Naruto returns to the Leaf Village, and his teammates demand to know why he didn't finish Sasuke off when the latter was in such a weak state. Naruto tells them that when the time is right, he will deal with Sasuke personally. Meanwhile, a supposedly deceased member of Akastuki has infiltrated the Hidden Cloud Village.

Gaara heads out to rescue Matsuri and the others but is attacked by a mysterious priest who binds him with a Chakra Chain to capture his Tailed Beast.