Intent on confronting Itachi, Sasuke rushes to the town where Naruto is staying. On the way, tragic memories of his past come flooding back.
Jiraiya and Naruto journey to find Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin. Jiraiya's purpose is both to protect Naruto from the clutches of the mysterious organization the Akatsuki and to train his apprentice.
Kakashi arrives in the nick of time to help Asuma and Kurenai, and Itachi too enters the fray. The ultimate battle between two Sharingan users begins.
Orochimaru's plan to destroy the Village Hidden in the Leaves is stopped. But the damage is extensive and work proceeds quickly to make repairs.
With every ounce of their power, Gaara and Naruto continue to fight. Determined to protect Sakura, Naruto attacks Gaara again and again.
Gaara employs his Playing Possum Jutsu, which allows the Sand Spirit within him, Shukaku, to display its true power.
Naruto is helpless against Gaara's immense power. However, after seeing Sasuke risking life and limb to save him and Sakura...
While Naruto declares that he fights for his comrades, Gaara says he fights for himself. Gaara's sad past is revealed. Naruto compares Gaara's past with his own and begins to feel compassion towards him.
By the time Naruto and Sakura catch up, Sasuke has exhausted his strength and collapsed.
Half of Gaara's body has transformed and Sasuke continues his battle against him.
Shino appears as Sasuke and Kankuro battle. Leaving Shino to handle Kankuro, Sasuke goes after Gaara.
The battle between the Hokage and Orochimaru rages on. Finally, the Hokage resorts to a Jutsu unknown to Orochimaru, the Sealing Jutsu known as “Reaper Death Seal.”
Sasuke finally catches up to Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro. Kankuro escapes with Gaara leaving Temari to face Sasuke.
Orochimaru traps the Hokage inside a barrier and continues to battle.
On the day of the test, Gaara disappears from the inn where the Sand Ninja are staying and goes to Hidden Leaf Hospital.
Naruto is finally able to draw out the Nine-Tail Chakra and utilize the “Summoning Jutsu.” Gamabunta appears and does not believe that Naruto summoned him.
It is three weeks since Naruto began training under Jiraiya. And Naruto has been on the brink of collapse many times.
Naruto continues training under Jiraiya to master the “Summoning Jutsu” which enables him to call forth various living beasts. But he has a hard time controlling the Chakra of the Nine-Tailed Fox...
The Sound Ninja Dosu appears before Gaara and intends on defeating Gaara. But Gaara beats him soundly. Stealthily watching them are a Jonin of the Sand Village and Kabuto!
Jiraiya, one of the legendary Three Ninja, suddenly appears before Ebisu and Naruto. Naruto gives Jiraiya the nickname, “Pervy Sage.”