Chapter Summaries

The Takikage recognized that Takigakure had fallen behind other ninja villages and discussed its isolation and the threats posed by Konoha and the Akatsuki. Meanwhile, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke used genjutsu to get Shibuki to guide them around the village, then Sakura confronted him in an isolated spot.

• The Takikage criticized Suien’s judgment and compared his lack of experience with the composure of the Konoha envoy.
• The Takikage warned that Takigakure was becoming disconnected from the outside world and pointed to its lack of new Ninjutsu and battle experience.
• The Takikage concluded that the Chunin Ninja Exams would let the village assess changes in the Shinobi World, then continued a meeting about Konoha and the Akatsuki.
• Sakura asked Shibuki to show her and Sasuke around Takigakure, and Sasuke used Sharingan Genjutsu to make him agree.
• Sakura and Sasuke toured the lake, giant tree, underground river, and caves with Shibuki before Sakura stopped them in an isolated corner and fixed her gaze on him.

Sasuke and Sakura questioned Shibuki about Takigakure’s Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, but Sakura stopped Sasuke from using a dangerous Genjutsu when she sensed someone approaching. The newcomer was Fū, who revealed that she was the Jinchūriki before Shibuki tried to silence her.

• Sasuke used his Sharingan Genjutsu to question Shibuki, but Shibuki resisted answering anything about the Jinchūriki.
• Sasuke prepared a stronger Genjutsu to extract the information, but Sakura detected someone nearby and stopped him.
• Sakura released her Water Mist Freedom Technique, and Sasuke freed Shibuki from the Genjutsu.
• Fū flew to the waterfall, greeted Shibuki, and discovered that Sasuke and Sakura were Konoha envoys.
• Sakura warned Fū about the Akatsuki and their threat to the Tailed Beasts, and Fū reacted before Shibuki covered her mouth.

Sakura and Sasuke recognized Fū as Takigakure’s Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, while Shibuki struggled to hide her identity. After Shibuchi punished Fū for wandering outside the village, she demanded to attend Konoha’s Chunin Ninja Exam, and her suggestion that Konoha could protect her from the Akatsuki made him consider agreeing.

• Sakura inferred that Fū was the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki after seeing her fly and gauging her reaction, while Shibuki tried to pass her off as an ordinary girl.
• Sakura teased Shibuki with questions about Fū’s flying technique and ninja rank before agreeing to return to the village.
• Shibuchi scolded Fū for disobeying orders and confined her to Takigakure for two months.
• Fū insisted on attending Konoha’s Chunin Ninja Exam so she could leave the village and make friends.
• Fū suggested that staying in Konoha could keep her safe from the Akatsuki, prompting Shibuchi to consider sending her there.

Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha discussed how to protect Fū, the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, without provoking Takigakure, and prepared to leave the village. Meanwhile, Itachi, Kisame, and Zetsu approached the Waterfall border, where they learned that Sakura and Sasuke were in Takigakure.

• Sakura Haruno sent a report identifying Fū as Takigakure’s Seven-Tails Jinchūriki and describing her abilities and interest in the Chunin Exams.
• Sasuke Uchiha questioned why they had not used Genjutsu to take Fū, and Sakura explained the political consequences and the limits of Genjutsu against Jinchūriki.
• Sakura told Sasuke she would not let the Akatsuki abduct the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, then left the mountaintop with him as they prepared to depart the next day.
• Uchiha Itachi and Kisame camped near the Land of Waterfalls, and Kisame spoke of collecting their first Tailed Beast.
• Zetsu reported that Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha were in Takigakure, and Itachi’s eyes turned scarlet when he heard Sasuke’s name.

Itachi, Kisame, and Zetsu discussed Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno as potential obstacles to their mission to capture the Seven-Tails, while Itachi concealed his feelings about his brother and warned them not to underestimate either opponent. The next day, the Takikage named Fū to Takigakure’s team for Konoha’s Chunin Ninja Exams, and Sakura and Sasuke observed the hastily assembled squad.

