Here's my 2 cents on these topic (ehem! spoiler warning): I'm a big Naruto fan. I actually just finished watching the 3rd epi of the new naruto series called 'Naruto: Shippūden' or Part 2. The plot is set two and a half years after the present timeline in Part I. All the characters that you're still watching from those old series have grown into their teen ages. New characters / members, looks, techniques, etc. The plot later involves new major characters, such as Sai (replaced Sasuke in Naruto's old team 7) and Yamato. The plot also shows a more active Akatsuki in their quest to obtain all the tailed beasts. Gaara become the Fifth Kazekage. Gaara is targeted by Akatsuki, and the extraction of Shukaku, resulted in Gaara's death. Then later resurrected by Chiyo. Later in the series, they will also show Naruto in his four-tailed fox transformation. Well, back to the subject, in episode 1 the demon fox mentions a Madara Uchiha, saying that Sasuke's eyes and chakra are even more sinister than its own. Madara Uchiha could be the Akatsuki's leader. If in doubt, better start watching the new series now or you'll be left behind, settling on spoilers. hehehe j/k