Volumes 31–40

Complete listed story — includes the ending

Naruto, Volume 31

Chapter 272
Sakura grabs Sasori before he can reach Chiyo and pulls him towards her. She punches him and he falls apart but, being a puppet, he is able to put himself back together. Seeing that he will not be easy to defeat, Chiyo takes a puppet 's arm to replace the one she lost and brings out the Chikamatsu Collection. Sasori is impressed by her ability to control one puppet with each of her fingers, but demonstrates how his puppet body allows him to control one hundred puppets. Disappointed that the battle has dragged on for so long, Sasori prepares to finish Chiyo and Sakura.

Chapter 273
While Chiyo 's ten puppets are individually stronger than Sasori 's one hundred, they are overpowered in a contest of numbers. Sakura protects Chiyo from any puppets that get too close. Knowing this can't go on forever, Sakura attacks Sasori directly, hitting him with a chakra -suppressing seal. Though the battle seems won, Sasori's body no longer able to move or control puppets, another Sasori appears behind Chiyo. He tries to kill Chiyo but Sakura uses herself as a shield.

Chapter 274
Despite having been struck by a poisonous blade, Sakura manages to hold on to the sword to prevent Sasori from escaping. She tells Chiyo to take the last antidote, Chiyo having been struck earlier, but Chiyo ignores her and injects her with the antidote. Chiyo collapses and Sasori, disconnecting from the sword, moves to finish her. Chiyo uses the Mother and Father puppets to stab him through his core, the only part of his humanity he kept when turning himself into a puppet so that he could still use chakra. Chiyo begins healing Sakura but Sasori observes that the wound is too severe. Chiyo responds that she is not healing Sakura but transferring her life to Sakura with a technique she created to give life to Sasori's Mother and Father puppets, something he will no longer need.

Chapter 275
Because she is using a life-transferring technique, since Sakura was not dead, Chiyo does not die by reviving her. Sasori is disappointed that he has not been able to kill anyone and laments that he is now dying because he could not completely convert himself into a puppet. As his life wanes, he does something "pointless": as a reward to Sakura for surviving, he tells her of a spy within Orochimaru 's ranks that he was scheduled to meet in ten days' time at the Tenchi Bridge. He dies in the embrace of his Mother and Father puppets and Chiyo speculates about Sasori not being able to avoid her last attack. She collapses, still poisoned, but refuses Sakura's offers to take her back to Sunagakure, claiming to still have something to do. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi are still following Deidara. After preparing his Mangekyō Sharingan, Kakashi tells Naruto to start.

Chapter 276
Despite Kakashi 's Mangekyō Sharingan, Naruto offers to finish off Deidara if Kakashi cannot. Kakashi agrees if that becomes necessary. He uses Kamui to try and send Deidara to another dimension, but his aim keeps missing and he is only manages to severe Deidara's arm. This at least creates an opportunity for Naruto to destroy the bird Deidara is flying on. Naruto retrieves Gaara 's body and Deidara tries to flee on foot, but is attacked by another Naruto.

Chapter 277
Naruto and his shadow clones surround and pummel Deidara, only to discover that they are attacking a Clay Clone. Frustrated, Naruto begins to develop a chakra cloak, which Kakashi suppresses with a seal given to him by Jiraiya in case this happened. Chiyo and Sakura join up with them, revealing to Deidara that Sasori has been defeated. Upset, Deidara tries to sneak away but is stopped by Team Guy, they having finally defeated their exact counterparts. Cornered, Deidara consumes some clay and starts to blow up.

Chapter 278
While Team 7 and Team Guy try to run. Kakashi, knowing they cannot get out of the blast radius in time, uses Kamui on Deidara to send the explosion to another dimension. Kakashi, exhausted from overusing his Mangekyō Sharingan, collapses afterwards. The two teams relocate to a field where Sakura tries to revive Gaara, but he has already died so there is nothing she can do. Naruto begins to cry and lashes out at Chiyo for sealing Shukaku within Gaara in the first place, therefore causing out his death after sentencing him to a life of loneliness. Knowing he is right, Chiyo begins to use her life-transference technique on Gaara.

Chapter 279
Chiyo lacks the chakra to complete her One's Own Life Reincarnation as she would die for nothing. Eager to help Gaara and ignorant of what it means for Chiyo, Naruto offers to help her bring him back. Glad to see that Naruto, a Konoha ninja, is so willing to help Gaara, a Suna ninja, Chiyo accepts. As the transfer nears completion she encourages Naruto to continue forming the bonds of friendship with rival villages her own generation discouraged. She also tells Sakura not to risk her life for an old woman again in the future. Gaara wakes up and finds himself surrounded by all of the Sunagakure ninja that went to look for him.

Chapter 280
The Sunagakure ninja celebrate Gaara 's revival. Temari and Kankurō thank Naruto for saving their brother, but he tells them they should thank Chiyo instead; when she "wakes up". They then correct him explaining that Chiyo gave her life to resurrect Gaara. Naruto reflects on her final words and realises that Chiyo, like the Third Hokage, sacrificed herself to protect the next generation. Everyone present has a moment of silence for her. Elsewhere, Deidara, having escaped Kakashi and the others, goes looking for his severed arm with his Akatsuki ring. Zetsu and Tobi also search for Sasori 's ring, which the latter takes so that he can join the Akatsuki. Tobi then starts to play with the ring, before it accidentally slips through his hand.

Naruto, Volume 32

Chapter 281
Word reaches Konoha of Gaara 's rescue. Shizune asks Tsunade if it was a good idea to knowingly send Naruto into battle with Akatsuki, but Tsunade responds that only Naruto, a jinchūriki, can relate to Gaara. In Sunagakure, Team 7 attends Chiyo 's funeral and prepares to leave with Team Guy. They say goodbye to the Three Sand Siblings and Naruto silently shakes hands with Gaara. Since Kakashi is unable to move from overuse of his Mangekyō Sharingan, Guy decides to carry him back to Konoha, a fact that disturbs the members of Teams 7 and Guy. Elsewhere, Tobi finds Deidara 's ring, still attached to his arm, and assumes he has died. Deidara appears and tells him to give back his arm, and when Tobi does not he attacks him. Back in Konoha, a boy named Sai is informed that he will be joining Team 7.

Chapter 282
Sakura tells Tsunade about Sasori 's spy within Orochimaru 's ranks. Although this may finally be an opportunity to see Sasuke after two-and-a-half years, Team 7 is currently not prepared to go on the mission, Kakashi resting in the hospital and Sasuke's position otherwise being vacant. Determined to go, Naruto goes looking for temporary members for Team 7. In doing so he sees the members of Team 8 for the first time since his return. While he does so, the Konoha Council, at Shizune 's request, instructs Tsunade to do more to keep Naruto safe from the likes of Akatsuki, specifically to not let him go on more missions.

