Naruto — Shippuden Episode 396

Viewers appreciated the nostalgic callback to the original Chūnin Exams and the clever puzzle-solving nature of Shikamaru's test.

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.

Characters like Sakura Haruno and Neji realize the test is a communication puzzle. Neji eventually captures the room's attention to coordinate their efforts. Key Themes and Significance Naruto Shippuden Episode 396

Unlike standard tests, teams are split into three separate rooms. Each member must choose one of three questions worth 30, 40, or 50 points. For the team to pass, their combined score must equal exactly 100 points .

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. Viewers appreciated the nostalgic callback to the original

" 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

The episode centers on the first stage of the Chūnin Exams—a written test designed by . Neji eventually captures the room's attention to coordinate

While Naruto is physically absent, the episode uses Konohamaru's antics to maintain his presence and highlight the theme of carrying on one's ideals.