Volumes 11–20

Complete listed story — includes the ending

Naruto, Volume 11

Chapter 91
Having had his instructor knocked out, Naruto attempts to make the toad sage take responsibility and help him with his training. Initially denied by the sage, Naruto uses his Sexy Technique to convince him to train him. Naruto begins training again to walk on water, and the sage noticing the seal removes it allowing Naruto to once again control his chakra. Later, Dosu attempts to kill Gaara in order to increase his chances of fighting Sasuke.

Chapter 92
Hayate Gekkō, having seen the aftermath of Gaara 's transformation is killed by Baki after the latter finishes his conversation with Kabuto. Elsewhere, Jiraiya explains to Naruto about the two types of chakra within him, and begins teaching him the Summoning Technique.

Chapter 93
Naruto continues to struggle with summoning toads, to Jiraiya 's irritation. Meanwhile, with Konoha suspecting some sort of attack by Orochimaru, the village's jōnin prepare for the worst. Kakashi in particular trains to reach his best while also helping Sasuke with his approaching match in the Chūnin Exams. Sakura, unaware that Sasuke has left with Kakashi, goes to the Konoha hospital to visit him. There she finds Lee resuming his own training despite the injuries he received during the preliminaries. When his training only makes his injuries worse, she leaves him the flower she had brought for Sasuke.

Chapter 94
Worried about what Orochimaru may be planning, the Third Hokage visits the Hokage Rock to think. There he finds his grandson, Konohamaru 's, Academy class learning about the four Hokage. When they doubt his qualifications as Hokage given his age, the Third assures them that he would give his life to protect each and every one of them, just as they would their own friends and family. Meanwhile, with Naruto 's progress with the Summoning Technique going too slowly, Jiraiya takes drastic measures. He throws Naruto into a deep chasm, depending on Naruto reflexively using the Nine-Tails ' chakra to save himself.

Chapter 95
In Sunagakure, the Fourth Kazekage gives Team Baki their orders in regarding to the planned invasion of Konoha. Despite the team's misgivings, because they are the only Suna representatives permitted in Konoha because of the Chūnin Exams, their participation is crucial, particularly Gaara's. Meanwhile, Naruto, unable to stop his fall and fearing his death, learns to communicate with the Nine-Tails sealed within him. He convinces the Nine-Tails to donate some of its chakra to save both of their lives, and the fox complies. With its help, he is able to summon Gamabunta.

Chapter 96
Gamabunta stops Naruto 's fall, but is irritated both to have been summoned in a chasm and to have a kid like Naruto on his head. Naruto reprimands Gamabunta for doubting his "master", but is quelled by Gamabunta's anger. Naruto agrees to become Gamabunta's disciple if he will help them get out of the pit. Gamabunta leaps out but Naruto passes out from the strain. When he sees the toad summoning contract that Jiraiya left behind, Gamabunta discovers that Naruto really did summon him and takes him to the hospital to recuperate. When Naruto wakes up he is greeted by Shikamaru, who decided to come visit him. While talking they sense Gaara trying to kill Rock Lee, so they rush to Lee's room to stop him.

Chapter 97
Naruto and Shikamaru ask why Gaara would want to kill Lee, but Gaara has no particular reason. They point out that, being two-against-one, they have the advantage, but Gaara is unconcerned and promises to kill them too. Gaara explains that he contains a monster, his mother's life having been sacrificed at his birth to seal a demon within him and give him control over sand. In the years that followed Gaara's father tried to have him assassinated to repent for making him what he is, but Gaara killed all of his attackers. His life having been surrounded by death, he finds love by killing others. While similar, both having something sealed within them, Naruto realises that Gaara's tragic background has made him too dangerous for them to defeat. As Gaara prepares to attack, Guy arrives and forces Gaara to leave.

Chapter 98
The day of the Chūnin Exams finals has arrived. Naruto is worried about his upcoming match with Neji and takes a detour on his way to the stadium where the finals will be held. He finds Hinata training along the way and speaks with her. Naruto tells her his concerns and how he, a "failure", may not be able to defeat Neji, a "genius". Hinata assures him that it is because he is not perfect, not a "genius", that he will win, as he constantly strives to improve himself, which she finds inspiring. Naruto thanks her and asks her to come watch him defeat Neji. He arrives at the stadium and stands with the other seven finalists before the audience.

Chapter 99
The Third Hokage greets the Fourth Kazekage, the two intending to watch the finals together. The finalists are informed of modifications to the match line-up, Dosu 's death meaning that Shikamaru will fight Temari in his first match. Sasuke, similarly, has not arrived yet, and his absence will be dealt with when the time comes. Until then, Naruto and Neji prepare for their fight and the other finalists leave the arena. Hinata sits with Kiba to watch the match. Kiba notices that there are Anbu in the audience, and wonders what is happening. Naruto repeats his vow to defeat Neji, who scoffs at the very suggestion.

Naruto, Volume 12

Chapter 100
Naruto begins the fight by creating a few shadow clones. Neji easily defeats them all despite the fact that the clones attack from his blindspot. Neji tells him to give up, since, as he explains it, Naruto was fated at birth to fail while he was destined for greatness. Naruto attacks again with even more shadow clones, but Neji ignores them, noticing that one Naruto is staying out of Neji's reach. Assuming that this is the real Naruto, Neji attacks him. The Naruto disperses while the real Naruto attacks Neji from behind, having hidden amongst his shadow clones.

Chapter 101
Naruto manages to punch Neji, but Neji deflects the attack with his Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven. Combining his Byakugan 's 360° vision with his ability to emit chakra from any part of his body, Neji is virtually impervious to attack. Hiashi Hyūga, the head of the Hyūga clan, is amazed that Neji, a member of the clan's branch house, can perform this technique and at such a young age. He is even more amazed when Neji attacks Naruto with the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. Naruto's chakra is sealed off but he refuses to give up, unwilling to lose to someone who believes in "failure". Hinata 's concern for Naruto and the injuries she earlier received from Neji cause her to start coughing up blood. An Anbu offers to help her.

Chapter 102
As a Anbu tends to Hinata, Neji explains the cruel background of the Hyūga clan by first revealing the cursed seal on his forehead. When Hinata, the Hyūga heiress, turned three, Neji received the cursed seal to bind him to a life as her protector. Because Neji had much more natural talent than Hinata, his father, Hizashi, also a member of the branch house, came to resent this denial of Neji's potential. Soon afterwards, when Hiashi, head of the Hyūga clan and Hinata's father, killed a Kumogakure ninja that tried to kidnap Hinata. Hizashi, Hiashi's twin brother, was given to Kumogakure as a body double to ease relations between Kumo and Konoha. Neji concludes that his father was brought into the world so that he could die for the main branch's benefit.

Chapter 103
The Anbu healing Hinata finishes and gives her a chance to rest. He then knocks out Kiba. Meanwhile, although Neji believes his story proves the existence of fate, Naruto still refuses to give up. Neji attacks Naruto but he keeps getting back up, saying that he knows what it is like to bear something as seemingly unshakable as destiny. With his own chakra gone, he requests the Nine-Tails to give him its own. As its chakra starts flowing through Naruto, Neji is left speechless by the chakra's demonic qualities and its healing Naruto's wounds. Watching veteran ninja of Konoha are also surprised, recognising the fox's aura from twelve years earlier.

