Chapter Summaries

Sasuke researched the Twelve Primary Meridians to understand hand seals and develop ninjutsu, while Tsunade consolidated power in Konoha and took control of the Land of Whirlpools. Sasuke remained absorbed in his experiments, unaware of how his actions had changed the village.

• Sasuke realized he lacked a deep understanding of hand seals, so he began studying how they directed Chakra through the body's meridians.
• Sasuke recorded hand seal combinations and discovered that Chakra flowing through multiple meridians could alter ninjutsu's power while demanding more work.
• Danzo failed to locate Sasuke and faced closer scrutiny, while the Third Hokage refused to meet him.
• Tsunade reassigned Root members, reinstated former subordinates, and appointed Shikaku as her adviser.
• Tsunade took control of the Land of Whirlpools, established a Konoha base there, and strengthened her position against Danzo.
• Sasuke continued his research and decided against seeking help from Orochimaru and Yakushi Kabuto because he found their base disgusting.

After a year and a half of training, Sasuke traveled toward the Land of Grass, where Akatsuki might be operating. At the border, he learned Konoha had promoted him to Special Jonin and received a letter from Sakura before continuing his journey.

• Sasuke left his mountain training grounds and traveled for three days toward the Land of Fire’s border.
• Sasuke reached the border checkpoint and followed a Chunin to meet the Jonin in charge.
• The Jonin told Sasuke that Konoha had secured the former territory of the Land of Whirlpools and promoted him to Special Jonin for his merits.
• Sasuke read Sakura’s letter, wrote her a reply, and asked the checkpoint ninja to deliver it to Konoha.
• Sasuke entered the Land of Grass cautiously, wary of encountering Akatsuki in pairs and exposing his Sharingan.

Sasuke encountered Deidara and Sasori while stopping at a roadside dumpling stall in the Land of Grass, hoping to learn about Itachi. Deidara recognized Sasuke’s resemblance to Itachi, and Sasori warned him not to interfere with Itachi’s plans for his younger brother.

• Sasuke stopped at a roadside stall and ordered green tea and red bean dumplings.
• Deidara and Sasori arrived at the stall in their Akatsuki robes and ordered food.
• Sasuke stayed and chatted with Deidara, trying to draw out information about Itachi.
• Deidara noticed that Sasuke looked like Itachi and pointed it out to Sasori.
• Sasori confirmed the resemblance and told Deidara not to meddle in Itachi’s private affairs or plans for his brother.

Sasuke asked Deidara and Sasori where Itachi was, and they warned him that Itachi had become stronger through training. They agreed to contact Itachi after testing Sasuke’s strength, while their thoughts revealed Akatsuki expected Itachi to take Sasuke’s eyes for the Eternal Mangekyo.

• Sasuke asked Deidara and Sasori where Itachi was and explained that he wanted to see his older brother.
• Deidara and Sasori warned Sasuke that Itachi was powerful and had resumed training, but Sasuke insisted he wanted to meet him.
• Sasuke persuaded Deidara to contact Itachi, and Deidara proposed testing Sasuke’s strength first.
• Deidara paid for the meal, and Sasuke led Deidara and Sasori away to find a place to fight.
• Sasori considered Sasuke’s strength as they went, while the narration revealed Akatsuki expected Itachi to take Sasuke’s eyes and gain the Eternal Mangekyo.

Sasuke fought Deidara in a sparring test while concealing his knowledge of Deidara’s abilities. After overwhelming Deidara in Taijutsu, Sasuke faced the Ninjutsu portion as Deidara took to the sky on a clay owl.

• Sasuke chose the lakeside terrain and asked Deidara to begin their test.
• Deidara attacked with Taijutsu, but Sasuke dodged, countered, and battered him with a relentless barrage.
• Sasuke used Shadow of the Dancing Leaf and Lion's Barrage to smash Deidara into the ground.
• Deidara claimed Sasuke had passed the Taijutsu test and moved on to Ninjutsu.
• Deidara summoned a white owl, flew into the air, and challenged Sasuke to figure out how to fight him.

Sasuke fought Deidara over a lake, using Water and Lightning Release to counter his explosive clay and force him into the water. Deidara escaped back into the sky on a clay eagle and prepared to reveal his serious attacks, while Sasuke remained cautious because Sasori was nearby.

