2008

Akatsuki members Sasori and Deidara infiltrate the Hidden Sand Village and capture the Kazekage, Gaara, whom they need for the One-Tail within him. Naruto and Team Kakashi race to the rescue, joined by Sand shinobi who fight to protect their leader. In a fierce battle against Sasori, the elderly Chiyo, his own grandmother, takes part, and Sakura proves how far her skills have come. Gaara’s tailed beast is extracted and he dies, until Chiyo sacrifices her own life to bring him back. The mission leaves a lasting bond between Naruto and Gaara, and a new respect between Konoha and Sand.