Naruto Vol. 11

After defeating Ebisu, Jiraiya reluctantly agrees to supervise Naruto’s training. He quickly recognizes that Orochimaru placed an additional seal over Naruto’s original one and removes it, restoring the young ninja’s natural chakra balance. Jiraiya then introduces the Summoning Jutsu, requiring Naruto to sign a contract with the toads and use his chakra to call them into battle.

Naruto initially summons only tadpoles and small toads. To force him to access the Nine-Tailed Fox’s chakra, Jiraiya throws him into a deep ravine. Faced with death, Naruto enters his subconscious, confronts the fox sealed inside him, and demands its power as payment for living within his body. He uses the resulting chakra to summon the enormous chief toad, Gamabunta, and earns a measure of the creature’s respect by remaining on his back until sunset.

Meanwhile, the Hidden Sand leadership prepares to cooperate with Orochimaru’s planned attack on Konoha. Gaara attempts to kill Rock Lee in the hospital but is stopped by Shikamaru Nara and Naruto. Gaara recounts how his uncle Yashamaru, once the only person he trusted, tried to assassinate him and claimed never to have loved him. The experience taught Gaara to live only for himself. One month later, the Chūnin Exam finals begin, and Naruto enters the arena prepared to face Neji.