After two-and-a-half years of training abroad, Naruto Uzumaki returns to his hometown of Konohagakure. Coinciding with his return, the criminal organization Akatsuki becomes more active in its quest to capture all of the tailed beasts. For this task, Akatsuki members Sasori and Deidara capture Gaara of Sunagakure. They succeed in their task and flee the village with Gaara. Upon hearing of this, Naruto is reunited with Sakura Haruno and their mentor Kakashi Hatake, their group renamed Team Kakashi, on a mission to save Gaara.