Episode 1 & 2 - Homecoming "Kikyō" (帰郷) & Akatsuki makes its move "Akatsuki, shidō" (暁、始動)

Naruto Uzumaki returns to Konoha after a two-and-a-half-year training journey with Jiraiya. He is reintroduced to his peers, who have all advanced to Chunin rank and beyond, unlike Naruto who is still a Genin. Elsewhere, two members of Akatsuki head towards Sunagakure to capture Gaara, who has since become the Kazekage, the village leader.

Jiraiya tells Kakashi Hatake that Akatsuki's plan to collect the tailed beasts is underway. Because of the Demon Fox inside him, Naruto is in danger any time he leaves the village, so Jiraiya relinquishes Naruto's training to Kakashi, who can ensure his safety. Kakashi gives Naruto and Sakura Haruno a test to see how far they have improved. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki members Deidara and Sasori arrive at the entrance of the Sunagakure. They discover that Yura, their sleeper agent, has already cleared the guards.