Chapter 283
With Team 8 unable to help him find Sasuke, Naruto approaches Shikamaru. Shikamaru cannot go on a mission since he is still helping with the Chūnin Exams, but Chōji offers to help instead. Having not seen Chōji in several years, Naruto observes that he has gained weight. Shikamaru pulls Naruto out of the way as Chōji attacks an ink lion that was sneaking up on them. They locate the intruder ( Sai ) and Shikamaru provides support as Naruto tries to apprehend him. Unimpressed by Naruto, Sai asks if he is perhaps a girl.

Chapter 284
Tsunade refuses the Konoha Council 's instructions to keep Naruto under constant surveillance. Since Akatsuki will inevitably come after him, it is important that he go on missions in order to get strong enough to face them. They agree, but only if one of Danzō 's men will be added to Team 7 as protection. She allows it, but selects Yamato, a capable ninja from the Anbu as Kakashi 's replacement and asks him to keep an eye on Danzō's choice. Meanwhile, Sai eludes Naruto and Team 10, promising to see them later. This proves to be when the new Team 7 first meets, and he wastes no time insulting his new teammates, Naruto and Sakura.

Chapter 285
Sakura and Naruto are not happy to be working with Sai, but accept his help if it means they will get to see Sasuke. Yamato gives them a chance to prepare for the mission. Sai is approached by a fellow Root member and is given his orders for the upcoming mission. Sakura says goodbye to Tsunade and, in doing so, runs into Danzō, a former rival of the Third Hokage who dislikes Tsunade, the Third's student. When everyone is ready, Team 7 departs.

Chapter 286
Naruto has difficulty getting along with Sai, finding him unpleasant and otherwise inferior to Sasuke. Sai has no issues with not living up to Sasuke's precedent, thinking of him as nothing more than a traitor who went to Orochimaru for the shallow reason of gaining power. Naruto tries to attack him for insulting Sasuke but Sakura stops him, instead attacking Sai herself. Yamato breaks up the fight and forces them to get along. To improve teamwork they spend the night at a spa, where Sai once again finds the opportunity to question Naruto's masculinity.

Chapter 287
Sakura finds Sai drawing a picture. Impressed by his talent she asks what he is going to call it. He cannot come up with anything, his lack of emotion making it impossible for him to be so creative. She finds a picture book he drew amongst his belongings, which he says belongs to his brother. When Naruto appears Sai insults him again while keeping a fake smile on his face, something he does for others' benefit so that he has the appearance of emotion. Later that night, Yamato asks Sakura to tell him about Sasori as they must be able to approach his spy without raising suspicion.

Chapter 288
Although Yamato hopes he will be able to convince Sasori 's spy that he is the real Sasori, it is likely his cover will be blown at some point and they will need to capture the spy. As such, they practice their teamwork in a combat scenario the next day. Sai does not hesitate to sacrifice Naruto in order to complete the exercise. Naruto once again compares him to Sasuke, saying that Sasuke would not betray a team-mate like that. Although Sai disagrees with this point, he only reminds Naruto that his absence of emotion makes it impossible for him to think of anything but the mission's success.

Chapter 289
Sakura tries to make Sai appreciate Naruto 's attachment to Sasuke by comparing their relationship to the one Sai had with his brother. Sai informs her that his brother is dead, and that when he died he had no emotional response whatsoever. She gives up on trying to make him understand and settles for whatever support he can provide for finding Sasuke. The next day Yamato, disguised as Sasori, meets with Sasori's spy: Kabuto. Yamato asks him about Orochimaru, unaware that Orochimaru is watching.

Naruto, Volume 33

Chapter 290
Kabuto begins asking about information that only the real Sasori would know, so Yamato prepares to capture him. At the same moment Orochimaru confronts them. Having been alerted by Yamato's action, Kabuto is able to get away and join up with him. Yamato starts to wonder how he will fight Orochimaru while maintaining his disguise as Sasori when Kabuto cuts off the disguise's head. Yamato flees and Orochimaru points out that he is not Sasori, Kabuto not knowing what the real Sasori looks like. Outnumbered, Yamato calls in Naruto, Sakura, and Sai.

Chapter 291
Naruto demands that Orochimaru give Sasuke back. Orochimaru tells him to try using force. Naruto promptly manifests a one-tailed chakra shroud and attacks him, sending him back into the forest. Seeing this, Yamato remembers a conversation he had back in Konoha about Naruto's tailed-transformations. Naruto enters tailed transformations as he loses his temper, becoming more dangerous to himself and others with each new tail. Since the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox would be released if he reached nine tails, Yamato is to prevent this from happening. Orochimaru remarks on this when he returns, noting that Konoha should be grateful for giving Yamato Wood Release abilities. He voices his interest in examining Yamato and seeing how Naruto compares to "his" Sasuke. Naruto grows infuriated by the reference to Sasuke as property and reaches three tails.

Chapter 292
Team 7 tries to come to grips with the power of Naruto 's three-tailed form. Naruto roars, flinging Kabuto back and destroying the Tenchi Bridge. While Naruto goes after Orochimaru, Sakura falls and hits her head, knocking her unconscious. Sai does not save her, instead following Naruto, forcing Yamato to stop her from falling into the ravine. As Naruto attacks him, Orochimaru remarks that he does not compare to Sasuke, causing a fourth tail to start to appear.

Chapter 293
As a fourth tail begins to appear, Naruto, within his subconscious, succumbs to the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox in order to find Sasuke. Yamato wakes up Sakura and, after confirming that she is okay, sends a wood clone after Naruto. As it nears his location the forest explodes and the clone just barely shields itself. It investigates and finds Naruto has reached four tails, a form Jiraiya had warned him about.

Chapter 294
Sakura asks Yamato about what is happening to Naruto, but he only assures her that he has things handled. Kabuto also approaches them and asks if their presence means Sasori is dead. He is glad when they confirm. Meanwhile, Orochimaru attacks Naruto but Naruto, in a four-tailed transformation, has no difficulty countering the attack and then some. The observing Sai and Yamato's wood clone realise that there is nothing they can do but watch. Orochimaru tries to flee but Naruto has no difficulties pursuing him. With Orochimaru cornered, Naruto prepares an attack.

Chapter 295
As Naruto prepares his attack, Orochimaru, seeing how dangerous it is, creates some distance between them. Sai and Yamato 's wood clone, also sensing the attack's power, ready themselves. Naruto fires a beam of chakra that devastates the area and that Orochimaru is only able to survive by using Summoning: Triple Rashōmon. Orochimaru emerges from the rubble and strikes Naruto with his Kusanagi. Although it cannot penetrate his chakra shroud, it at least pushes Naruto back to where Yamato, Sakura, and Kabuto are.

