In , titled " Assault on the Leaf Village! " (often referred to by fans in the context of the "Hour of Temptation" arc), the long-awaited Akatsuki invasion of Konohagakure officially begins. While Naruto remains away at Mount Myōboku perfecting his Sage Mode, the village faces its greatest threat since the Konoha Crush. The Invasion Strategy

The episode centers on on the Hidden Leaf. Pain and Konan infiltrate the village by bypassing the high-security barrier.

Sakura proves her growth by defeating a Giant Centipede with a single blow, saving several civilians and taking charge of the medical response at the hospital.

As explosions rock the village, the Leaf shinobi scramble to mount a defense:

Back at Mount Myōboku, Naruto continues to struggle with the logistics of .