In the Naruto Shippuden episode "Their Backs" (Episode 409), the story focuses on Sakura Haruno during the second phase of the Chunin Exams. As Team Asuma faces off against Team Saya, Sakura finds herself reflecting on her growth and her desire to finally stand on equal footing with Naruto and Sasuke.

: During the conflict, Sakura is paralyzed by a realization of her own past weaknesses. Recalling how she often relied on her teammates for protection, she draws strength from her training with Lady Tsunade to regain her confidence.

: Interspersed with the exam action is a flashback to Naruto’s training with Jiraiya. In a dangerous experiment, Jiraiya asks Gerotora to weaken the Nine-Tails' seal. This causes Naruto to lose control, manifesting four tails and attacking Jiraiya, which eventually lands both in the hospital. Episode Themes

: Naruto’s flashback emphasizes the heavy toll of training to control the Nine-Tails' chakra and the physical danger he poses to those closest to him. Release Information

: While Choji is under the control of Saya’s Puppet Imitation Technique, Ino manages to take over and redirect the attack. Though Saya narrowly escapes using a Body Replacement Technique, she vows revenge, abandoning her interest in the exams.

: The dubbed version of this episode first aired in North America on October 10, 2017.

: It originally premiered in Japan on April 23, 2015.

: The episode serves as a character study for Sakura , highlighting her journey from a girl who "cried in the back" to a capable ninja willing to put her life on the line for her friends.