• Kisame asked Itachi whether he had spared only Sasuke during the Uchiha massacre, and Itachi claimed that he felt only hatred for his brother.
• Kisame said he would not hold back if he encountered Sasuke, while Itachi warned Kisame and Zetsu to avoid Sasuke and Sakura unless necessary.
• Zetsu revealed that Sakura had defeated Orochimaru and Tobirama Senju, prompting Itachi to acknowledge her strength and reflect on the limits of the Sharingan.
• The Takikage announced that Ryōko Shiraishi would lead Yāvaro, Kurotsuka, and Fū in Takigakure’s Chunin Ninja Exams team.
• Sakura and Sasuke recognized that Takigakure’s squad appeared hastily assembled, and Sakura watched Fū, a Jinchūriki, as she glanced at Sasuke.

Sasuke and Sakura discussed Fū’s suitability for the journey to Konoha and the Akatsuki presence near Takigakure. On the second day of travel, Akatsuki members confronted their group at the border and demanded the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.

• Sakura told Sasuke that Fū seemed interested in him, but Sasuke said she only liked his looks.
• Sasuke and Sakura worried that Fū might not understand the danger of her mission, and Sakura revealed she had sensed an Akatsuki member watching them.
• After leaving Takigakure, the group traveled toward Konoha while Sakura warned them to stay ready for an attack.
• At the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Waterfalls, Sakura told Aunt Ryōko to take her students back to Takigakure because the Akatsuki had arrived.
• Sasuke spotted two Akatsuki members on a rocky mountain, and a burly man demanded that they hand over the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.

Sakura Haruno and her companions confronted Akatsuki members Kisame Hoshigaki and Uchiha Itachi while escorting the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, Fū. After Itachi demanded that Konoha leave Fū behind, Sakura refused, and Itachi activated his Mangekyō Sharingan and used Tsukuyomi.

• Jonin Ryōko recognized the two powerful strangers as Akatsuki members, and Sakura identified the sword-wielding man as Kisame Hoshigaki.
• Sakura ordered Ryōko and the Waterfall Ninja to retreat, then told Sasuke and Fū to prepare to fight alongside her.
• Sakura warned Fū about Kisame's Samehada and chakra-absorbing abilities as Kisame revealed his face and recognized Sakura.
• Sasuke identified the other Akatsuki member as Uchiha Itachi, who revealed his face and ignored his younger brother.
• Itachi demanded that Sakura leave Fū behind, but Sakura refused and declared that her group would not surrender.
• Kisame prepared to attack, but Itachi stepped forward, activated his Mangekyō Sharingan, and cast Tsukuyomi.

Sakura and Sasuke faced Itachi and Kisame after Itachi incapacitated Fū with Tsukuyomi. Itachi offered to let them withdraw, but Sakura refused, and Sasuke volunteered to hold Itachi off while she fought Kisame.

• Itachi used Tsukuyomi to knock Fū unconscious, leaving Sakura and Sasuke without the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki's support.
• Sakura identified Itachi's technique and realized Fū had suffered severe mental damage.
• Itachi asked Sakura and Sasuke to hand over Fū and avoid a fight, but Sakura refused to abandon her.
• Kisame challenged Sakura, and Itachi insisted that they attack together to finish the battle quickly.
• Sasuke stepped beside Sakura and said he would hold Itachi off while she defeated Kisame and came to help him.

Sasuke confronted Itachi and declared that he would uncover the truth behind the clan massacre, while Sakura challenged Kisame to a separate fight. The two pairs split up, leaving Sasuke and Itachi to begin their battle as Sakura and Kisame headed toward the river.

• Itachi recognized how much Sasuke had grown, and Sasuke vowed to surpass him, defeat him, and learn the truth behind his revenge.
• Itachi reacted when Sasuke mentioned seeking the truth, then challenged him to prove his resolve.
• Kisame challenged Sakura, and she criticized his choice to join the Akatsuki instead of fighting the organization that had manipulated the Fourth Mizukage.
• Sakura and Kisame agreed to fight by the river, while Itachi and Sasuke faced each other alone.
• Sakura squeezed Sasuke's hand and told him not to die before leaving with Kisame.
• Sasuke formed hand seals and launched Lightning Release: Chidori Demon Body Form at Itachi.

Sasuke launched a full-strength attack on Itachi using his Ninja Cat Combination Transformation and lightning armor, but Itachi swiftly countered and overpowered him. As the clash between Sakura Haruno and Kisame Hoshigaki shook the battlefield nearby, Sasuke resolved to keep fighting until Sakura won.

