The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)
Episode 44 · Naruto (2002)
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Filler or Canon?
Naruto Episode 44 is mixed canon/filler — it contains canon manga material with some anime-original padding. Worth watching to follow the story. Naruto versus Kiba is Part 1's purest underdog match — and its finish, set up here, becomes the series' most infamous gag knockout.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
044 / 220
Status
Mixed Canon/Filler
Arc
Chunin Exams
CHUNIN EXAMS · EP 20–67 · 48 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 25 OF 48
Episode Summary
Naruto draws Kiba, and the underdog story plays in stereo: Kiba remembers the Academy dead-last and fights accordingly, all feral speed, Beast Mimicry and a two-front assault with Akamaru that puts Naruto in the dirt early. The soldier-pill-fed, red-furred double-team Fang Over Fang turns the arena into a blender. Naruto's answers are pure Naruto: take the hits, learn the rhythm, and cheat sideways — a Transformation into Akamaru that baits Kiba into striking his own partner. The momentum turns on a trick, not a jutsu.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Chunin Exams arc.
Can I skip it?
No, it contains canon story material you should watch.
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/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/Filler
044The Chunin Exam Stage 3: The Preliminaries (continued)Mixed Canon/Filler
045The 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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