Gamabunta is angry that he has been summoned in a pit and even angrier that Naruto is sitting on top of his head. Although Naruto informs Gamabunta that he summoned him, Gamabunta does not believe him. Determined to prove himself, Naruto rides atop Gamabunta’s head until sunset, while Gamabunta tries to shake him off. Naruto [...]

Jiraiya realizes that Naruto’s training is taking too long, and decides to use drastic measures. Knowing that Naruto can only tap into the demon fox’s chakra during life-or-death situations, Jiraiya takes Naruto to a local chasm and throws him in. Unable to stop himself from falling, Naruto enters his subconsciousness and converses with the demon [...]

Sakura Haruno visits the hospital to see Sasuke Uchiha, but finds that Sasuke has already left. While there, Sakura checks on Rock Lee. Despite the injuries that have taken away his hopes of becoming a ninja, Lee trains to regain his strength. The training causes him too much pain, and he passes out. Elsewhere, the [...]

That night, Dosu Kinuta, a finalist for the Chunin Exams, attempts to assassinate Gaara, but Gaara quickly kills him. Observing from a distance, Baki and Kabuto Yakushi confer about the planned invasion of Konohagakure by Sunagakure and Otogakure; their conversation is overheard by Hayate Gekko. Despite the latter’s swordsmanship and skills, he is quickly dispatched [...]