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