The Promise That Could Not Be Kept

Briefly coming to on Kakashi's back as the rest of the Sasuke Retrieval Team is brought back to the Hidden Leaf to make full recovery, Naruto learns that Sasuke escaped. Once fully recovered in his hospital bed, Naruto talks to Shikamaru Nara of how he failed to get Sasuke. Eavesdropping on them and reluctant to enter until Tsunade arrived to check up on Naruto, Sakura resolves to hide her sadness to cheer her team mate up as he apologizes to her for not keeping his promise. But Sakura tells him that they'll get Sasuke back together when another chance comes. Jiraiya offers Naruto a chance to leave with him for three years to train to defend himself against Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. Naruto rebukes his offer, saying that he needs to focus on saving his friend first. Though Jiraiya tries to convince him that Sasuke is beyond the point of return, Naruto refuses to accept it and vows to become strong enough to get Sasuke back. Though seeing the boy's intent foolish, Jiraiya decides to help Naruto and agrees to train him when he is ready. Elsewhere, as Sasuke arrives to Orochimaru's lair to become his apprentice, the Akatsuki assemble to discuss the new turn of events while their leader tells them that their mission is more vital.