Neji's Judgment

Summary
Matsuri offers Team Guy her "Heaven Scroll" in exchange for helping her rescue Gaara from Hōichi, with the Konohagakure team deciding to help her out without a reward. As Neji, with the help of his Byakugan, pinpoints the Kazekage's location, the four decide to go to his aid, even if it would mean defaulting the Chūnin Exams in the process. Meanwhile, Hōichi continues to pull the tailed beast chakra from both Fū and Gaara. In response to her opponent's technique, the girl creates a Cocoon using her Chakra Threads, which delays the chakra absorption caused by the chains. With Gaara informing her that nobody will come to their rescue, Fū tells him not to lose hope, making the boy find her behaviour to be similar to Naruto's. At the same time, Kurenai, Asuma and Guy notice the Kazekage's absence in the village, confirming that their fear of Gaara setting himself as bait to lure out the enemy was fulfilled. The three then notice Yukata and Mikoshi, struggling in the desert. Meanwhile, Matsuri and Team Guy make it to their destination, noticing the cocoon and Hōichi, playing his biwa. As Yōrō and Kegon arrive, looking for their comrade, Neji uses his Byakugan on the cocoon, realising that both Gaara and Fū's tailed beasts are being extracted. The two jōnin ready their weapons against Neji, only for him to convince them to work together. After he devises a plan, Yōro, Kegon, Matsuri and Lee attack Hōichi, only for the priest to block their attacks with his barrier ninjutsu. As Matsuri notes that their attacks aren't helping their current situation, Lee assures the girl that their efforts would buy Neji and Tenten time. At the same time, Neji uses a chakra sword to pierce through the cocoon. After the first attempt failed, the Hyūga uses his Gentle Fist: Tenketsu Needle technique a second time to halt the chains' chakra absorption. When Hōichi notices that the chains are no longer active, he begins fearing that the chains will target him. Failing to stop the technique, Hōichi's chakra gets sealed, only for him to be freed by Neji, due to Gaara's plea. As Gaara and Fū thank Neji and Matsuri for their help, Kurenai, Asuma and Guy arrive, only to note that their help is no longer needed.

Trivia

 * In the beginning of the episode, Matsuri is briefly shown with a Konohagakure forehead protector.