Bushy Brow's Pledge: Undying Love and Protection!
Episode 31 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Episode 31 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. Lee spending a forbidden technique on a girl who rejected him — the episode that turned the comic-relief character into the series' most beloved heart.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
031 / 220
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Chunin Exams
CHUNIN EXAMS · EP 20–67 · 48 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 12 OF 48
Episode Summary
Sakura, guarding two comatose teammates through the night, is found at dawn by the Sound trio with kill orders from Orochimaru. Her traps fail, her hair becomes a handhold, and rescue arrives in green spandex: Rock Lee, unrolling bandages, makes good on his vow to protect her with his life. His Primary Lotus — the forbidden move that nearly took Gaara apart — meets Dosa's sound-melting gauntlet and, for the first time, fails. Lee crumples. Sakura, watching her protector fall, reaches for the kunai herself.
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/Filler022Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke!Manga Canon023Genin 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/Filler
031Bushy Brow's Pledge: Undying Love and Protection!Manga Canon
032Sakura 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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