The Nine Tails, having been released from Madara's control, continues to wreck havoc in the city. The Third Hokage summons the Monkey King Enma and drives the Nine Tails away from the city. Minato then returns to the city and with the help of the toad Gamabunta is able to restrain the Nine Tails long enough for him to teleport it along with his family to the outskirts of the village. Kushina binds the Nine Tails and as Minato prepares to do the Reaper Death Seal to seal away half of the Nine Tails Chakra and seal the rest inside Naruto using the Eight Trigrams Seal. He also seals a bit of Kushina's chakra to help Naruto tame the Nine Tails. All of this is witnessed by the Third Hokage and a few other ninja.

Jiraiya realizes that the six Pains are all ninja he's met before. Putting various pieces of information together, Jiraiya figures out Pain's true identity, but Pain doesn't intend to allow Jiraiya to leave with that information alive. Elsewhere, the fated meeting between Itachi and Sasuke arrives, and Sasuke foresees Itachi's death.

Naruto's rage pushes him to unleash six of the Kyubi's tails against Pain. In order to combat this menace, Pain is forced to rely upon his most powerful technique to stop Naruto. Will Pain succeed in defeating Naruto, or will the most unexpected of allies appear to calm Naruto down?

Minato is forced to use his Flying Raijin jutsu and leave his wife Kushina behind to save their newborn son, Naruto, from a masked assailant.

Naruto returns and discovers that the village has been devastated by Pain's Shinra Tensei attack. Naruto requests that everyone stays back as he prepares to take on all six paths of Pain at once.

The Fourth Hokage appears in Naruto's mind and prevents him from foolishly setting the Kyubi free. Will this confrontation between father and son give Naruto the confidence he needs to stop Pain once and for all?

Naruto successfully begins taking out Pain's bodies one after another, but when his Sage Mode reaches its limit, Pain attempts to take control of the battle. Is the moment of Pain's victory at hand, or does Naruto have a plan?

Naruto uses up the last of his chakra trying to free the Tailed Beasts from Madara’s control. When all seems lost, the Nine Tails finally acknowledges Naruto as its jinchuriki and offers its help.

Deciding to believe in Naruto, Nagato uses the Gedo Art: Rinne Rebirth jutsu, expending the last of his chakra, and thus giving his life, to revive every person in the village who died in the attack, saying that it's the least he can do. With Nagato dead, Konan leaves Akatsuki, taking Nagato and Pain's God Realm (who is actually the body of Yahiko) with her, parting with Naruto saying that since Nagato believed in him to achieve true peace, she will as well. As Naruto returns to the Leaf, he is astonished to find the entire village awaiting his return, hailing him as a true hero. After all these years, Naruto has finally received the acknowledgment he's always wanted.

As Pain tells Naruto about why he does what he does, Hinata appears on the scene and confesses her feelings to Naruto. In order to save him, she attacks Pain... Things are about to get messy and Naruto is about to go over the edge!

Back at the front lines, the five Kage struggle to hold their own against Madara's Susanoo-clad wood clones.  As the lights surrounding the reincarnated shinobi begin to illuminate the battlefield as they faded into pillars of light, Itachi approaches Sasuke and uses his Sharingan to show Sasuke everything about the Uchiha clan massacre.

Inside his mind, Naruto continues his battle against Nine Tails to take control of its immense power.

Pain confronts Tsunade and questions her about Naruto's whereabouts. Tsunade argues with Pain about his motives, but Pain soon gets the info he needs from another source. Before preparing to depart, Pain unleashes a devastating attack on the village! Meanwhile, Naruto prepares to return to the Leaf Village, but he may be too late.

The reanimated shinobi appearing before Gaara and Ohnoki is revealed to be none other than Madara Uchiha himself…which raises the question of who the masked man claiming to be Madara really is.

Team 7 joins forces and succeeds in sealing away Kaguya, and the Tailed Beasts that Kaguya absorbed are also freed. Black Zetsu escapes the seal to lie in wait for another time to resurrect his mother, but Naruto is not about to let him go!

Sasuke thinks that he's finally killed Itachi with the help of his most powerful technique, Kirin, but Itachi still has one final trick up his sleeve. Having used both Tsukiyomi and Amaterasu, Itachi calls upon the power of his third and final Mangekyo ability, Susano'o. Itachi has turned the tide of the battle against Sasuke, but the latter receives aid from an unexpected source. The battle between the Uchiha brothers is nearing its shocking conclusion!

The power of the reanimated Madara Uchiha far exceeds what the Allied Forces expected. Despite the difference in power, the Third Tsuchikage, Ohnoki, along with Naruto and Gaara, refuses to give up.

Kakashi continues to fight against Pain. With the arrival of Chouji and Chouza, things start looking up, but Pain's not out of tricks just yet.

The Allied Shinobi Forces begin their onslaught against Obito and Madara. But Ten Tails suddenly transforms and hurls powerful Tailed Beast Bombs toward distant towns.

Sixteen years ago, Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze and his wife Kushina are expecting their first child, much to the delight of the young couple.

Naruto and Sasuke are enveloped in a huge, intense light after exchanging attacks. When they come to, scenes from their childhood unfold. Is this just a figment of their imagination? Or could this be the afterlife?

Naruto and Sasuke have both become such high-level shinobi that each knows exactly what the other is thinking just by exchanging attacks. Despite knowing how Naruto feels, Sasuke is determined to cut him down.

Madara now possesses the Rinnegan in both eyes, and he is the strongest, most despicable enemy the newly reunited Team 7 has ever faced. Kakashi calls upon Team 7 to recall their first lesson with the bells, and to use teamwork!

Pain's God Realm finally enters the battle. As Naruto's toad allies fall one by one, the situation begins to look grim. Can Naruto defeat Pain?

Ten Tails is on the brink of its final transformation and begins to form a massive Tailed Beast Bomb.

Kakashi holds on to the hope that Obito can return to being the young man that he remembers. But Obito has abandoned the present as well as the memories of his friends and is determined to end the world!

After successfully breaking out of Itachi's Tsukiyomi, Sasuke gains the upper hand on his weakened brother. With no other alternative, Itachi activates his second Mangekyo ability, Amaterasu, a black flame said to burn forever.

After the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, Obito finds himself inside the hidden lair of Madara Uchiha, who saved the young shinobi’s life. There, Obito works to rehabilitate his injured body in the hopes of being reunited with Kakashi and Rin.

Obito ignores Kakashi’s order to continue with the mission and leaves to save Rin, who was kidnapped by the Rock ninja. But the enemies detect Obito’s arrival and defeat him. Kakashi arrives at the last minute and saves Obito…

Itachi uses the ultimate genjutsu technique Koto Amatsukami to free himself from the Reanimation Jutsu. Itachi then joins Naruto and Killer Bee to fight Nagato, who is still under Kabuto’s control.

