The Sanbi rises from the lake and Guren attempts to capture it, but the Bijuu refuses to be captured. Meanwhile, as Kakashi, Naruto, Kiba, Shino and Yamato follow the bat to their enemy's location, Akatsuki decides to make a move.
Naruto successfully breaks down the crystal labyrinth with his new jutsu and he and the rest of Team Kakashi come to Kakashi, Kiba and Shino's aide, and rescue Hinata as well. Meanwhile, Kabuto, Guren, Yukimaru and Gozu head to the lake Kabuto and Yukimaru went to before. What could be in the lake that Orochimaru wants?
From the results of the analysis of the crystallized Parasitic insects, the enemies currently fighting Kakashi’s team are identified as users of the Crystal Style, a rare type of jutsu. Still unclear on what Orochimaru’s objective is, Tsunade cannot hide her irritation and anxiety.
While Naruto continues his training with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu, Yamato, Sakura, and Sai prepare to leave and back-up Kakashi's group. As Guren and her gang prepares to intercept Kakashi's group, Yukimaru grows concerned for her safety and gives her a charm in hope of a safe return.
Kabuto assigns Guren to look after Yukimaru. Guren isn't all too happy about the assignment, and things only become worse when Yukimaru falls ill on a rainy night. Elsewhere, Kiba discovers the mystery of where the dog whistle is coming from, and Tsunade sends assistance to Kakashi and Team 8.
Naruto runs into unexpected difficulties as he trains with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu. While Kakashi's group searches for Guren and her gang, Yukimaru seems to develop interest in Naruto.
Kabuto is up to something involving Yukimaru's abilities. While Naruto attempts to get along with his partner, Guren discovers the power difference between herself and Sasuke. And what will happen when Naruto has an encounter with Yukimaru himself?
Kakashi leads Kiba, Hinata, and Shino on a mission to infiltrate Orochimaru's lair. What horrors and traps await them? Concurrently, Sasuke ponders Orochimaru's interest in Yukimaru.
As Naruto recovers from his injury, Kakashi prepares to tell him the grim news about his new technique. Meanwhile, Sasuke secretly trains and has an encounter with a strange young boy.