The episode centers on the first stage of the Chūnin Exams—a written test designed by .
Reviews of the episode are generally mixed, often cited as a by fans. Naruto Shippuden Episode 396
Distressed that Naruto’s absence might prevent him from ever becoming a Chūnin, Konohamaru disguises himself as Naruto to participate. He is quickly exposed and eventually consoled by Neji Hyūga . The episode centers on the first stage of
" The Three Questions " (三つの問題, Mittsu no Mondai ) is episode 396 of the anime, which originally aired on January 22, 2015 . It is part of the filler arc "In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths," which explores the second Chūnin Exams that took place during Naruto's three-year training journey with Jiraiya. Plot Summary: The First Exam He is quickly exposed and eventually consoled by Neji Hyūga
Some found the heavy focus on calculating averages tedious, and many fans were frustrated by the placement of this filler arc in the middle of the climactic Fourth Shinobi World War.
Viewers appreciated the nostalgic callback to the original Chūnin Exams and the clever puzzle-solving nature of Shikamaru's test.
The episode showcases Shikamaru's brilliance as a strategist and proctor, moving away from brute force to mental games reminiscent of the original series' first exam.