After Madara finishes telling Sasuke about his past, he reveals the unfathomable truth about Itachi's massacre of the Uchiha Clan. What really happened on that night? Why did Itachi join Akatsuki? And for what reason did he really spare Sasuke's life?

Naruto had once lived a lonely existence, ostracized by everyone. But Iruka's words and his very presence have supported Naruto to this day. As Naruto's wedding nears, Iruka begins to lose sight of what he was to Naruto, and is unsure of what to say for his message.

Jiraiya is now confronted by two new Pains who both possess different abilities than the one he was fighting. Just who is Pain and how many Pains are there?

Naruto is overcome with grief over Neji’s death, but Hinata's words restore his fighting spirit.

Minato is filled with regret during his confrontation with Obito. He thinks if only he had recognized Obito as the Masked Man during the assault on the Hidden Leaf Village, he could have stopped the attack, and maybe Kushina would not have died.

With Nagato's story done, Naruto tells him his answer, declaring that he won't abandon the legacy of his master, and he'll keep striving for peace no matter what pain he's put through. Nagato reflects on what Naruto says, thinking back to his final days as one of Jiraiya's students. How will Nagato ultimately respond to Naruto's answer?

Gaara leads the Fourth Company into battle against the previous Kage, including his father, the late Fourth Kazekage. The Fourth Kazekage attacks Gaara in order to determine if his son is truly worthy to be the current Kazekage.

With Killer Bee as his new master, Naruto begins his training to control the power of a Tailed Beast. In order to do so, one must fight the Tailed Beast head on and absorb its chakra, converting it into one’s own power.

The barrier is shattered, and Ten Tails appears! With unfathomable power in its attack, it sends shock waves through the air! Kurama takes the lead and tries to go on the offensive, but is helpless against Ten Tails' immense strength.

With Team Hawk exposed, Sasuke begins to ruthlessly take down all opposing samurai. Raikage, along with Darui and Shii, track down Sasuke. The two sides engage in battle, and Suigetsu and Juugo join the fray. Which side will win this battle of overwhelming power?

Naruto challenges Kakuzu with his new technique, the Rasen Shuriken, but can he defeat Kakuzu when his technique isn't even complete yet?

In the Rain Country, Jiraiya decides to take care of three young orphans for a while. Yahiko, a spunky young boy, wants Jiraiya to train him, Konan, and Nagato to be shinobi, but it's not until he sees a strange phenomenon in Nagato that he decides to do so. What is the secret behind Nagato's Rinnengan eyes? What will become of these three children?

Tsunade issues an order to call Naruto back to the village, but the elders do not trust her judgment on this issue. While Tsunade tries to convince them and prepares to join the battle herself, Kakashi fights Pain in an effort to figure out his abilities.

Itachi reveals to Sasuke that Madara is the second culprit behind the Uchiha massacre, as well as the history of the Mangekyo Sharingan and the first two Uchiha to obtain it: Madara and his brother. One question still remains: Why did Itachi really spare Sasuke's life?

Despite all efforts, Kurama is extracted from Naruto, and ultimately, all the Tailed Beasts are imprisoned inside the Gedo Statue.

Sasuke returns to the Hidden Leaf Village seeking answers, and standing before him are First Hokage Hashirama, Second Hokage Tobirama, Third Hokage Hiruzen, and Fourth Hokage Minato, all reanimated.

Shikamaru tries to decipher the dying message Jiraiya left before his death but cannot figure out what it says. Shikamaru asks for Naruto's help, thinking he might know the code. Can the saddened Naruto decipher Jiraiya's dying message?

Having absorbed the chakras of all nine Tailed Beasts, the Gedo Statue begins its transformation into Ten Tails. Naruto, Killer Bee, Kakashi, and Guy try to destroy the Gedo Statue but are stopped by the masked man.

Sasuke uses Susano'o to slip past Gaara and the Raikage and heads towards Danzo. Just as the latter is within Sasuke's grasp, however, the Mizukage stands in his way.

Ebisu protects Konohamaru from Pain and refuses to divulge any information about Naruto. Ebisu is willing to give up his life in order to protect both Naruto and Konohamaru. Konohamaru isn't about to let his teacher throw his life away, but what can he possibly do against Pain?

Having suspicions about the Nine-Tails' attack on the Hidden Leaf Village years ago, Jiraiya tells one of his frogs that the time may come when Naruto will need to access the fox's full power. His interrogations finished, Jiraiya sets out in search for Pain, but winds up encountering Konan instead. Is there a connection between Jiraiya, Konan, and the mysterious Pain? Elsewhere, one of Naruto's shadow clones runs into Team Hebi.

Naruto wakes up and encounters the legendary shinobi, the Sage of Six Paths. He reveals to Naruto that he is the reincarnation of his son, Ashura, and that Sasuke is the reincarnation of Indra, Ashura's older brother.

Thanks to Itachi, the Reanimation Jutsu is released, and all the Reanimated Shinobi are returned to their resting places. But to everyone’s surprise, the real Madara still remains!

Having no other choice against Pain's powerful and strange summonings, Jiraiya undergoes a powerful transformation to go up against Pain with the help of the Toad Sages. Will this Sage Mode be enough for Jiraiya to take on not only the Pain he's been fighting, but two more as well?

Shikamaru continues his fight with Hidan. Hidan manages to injure Shikamaru and curses him the same way he did Asuma, but when Shikamaru survives Hidan's attack, Hidan realizes something isn't quite right.

As Sasuke has finally fulfilled his goal in killing Itachi and avenging his clan, he collapses from exhaustion. The news of his victory reaches the Leaf ninja and Tobi, who both race towards Sasuke's location. What does Tobi plan to do with him and who will reach Sasuke first?

Sasuke fights Killer Bee and is injured by his swords. Karin heals him, and Sasuke, Suigetsu, and Jugo then begin a combined assault on Bee until he decides to use the Eight-Tails' power. Sasuke is injured and revived again by Jugo, who regresses in age as a result. All healed, Sasuke unleashes Amaterasu on Bee, finally able to subdue him. Meanwhile, two Cloud ninja watch the fight from a cliff, and they notice the Uchiha crest on Sasuke. They rush the news to Bee's big brother, the Raikage.

Obito has gained complete control over his power as the Ten Tails Jinchuriki. His powerful, cold-blooded attacks force Naruto and his friends into a corner.

When Kakashi falls against Pain, the situation only grows worse for Konoha. Shizune and Inoichi are close to unraveling the mystery of Pain, but when the Animal and Human paths of Pain appear before them, can they escape with the truth about Pain?

Kakashi discovers a strange connection between the masked man’s Transportation Technique and his own Kamui Jutsu. Naruto throws everything he’s got against the masked man and breaks his mask, finally revealing his identity!

Naruto and Killer Bee engage in battle against the reanimated Itachi Uchiha and Nagato. Itachi learns from Naruto that Sasuke has chosen the path of vengeance.

