The Chunin Exams arc is often praised as one of the best in the Naruto series, and for good reason. It delivered thrilling battles, showcased unique jutsu, and introduced fan-favorite characters like Gaara, Neji, and Rock Lee. Even Naruto got a chance to prove himself, standing out in ways that would define his journey. Orochimaru's terrifying debut also raised the stakes, setting the stage for future conflicts.

However, despite its strengths, the arc came too early and left one major flaw in the series. Because it followed right after the Land of Waves, fans didn’t get enough time to see Team 7 bond through smaller missions. This lack of foundation made Sasuke’s eventual betrayal feel less emotionally grounded. If the series had taken more time before the exams, later story arcs could’ve had an even greater emotional impact.

Chunin Exam Was Great, No Doubt About It

This Arc Still Rivals Post-Time Skip Highlights

The Chunin Exams arc is undeniably a fan-favorite in the Naruto series. It happened right after the prologue and wasted no time in expanding the world by introducing pivotal characters like Gaara, Rock Lee, and Neji Hyuga. Even in Boruto, Gaara remains a key character, showing how important his debut was during this arc. The structure of the tournament allowed characters to shine individually, giving fans battles and moments they still talk about today.

This arc was also crucial for Neji Hyuga’s development, especially during his fight with Naruto in episode #59. At first, Neji looked down on Naruto, but during their match, he began to lower his guard and recognize Naruto’s resolve. That battle also showed Naruto tapping into the Nine-Tails’ power, hinting at the deeper potential within him. These moments added emotional weight, proving that the Chunin Exams weren’t just about flashy fights but personal growth, too.

The rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke was also spotlighted as Sasuke observed Naruto’s strength during his fight with Gaara. Seeing Naruto’s rapid growth made Sasuke feel left behind, ultimately fueling his obsession with gaining more power. While the Chunin Exam arc was full of unforgettable moments, giving it so much focus left little room to further develop Team 7’s bond. As a result, Sasuke’s departure from Konoha lacked the emotional depth it could’ve had had the team shared more meaningful missions beforehand.

Not Enough Time With Team 7 Before the Exams

Mini-Arcs Could Have Highlighted Sakura and Naruto’s Bond with Sasuke

In best Naruto main characters — Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura — operated as a real team, showcasing the strength of their bond and the teachings of Kakashi. That’s why this arc remains one of the most pivotal in the entire series.

However, right after this powerful introduction, the Chunin Exams were rushed into the storyline. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura barely had time to grow as a unit before being separated by larger plot developments. Mini-arcs in between could have shown more of their growing bond and made Sasuke’s eventual departure even more heartbreaking. While the determination to bring Sasuke back is central to the story, fans would’ve felt it even more deeply if we had seen Team 7’s friendship fully blossom first.

The Sudden Shift Hurt Sasuke’s Betrayal Arc

Sasuke Uchiha Was a Friend, But the Series Didn't Show It

Sasuke’s reason for leaving the village and turning his back on Team 7 has always been understood by fans. His deep resentment toward his older brother, Itachi Uchiha, who massacred their entire clan including their parents, served as a powerful emotional anchor for his decision. However, alongside that pain, Sasuke also developed jealousy toward Naruto, especially as he began witnessing Naruto’s growing strength through the Nine-Tails' power. This combination of grief and rivalry pushed Sasuke to pursue power at all costs, even if it meant severing ties.

Still, Sasuke’s betrayal lacked the emotional weight it could have had due to the rushed pacing of the early arcs. Moments that highlighted their friendship, like the heartfelt and comedic Team 7 bonding in Naruto Shippuden episode #469, came too late. That episode, where they tried to unmask Kakashi, showed the genuine connection they shared as kids, something the original arc could have built on more thoroughly. If more scenes like that existed before his departure, Sasuke Uchiha's focus on leaving Team 7 would have felt less rushed and more emotionally grounded, rather than like a bond was broken before it was ever truly built.

Kishimoto Was Likely Rushed Into the Arc

Chunin Exams Arc's Early Introduction Wasn't Originally Part of the Plan

According to Masashi Kishimoto himself, his original vision was to continue focusing on Naruto and Team 7, having them grow organically through missions that gradually introduced ninjas from other villages. He intended for the trio to encounter these characters along the way, allowing fans to witness their teamwork, friendship, and individual growth over time. However, his editors at Shueisha felt that this approach was too slow-paced for a shōnen series. They insisted he create a tournament arc instead, and although Kishimoto replied that doing so would "kill" him, the editors firmly responded, "Do it even if it kills you."

Although Kishimoto never planned to write a tournament arc, he later acknowledged that the Chunin Exams brought the series a significant surge in popularity, and it is easy to see why. Tournament arcs have become staples of shōnen anime because they offer the perfect setup to introduce character abilities, rivalries, and development.

Still, fans can't help but wonder what Kishimoto originally intended for Team 7. The stories, quiet moments, and character arcs fans could have experienced if the pace had not been forced to shift. A deeper dive into those early, intended arcs could have made Sasuke's later betrayal more emotionally impactful and given Naruto's Team 7 bond the development it truly deserved.