Chapter Summaries

Orochimaru responded to Kirigakure’s hit-and-run tactics by calling for reinforcements and the Chiyue Squad, while Yagura confronted the Seven Ninja Swordsmen over their opposition to his strategy. The chapter left the swordsmen wary of Yagura after he threatened them with his overwhelming Chakra.

• Orochimaru discussed Kirigakure’s island defenses and harassment with Nara Shikaku, then ordered the third batch of reinforcements and the Chiyue Squad sent to the front.
• Juzo Biwa mocked Yagura’s reluctance to fight Konoha head-on, drawing laughter from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and others.
• Yagura challenged the swordsmen’s dissatisfaction and reminded them that Yagami Chiyue had killed Suikazan Fuguki with a single strike.
• Yagura released his Chakra and threatened to take the Seven Ninja Swordsmen’s heads if they provoked him again, leaving them on guard against him.

Yagura dismissed the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist’s resistance, while Tsunade received orders for Chiyue Squad to join the front lines with the third reinforcements. Chiyue realized Danzo had arranged for many Uchiha to fight Kirigakure by the coast, and the chapter ended with Kushina considering Chiyue’s suggestion to attack Root headquarters with a Tailed Beast Ball.

• Yagura confronted Juzo Biwa, who vowed to kill Yagami Chiyue, and made clear he was not concerned by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen’s opposition.
• The Third Hokage gave Tsunade Orochimaru’s request for Chiyue Squad to join the third batch of reinforcements and break Kirigakure’s encirclement.
• Tsunade went to Chiyue’s group, ate ravenously, and explained that wartime duties had left her exhausted and without sleep.
• Chiyue learned that Danzo had arranged for many Uchiha Clan members to be sent to the coast to fight Kirigakure and suspected the deployment was meant to target them.
• Chiyue encouraged Kushina to have Kurama bomb Root headquarters if Danzo targeted her again, and Tsunade warned them not to use Tailed Beast Balls inside the village.

Chiyue and the Chiyue Squad traveled with reinforcements to the Land of Eddies front lines, where Uchiha Mikoto joined them. Along the way, Chiyue criticized Uchiha Fugaku’s leadership and warned him that the clan would suffer if he continued to compromise.

• Chiyue teased Kushina about a chance to visit the Land of Eddies soon, while Tsunade, Minato, and Nawaki pressed him to explain.
• Chiyue, Minato, and Nawaki left Konoha with the third batch of reinforcements, and Uchiha Mikoto joined them after trading places with a clansman.
• Mikoto shared food with Chiyue, Minato, and Nawaki during the journey to the front lines.
• Uchiha Fugaku told Chiyue that his son was named Uchiha Itachi and reflected on the difficulties of leading the clan.
• Chiyue accused Fugaku of being indecisive and urged him either to reform the Uchiha Clan or hand power to the Hawk Elders.
• Chiyue warned Fugaku that he would take Mikoto and her mother out of the clan after the war if Fugaku’s leadership put them in danger, then left him stunned.

After Chiyue berated Uchiha Fugaku during the journey, the group reached Konoha’s coastal camp, where Chiyue’s exploits drew attention. Orochimaru summoned Chiyue to the command center, leaving Nawaki embarrassed after he and the others joked about Orochimaru’s research.

• Chiyue returned to the group after telling Uchiha Fugaku everything he had wanted to say, and Fugaku remained sullen for the rest of the journey.
• Two days later, Chiyue’s group reached the coastal camp, where Konoha’s forces had grown to more than 2,500 ninja.
• Nawaki asked Chiyue how to become famous, and Chiyue suggested he insult Yagura’s height.
• Nara Shikaku told Chiyue that Orochimaru wanted to see him at the command center, and Chiyue teased Shikaku about Orochimaru’s research.
• Orochimaru appeared while Chiyue, Minato, and Nawaki were joking about him, then led them toward the command center.

Orochimaru planned an assault on Kirigakure’s island chain and assigned Chiyue Squad to lead a small spearhead force. Afterward, Chiyue, Minato, and Nawaki enjoyed special accommodations and a meal, while Nara Shikaku was left to wash the dishes.

• Minato and Nawaki reviewed intelligence with Orochimaru and recognized Konoha’s disadvantage against Kirigakure’s island-based sneak attacks.
• Chiyue deduced that Orochimaru intended to break Kirigakure’s island chain, and Orochimaru confirmed the plan to seize islands and force a direct battle.
• Orochimaru assigned Chiyue Squad to spearhead the assault with Jiraiya and other jonin, and ordered them to travel to the Land of Eddies camp the next morning.
• Chiyue, Minato, and Nawaki settled into specially prepared quarters, and Minato started a fire so they could cook.
• Orochimaru and Nara Shikaku joined the squad for dinner, then Orochimaru left and told Shikaku to wash the dishes.

