Chapter Summaries

Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi arrived at Ryūchi Cave to seek senjutsu and accepted its trials. They escaped the first test, the Illusionary Passage, just before the one-hour limit, but the three subordinates of the White Snake Sage warned that harder challenges remained.

• Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi traveled to Ryūchi Cave on Manda, who tried to jostle them before using the Reverse Summoning Technique.
• Tagorihime, Ichikishimahime, and Tagitsuhime confronted the visitors and offered them the chance to undergo Ryūchi Cave's three-stage trial.
• Ichikishimahime explained that the first stage required finding the way through the illusion-filled passage within one hour, and Naruto and Kabuto accepted.
• Naruto resisted an illusion of Teacher Iruka, while Kabuto faced memories of his childhood and Orochimaru faced the remains of failed experiments.
• Naruto used his Byakugan to find the correct route and locate Orochimaru and Kabuto, and all three escaped the passage just before time ran out.
• Tagorihime and the others were surprised that the group passed the first stage and warned that the remaining trials would be more challenging.

Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi passed Ryūchi Cave’s second trial by retrieving Spirit Snake Grass from a nest of Guardian Snakes. The Three Princesses led them to the White Snake Sage for the final test, which would determine whether they could learn senjutsu.

• Ichikishimahime sent Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi into Ryūchi Cave’s depths to find Spirit Snake Grass near the Guardian Snakes.
• The trio crossed dangerous passages, avoiding traps and poisonous miasma while Naruto defeated a python with Rasengan.
• Naruto identified a bell controlling the Guardian Snakes and took it, stopping their attacks so the group could search the nest.
• Kabuto Yakushi found and gathered Spirit Snake Grass, and the trio returned to complete the second stage of the trial.
• Tagorihime announced that the final stage would test their senjutsu aptitude before the White Snake Sage, then the Three Princesses led them to her cave.

Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi underwent the White Snake Sage’s test at Ryūchi Cave and began learning Sage Chakra. Naruto mastered Sage Mode remarkably quickly, while Orochimaru and Kabuto each took their first steps toward mastering it.

• Tagorihime presented Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi to the White Snake Sage for the final stage of their trial.
• The White Snake Sage injected Naruto with Sage Chakra, and he used his Perfect Sage Mode Cultivation Physique to master Sage Mode in about a dozen minutes.
• Naruto encouraged Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi to take their turns, and Orochimaru asked the White Snake Sage for another chance to learn Sage Mode.
• Orochimaru calmed his mind and began harmonizing Sage Chakra with the powers in his body.
• Kabuto Yakushi combined Sage Chakra with his Medical Ninjutsu and began radiating a gentle glow from his hands.
• The White Snake Sage praised Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi for gaining an initial grasp of Sage Chakra and told them that continued training would be needed to master sage arts.

Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi continued learning Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode as Naruto quickly mastered it and tested its power. He left the chapter preparing to develop stronger techniques after a Sage Chakra-enhanced Rasenshuriken leveled a hillside.

• The White Snake Sage explained Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode and praised Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi for quickly mastering Sage Chakra.
• Naruto described how Sage Mode increased his strength, Chakra, perception, recovery, and ninjutsu power, while Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi considered its abilities.
• The White Snake Sage told the three to continue cultivating at Ryūchi Cave, and they began harsher training.
• Naruto used Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and his Perfect Sage Mode Cultivation Physique to rapidly improve his ability to enter and maintain Sage Mode.
• Naruto combined Sage Chakra with Wind Style: Rasenshuriken and destroyed a distant hillside, then resolved to develop even stronger techniques.

Orochimaru, Kabuto Yakushi, and Naruto mastered Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode and improved their control by training in a Crystal Cave. The White Snake Sage recognized their progress and offered to teach them Ryūchi Cave's inherited senjutsu.

• Kabuto Yakushi advised Orochimaru on stabilizing Sage Chakra, and Orochimaru eventually entered Sage Mode.
• Kabuto Yakushi fused Sage Chakra with Medical Ninjutsu after Naruto suggested adjusting the Natural Energy ratio.
• The three trained in a Crystal Cave, improving their Sage Mode duration, control, and side effects.
• The White Snake Sage appeared, warned them about other powers and hidden dangers, and named Sage Art: White Rage Technique and Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation as Ryūchi Cave's inherited techniques.

