When Kakashi strikes Kakuzu through the heart, the battle seems to be over. However, when Kakuzu not only survives the attack, but also manages to escape from Shikamaru's trap, it soon becomes clear that the fight is only just beginning..

Naruto finds himself inside Four Tails’ inner world, where he promises to free Four Tails from Madara’s control. Listening in on their conversation, Nine Tails recalls all the time he has spent sealed inside Naruto.

Ino and Choji fight to protect an immobilized Sakura although they have depleted most of their chakra due to the relentless fighting.

Three years have passed since Sasuke joined the Leaf Police Force, and he's now lieutenant. But his abusive Police Force has only increased anxiety within the village, and the Uchiha remain in poor regard. Now that his training with Jiraiya has ended, Naruto returns to Hidden Leaf Village and has an explosive encounter with Sasuke in the middle of town!

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.