The temple monks explain that the tombs hold the loyal bodyguards of Fire Country's feudal lord. Naruto observes Sora sparring with other monks and becomes offended upon realizing he is holding back. Naruto challenges Sora, but just as the matter is about to get serious, another monk stops him. Naruto realizes Sora is despised by the other monks as he was himself and wishes to befriend him. Naruto visits Sora again and observes him practicing his wind jutsu in earnest, hoping to get strong enough to avenge his father. They later return to the temple to receive news that another tomb has been robbed.

Konoha's ninja fight off the revived zombie members of the Kohaku clan. The four Guardian Ninjas, Seito, Tōu, Nauma and Kitane, are also revived. Asuma realizes that they are planning to use Limelight, a jutsu in which the four create a lightning blast powerful enough to destroy Konoha. Asuma sends Sakura and Yamato after the other three while he remains behind to battle Kitane, but Fuen tackles Sakura and Fudo fights Yamato. Meanwhile, Naruto catches up to Sora, but Sora runs off in search of Furido. Naruto tries to pursue him, but is assailed by Fuuka. Soon after, Sora reaches Furido, who admits that he had planned to destroy Konoha.

Hidan e Kakuzu portano con sé il cadavere di Chiriku per riscattare la taglia. Tsunade invia venti squadre alla loro ricerca per fermarli e Naruto continua a allenarsi nel tagliare una cascata usando un gran numero di copie giorno e notte, sotto la sorveglianza di Kakashi e Yamato. Una notte, Sakura, seduta sul proprio letto a guardare una vecchia foto del Team 7, pensa a Sasuke, a Naruto e alle parole di Yamato versando, infine, una lacrima. Il giorno seguente, Naruto riesce, finalmente, a tagliare la cascata completando, così, la seconda fase dell'addestramento.