Chapter 296
Kabuto, Sakura, and Yamato got away from the struggling Naruto. Kabuto, seeing his four-tailed transformation, remarks that Naruto has allowed himself to become a monster to find Sasuke. Distraught over what Naruto is putting himself through, Sakura approaches him to try and calm him down but Naruto, no longer able to distinguish between friend and foe, attacks her. Yamato suppresses the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox 's influence over Naruto while Kabuto tends to Sakura, thanking her for eliminating Sasori. Meanwhile, Orochimaru collapses from the strain put on his body by fighting Naruto. He is approached by Sai, who asks for a chance to speak with him on the behalf of Danzō.

Chapter 297
With the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox suppressed, Sakura heals Naruto 's injuries. She asks if it is is possible to learn Yamato 's Wood Release, hoping to be more helpful to Naruto, but Yamato says it is not. Yamato adds that this doesn't matter given her feelings, but Naruto wakes up before he elaborates. Naruto asks how Sakura became injured and, seeing that Sai is gone, suggests it was him. Meanwhile, Orochimaru, surprised by Sai's claim that he speaks for Danzō, agrees to listen to him. He does, however, insist that Sai speak in person, destroying his ink clone. Sai reaches for his bag but is tackled by Kabuto, believing he is an enemy. Orochimaru finds what Sai was looking for and tells Kabuto to release Sai, as Sai will be coming with them.

Chapter 298
Naruto examines the area and is confused by the damage, unaware that he is responsible for everything. They come across Sai 's location, meeting with Orochimaru and find a number of Sai's belongings, including his picture book, strewn around the area. Yamato, his wood clone having seen it firsthand, informs them that Sai has joined up with Orochimaru and that the wood clone is following them back to their base. They assume that Sai is working with Orochimaru on Danzō 's orders and intend to find him to determine why, but must wait for Naruto to rest since the Nine-Tails negatively impacted his body. Meanwhile, Yamato's wood clone comes across Sai hanging from a tree.

Chapter 299
Yamato 's wood clone examines what appears to be Sai 's corpse. While meant to look as though Sai has been killed to prevent Orochimaru from being followed, the wood clone determines that it is a fake and continues on its way. The rest of Team 7 follows as well, but must take a break because of Sakura 's injury. Although Sakura does not want Naruto to know that he gave her the injury, Yamato secretly tells him. He encourages Naruto not to rely on the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox if he really wants to protect his friends. While resting, Sakura looks at Sai's picture book.

Naruto, Volume 34

Chapter 300
While taking a break with Orochimaru and Kabuto, Sai finds he is missing something. Sakura, Naruto, and Yamato elsewhere look at Sai's picture book. At opposite ends of the book appear to be Sai and his brother, who fight various opponents and whose stories meet in the middle of the book. The centre is incomplete. They keep moving, just as Sai reaches Orochimaru's base and meets Sasuke.

Chapter 301
Sasuke has no interest in Sai, who tries to open a dialogue by suggesting he will get along with Sasuke better than he did with Naruto. The latter overpowers Sai with fear, but continues, explaining that Naruto has not stopped looking for him since he thinks of Sasuke as a brother. Sasuke says the only brother he has he wants to kill. Team 7 arrives outside the base and prepares to break in.

Chapter 302
Kabuto escorts Sai to a room and locks him in to prevent him from exploring. Sai takes the time alone to as a chance to look at the orders given to him by Danzō. Meanwhile, Team 7 infiltrates the base and locates Sai in his room. Sakura returns his picture book and they ask him about his reasons for joining up with Orochimaru. He confesses that he is helping Danzō and Orochimaru plan another Konoha Crush.

Chapter 303
Sai claims to have no remorse about collaborating in an invasion, but Sakura reminds him that his picture books means he has some amount of emotion; Sai and his brother have a bond that he cannot break. Sai is intrigued by the idea, saying that, although he and his brother were not actually related, Sai had wanted to give him the picture book to symbolise their relationship as a family. Team 7 restrains him and prepares to go looking for Sasuke. Sai tells Naruto he is wasting his time, but Naruto insists that he and Sasuke have a bond of friendship that he would do anything to protect.

Chapter 304
Kabuto arrives to rescue Sai. He undoes his restraints so that they can team up in fighting Team 7, but Sai instead decides to restrain Kabuto. Sai wishes to learn more about bonds by helping Naruto reunite with Sasuke, which Team 7 accepts. They tie Kabuto up and he tells them where to find Sasuke, but adds that they won't accomplish anything. Team 7 splits up and, while searching with Naruto, Sai remembers how he wanted to finish his picture book: he and his brother together. He gives a genuine smile over thoughts of his brother, just as Orochimaru appears and asks about Sai's loyalties.

Chapter 305
Orochimaru attacks. Naruto sends Sai to look for Sasuke while he deals with Orochimaru. Yamato and Sakura, sensing Naruto preparing to fight, arrive to help, but Orochimaru decides to retreat instead. As Sai combs the area, Yamato goes through the belongings he left behind. He finds the orders given to Sai by Danzō: to get close to Orochimaru through any means in order to assassinate Sasuke. Naruto does not believe Sai would do that, which Sai confirms when he locates Sasuke, telling Sasuke that he wants to reunite him with Naruto.

Chapter 306
Sasuke attacks Sai for disturbing him, destroying their portion of the base. Team 7 is drawn to the area. Sakura starts to ask Sai what his real intentions are when she notices Sasuke. She and Naruto are speechless to see him again after two-and-a-half years since he left Konohagakure.

Chapter 307
Sasuke asks where Kakashi is, so Yamato explains that he is Kakashi's stand-in. Sasuke concludes that Sai is therefore his own stand-in, and repeats Sai's claim that he wants to restore the bond between himself and Naruto. He laughs at the idea, but Team 7 realises they were wrong to doubt Sai and accept his help with bringing Sasuke back to Konoha. Sasuke has no interest in returning, so suggests killing Naruto to make things easier.

Chapter 308
Sai prevents Sasuke from attacking Naruto. Sasuke uses Chidori Current to repel both of them and the rest of Team 7, then proceeds to pin Yamato to a rock with his sword. Naruto, frustrated, struggles within his subconscious to refuse the Nine-Tails ' offers of power. He tells the fox that he is no longer interested and to stop bothering him, but is interrupted by Sasuke.

