Naruto: Shippuuden

Naruto: Shippuuden © Masashi Kishimoto.

     With two and a half years gone by, Naruto Uzumaki returns with Jiraiya from his extensive training away from their home - Kohona. Now that he's returned, he sees everyone all grown up and it seems that he's the only genin out of their generation of rookies! With Sakura as a medic ninja in training, Kakashi still the same old ninja he was, and everyone else improving, Naruto is more than determined to get Sasuke back with his own strength. Naturally, Sakura hasn't given up on him either. With his old and new Team 7, Naruto sets out to become even stronger than he was before and to perfect the Yondaime's unfinished jutsu before he brings back his rival and friend, Sasuke.

     Upon forming Team Kakashi, their first mission is to help Sunagakure! Gaara, the Godaime Kazekage has been kidnapped by the Ataksuki! Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi travel to the Wind Country to aid Suna in the retrieval of Gaara. Hopefully they can get there before Akatsuki extracts Shukaku out of him. Shortly after, the Godaime Hokage Tsunade sends Team Gai as back up. Now these two teams will have to work together to save Gaara before it's too late.

     After rescuing Gaara, with all the help from Chiiyo, the Konoha ninja return back to their own village. Sakura then tells Tsunade of what Sasori had told her days ago. At the mention of a new mention, but lacking members for it, Naruto jumps into town to search for new team mates. Along the way he meets other members of the Rookie 12. However, his search is short lived when a mysterious Konoha ninja decides to attack Naruto and his comrades with... paintings?! This mysterious ninja, later known as Sai, ends up joining Team Kakashi as Sasuke's replacement. At the same time, an ex-ANBU named Yamato also joins the group in place of Kakashi for the mission, since he's recovering in the hospital.