Decryption / The First Challenge.Episode 154 Decryption: The scientists inspect the body of Pain's Animal Path, while Naruto and Shikamaru identify the message. Naruto, noticing the number nine emulated for the "Ta" katakana on the "Make-Out Tactics" Book, informs Tsunade and Fukasaku that the number code unveils the sentence saying, "The Real One Is Not There". Naruto vows to avenge his master and Fukasaku memorizing Jiraiya's actions decide to take Naruto to Mount Myoboku for training in Sage Mode. There, meeting Gamakichi who tries to help him understand Fukasaku's lecture, Naruto learns the basics of Sage Jutsu and the risk of death.
Episode 155 The First Challenge: Learning that Jiraiya did not perfect his Sage Jutsu, Naruto learns that taking in too much Natural Energy can cause him to turn into a toad and then into stone. Fukasaku has Naruto beginning his training by using "toad oil" to help him gather energy, whacking him and his clones with a special club to prevent them from becoming toads. Fukasaku later gives Naruto Jiraiya's first book, Tales of Gutsy Ninja to read. Meanwhile, as Tobi and the other Akatsuki members discover that the "Killer Bee" in their possession is actually a fragment of the Eight Tails, Pain and Konan head out to the Hidden Leaf to capture the Nine-Tails.