Naruto Episode 037 Second Exam Completed! All of Them are Here, the Rookie Nine!

This episode begins with the reading of the mysterious note on the wall:
“If you do not possess Heaven, gain knowledge and be prepared. If you do not possess Earth, run through the field and seek strength. If you open both Heaven and Earth scrolls, dangerous paths turn into safe ones. This is the secret of something something. It shall lead you on your way.”

Sakura decides that it means for the team to open both scrolls. Sakura and Naruto open the scrolls, and find out that the scrolls contain the words, “Person” and “Jin.” The confused team is then warned by Sasuke that these are summoning inscriptions. They throw away the scrolls due to uncertain fear, however, what is summoned is nothing to fear, but Iruka sensei himself. He explains that he was summoned because he is to welcome them at the end of the Second Exam.

Iruka sensei brings a congratulatory message upon finishing the exam successfully. The team is relived by this good news, as they have made it just in time. Iruka sensei reveals that this second exam is to gauge the team’s ability to successfully complete real-life missions; therefore, cheating during the exam would result in a knocking out of those who cheat.

Iruka sensei also explains the mysterious message posted on the wall:
“Heaven” = head/mind of a person
“Earth” = the body

This means that without either mind or body, one will be unable to complete missions successfully. One must train both his body and mind to become a great ninja, and to make “dangerous paths safe.” Therefore, in order to become a Chuunin, who is a leader of ninja, one must both possess Heaven and Earth.

However, Iruka sensei especially shows his concern for Naruto in the upcoming Third Exam. Iruka sensei’s caring heart towards the team shows through a flashback to when he passionately requested the responsibility of informing the team of their failure or success; even through Kakashi sensei’s disapproval of such a move.

Then a scene shows a scar, identical to Sasuke’s, which is located on Anko sensei’s left shoulder as well. The Third Hokage expresses his worries for Sasuke, as he is apparently the one targeted by Orochimaru; one of the legendary Sannin who has yet to be captured or killed.

The second exam success rate (21 teams) is then reported to be the highest in five years, which will bring the victors through yet a Third Exam: preliminary fights, in order to lessen the number of final contestants. The Third Hokage still allows the exam, while waiting to see what Orochimaru is really up to.

The teams are then gathered into an arena, where the preliminaries will be immediately held. What’s surprising is that all nine of the young rookies from Konoha made through the Second Exam and into the preliminary matches.

The Third Hokage then explain the true purpose to this Exam: it is to show “The epitome of a war between allied nations;” unlike any reason the teams have heard so far. Not only is this exam to find who is to become Chuunins but it is also a means of these students fighting for their country’s dignity and reputation. The stronger nations represented would naturally have an upper hand economically and politically. The nations use their students in this Chuunin Exam for such political reasons; and the only way to find a ninja’s true strength is through “life-or-death” battle alone.

Then after the Hokage finishes, Gekkou Hayate, the Exam’s judge prepares to explain to the participants what the premise of this Third Exam is.