Chapter 309
The Nine-Tails is surprised to see Sasuke within Naruto 's subconscious, remarking that Sasuke is much like Madara Uchiha. Sasuke suppresses the fox in response, and as it fades it warns him not to kill Naruto. Sasuke and Naruto return their attention to the real world where Yamato, no longer playing nice, tries to capture Sasuke. Sasuke escapes and prepares to finish them off, but is stopped by Orochimaru. Orochimaru says that Team 7 should be spared since they might kill another member of Akatsuki, as a result making it easier to kill Itachi. Sasuke agrees, and they leave with Kabuto.

Naruto, Volume 35

Chapter 310
Naruto and Sakura cry for failing once again to retrieve Sasuke. Sai cheers them up by pointing out that they still have time before Orochimaru can take Sasuke's body and adds that he will help them in the future. They return to Konoha. Sai reports to Danzō and, despite not killing Sasuke as he was instructed, asks to remain with Team 7. Danzō agrees, but warns him about growing attached to others. Later, Sai begins to work on a new painting, but decides to stop so he can spend time with his new friends.

Chapter 311
Sai visits the library to learn about how to make friends. After reading about nicknames, Sai tries to put the concept into practice by calling Sakura "ugly". He and Naruto, who tries to keep Sakura at bay, are injured in her wrath. The three meet with Kakashi in the hospital and tell them about their encounter with Sasuke. Because Sasuke has become so much stronger than them, Naruto worries that they will only fail again the next time they try to retrieve him. Kakashi replies that Naruto will merely need to get stronger, and proposes a training method that only Naruto can undertake.

Chapter 312
Kakashi says that Naruto will need to create a new technique, something he will be able to do in a very short period of time thanks to the training regiment Kakashi has come up with. Before Kakashi can elaborate they are interrupted by Team 10, who offers to take Team 7 out to lunch. Kakashi and Asuma stay behind while the others go out to mingle. Sai tries once again to use nicknames to make friends. He begins to call Chōji fat, but is advised against it by Naruto. Turning his attention to Ino, and remembering that Sakura did not like hearing how she actually appeared, Sai concludes that women prefer hearing the opposite of what is true. He therefore calls Ino "beautiful". Sakura becomes angry, having expected him to insult Ino. Elsewhere, Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu attack Yugito Nii.

Chapter 313
Yugito, having lured Hidan and Kakuzu into a trap, seals the exits to prevent them from escaping. She transforms into the Two-Tails and attacks them, but they are not concerned. In Konoha, Asuma begins to speak with Kakashi about something when they are interrupted by Kurenai. Asuma leaves with her, saying he'll talk to Kakashi later. Hidan and Kakuzu manage to defeat Yugito, though quickly bicker over why it took so long to do so. They then prepare to go to the Land of Fire.

Chapter 314
Zetsu takes the unconscious Yugito while Hidan and Kakuzu continue on to the Land of Fire. They go to the Fire Temple to seek out the temple's head monk, Chiriku, in order to claim the bounty on his head. In Konoha, Kakashi explains to Naruto that creating a new technique requires combining nature transformation and shape transformation, concepts that Naruto pretends to understand. Asuma also visits his father's, the Third Hokage 's, grave, and remarks that, despite their differences, the Third was a good father. Meanwhile, the Fire Temple has been destroyed and Chiriku killed. Hidan and Kakuzu take his body to the nearest bounty station.

Chapter 315
Kakashi explains that, although combining shape transformation and nature transformation usually takes years, Naruto will be able to do so in a fraction of the time by training with shadow clones. Kakashi then demonstrates how shadow clones transfer what they learn during their existence back to the originator when they disperse. Having never noticed this before, Naruto asks if training with hundreds of clones to learn things a hundred times faster is how Kakashi became so strong. Kakashi replies that only Naruto can do this sort of training because he has access to the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox 's chakra. Yamato joins them to help Naruto keep the fox in control. Before Naruto can start on his new technique, they must first determine his nature affinity; it is Wind Release.

Chapter 316
Kakashi and Yamato explain the different nature transformations to Naruto and how his nature, Wind Release, has the greatest offensive capabilities. In order to master wind, Naruto and hundreds of shadow clones must learn how to slice leaves with chakra, something they slowly begin to progress with. Meanwhile, Asuma plays shōgi with Shikamaru and they begin relating the various pieces to positions within Konoha. After Asuma makes an uncharacteristic move, sacrificing a knight to protect the king, Shikamaru suggests that the knight represents ninja like them while the king represent the Hokage. Asuma tells him that he has the identity of the king wrong, and that he'll learn someday.

Chapter 317
Deidara and his new partner, Tobi, confront the Three-Tails. Although it is his assignment, Tobi runs away in fright, forcing Deidara to intervene. In Konoha, Naruto makes steady progress with his Wind Release training. He nevertheless asks if there is someone else in Konoha who can use wind and could give him pointers. Kakashi directs him to Asuma. Asuma explains to one of Naruto's shadow clones that wind has great piercing potential. Naruto suggests that ordinary weapons would be better for such a purpose, so Asuma demonstrates how superior wind is to every other possible weapon. The clone disperses and passes what it has learned to the others. Meanwhile, word reaches Tsunade of Akatsuki 's attack on the Fire Temple. She orders the Twenty Platoons be gathered.

Chapter 318
Deidara and Tobi defeated the Three-Tails and started towing it to the nearest Akatsuki base. Tobi insisted that he did all the work, which Deidara disagreed with. Tobi fell asleep while he's arguing his case, prompting Deidara to attack him. In Konoha, Naruto was finally able to cut a leaf in two, completing the first phase of his Wind Release training. For the second step, Naruto must use wind to halt the flow of a waterfall that Yamato created. Meanwhile, Tsunade instructs the Nijū Shōtai to capture or eliminate Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu before they leave the Land of Fire. When Asuma hears how they killed Chiriku, he decides to take his team to the Fire Temple.

Chapter 319
As Asuma and his team depart for the Fire Temple, they take a detour passed Kurenai 's apartment, who sees them go. Meanwhile, Naruto and his small group of shadow clones are unable to affect the waterfall they are training with. Naruto says he needs to use more shadow clones and thus a larger waterfall if he is to make any progress, but Kakashi advises against it. Naruto insists that he needs to catch up to Sasuke, so Kakashi instructs Yamato to make the waterfall bigger. Naruto trains through the night, motivated by Sasuke, and is eventually able to stop the waterfall with his Wind Release.

Naruto, Volume 36

Chapter 320
Asuma takes his Nijū Shōtai team to the Fire Temple to pay his respects to Chiriku. Since Chiriku's body was the only one to not be recovered, they theorise that Akatsuki is collecting the bounty on his head. The team heads for the nearest bounty station and sends word to the other Nijū Shōtai teams to check the others. In Konoha, Naruto is exhausted from all of his training. Kakashi takes Naruto to the Ramen Ichiraku and tells him there is something he wants to show him.

