Naruto Spin-Off: Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals

Synopsis

In the fierce world of shinobi, Rock Lee struggles because he lacks conventional ninja skills. Unfazed, he persists through tough training to improve his taijutsu abilities. Lee also comes up with inventive battle tactics when needed. Backed by his steady teammates Neji Hyuuga and Tenten, he takes on bold missions as steps toward his dream of becoming a great ninja.

Background

Naruto SD: Rock Lee no Seishun Full-Power Ninden is a Naruto: Shippuuden non-canon spin-off. Unlike the original series, it is the work of a different author and presents distinctive elements: another main character, a super-deformed art style, a narrator, and topics or statements that can be difficult to understand even for adults. The first DVD was released on July 18, 2012. Starting October 1, 2013, the anime was re-broadcasted as a selection of episodes from the initial series under the title Naruto SD: Rock Lee no Seishun Full-Power Ninden Mou Iccho. It is also considered that Rock Lee Ocharake Gaiden—a separate feature shown in five installments as a bonus of Naruto Shippuuden—is essentially Naruto SD: Rock Lee no Seishun Full Power Ninden's predecessor. As of March 2015, both dubbed and subtitled English versions have been made available for online streaming in the United States through Hulu and Neon Alley.