Naruto Vol. 28

Naruto returns to Konoha after completing more than two years of training under Jiraiya. He reunites with Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, and the other members of his generation, many of whom have become chūnin or jōnin. Tsunade tests Naruto and Sakura’s progress by arranging another bell exercise against Kakashi. Combining Sakura’s immense strength with Naruto’s unpredictability, they force Kakashi to surrender the bells.

In Sunagakure, the Akatsuki members Deidara and Sasori begin an operation to capture Gaara. A sleeper agent named Yūra disables the village’s border defenses, allowing Deidara to enter undetected. Gaara confronts the intruder above the village and uses enormous quantities of sand to protect its inhabitants. Deidara exploits Gaara’s concern for Sunagakure, injures him with explosive clay, and escapes with the unconscious Kazekage.

Kankurō pursues the kidnappers but is decisively defeated and poisoned by Sasori. After learning of Gaara’s abduction, Team Kakashi departs for Sunagakure. Sakura treats the critically injured Kankurō, while the Sand elders Chiyo and Ebizō become involved in the growing crisis.