Chapter 321
After leaving the Ramen Ichiraku, Kakashi reminds Naruto that creating a technique requires combining nature transformation with shape transformation. By completing his Wind Release training, he has the former, and since he can already perform the Rasengan, he has the latter. Naruto concludes that creating a new technique will be easy since he has already mastered both components, but Kakashi corrects him by showing that he can also use the Rasengan. Combining nature transformation with the Rasengan was too difficult for Kakashi and the Rasengan's creator, the Fourth Hokage. Kakashi is confident that Naruto will succeed where they failed. Elsewhere, Shikamaru points out that Asuma hasn't smoked a cigarette since learning of Chiriku 's death, a sign that something is bothering him.

Chapter 322
Asuma admits that he hasn't smoked recently, but insists it is not because of worry over a fight with Akatsuki, although he is concerned about how they will fare. In Konoha, Naruto and his shadow clones struggle to combine Wind Release with the Rasengan, a process that is frustrating enough that some clones lose control of the Nine-Tails ' chakra. Yamato suppresses them. Elsewhere, Hidan waits outside a bounty station for Kakuzu to finish his business. Asuma appears and attacks him, though Hidan blocks the attack. Before he can retaliate he is captured by Shikamaru 's shadow, giving Izumo and Kotetsu a chance to strike. They believe they have killed him, but Hidan merely asks who they are.

Chapter 323
Izumo and Kotetsu rhetorically ask if Hidan is immortal, which he confirms. Asuma had intended to kill Hidan and capture his partner, but given this development decides to switch the fates of the Akatsuki members. Since Hidan is captured by Shikamaru 's shadow Asuma goes looking for Kakuzu, but finds Kakuzu attacking Shikamaru in order to release Hidan. The Konoha ninja regroup while Hidan, freed, draws a design on the ground with some of his blood. Asuma engages him in battle while Shikamaru observes and Kakuzu refuses to participate. Hidan injures Asuma with his Triple-Bladed Scythe and, after licking some of Asuma's blood off the scythe, transforms.

Chapter 324
With Hidan in his transformed state, Asuma finds that all the damage he does to Hidan is also done to him. This also applies to damage that Hidan does to himself, a fact he takes advantage of by stabbing himself to immobilise Asuma. He tries to stab himself in the heart to finish off Asuma, but is caught and stopped by Shikamaru 's shadow. While straining to keep Hidan from finishing his attack, Shikamaru analyses his actions and discovers how Hidan has linked himself with Asuma.

Chapter 325
Shikamaru explains that Hidan 's link with Asuma was created when he consumed some of Asuma's blood. However, in order for this link to do anything, Hidan must stand within the boundaries of the design he drew on the ground earlier. To break the link, Shikamaru forces Hidan out of the design and ties him down. Asuma tests Shikamaru's theory by inflicting harmless wounds on Hidan, which do do not occur to himself. Content, Asuma cuts off Hidan's head. Hidan's head yells at Kakuzu for not stopping Asuma before this happened.

Chapter 326
Kakuzu sews Hidan 's head back onto his body. With Shikamaru exhausted, Asuma tries to escape with his team, but Kakuzu blocks their exit. Izumo and Kotetsu attack him while Asuma goes after Hidan, intending to stop him from restoring their link. Hidan strikes with his Triple-Bladed Scythe. Asuma dodges and it strikes Hidan, but he discovers too late that Hidan has returned to the Jashin symbol that causes them to share damage. Asuma doubles over from the pain the scythe has done to Hidan while Hidan, despite Shikamaru's attempts to stop him, stabs himself in the heart.

Chapter 327
Asuma collapses while his team watches helplessly. Kakuzu prepares to finish off, Izumo, and Kotetsu, but is stopped by Aoba Yamashiro and Raidō Namiashi. Chōji gets Asuma to safety while Ino checks on Shikamaru. Shikamaru immediately goes to Asuma's side and, finding that he is still alive, has Ino perform emergency first aid. Kakuzu, wishing to collect the bounty on Asuma's head, tries to take him back, but he is interrupted by the summons of the Akatsuki leader.

Chapter 328
Hidan and Kakuzu reluctantly leave, telling the Konoha ninja not to go anywhere. The Nijū Shōtai members gather around Asuma but Ino finds that his injuries are too severe for her to heal. Shikamaru tries to rush him back to Konoha but Asuma tells him it is too late for him. He only asks his students listen to his final words. He tells Ino to look after Chōji and Shikamaru and encourages her to not lose to Sakura in any pursuit. He asks Chōji to go on a diet, but tells him not to let that interfere with his good heart. He praises Shikamaru and secretly tells him the identity of the king from their earlier shōgi -Konoha analogy. After smoking one last cigarette, Asuma dies. Shikamaru finishes the rest of the cigarette, but complains that the smoke stings his eyes.

Chapter 329
Naruto continues to struggle with combining Rasengan with his Wind Release chakra. He suggests that it is impossible, like looking to the left and right at the same time. To lighten the mood, Kakashi creates a shadow clone to let him do just that, giving Naruto an idea. Meanwhile, Akatsuki is busy sealing the Three-Tails. Hidan, irritated that his battle had to be interrupted, asks why Akatsuki is capturing the tailed beasts. The Akatsuki leader explains that it is to develop a monopoly over wars by using the tailed beasts as weapons, thereby gaining control over the world.

Naruto, Volume 37

Chapter 330
Naruto uses shadow clones to help him create his new technique, removing the need for him to do nature transformation and shape transformation at the same time. His training is interrupted by news of Asuma 's death. Shikamaru personally informs Kurenai of what happened to Asuma, telling her his last words, but then does not attend Asuma's funeral with the rest of Konoha. He instead smokes Asuma's cigarettes, practices with Asuma's Chakra Blades, and plays shōgi. Once ready, he sets out with Ino and Chōji.

Chapter 331
Tsunade stops Team 10 from leaving, telling them that, despite their desire to avenge Asuma, they are ill-suited for a rematch with Akatsuki. Kakashi appears and volunteers to help, saying he can give no additional help with Naruto 's training, so Tsunade allows them to go. While Akatsuki is finishing the sealing of the Three-Tails, Shikamaru integrates Kakashi into their plan. Tsunade also considers sending backup for Kakashi and the others, but will only send Team 7 if Naruto can complete his training within twenty-four hours.

Chapter 332
Shikamaru tells Kakashi, Ino, and Chōji the plan he has come up with. After the Akatsuki finishes extracting the Two-Tails from Yugito, Hidan and Kakuzu begin heading to Konoha. Team Asuma intercepts them and Shikamaru, using Asuma 's Chakra Blades, immobilses them both.