Naruto and Sasuke have both become such high-level shinobi that each knows exactly what the other is thinking just by exchanging attacks. Despite knowing how Naruto feels, Sasuke is determined to cut him down.

Hidan falls into Shikamaru's trap, but now that he has Hidan cornered, can he find a way to defeat Hidan's immortality? Elsewhere, things are looking grim for Kakashi, Choji, and Ino as they continue fighting Kakuzu, but a surprise back-up unit arrives on the scene to provide some much needed assistance.

Relying on Naruto's power, Granny Chiyo performs the Transmigration Jutsu on Gaara.

Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, and Kiba find themselves up against some familiar faces from the past. The Sound Ninja Four have been brought back by Kabuto’s Reanimation Jutsu, and they are ready to seek vengeance.

Seeking to gain Sasuke's trust, Madara reveals to him the origins of Konoha. Madara and the future First Hokage founded the village long ago, but a rivalry between them would one day stem a chain of events leading to THAT night, the night that Itachi Uchiha annihilated the Uchiha Clan.

Team 7 is finally reunited when Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke join forces.

Kakashi desperately tries to reach out to Obito, but his words fall on deaf ears. Obito instead accuses Kakashi of being trash, which angers Naruto, forcing him to step in and defend his Sensei.

Sakura and Granny Chiyo are engaged in a fierce battle with Sasori, who is able turn himself into a human puppet. They somehow bring Sasori down within the time limit, but he ends up reviving.

Naruto makes his entrance onto the battlefield and uses his sensory powers to detect and destroy the transformed White Zetsu clones. During the battle, Shikaku updates Naruto with what they currently know on Madara.

"I'll be a better shinobi than Lord Hokage! Then all the villagers will have to acknowledge my existence at last!" True to his word, Naruto has walked his own path until there are none who do not recognize that he's become a great shinobi and a hero who has saved the world. But what path will Naruto take now? How will the world of the shinobi change? This is the story of the boy who blew through the hearts of all like a "shippu," an irresistible gale. This is the story of Naruto Uzumaki.

Bearing a close resemblance to the Legendary Sannin, Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke make a stunning arrival on the battlefield with each of their summonings.

Temari leads the attack on the Third Raikage using Wind Style, but even her strongest jutsu is not enough to penetrate the Raikage’s invincible armor.

Team Kakashi returns to the Hidden Leaf Village after completing their mission. As Naruto thinks back to the talk he had with Itachi, he's summoned by Tsunade, where he discovers shocking news regarding Jiraiya.

Madara and Hashirama eventually become the leaders of their respective clans.

Chakra—whose energy connects this world to those beyond—allows Obito to leave Rin's side for a moment and appear in Kakashi’s inner psyche. Obito gives him his Magekyo Sharingan and leaves with a parting wish that Kakashi become the Sixth Hokage.

Konan encloses Tobi in an chasm with a large amount of explosive tags that detonates in a wide area. Tobi manages to survive with his Izanagi techique, sacrificing one eye, and pierces Konan behind. Tobi explains his technique to Konan. Konan refuses to give up and continues to fight Tobi. Tobi manages to subdue her and places Konan inside a genjutsu to force her to reveal the location of the Rinnegan. Tobi travels to the location and retrieves Nagato's corpse and then takes his leave. A bloodied piece of paper is blown of Konan's body by the wind and travels to her childhood hideout. As it travels, more of the Ame Orphans past with Jiraiya is revealed, as well as some of their time as the original Akatsuki. Meanwhile, Tobi, with a new outfit, is told by Zetsu that they have received intel on the Nine-Tails wherabouts from Kisame. He declares that it's time to capture the Nine-Tails.

Madara brings Sasuke out of his dimension to battle Danzo. When Sasuke demands answers concerning Itachi, things turn ugly, and Danzo reveals a few tricks he has up his sleeves (literally). What is Danzo's true strength, and can Sasuke summon enough power to suppress it?

Sasuke's long awaited battle with Itachi begins with the Uchiha brothers throwing genjutsu after genjutsu at each other. Sasuke seems to have Itachi cornered and asks him a few questions of the Uchiha massacre. Is Itachi not the only one involved in the Uchiha massacre? And does Sasuke still not possess enough hatred to defeat Itachi?

White Zetsu’s ability to mimic people’s appearances has wrought confusion and distrust within the Allied Shinobi Forces. Naruto arrives to assist, and using his sensory powers, he identifies all the disguised White Zetsu clones, changing the tide of the battle.

Fourth Raikage Ay attacks Naruto in an attempt to prevent the Jinchuriki from falling into Madara’s hands. Ay is unwilling to listen to either Tsunade or Killer Bee’s pleas to change his mind.

Naruto confronts Nagato and tells him that he'll give him the answer to the question Pain asked him earlier after he hears about what made Nagato turn to his evil ways. What is Naruto's answer, and what conclusion will Nagato reach?

Kankuro’s commando unit enters enemy territory to set up a stronghold for the Allied Shinobi Forces. They are immediately ambushed by the Akatsuki’s own commando unit comprised of the reanimated Deidara and Sasori.

The legendary Ama no Hoko imbues the Nine Tails’ clone with enough power to destroy the world. Naruto is overcome by its immense power and lies unconscious.

The four Kage are startled by the sudden appearance of Madara Uchiha. Having sent Sasuke away to safety using the Transportation Technique, Madara unveils to the Kage his “Project Tsuki no Me.”

The Allied Shinobi Forces are on the verge of winning the war when Madara Uchiha appears. Madara summons the giant Gedo Statue and unleashes its devastating power.

Guy arrives at the Waterfall of Truth to help Naruto with his training. Instead he encounters Kisame, who has infiltrated the island to locate Naruto and Killer Bee.

Naruto and Minato combine their powers to perform a Sage Jutsu attack on Obito.

Madara activates the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and anyone exposed to the light of the full moon--including shinobi and ordinary citizens--loses consciousness. Once ensnared, there is no escape from the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Will mankind be destined to live in a dreamworld forever?

Naruto, in the four-tailed state, begins attacking Orochimaru with incredible force, devastating the surrounding landscape and preventing Sai and Yamato's wood clone from approaching him. The majority of Orochimaru's attacks prove to be ineffective, but Naruto also fails to kill Orochimaru as he regenerates from any injuries he sustains. Meanwhile, Kabuto advances toward Sakura and Yamato, deducing that Sasori has died. Orochimaru finally manages to strike Naruto with a sword blade from his mouth, and Sakura reacts in horror when she sees Naruto's four-tailed state.

As Killer Bee's battle with Kisame rages on, the latter reveals a hidden trump card ability connected with Samehada. Meanwhile, Ao chases down Danzo, Fuu, and Torune, but they anticipate this and set a trap for him. Can Killer Bee and Ao make it through their individual clashes in one piece?

