Believing Naruto's new jutsu is almost completed, Jiraiya heads off to investigate new information on the Akatsuki's movements. His arm now healed, Naruto returns to the village to continue his training.

At the Leaf Village Naruto is busy training with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu. But when he learns that Kakashi and the others are out on a mission to locate Orochimaru's hideout, Naruto rushes to ask Tsunade if he can join the mission.