In this episode, we are introduced to most of the characters that will form the basis of the Naruto anime and manga series. We are also briefly introduced to the relationships they share. For example, it becomes obvious early on that Sakura and Ino are rivals. It also becomes obvious that Naruto has a crush on Sakura, Sakura has a crush on Sasuke, and Hinata has a crush on Naruto.
At the start of this episode, we see Naruto enjoy a seemingly innocent breakfast before his first encounter as a true ninja. Although he may not look like it at the time, this scene is important in relation to the rest of the episode. Naruto arrives at the academy to be paired up in a three-man squad. Shortly after entering, Sakura and Ino enter the classroom and begin to argue over who will sit next to Sasuke. Seeing Sasuke as a threat, not just romantically but in many other areas, Naruto decides to get up in his face, leading to the classic Sasuke and Naruto kiss, one of the most memorable scenes in the anime from the start.
Being paired with Sasuke is the last thing Naruto wanted, while being paired with Sakura was exactly what he wanted. This begins the triangle of love and hate that we will see in the next few episodes. Sakura desperately tries to get Sasuke’s attention as she despises Naruto all the time even though he competes for her attention. Sasuke, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with any of them.
Naruto breaks into Sasuke’s room and ties him up, transforming into Sasuke in an attempt to get closer to Sakura. He plays soft by approaching her and asks what Sakura thinks of Naruto. Sakura replies that she thinks Naruto is annoying, which hurts her feelings but doesn’t stop her from playing as Sasuke and trying to kiss him. Just before the moment of magic happens, Naruto has a bad case of diarrhea and has to run to the bathroom. At this point, Sasuke has broken free and is looking for Naruto. Sasuke walks past Sakura and she leers at him, hoping the scene will pick up where he left off and result in a romantic kiss. However, the real Sasuke isn’t interested and tells Sakura that he thinks she’s annoying. There is also a brief snippet in this conversation that reveals that Sasuke, like Naruto, is an orphan.
Sasuke bumps into Naruto as Naruto comes out of the bathroom, and while for a moment we have the excited thought that they might have their first rival battle, it won’t be. Naruto’s stomach kicks in again and leaves Sasuke standing there, speechless. Seconds later, Sasuke decides it’s not worth his time and walks away from him. The cause of Naruto’s tummy ache? Sour milk from the morning breakfast from him.