Naruto, Vol. 12

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 12. 2002. 196p. ISBN 9781421502427. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

In Naruto, Vol. 11, Naruto discovered that he would be fighting Neji in the third and final phase of the Chunin exam. The two of them step into the arena, in front of a large crowd, including many of the leaders of the other clans. As a member of the cadet class, Neji has a large chip on his shoulder, and he assumes that no one could understand what it is like to be the village's pariah, something that Naruto can relate to very well.

Naruto attacks quickly, but then realize that any attack within range of Neji risks him using his jitsu to block Naruto's chakra points, depriving of his own life force. Naruto comes up with several clever ways, but it's to no avail as Neji lands a blow that would have crippled anyone else. Neji reveals his background story, but to his surprise, Naruto calls upon the chakra from the Nine Tail Fox, and he successfully defeats Neji.

Meanwhile, Sasuke is still missing, and there is a discussion on whether his combat will Gaara will take place. Hinata, for her part, collapses, and Kabuto, who killed and replaced a disguised Black Ops ninja, intervenes to heal her. But what are his sinister plans? 

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 13.