Yamato and Sai recognize their opponents as trackers from the Hidden Mist Village, but Naruto attacks without questioning. The Hidden Mist demands Utakata be handed over to them in exchange for Hotaru.

Believing Shiranami's story, Hotaru writes a parting letter addressed to Utakata and leaves Mount Katsuragi. Meanwhile Naruto, still searching for Shiranami, falls into the Magaki Troops' trap but manages to escape thanks to help from Utakata.