Naruto is a ninja-in-training with a need for attention, a knack for mischief and, sealed within him, a strange, formidable power. His antics amuse his instructor Kakashi and irritate his teammates, intense Sasuke and witty Sakura, but Naruto is serious about becoming the greatest ninja in the village of Konohagakure! Their village is under attack, and Naruto, Sakura and Shikamaru can't stay behind to defend it. They have a top priority mission to track down Sasuke and the Sand genin.

But with nine bloodthirsty ninja on their heels, the hunters have quickly become the hunted! Back at the village, the Third Hokage is still trapped in Orochimaru's impenetrable barrier. Pushed to the breaking point, the Hokage must decide how far he will go to save what is precious to him!