There’s not much on the line for anyone except for pride and the want to succeed. GaaraĪnyhow, this fight from the middle of the Chunin Exam arc is notable for how simple and hard-hitting it is. But ultimately, this fight is most memorable for its tragic ending where Naruto learns that being strong isn’t always enough to win. It’s not an unfamiliar concept to Naruto or Sasuke, both defined by their own set of tragic circumstances, which makes this match up even harder to watch.īut what good would this fight be without some classic turnarounds? In the heat of battle we get not one, but two great awakenings, with Sasuke activating his Sharingan, his own inborn technique, and Naruto’s first taste of the demonic power sealed inside his own body. Haku’s childhood was violently destroyed by those afraid of his inborn power. We also learn that at the root of this tremendous power is a horrible burden. Naruto has always been about toeing the line between silly antics and monumentally important clashes, but you can point directly to this fight as the moment when shit started to get real.Įarly in the fight, Haku’s unique Ice Release ninjutsu serves as the introduction to Kekkei Genkai, or hereditary techniques passed down from generation to generation.

The first iconic battle on this list belongs to Naruto and Sasuke’s life-or-death fight against Haku, a rival ninja about their own age who is outclassing them in every way possible. Hulu’s Season and Episode: Season 1, Episodes 13-18Ĭrunchyroll’s Season and Episode: Season 1, Episodes 13-18 Netflix’s Season and Episode: Season 1, Episodes 13-18

Naruto shippuden naruto vs pain