Chapter 333
Shikamaru catches Hidan with his shadow and forces him to attack an immobilised Kakuzu. Kakuzu is able to free himself at the last moment, but Shikamaru uses Hidan to drive him into a corner. In Konoha, Naruto nears completion of his new technique. While taking a break, Yamato tells him that all elemental affinities are naturally strong and weak to other elements. He points out that Naruto's Wind Release is weak against Sasuke 's Fire Release, but Naruto reinterprets that as his Wind Release making Sasuke's Fire Release stronger. Meanwhile, Kakuzu uses an earth -based defence to protect himself. Kakashi uses his Lightning Cutter, which is naturally strong against earth, to pierce through the defence.

Chapter 334
Kakuzu collapses. Kakashi turns his attention to Hidan and tries to finish him too, but is repelled by Kakuzu. Kakuzu reveals that he has four extra hearts stored within masks on his back, only one of which Kakashi destroyed. Shikamaru is forced to release Hidan, and Hidan wastes no time in engaging Kakashi in close combat. Kakuzu uses his extra masks to attack them from afar with elemental blasts which Hidan, being immortal, survives and Team Asuma has difficulty avoiding.

Chapter 335
Team Asuma realises that they cannot compete with Kakuzu 's extra hearts and Hidan 's immortality at the same time. Shikamaru volunteers to break Hidan away from Kakuzu to allow the others to fight Kakuzu alone. After Kakashi hands something to Shikamaru, Shikamaru tries to catch Hidan with his shadow. Having been caught by his shadow several times now, Hidan does his best to avoid it. In doing so, he does not notice Shikamaru getting close to him. Shikamaru punches him, joining their shadows and letting him trap Hidan.

Chapter 336
Shikamaru forces Hidan to abandon his Triple-Bladed Scythe and leads him away. Kakuzu is impressed by their tactics, remarking that fighting Konoha ninja reminds him of when he fought the First Hokage. He merges two of his masks to double their damage and attacks. Meanwhile, Shikamaru brings Hidan to a remote location and covers the area in explosive tags. When his shadow reaches its limit, Hidan attacks him. He gets some blood, obtains a link, and stabs himself in the heart. Shikamaru collapses and Hidan starts heading back to Kakuzu. He is unaware that Shikamaru tricked him into creating a link with Kakuzu, thereby destroying one of his partner's hearts instead of Shikamaru's.

Chapter 337
Shikamaru tries to sneak up on Hidan and cut off his head, but Hidan dodges in time. Shikamaru tells him how Kakashi had earlier managed to fill a capsule with some of Kakuzu 's blood. When Hidan thought he had obtained some of Shikamaru's blood and formed a link with him, he had actually linked himself with Kakuzu. Shikamaru catches him with his shadow again. Meanwhile, Kakuzu has collapsed. Chōji tries to destroy his masks before they can reach Kakuzu but is unsuccessful. Kakuzu takes one of the masks' hearts and merges with the remaining two so that they will always be nearby. The two masks attack with a combined fire and wind technique, which the newly arrived Team 7 neutralises with a combined water and wind technique to protect Team 10.

Chapter 338
Kakuzu regards Team 7 's arrival as an opportunity to get more replacement hearts. Kakashi sends Sakura and Sai to backup Shikamaru while the rest of them fight Kakuzu. Naruto, wishing to demonstrate his new technique, insists that he fight Kakuzu by himself, which Kakashi agrees to. Meanwhile, Hidan approaches Shikamaru. Shikamaru uses the explosive tags he spread around the area to stop Hidan and tie him down. He then exposes a pit beneath Hidan that he prepared earlier. As he lights a cigarette a vision of Asuma appears to him. Now avenging his teacher, Shikamaru flicks the cigarette at Hidan, detonating the explosive tags.

Chapter 339
Hidan 's remains fall into the pit. He vows to escape and make Shikamaru pay, but Shikamaru doubts it. He triggers a cave in, burying Hidan. Meanwhile, Kakuzu realises that Naruto is the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Kakashi tells Naruto about Kakuzu's extra hearts but Naruto, unconcerned, charges at him. He uses some shadow clones to distract Kakuzu while he prepares his new Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, which Kakuzu realises could kill him.

Naruto, Volume 38

Chapter 340
Naruto 's shadow clones charge at Kakuzu. Team Asuma prepares to provide assistance, but Yamato warns them not to. While Kakuzu is busy with the shadow clones, Naruto tries to hit him with his new Rasenshuriken. It dissipates before it makes contact, forcing Kakashi and Yamato to save Naruto from Kakuzu's counterattack. Disappointed with Naruto's display, they offer to join him in fighting Kakuzu. Naruto asks for another chance, claiming that he will never be able to reach Sasuke if he always needs others' help.

Chapter 341
Knowing that Naruto 's Rasenshuriken is a close-range attack, Kakuzu alters his body to keep Naruto away. Naruto forms a Rasenshuriken and creates more shadow clones, which charge at Kakuzu. Kakuzu ignores them and attacks the Naruto with the Rasenshuriken. It is a shadow clone, the real Naruto having hidden with the group that Kakuzu ignored. Naruto hits Kakuzu with another Rasenshuriken, striking him with countless wind blades and destroying his two spare hearts.

Chapter 342
Sakura and Sai locate Shikamaru, only to find that he has already defeated Hidan. Meanwhile, Naruto recovers from his fight with Kakuzu. Kakashi approaches Kakuzu, whose final heart is on the verge of failure, and finishes him off. Team Asuma and Team 7 returns to Konoha and report their success against Akatsuki. Shikamaru visits Kurenai at Asuma 's grave, promising to protect her unborn child for Asuma's sake. He later plays shōgi with his father and explains Asuma's philosophy on who the "king" of Konoha is: the next generation. Shikaku is happy that his son has learned such a valuable lesson, but does not hesitate to win the game.

Chapter 343
Sasuke sits upon a field of battle, having defeated hundreds of opponents. Orochimaru observes that he didn't kill any of them, to which Sasuke replies Itachi is the only one he wants to kill. In Konoha, Team 7 visits the Ramen Ichiraku. Naruto, having hurt his arm from using the Rasenshuriken, cannot eat by himself. He tries to get Sakura to help him, but is disappointed to receive help from Sai instead. He is even more disappointed when Kakashi takes over for Sai. Meanwhile, Orochimaru's body starts to reject him. When Kabuto leaves his side to get some medicine, Sasuke attacks him, remarking that he is willing to kill Orochimaru too.