• Sasuke moved the fight to the lake and hid underwater to avoid Deidara's Clay Spiders.
• Sasuke attacked Deidara's owl with water techniques, then used Water Stream Whip and Chidori Diffusion to disable it.
• Sasuke struck Deidara with Chidori Senbon and asked where Itachi was, but Deidara refused to stop fighting.
• Deidara used exploding clay fish to distract Sasuke, made a clay eagle, and flew into the sky again.
• Sasuke questioned whether to get serious as Deidara promised to show him the art of explosion.

Sasuke fought Deidara, endured a series of explosive attacks, and then overwhelmed him with his self-developed Lightning Hell technique. Itachi arrived as Deidara and Sasori departed, leaving the brothers face to face.

• Deidara used clay fish and hummingbirds to distract Sasuke and blast him with a chain of explosions.
• Sasuke retaliated with Lightning Hell, striking Deidara repeatedly until he fell into the water.
• Sasori warned Deidara to stop fighting, but Deidara insisted on continuing against Sasuke.
• Itachi appeared behind Deidara, and Deidara and Sasori left to continue their mission.

Sasuke reunited with Itachi at his cabin, discussed Itachi’s return to Konoha, and proposed using Danzo’s ambitions as an opportunity to kill him. They parted with plans to wait for the coming conflict involving the Akatsuki, while Sasuke revealed that his dream was to expand his barbecue business.

• Itachi led Sasuke to his cabin, where Sasuke used the Four Symbols Seal to prevent anyone from overhearing them.
• Itachi showed Sasuke his Four-Tomoe eyes, and Sasuke asked him to rebuild the Uchiha Clan as atonement for his past actions.
• Sasuke explained that he planned to help Itachi return to Konoha and proposed blaming Danzo for the Uchiha massacre before killing him.
• Itachi worried that killing Danzo in Konoha would be difficult, so Sasuke said they could wait for a future crisis when Danzo tried to seize the Hokage position.
• Sasuke told Itachi that Naruto could hold off the Akatsuki leader, then revealed that he wanted to open Barbecue Restaurants in every country.

Sasuke discussed his plans with Itachi, including rebuilding their relationship, helping Itachi return to Konoha, and raiding Orochimaru’s bases. They agreed to exchange information and use Summoning Animals to keep in touch while Sasuke continued developing his Sharingan.

• Sasuke told Itachi he wanted to bring him back and rebuild their family, and Itachi apologized for failing as a Brother.
• Sasuke said he would seek his own powerful Summoning Animal, while Itachi explained that his crow clan specialized in Genjutsu and carried one of Shisui Uchiha’s Sharingan.
• Sasuke asked Itachi to use Akatsuki’s intelligence network to locate Orochimaru’s bases so they could raid them and find potential teammates for Itachi.
• Sasuke planned to give the Hokage Akatsuki information after returning to Konoha and to help Itachi return before Akatsuki attacked the village.
• The brothers agreed to communicate through Summoning Animals, and Itachi offered to write down Akatsuki’s information for Sasuke.
• Itachi asked about Sasuke’s Four-Tomoe Amaterasu, and Sasuke explained that the Five-Tomoe would restore some of Itachi’s strength while Susanoo would require further awakening.

Sasuke gave Itachi information about Akatsuki, Chakra Metal, and Sealing Scrolls before asking him for a real fight. Itachi explained how Kekkei Genkai formed and warned that acquired bloodline abilities could cause disease, then faced Sasuke at his training ground to begin testing his Taijutsu.

• Itachi recorded what he knew about Akatsuki, and Sasuke sealed the information to keep it secure.
• Sasuke gave Itachi Chakra Metal and Sealing Scrolls and told him to seek Tenbu Shinzo in the Land of Iron for a personalized weapon.
• Sasuke asked Itachi to fight him so he could test his strength, and Itachi questioned how he had gained Water Release Chakra.
• Itachi explained the origins of Kekkei Genkai, the role of special substances in the body, and the risks of acquired bloodline diseases.
• Sasuke and Itachi went to the training ground and prepared to begin with Taijutsu without using the Sharingan.

Sasuke taught Itachi his Taijutsu through intense sparring, using the chance to pass on his martial arts and refine his own skills. They continued training together for several days, while Itachi worked to copy Sasuke’s techniques and improve his stamina.