Chapter 104
When Naruto is invigorated with enhanced speed and strength by the Nine-Tails ' chakra, he attacks Neji. Neji has difficulty keeping up, but is able to match Naruto's attacks. As the Nine-Tails' chakra clashes with Neji's Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven, the two are flung apart. When the dust clears Naruto lies defeated. Neji starts to berate him for thinking he could win when Naruto bursts from the ground beneath him and delivers an uppercut. Seeing that Naruto used a shadow clone to cover the hole he dug, Neji scolds himself for being defeated by Naruto's signature ability. Naruto corrects him by saying that creating clones was always his weak point, so Neji should stop obsessing over inescapable destiny.

Chapter 105
The crowd praises Naruto 's victory, with the veteran ninja impressed that he could learn to control the Nine-Tails ' power. As Naruto basks in the attention, Neji is taken away to recover. Hiashi comes to visit him to tell him the truth of Hizashi, Neji's father's, death. When relations between Kumo and Konoha became strained and Kumo wanted Hiashi's head, Konoha and the Hyūga clan suggested substituting Hiashi with Hizashi. Hiashi was reluctant to offer up his brother, but Hizashi insisted, wishing to choose his fate at last by dying, not for the clan's benefit, but to save his brother. Neji doubts the validity of the story until Hiashi bows his head for forgiveness. Moved, Neji realises that it is true and abandons his concept of destiny, instead expressing a desire to become strong enough to never lose again.

Chapter 106
The second match of the finals is scheduled to be between Sasuke and Gaara. Since Sasuke is missing the Third Hokage considers disqualifying him, but the Fourth Kazekage suggests postponing the match since so many members of the audience are looking forward to it. The fight between Shino and Kankurō is to take place but Kankurō, having expected the Konoha Crush to begin before his match, forfeits so that he doesn't need to reveal his puppet 's modifications. Shikamaru versus Temari takes place instead. When Shikamaru shows little enthusiasm, Temari attacks him.

Chapter 107
Shikamaru hides from Temari in a patch of trees. Ino yells to him to end the fight quickly, but Chōji predicts that Shikamaru will find some reason to forfeit. Temari gets increasingly annoyed because Shikamaru is hiding and not fighting in a conventional way. Shikamaru tries to catch Temari with his shadow but she, while dodging it, realises that it has a limited range. She also reasons that he is hiding in the trees to take advantage of the trees' shadows to extend his range. Knowing that he will only gain more shadows as the battle progresses, Temari tries to end the fight quickly. After meditating on the factors of fight, Shikamaru comes up with a plan and, after avoiding her attacks, tries to catch her again, but she stays out of its range once more.

Chapter 108
Out of his shadow's current range, Temari considers how to defeat Shikamaru. While thinking she realises that he has gained a new shadow source: a parachute made from his shirt that provides some much needed surface area. She avoids the attack and formulates a plan. As she is about to implement it she notices she has finally been captured. Now forced to mimic his movements, Shikamaru lets her see how she was caught: he had been navigating her to the tunnel that Naruto created during his match, where he was hiding his shadow. Having been manipulated for the entire battle, Temari prepares for defeat when Shikamaru forfeits, claiming to have exhausted himself from trying to catch her, fulfilling Chōji 's prediction.

Naruto, Volume 13

Chapter 109
Naruto leaps into the arena to ask Shikamaru why he would forfeit a match he was clearly winning. The observing veteran ninja recognise that Shikamaru was fully aware of his abilities and was not willing to claim victory just to risk his safety in a later match, the true mark of a chūnin. Lee and Guy arrive at the stadium to watch the finals, but are surprised to learn that Neji was defeated by Naruto. Lee is happy for Naruto. With all of the other first-round final matches done, the audience wonders if the remaining match between Sasuke and Gaara will occur. Sasuke arrives with Kakashi at the last moment, allowing the match to proceed.

Chapter 110
The audience is glad to finally see Sasuke. Naruto warns him not to lose if they are to fight each other before leaving the arena with Shikamaru. Lee, seeing that Sasuke will get to fight Gaara and that Naruto got to fight Neji, feels jealous that they get to continue their lives as ninja. Gaara walks down to the arena but kills two Kusagakure ninja along the way. Seeing what he has done and knowing he would have killed them if he had come across them first, Naruto and Shikamaru are paralysed with fear as Gaara quietly walks past them.

Chapter 111
As the fight between Sasuke and Gaara commences, Kakashi apologises to Sakura for worrying her by being late. He then remarks to Guy about the Anbu presence in the stadium, Konoha not knowing how or when they will be attacked. Naruto, knowing how dangerous Gaara is, realises that the only person who can currently satisfy his blood-lust is Sasuke. At the same moment, Sasuke begins attacking Gaara fast enough to bypass his Shield of Sand, oddly reminiscent of Lee 's fighting style.

Chapter 112
Kakashi explains that, having seen Lee 's fighting style before with his Sharingan, Sasuke has been training this last month to reproduce his speed. Lee knows from prior experience that speed is not enough to defeat Gaara, but Guy recognises that the speed must serve some other purpose. After he continues to be pummelled by Sasuke, Gaara retreats into a Shield of Sand, which he shaped into a sphere, to give himself time to prepare. Sasuke is unable to break through this defence with speed alone. Naruto, worried that Sasuke will be killed, races to the arena to try and stop the match. Kakashi promises that there was a good reason for why they were late.

Chapter 113
Sealed within his Shield of Sand, Gaara prepares for how he will kill Sasuke. Still unable to pierce it, Sasuke falls back to prepare his own attack. Naruto pleads with Kakashi to end the match, but Kakashi merely tells him to watch. Sasuke readies the Chidori, Kakashi's signature technique that he spent that last month teaching to Sasuke. Combining the Chidori's piercing potential with the speed mimicked from Lee, Sasuke charges at Gaara and breaks through the sphere, surprising all observers.

Chapter 114
Not only did Sasuke 's Chidori pierce the Shield of Sand, but it also managed to damage Gaara. This being the first time he has ever been injured, Gaara is distraught and ends the transformation he was working towards midway. Naruto, despite having worried for Sasuke's safety moments earlier, is suddenly envious. Since Gaara's injury has ruined their original plans, the Suna and Oto try a different approach. A genjutsu is placed over the stadium, putting most of the audience to sleep. The Fourth Kazekage attacks the Third Hokage, beginning the Konoha Crush.

Chapter 115
Giant snakes begin assaulting Konoha 's borders. In the stadium of the Chūnin Exams finals, the Anbu try to come to the Third Hokage 's rescue. The Fourth Kazekage takes the Hokage hostage and has the Sound Four seal them in, preventing the Anbu's intervention. The Kazekage removes his disguise, revealing himself as Orochimaru, and promises to kill the Hokage, his old master. Meanwhile, the few Konoha ninja in the audience that were able to avoid the sleeping genjutsu prepare to defend the village. Gaara flees with his siblings, and Sasuke follows them to continue the battle they started.

