Fukasaku reveals the "fusion" method used by Jiraiya, where a toad sits on the user's shoulder to gather energy while the shinobi fights. However, this fails for Naruto because the Nine-Tailed Fox inside him rejects the presence of the toads, forcing Naruto to find an alternative way to maintain Sage Mode.
Inoichi Yamanaka uses a mind-reading technique on a captured Ame-nin to uncover secrets about Pain’s origins. Meanwhile, Shizune’s autopsy of the previous Animal Path corpse reveals that the black piercings are actually chakra receivers . (Dub) 157 : Hour of Temptation
Fukasaku explains that Sage Mode requires the user to remain perfectly still to gather natural energy—a nearly impossible feat in the middle of a high-stakes battle. Fukasaku reveals the "fusion" method used by Jiraiya,
The episode ends on a cliffhanger as the village begins to burn, setting the stage for the intense battles that follow in the Pain's Assault Arc . Meanwhile, Shizune’s autopsy of the previous Animal Path
Back at Mount Myōboku, Naruto continues to struggle with the logistics of .