(dub) 157 : Hour Of Temptation -

Pain splits his forces into two groups: the Assault Team (Asura, Animal, and Preta Paths), tasked with causing maximum chaos and distraction, and the Search Team (Deva, Human, and Naraka Paths, along with Konan), assigned to find Naruto Uzumaki. Developments in Konoha

Fukasaku reveals the "fusion" method used by Jiraiya, where a toad sits on the user's shoulder to gather energy while the shinobi fights. However, this fails for Naruto because the Nine-Tailed Fox inside him rejects the presence of the toads, forcing Naruto to find an alternative way to maintain Sage Mode. (Dub) 157 : Hour of Temptation

In , titled " Assault on the Leaf Village! " (often referred to by fans in the context of the "Hour of Temptation" arc), the long-awaited Akatsuki invasion of Konohagakure officially begins. While Naruto remains away at Mount Myōboku perfecting his Sage Mode, the village faces its greatest threat since the Konoha Crush. The Invasion Strategy Pain splits his forces into two groups: the

Sakura proves her growth by defeating a Giant Centipede with a single blow, saving several civilians and taking charge of the medical response at the hospital. In , titled " Assault on the Leaf Village

Fukasaku explains that Sage Mode requires the user to remain perfectly still to gather natural energy—a nearly impossible feat in the middle of a high-stakes battle.

Realizing the Akatsuki have arrived, Lady Tsunade orders the immediate recall of Naruto from his training. Naruto's Sage Training