I liked this manga because the main thing it showed was how Naruto's ideals and respect are spreading to the adults/superior ninjas. The part where Shikaku tells Inoichi to let Naruto go - the first thing that came to mind was when Tsunade was yelling at the Elders that they can't just hide Naruto and the 9-tails away when danger comes, that they have to begin relying on the younger generation. I think this is an example of those ideals beginning to form.
Also, about the question about sage mode - -
Nothing up to this point that we are aware of can explain why he got natural energy back.
1. All clones in Myobokuzan have been used (the 1st summoned, the 2nd dispelled by the fox's chakra)
2. Naruto used up all of sage mode when defeating Deva (God) Realm; it doesn't matter that we only saw 1 FRS because I think we are meant to assume that all those mass clones he used = FRS
I think that we will learn about what happened on the way to Nagato - that is, when he left Shikaku and Inoichi, he must have done something to get that natural energy...
But that begs the question - why does he even need it? I think he is cautious about Konan, but then again did he even know she was there in the first place? Maybe he is just being overly cautious. Anyway, there has to be a reason why he got the energy back - Kishi will probably explain it next chapter.
Predictions?:
1. Nagato will convert to Naruto's ideals, or die thinking the same thing
2. Naruto and Nagato will agree together upon an answer to the ninja problem that Jiraiya posed to both of them
3. More talking....unfortunately we just got like a 3 or 4 month battle, so I don't think Kishi is going to spoil us with Sasuke or Madera or 8-tails or Danzou for a few more weeks at least