Chiyue and a group of Konoha jonin traveled to the Land of Eddies to join the camp and confront Kirigakure. After they landed, Chiyue reminded Nawaki that the Uzumaki Clan’s strength had not been enough to protect it from destruction.

• Orochimaru arranged a ship to carry Chiyue and the Konoha jonin, including Yūhi Kurenai's father, to the Land of Eddies.
• Yūhi Kurenai's father asked why Chiyue refused to take disciples, and Chiyue explained that he could not bear the thought of a disciple turning against him under orders.
• Yūhi Kurenai's father warned that Kirigakure would fight to recover Samehada, while Chiyue said he hoped to take the other six swords as well.
• The ship docked at the Land of Eddies island, and Nawaki admired how the Uzumaki Clan had built a country.
• Chiyue pointed out that the Uzumaki Clan's lack of a powerful protector had left it vulnerable to destruction, leaving Nawaki speechless.

Chiyue, Minato, and Nawaki joked about the Uzumaki and Senju clans before Nawaki tricked Jiraiya into rushing to the harbor to investigate a supposed woman bathing. Jiraiya returned with intelligence reports and explained that Konoha would seize the initiative by breaking through Kirigakure’s chain of islands, leaving the gathered ninja facing a dangerous mission.

• Chiyue told Nawaki that Senju Tobirama’s ruthlessness and the Senju clan’s marriage customs had contributed to the Uzumaki clan’s distance from them.
• Nawaki claimed that a fair-skinned person was bathing at the harbor and convinced Jiraiya to go check whether it was a woman.
• Jiraiya returned furious after discovering the swimmer was a boy, then produced intelligence reports he had gathered from nearby islands.
• Jiraiya explained that Konoha would break through Kirigakure’s chain of islands to force the enemy into a direct fight.
• The ninja in the command center grew serious as Jiraiya began outlining their dangerous mission.

Jiraiya prepared his team for a dangerous mission against Kirigakure and asked Chiyue to help with Manda, only to learn Little White could not fight. Chiyue realized Jiraiya had mastered Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode and left him embarrassed by explaining how he had guessed.

• Jiraiya briefed the Jonin on the risks of attacking Kirigakure's island bases and dismissed them to rest or study the intelligence.
• Jiraiya asked Chiyue to stay behind and questioned whether Little White and Manda would support the mission.
• Chiyue told Jiraiya that Little White was asleep and unavailable, raising the mission's difficulty.
• Jiraiya said he had trump cards and vowed to lead the team through the mission and bring them back alive.
• Chiyue guessed that Jiraiya could enter Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode, surprising him.
• Chiyue explained that Tsunade had told him about the Three Great Sage Regions and teased Jiraiya for showing off.

Chiyue told Minato and Nawaki about the three Sage Regions and suggested Minato learn senjutsu from Jiraiya. After joking with Minato and Nawaki over dinner, Chiyue joined them aboard a warship as Jiraiya briefed the squad on its dangerous mission against Kirigakure.

• Chiyue explained that Jiraiya had learned senjutsu at Mount Myōboku and described the other Sage Regions to Minato and Nawaki.
• Chiyue advised Minato to ask Jiraiya about learning senjutsu and warned Nawaki to avoid the dangerous Ryūchi Cave.
• Chiyue teased Minato about naming his future son Naruto, and Nawaki exposed Minato's visits to the Uzumaki Clan Lands.
• Jiraiya arrived for a meal, then led the squad aboard a warship under cover of night.
• Jiraiya briefed the squad on breaking Kirigakure's blockade and ordered everyone to follow his commands and avoid reckless advances.

Jiraiya prepared to infiltrate Kirigakure’s island blockade by having Gourd Toad carry the jonin inside its special belly space. Chiyue summoned Manda to follow behind the toad, and the group set off toward the island.

• Hyuga Juan Yi asked how the group would reach the island without being spotted, and Jiraiya revealed his plan to use Gourd Toad for transport.
• Yūhi Kurenai's father entered Gourd Toad first, followed by the other jonin, Minato, and Nawaki.
• Chiyue summoned Manda, whose presence frightened Gourd Toad when it asked whether it could eat the toad.
• Chiyue climbed onto Manda and concealed its presence, then Jiraiya entered Gourd Toad.
• Gourd Toad swam toward the island blockaded by Kirigakure as Manda followed behind.