Chapter 116
Sunagakure ninja begin invading Konoha, and Konoha's forces respond accordingly. In the Chūnin Exams stadium, the conscious Konoha ninja, despite wishing to try and help the Third Hokage in his fight with Orochimaru, engage the few Otogakure ninja that managed to infiltrate the village earlier. Since Sakura is also awake, Kakashi protects her. He instructs her to wake up Naruto and Shikamaru so that can take part in a mission vital to the village. Meanwhile, Orochimaru is elated that he finally has an opportunity to kill the Third Hokage. The two prepare to fight.

Chapter 117
Kakashi tasks Sakura to pursue Sasuke and stop him from engaging the Three Sand Siblings. He summons Pakkun to guide her and has them wake up Naruto and Shikamaru (the latter of whom is only pretending to be asleep) before sending them on their way amidst an ongoing battle between Konoha and Oto. The Third Hokage prepares for battle. He attacks and Orochimaru summons three coffins. The Third attempts to stop them, but two of the coffins successfully open.

Naruto, Volume 14

Chapter 118
To share the thrill of getting to fight one's former masters, Orochimaru summons the First Hokage and the Second Hokage for Sarutobi 's benefit. Meanwhile, Sakura informs Naruto and Shikamaru of the mission given to them by Kakashi. Pakkun alerts them to the fact that they are being followed by nine Otogakure ninja. Naruto suggests ambushing them, but Shikamaru states that this would waste too much time and that it would make no difference since they are all under-qualified to neutralise the ninja. Shikamaru volunteers to stay behind and buy time for Naruto and Sakura to catch up to Sasuke. The Oto ninja pick up on his trail, but it does not stop them from getting trapped by his shadow technique.

Chapter 119
Shikamaru quickly realises that he does not have enough chakra to immobilise eight Otogakure ninja. What's more, he realises that he has missed one of the group, and hypothesises that the ninth had been keeping his distance from the others in case of an ambush. He attacks the eight to confirm his suspicions, and the ninth protects them. Although he now knows the ninth's location, Shikamaru lacks the energy to capture him too. Accepting that he will die, Shikamaru waits until he can no longer contain the eight ninja. Once they are free, however, Asuma appears with the ninth in tow and kills the remaining eight, thanking Shikamaru for lasting so long. Meanwhile, Orochimaru robs the First Hokage and the Second Hokage of their free will so that their memories will not get in the way of fighting Sarutobi.

Chapter 120
Sarutobi attacks with a fire technique, which the Second Hokage neutralises with a water technique. The First Hokage follows with one of his signature Wood Release techniques, immobilising Sarutobi. Sarutobi summons Enma and has him transform into a staff to release him. Sarutobi attacks Orochimaru with Enma, and Orochimaru parries with his Kusanagi. In the midst of his attacks Sarutobi plants explosive tags on the First and Second. Although it removes their legs, the damage regenerates, a side-effect of the technique used to reincarnate them. Seeing that a normal fight will accomplish nothing and that he is already tiring, Sarutobi prepares for his death.

Chapter 121
Just as Hiruzen is about to perform his last technique, Orochimaru removes his face, revealing that of a young woman underneath. Realising that Orochimaru has learned how to switch to others' bodies as a form of immortality, Sarutobi thinks back on how Orochimaru came to be expelled from Konoha; how he had caught Orochimaru experimenting on his fellow Konoha ninja in order to achieve immortality. With Orochimaru finally having proven successful, and already knowing of his interest in Sasuke, the Hokage states that Orochimaru's true intentions for this Konoha Crush are to gain the Sharingan.

Chapter 122
Orochimaru restores his original face so that Hiruzen can continue to fight his former protege. The First Hokage and the Second Hokage attack again, and Sarutobi once more reflects on the last time he saw Orochimaru. After being caught committing an unforgivable crime, Orochimaru gave Hiruzen the chance to kill him but he hesitated and Orochimaru fled, allowing him to at long last carry out his dream of achieving "greatness". Hoping to repent for this mistake, Hiruzen creates two shadow clones and then performs the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.

Chapter 123
The First Hokage and the Second Hokage attack Sarutobi 's shadow clones, but the clones still manage to catch each of the former Hokage. The Dead Demon Consuming Seal grabs the Hokage's souls, breaking all of the jutsu in play and allowing them a brief return to their senses. Sarutobi apologises to both for what he is about to do and then seals away their souls with the move also revealing the dead bodies of Kin Tsuchi and Zaku Abumi, both of whom were used as sacrifices to summon the two Hokage. Angry that Orochimaru could make such casual use of others' lives, the real Sarutobi tries to do the same to him. Sensing what is happening, Orochimaru summons his Kusanagi back to him, which Enma tries to stop.

Chapter 124
Despite Enma 's efforts, Sarutobi is stabbed in the back by Orochimaru 's Kusanagi. Orochimaru assures him that he will now die, but Sarutobi is unconcerned, his death guaranteed because of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. Sarutobi explains the nature of the seal, how it defeated the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, and then struggles to find the strength to complete the sealing of Orochimaru's soul. Meanwhile, Jiraiya finally takes part in Konoha 's defence, stopping the snakes rampaging through the village. Elsewhere, Sasuke catches up to the Three Sand Siblings. Kankurō volunteers to fight Sasuke to give Gaara a chance to escape, but Shino appears and volunteers to fight Kankurō to give Sasuke a chance to catch up to Gaara again.

Chapter 125
Sasuke reluctantly agrees to let Shino deal with Kankurō. Shino prepares his kikaichū while Kankurō prepares his Karasu. Gaara, sensing that Sasuke is near, sends Temari away so that they can face each other, the monster within him craving Sasuke's blood. Having dreamt of fulfilling this lust for the past month, Gaara begins the transformation that he initiated during the Chūnin Exams.

Chapter 126
Kankurō attacks Shino with Karasu, but Shino avoids the attack thanks to his kikaichū. Karasu follows up with a poisonous gas attack. Shino just barely evades it, but in doing so walks into another attack. Meanwhile, Sarutobi continues to struggle to remove Orochimaru 's soul. At the same time his likeness on the Hokage Rock cracks, worrying the ninja who see it. Shino is able to swarm Karasu with kikaichū but Kankurō still manages to get off another attack. The attack falls short, Shino having finally managed to guide his kikaichū to Kankurō's location. The kikaichū consume Kankurō's chakra and Shino passes out from the gas he earlier inhaled, trusting the rest of the battle to Sasuke.

Naruto, Volume 15

Chapter 127
Gaara, partially transformed, attacks Sasuke, and Sasuke has difficulty dodging. He thinks back to an earlier encounter with Gaara wherein Gaara explained his interest in killing in Sasuke. Gaara recognises that Sasuke has known true loss and loneliness, and now seeks strength. As these are also traits Gaara possesses, Gaara believes they are the same. By killing Sasuke, Gaara would prove himself superior and thus feel truly alive. Intending not to give Gaara what he wants, and to make sure he will be able to kill his brother Itachi, Sasuke attacks Gaara with Chidori.

Chapter 128
The pain caused by Chidori only increases Gaara 's interest in the battle. After advancing his transformation further he attacks Sasuke again, this time even faster than before. Knowing Chidori is the only way to damage Gaara, Sasuke remembers what Kakashi told him about the technique: that his limit is two uses per day and, if he tried to exceed that, he would die. Having already used Chidori twice and knowing he will die anyway if he doesn't try, Sasuke uses a third Chidori, activating the cursed seal to give him the needed strength. While the attack succeeds, Sasuke is unable to move afterwards. Gaara quickly recovers and moves to finish Sasuke, but is stopped by Naruto.

