Instead of returning to the Hidden Leaf, Sasuke sets out with Chino and Nowaki to investigate the cause of the exploding humans.

Sasuke uncovers Fuushin’s true identity at last, and begins to fight him. The moment Sasuke tries to read Fuushin’s memories with his Sharingan, a wave of genjutsu from a massive red eye causes Sasuke to lose consciousness. He awakens to find himself alone, and sees tracks in the snow that indicate Fuushin has barely escaped alive.