This episode is part of the "In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths" filler arc, which looks back at the Chuunin Exams that took place while Naruto was away training with Jiraiya. Direct Review
The core of the episode is Neji's decision-making. He chooses to help Matsuri and rescue Gaara from the rogue monk Hōichi without asking for a reward, showing how far he has come from the fatalistic, cold ninja of the original series. His tactical use of the Byakugan to solve the Jinchūriki extraction problem is a satisfying display of his genius. Naruto Shippuden Episode 412
: Matsuri offers Team Guy a "Heaven Scroll" to help save Gaara. Neji decides to help for free. Using his Byakugan, Neji manages to cut the chakra chains binding Gaara and Fū by targeting a weak point in the barrier. Key Characters : Neji, Gaara, Fū, Matsuri, and Team Guy. This episode is part of the "In Naruto's