Chapter 129
Naruto has difficulty recognising Gaara in his transformed state. When Pakkun tells him who it is, Naruto remembers Gaara's claim that he is a monster and realises he wasn't exaggerating. Naruto suggests running, but Gaara takes his preoccupation to try and kill Sasuke. Sakura shields him, but Gaara immobilises her. Tormented about her selfless act, Gaara reflects on his childhood. When Gaara was a child in Sunagakure he only wanted friends. His peers feared him for being the host of Shukaku and ran when he was nearby, and he would accidentally attack them while trying to stop them. Sympathising with them, Gaara wondered what it was to feel pain.

Chapter 130
Ignorant of pain because of Shukaku 's protection, Gaara asked his uncle, Yashamaru, about it. Yashamaru tried to put the sensation to words, after which Gaara came to believe he felt pain in his heart. Trying to explain the difference between physical and emotional pain, Yashamaru told him that emotional pain could only be cured with love. Yashamaru added that both he and Gaara's mother, who gave her life to seal Shukaku within him, loved him. Excited, Gaara tried to find new sources of love to make his pain go away, but found none, not even from his father. While ruing his fate one night Gaara was attacked. He easily dealt with his attacker, only to discover afterwards that it was Yashamaru.

Chapter 131
Gaara apologised to Yashamaru for harming him, explaining that he didn't know who it was. He tried to rationalise Yashamaru's attack as an order of the Fourth Kazekage, but Yashamaru assured him that he had volunteered for the job. Despite his best efforts, Yashamaru had never been able to love Gaara, Gaara's existence coming at the cost of his sister's life, Gaara's mother. Since she didn't love Gaara either, Yashamaru tried to end Gaara's life by blowing himself up. Gaara survived and came to find love in proving his existence by killing others. Now intending to kill Naruto and his friends, Gaara attacks them. Naruto tries to summon Gamabunta to help him, but can only manage to summon Gamakichi.

Chapter 132
To make sure that Naruto stays committed to the battle, Gaara begins to slowly suffocate Sakura, explaining that she will only be released if he is defeated. He then attacks Naruto, who protects Gamakichi from harm. Gaara's transformation continues to progress and Naruto realises that he might have turned out just like Gaara if he hadn't met Iruka and Team 7. Although he wonders if he can really defeat someone driven by so much hate, Naruto attacks, knowing that under no circumstances can he allow himself to lose.

Chapter 133
With a newfound resolve to win, Naruto attacks Gaara with a group of shadow clones. He lands a lucky blow, damaging Gaara's defenceless underside, but this only gives Gaara a greater interest in killing him. Sasuke steps in, telling Naruto to free Sakura from Gaara's prison and flee. Having lost his entire family, Sasuke will not allow his teammates to die too, they being the only precious things he has left. Remembering Haku 's words that strength can be gained when protecting others, Naruto refuses to run, instead creating a thousand shadow clones to properly start round two.

Chapter 134
As Naruto and his thousand shadow clones attack a vulnerable Gaara, all of the onlookers are completely surprised. As a last resort, Gaara completely transforms into Shukaku and tries to crush Naruto with his sand. Still refusing to lose, Naruto uses the Nine-Tails ' chakra to summon Gamabunta to escape. Seeing Shukaku, Gamabunta has no interest in fighting, especially since Naruto has yet to earn his trust. Gamakichi, Gamabunta's son, assures his father that Naruto is a good person since he protected him from Gaara. Enraged that anyone would attack a member of his family, Gamabunta agrees to help.

Chapter 135
Gamabunta attacks Gaara in his full- Shukaku transformation. Fascinated by Naruto 's ability to summon Gamabunta, Gaara puts himself to sleep to bring out Shukaku's personality, giving it control of the Shukaku-likeness. Elated to have been released, Shukaku attacks, and Gamabunta has difficulty dodging. Knowing they cannot win a long-range battle, Gamabunta asks Naruto to transform him into another creature better-equipped for close combat. Naruto turns him into a fox, which attacks Shukaku. As the two giants clash, Naruto leaps from Gamabunta to attack Gaara, intending to wake him up.

Naruto, Volume 16

Chapter 136
Naruto manages to wake Gaara up, suppressing Shukaku 's personality again. Angered by Naruto's actions, Gaara tries to crush him with sand, but Gamabunta protects him with his tongue. Remembering that Sakura 's life is at risk, Naruto is flooded with the Nine-Tails ' chakra. He charges at Gaara and Gaara tries to restrain him, but Naruto persists, eventually head-butting him. The Shukaku likeness crumbles and both Naruto and Gaara fall to the earth, ready to exchange one final blow. At the Chūnin Exams stadium the invaders have been dealt with. The Third Hokage, meanwhile, realises that he lacks the strength to remove Orochimaru 's entire soul and settles for putting an end to his schemes.

Chapter 137
Orochimaru encourages the Third Hokage to give up and die, especially since nothing he does can stop him from destroying Konoha and its inhabitants. The Third ridicules Orochimaru for never having appreciated the calibre of Konoha ninja. At the same time, all across the village, the veteran ninja come to the village's defence; Yūgao Uzuki vows to avenge Hayate; Hiashi Hyūga defeats dozens of invaders; the fathers of Team 10 team up again for the first time in years; Shibi Aburame saves his son Shino from the poison he earlier inhaled; Tsume, Hana Inuzuka, and their ninken prepare for battle; the two remaining invaders in the Chūnin Exams stadium are surrounded; Naruto and Gaara leap at each other. Promising to teach Orochimaru that strength is not determined by one's techniques, the Third uses the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to seal away his arms. The Third looks upon his former student one last time and dies smiling, just as Naruto manages to defeat Gaara.

Chapter 138
Gaara, defeated, and Naruto, exhausted, fall to the ground. The lifeless body of the Third Hokage falls to the ground and Orochimaru curses him for sealing his arms, thereby leaving him unable to perform techniques. Now unable to continue the Konoha Crush, Orochimaru flees with the Sound Four in tow. Seeing this, Baki and Kabuto follow suit, knowing they have been defeated. Temari collects Kankurō and Sasuke makes sure Sakura is okay before proceeding to Naruto. Naruto crawls towards Gaara, who, fearing he is going to be finished off, tells him to stay away. Naruto only sympathises with everything Gaara has gone through, telling him that he might have ended up just like him if he hadn't found friends. Accordingly, if Gaara harms those friends, Naruto will have no choice but to kill him. Seeing that Naruto's strength is gained from fighting for others, Gaara questions his practice of thinking only for himself. While Temari and Kankurō carry him home, he apologises to them which shocks Temari and Kankurō. The remaining invaders flee Konoha and the Konoha ninja gather around the Third's body.

Chapter 139
Two cloaked individuals look upon a devastated Konoha. Two days after the failed Konoha Crush, a funeral for the Third Hokage is held. Iruka comforts the Third's grandson, Konohamaru, and reflects on his own experiences with the Third; when Iruka was upset by the death of his parents, the Third assured him that they and all others who die in the village's service live on so long as Konoha exists. Kakashi and Yūgao visit the Memorial Stone in memory of others that have died before going to the ceremony. Jiraiya watches them and thinks about his time under the Third's tutelage, shedding a tear over how perverted he and his master were. Naruto asks Iruka why people die to protect others, to which Iruka responds it is human nature. Agreeing, Naruto leaves with the rest of Team 7 and Iruka remarks that the Third will inevitably be replaced by someone else who is an equally great Hokage.