After listening to what Hashirama and the rest of the former Hokage have to say, Sasuke finally understands how the Leaf Village and its shinobi came to be.

Naruto's past, thoughts, and feelings flow into the consciousness of every shinobi, unifying their hearts.

After reading Jiraiya's first book, Naruto becomes more determined than ever to complete his training. Elsewhere, the angered Raikage plans to call all of the kage together for a meeting.

Danzo brings forth a forbidden genjutsu known as Izanagi, which has the astounding power to turn dreams into reality and vice versa. Izanagi's great power comes with a time limit, but Sasuke's strength is rapidly dwindling as well. Can Sasuke resist long enough, or will Danzo completely overpower him?

Hiruzen assigns Kakashi to be in charge of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, three genin that bear a striking resemblance to the former Team Minato.

The Fourth Company continue their fight against the reanimated Kage. Gaara and Ohnoki team up to hold off Second Tsuchikage Mu, while the remaining shinobi take on the Second Mizukage, who is willing to be sealed away.

While training in Chakra Mode, Naruto senses the presence of the Nine Tails’ chakra seeping from Kinkaku outside. Curious to find out what’s happening, Naruto tries to leave the training room when Iruka suddenly steps in to stop him.

Team Asuma continues their battle with Akatsuki's Hiden and Kakuzu.

Kakashi visits the Uchiha District and notices that the community seems more antisocial than the last time he visited. Meanwhile Itachi finds concrete evidence regarding the Uchiha Clan’s coup against the Leaf. The fateful moment is fast approaching…

Although stung with poison herself, Granny Chiyo uses the last of the antidote on Sakura. Mocking the tender scene between Granny Chiyo and Sakura, Sasori attempts to end Granny Chiyo's life.

The Akatsuki Leader, Pain, begins his invasion of the Hidden Leaf Village. The Leaf ninja assemble to protect Naruto's whereabouts, but when Pain targets Iruka, Kakashi must face off against him.

While the members of Team Hebi head towards Itachi's location, Jiraiya infiltrates the Hidden Rain Village in hopes of gathering information on the Akatsuki leader. Jiraiya captures two Rain ninja and interrogates them about Pain, but what he learns shocks even him.

Tsunade leaves her post as Medic Ninja to join the other Kage in fighting Madara. Meanwhile, Sasuke goes after Itachi and learns that his brother intends on stopping Kabuto’s Reanimation Jutsu.

The code Jiraiya left behind is finally deciphered, but what exactly does it mean? Meanwhile, Naruto continues his training.

Obito completely absorbs the giant Ten Tails, undergoes a transformation and becomes the Ten Tails' Jinchuriki.

Sasuke and Itachi team up to stop Kabuto’s Reanimation Jutsu. But Kabuto’s new ability to use Nature Energy has made him a difficult target for the brothers to land their Susano’o attack.

Gaara and Ohnoki manage to overcome the Second Mizukage’s mirage attack. Having taken an interest in Gaara, the Second Mizukage decides to further test the young Kage’s skills.

It’s been three years since Naruto set out to train with Jiraiya, and he's just returned to the Hidden Leaf Village. Konohamaru immediately begs Naruto to teach him a new jutsu and he starts to go over the basics...but his explanations are very vague. Soon after, Naruto sets out on a mission, leaving Konohamaru to figure it out alone!

The Allied Shinobi Forces are on standby, ready to confront Madara’s army of reanimated shinobi and 100,000 White Zetsu. But distrust still exists among the Allied Shinobi Forces, who were once sworn enemies until recently.

The Senju and Uchiha clans join together to build a shinobi village and fulfill their dreams.

Naruto and Killer Bee take on the six Reanimated Jinchuriki, who’ve been equipped with the Rinnegan. Using his past experience from fighting the Six Paths of Pain, Naruto devises a plan to stop the Jinchuriki.

As the fight between Sasuke and Danzo comes to a close, the latter will do whatever it takes to finish off the former. Meanwhile, Sakura and her team close in on Sasuke.

Naruto and the Allied Shinobi Forces successfully extract the Tailed Beasts from Obito. Only Madara remains, and Naruto heads out to tackle this foe.

Tsunade and the Raikage arrive to prevent Naruto and Killer Bee from joining the battle. But the two Kage fail to convince the Jinchuriki to turn back, forcing the Raikage to use extreme force.

Casting aside Itachi's lectures to him, Kabuto reveals to the siblings that he had injected himself with the DNA of various shinobi, namely the Sound Five, also including Orochimaru.

As chaos breaks out at the Five Kage Summit regarding Mifune's proposal to make Danzo leader of the alliance, Ao discovers something unsettling about the new Hokage. Meanwhile, Shikamaru goes to Sakura and asks permission to take decisive action against Sasuke. How will Sakura react, and what is Danzo's secret?

Kakashi and Guy arrive in the nick of time to back up Naruto and Killer Bee. The fight intensifies even further when three out of the six Reanimated Jinchuriki enter Tailed Beast State, forcing Naruto and the others to throw in everything they’ve got.

With his newly revived strength, Madara doesn't give in against the nine Tailed Beasts.

Fourth Great Ninja War is about to begin, ninjas are going through their formations, medical supplies are being checked and restocked. The title of this Naruto Episode is "Assemble Allied Shinobi Forces". The headbands are done. Let's go! Tsuchinage saves Nine Tails and Eight Tails, but Yamato gets captured.

Choji is unable to attack Asuma and loses his will to fight. Ino and Shikamaru try to snap Choji out of his paralysis.

Asuma’s fire jutsu strikes Hidan, but much to the team's surprise, Asuma is also burned. Hidan reveals his ability: By ingesting an opponent’s blood and standing in a ritual circle drawn with blood, the "curse" links him to his opponent and all damage inflicted on him is also inflicted on the opponent. Asuma rushes at Hidan but collapses after Hidan stabs himself in the leg. Shikamaru realizes Hidan needs to be in the circle for the curse to take effect, and uses his shadow possession jutsu to force Hidan to step out of it. Asuma forces himself to stand up and beheads the restrained Hidan.

As Sasuke rests from his battle with Deidara, the Leaf ninja pick up on his trail. Noticing that they're being followed, Karin tries to send them in the wrong direction while the members of Team Hebi head to the nearest Akatsuki hideout in hopes of finding Itachi. What will happen when Naruto and Sasuke have separate encounters with Itachi?

Upon encountering one another, Sasuke and Deidara engage in battle. After exchanging a few blows to test Sasuke’s strength, Deidara conjures up his specialty clay dragon and wages long-range attacks against Sasuke from high above. With Tobi’s backup support, the battle seems to be going to Deidara.

With Izanami activated, and Kabuto trapped within its infinite loop, Sasuke uses this time to question his brother about the technique. Itachi tells Sasuke about the history behind Izanami's creation as well as the Uchiha clan's use of the technique.

