The Five Great Nations Mobilise

In a hurried teleconference the daimyo of the five great shinobi countries each endorse creating the Allied Shinobi Forces. As the Kage travel back to their villages, Kakashi summons his ninken to carry word of Danzo's death to their allies. The alliance is set in motion just as the threat of the coming war grows plain.

In Sunagakure, Gaara briefs the council on what unfolded at the Five Kage Summit. One councillor balks at siding with Konoha while the scheming Danzo holds the Hokage seat, but a messenger cuts in with news that Team Kakashi met Madara and Sasuke, and that Sasuke cut Danzo down. Kankuro marvels at how far Sasuke has sunk and questions whether Naruto can really pull him from the darkness. Temari reminds him it was Naruto who reached Gaara when no one else could, and Gaara affirms that such is Naruto's strength, leaving Sasuke's fate in his hands.

Back home, Shikamaru hears the latest from his father and heads to the gates with Choji and Ino to greet the returning squad. Naruto promises to explain his clash with Sasuke later and asks Shikamaru to gather the Konoha 11. He waves off Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi's request for a newspaper interview, then takes in the ongoing restoration of the village with a smile. Trivia: the Kazekage's robes are again coloured blue rather than green, and Kiri ninja mention Ganryu, who surfaces in a later episode.