Chapter 140
Kabuto examines Orochimaru, concluding that there is nothing he can do to remove the Third Hokage 's seal. He at least finds a positive in Sasuke 's progress, though regrets that Orochimaru has had to go through so much for Sasuke since he could not defeat Itachi. Meanwhile, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado approach Jiraiya and tell him that, after Sunagakure found the Fourth Kazekage 's body, they surrendered to Konoha, their entire involvement in the Konoha Crush having been Orochimaru's doing. With the village's situation and the Third's death, they ask Jiraiya to become the next Hokage. He declines, offering to find Tsunade for the position instead, but requests that Naruto be allowed to come with him. Meanwhile, Kakashi tails two suspicious individuals. Because he has business with Sasuke, he has Kurenai and Asuma follow the two.

Chapter 141
Asuma and Kurenai confront the two cloaked individuals. Discovered, the two reveal themselves as Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki. Recognising how dangerous they are, Asuma and Kurenai prepare for battle. Asuma blocks Kisame's sword attack with his knuckle blades while Kurenai prepares to use a genjutsu on Itachi and Kisame. Kisame's manages to overpower Asuma and his sword slices his shoulder. Kurenai's genjutsu takes effect, but Itachi easily reverses it onto Kurenai. Itachi then takes the initiative of attacking her while she's in the genjutsu, but she breaks it just in time to evade his lethal attack. Meanwhile, Asuma is able to avoid Kisame's sword swings, and then delivers a cut to Kisame's face with his chakra-enhanced knuckle blade. As the battle begins to get more intense, Kakashi arrives to aid Kurenai and Asuma, apologising for intervening in their battle, but that he felt a bit uneasy about who they may be up against.

Chapter 142
Kakashi expresses surprise over the identities of the two men he had been following as Kisame and, more particularly, Itachi. When Kisame tries to take him on, Itachi tells him to stand down, citing that they are too equal in strength and that a fight would only become an inconvenience. As he would not have these same problems, he attacks Kakashi. Seeing Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan, Kakashi instructs Asuma and Kurenai to shut their eyes since they are no match for him. Itachi uses Tsukuyomi on Kakashi, who just barely endures the attack because of his Sharingan. Struggling to remain standing, Kakashi asks why they have come to Konoha. Itachi replies that they are after the Fourth Hokage 's legacy.

Chapter 143
Knowing that Itachi and Kisame are after Naruto, Kakashi recalled about an earlier conversation he had with Jiraiya. Jiraiya informed Kakashi that he would thereafter being looking after Naruto, fearing that an organisation called Akatsuki might someday come after him because of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed within him. Knowing Itachi is part of Akatsuki, Kakashi asks if this is correct. Angry that Kakashi knows about their organisation, Itachi instructs Kisame to capture Kakashi. As Kisame moves to attack Guy appears and repels him. Seeing that things are becoming too difficult, Itachi leaves with Kisame. Meanwhile, Jiraiya tries to convince Naruto to help him look for Tsunade. Naruto has no interest until hearing that he can learn a technique stronger than Sasuke 's Chidori, at which point he eagerly accompanies Jiraiya out of Konoha.

Chapter 144
Naruto asks why Jiraiya was so determined to teach him a new technique, and theorises that it's because he has some special ability. Jiraiya replies that it's because Naruto reminds him of the Fourth Hokage. Meanwhile, Sasuke continues to train, trying to become as strong as Naruto was during his fight with Gaara for whenever he meets his brother, Itachi. When he visits Kakashi later and finds Kakashi unconscious, he learns that he was defeated by Itachi, who has returned to Konoha to capture Naruto. Sasuke goes looking for him and picks up on his trail, hoping to find him before Itachi does. Jiraiya and Naruto check into a motel a few miles from Konoha. When they catch a woman's attention, Jiraiya sends Naruto to their room so that he can try his luck. When someone knocks at their door a short while later, Naruto assumes Jiraiya has already been turned down and opens it. He instead finds Itachi.

Naruto, Volume 17

Chapter 145
Not knowing who they are, Naruto is surprised to see Itachi 's Sharingan. He is even more surprised when they reference the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed within him. As Sasuke searches for Naruto, he thinks back to his childhood. Itachi seemed like an ordinary older brother who was simply distant with Sasuke. However, when Sasuke returned home one night to the Uchiha clan 's living area, he found his entire family murdered by Itachi. As Itachi and Kisame try to convince Naruto to leave his room, Sasuke arrives and vows to kill Itachi.

Chapter 146
Both Naruto and Kisame are surprised to learn that Itachi and Sasuke are brothers. Years ago, after Itachi killed their family, Itachi told Sasuke that he had done so in order to test his abilities. Frightened that this could be his motivation, Sasuke tried to escape, only for Itachi to assure him he was too weak to kill. He instead encouraged Sasuke to grow strong enough to kill him and avenge their family. Intending to finally do so, Sasuke attacks Itachi with Chidori, but Itachi easily deflects it. Naruto begins gathering chakra so that he can help Sasuke when it is absorbed by Kisame. As Kisame moves to incapacitate him, Jiraiya appears and stops the attack.

Chapter 147
Jiraiya tries to make a grand entrance, but Naruto quickly reminds him that he was gone because he was hitting on a woman. Since the woman was under the influence of a genjutsu, Jiraiya knows that Itachi and Kisame were trying to separate him from Naruto, thereby confirming that Akatsuki really is after the Nine-Tails. Hearing Jiraiya's words, Itachi realises that Jiraiya was the one who informed Kakashi about Akatsuki. Jiraiya prepares to fight them but Sasuke instructs him to leave them to him. Uninterested in their squabble, Itachi tortures Sasuke. Naruto tries to help him and Kisame pursues Naruto, prompting Jiraiya to coat the area in a toad 's stomach.

Chapter 148
Itachi tells Sasuke that he is still too weak. Jiraiya tries to capture him and Kisame but they flee, managing to escape from his Summoning: Toad Mouth Bind with Amaterasu. Jiraiya takes a sample of the flames for future study and Naruto checks on Sasuke. While they are preoccupied, Guy appears and attacks Jiraiya, having thought he was Itachi or Kisame. Naruto expresses an interest in going after the Akatsuki members, but Jiraiya tells him he would stand no chance against them. Because of the condition Sasuke and Kakashi have been left in after their encounters with Itachi, as well as Lee 's predicament, Guy regrets that Tsunade is no longer in Konoha. Jiraiya tells him that they are in the middle of searching for Tsunade, the world's greatest medic.