Chiyue and Jiraiya’s team reached an island in Kirigakure’s blockade, where Jiraiya planned to hold their position until reinforcements arrived. Chiyue proposed using Minato’s Flying Thunder God markers to push deeper into Kirigakure territory instead, leaving Jiraiya to consider the risky plan.

• Chiyue rode Manda across the sea while the rest of Jiraiya’s team traveled inside Gourd Toad.
• During the storm, Chiyue confronted Manda for slacking off in his cultivation, and Manda apologized.
• Chiyue and Jiraiya’s team landed on the island, and Gourd Toad hurried back to Mount Myōboku after releasing them.
• Chiyue reported that Kirigakure’s forces and sensory ninja were stationed on the island’s eastern side.
• Jiraiya warned that Kirigakure’s main force would surround the island once it was captured, leaving the team to defend it until reinforcements arrived.
• Chiyue proposed using Minato’s Flying Thunder God markers to advance into Kirigakure territory and retreat if surrounded, and Jiraiya wondered whether it would work.

Chiyue urged Jiraiya’s group to abandon their defensive plan and use Minato’s Flying Thunder God Technique to raid Kirigakure’s island outposts, forcing Yagura into a direct battle. After hearing the group’s opinions, Jiraiya faced a divided response, but Minato supported Chiyue’s proposal and said they could withdraw to their warship if needed.

• Chiyue argued that Kirigakure’s internal divisions would make Yagura vulnerable if Konoha disrupted the islands and forced him to respond.
• Minato warned that he could not transfer a large group all at once, but Chiyue said they could move gradually and raid the islands.
• Jiraiya asked the gathered jonin for their opinions, and Hyuga Juan Yi favored sticking to the original defensive plan.
• An Uchiha jonin and several others supported Chiyue’s aggressive proposal, while some favored caution, sparking an argument between the clans.
• Jiraiya stopped the dispute and asked Minato what he thought; Minato supported Chiyue and said they could use Flying Thunder God markers to return and cause further trouble, then retreat to their warship if necessary.

Jiraiya’s squad abandoned its cautious plan and prepared to strike Kirigakure’s island fortress, relying on Chiyue and Minato to clear the way. The chapter ended with the two young shinobi approaching the fortress and deciding they could attack however they wanted.

• Jiraiya accepted Chiyue’s proposal to advance aggressively, with Minato ready to help the squad retreat if needed.
• Jiraiya reassured Hyuga Juan Yi that he would explain the change of plan to Orochimaru.
• Chiyue and Minato eliminated Kirigakure’s hidden sentries and regrouped with Jiraiya’s squad.
• Jiraiya sent Chiyue to attack the fortress as the main force while Minato dealt with any stragglers.
• Minato asked Chiyue how they would attack, and Chiyue said they could do it however they wanted.

Chiyue destroyed a Kirigakure fortress with Lightning Burst, leaving his allies stunned and Minato discouraged about his Rasengan progress. After Chiyue offered Minato advice on developing the technique, Jiraiya arrived and misunderstood their talk about balloons.

• Chiyue gathered Lightning Style Chakra and used Lightning Burst to destroy the underground Kirigakure fortress, killing the ninja inside.
• Jiraiya and the others saw the massive crater, while Minato wondered whether he could ever catch up to Chiyue.
• Chiyue asked Minato about his Rasengan research and suggested infusing it with different Chakra attributes.
• Chiyue told Minato to use balloons to help him practice controlling Chakra, and Minato pointed out that Chiyue had used the same method for the Spiral Tailed Beast Ball.
• When Jiraiya arrived and asked about proper and improper balloons, Chiyue claimed Minato wanted to try improper ones, and Jiraiya reacted with delight.

Jiraiya’s team reached Kirigakure’s second island and discovered that a direct assault was unavoidable. Chiyue’s sensory ability detected the island’s harbor and forces, and the group split up to attack both the harbor and the military facilities.

• Jiraiya teased Minato about visiting a pleasure spot after the war, leaving Minato embarrassed while Nawaki and Chiyue mocked Jiraiya’s description of toads as delicate.
• A toad reported that many enemies were stationed on the second island before departing because the seawater bothered it.
• At Jiraiya’s request, Hyuga Juan Yi used his Byakugan to locate military facilities and more than a company of enemies on the island’s eastern side.
• Chiyue sensed Kirigakure’s harbor and its guards on the western side, revealing that the team could not sneak in undetected.
• Jiraiya split the forces, sending Chiyue Squad, Yūhi Kurenai’s father, and two Uchiha Clan jonin toward the harbor while he led the others against the military facilities.
• Samehada cried out and alerted the enemy, so Chiyue’s group began its attack.

