled in satisfaction at having effortlessly eliminated their opponents.

4. Sasuke Attacks Naruto

Meanwhile, Naruto excused himself from Sasuke and Sakura to go relieve himself. Shortly after he returned, however, Sasuke suddenly punched him in the face with enough force to send him flying into a nearby tree trunk. Sakura watched in utter shock, stunned by Sasuke’s sudden violent outburst against their teammate.

Sasuke coldly stated that the enemy’s disguise was pathetic—the fake “Naruto” lacked the fresh scratch on his cheek from Anko’s kunai earlier. In an instant, the imposter dropped his disguise, revealing himself to be an Amegakure ninja named Dadang.

Dadang glared at Team 7 and ordered them to hand over their secret scroll, promising that he would let them live if they complied.