Naruto : Vol. 44. Senjutsu heir / story and art by Masashi Kishimoto ; [translation, Mari Morimoto ; English adaptation, Deric A. Hughes ; touch-up art & lettering, Mark McMurray ; editor, Megan Bates].
"First published in Japan in 1999 by Shueisha Inc., Tokyo"--Opposite title page.
This book reads from right to left and from back to front in the original Japanese format.
Summary
"Naruto must decipher the cryptic last words of his beloved mentor. What did Jiraiya find out about the Akatsuki that was so important he had to hide it in code? And can Naruto stand a fighting chance against those managed to take down one of the Three Great Shinobi?"--from p. [4] of cover.