Naruto Shippuden

Two and a half years after undertaking Jiraiya's training, Naruto returns to Hidden Leaf Village and catches up with Sakura and Konohamaru, who demonstrate their new abilities.

Jiraiya has completed his new novel; Jiraiya has news that the Akatsuki is on the move; Naruto and Sakura team up and challenge Kakashi to a survival challenge.

Naruto's and Sakura's combined skills force Kakashi to use his Sharingan.

Gaara detects Deidara's presence, and an aerial battle ensues.

Naruto and Sakura defeat Kakashi in the survival challenge. Tsunade assigns them to a three-man squad led by Kakashi, who tells them they are now his equals. In the Sand Village, Gaara and Deidara continue their fierce battle. As he watches the battle, Baki becomes concerned that Shukaku will materialise, but Kankuro scoffs at the idea. Kankuro is fully aware of the strong resolve that burns deep inside his younger brother.

In order to protect his village from Deidara's explosive clay, Gaara uses his chakra to create a giant sand shield. Luckily, the village is saved, but at great cost. Gaara is left vulnerable to attack, and has nothing left to counter a barrage of Deidara's traps. His Sand comrades' attempts to help prove futile, and in the end, Gaara falls into Deidara's hands.