Naruto, Vol. 9

The preliminary matches continue as Naruto pulls off a surprising victory through cunning rather than raw strength. The volume's emotional core arrives when shy Hinata Hyuga is forced to face her cold, prodigiously gifted cousin Neji, exposing deep wounds within the Hyuga clan. Elsewhere, Rock Lee's fierce battle against the sand ninja Gaara ends in devastating injury, raising the stakes for everyone moving on to the finals.

• Brand: VIZ Media
• Officially Licensed: Yes
• First Released: March 7, 2006 (English edition)
• Minimum Age: 13+
• Author/Artist: Masashi Kishimoto