The Key to the Future
(未来への鍵, Mirai e no Kagi)
Chapter Info
Volume	44
Previous	What is Left Behind
Chapter	406
Next	Addressed to Naruto
Arc	Invasion of Pain Arc
Anime	Naruto Shippūden #153
Debut
Characters Konoha Cryptanalysis Team Head • Kumadori • Oyone • Shiho

The Key to the Future (未来への鍵, Mirai e no Kagi) is chapter 406 of the Naruto manga.

Summary

Interrogating the Amegakure prisoner Jiraiya captured is left to Ibiki, while study of the Pain he captured is left to Shizune. Shikamaru visits the Konoha Cryptanalysis Squad to try and decipher Jiraiya's dying message, but they conclude they cannot do so without figuring out the key, something only someone close to Jiraiya would be able to figure out. Shikamaru asks around, but it becomes apparent that Naruto would be the only one who could help. Naruto, still sad about Jiraiya's death, has difficulty focusing. Shikamaru reminds him that he lost a teacher too, but that they cannot waste time moping because they must become just as great as their late masters.