What episode is "Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand" in Naruto?
"Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand" is episode 65 of Naruto.
Spoiler-Safe Summary
safe readSasuke and Gaara prepare for their upcoming match under a strict time limit, while Gaara demonstrates his strength by eliminating meddlesome ninjas on his way to the arena.
Full Plot Summary
spoilersWith Sasuke and Gaara's match needing to start, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi sets a time limit for Sasuke to arrive of 10 minutes. Sasuke arrives at the last minute with Kakashi Hatake. Meanwhile, Gaara kills a pair of ninjas who are attempting to fix the match on his way to enter the arena.
Episode FAQ
4 quick answersIs "Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand" canon or filler?
"Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand" is listed as canon in the current AnimeAnchor guide.
What story arc is "Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand" part of?
"Dancing Leaf, Squirming Sand" is part of the Chunin Exams Arc.
Can I read this without spoilers?
Yes. Start with the spoiler-safe summary, then reveal the full plot only when you want the complete episode breakdown.
Series Cast
18Browse the main cast connected to this episode guide.
Kakashi Hatake main 
Naruto Uzumaki main 
Sakura Haruno main 
Sasuke Uchiha main 
Akamaru supporting 
Asuma Sarutobi supporting Choji Akimichi supporting 
Hinata Hyuga supporting 
Ino Yamanaka supporting 
Iruka Umino supporting 
Jiraiya supporting 
Kankuro supporting 
Kiba Inuzuka supporting Kurenai Yuhi supporting Might Guy supporting 
Neji Hyuga supporting 
Rock Lee supporting 
Shikamaru Nara supporting Related Movies
6Franchise movie releases are kept separate from the TV episode spine.
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow 2004 
Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel 2005 
Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom 2006 
Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2007 
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Bonds 2008 
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire 2009