Naruto, Vol. 28: Homecoming marks the beginning of the Naruto Shippuden storyline, set two and a half years after the previous volume. Naruto Uzumaki returns to the Hidden Leaf Village (Konoha) much stronger and more mature, having trained under Jiraiya. He immediately reforms Team 7 with Sakura Haruno and the reinstated Kakashi Hatake. The volume focuses on their first mission, which is a test of their new abilities and teamwork against their sensei, a familiar tradition. More importantly, the threat of the Akatsuki looms large, as they begin their plan to capture the tailed beasts, starting with Gaara, the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village.
