With the last phase of the Chunin exam quickly approaching, Naruto sets out to learn how to harness the power of the nine-tailed demon-fox that lives within, turning to the tutelage of arch-ninja Jiraiya. Meanwhile, with his highly anticipated match with Gara drawing near, Sasuke mysteriously disappears, leaving everyone to wonder if the enigmatic young ninja has fallen into the hands of the menacing Orochimaru.