The Promise That Could Not Be Kept
The retrieval team was brought back to Konoha where, despite the severity of their injuries, all managed to fully recover. When came to, he apologized to for not managing to keep his promise and failing to bring back. Sakura didn't mind and still thanked Naruto for his wanting to fulfil his promise to her in the future. Afterward, offered Naruto a chance to leave with him for three years to train. Naruto accepted, and Jiraiya told him they would leave whenever he was ready. Elsewhere, Sasuke arrived at 's lair, where he soon proved himself worthy of Orochimaru's guidance. Meanwhile, Akatsuki assembled, ready to start their mission three years from then.