Chapter 344
Sasuke tells Orochimaru that there is nothing else for him to learn as he is already stronger than Orochimaru. Moreover, he has no intention of giving his body and the Sharingan to someone like Orochimaru, who constantly tries to escape death. As Sasuke tries to finish him off, Orochimaru abandons his body, revealing his true form as a large, white snake. He attacks Sasuke, intending to take his body by force. Sasuke responds by activating level two of his cursed seal.

Chapter 345
Sasuke stands over a dismembered Orochimaru. He believes he has won, but finds he cannot move. Orochimaru rises and says his blood evaporates on contact with air and numbs those nearby. He swallows Sasuke to initiate the body-swap. Sasuke finds himself within Orochimaru's subconscious where Orochimaru tries to gain dominance over him. Sasuke activates his Sharingan. Kabuto returns to Orochimaru's room and finds the body switching process has ended. As Sasuke leaves the room, he asks whose consciousness has control of the body.

Chapter 346
Sasuke uses his Sharingan to show Kabuto how he turned the body-switching process against Orochimaru, absorbing him into his body. He leaves and visits Orochimaru's lab to release someone named Suigetsu, who he tells to come with him. In Konoha, Kakashi relays Tsunade 's warnings about the Rasenshuriken to Naruto: that he shouldn't use it anymore or risk being left unable to use techniques ever again. Naruto responds that he knows his own limitations.

Chapter 347
As Team 7 leaves the Ramen Ichiraku they are met by Konohamaru, who demonstrates his new perverted technique for Naruto 's amusement. Sakura initially disapproves, but likes Konohamaru's Sexy: Boy on Boy Technique. Meanwhile, Sasuke tells Suigetsu that he wants to form a team consisting of him, Karin, and Jūgo. Suigetsu is not thrilled by the idea, but agrees if Sasuke will help him retrieve Zabuza 's Kubikiribōchō. They go to the Land of Waves to get it and then continue on to Karin's location, who senses them coming.

Chapter 348
Suigetsu tries to convince Sasuke not to bother with Karin, but to no avail. They arrive at the prison Orochimaru left Karin in charge of and Sasuke asks her to team up with them. Karin refuses. Suigetsu leaves them to release the prisoners, but requests that they spread word of Orochimaru's defeat by Sasuke once they are free. While Suigetsu is gone, Karin is much more eager to work with Sasuke, suggesting leaving Suigetsu behind. She does not sway Sasuke by the time Suigetsu returns, but agrees to accompany them in going to find Jūgo.

Chapter 349
Karin warns Sasuke about Jūgo, but he is not concerned. Knowing little about Jūgo, Suigetsu asks what the problem is. Karin explains that Jūgo willingly became a prisoner of Orochimaru in order to find a cure for his murderous impulses. By experimenting on Jūgo, Orochimaru's Juinjutsu were created. With Orochimaru now gone, recipients of one of these cursed seals run rampant at the base where Jūgo is held. One escapes and finds Sasuke and the others approaching the base. He attacks them, but Sasuke quickly cuts him down.

Naruto, Volume 39

Chapter 350
Naruto and Sakura are summoned to Tsunade 's office where they are informed that Sasuke has killed Orochimaru. Meanwhile, Sasuke arrives at the base where Jūgo is held and finds a horde of escaped prisoners, many of which have cursed seals. He and Suigetsu defeat them all and enter the base. They locate and unlock Jūgo's holding cell and Jūgo attacks them as soon as the door opens.

Chapter 351
Sasuke activates his cursed seal to shield himself from Jūgo 's attack. Jūgo is elated to find someone with such good control of a cursed seal, but Suigetsu engages Jūgo in battle instead. They start fighting, but Sasuke stops them with his killing intent. Jūgo's murderous desires recede and he retreats back into his cell, asking them to leave since he doesn't want to kill anyone.

Chapter 352
Sasuke remains despite Jūgo 's pleas for him to leave. He explains that only Kimimaro was able to keep his thirst for blood under control. Since Kimimaro is dead, he can no longer go outside. Sasuke reveals that Kimimaro died for him which Jūgo, remembering his last conversation with Kimimaro, concludes to mean that Kimimaro lives on within Sasuke. He agrees to join them. His team assembled, Sasuke names them Hebi and gives them the task of finding and killing Itachi. In Konoha, Naruto realises that this is Sasuke's goal, so decides to find Itachi in order to find Sasuke.

Chapter 353
Itachi and Kisame discuss Akatsuki 's progress with capturing the tailed beasts. Kisame, having just caught the Four-Tails, offers to catch the Nine-Tails for Itachi, but Itachi points out that there is no rush since the Nine-Tails must be captured last. They are called to an Akatsuki meeting where they learn of Hidan and Kakuzu 's death as well as Orochimaru 's defeat by Sasuke. The Akatsuki leader warns Itachi that Sasuke will be coming after him, citing the skills of Sasuke's new teammates.

Chapter 354
Believing that Team 7 would not be enough to locate and apprehend Itachi by themselves, Kakashi also recruits Team 8 to help them. Meanwhile, Hebi visits Sora-ku to stock up on supplies before going after Itachi. Elsewhere, Akatsuki completes its sealing of the Four-Tails. Deidara, wishing to get revenge against Team 7 because of their previous encounter and Sasuke for killing Orochimaru before he could, tells Tobi that they will be going after one of them.

Chapter 355
The task force of Team 7 and Team 8 split up, some of Kakashi 's ninken being added to each group. They break apart to begin searching for clues about Itachi 's whereabouts. Hebi also splits up, searching known Akatsuki locations. Deidara, use of his arms restored from his previous encounter with Team 7, and Tobi go looking for Naruto or Sasuke. Someone locates Sasuke, and someone else locates Naruto's group.

Chapter 356
Naruto and Sasuke notice that they are being followed. Sasuke is confronted by Tobi, who distracts Sasuke while Deidara attacks him. Naruto is greeted by Kabuto, who gives him a black book with information regarding the Akatsuki. When asked why, Kabuto says it is to thank Naruto for being an "inspiration". When asked why, Kabuto describes how Naruto has always struggled to distinguish himself from the Nine-Tails sealed within him, just as Kabuto always struggled to find autonomy from service to others. Following Naruto's example, Kabuto has opted to become strong enough to never need to serve someone again by integrating Orochimaru 's remains into his body, thus making half of him Orochimaru.

Chapter 357
Kabuto reveals that Orochimaru 's remains constantly try to gain control of his body, a struggle that only makes him stronger. He flees before Naruto and his escorts can capture him, saying he will gladly fight Naruto after he has avenged Orochimaru by killing Sasuke. Meanwhile, Sasuke attacks Deidara and Tobi. Although he strikes Tobi, the attack has no effect. Deidara counters with his clay explosives, but Sasuke deflects them with his Chidori Senbon. Deidara decides to give his C2 a try.

