What Episode Does The Chunin Exams Start In Naruto

Alright, fellow Naruto fanatics! You're itching to know when the real action begins, aren't you? I get it. We're all waiting for the moment when things go from "academy hijinks" to "OMG, ninjas throwing down!"

So, the burning question: when do the Chunin Exams officially kick off in Naruto?

Ready, Set, Exams!

Hold onto your headbands, because the Chunin Exams technically begin in episode 20 of the original Naruto series! Yes, you read that right!

But, and this is a BIG "but," episode 20 is more like the pre-game show. Think of it as the appetizer before the ninja buffet. We see the contestants arriving, the tension building, and a few sneaky previews of what's to come.

Like, imagine waiting in line for the newest rollercoaster. You see it, you hear it, you know it's going to be epic, but you're not actually on it yet. That's episode 20 in a nutshell.

The Gates are Opening!

If you want the full, unadulterated Chunin Exams experience, you've gotta fast forward a bit. Think of it as skipping the previews at the movie theater to get straight to the explosions!

The true, nail-biting, chakra-draining first stage of the exams begins in episode 22. That's when things get really interesting.

Remember Ibiki Morino? He's the proctor that likes to play mind games. This exam is all about pressure and knowledge. This is when the real challenge starts.

Why the Confusion?

You might be thinking, "Wait, I thought it was earlier! I remember some stuff happening before!" And you're not wrong! There's definitely foreshadowing and setup in earlier episodes.

Like episode 4, is when Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are assigned their first real mission. A little more action starts brewing then too.

But when it comes to the actual tournament, the first official test is in episode 22.

Think of it like planning a surprise party. You might start buying decorations and whispering secrets weeks in advance. The party doesn't actually start until the guests arrive and someone yells "Surprise!"

The Breakdown

To make it super clear, here's the timeline:

Episode 20: Arrival and anticipation, a taste of what's to come.

Episode 22: The first actual exam begins with Ibiki.

So, there you have it! Now you can impress your friends with your encyclopedic Naruto knowledge. Go forth and binge-watch!

Get ready for the forest of death which happens later in the tournament arc. So much fun!

Don't forget the matches after the forest of death, which are really great too!