Nagato reveals the truth about what happened to Yahiko and what made him disregard Jiraiya's ideals. With his story done, he demands to hear Naruto's answers. Will Naruto's answer be enough to convince Nagato to stop his evil plans, or will Naruto be forced to kill Nagato?

Naruto and Sasuke size up Obito as the final battle looms.

After being saved by the target he was ordered to kill, Tenzo realizes that the man known as “Kakashi the Friend Killer” is someone who values the lives of his comrades more than anyone.

Tobi heads to Hidden Rain Village to retrieve Nagato's Rinnegan. Konan, now a former member of Akatsuki, recollects her past until Tobi arrives. Tobi asks Konan where is Nagato's Rinnegan and Konan replies that it is not located in the village. Their battle started and Tobi tells Konan that he encouraged Yahiko to form Akatsuki and he gave the Rinnegan to Nagato. Konan transforms into thousands of pieces of paper to self-destruct against Tobi, yet it fails and both survives. Konan unleashes a powerful paper technique that looks like a sea of paper beneath their feet.

The after-effects of Guy's Daytime Tiger are felt throughout the island. Kisame is defeated, and Guy explains his technique. Yamato restrains him so Aoba can gather intel. When he's about to learn Tobi's identity, Kisame forces himself awake by biting off his own tongue. Kisame breaks free of his restraints and creates a water dome around himself. He recalls Itachi's words about learning what kind of person one is when they die. Knowing he's too weak to resist, and to prevent his enemies from gathering intel, Kisame summons sharks and allows himself to be eaten. The others are impressed by Kisame's resolution. When they open the scroll Kisame intended to deliver, it turns out to be a trap, leaving them stuck inside water prisons, while a summoned shark takes the scroll with the intel away.

Darui manages to seal away Ginkaku. Fueled by the rage of losing his brother, Kinkaku transforms into a monster that resembles a jinchuriki’s Tailed Beast State.

After the end of the Third Great Ninja War, the Leaf Village is divided over who should become the next Hokage.

As Kakashi and the others continue to struggle against the Akatsuki duo, Kakuzu reveals that he has not one, but five hearts! In order to kill him, one must take out all five of his hearts. Meanwhile, Shikamaru decides to challenge Hidan alone, and forces him away from his partner.

Hiruzen relieves Kakashi of his ANBU duties and assigns him a new position as a Jonin Leader. Reflecting on his past mistakes, Kakashi decides to use the same test that Minato once used to measure one’s teamwork.

Sasuke's Sharingan proves to be superior against Deidara's explosives. Deidara creates one of his finest works, the C4 Karura, in order to take him down. What will Sasuke do now?

Over ten years ago, the Five Great Nations’ were in the midst of the Third Great Ninja War. Future Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze assigns young Kakashi, Obito of the Uchiha clan, and Rin, on a mission to Kannabi Bridge...

All of Konoha mourns the tragic loss of Asuma Sarutobi. Knowing that Hidan and Kakuzu are bound to return, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino prepare to head off to take revenge upon the duo while Kakashi takes temporary leadership of the team.

Suigetsu and Jugo finally catch up to Sasuke. In order to learn the truth behind the Leaf’s actions, Sasuke decides to resurrect the one man who can help him find the answer—Orochimaru.

A call from the Akatsuki leader forces Hidan and Kakuzu to fall back, but in the wake of the aftermath, not everyone makes it back to Konoha alive.

When Kakashi strikes Kakuzu through the heart, the battle seems to be over. However, when Kakuzu not only survives the attack, but also manages to escape from Shikamaru's trap, it soon becomes clear that the fight is only just beginning..

Black Zetsu reveals that he masterminded and influenced all the events from the end of Ashura and Indra's era to the current Fourth Great Ninja War. Naruto rejects Black Zetsu’s claim that the entire history of shinobi was solely for the resurrection of his mother, Kaguya. Naruto and Sasuke work together to seal away Kaguya, but they can't find a way to counter her.

The identity of the masked man is revealed to be Kakashi’s old friend Obito, previously believed to have died in the battle of Kannabi Bridge. Naruto and the others are further shocked when they learn that Obito has been working with Madara Uchiha...

Sasuke begins to attack Naruto, but Sai restrains him only for them both to be blown away by Sasuke's Chidori Nagashi. Sakura charges at Sasuke, but Yamato intervenes and winds up being stabbed by Sasuke's unique blade infused with his Chidori. The Nine-Tailed Fox tempts Naruto with its power, but he refuses it. Sasuke sees this using his Sharingan, appearing in Naruto's mind. The Nine-Tails says that Sasuke's chakra reminds him of Madara Uchiha, then Sasuke suppresses the Nine-Tailed Fox's chakra. Before the Nine-Tailed Fox returns to its cage, it warns Sasuke not to kill Naruto, saying that he will live to regret it forever.

Without any warning, Zetsu bursts through the floor in the middle of the Five Kage Summit and announces that Sasuke is somewhere in the vicinity. The Summit is immediately put on hold, and the Kages and samurai begin searching for him. Meanwhile, Naruto receives an unexpected visit from Madara, who says that he needs to talk to him. How will Sasuke respond to being discovered, and what are Madara's intentions?

Orochimaru reveals the true, hideous form his body has taken from years of experimenting on his body. Can Sasuke defeat this menacing form, or does Orochimaru still have a few tricks up his sleeves?

Following the aftermath of the Nine-Tails incident, many on the Leaf Council voice suspicions that the Uchiha Clan were behind this tragedy. The Uchiha are then placed under 24-hour surveillance by the ANBU, which causes further tensions to arise.

Danzo deliberately misleads Hanzo, telling him that the Akatsuki are attempting to sabotage the peace talks between the Hidden Rain and Stone. Believing his story, Hanzo sets up a trap to crush the Akatsuki for the sake of his people.

Kakashi and his unit devise a strategy to take on the Kekkei Genkai shinobi, but it’s foiled by Kabuto, who uses the Reanimation Jutsu to summon the most powerful members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

Itachi confronts Sasuke, who for years bore the shame and anger that Itachi brought upon their clan. The truth behind Itachi’s story comes to light. Back on the battlefield of the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto and the others fight Madara, and just as he is declaring his victory, something unexpected occurs...

The Five Kage are outmatched by the real Madara Uchiha’s devastating attacks. Just when Third Tsuchikage Ohnoki is about to give up, he remembers the words of the previous Tsuchikage.

The Masked Man is satisfied that the Hidden Leaf Genin chose the importance of life over their mission, but orders his team to continue their surveillance. Meanwhile, Naruto is frustrated at his inabilities, and recalls why his father Minato sealed the Nine Tails inside of him.

Sasuke takes his frustrations out on Naruto and the two begin to fight, this time with their respective new jutsu. Minato steps in just before it turns into a disaster. From this encounter, Sasuke realizes that he is nowhere equal to Naruto in strength and joins the Leaf Police Force, determined to beat him one day.

