Naruto Episode 71: An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!

June 22, 2026 · Anime, Episodes, Naruto

Spoiler note: This episode guide discusses the events of this episode. Major future-series spoilers should be avoided unless clearly marked.

Quick Facts

Episode: Naruto Episode 71
Title: An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!
Arc: Konoha Crush Arc
Canon/Filler Status: Canon / mostly manga-canon
Original Japanese Air Date: February 18, 2004
Previous Episode: Naruto Episode 70
Next Episode: Naruto Episode 72

Naruto Episode 71 Summary

Naruto Episode 71, “An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!,” follows the episode’s central events with a clearer focus on what actually happens on screen. While Jiraiya attempts to teach Naruto the Summoning Jutsu, while doing research as well, Dosu learns the hard way why Gaara is so dangerous. Meanwhile, Baki and Kabuto secretly meet and reveal a sinister plot against Konoha. When Hayate discovers this dark secret, he attempts to warn the Hokage. However, he'll have to get through Baki first!

Detailed Episode Discussion

The episode’s main movement is built around this setup: While Jiraiya attempts to teach Naruto the Summoning Jutsu, while doing research as well, Dosu learns the hard way why Gaara is so dangerous. Meanwhile, Baki and Kabuto secretly meet and reveal a sinister plot against Konoha. When Hayate discovers this dark secret, he attempts to warn the Hokage. However, he'll have to get through Baki first! PopRot readers should watch how the characters respond to the pressure of the moment, because the choices made here are what connect the episode to the larger Naruto storyline.

In practical watch-order terms, “An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale!” is not just a title card in the episode list. It marks the specific conflict, reveal, confrontation, joke, rescue, or turning point that the episode wants viewers to remember. The important details to track are who takes action, who gets challenged, and what new information changes the audience’s understanding of the arc.

This recap is written to help fans place Naruto Episode 71 in context without losing the thread of the larger story. If you are moving through Naruto in order, treat this episode as a checkpoint for the current arc’s momentum, character relationships, and next-step setup.

Watch or Skip?

Watch. This episode is part of the core Naruto viewing path and helps move the main story forward.

Where to Watch Naruto Episode 71 Online

Streaming availability changes by country and over time. PopRot links only to official/legal watch options. When an exact episode page is available, use that; otherwise start from the official Naruto series/search page on each service.