Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai take an unconscious Kakashi home to rest, where they decide Sasuke should not know of Itachi’s return. Despite their wishes, Sasuke finds out, and also learns that Itachi is after Naruto. Determined to kill Itachi for murdering the Uchiha clan, Sasuke rushes out to find Naruto, though discovers that Naruto has [...]

Kakashi and Itachi exchange blows, each being very proficient with the Sharingan. Itachi neutralizes Kakashi with his Tsukuyomi. As Kakashi struggles to remain standing, he asks Itachi why he’s returned to Konoha. Itachi replies that they’re after Naruto, which Kakashi elaborates as meaning they want the demon fox for their organization Akatsuki. Angered that Kakashi [...]

Jiraiya is approached by the village’s elders, who offer him the position of Fifth Hokage. He declines, saying that Tsunade would be a much better candidate for the title. He offers to find her for Konoha, though asks that he be allowed to take Naruto with him. Meanwhile, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki enter Konoha, [...]

Critically damaged, Orochimaru calls off the invasion and flees the village with his forces. In the forest, Naruto and Gaara both lay on the ground, devoid of chakra. Naruto sympathizes with Gaara for his childhood, but threatens to kill Gaara if he should ever bring harm to his friends again. Realizing that Naruto’s strength came [...]

As the transformed Gamabunta holds Shukaku in place, Naruto awakens Gaara. Tapping into the demon fox’s power again, Naruto headbutt to Gaara and destroys Shukaku’s form. Across Konoha, the village’s ninja, including the parents of many of the Genin, begins the counterattack of the invading forces. At the site of the Third’s battle with Orochimaru, [...]