"Becoming a samurai seems like an impossible dream for Hachimaru, a boy who can't even survive without the help of his father. But when a samurai cat appears before him, his whole life changes!... Hachimaru and his allies travel back into space to find the keys to Pandora's Box. As evil forces plot their next move, Hachimaru must master the samurai arts, and become a true hero who can save the universe."--Provided by publisher.

Naruto must decipher the cryptic last words of his beloved mentor. What did Jiraiya find out about the leader of the Akatsuki that was so important he had to hide it in code? And can Naruto stand a fighting chance against those who managed to take down one of the Three Great Shinobi? "Sasuke and Naruto find that their powers are ever-increasing. Sasuke can now use the Mangekyo Sharingan in multiple ways, and Naruto may have become even more powerful...

"Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto finally meet, as the former classmates' complicated past gives way to a violent and unsure future. Naruto realizes he must eventually battle Sasuke one-on-one... to the death! But with Sasuke and his dark allies bent on complete destruction, and political intrigue in the villages, will the powerful Allied Shinobi Forces allow the two "friends" to meet in battle?!" --p.[4] of cover.

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 and irritate his teammates, but Naruto is serious about becoming the greatest ninja in the village of Konohagakure. "Naruto inches ever closer to discovering the true identity of his nemesis, Pain. But is it worth it as the frustrated ninja begins to morph at last into the dreaded Nine...

It's Guy versus Kisame and Kakashi versus Itachi in a story which finally reveals what may be happening to Gaara and what might also be in store for Naruto, when they both come face to face with a devious common enemy-- the Akatsuki.

It's Deidara vs. Sasuke! Is even Deidara's Ultimate Art no match for the all-powerful new Sasuke? Plus, deep inside the Land of Rain lies a secret of the Akatsuki that sheds doubt on the mysterious organization's true intentions as well as their bizarre leader, Pain.

Naruto finally finds Sasuke, but he won't go without a fight. It may take all of Team Kakashi to make that happen.