Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown

The Fourth World War arc spans from chapters 488 to the current manga. All the Five Great Shinobi Countries have formed a ninja alliance and prepare for the Fourth Great Shinobi World War, and also the final battle against Akatsuki.

Preparing for the War
Returning to Kiba, Lee, Akamaru and Sai, Sakura and Naruto all go back to the village along with Kakashi and a weakened Karin. Upon return, the others tell Naruto that they want to fight Sasuke too and he can't fight him alone. Naruto disagrees and says he is the only one who is able to fight Sasuke and the only one that will, the others question him on what happened when he confronted Sasuke. Naruto says he will tell them when the time is right, and walks off to Ichiraku Ramen Bar. With Danzō dead, the Village leaders have to decide on a new 6th Hokage and vote Kakashi for the position saying that they think the Sand Village will agree as well. The Fire Daimyo says "Kakashi Hatake, I now appoint you as..." but is cut off by a ninja running into the room and telling the Fire Daimyo that he has urgent news. Shizune then breaks out in tears as she sees Tsunade has survived and hugs her, thus removing the need for a 6th Hokage and Kakashi to be 6th Hokage as well.

At the same time, in their hideout, Sasuke is shown regaining consciousness again after the operation in which Itachi's eyes were implanted in Sasuke. Sasuke states he can feel Itachi's power flowing into him.

Meanwhile, Tsunade is eating a lot to rebuild her chakra reserves. She is greeted by Kakashi, who is relieved that she is alright, as it would have meant him becoming Hokage, and he feels he isn't ready. Tsunade orders a meeting to make preparations for the coming war.

The Great Toad Sage has seen a vision of Naruto, and would like to see him before he decides whether or not he should receive the key to his seal. Naruto is enjoying some ramen, when Sakura informs him of Tsunade's recovery; this leads to his next meal being declared 'on the house'. As he is about to eat, he is reverse summoned to Myōbokuzan, to receive the premonition; the Sage sees 'octopus tentacles' and a man with 'powerful eyes'. Naruto listens to what he has to say, and accepts what ever lies ahead.

Anko and her team have located a number of bodies, evidently victims of Kabuto. The fact that he just left them there and made no attempt to hide them leads the team to suspect a trap. Meanwhile, Kabuto has located Madara, and after a brief showcase of his new abilities, offers an alliance with Madara.