Sasuke Recovery Mission

Episodes 107—135, Chapters 172—238

This arc covers Sasuke's decision to seek Orochimaru for more power so he can avenge his clan after the Sound Four invites him, and his flight from Konohagakure. Most of the focus is on the team consisting of Shikamaru Nara, the leader, Kiba Inuzuka, Neji Hyuga, Choji Akimichi, and Naruto Uzumaki chasing Sasuke, fighting Kimimaro, Kidomaru, Tayuya, Jirobo, Sakon, and Ukon along the way. The Sand Siblings, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, also make appearances in the arc along with Rock Lee. It also includes the highly anticipated fight between Naruto and Sasuke, which, in total, concludes the first part of the Naruto manga series. In the anime, this is the last non-filler arc.