Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke!
Episode 22 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Episode 22 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. Lee versus Sasuke is the thesis fight for the series' hard-work-versus-talent argument — and the rare time Part 1 lets the Sharingan lose cleanly.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
022 / 220
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Chunin Exams
CHUNIN EXAMS · EP 20–67 · 48 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 3 OF 48
Episode Summary
Before the exam even starts, Sasuke gets schooled. Rock Lee intercepts Team 7 for his promised duel, and the academy's last-place taijutsu specialist proceeds to do what no one has: completely outpace the Sharingan. The eyes see Lee's Leaf Hurricane coming; the body simply cannot answer. Only Guy-sensei's intervention — and the revelation of Lee's training regime, weights and all — stops the lesson. Sasuke's smile afterward is the interesting part: finally, a wall worth climbing. Naruto takes different notes: even geniuses can be outworked.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Chunin Exams arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
Chunin Exams · Ep 20–67 · 48 episodes
020A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!Mixed Canon/Filler021Identify Yourself: Powerful New RivalsMixed Canon/Filler
022Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke!Manga Canon
023Genin Takedown! All Nine Rookies Face Off!Mixed Canon/Filler024Start Your Engines: The Chunin Exam Begins!Mixed Canon/Filler025The Tenth Question: All or Nothing!Manga Canon026Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!Filler027The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of DeathMixed Canon/Filler028Eat or be Eaten: Panic in the ForestMixed Canon/Filler029Naruto's Counterattack: Never Give In!Mixed Canon/Filler030The Sharingan Revived: Dragon Flame Jutsu!S+Mixed Canon/Filler031Bushy Brow's Pledge: Undying Love and Protection!Manga Canon032Sakura Blossoms!Manga Canon033Formation: Team 8!Manga Canon034Akamaru Unleashed! Who's Top Dog Now?Manga Canon035The Kunoichi Showdown: Rivals Take Center Stage!Manga Canon036Sakura's Choice!Manga Canon037The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The PreliminariesMixed Canon/Filler038Narrowing the Field: Sudden Death Showdown!Mixed Canon/Filler039Bushy Brow's Jutsu: Sasuke Styles!Mixed Canon/Filler040The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler041The Nine Tails' ChakraMixed Canon/Filler042The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Manga Canon043The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler044The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler045The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler046The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler047The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler048Gaara vs. Rock Lee: The Power of Youth Explodes!AManga Canon049Lee's Hidden Strength: Forbidden Secret Jutsu!Mixed Canon/Filler050The Fifth Gate: A Splendid Ninja is BornManga Canon051A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches SasukeManga Canon052Ebisu Returns: Naruto's Toughest Training Yet!Mixed Canon/Filler053Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!Mixed Canon/Filler054The Summoning Jutsu: Wisdom of the Toad Sage!Mixed Canon/Filler055A Feeling of Dread: Orochimaru's Near Presence!Mixed Canon/Filler056Live or Die: Risk it all to Win it all!Mixed Canon/Filler057He Flies! He Kicks! He Prowls! He Toad!Mixed Canon/Filler058Hospital Besieged: The Evil Hand Revealed!Mixed Canon/Filler059The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena!Mixed Canon/Filler060Byakugan Battle: Hinata Grows Bold!Mixed Canon/Filler061Ultimate Defense: Zero Blind Spot!Manga Canon062A Failure's True PowerManga Canon063Hit it or Deny it: Rock Lee's Explosion!Mixed Canon/Filler064Zero Motivation: The Guy with Ultimate Ninja!Manga Canon065Dancing Leaf, Squirming SandManga Canon066Sasuke's Training: Secret of the Chidori!AMixed Canon/Filler067Late for the Show, But Ready to Go! The Ultimate Secret Technique is Born!AManga Canon720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
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