Episodes No. 121 through No. 135 of the hit ninja fantasy Naruto bridge the end of Season 5 and the start of Season 6, concluding one arc of the story. Shikamaru’s mission to retrieve Sasuke from Orochimaru’s henchmen falters, but Rock Lee and three familiar ninja from the Sand Village come to the rescue. The combatants employ fantastic jutsu, especially when Gaara battles Kimimaro, who creates weapons from his own bones. Rock Lee mistakenly drinks some sake and performs his own version of the “drunken fist” martial arts style in an homage to Jackie Chan. But the story also falters: the first seven episodes focus on the same fights, which drag on and on. The plot reaches its climax as Naruto confronts Sasuke at Final Lake, atop the enormous carved guardians of a waterfall. In flashbacks, the viewer learns that Sasuke desires the power to avenge his brother’s murder of their family–regardless of its cost. The friendship he shares with Naruto makes their duel more meaningful and intense. As the strength of Orochimaru’s curse mark intensifies, Sasuke transforms, sprouting hand-like wings; some of the chakra of the Nine-Tailed Fox-Demon imprisoned within Naruto’s body emerges. A new storyline begins when Jiraiya a.k.a. “Pervy Sage,” comes to the hospital and announces he has three years to train Naruto to the level of Shinobi. Three years must pass before Orochimaru can take possession of Sasuke’s body–and in three years’ time, the sinister Akatsuki organization plans to strike at Naruto to obtain the Fox-Demon’s power. (Rated T+ Older Teen; suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, toilet humor, alcohol) –Charles Solomon

(121: To Each His Own Battle, 122: Fakeout: Shikamaru’s Comeback! 123: The Leaf’s Handsome Devil! 124: The Beast Within, 125: The Sand Shinobi: Allies of the Leaf, 126: Showdown: Gaara vs. Kimimaro, 127: Vengeful Strike! The Bracken Dance! 128: A Cry on Deaf Ears, 129: Brothers: Distance Among the Uchiha, 130: Father and Son, the Broken Crest, 131: The Secrets of the Mangekyo Sharingan! 132: For a Friend, 133: A Plea From a Friend, 134: The End of Tears, 135: The Promise That Could Not Be Kept)