Chapter 149
Guy pleads with Jiraiya and Naruto to make sure they bring Tsunade back to Konoha. When Naruto promises to do so, Guy, impressed by his dedication, gives him a jumpsuit before heading home with Sasuke. As they begin their search, Naruto asks why Akatsuki is so interested in him. Jiraiya tells him that they are after the Nine-Tails for some unknown reason and that, in the future, they are unlikely to give up so easily. Naruto concludes that he will need to get stronger, which he won't be able to do until they find Tsunade. Jiraiya explains that it will not be that easy since Tsunade periodically changes her appearance. Even if it will take a while, Naruto doesn't need to worry about missing out on his training since Jiraiya will be teaching him a new technique. Eager to begin, Naruto puts on his new jumpsuit.

Chapter 150
Naruto and Jiraiya stopped at a fair to gather information on Tsunade. When Naruto said that he wanted to enjoy the fair, Jiraiya took most of his money so that he, a ninja, will not over-indulge himself. After spending what little money he was allowed and buying Jiraiya some food as thanks, Naruto found that Jiraiya had not taken his own advice; not only had he surrounded himself with women and alcohol, but he had spent Naruto's money in order to do so. As Naruto yelled at him he earned the anger of Gantetsu. Jiraiya dealt with Gantetsu, at the same time demonstrating the Rasengan. To start Naruto on his way of learning the Rasengan, Jiraiya instructed him to pop a water balloon by spinning his chakra.

Chapter 151
A few days after beginning his Rasengan training, Naruto reflects on his lack of progress in popping the water balloon. Jiraiya reluctantly gave him some tips on how to spin his chakra, after which Naruto proclaimed that he would finish this first step and master the Rasengan in three days. Jiraiya informed him that the Fourth Hokage, the Rasengan's creator, created the Rasengan after three years' hard work. While thinking, Naruto sees a cat playing with the water balloon. When the cat pops the balloon after batting it around, Naruto gets an idea and finally manages to break the balloon himself.

Chapter 152
By spinning chakra with both of his hands and forcing the energy into the water balloon from opposing directions, Naruto is able to pop it. Though unorthodox, Jiraiya is impressed and tells him about the second step to learning the Rasengan. The second step is very similar to the first; Naruto must pop a rubber ball. Since the ball is much sturdier than the balloon, he will need to improve the Rasengan's strength. Naruto once again struggles with the step as he cannot burst the ball, only managing to create a hole in it. Content with this development, Jiraiya draws a mark on the palm of his hand to help.

Chapter 153
The mark on Naruto 's hand is meant to give him a focal point for his chakra output, concentrating the Rasengan 's strength on one specific point rather than dissipating it over a larger area. This does little to help him. Meanwhile, Orochimaru is in agony from the seal placed on him by the Third Hokage. With Kabuto unable to do anything for him, they decide to go looking for Tsunade. Kabuto tells him that she is in Tanzaku Quarters, which Jiraiya also finds out in the course of his own investigation. In Tanzaku, Tsunade, a gambler with terrible luck, hits a winning streak, which causes her great concern.

Naruto, Volume 18

Chapter 154
Worried, Tsunade tries to leave Tanzaku Quarters, but Shizune convinces her to visit some tourist attractions first. Meanwhile, the mark on his palm is still not helping Naruto to concentrate his chakra. He remembers back to his days in the Academy when Iruka had him concentrate on his studies by placing a leaf on his forehead. Deciding to make use of a lesson he dismissed at the time, Naruto modifies the mark into the appearance of a leaf, finally helping him concentrate enough chakra into his Rasengan to burst the rubber ball, completing the second step. As Tsunade and Shizune elsewhere look at Tanzaku Castle, the castle collapses and Orochimaru emerges from the rubble.

Chapter 155
For the final step of his Rasengan training, Naruto must again use a balloon. This time, however, he is not to pop it. He is instead containing the power of his spinning chakra within a spherical shape; the balloon is merely a guide to achieve this goal. Although this is much more difficult than the first two steps, Naruto and Jiraiya must keep moving if they are to find Tsunade. In Tanzaku Quarters, Orochimaru confronts Tsunade. Seeing the condition Orochimaru is in, she immediately refuses to heal him. She does ask how his arms were so badly damaged, to which he responds it was carelessness when killing the Third Hokage. When this upsets Tsunade, the Third having been her teacher, Orochimaru points out that she should be used to losing loved ones.

Chapter 156
Angered by Orochimaru 's words, Shizune attacks him. Kabuto blocks her attack. Tsunade tells her to calm down and then proceeds to decimate the wall behind her, a warning for Orochimaru not to mock her again. She tells them to leave but Orochimaru offers to revive her two loved ones if she will heal his arms. Finally interested, Tsunade asks what he would do if regained use of his arms. He responds that he would destroy Konoha.

Chapter 157
Jiraiya and Naruto near Tanzaku Castle. Along the way they learn that the castle was destroyed by a giant snake. Suspecting Orochimaru, they race to the scene. Tsunade considers Orochimaru's offer to revive her loved ones in exchange for healing his arms, despite knowing it would mean Konoha 's destruction. Shizune tries to convince Tsunade to kill Orochimaru since Dan and Nawaki would not place their lives over the village, but Orochimaru takes advantage of Tsunade's fear of blood to immobilise her. Deciding to give her a chance to think, Orochimaru leaves and tells her he will be back in a week to see what her answer is. Jiraiya and Naruto arrive after everyone has left, but happen to run across Tsunade and Shizune while later getting dinner. Jiraiya bluntly asks her to become the next Hokage, confirming the Third Hokage 's death for Tsunade.

Chapter 158
Tsunade refuses to become Hokage. Naruto does not care about her answer and suggests dragging her back to Konoha so that she can heal Kakashi and Sasuke. Tsunade observes to Jiraiya that Naruto is more obnoxious than the Fourth Hokage, his previous disciple. Tsunade goes on to say that the Fourth needlessly gave his life for the village. With the Third Hokage having now done the same, just as the First Hokage and Second Hokage did, Tsunade concludes that being Hokage is a joke. Naruto lashes out at her for insulting the previous Hokage. Tsunade agrees to fight him and, although he is out-classed, he continues trying to attack her. She asks why he cares, to which he responds being Hokage is his dream. Reminded of Dan and Nawaki, Tsunade is distracted, giving Naruto a chance to attack with his incomplete Rasengan.

Chapter 159
Recognising the Rasengan, Tsunade creates a fissure in the ground. Naruto falls in and the Rasengan is forced into the ground. Seeing that it is incomplete, Tsunade reprimands Jiraiya for teaching him such a technique as it just gives Naruto unwarranted hope. Determined to prove her wrong, Naruto vows to master the Rasengan in three days. Tsunade offers the deadline of a week instead. If he can stay true to his word, he can have her priceless necklace; if he fails, she gets his wallet. Naruto accepts and runs off to start training. Tsunade and Jiraiya get drinks, during which Jiraiya reveals he is aware of some deal she has made with Orochimaru. If she decides to help him, Jiraiya states he will not hesitate to kill her. He then observes that Naruto is very much like her brother Nawaki, which Shizune elsewhere decides to tell Naruto about.

Chapter 160
To defend Tsunade 's harsh words, Shizune tells Naruto about why she is now so pessimistic and why her necklace is so important. When Tsunade was younger she gave the necklace to her younger brother, Nawaki, in the hopes it would help him achieve his dream of becoming Hokage. He died the next day, a casualty of the Second Shinobi World War, returning the necklace to her. After that she began advocating adding medical-nin to squads to prevent more deaths like her brother's. This gained Dan 's attention who, also wanting to be Hokage, wished to save as many lives as possible. Tsunade gave him her necklace when they began dating to help him in his goal. He too died during the war, and in her failed attempts to save him she developed a fear of blood. The necklace came to be regarded as cursed and Tsunade lost faith in dreams and the Hokage. Deciding to prove her wrong, Naruto resumes his Rasengan training so that he can win the necklace from Tsunade.