The White Snake Sage taught Naruto, Orochimaru, and Kabuto Yakushi Sage Art: White Rage Technique and Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation in Ryūchi Cave. After they learned the techniques, she offered Naruto and Kabuto Yakushi the chance to sign Ryūchi Cave Summoning Contracts before their journey home.

• The White Snake Sage demonstrated how White Rage Technique blinded and disoriented opponents and how Inorganic Reincarnation brought inorganic matter to life.
• Naruto quickly learned White Rage Technique, while Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi struggled with their first attempts.
• Naruto guided Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi as they practiced for a day, helping Orochimaru master White Rage Technique and Kabuto Yakushi control the stalactites.
• Naruto thanked the White Snake Sage and said they were ready to return to their ninja world.
• The White Snake Sage told Naruto and Kabuto Yakushi they could sign Ryūchi Cave Summoning Contracts, noting that Orochimaru had already signed one.

Naruto and Kabuto Yakushi formed Summoning Contracts with Ryūchi Cave, and Naruto summoned and subdued the defiant Garaga. Garaga agreed to trust Naruto as a partner, bringing Naruto’s journey to Ryūchi Cave to an end.

• The White Snake Sage presented the summoning scroll, and Naruto and Kabuto Yakushi signed it with their blood.
• Kabuto Yakushi summoned a small green snake, which agreed to assist him.
• Naruto summoned Garaga, who angrily refused to help humans.
• Naruto fought Garaga with Sage techniques, then stopped and offered him an equal partnership instead of forcing him to submit.
• Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi encouraged Garaga to trust Naruto, and Garaga agreed to become Naruto’s partner.

Naruto learned about Orochimaru’s history with the Akatsuki Organization and revealed that Pain was a corpse controlled by Nagato Uzumaki. He persuaded Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi to gather intelligence and build up resources for their group, leaving the three ready to act separately.

• Naruto asked Orochimaru about the Akatsuki Organization, and Orochimaru described its origins, members, and why he had joined and defected.
• Naruto revealed that Pain was the Deva Path, a corpse controlled by Nagato Uzumaki through the Rinnegan and the Six Paths of Pain.
• Naruto asked Orochimaru to rejoin Akatsuki as an informant, and Orochimaru agreed.
• Naruto directed Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi to collect powerful ninja corpses and seek out and cultivate promising ninja.
• Kabuto proposed using Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation to help collect corpses, and the three prepared to act separately.

Orochimaru returned to Amegakure and persuaded Pain to let him rejoin the Akatsuki Organization by completing a mission to retrieve mysterious ore. He secretly kept some of the ore for his own research and resumed his role as Naruto's insider.

• Naruto warned Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi to conceal their plans, and they departed to begin their assignments.
• Orochimaru met Konan and Pain in Amegakure and asked to rejoin the Akatsuki Organization.
• Pain gave Orochimaru a mission to retrieve ore from a mysterious organization near the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth.
• Orochimaru captured and questioned a guard, defeated the organization's attackers, and took all the ore, keeping some for himself.
• Orochimaru delivered ore to Pain, who accepted him back into the Akatsuki Organization.

Naruto returned to Konoha after meeting Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi, mastering sage arts, and recruiting them to help oppose the Akatsuki Organization. He briefed Kakashi on the organization and planned to rest in the village while staying in contact with his new allies.

• Naruto left Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to Konoha.
• Naruto entered the village unnoticed, reunited with his Shadow Clone’s memories, and signaled Kakashi that he had returned.
• Naruto told Kakashi that he had defeated Orochimaru, recruited Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi, and mastered sage arts at Ryūchi Cave.
• Naruto explained the Akatsuki Organization, its powerful members, and its plans to Kakashi, who warned him to keep the information secret.
• Naruto said he would spend time in Konoha, improve his abilities, and remain in contact with Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi.

Naruto trained Sage Chakra and secretly checked on his friends as they developed their skills. Hinata Hyuga awakened her Byakugan at age six, leaving Hyuga Hiashi astonished and grateful to Naruto.