• Sasuke and Itachi fought, with Sasuke’s Tai Chi and Xing Yi-inspired Taijutsu overwhelming Itachi and giving him a chance to copy the techniques.
• As Itachi tired, Sasuke stopped the sparring and advised him to study the martial arts and keep training with weights to strengthen his stamina.
• Sasuke supported Itachi back to the cabin, prepared dinner, and shared a peaceful night’s sleep with his brother.
• After breakfast, Sasuke asked Itachi to remove his weights so they could spar longer and practice applying the copied techniques.
• Sasuke and Itachi trained together for several days, improving their Taijutsu through repeated sparring.

Sasuke and Itachi began a practical combat duel, with Sasuke testing his skills against Itachi’s experience and adaptability. Sasuke used Hidden Mist to create time to think, realizing Itachi had used unfamiliar chakra natures to maneuver and restrain him before attacking.

• After resting, Sasuke and Itachi began a practical duel in Itachi’s training ground, with Sasuke attacking first using War Soul.
• Sasuke countered Itachi’s close-range attacks with a Water Release Rasengan, but struck a clone while Itachi moved behind him and fired a kunai.
• Sasuke caught Itachi with Chidori Sharp Spear, but Itachi used Water Formation Wall as a foothold to evade and launch himself away.
• Itachi used Earth Flow River to trap Sasuke’s legs, then attacked with Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, forcing Sasuke to defend with Water Formation Wall.
• Sasuke used Hidden Mist Technique to stop the exchange and considered how Itachi had used Water and Earth Release to evade, distract, and restrain him.

Sasuke fought Itachi and applied a new combat insight, but Itachi outmaneuvered him and forced him onto the defensive. The fight paused with Sasuke sheltered underwater, having figured out that Itachi had hidden underground.

• Sasuke dispelled the Hidden Mist Technique and explained to Itachi that he had used the pause to reflect on what he had learned in combat.
• Sasuke countered Itachi’s Phoenix Sage Fire Technique with a newly developed Water Release attack, then advanced while deflecting Itachi’s hidden weapons.
• Itachi combined hidden weapons with the Great Fire Dragon Technique, forcing Sasuke to leap away and use a Water Formation Wall to escape the dragons’ clash.
• Sasuke’s Great Waterfall Technique swept across the battlefield, but Itachi disappeared and struck him with a Water Severing Wave and a kick.
• Sasuke activated Lightning Armor and blocked Itachi’s close-range attacks with water techniques before enclosing himself in a Water Formation Wall.
• Sasuke sank underwater and spotted a pit, realizing Itachi had hidden underground beyond the reach of the water covering the battlefield.

Sasuke recognized his lack of combat experience as Itachi repeatedly outmaneuvered him, then changed tactics to press the fight at close range. The chapter ended as Sasuke sent a Rasengan through the mist created by his Great Fireball Technique.

• Sasuke used Lightning Release: Lightning Hell, but Itachi evaded the strikes with a crow-based Clone Technique.
• Sasuke refused Itachi’s offer to rest and chose to keep training, while Itachi continued testing his combat skills.
• Sasuke waited for Itachi’s attack, then blocked his Hidden Weapons and charged forward to close the distance.
• Sasuke cast Great Fireball Technique into the water, creating thick steam that concealed the battlefield.
• Sasuke launched a Rasengan into the mist as Itachi guarded against an attack from beneath his feet.

Sasuke fought Itachi and lost, then listened as Itachi explained how to improve his combat skills. Back at the cabin, Itachi asked what Sasuke thought of Konoha, and Sasuke said it mattered because his home, shop, friends, and the person he liked were there.

• Sasuke used Water Release: Rasengan Ice Howl, Hidden Weapons, and High Pressure Water Arrow Technique to attack Itachi, but Itachi vanished among the crows and struck Sasuke with a water dragon.
• Itachi pinned a kunai to Sasuke’s neck and declared him defeated.
• Itachi advised Sasuke to broaden his ninjutsu, adapt to his surroundings, use the Three Body Replacement Technique, and practice Hidden Weapons and Exploding Tags.
• Itachi promised to spar with Sasuke daily, and Sasuke treated his injuries before cooking at the cabin.
• Itachi asked Sasuke what he thought of Konoha, and Sasuke said it was important because his home, shop, friends, and the person he liked were there.

