Sasuke has left with Orochimaru, but Naruto is not about to give up. Determined to bring Sasuke back, he returns to the village with Shikamaru and the others. Meanwhile, Yahiko appears in the village, calling himself "Pain" and seeking revenge for the Hidden Leaf's betrayal.

Several months after Pain's attack, Jiraiya arrives with intel regarding the Akatsuki, who are attacking shinobi villages and kidnapping their Kage and jonin. He also reveals that Sasuke is working with them. Naruto is determined to bring his friend and comrade Sasuke back, once and for all!