• Naruto practiced Sage Chakra and ninjutsu in the wilderness while using the Flying Thunder God Technique to travel away from Konoha.
• Naruto secretly watched his companions train: Inuzuka Kiba practiced with Akamaru, Akimichi Choji learned the Expansion Jutsu, and Nara Shikamaru developed applications for the Shadow Imitation Technique.
• Yamanaka Ino refined her Mind Body Switch Technique, Haruno Sakura began medical-ninja studies, Aburame Shino practiced with an insect clone, and Rock Lee trained under Might Guy while balancing exertion with rest.
• Neji Hyuga progressed rapidly under Hyuga Hiashi's instruction, while Hinata Hyuga recovered her appetite and grew stronger.
• During a sparring match with Neji, Hinata accidentally activated her Byakugan, shocking Hiashi with her unprecedented achievement at age six.

Naruto visited Tenten’s family Ninja Tool Shop and ordered custom five-hundred-jin weight training gear. After collecting it, he used his System Space to store it and headed to a secluded wilderness to train.

• Naruto remembered Tenten and found her working at her family’s Ninja Tool Shop.
• Naruto ordered Explosive Tags and a custom five-hundred-jin set of weight training gear from Tenten.
• Five days later, Naruto returned and stored the finished gear in his System Space, astonishing Tenten.
• Naruto paid for the gear, and Tenten eagerly left to study ways of using Space-Time Ninjutsu to store ninja tools.
• Naruto secretly used the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach a remote wilderness surrounded by mountains, where he prepared to train.

Naruto trained in the wilderness, increasing his strength and awakening new abilities, while Tenten developed her own Space-Time Ninjutsu in Konoha. After Naruto returned, Tenten demonstrated her technique, which connected to a Pocket Dimension for storing and retrieving ninja tools.

• Naruto trained with weights until he could carry five hundred pounds, improving his physical abilities and Chakra extraction.
• Naruto learned to enter Sage Mode briefly while carrying weights and practiced combining Sage Mode with taijutsu.
• Naruto’s Double Tomoe Sharingan evolved into a Three Tomoe Sharingan, and his eyes gained the ability to use the Byakugan and Sharingan simultaneously.
• After about a week of training, Naruto returned to Konoha and passed Tenten’s Ninja Tool Shop.
• Tenten told Naruto she had developed a Space-Time Ninjutsu that stored ninja tools in a Pocket Dimension, then demonstrated how it made them disappear and reappear.

Naruto reunited with Sasuke and arranged to visit the Uchiha compound secretly using a Flying Thunder God Kunai. After Sasuke activated it, Naruto sensed the chakra and prepared to teleport to him.

• Naruto left Tenten's Ninja Tool Shop and found Sasuke waiting outside his home.
• Sasuke invited Naruto to visit the Uchiha compound, but Naruto worried that a public visit could draw attention from Danzo and other watchers.
• Naruto gave Sasuke a Flying Thunder God Kunai and told him to check for surveillance before channeling chakra into it.
• Sasuke showed the kunai to Fugaku, Mikoto, and Itachi, and Fugaku explained its connection to Minato Namikaze and the rare Space-Time Ninjutsu.
• Itachi checked the area and found no suspicious watchers, then Sasuke secretly poured chakra into the kunai.
• Naruto sensed Sasuke's chakra from across Konoha and announced that he was coming.

Naruto visits Sasuke’s family and agrees to teach him the Flying Thunder God Technique. When the Uchiha family asks where Naruto learned it, he reveals that Minato Namikaze is his father.

• Naruto uses the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach Sasuke inside the Uchiha Clan Compound.
• Naruto joins Sasuke, Fugaku Uchiha, Mikoto Uchiha, and Uchiha Itachi for a meal at Sasuke’s home.
• Naruto offers to write down the Flying Thunder God Technique’s training method for Sasuke and help him learn it.
• Fugaku Uchiha invites Naruto to answer the family’s questions, and Naruto says his father taught him the technique.
• Naruto reveals that his father is Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of Konoha.

Fugaku Uchiha explained Naruto’s origins to Sasuke, Itachi, and Naruto, revealing the events that led to Naruto becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the village’s mistreatment of him. Itachi concluded that Konoha’s higher-ups were corrupt and resolved to eliminate them.