Itachi told Sasuke the truth about the Uchiha Clan massacre and Konoha's order to destroy the clan, while Sasuke explained his suspicions about Danzo's influence over the village. Sasuke left Itachi questioning Konoha's past and its leaders, especially Danzo's possible role in the Fourth Hokage's death.

• Itachi explained that the Third Hokage ordered him to massacre the Uchiha Clan and infiltrate Akatsuki, in exchange for Sasuke's safety and other conditions.
• Sasuke reasoned that Konoha had isolated the Uchiha Clan and that the clan's security duties, pride, and response to a supposed Uchiha Madara had contributed to the rebellion and massacre.
• Sasuke told Itachi he would protect the people he cared about in Konoha but would not sacrifice himself for the village, and said he intended to get rid of Danzo.
• Sasuke suggested Danzo had undermined White Fang, Tsunade, and Jiraiya to improve his chances of becoming Hokage.
• Sasuke wondered whether Danzo had been connected to the Fourth Hokage's death, leaving Itachi to reconsider what he knew about Konoha's past.

Sasuke helped Itachi reconsider his loyalty to Konoha, then left after two weeks of sparring to seek special water for Cell Activation training. He learned the water was in the Land of the Western Extremities, where Kumogakure shinobi also trained.

• Sasuke questioned how much the Third Hokage knew about Konoha’s problems and urged Itachi to focus on protecting the people he cared about.
• Itachi agreed to listen to Sasuke, and the brothers sparred daily until Sasuke’s experience and strength improved.
• Sasuke left, and Obito Uchiha appeared to ask Itachi whether he planned to give Sasuke his eyes or take his.
• Sasuke traveled toward a small country with a giant pit and life-energy-rich water, hoping to use it for Cell Activation training.
• A Konoha Chunin identified the country as the Land of the Western Extremities and warned Sasuke that people from the Land of Lightning trained there.

Sasuke reached the Land of the Western Extremities and traveled to the Giant Pit, hoping to investigate its life-giving water as a possible aid to his training. He entered Tony Village under strict rules and prepared to study the lake, while noting that its peace depended on the neighboring great nations.

• Sasuke crossed the border after a Konoha Chunin warned him that some people in Kumogakure distrusted him.
• Sasuke asked the local guards for directions to the Giant Pit and learned that Tony Village stood beside the Sanctuary.
• Sasuke reached the barren rim of the Giant Pit and observed the lush, vital land below, suspecting that an alien device caused the unusual water.
• Sasuke descended into the village and told a guard he had come to see whether the lake water could help his training.
• The guard allowed Sasuke to stay at the village inn, warned him that most guests were Kumogakure ninja, and reminded him that fighting was prohibited.

Sasuke arrived in a village where Kumogakure ninja came to train, rented its best room, and began exploring. He avoided Killer B’s rapping and settled in at a sushi restaurant, wondering why no Kumogakure ninja had appeared during Yakushi Kabuto’s attack.

• Sasuke rented Room 501 at an inn and passed two Kumogakure Chunin, Inoue and Tanaka, who suspected he might be Second Pillar and warned each other not to provoke him.
• Sasuke admired the view of the lake from his room, reflected on his arrival in the Naruto world, and resolved to reshape it according to his wishes.
• Sasuke left his key with the innkeeper and went looking for food after arriving hungry.
• Sasuke entered a restaurant, heard Killer B rapping to his three students, and promptly left to find somewhere else to eat.
• Sasuke sat down at a sushi restaurant filled with Kumogakure ninja and ordered an assortment of fish sushi.

Sasuke discovered that fish from the lake helped him refine slightly more Chakra, then tested lake water for toxicity and energy. After Kumogakure ninja confronted him, he returned to the inn and found that the water was harmless but affected an Amplification Seal.

• Sasuke sampled the lake fish and noticed that he refined more Chakra than usual after eating the sashimi.
• Kumogakure ninja confronted Sasuke over the deaths of their comrades, but the village chief intervened and warned Sasuke to leave.
• Sasuke refused to leave and collected a bottle of lake water to study at the inn.
• Sasuke used a Purification Seal to test the water and found no harmful reaction.
• Sasuke placed the remaining water in an Amplification Seal, whose runes shifted slightly and revealed that the water contained energy.