: Rock Lee offers to fight Shira one-on-one after recognizing him as a fellow Taijutsu specialist.
: Elsewhere, Gaara discovers that some Chunin Exam participants are actually disguised Jōnin and begins spying on Team Fū to learn more. Technical Details Arc : In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths (filler). Air Date : February 26, 2015. Main Cast : Features Rock Lee , Shira , Neji Hyuga , and Gaara .
: A flashback shows Lee training under Might Guy, emphasizing the theme of hard work over natural talent. Naruto Shippuden Episode 401
Watch reviews and highlight breakdowns of the intense Taijutsu battle between Rock Lee and Shira:
Naruto Shippuden Episode 401, titled is a standalone filler episode within the "In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths" arc. It centers on a high-intensity Taijutsu duel between Rock Lee and a Hidden Sand ninja named Shira during the second Chunin Exams. Episode Summary : Rock Lee offers to fight Shira one-on-one
: Shira initially gains an advantage by blocking Lee’s tenketsu (chakra points), preventing him from opening the Eight Inner Gates.
: Shira reveals his own self-taught technique, the Seven Heavens Breathing Method , which boosts his lung capacity and power similarly to the Inner Gates. Air Date : February 26, 2015
: The episode is praised for its hand-to-hand choreography and fast-paced action, reminiscent of classic fighting anime.