Gaara continues to talk about his past. When Gaara states that Naruto can't become stronger when he fights for everyone else, Naruto recalls that if he didn't meet his friends, he would be the same as Gaara. Realizing that he has to protect his friends, Naruto overcomes his fear and decides to take on Gaara.

Jiraiya and Naruto look on as Sasuke takes on Itachi alone. However, when the young ninja is severely outclassed, Jiraiya is forced to step in. Itachi and Kisame try to flee, but Jiraiya isn't about to let them get away so easily.

While Naruto continues to try and master the third step, Tsunade continues to think about Orochimaru's offer. Jiraiya tries to convince her by taking her out for a drink, only she slipped a paralyzing potion into his drink while he wasn't looking. Will Tsunade agree to Orochimaru's offer? And will Naruto master the Rasengan before the week is up?

Naruto, Tsunade, and Shizune finally return to Konoha so Tsunade can take over and become Hokage. Konohamaru finds out that Tsunade is the Fifth but refuses to believe it. Naruto then takes Tsunade to the hospital so she can heal Sasuke, Kakashi, and Lee. She heals Sasuke and Kakashi just fine...However, her diagnosis of Rock Lee has heartbreaking consequences for him and his future.

With Naruto's help, Idate reaches the Modoroki Shrine... But just as he's about to cross the bridge, an old nemesis stands in his way.

Now that word of Sasuke's departure has spread to the Fifth Hokage, she calls upon the newest Chunin, Shikamaru, to put together a squad to bring Sasuke back to the village.

With his life on the line against the Sound Ninja Jirobo, Choji looks back on the seeds of his friendship with Shikamaru. Can he defeat his fearsome opponent without any Chakra?

Itching to fight and with a sense of guilt from the past, Gaara tells Rock Lee to stand down and let him take on Kimimaro. Meanwhile, Naruto continues on his quest to catch the runaway Sasuke.

Shikamaru's group is brought back to Konoha with many injuries. Neji and Chouji could possibly die, Kiba has a deep wound but nothing too serious, and Naruto and Shimakamru have a few injuries. When Sakura finds out they are back ,she goes immediatley to see Sasuke and Naruto but finds out Sasuke got away. Can Naruto keep his promise to Sakura? And what news does the Jiraiya have for Naruto?

Naruto, Iruka and Pakkun meet up with Mizuki's fiancee Tsubaki and she has come to offer help to the three. Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji are having trouble holding the two brothers at bay. While this is going on, Tsunade discovers a startling secret about Mizuki and Orochimaru and plans to take matters into her own hands....

Lee is left facing Raiga alone while Tenten and the others hurry to bring them the curry of life. Ranmaru is reunited with Raiga, but are things the same as they were before?

Kakashi orders Neji and Tenten to return to the village with him, much to their protest. Meanwhile Koumei is about to be executed, at least until the Noroimusha shows up! Is the ghost an ally or an enemy and whatever became of Naruto? Questions are answered as Sagi reveals the truth!

Ran wants to kill Menma, upon seeing the mark on his arm, but Neji stands in the way, saying it would be unfair to kill a criminal without any memories of his crimes. Ran finally agrees and performs surgery on Menma, saving his life, but the villagers aren’t as happy. Are they prepared for when foreign shinobi group comes for a second attack?