As a result of having the Nine Tails sealed inside of him, Naruto is feared and hated by the villagers. He trains all alone in the woods, but one day, a certain man appears and strikes up a conversation with Naruto. Elsewhere, in the Leaf Village, a celebration is held to mark Hinata's third birthday, where she meets Neji for the first time.

Gaara spends his days with Yashamaru, his surrogate parent. Meanwhile, a bored Shikamaru pulls a prank on Choji.