Naruto Vol. 18

Naruto advances through the second stage of Rasengan training by using a rubber ball to improve his chakra output before attempting to combine rotation and power simultaneously. Although the final stage proves exceptionally difficult, Naruto's persistence impresses Jiraiya, who increasingly recognizes similarities between his student and the Fourth Hokage.

Orochimaru, accompanied by Kabuto Yakushi, locates Tsunade and offers to restore her younger brother Nawaki and her beloved Dan Katō to life if she heals his damaged arms. The proposal forces Tsunade to relive the losses that caused her to abandon Konoha years earlier. Although tempted, she secretly begins considering how she might instead eliminate Orochimaru.

Naruto eventually meets Tsunade during his training and angrily challenges her cynical attitude toward the Hokage title. Offended by Naruto's admiration for the office once held by the Third Hokage, Tsunade dismisses his dream as childish. Naruto responds by wagering that he will master the Rasengan within a week, setting the stage for a confrontation that will test both his determination and Tsunade's long-abandoned faith.