Recaps

After Danzo’s death reshaped Konoha’s power struggle, Shinichi maneuvered events around the Uchiha and prepared the village for threats from the Otsutsuki. Sasuke joined Shinichi’s laboratory, while Minato began training Naruto in the Eight Inner Gates, leaving both boys on a path toward greater power.

• Minato defended Itachi’s actions after Danzo’s attack, disbanded Root, and later accepted Danzo’s Sharingan from Fugaku as Danzo died in the hospital.
• Hiruzen suspected Minato was involved in Danzo’s death, while Kōtarō revealed his forbidden Chimera Technique and challenged his father with stolen abilities.
• Shinichi helped Itachi confront the Stone Ninja and then battled Kakuzu and Sasori, while also fighting to protect Konan and Nagato from Black Zetsu.
• Shinichi freed the amnesiac Uchiha Hikari from a Senju seal and became her companion as she decided she wanted to visit Konoha.
• Shinichi used Sasuke’s public attack as part of a plan to draw out Isshiki, while Konoha hosted the coming Chunin Exams and spread Toneri’s Sage-descendant status.
• Sasuke left Team Seven and was assigned to Shinichi’s laboratory, where Shinichi explained the Otsutsuki threat and promised to help him grow stronger.
• Shinichi began training Sasuke in physical conditioning and the Eight Inner Gates, while Minato put Naruto on the same path.
• Naruto trained with Might Guy and used the Akimichi Clan’s Spinach Pill to open the Gate of Opening in one afternoon, surpassing Sasuke’s progress.