• Itachi recognized the Ninja Cat Combination Transformation and lightning technique Sasuke had developed, and inferred that Sakura Haruno had influenced Sasuke's growth.
• Sasuke rushed Itachi with a lightning sword, but Itachi caught his wrist and kicked him away, leaving only a gash in Itachi's cloak.
• Sasuke acknowledged that he was outmatched but chose to continue fighting to protect his companions.
• A massive collision between Sakura Haruno's and Kisame Hoshigaki's Ninjutsu sent a powerful shock wave across the battlefield.
• Itachi prepared to resume their fight, and Sasuke stood firm, determined not to lose before Sakura defeated Kisame.

Sakura Haruno and Kisame Hoshigaki tested their Water Release against each other, and Sakura proved stronger despite Kisame’s confidence in Samehada. As Kisame revealed the living sword, Sakura put on protective gloves and secretly prepared a Ninjutsu to end the fight quickly.

• Kisame Hoshigaki and Sakura Haruno clashed with powerful Water Release techniques, and Sakura’s attack suppressed Kisame’s Great Waterfall Technique.
• Kisame recognized Sakura’s immense Chakra and Water Release skill, then claimed Samehada would make her Ninjutsu ineffective.
• Kisame unwrapped Samehada and revealed its barbed, living form, while Sakura identified its ability to absorb Chakra.
• Sakura dismissed Kisame’s talk, put on specially made gloves, and quietly gathered Chakra for a prepared Ninjutsu.

Sakura Haruno launched a carefully prepared Frost Ice Burial against Kisame, then used Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals and Star Cannon Fist to attack him from behind. Kisame anticipated her move and met her punch with Samehada, which tore into her hand and absorbed her Chakra, but Sakura pushed forward and maintained the force of her blow.

• Sakura Haruno unleashed Frost Ice Burial, spreading ice and countless weapons across the battlefield toward Kisame.
• Sakura used Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals to appear behind Kisame and struck with Star Cannon Fist.
• Kisame predicted Sakura's position and swung Samehada into her punch.
• Samehada tore open Sakura's hand and absorbed some of her Chakra.
• Sakura replenished the absorbed Chakra and kept driving her punch forward despite her wounds.

Sakura Haruno and Kisame exchanged a devastating blow after Kisame used Samehada to absorb most of her Ice Release and trap her Body Flicker Technique. Both were gravely injured, and Sakura recognized how Kisame had countered her attack.

• Kisame realized Sakura Haruno's fist had overwhelmed Samehada's ability to absorb her strength, and the collision hurled him across the valley.
• Kisame found his right hand, ribs, and internal organs badly damaged, but forced himself back to his feet.
• Sakura Haruno accused Kisame of absorbing her Ice Release while leaving a patch of ice behind as a trap.
• Kisame explained that he had left only one patch of ice, forcing Sakura to appear where he could anticipate her attack.
• Sakura Haruno realized that Samehada had absorbed her chakra quickly enough to make Kisame's counterattack possible.

Sakura Haruno survived her clash with Kisame, but the fight left her right arm mangled while Kisame was also gravely injured. As Sakura treated her arm, the chapter reflected on her pride and the convictions she had preserved despite adapting to the ninja world; the story paused before their conflict was resolved.

• Kisame and Sakura Haruno traded devastating blows, leaving Kisame barely alive and Sakura's right arm badly mangled.
• Sakura emerged from the mist, tore away her ruined sleeve, reset her bones, and used Medical Ninjutsu on her arm.
• Sakura's thoughts turned to how others viewed her as either polite and easygoing or stubborn and proud.
• Sakura reflected that her pride had helped her retain her original convictions while she adapted to survive as a ninja.

Sakura Haruno reflected on her arrogance after Kisame and Samehada nearly defeated her, then learned that Kisame had been manipulated by Genjutsu and that Samehada could heal him. The fight resumed on the brink of Sakura restoring her combat ability and Kisame recovering from his wounds.

• Sakura Haruno treated her broken right hand and admitted she had underestimated Samehada and rushed into the fight.
• Kisame revealed that Samehada's Chakra absorption had overwhelmed Sakura's technique and blamed the Land of Water for hiding the weapon's true power.
• Sakura told Kisame that Suikazan Fuguki's clan records said he had been under Genjutsu when he died, and Kisame rejected the claim as another lie.
• Sakura healed her right arm and prepared to kill Kisame before returning to Sasuke's battlefield.
• Kisame suddenly recovered, and Sakura realized Samehada had used the Chakra it absorbed from her to heal him.