Chapter 161
Tsunade thinks about Orochimaru 's offer to revive Dan and Nawaki and, in turn, her time with them when they were alive. All the while, she observes Naruto 's progress with the Rasengan. Naruto is still unable to contain the Rasengan's strength into a sphere shape. After a week, he appears to have lost his bet with Tsunade, not having mastered the Rasengan. Jiraiya and Tsunade have drinks together the night before the deadline, during which Tsunade slips something into his drink.

Chapter 162
Tsunade checks on an unconscious Naruto. Because of his week of intense training, she concludes he will sleep for several days. Knowing that he hadn't mastered the Rasengan and believing it now impossible for him to do so before the challenge deadline, Tsunade begins to leave. Shizune tries to convince her not to help Orochimaru and goes so far as to face off with Tsunade, but she is easily bested and knocked unconscious. As Orochimaru and Kabuto head towards the meeting place, Orochimaru remembers Shizune's earlier actions and sends Kabuto to eliminate her. The next morning Naruto wakes up Shizune, the Nine-Tails within him having healed his injuries faster than the two women expected. Shizune tries to pursue Tsunade but is stopped by Jiraiya, who has been drugged by Tsunade and is having difficulty moving. Noticing Kabuto, Jiraiya questions Shizune about Orochimaru's secret arrangement with Tsunade. At Tanzaku Castle, Tsunade offers to heal Orochimaru's arms if he will promise to leave Konoha alone. He agrees.

Naruto, Volume 19

Chapter 163
Tsunade approaches Orochimaru and prepares to heal him. At the last moment, they are stopped by Kabuto. Having full confidence in Kabuto's loyalty, Orochimaru realises that Tsunade was about to betray him. Kabuto explains that her jutsu was filled with killing intent that he, a medical-nin, could pick up on. Tsunade does not deny it, saying that she had longed to see Dan and Nawaki again. However, Naruto had caused her to remember how much they loved Konoha. Knowing that Orochimaru was lying when he said he would spare the village, she couldn't bring herself to bring back her loved ones at the cost of destroying what they held precious. Intending to prevent Orochimaru from ever harming the village again, Tsunade attacks.

Chapter 164
Because Orochimaru is unable to fight in his current state, Kabuto battles Tsunade in his place. He informs Orochimaru that Jiraiya is nearby and likely en route, so they relocate. Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto just miss them, but pick up the trail. Unskilled with taijutsu and otherwise outmatched, Kabuto tries to end the battle quickly. He damages Tsunade's chest to disable her while keeping her alive, but she shirks it off and attacks him. He recovers and attempts to take advantage of her fear of blood, but Jiraiya and the others appear between them.

Chapter 165
Wishing to finish the fight by herself, Tsunade charges passed Jiraiya. Kabuto slits his own wrist to cover her in his blood, immobilising her due to her fear of blood. Naruto is confused, having considered Kabuto a friend the last time they saw each other. Kabuto informs him that he is an Otogakure spy. He adds that he is disappointed with Naruto, as he makes unimpressive use of the Nine-Tails and doesn't even compare to Sasuke. Angry, Naruto attacks him, intending to take advantage of Kabuto's injured arm, but he is easily repelled. Kabuto then heals himself. They all split up; Shizune will fight Kabuto, while Jiraiya will fight Orochimaru, and Naruto will protect Tsunade since Orochimaru and Kabuto are out of his league. Orochimaru, with Kabuto's help, summons two snakes and Jiraiya tries to summon a toad. Still under the effects of Tsunade's drug, he only manages to summon Gamakichi.

Chapter 166
With Jiraiya unable to fully control his chakra, Naruto tries to summon a toad larger than Gamakichi for him to use. He can only summon Gamatatsu, Gamakichi's younger brother. Orochimaru and Kabuto, each riding a snake, attack. Jiraiya is able to trap Orochimaru's in a swamp, but Kabuto's manages to catch Naruto in its mouth. As Naruto struggles to escape, Kabuto fights Shizune and quickly subdues her. He then turns his attention to the still-paralysed Tsunade. Jiraiya and Orochimaru exchange blows but, being unable to do much to each other, discuss their respective interests. Orochimaru says that nobody can compare to Sasuke, an Uchiha, but Jiraiya says that natural skills do not compare to someone with Naruto's determination. At that moment, Naruto blocks Kabuto's attack.

Chapter 167
Naruto tries to hit Kabuto with his incomplete Rasengan. Because Naruto needs a linear, lunging motion to use it, Kabuto easily avoids it and injures his leg. He tells Naruto that his hopes of winning and his dreams for the future are impossible, which Tsunade realises sounds just like what she said to Naruto a week earlier. Because he does not care about predictions or leg injuries, Naruto stands up and reminds Tsunade of their bet: if he can master the Rasengan in a week, he gets the First Hokage's Necklace. He creates a shadow clone, which Kabuto attacks. Naruto catches Kabuto and holds his hand to stop him from escaping. The shadow clone assists him with the Rasengan's formation, ensuring that the swirling chakra is contained in a sphere, and then Naruto strikes Kabuto with it.

Chapter 168
Kabuto is flung back by the perfected Rasengan. Kabuto is able to stand up after the attack while Naruto collapses, Kabuto having damaged his heart at the last second. Though initially confident his medical expertise has saved him from the worst of the damage, Kabuto finds that his injuries are too great and collapses. Tsunade rushes to Naruto's side and tries to heal him, vowing to not let him die in his pursuit of the title of Hokage like Dan and Nawaki did. Kabuto insists he is doomed but Naruto, healed, grasps the First Hokage's Necklace he has now won before losing consciousness. Putting faith in another's dreams once more, Tsunade puts the necklace around him. Orochimaru, seeing Naruto's success against Kabuto as a potential concern for the future, tries to kill him, but Tsunade blocks the attack with her own body.

Chapter 169
Having inflicted a fatal injury upon Tsunade, Orochimaru asks why she would give her life to protect Naruto. Tsunade, shaking at the sight of her own blood, responds that it was to protect Konoha, as Naruto will someday be its Hokage. Orochimaru scoffs at the title, saying that Hokage is for fools who want to die. Reminded of what she said to Naruto a week earlier, Tsunade tells him that she will now be one of those fools, accepting the position of Fifth Hokage for herself. Orochimaru delivers a finishing blow and then tries to do the same to Naruto, but Tsunade again blocks the attack. She overcomes her fear of blood and counterattacks, throwing him back and healing her injuries with Creation Rebirth. With the battle escalating, the Sannin each perform their largest summon.

