A New Training Begins: I Will Be Strong!
Episode 86 · Naruto (2002)
WATCH
Filler or Canon?
Yes — Naruto Episode 86 is canon. It adapts the original manga and is essential to the main story. Do not skip it. The Rasengan training begins — the franchise's flagship jutsu introduced as a physics problem, and the inheritance theme (Fourth → Jiraiya → Naruto) made explicit.
Series
Naruto (2002)
Episode
086 / 220
Status
Manga Canon
Arc
Search for Tsunade
SEARCH FOR TSUNADE · EP 81–101 · 21 EPISODESYOU ARE HERE · 6 OF 21
Episode Summary
The promised technique gets unboxed. Jiraiya buys a water balloon, makes it explode with a touch, and announces the curriculum: the Fourth Hokage's Rasengan, three stages, no hand seals, pure shape transformation. Stage one — rupture the balloon by spinning water inside it with chakra alone — eats days of Naruto's pride on the road. The episode interleaves the grind with Jiraiya's recruitment errand and the first dossier on their destination: Tsunade, Sannin, medical genius, gambling addict, ghost.
Frequently Asked
What arc is it in?
It's part of the Search for Tsunade arc.
Can I skip it?
No, this is essential canon — do not skip it.
Search for Tsunade · Ep 81–101 · 21 episodes
081Return of the Morning MistManga Canon082Eye to Eye: Sharingan vs. SharinganManga Canon083Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!Mixed Canon/Filler084Roar, Chidori! Brother vs. Brother!Manga Canon085Hate Among the Uchihas: The Last of the Clan!Manga Canon
086A New Training Begins: I Will Be Strong!Manga Canon
087Keep on Training: Pop Goes the Water Balloon!Manga Canon088Focus: The Symbol of the LeafManga Canon089An Impossible Choice: The Pain Within Tsunade's HeartManga Canon090Unforgivable! A Total Lack of Respect!Manga Canon091Inheritance! The Necklace of Death!Manga Canon092A Dubious Offer! Tsunade's ChoiceManga Canon093Breakdown! The Coldhearted Decision!Manga Canon094Attack! Fury of the Rasengan!Manga Canon095The Fifth Hokage! A Fight for the Brave!Manga Canon096Hesitation? No More! The Fifth Hokage's Battle!Manga Canon097Naruto's Resort: The Ninja's Vacation!Filler098Ninja vs. Ninja: May the Best Ninja Win!Mixed Canon/Filler099The Will of Fire Still Burns!Mixed Canon/Filler100Sensei and Student: The Bond of the ShinobiMixed Canon/Filler101Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face!Filler720 episodes — canon, mixed, filler and best animation moments.
Open Filler Guide →