Part 2 of a special two-part extra edition! The townspeople are going about their daily business on the streets of the Leaf Village when someone suddenly appears and starts sending them flying!

Part 1 of a special two-part extra edition! The townspeople are going about their daily business on the streets of the Leaf Village when someone suddenly appears and starts sending them flying!

Team Jiraiya, Shikamaru, and his Leaf teammates are lured into a mysterious village during their battle. A couple children from the village get caught in the crossfire and fall into a cave-in. Yahiko’s team rushes to the rescue, but Shikamaru doesn’t budge. Meanwhile, Naruto and Neji’s teams rendezvous, but a mysterious voice addresses them out of nowhere!

The Masked Man shows Neji and Naruto images of past incidents that occurred in the Leaf Village. Meanwhile, Shikamaru and friends join up with Team Jiraiya to rescue the children. After fighting side by side with the Leaf, Yahiko and the others seem to have a change of heart.

Naruto’s strength is recognized by his fellow genin, except Sasuke. But while Naruto enjoys a close relationship with his father, Sasuke’s father, Fugaku, constantly compares Sasuke with his older brother Itachi and barely pays attention to him…

The Anbu who attack Naruto and Shikamaru are agents sent by Danzo, who had promised Orochimaru that he would deliver Sasuke safely to him. Luckily, Neji, Lee and Tenten rush to their aid in the nick of time! Meanwhile, Hiruko reveals the truth behind the incident involving Hizashi

Sasuke and Sakura join up with the others, but the Puppet User appears and blocks their path back to the Hidden Leaf Village. Sasuke wants to bring down the puppets and rush back to report to the Fourth Hokage, but Shikamaru and the others insist on staying and rescuing the jonin.

Naruto reaches the tower Sasuke was heading for, thanks to Neji, Lee and Tenten deterring the agents from the Foundation. But it's too late—Sasuke's already made contact with Orochimaru! Naruto passionately tries to reason with Sasuke, but ultimately their powers collide!

Tsunade continues to read Jiraiya’s novel. Chunin- and jonin-level ninja have gone missing, and the Fourth Hokage, Minato, orders a search mission with teams of genin led by Guy and Kurenai. Kakashi’s Team 7 is also dispatched, but the hero Naruto Uzumaki, despite being the Hokage’s son, has the misfortune of being labeled a loser.

Three years have passed since Sasuke joined the Leaf Police Force, and he's now lieutenant. But his abusive Police Force has only increased anxiety within the village, and the Uchiha remain in poor regard. Now that his training with Jiraiya has ended, Naruto returns to Hidden Leaf Village and has an explosive encounter with Sasuke in the middle of town!

Sasuke leaves the village in order to obtain power from Orochimaru. Naruto and his friends learn that Sasuke is in danger and decide to go after him. To keep this a secret, only Naruto and Shikamaru set out on this mission, but on the way the duo are accosted by masked ANBU shinobi!

Jiraiya weakens the seal on the Nine Tails in order to help Naruto learn how to control the Tailed Beast's power. Jiraiya recalls the words spoken to him years ago by the Great Lord Elder. He told Jiraiya that he would have a student, and that his guidance would decide whether the student would save the Ninja World or destroy it.

Sasuke has left with Orochimaru, but Naruto is not about to give up. Determined to bring Sasuke back, he returns to the village with Shikamaru and the others. Meanwhile, Yahiko appears in the village, calling himself “Pain" and seeking revenge for the Hidden Leaf’s betrayal.

Seeing Hinata almost die triggers Naruto’s anger and he goes into Nine Tails State. Naruto's power is enormous, but Pain releases his jutsu to seal him away. Hatred consumes Naruto as he tries to break the seal. With Naruto unable to calmly control the Nine Tails’ power, the village steadily heads toward destruction.

Naruto joins up with the rest of his comrades, and together they overcome the puppet attack. The masked man witnesses this and is convinced there is a future for the young shinobi. He promises to release the kidnapped jonin and begins to explain the truth, and the situation behind his motives.

Several months after Pain’s attack, Jiraiya arrives with intel regarding the Akatsuki, who are attacking shinobi villages and kidnapping their Kage and jonin. He also reveals that Sasuke is working with them. Naruto is determined to bring his friend and comrade Sasuke back, once and for all!

With the exception of Naruto’s Team 7, which is protected by the Susano’o, all other shinobi have been swept into a dream world by the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Even the Hokage, Tsunade, has fallen into a dream state. She awakens to find herself in the Leaf Village, where she discovers Jiraiya's final book, entitled "Jiraiya Ninja Scrolls," and begins to read...

Tsunade continues to read Jiraiya’s novel. Chunin- and jonin-level ninja have gone missing, and the Fourth Hokage, Minato, orders a search mission with teams of genin led by Guy and Kurenai. Kakashi’s Team 7 is also dispatched, but the hero Naruto Uzumaki, despite being the Hokage’s son, has the misfortune of being labeled a loser.

Karin is caught within the Infinite Tsukuyomi and dreams of her past. She was born into the Uzumaki Clan and has the unique ability to heal anyone who bites into her. Driven out of her village, the Hidden Grass takes her in, only to use her for this ability. Karin has no choice but to endure constant suffering in order to survive. She is later chosen to enter the Chunin Exams, where Sasuke saves her life. Karin has never forgotten what he did for her—or his smile.

The Akatsuki summoned the Ten Tails, but the Princess of Rappu Castle sealed it away safely. Unfortunately, the seal will come undone on the next full moon. Now Killer Bee is determined to gather the power of all nine Jinchuriki before the next full moon and protect the princess. But one by one, adversaries who want to stop Bee appear, beginning with Itachi and Deidara, then Orochimaru, Kabuto and Sasuke!

Naruto wants to bring Sasuke back to the village, but Sasuke burns with a desire to bring Naruto down. Why is Sasuke so confrontational, and how did his feelings toward Naruto develop? The truth rises to the surface during Sasuke’s relentless attack. Where will this battle lead? Find out in the conclusion of the “Jiraiya Ninja Scrolls.”

An ostrich tells a story of when Naruto, Rock Lee, and Shino, all led by Kotetsu, entered the Leaf Village's animal district in an effort to find and subdue him. However, he and the other animals proved that they weren't willing to go down without a fight.

Killer Bee gets caught in the Infinite Tsukuyomi and begins dreaming. In his dream, Jinchuriki are being stripped of their Tailed Beast powers by the Akatsuki. Bee is determined to rescue those who have been captured, and vows to resist the Akatsuki who are coming after him!

Tenten falls under the Infinite Tsukuyomi and wakes up in the Hidden Leaf Village. When Lee and Guy Sensei appear, Tenten is relieved to see that she is not alone. But her joy is short-lived, as both men act oddly and are dressed stylishly—just where has she been transported to?