Chapter 170
Orochimaru summons Manda, Tsunade summons Katsuyu, and Jiraiya summons Gamabunta. Gamakichi and Gamatatsu say hello to their father; Tsunade has Katsuyu take Naruto to Shizune; Manda threatens Orochimaru. Declaring this to be the last meeting of the Sannin, Jiraiya and Tsunade attack Orochimaru. Despite their efforts, Manda's speed allows Orochimaru to avoid their attacks. As Manda is about to bite Gamabunta, Tsunade appears and uses Gamabunta's giant sword to seal his mouth closed and pin him to the ground. Orochimaru wraps his tongue around her neck in an effort to strangle her, but Tsunade grabs the tongue to bring Orochimaru to her, punching him in the face.

Chapter 171
Orochimaru falls to the ground. Manda, humiliated, promises to kill Orochimaru the next time they meet before disappearing. Orochimaru regroups with Kabuto and tells Tsunade that, even if she won't heal his arms, he has one other way of regaining the ability to perform techniques. Tsunade and Jiraiya see that his face has been torn away, revealing someone else underneath. He and Kabuto flee. Jiraiya is too injured to follow and Tsunade, having expended all of her chakra, loses her youthful appearance. They take Naruto back to Tanzaku Quarters to rest. When he wakes up he tells Tsunade that she will be a terrible Hokage. Tsunade challenges him to a fight and Naruto is once again out-classed. Rather than defeat him, Tsunade kisses him on the forehead. They head back to Konoha, Tsunade is confident Naruto will someday be a wonderful Hokage.

Naruto, Volume 20

Chapter 172
Tsunade returns to Konoha as the new Hokage. The villagers are eager to have her begin her official duties, but Naruto insists that she help Sasuke and Kakashi first. They run into Shikamaru along the way, who, given his history with women, is unhappy that the Hokage is a woman too. He later reluctantly has lunch with Team 10 to celebrate his appointment as a chūnin, the only advance in rank from the Chūnin Exams. Neji elsewhere tries to locate birds with his Byakugan, but can only see seven of eight. Tsunade heals Kakashi and Sasuke. Sakura is particularly happy with Sasuke's recovery, having stayed by his bedside since his encounter with Itachi. Guy pleads for Tsunade to look at Lee too.

Chapter 173
Tsunade examines the damage to Lee 's back and finds there are bone fragments lodged in his spine. Although she, and only she, could try removing them, Lee will die if she fails. Since her odds of success are only 50%, she advises he give up his dreams of being a ninja. To Guy 's disappointment, Lee accepts his prognosis and leaves. While Team 10 is having lunch, Chōji insists that he get to have the last morsel of food, claiming it is the best. Asuma points out that he should train more and become a chūnin like Shikamaru, upsetting him. Sasuke, still recovering from his encounter with Itachi, thinks about how useless he was and how much Naruto has surpassed him. Orochimaru elsewhere sends his Sound Four to Konoha.

Chapter 174
Naruto thinks about his lunch with Iruka. Iruka is happy with Naruto's development, but informs him that he will now need to start doing actual work. After the failed Konoha Crush, the village is operating with a diminished manpower and ninja are being sent on more difficult missions and more often. Naruto is eager to start doing his part. After Team 10 has lunch, Ino tells Shikamaru that Chōji should go on a diet. Shikamaru defends him. Chōji tells Shikamaru that, now that he is a chūnin, his superiority to Sasuke and Neji is only more apparent. Shikamaru is unconcerned since he only wants to be himself, which he tells Chōji to strive for too. Naruto visits Sasuke in the hospital. Because so many others have shown a special interest in Naruto, Sasuke demands that they fight each other. Naruto accepts.

Chapter 175
Over Sakura 's objections, Naruto and Sasuke head to the hospital roof to fight. Regarding the battle casually, Naruto asks Sasuke to put on his Konoha forehead protector. Sasuke refuses since that would mean that they are equals, upsetting Naruto for not acknowledging himself as Konoha ninja. Naruto surrounds Sasuke with shadow clones, which Sasuke destroys with his Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique. As the smoke clears Sasuke sees that one clone has survived and is helping Naruto form the Rasengan. He uses his own Chidori and they charge at each other. Sakura screams for them to stop.

Chapter 176
Sakura puts herself between Naruto and Sasuke to get them to stop, but they are not able to. Kakashi catches them and sends them into two opposing water towers. He points out that they went overboard for a casual fight, and Kakashi lectures Sasuke for using the Chidori against a friend. Sasuke is unconcerned, instead happy to see that his Chidori did more damage to the water tower than Naruto's Rasengan. On closer examination, however, he finds that the Rasengan did more damage. He jealously leaves. Kakashi also lectures Jiraiya for teaching Naruto the Rasengan saying he is too young to handle it, and Jiraiya shoots back that Kakashi shouldn't have taught the Chidori to someone hellbent on vengeance. Kakashi continues saying he should know better since Sasuke and Naruto are like Orochimaru and Jiraiya once were; Naruto longs to be acknowledged by Sasuke as an equal, and Sasuke is feeling inferior to Naruto's growth. Kakashi assures Sakura that he will speak with Sasuke. Elsewhere, the Sound Four observe Sasuke.

Chapter 177
Kakashi ties Sasuke to a tree so that he can speak to him without running off. Kakashi advises Sasuke against his pursuit for revenge against Itachi. Sasuke retorts that Kakashi doesn't know what he's been through and offers to kill everyone Kakashi loves. Kakashi points out that everyone he loves is already dead. However, both he and Sasuke have found friends in Team 7, and they would do well to value what they still have more than what have lost. Kakashi leaves him to consider it and he struggles to forget about Itachi. Before he can reach a conclusion he is attacked by the Sound Four. He quickly repels them and challenges them to try again.

Chapter 178
The Sound Four attack Sasuke again, this time having more success. Sasuke still retains the advantage. Meanwhile, Sakura thinks about Sasuke and wonders if it was a good idea to tell Naruto about the cursed seal Sasuke received from Orochimaru, which he had previously instructed her not to. Naruto assured her that Sasuke would never give in to Orochimaru's temptations, putting a smile on her face. Sasuke, however, has been defeated by the Sound Four. They tell him he will never be able to defeat them if he remains in Konoha, as only Orochimaru can give one true power.

Chapter 179
The Sound Four remark that Orochimaru is wasting his time with Sasuke. Sasuke activates his cursed seal in an effort to prove them wrong, but they are unimpressed since they have greater control over their own cursed seals. They remind him of his desire to kill Itachi and promise that Orochimaru could give him the strength he needs, improving his cursed seal being only one of many possibilities. They leave Sasuke to pick between Orochimaru and Konoha, and Sasuke reaches a decision. Elsewhere, Lee reflects on his dreams of becoming a splendid ninja that excels in taijutsu. As he remembers the confidence Guy has always had in him, Guy comes to see him.

Chapter 180
Lee is indebted to Guy for giving him hopes of achieving his dreams of becoming a ninja and guidance in fulfilling those dreams. However, Guy's advice of hard work will do him no good with the operation that will restore him to fighting capability, as his survival is a matter of luck rather than skill or persistence. Because his death would leave him unable to be a ninja in any capacity, he is torn over what to do. Guy tells him to go through with the operation since Lee would only be even sadder if he gave up on his dream. If he at least tries to resume his life as a ninja, that will make all the difference and he will definitely survive. Lee is still reluctant, so Guy tells him that if Lee died in pursuit of his dreams, Guy would die too for being unable to fulfil his own dreams of helping Lee achieve his dreams. Lee decides to go through with the operation.