Connecting Hearts

Naruto runs into unexpected difficulties as he trains with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu. While Kakashi's group searches for Guren and her gang, Yukimaru seems to develop interest in Naruto.

Encounter

Kabuto and Yūkimaru travel to a lake, where Kabuto attempts to draw out a mysterious creature. Guren branches off from her men to find Orochimaru, who has Sasuke fight an army of Sound Ninja as training. Sasuke defeats them all, but declares that he wants to kill Itachi more than them. Naruto continues his training by summoning Gamakichi and Gamatatsu, but still doesn't understand the concept of connecting to another person's heart. Kabuto and Yūkimaru arrive at the Hot Springs Village where Naruto and Jiraiya are.

A Shinobi's Determination

As Naruto recovers from his injury, Kakashi prepares to tell him the grim news about his new technique. Meanwhile, Sasuke secretly trains and has an encounter with a strange young girl.