Vol.16 Chapter 144 – Pursuers

Naruto asks why Jiraiya was so determined to teach him a new technique, and suggests that it’s because he has some special ability. Jiraiya replies that it’s because Naruto reminds him of the Fourth Hokage.

Meanwhile, Sasuke continues to train, trying to become as strong as Naruto was during his fight with Gaara in order to get revenge on Itachi whenever he returns in the future. When he later visits Kakashi and finds him unconscious, he learns that he was defeated by Itachi, who returned to Konoha to capture Naruto. Sasuke goes in search of Naruto and follows his trail, hoping to find him before Itachi does.

Jiraiya and Naruto settle in a motel a few miles from Konoha. When they attract the attention of a woman, Jiraiya sends Naruto to their room to try his luck. When someone knocks on their door some time later, Naruto assumes that Jiraiya has already been rejected and opens it. Instead, he sees Itachi.