Upon encountering one another, Sasuke and Deidara engage in battle. After exchanging a few blows to test Sasuke’s strength, Deidara conjures up his specialty clay dragon and wages long-range attacks against Sasuke from high above. With Tobi’s backup support, the battle seems to be going to Deidara.

As the ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village work on repairing their village in the aftermath of Pain's invasion, Naruto and Sakura come across a familiar face among the carpenters: Inari and Tazuna have arrived to help out. Inari recalls what happened after Gato's death and how Naruto and Sasuke came to his rescue.

A group of Allied Shinobi, including Omoi and Maki of the Sand, battle against several reanimated enemies. Maki recognizes one of them as Pakura, her former master who was a Sand Village hero.

The legendary Ama no Hoko imbues the Nine Tails’ clone with enough power to destroy the world. Naruto is overcome by its immense power and lies unconscious.

The reanimated shinobi appearing before Gaara and Ohnoki is revealed to be none other than Madara Uchiha himself…which raises the question of who the masked man claiming to be Madara really is.

Sasuke begins his own investigation into the incidents. He overcomes many dangers on his path to the truth. The Exploding Humans, the Ketsuryugan, the Chinoike Clan, and the Uchiha Clan—just how are they connected? Where does his journey lead? The mystery is about to be solved...

The Tsuchikage and Raikage, who are in the Leaf Village to attend the Five Kage Summit, mention that they have already prepared wedding gifts for Naruto. Gaara finds himself in a dilemma. He's advised that the gift should be something that befits the Kazekage. He also learns that the Raikage is planning to perform a dance. Kankuro chimes in and suggests Gaara should dance as well—further plunging Gaara into indecision.