Naruto: Shippūden continues the story from the original series Naruto, following the now older and more mature Uzumaki Naruto as he strives to rescue his friend Uchiha Sasuke from the snake‑shaped shinobi Orochimaru. After a 2½‑year absence, Naruto returns to his hometown of Konoha and begins pursuing his goals, but the path ahead is fraught with danger, as he faces formidable foes, including the clandestine organization Akatsuki.