A young Gaara is hated by his father and isolated by his siblings, who play in the sandbox with Gaara until their father separates them. During dinner, Gaara asks his uncle about his mother and how to feel happy. His uncle replies that the moon makes him feel better when he is sad, and Gaara agrees that the moon makes him feel happy. A young Shikamaru is bored in class lectures and wants to sleep but is punished along with Naruto and Choji by Iruka for interrupting class. They bond as they stand in the hallway and later hang out after school. Shikamaru criticises Naruto for defending Hinata from bullies and the boys later laugh at Ino for getting rejected by Sasuke.

Konohamaru participates in a meeting organized by Ebisu in Konoha of the remaining villagers, mostly including the children and wives. Ebisu attempts to rally everyones' spirits together in the event that rogue ninja should attack the village while their shinobi families are away at war, but the mothers scoff and claim that they will protect the village as they always have while their husbands fought. Suddenly Konohamaru is approached by several children, each claiming to have seen terrifying rogue ninja roaming the east and west forests outside Konoha. He tries to recruit his classmates into hunting them down, but they refuse to beleive him. Konohamaru investigates the area alone with Moegi and Udon, only to find a traveling circus troupe in the forest instead of rogue ninja. Heading back, Konohamaru is again alerted that people are attacking the village on the west side, and this time, the rumors are true...

As a child, Sasuke craved attention from his older brother Itachi. Sasuke and Itachi have a chance to spend some time alone when their parents are away. Meanwhile, Sakura is very shy and tends to spend her free time by herself. One day, her new friend Ino gives her a present.

Ino sees Sakura falling from the sky. Although she manages to save her, the shock of the fall has left Sakura with amnesia.

On their way to the Land of Lightning, Naruto's ship gets caught in a storm. When the crew gets out of it, they encounter a savage group of pirates, who attempt to sink their boat and capture them. Yamato shields the boat with a Wood technique and they escape underwater in a sub-like contraption, which promptly falls apart. They wash up in an underwater cavern underneath the island the pirates had taken over some time ago. The residents of the island had taken refuge in the caves until they all died. Naruto swears to avenge them all. With a clever plan, Naruto and the ship are rocketed out of the island's dormant volcano top using underground hot springs and he successfully avenges the island folk by defeating the pirates.

It’s been three years since Naruto set out to train with Jiraiya, and he's just returned to the Hidden Leaf Village. Konohamaru immediately begs Naruto to teach him a new jutsu and he starts to go over the basics...but his explanations are very vague. Soon after, Naruto sets out on a mission, leaving Konohamaru to figure it out alone!

Making a stop at a nearby port to stock up on supplies, Naruto buys a rare mushroom from a vegetable merchant. But soon after they set sail for their next destination, Naruto and the other crewmembers find their ship infested with poisonous mushrooms.

As they continue their voyage towards the Land of Lightning, Naruto, Aoba, Guy and Yamato sail through a thick fog. To pass the time, Yamato tells Aoba and Naruto some ghost stories (much to Naruto's dislike).

During their voyage, Naruto, Yamato, Gai, and Aoba stop at an island to recover from severe seasickness. There, they unexpectedly meet up with Sakura, Ino, and Choji, who are on an assignment to gather medical herbs for Tsunade.

As the team prepares for dinner, Tenten pulls out a scroll that contains all the ingredients for okonomiyaki.

The ship is caught in a storm and Naruto uses his shadow clones to protect the ship.After the storm, Naruto wakes up and a quarrel begins between Naruto and his Shadow clones. Soon his shadow clones revolt and take control of the ship and the crew is forced to land on a nearby island. Naruto is taken hostage by the shadow clones and they put forth their demands to him. Naruto is saved by Yamato and the others only to find that it was a dream. It was caused when a Shadow clone was released and the memories of it returned to Naruto. Naruto then realizes the worth of his clones and releases them.

Naruto and Hinata’s wedding day has been set. As the date approaches, Kakashi encounters a problem: Naruto’s friends are all top shinobi—the first line of defense in the village. They work 24/7, and there are always a few who cannot attend celebrations. As Kakashi tries to find the most reasonable solution, he announces a super-secret mission to find the couple a wedding gift.

Might Guy recalls their "visualization" training with Lee in order to avoid learning the Drunken Fist and forgetting an incident which Might Guy apologizes to the restaurant owner with humiliation. Lee, who is determined to train to be stronger than Naruto, follows Might Guy's orders and resemble animal fighting styles which represent on a restaurant menu. However they failed, until they tried on training on a moving boat. Like Guy who has seasickness, Lee also suffers from seasickness but he uses it to balance the boat which resembles exactly as the Drunken Fist fighting style. Guy lately realizes that Lee is also aware of the restaurant incident and Lee was only protecting Guy from a drunk man which causes the restaurant to be totally damaged.

Kiba and his team are in pursuit of Hidden Grass Ninja who have stolen their scroll!

Part One of the Four Week Long Special Project for the Broadcast's Tenth Anniversary - A look back into the early years when Naruto and Sasuke first met.

Going after Guy, who was whisked away by a giant bird, Naruto, Yamato, and Aoba arrive on an island where they spot a young woman.

Ever since he was young, Jiraiya has been a little pervy. He tries to involve Orochimaru in many of his exploits as well as his schemes to get Tsunade’s attention. In Kakashi's story, we see him living on his own since his father, Sakumo, died. Rin and Obito are fascinated by Kakashi, but his aloofness makes him hard to figure out.

Part Three of the Four Week Long Special Project for the Broadcast's Tenth Anniversary - Sasuke’s defeat to Gaara, and later Itachi, forces him to realize that he is not strong enough to get revenge against his older brother.

Shikamaru begins to feel the pressure of shouldering the lives of his friends in the upcoming Fourth Shinobi World War. To help ease his mind, Shikaku sends his son along with Tenten on a mission to Mokuzu Island to replenish supplies.

Part Two of the Four Week Long Special Project for the Broadcast's Tenth Anniversary - During the Chunin Exam, Sasuke witnesses Naruto’s growth as a shinobi.

While she and Neji prepare to visit an old man who makes ninja weapons, Tenten remembers the first time she visited him alongside Naruto and Neji. Utilizing a strange new weapon she had never seen before, Tenten fought against two ninja who had stolen two of the man's powerful weapons.

Kiba and his team are in pursuit of Hidden Grass Ninja who have stolen their scroll!

Naruto finds an imposter that has been building his reputation by attempting to steal from other people while his friend is also attempting to gain a reputation by "beating" the imposter up so he builds his reputation even further and become a ninja.

Tsunade sends out Naruto under the guise of a top-secret mission to keep him hidden away from the Akatsuki. Unfortunately, Naruto, Yamato, Gai, and Aoba are stuck at the pier due to a report of a monster attacking ships.

