Confucious

Prelude (chapters 245 to 247)

Serialized between: 2005 - 2005
Collected in: Volume 28
Plot outline: Naruto returns to Konoha after his 2.5 year training mission. He reforms Team 7 with Kakashi and Sakura. Sakura and Naruto retake the bell test.
First/Re-appearances: Naruto, Jiraiya, Sakura, Kakashi, Tsunade, Konohamaru
Deaths:
Notes: Tsunade's face has been added to the Hokage mountain. Naruto and Sasuke are the only remaining genin from their class having not been present to take subsequent Chunin exams.

Serialized between: 2005 - 2006
Collected in: Volumes 28 - 32
Plot outline: Akatsuki targets and captures Gaara in order to extract Shukaku from him. Team 7 goes to Sunagakure to save him with assistance from Team Guy.
First/Re-appearances: Deidara, Sasori, Gaara, Shikamaru, Temari, Kankuro, Chiyo, Itachi, Kisame, Guy, Lee, Tenten, Neji, Zetsu, Tobi
Deaths: Chiyo, Sasori
Notes: Gaara is the fifth Kazekage. Kakashi uses the Mangekyo Sharingan.