Exposition
Episodes: 001-005
Chapters: 001-008
This arc covers the introduction of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi and the formation of Team 7.
Land of Waves
Episodes: 006-019
Chapters: 009-033
This arc covers Team 7's first major mission, protecting an expert bridge builder from a shipping magnate whose oppressing financial stranglehold over the country would be broken if the bridge were to be completed. It also revolves around their fight against Zabuza and his apprentice Haku. It introduces the recurring theme that fighting for those you care about makes you stronger. Naruto also defines and adopts his own "way of the ninja".
Chunin Exam
Episodes: 020-067
Chapters: 034-114
This arc covers Team 7's entrance into the Chunin exam and the exposition of several key characters, such as Orochimaru, Kabuto, Jiraiya, Team Guy, Gaara, and the Rookie Nine (Naruto's old classmates).
Invasion of Konoha
Episodes: 068-080
Chapters: 115-138
This arc covers Orochimaru's conspiracy to destroy Konoha, with a strong emphasis on the difference between fighting for one's own selfish ambitions as opposed to fighting for the sake of your important people.
Return of Itachi
Episodes: 081-085
Chapters: 139-148
This arc covers a short visit of Sasuke's older brother, Itachi and his partner, Kisame to Konoha, in search of Naruto. This arc serves as exposition for Akatsuki and their interest in the tailed beasts and sheds some light on the relationship between Itachi and Sasuke.
Tsunade's Decision
Episodes: 086-100
Chapters: 149-171
This arc covers Naruto and Jiraiya search for Tsunade, so they can offer her the role of Fifth Hokage. In the meantime, Orochimaru and Kabuto also look for her, so they can try and get her to heal Orochimaru arms. Naruto learn his signature move Rasengan.
Unmask Kakashi
Episode: 101
Chapters: None
This arc covers Team 7 trying to see the face hidden behind Kakashi's mask. Naruto makes several predictions on how Kakashi face might look like and it catches Sasuke interest to find out how Kakashi face might look like, along with Sakura.
Land of Tea Race
Episodes: 102-106
Chapters: None
This arc is the first filler arcs, which covers a small stand-alone adventure where Team 7 helps Ibiki Morino younger brother, Idate, to win a race with very high stakes and learn that he is more than the coward he thought he was.
Sasuke Retrieval
Episodes: 107-135
Chapters: 172-238
This arc covers Sasuke decision to seek Orochimaru for more power so he can avenge his clan. Most of the focus is on the team chasing Sasuke, consisting of Shikamaru, Naruto, Neji, Choji, and Kiba and later helped by Rock Lee, Gaara, Temari and Kankuro. This also includes the fight between Naruto and Sasuke.