Ino and Choji fight to protect an immobilized Sakura although they have depleted most of their chakra due to the relentless fighting.

Sakura reflects upon a time when she was infected with a strange disease by Naruto. In order to find a cure, an order was issued for Naruto to be quarantined at all costs before he could infect anybody else.

An ancient ruin in Demon Desert comes crumbling down during the battle for the scrolls.

In the past, Naruto and Sakura joined Sasuke on a mission to collect the paw print of Nekomata, a large and powerful two-tailed ninja cat that ruled over all of the ninja cats.

As he is resting, Naruto starts dreaming his past experiences with Sasuke that made the two friends closer. When he tries to follow Kakashi, who is in pursuit of Sakura, he is stopped by Yamato, saying that he has orders from Kakashi to return Naruto to Konoha. Naruto devises a plan to sneak out and leaving a shadow clone to fool Yamato. He goes into Sage Mode to locate Kakashi. He then starts remembering the experiences that brought Sasuke pain in his life. Naruto decides what he can do for Sasuke if they come face to face.

Gaara heads out to rescue Matsuri and the others but is attacked by a mysterious priest who binds him with a Chakra Chain to capture his Tailed Beast.

Ino, Sakura and Choji trudge across a desert under the blazing sun without any provisions. Ino and Sakura are arguing when a giant scorpion attacks and injures Sakura.

In a flashback of Naruto and Sakura's, Team 7 is on a mission to take an ostrich called Mr. Ostrich to his home. They arrive at a village where they see a swordsman named Tsukado who has a vendetta to carry on a man named Katazu who killed his distant relative Shikazo. Tsukado fails to defeat him so Naruto decides to teach him unusual revenge lessons. Katazu has then took his brother's identity and attracted Shikazo's pursuers while Kageki and his family went into hiding. Tsukado decides not to kill him and ends their years of fighting though Kanabun wants them to keep fighting. The swordsmen, Team 7 and Mr. Ostrich chase the Kanabun Gang out of town.

Given the day off, Sai spends it strolling the village and drawing. He initially encounters three children that he at first finds it difficult to interact with but later realises that two of them remind him of his team-mates Naruto and Sakura. He has several flashbacks of their time together and the bonds they share. In the end he uses the doors of a destroyed house and paints a mural of Team 7 along with Sasuke holding hands.

Part Four of the Four Week Long Special Project for the Broadcast's Tenth Anniversary - Naruto is determined to save Sasuke, who has deserted the Hidden Leaf.

Sand Jonin Fugi sneaks into the Demon Desert and creates a massive sandstorm in order to assassinate Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage.

Back before Rock Lee had his surgery, Naruto, after donning the suit given to him by Guy, set out on a mission with Sakura and Ino to obtain a special flower which was a necessary ingredient for Lee's medicine. When Naruto picked one of the flowers, however, he had to face a strange technique that had taken on the form of Gaara.

After having discovered that the village was under the control of rebels from the Hidden Rain Village, led by Hanzo, Naruto and Jiraiya decided to take action to help save the women and children taken hostage and free the village from the Rain's tyrannical control.

Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji continue to search for the Fourth Hokage's Legacy while chasing off some unexpected visitors.

Kiba trains hard to catch up to Naruto, who is now hailed as the hero of the Leaf Village, but with little success. Feeling desperate, Kiba asks Kakashi if he could train him.

Madara sustains serious damage from the Eight Inner Gates Formation, the move Guy risks his life for.

As Ino and her team head toward an oasis, they are attacked by a team of Sand Shinobi comprised of Ameno, Shishio, and Kouji.

The story travels back to the time after Sasuke's defection from the Leaf and before Naruto's return from his two-year training journey with Jiraiya.

Kabuto assigns Guren to look after Yukimaru. Guren isn't all too happy about the assignment, and things only become worse when Yukimaru falls ill on a rainy night. Elsewhere, Kiba discovers the mystery of where the dog whistle is coming from, and Tsunade sends assistance to Kakashi and Team 8.

Sakura and her team continue their trek across the desert towards the goal. Their continuous battles have depleted Sakura's chakra, so they stop to rest. Just then, they encounter a puppet manipulated by a rival team from the Sand and end up being discovered.

As Team Asuma considers the impending war, they encounter Kosuke Maruboshi who reminds them of the time that they rescued him while they were still genin. With this, Kosuke retells the tale of the time their fathers saved him during the Invasion of Konoha with their Formation Ino–Shika–Chō. Somewhat rattled by this story, Kosuke reminds them that great shinobi weren't made in a day. As the team contemplates everything, they decide to perfect their own formation, insisting that they'd be fine because they were not alone.

Hinata’s father Hiashi summons the Hyuga clan to discuss the role they will be playing in the upcoming Fourth Great Ninja War.

Hagoromo sends the brothers to two battle-scarred regions left untouched since the fight with Ten Tails. He then announces that he will choose his successor depending on the outcome of their missions.

While talking with his students, Shino talks about how he and his team got together and became more close as friends and teammates. The story switches to Shino's flashback during the first part of Naruto. They are on a mission assigned by Kurenai in which a Jonin assassin from a neighboring village. Shino gets defeated because of weak taijutsu and descends into depression. He even reveals he was going to abandon the team that helped him because he didn't think he was useful to them. But after his friends get in trouble with the rouge Shino comes back and defeats the rouge.

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, left behind his legacy before he passed away. Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke attempt to find Minato's legacy before the other shinobi teams can get to it.

During his final stop for supplies on an island in the Land of Water, Naruto runs into Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi of the Hidden Stone, who are on an assignment to deliver a letter from the Tsuchikage addressed to the Mizukage.

Neji and the team come across Matsuri collapsed in the desert and find out that Gaara is in danger. Meanwhile, the chains of a mysterious priest bind Gaara and Foo.

On the night before the Second Exam, the entrants gather in the cafeteria, and a brawl breaks out.

Konohamaru's team asks Neji to talk about Naruto's heroism. Instead, Neji tells them about an incident during the Chunin exams three years prior. While Orochimaru attacked Konoha, two rogue ninja take advantage of the commotion and kidnap Hinata. Neji, Tenten, Kiba, and Akamaru rush out to save her. They're in trouble until Hiashi shows up and saves them, telling Neji that he's the beloved memory of Hiashi's younger brother. Neji realizes Naruto's speech about destiny was right; he isn't just a slave to the clan name. Konohamaru's team complains that Naruto wasn't in the story at all, and Neji cryptically answers that Naruto was the most important part.

As a result of having the Nine Tails sealed inside of him, Naruto is feared and hated by the villagers. He trains all alone in the woods, but one day, a certain man appears and strikes up a conversation with Naruto. Elsewhere, in the Leaf Village, a celebration is held to mark Hinata's third birthday, where she meets Neji for the first time.

Lee challenges Shira to a battle between taijutsu users!