Sakura Haruno probed Kisame about Samehada and Madara Uchiha, but learned nothing she could use before their third battle began. Her Ice Release: Swallow Snow Storm failed to stop Kisame, who broke through the barrage and leaped down at her with Samehada.

• Sakura Haruno recognized that Samehada had healed Kisame and itself, and Kisame threatened to repay her punch by cutting her.
• Sakura Haruno warned Kisame that special techniques such as the Sharingan could counter Samehada, planting a suspicion in him that Madara Uchiha might have manipulated his defection.
• Sakura Haruno considered Samehada's weaknesses and remained confident she could defeat Kisame, while Kisame dismissed her warning.
• Sakura Haruno launched Ice Release: Swallow Snow Storm, sending more than a hundred massive ice shuriken at Kisame.
• Kisame used Samehada to block the shuriken and absorb their Chakra, then charged out of their range without giving Sakura an opening.
• Kisame leaped above Sakura Haruno and brought Samehada down at her as she realized her probe had failed.

Sakura Haruno battled Kisame, using a giant ice blade and her Monstrous Strength Technique to overpower him while exploiting Samehada’s limited Chakra absorption range. Kisame answered with a massive Water Release and merged with Samehada, leaving Sakura facing his transformed, aquatic form.

• Kisame’s swordsmanship countered Sakura Haruno’s Swallow Snow Storm, but she formed a colossal ice blade and struck him hard enough to send him flying.
• Sakura explained that Samehada’s Chakra absorption weakened over distance, while Kisame relied on its healing to recover from her blow.
• Sakura charged Kisame again, and he unleashed Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave, creating a vast sphere of water that overwhelmed her attack.
• Kisame merged with Samehada using the Combination Transformation Technique, becoming a powerful half-fish, half-human creature.

Sakura Haruno and Kisame prepared their strongest techniques for a final attack in the lake. As their jutsu collided, Obito Uchiha opened his eye in a hidden mountain cave and asked how things were going.

• Sakura Haruno assessed Kisame's underwater advantages and decided she could end the battle with her next move.
• Kisame praised Sakura Haruno's strength and declared that he would defeat her with his next attack.
• Sakura Haruno and Kisame released their full chakra as they prepared to decide the battle in one move.
• Kisame launched Water Release: Great Shark Bullet Technique, which could absorb chakra from opposing ninjutsu and grow stronger.
• Sakura Haruno's jutsu arrived as Kisame's giant shark charged at her.
• Obito Uchiha opened his eye in a concealed mountain cave and asked how things were going.

Obito learned that Itachi was fighting Sasuke while Kisame struggled against Sakura Haruno, and he ordered Tobi not to interfere in the brothers’ battle. Worried that Kisame might be killed, Obito sent Tobi to save him if necessary.

• Tobi reported that Itachi had the upper hand against Sasuke and that Kisame was struggling against Sakura Haruno.
• Obito explained that he had agreed with Itachi not to kill Sasuke and ordered Tobi to leave the brothers alone.
• Obito considered Sasuke a potential future ally who might be easier to manipulate than Itachi.
• Tobi warned that Kisame’s Water Release and Samehada were being countered and that Kisame might only win if the fight dragged on.
• Obito ordered Tobi to save Kisame if anything went wrong, and Tobi sank into the ground.

Obito recognized Sakura Haruno as an unpredictable threat and marked her for elimination while Sakura used Yin Release-enhanced Ice Release to freeze Kisame’s water sphere. The chapter left Sakura atop the ice sphere, preparing to finish Kisame before his shark could break free.

• Obito reviewed Sakura Haruno’s file, pinned it to the wall beside Minato Namikaze’s marked portrait, and declared that she was next.
• Obito sensed the distant battle between Sakura and Kisame and turned his attention to it.
• Sakura froze Kisame’s enormous water sphere with Frost Ice Burial, using Yin Release to suppress the spiritual component of his Chakra.
• Sakura appeared atop the ice sphere as Kisame’s Great Shark Bullet gnawed at the ice and absorbed Chakra from the chips.
• Sakura formed Hand Seals and told Kisame it was time to say goodbye forever.