By using himself as an explosive, Deidara creates an explosion ten kilometers in diameter, something not even Sasuke will be able to escape from. Is this the end of Sasuke? Elsewhere, someone approaches the Akatsuki leader and gives him orders to catch Naruto himself. Who is this true mastermind of the Akatsuki plot lurking in the shadows?

Naruto, Sai, and Yamato arrive to save Hotaru and Utakata from the attacking ninja who they discover are Anbu from the Hidden Mist Village. Yamato attempts to negotiate alone with the head of the Mist Anbu, Tsurugi, and after their discussion, Tsurugi talks to Utakata alone. Tsurugi attempts to convince Utakata to return to the Hidden Mist Village but the latter refuses and remembers the horrible pain he suffered at the hands of his former master.

Naruto returns and discovers that the village has been devastated by Pain's Shinra Tensei attack. Naruto requests that everyone stays back as he prepares to take on all six paths of Pain at once.

Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji continue to search for the Fourth Hokage's Legacy while chasing off some unexpected visitors.

After hearing the news about Akatsuki's attack on the Hidden Leaf Village, Gaara worries about Naruto's well-being. He remembers a time in the past where Team 7 was assigned to help him out with a problem, and how nobody, especially Naruto, was eager to trust him. Yet, when his life was put in danger by people he had wronged, Naruto was the first to come to his rescue.

Noting the similarities of their circumstances, Lee is outraged at the ones who hurt and belittled Shira and sets out in pursuit!

Sand Jonin Fugi sneaks into the Demon Desert and creates a massive sandstorm in order to assassinate Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage.

Dai counsels his forlorn son, telling him what true victory and setting self-rules are about. They become principles that Guy carves deep into his heart. With his father's teachings spurring him on, Guy sets out on his final battle.

Killer Bee gets caught in the Infinite Tsukuyomi and begins dreaming. In his dream, Jinchuriki are being stripped of their Tailed Beast powers by the Akatsuki. Bee is determined to rescue those who have been captured, and vows to resist the Akatsuki who are coming after him!

Jiraiya weakens the seal on the Nine Tails in order to help Naruto learn how to control the Tailed Beast's power. Jiraiya recalls the words spoken to him years ago by the Great Lord Elder. He told Jiraiya that he would have a student, and that his guidance would decide whether the student would save the Ninja World or destroy it.

Several months after Pain’s attack, Jiraiya arrives with intel regarding the Akatsuki, who are attacking shinobi villages and kidnapping their Kage and jonin. He also reveals that Sasuke is working with them. Naruto is determined to bring his friend and comrade Sasuke back, once and for all!

Itachi is partnered with Kisame and begins his missions as a member of the Akatsuki. The duo succeeds in recruiting Deidara, so Pain assigns the newly formed team of Deidara and Sasori to hunt down the deserter Orochimaru. Meanwhile, intel comes in about an immortal killer, so Itachi, Konan and Kakuzu head out to the Land of Steam.