Gerotora seeks the Great Elder's advice over Jiraya's request to be stored inside of Naruto, the Great Elder requesting Naruto's presence to determine if it is the right course. Meanwhile as a fully recovered Tsunade calls a meeting to prepare for war against the Akatsuki, Naruto manages to elude Konohamaru and his friends to eat at a reopened Ichiraku. But before Naruto can eat free ramen, he is Reverse-Summoned to Mt. Myoboku by Fukasaku and brought before the Elder. Naruto learns that he will meet an octopus and face a youth with powerful eyes, recognizing the latter as Sasuke. When the elder approves of Naruto's answer, he gives Gerotora permission to request the youth to sign the scroll that is the key to consciously manipulate the seal on the Nine Tails.