Relying on Naruto's power, Granny Chiyo performs the Transmigration Jutsu on Gaara.

Kabuto fights Team Kakashi and frees Sai. However, Sai, who intends to learn more about his bond with his brother through Naruto's bond with Sasuke, betrays him. Captured, Kabuto gives a vague description of Sasuke's location to the team. Leaving Yamato's wood clone to watch over Kabuto, Team Kakashi enters Orochimaru's hideout and splits up to find Sasuke.

With Konoha in complete darkness, the village struggles to defend against the four attackers who have sealed the entire village behind a barrier. The entire village is in a state of emergency. Asuma, commanded by Tsunade to follow Sora and Naruto, finally catches up to them. Asuma realizes that the four invaders plan to annihilate the entire village using the lightning powers of the corpses that they stole. The revelation shocks Sora. As Asuma leaves to help hold off the attackers, he instructs Naruto to continue pursuing Sora.

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