Sasuke survives Deidara's strongest attacks, forcing the Akatsuki member to turn himself in a suicide bomber to take out his opponent. But Sasuke escapes the blast by sacrificing the snake summon Manda, though is forced to regroup with the other members of Hebi to rest. After he recuperates, they head to a nearby Akatsuki lair where Sasuke is able to meet with Itachi. Once Sasuke exhibits his increased skills, Itachi consents to meeting with him at an Uchiha site for their last battle. Meanwhile, having survived Deidara's blast and claiming himself to be the true leader of the Akatsuki while calling himself Madara Uchiha, Tobi assigns the Akatsuki's figurehead leader, Pain, the task of capturing Naruto. Before Pain can set out on this mission, however, Jiraiya infiltrates Amegakure, and Pain is forced to deal with him before he can go after Naruto.