The Kunoichi of Nadeshiko Village

While the ship is docked for supplies, Naruto encounters a kunoichi named Shizuka knocking away a puppet user named Kokuyou who has been hounding her ninety-eight times. Tokiwa, Shizuka's attendant, sees Naruto and learns that he is Jiraiya's student. Tokiwa explains she and Shizuka come from a mostly female village who traditionally marry men who can defeat them in combat. Jiraiya visited the village and fought Shizuka's mother to a stand-still before ending in a draw and promising their students would finish their fight if they cannot. Naruto declines at first but is convinced to reconsider after learning that Shizuka emotionally shut herself down after the man she loved was mysteriously murdered. Naruto uses a Shadow Clone to cover for him as he faces Shizuka while trying to reach her, their battle interrupted by Kokuyou who reveals his puppets were part of a complex jutsu to capture Shizuka. Naruto saves Shizuka and sends Kokuyou flying with a Rasengan, managing to convince Shizuka through his own unrequited love for Sakura that she can change her destiny and better life at her village.