Sakura and Granny Chiyo are engaged in a fierce battle with Sasori, who is able turn himself into a human puppet. They somehow bring Sasori down within the time limit, but he ends up reviving.

Sakura sees Sai drawing by the river and finds out that Sai has artistic talent but has never given titles to anything he ever drew. Naruto and Sakura begin to realize the reason behind Sai's repulsive personality. After the hot springs, the team heads off to the bridge to meet the spy. Yamato is suspicious of traps so they go off the main road into the forest. Camping for the night, Yamato then creates a two story house by again using his Mokuton jutsu. Inside this house, the team formulates their plan.

While Akatsuki discusses the true goals of their organization, Naruto continues his training. Meanwhile, Tsunade receives the tragic news.

Naruto challenges Kakuzu with his new technique, the Rasen Shuriken, but can he defeat Kakuzu when his technique isn't even complete yet?

Sasuke thinks that he's finally killed Itachi with the help of his most powerful technique, Kirin, but Itachi still has one final trick up his sleeve. Having used both Tsukiyomi and Amaterasu, Itachi calls upon the power of his third and final Mangekyo ability, Susano'o. Itachi has turned the tide of the battle against Sasuke, but the latter receives aid from an unexpected source. The battle between the Uchiha brothers is nearing its shocking conclusion!

Naruto and Hinata’s wedding day has been set. As the date approaches, Kakashi encounters a problem: Naruto’s friends are all top shinobi—the first line of defense in the village. They work 24/7, and there are always a few who cannot attend celebrations. As Kakashi tries to find the most reasonable solution, he announces a super-secret mission to find the couple a wedding gift.