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Naruto Episode 56: Life or Death?! Mastering the Move is Life Threatening!



After three weeks of training, a weary Naruto summons a frog/tadpole hybrid before passing out. Meanwhile Anko, still feeling guilty about her past confrontation with Orochimaru, is consoled by an understanding Hokage. He tells her that at this point, no ninjas in Konoha could take on Orochimaru, including himself. Anko wishes the Fourth was still alive… but the Third quickly tells her that he’s dead. They must defend the village on their own.

Jiraiya tells Naruto that in order to learn to summon, he must train harder, as if his life depended on it. Naruto agrees, and Jiraiya and Naruto spend the first part of the day living as if Naruto were about to die soon :) They bathe in the hot springs, then head into town to eat Ramen (though Jiraiya won’t treat). He then tells Naruto to go hug the girl he likes - under the guise of training. After second guessing himself, a nervous Naruto hunts down Sakura only to be met with one of her uppercuts.

Afterwards, Jiraiya asks Naruto if he has anything else he wants to do. When Naruto replies no, Jiraiya punches him hard in the gut, knocking him out. He then picks up Naruto’s unconscious body and tosses him over a cliff. He is to find mastery of the summoning technique within this experience or he will die.

Naruto finds himself falling into a steep pit with no hope of grabbing hold of the rocks along the side to slow his fall or save him. His only hope is Kyubi.

In town, Iruka tells the kids about the four Hokages. The Fifth has yet to be determined. The Third then wanders into class and Iruka explains that he was once known as the Professor, the strongest of all the Hokages. The kids aren’t impressed with the old man they see before them. The Third tells them they are all very young and maybe one day they will become the Hokage. He tells them to always protect those important to them - those you accept, believe, and love from your heart - regardless of what path they choose in life. The kids ask if the Hokage if he has anyone like that. He replies his grandson, Konohamaru and everyone in this village.

Meanwhile, Naruto awakens in a damp cellar. He hears growling from below and recognizes the red chakra. As he walks towards the glow, he sees the seal that binds the vicious Kyubi. Kyubi encourages Naruto to come closer, only to take a swipe at him with his massive paw. Naruto suddenly comes to the realization that this is the Nine Tails who gives him the red chakra. And so he bargains with the demon fox. Since Kyubi is currently residing in his body, he should pay Naruto rent - with his chakra. Entertained, Kyubi agrees, knowing that if Naruto dies, he will also die. With the pact made, Naruto regains consciousness of the ground below and performs his summoning technique. This time he is quite successful and finds himself atop a very large, unmistakable toad.