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.

Hotaru, under the control of Shiranami's jutsu, uses the Forbidden Jutsu against Naruto and Utakata. Shiranami trembles with joy, having witnessed the power of the Forbidden Jutsu, while Hotaru is consumed by deep despair.