Naruto Episode 044 Akamaru Joins the Fight!! Which One will be the Underdog?

This episode begins with the announcement of Naruto and Kiba’s battle. Naruto, as usual, is pumped for this chance, but so is his opponent, Kiba.

Naruto scolds Kiba for bringing in Akamaru into the fight, but the judge says that he is allowed. Kiba, at first, says he would fight this battle alone; the observers and even Kiba’s sensei says that Naruto doesn’t have a chance (We’ve seen this trend before, have we not?). Kiba begins to belittle Naruto in his mind and underestimate him from memories in the academy.

Kiba begins with using Gijyuu Ninpou, Shikyaku no Justsu, Beast Mimicry Ninja Technique, Four Legs to give him the abilities of a beast. This increases Kiba’s speed, reflexes, strength, and overall abilities. Kiba and the spectators think he has beaten Naruto with just the first attack, but to their surprise Naruto gets back up, just as we have seen him do before. At this time, Sakura remembers Naruto’s fighting spirit and believes, along with Kakshi, in his abilities to come out on top, no matter that situation.

Triumphantly, Naruto proclaims, “Don’t underestimate me!” Naruto then tells Kiba to use Akamaru and stop being a tough guy. Kiba then responds with smoke bombs to blind Naruto. Kiba then begins his assault on Naruto; Kiba can sense him because of the beast-like senses. Kiba lures out Naruto and Akamaru knocks him right back in. When the smoke clears, it seems as if Naruto was finished; however surprisingly Akamaru runs after Kiba and bites his owner. Kiba is confused as to why he would get bitten; then it becomes clear that Naruto had, in fact, beaten Akamaru and transformed into Akamaru and tricked Kiba.

Now, the spectators realize that Naruto has more power than first anticipated. Even still, Kiba remains confident. Kiba then feeds Akamaru a food pill that turns him vicious and red; Kiba takes them too. Kiba then uses the Beast Mimicry technique again, only this time Akamaru had turned into a Kiba look-alike; now it’s two against one, as is described by its new name, Jyuujin Bunshin, or Half-Beast Clone.

The food pills are described by Chouji as military tools used to temporarily double Chakra. The duo now attacks Naruto with the Four Legged Technique, but luckily Naruto dodges successfully. The duo continues their relentless attack on the confused and helpless Naruto, who can only run away, for now. Just then, Kiba and Akamaru use their Half-Beast Combination Technique to create the Gatsuuga, or the Double Fang Destroyer. This attack knocks Naruto skyward.

Even after being beatendown, Naruto continues to fight back; his will to become Hokage is stronger than the pain he is feeling. Kiba continues to taunt and belittle Naruto, keeping his overconfident attitude. Naruto stands back up, and wishes to continue the fight, and confidently challenges Kiba.