Chapter 358
Deidara 's C2 dragon creates a number of smaller explosives before attacking Sasuke. Sasuke tries to destroy the dragon, but it flies out his reach and attacks from afar, forcing him to activate level two of his cursed seal. Tobi reports that he has buried the smaller explosives in the ground beneath Sasuke, meaning Sasuke will need to remain where he is or risk blowing up. Believing Sasuke is trapped, Deidara moves in to finish him off. Sasuke takes this opportunity to cut off the dragon's wing, causing it to fall to the ground and trigger the mine field.

Chapter 359
Sasuke and Deidara separately escape the mine field's detonation. Seeing Sasuke's Sharingan, Deidara remembers of how he was recruited into the Akatsuki; Itachi used his Sharingan to turn Deidara's own explosives against him, humiliating him on the process. Determined not to lose to the Sharingan again, Deidara tells Tobi to run away as he intends to use his C4 explosive.

Naruto, Volume 40

Chapter 360
Tobi runs while Deidara creates his C4 explosive: a giant replica of himself. When it explodes it releases a cloud of microscopic bombs that cause whatever inhales them to disintegrate. After Sasuke appears to succumb to this fate, Deidara starts to celebrate. He is attacked from behind by Sasuke, who saw the miniature explosives with his Sharingan and evaded them, using a genjutsu to make it look as though he had died. Sasuke finds that the Deidara he attacked was a clay clone, Deidara having known it was a genjutsu thanks to years of training to specifically defeat Sharingan illusions.

Chapter 361
With Sasuke immobilised in clay, Deidara traps him in a sphere of C4 bombs. Sasuke manages to escape but quickly starts to disintegrate. This is, once again, a genjutsu, and the real Sasuke attacks Deidara. Sasuke explains that he earlier discovered that lightning neutralises Deidara's explosives. By using Chidori on himself, he removed the threat the microscopic bombs he inhaled posed. Sasuke owes his survival to the Sharingan.

Chapter 362
With Deidara defeated, Sasuke asks him where to find Itachi. Deidara refuses to give in and claims to still have some explosive clay left, but Sasuke does not believe him. Angry that an Uchiha is once again looking down on him, Deidara promises to prove his "art" superior to the Sharingan. Sasuke deactivates his Sharingan, no longer needing them, pushing Deidara over the edge. Apologising to Tobi, Deidara uses his C0, intending to blow himself up to take Sasuke and everything else in a ten kilometre radius with him.

Chapter 363
Deidara 's C0 destroys the area. The members of Hebi, Team 7, and Team 8 see the resulting explosion. Zetsu, having watched the battle, reports the deaths of Deidara, Tobi, and Sasuke to the rest of Akatsuki. Meanwhile, Suigetsu summons Manda to confirm his suspicions; Sasuke summoned Manda at the last second to act as a shield from Deidara's attack. It worked, though Manda dies from his injuries. They regroup with the rest of Hebi. Elsewhere, the Akatsuki leader, Pain, is instructed to capture the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox.

Chapter 364
After the Akatsuki meeting, Kisame asks if Itachi is sad that, with Sasuke 's death, he is the last Uchiha. Itachi says Sasuke is not dead, and even if he were that wouldn't matter. Sasuke rests from his battle with Deidara with the rest of Hebi. Team 7 and Team 8 locate the site of their battle and pick up on Sasuke's scent. They begin tracking him. Elsewhere, a shadowy figure warns Pain about Naruto 's abilities for when he goes after the Nine-Tails. Before leaving, the figure promises their goals will soon be fulfilled, including the restoration of his, Madara Uchiha 's (previously " Tobi "), Sharingan.

Chapter 365
While Sasuke is resting, Karin senses Team 7 and Team 8 approaching their location. Knowing they have been found, Hebi starts moving. To get the Konoha ninja off of their tail, Jūgo tears up one of Sasuke's shirts and gives it to a flock of birds to make following Sasuke by scent useless. When the Konoha ninja notice this, Naruto creates a group of shadow clones to follow all of the Sasuke trails. One stumbles across Itachi, who asks to speak with him.

Chapter 366
Naruto tries to attack Itachi, but he is easily stopped. Itachi asks why Naruto is so interested in his brother, Sasuke. Naruto responds that he is more of a brother to Sasuke than Itachi has ever been. Naruto attacks again but is caught in Itachi's genjutsu, who repeats his desire to only talk. In Konoha, Jiraiya tells Tsunade over drinks at 'Bar Sake' that he has tracked the Akatsuki leader to Amegakure. Amegakure is in the middle of a civil war, which the leader of a criminal organisation is using to hide his movements. Tsunade laments that, as Hokage, she cannot come with him during his investigation, as well the passage of time, their childhood friend Orochimaru now dead. Elsewhere, Itachi leaves Naruto after they finish their business and confronts Sasuke.

Chapter 367
Itachi tries to make casual conversation with Sasuke, who instead attacks him. Impressed by how much stronger he has become, Itachi makes arrangements for them to meet in person before his clone disperses. In Konoha, Jiraiya sets out for Amegakure to investigate Akatsuki. Tsunade warns him to be careful and asks to request her help if things get difficult. Jiraiya points out that, as Hokage, Konoha needs her, but she responds that Naruto will inevitably replace her in the position. They discuss Naruto's similarities to his parents, Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze. Having taught Minato, Jiraiya says that he feels like Naruto is his grandson. He warns Tsunade about Danzō before leaving. He arrives in Amegakure but is immediately detected by Pain.

Chapter 368
Sasuke and Hebi head for the meeting place where Itachi is waiting. On a Sunday in Amegakure, Pain instructs Konan to look for the intruder in West Three — the third part of the town's western area — while he prepares to deal with whomever it is. Jiraiya — the intruder — overhears two Amegakure ninja discussing Pain. He proceeds to capture them so that he can interrogate them.

Chapter 369
The first of his prisoners is uncooperative, so Jiraiya demonstrates how "ruthless" he can be to those who do not help him; he turns the Amegakure ninja into a toad. His companion is suddenly very forthcoming with information. He tells Jiraiya that little about Pain is known by Amegakure citizens. He corrects Jiraiya's belief that the civil war is ongoing, Pain's side having already won. Jiraiya is horrified that anyone could defeat the former leader of Amegakure, Hanzō, who not even he and the other Sannin could defeat. The ninja goes on to detail how Pain came to be regarded as a god amongst Amegakure's villagers by killing everyone even remotely affiliated to Hanzō in order to remove any possibility of dissent. Meanwhile, Pain sets out to face Jiraiya.