The chakra of the Nine-tails rages out of control within Sora, preventing Naruto and the others from subduing him. Asuma and Kazuma resume their old battle, while Kazuma justifies his actions with his duty as a pawn to the "King" of the Fire Country. Naruto is repeatedly knocked down in his attempts to restrain Sora, and the chakra seeps into him and transforms him as well. Yamato is unable to suppress the Nine-tails' chakra in both Jinchūriki, being prevented by an unknown outside force. Sora's fourth tail emerges, causing the Nine-tails's Cloak to envelop his body. He temporarily gains his own consciousness when he witnesses Naruto stab himself in the leg and successfully prevent the original Nine-tails' Cloak from emerging.

Having successfully recruited Karin, Sasuke seeks out the final member for his platoon, Jugo. Karin warns Sasuke and Suigetsu of Jugo's uncontrollable murderous instincts, but as they arrive at the northern hideout, they find another matter they must attend to first. Elsewhere, shocking news reaches the ninja of Konoha.