Enma pulls the sword from Sarutobi's limp body before he disappears. Orochimaru is pissed now that he no longer has use of his arms. His four Gate nins tend to him, while Kidoumaru uses Ninpou Kumoshibari (Spider Entanglement) to stop the Anbu from following them as they make their escape. Kakashi and Gai confront Kabuto, still in his Anbu disguise, but he is able to escape.
Meanwhile, Gaara's grip on Sakura disintegrates and Sasuke catches her before she falls to the ground. He then asks Pakkun to look after her and heads after Naruto. Exhausted, Naruto looks over at Gaara and thinks about how everyone used to call him a monster and how lonely he felt. He realizes how similar they are. Still, he must succeed, and tries to inch himself to Gaara's limp body. Gaara asks why he continues. Naruto explains that he understands Gaara's pain, but he must protect the people important to him. He will kill him if he must. Those people acknowledged his existence and make living worthwhile. Gaara finally realizes that Naruto is fighting for those he loves.
Temari and Kankuro are amazed to find their sibling in such a weakened state. They are prepared to finish off Naruto, but Gaara tells them to stop. He then apologizes to his siblings as they carry him away.
Meanwhile, the jounin find Sarutobi's body, still with the smile on his face.
A few days later, the villagers mourn the death of the Third. Clad in black attire, one by one, each pays his respect to their fallen leader. Konohamaru cries beside Naruto, as Iruka tries to comfort him. He remembers the death of his own parents and how Sarutobi had found him at their grave crying. He had embraced Iruka and explained that he wasn't alone. Everyone in Konoha was his family.
Jiraiya has fond memories of his former sensei, while Naruto asks Iruka why people risk their lives for others. Iruka explains that those who die have goals and dreams, but everyone has someone important to them. That bond grows stronger with time and is the reason. Kakashi adds that the Third didn't die in vain. He left something for everyone.
Soon the rain stops and the sun comes out… and in the distance, Itachi is looming…