Suzu joins the resistance against Shoukou. Shoukei is unknowingly saved by Youko when she nearly gives herself away. Shoukou tasks Asano with finding Youko, since he knows what she looks like.
Genre: Adventure
A Great Distance in the Wind, the Sky at Dawn – Chapter Nine
Believing Youko to be responsible for the death of Seishuu, Suzu arms herself and determines to face her. Shoukei heads for Wa Province, not knowing the offer of work and a place to stay for refugees is from the evil Shoukou.
Sakura's Tears
Kabuto comments that Naruto's state is a consequence of his desperation to bring back Sasuke. Sakura begins to cry and approaches Naruto but is injured when his attention turns to her. Yamato uses the mokuton jutsu to bind Naruto before he does any more harm. Kabuto heals Sakura, reasoning that the Konoha ninja are not Orochimaru's enemies because they are also fighting Akatsuki. Yamato uses the abilities of the 1st Hokage to forcibly return Naruto to his normal state. Meanwhile Sai confronts Orochimaru with a message from Danzo. Orochimaru responds by piercing Sai with Kusanagi.
Orochimaru vs. Jinchuriki
Naruto, in the four-tailed state, begins attacking Orochimaru with incredible force, devastating the surrounding landscape and preventing Sai and Yamato's wood clone from approaching him. The majority of Orochimaru's attacks prove to be ineffective, but Naruto also fails to kill Orochimaru as he regenerates from any injuries he sustains. Meanwhile, Kabuto advances toward Sakura and Yamato, deducing that Sasori has died. Orochimaru finally manages to strike Naruto with a sword blade from his mouth, and Sakura reacts in horror when she sees Naruto's four-tailed state.