A New Enemy

A dispatch from Yamato at the Fire Temple reaches Konoha, and Shizune relays it to Tsunade. The Hokage turns over the recent troubles: grave robberies targeting three of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, Akatsuki's schemes, Orochimaru apparently slipping back into hiding after clashing with Team Yamato, and Danzō Shimura, an elder maneuvering to seize control of the village. Choosing to address the internal danger first, she has Shizune assign Anbu with no ties to Root to keep Danzō under constant watch. At home, Danzō mulls over Sai's request to remain on Team Kakashi, then senses the watchers and tells himself he still holds every advantage.

Near the Fire Temple, Chiriku points out that the heavy coffins can only be moved south. Reaching a valley, the group spots the four coffins gliding through the earth. Suspecting an ambush, Yamato leaves Chiriku behind and splits the others into pairs, Sai with Sakura and Sora with Naruto, to run down the caskets. As the coffins begin sinking underground, Furido, the mastermind, orders his four-man team into action. Fuen uses her Altering Terrain Diagram Scroll as a medium to conjure a maze full of snares, and Fudō gives it physical form with his Earth Release: Mutability.

Trapped and scattered inside the labyrinth, the group is picked apart one by one. Naruto narrowly dodges a rolling boulder before Fūka confronts him, faulting Fuen for letting him slip the trap. Yamato escapes being buried with his Wood Release only to meet Fudō, who is impressed by the ability and coats himself in Rock Armour to try crushing him with enhanced strength. Sai, fleeing the maze atop an ink bird, is halted by Fuen, who tags him with a tracking device. This Shippuden episode is part of the Twelve Guardian Ninja arc, opens with Blue Bird and closes with Gentle Rainbow. It aired in Japan on 15 May 2008 and in English on 15 December 2010.