• Fugaku Uchiha confirmed that Naruto was the son of Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina, and Mikoto Uchiha said Kushina had been her friend.
• Fugaku explained that Kushina was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and described how a masked man with the Sharingan attacked her during childbirth, killed Biwako Sarutobi, and unleashed the Nine-Tails on Konoha.
• Fugaku recounted how Minato moved the Nine-Tails’ Tailed Beast Bomb away from the village and, along with Kushina, died after sealing the Nine-Tails’ chakra into Naruto and himself.
• Fugaku said Hiruzen Sarutobi concealed Naruto’s identity and allowed Shimura Danzō to spread rumors that made villagers blame Naruto for the Nine-Tails’ attack.
• Sasuke and Itachi felt sympathy for Naruto, while Itachi resolved to wipe out Konoha’s corrupt higher-ups.

Naruto revealed that Minato and Kushina had told him the truth about Konoha's treatment of him, then sought Uchiha support for his goal of becoming Hokage. Fugaku pledged the clan's backing, and Naruto treated Itachi's Sharingan-related health problems, further strengthening the Uchiha family's commitment to him.

• Naruto explained that Minato and Kushina had revealed the truth to him and that Minato had taught him the Flying Thunder God Technique.
• Naruto declared his intention to become Hokage and asked Fugaku and the Uchiha Clan to support him, promising fair treatment for the clan.
• Fugaku agreed to stand with Naruto after learning the Hyuga Clan had already backed him, and Naruto gave Sasuke a Flying Thunder God training scroll and custom kunai.
• Naruto examined Itachi and used Yang Release Chakra to treat abnormalities caused by his Sharingan overuse.
• Itachi felt healthier and stronger after Naruto's treatment, and Fugaku, Mikoto, and Sasuke thanked Naruto.

Naruto told Fugaku that he had reached Kage-level strength with help from the Nine-Tails’ Chakra, and agreed to demonstrate his abilities against Itachi. Their secluded spar began with Itachi casting genjutsu at Naruto.

• Fugaku agreed to quietly test the Uchiha elders’ attitudes and win clansmen over before confronting Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Naruto claimed he had Kage-level strength and explained that he could borrow the Nine-Tails’ Chakra, though he kept other abilities secret.
• Fugaku asked Naruto to spar with Itachi so they could see his strength firsthand.
• Naruto checked for nearby Anbu with the Mind’s Eye of the Kagura, then followed Fugaku to a secluded training forest.
• Itachi activated his Three Tomoe Sharingan and opened the match by casting genjutsu at Naruto.

Naruto sparred with Itachi, overwhelming him with his strength and techniques until Itachi awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. The fight ended with Naruto acknowledged as the victor, and the Uchiha Clan pledged its support to him.

• Naruto resisted Itachi’s genjutsu and outmatched him in taijutsu, then dodged Itachi’s Great Fireball Technique with the Flying Thunder God Technique.
• Naruto countered Itachi’s attacks with the Rasengan and charged him with a Great Ball Rasengan while using a Partial Tailed Beast Transformation.
• Facing Naruto’s attack, Itachi awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and learned that its powers included Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo.
• Itachi summoned Susanoo to block Naruto’s Great Ball Rasengan, and Naruto ended the spar after the impact forced them both back.
• Itachi accepted his defeat and thanked Naruto, while Fugaku pledged the Uchiha Clan’s support and Sasuke vowed to grow stronger.

Naruto gave Sasuke a special Flying Thunder God Kunai and began training him and Uchiha Itachi, guiding Sasuke to strengthen his body and both brothers to sense space-time. The chapter ended with Uchiha Itachi activating Amaterasu against Naruto, who had entered Partial Tailed Beast Transformation.

• Naruto gave Sasuke a special Flying Thunder God Kunai and promised to come whenever Sasuke infused it with Chakra.
• Sasuke used the kunai to summon Naruto, and the three went to a secluded training ground.
• Naruto advised Sasuke to devote more time to physical training and corrected his form as he exercised.
• Naruto explained the Flying Thunder God Technique, and Sasuke sensed a faint space-time fluctuation while Uchiha Itachi could not.
• Naruto entered Partial Tailed Beast Transformation so Uchiha Itachi could test his Mangekyō Sharingan, and Itachi activated Amaterasu.