Chiyue, Jiraiya, and their allies swept through Kirigakure’s island garrisons, while Orochimaru waited for news and trusted Jiraiya’s silence might bring a surprise. Yagura faced furious accusations aboard Kirigakure’s warship after Konoha’s attack reached the rear, and he defended his strategy of confusing and exhausting Konoha.

• The Uchiha jonin slaughtered the Kirigakure defenders at the harbor while Chiyue, Nawaki, and Yūhi Kurenai's father watched and fought alongside them.
• Jiraiya’s force wiped out Kirigakure’s garrisons on the island and destroyed the harbor installations before moving on.
• The group used Toads of Mount Myōboku and Nawaki’s Summoned Beast to travel quickly, then cleared seven islands within a few hours.
• Nara Shikaku told Orochimaru that Jiraiya had not sent a message, but Orochimaru calmly waited for what he hoped would be a surprise.
• Hozuki Jyan accused Yagura of mismanaging the campaign after Konoha’s forces infiltrated Kirigakure’s rear, and Yagura defended his plan to confuse and weaken Konoha.

Yagura faced a challenge to his leadership from Hozuki Jyan, who criticized his strategy and revealed his retreat from Yagami Chiyue. Yagura held on to command and forced Hozuki Jyan to lead a mission against enemies in Kirigakure’s rear, then turned to the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

• Hozuki Jyan and other commanders criticized Yagura for avoiding a direct assault on Konoha, but Yagura defended his strategy and promised to clear the infiltrators from Kirigakure’s rear.
• Hozuki Jyan exposed Yagura’s retreat after encountering Yagami Chiyue and declared that Yagura was unfit to command.
• Yagura refused to surrender his authority and told dissatisfied commanders they could leave if they would not follow his orders.
• Yagura ordered Hozuki Jyan to lead troops against the infiltrators, threatening to report him if he disobeyed.
• Hozuki Jyan accepted the mission and left the command post, and Yagura turned toward the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

Yagura sent the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist into the Land of Fire to disrupt Konoha’s supply lines while strengthening Kirigakure’s sea patrols. Chiyue’s team learned Kirigakure was preparing to surround them, and Minato began evacuating them with the Flying Thunder God Technique.

• Yagura ordered the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to infiltrate the Land of Fire and cut off Konoha’s supply lines, then intensified sea patrols.
• Jiraiya worried that attacking Kirigakure’s fortified islands could leave his team surrounded, and Chiyue revealed he had already warned Orochimaru about the danger.
• Orochimaru ordered the team to leave Flying Thunder God markers and withdraw before Kirigakure could locate them.
• Nawaki summoned Orochimaru’s message, and Chiyue told Jiraiya that Minato could evacuate the team in about three trips.
• Minato transported the first group away while Chiyue and Jiraiya stayed behind to cover the retreat.
• Nawaki teased Jiraiya for taking credit as Minato’s teacher when Chiyue had provided more guidance.

After Minato transported the team safely to the Land of Eddies, Orochimaru praised Chiyue for changing the mission plan and summoned Chiyue and Minato for a private discussion. The others were dismissed to rest and await new missions.

• Jiraiya and Nawaki discussed whether Jiraiya owed Minato compensation, and Minato defended his teacher by saying he had refused it.
• Minato transported the remaining groups, and the warships returned to the Land of Eddies after Chiyue's team had left Flying Thunder God markers along the route.
• Orochimaru arrived at the port, reassured the group that Shikaku was watching the coastal camp, and led them to the command center.
• Orochimaru explained that he had originally planned to occupy an island and provoke a costly battle with Kirigakure, but Chiyue's proposal had changed his plan.
• Orochimaru said he would record Chiyue's achievements, then ordered Chiyue and Minato to stay while dismissing the others, including Nawaki.

Orochimaru assigned Chiyue and Minato to infiltrate Kirigakure and provoke enough destruction to force the village into conflict with Konoha. They accepted the mission, and Chiyue reassured Jiraiya before teasing Minato about sacrificing himself for his wife.

• Orochimaru ordered Nawaki and the others to leave, then explained that Chiyue and Minato would strike Kirigakure's rear together.
• Orochimaru escalated the plan, asking Chiyue to infiltrate Kirigakure and cause destruction while Minato handled their escape.
• Chiyue and Minato accepted the mission, and Orochimaru returned to the coastal camp.
• Jiraiya warned Chiyue that the mission was dangerous, but Chiyue promised to bring Minato back safely.
• Chiyue asked Minato whether he would die alongside a future wife and leave their child behind, and Minato angrily told him to get lost.