Naruto, Vol. 17

Starting here is not recommended because the narrative relies heavily on established character dynamics and long-standing plot threads that begin in the first volume. New readers should begin with the first volume to understand the foundational relationships and the world-building that makes the events in this installment meaningful.

The manga provides the original source material as intended by the author, whereas the anime adaptation includes additional filler episodes that are not present in the manga chapters. Readers often find the manga pacing more consistent and the art style more stable compared to the animated version.