"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 Tails? Plus an unexpected confession reveals incredible secrets about his past as Naruto prepares for the ultimate battle with Pain. Can the chakra-challenged Naruto win when one misstep could spell disaster?" -- from publisher's web site.

In the village of Konohagakure, school is literally a battlefield where classmates are ninjas in training competing to become the greatest ninja in the land.

"Kabuto's hold over his army of undead minions tightens as he senses that he's losing power over the stronger members of his Immortal Corps, including Nagato Pain. Sasuke's brother, Itachi, may have the best chance of of breaking Kabuto's hold. But he's still not completely in control of his actions, which means Naruto may have to take him down once and for all."From the publisher.

Through Naruto's pluck and a healthy dose of luck, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura passed the written portion of their Journeyman Ninja Selection Exams ... but that was only the beginning. They're now in the thick of the exam's second portion, help in the aptly named Forest of Death, and instructor Mitarashi Anko has promisd to cut the number of advancing teams by half! Each team is turned against the others, using stealth and cunning to purloin the scrolls...

A new ninja causes trouble among the ranks of Team Kakashi when they return from the battle against Sasori.