The truth behind Itachi’s actions leaves Naruto, Kakashi, and Yamato in shock. Madara then goes on to reveal the eternal hate stemming from as far back as the rivalry between the two sons of the legendary Sage of the Sixth Paths and its relation to the Uchiha clan.

Madara, who has taken an interest in Naruto, makes a sudden appearance before Naruto and reveals the truth behind Itachi’s actions. Meanwhile, the samurai learn of Sasuke and his team Taka’s entry into the Land of Iron, and battle ensues between the two groups.

Mifune calls for the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces to counter the Akatsuki and proposes the Hokage to lead them. Meanwhile, Sai reveals Naruto’s actions to Sakura.

To prevent the cycle of hatred bound to occur should Sasuke be killed, Naruto goes to the Raikage and begs him to forgive Sasuke, but the Raikage quickly dismisses the request.

Kage from each nation set out to attend the Five Kage Summit.

Karui and Omoi of the Hidden Cloud press Naruto to give information regarding Sasuke. Naruto realizes they’re motivated by wanting to save their captured master, but decides he cannot sell out his friend. Instead, Naruto offers himself as a punching bag for Karui and Omoi to abuse to their hearts’ content.

Team Samui of the Hidden Cloud arrive at the Leaf Village and are shocked to find it in ruins. Nonetheless, they carry out their orders to deliver the Raikage’s official letter to the Hokage, when Danzo appears and announces that he is the new Hokage.

Sasuke’s jealousy of Naruto’s tremendous growth in strength causes friction between the two. Tsunade decides to give them some time apart by assigning them separate missions.

Team 7 and Team 10 are assigned to help a village that is troubled by bandits.

Team 7 is after a group of thieves who have stolen the precious Golden Statue from the Feudal Lord's sister.

On his way home Naruto comes across a rock pasted with a peculiar talisman, which he tears off without thinking. That night, Naruto is surprised to find an amnesic ghost standing near his bed.

During the Chunin Exam, Neji rests in the medical room, having lost to Naruto. Just as Tenten comes in to check up on him, they see the Leaf Village attacked by Orochimaru and his men.

A beautiful kunoichi spy named Hanare is captured for attempting to gather intel on the Hidden Leaf.

Naruto is assigned to a team led by jonin Hayama to patrol the north border of the Leaf Village. One of his teammates is Kosuke, an old man who has been a genin for over fifty years, earning him the title “Eternal Genin.”

Granny Cat requests that Sasuke and Team 7 collect the last cat paw print necessary to complete the “Paw Encyclopedia.”

Naruto and Jiraiya attempt to save a village from Kandachi, a former right-hand man to Hanzo of the Hidden Rain.