Chapter Summaries

Chen and Sasuke examined a stone tablet projection containing Gamamaru’s prophecy about an otherworldly demon, the Dharma Eye Treasure, and a future battle. Chen decided to investigate Shi Hui and Naruto, using his information-extraction ability to locate Shi Hui’s hideout.

• Sasuke read the tablet’s encrypted genjutsu projection with his Rinnegan and judged it free of flaws, then warned Chen about possible hidden risks.
• Chen used the Human Path to read Sasuke’s mind and watched Gamamaru’s prophecy, which described a demon possessing an Uchiha and seeking Hamura’s hidden Tenseigan power.
• Naruto identified the demon as Uchiha Chen based on Gamamaru’s description, while Hagoromo questioned whether the prophecy matched Chen’s known actions.
• After the projection ended, Chen decided to find Naruto and learn more about Shi Hui’s situation.
• Chen used Twin Flowers on Uzuki Yugao to extract information and discovered where Shi Hui had moved his hideout.

Chen and Sasuke infiltrated Jūki’s underground lair, where they witnessed Sarutobi Mirai become a Divine Tree Person named Weiyang. Weiyang detected Chen’s Haniyasu, forcing him and Sasuke to reveal themselves before Jūki and her followers.

• Chen and Sasuke reached the abandoned Root headquarters, now used as Jūki’s hideout, while concealed by Chen’s Haniyasu.
• Jūki transformed Sarutobi Mirai into a Divine Tree Person, named her Weiyang, and ignored Naruto’s pleas to spare her.
• Weiyang warned the others that two people had infiltrated the base and pointed out Chen and Sasuke’s location.
• Jūki attacked the hidden intruders with the Heavenly Sun Spear, but Chen shattered the beam and revealed himself and Sasuke.

Chapter 263: “A Small Taste of Power” — Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo, one of the Jūki Divine Tree People, attacks Chen by creating an enormous ink warrior with his Super Beast Imitation Drawing technique. Chen effortlessly catches its punch and destroys it with Yin-Lightning Style.
• While Sasuke prepares a Tailed Beast Bomb, Chen uses Sage Art: Storm Release Light Fang. The purple beam cuts through Sasuke, severing his arms and torso and nearly killing several nearby allies. Sasuke survives in a damaged, “human stick” state.
• Ino attempts to use a highly compressed Mind Transfer technique against Chen, but Sasuke’s Heavenly Hand reflects the attack. He then uses Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi to engulf Ino in black flames.
• Hong intervenes with a Tenseigan-powered Preta Path orb, absorbing the flames and preventing Ino’s body from being destroyed, which would have made resurrection impossible.
• Ban, Temari’s Divine Tree form, attacks Sasuke with a fan that manipulates natural energy rather than simply producing wind. She deliberately targets Sasuke instead of Chen, believing that eliminating Chen’s partner may give the Divine Tree People a chance.
• Ban uses the Tenseigan orb and Asura Path to construct a mechanical trap around Sasuke, complete with laser cannons. Sasuke reflects the lasers back, destroying the machine.
• Sasuke throws his Kusanagi Sword, allowing Chen’s lightning-enhanced weapon attack to split Ban and her iron fan in two. Ban becomes the third Divine Tree Person defeated in only a few exchanges.
• Hong and Weiyang prepare to retaliate, but Jūki stops them. Observing that Chen and Sasuke only counterattack those who directly target them, Jūki realizes they are not attempting to exterminate the Divine Tree People.
• Jūki confronts Chen from his throne and demands to know his true purpose.

Character Developments

• Chen demonstrates overwhelming offensive power, effortlessly destroying Zuo’s ink construct and cutting through Sasuke and the surrounding battlefield with Storm Release Light Fang. His restraint becomes increasingly significant: despite his strength, he does not attack those who leave him alone.
• Sasuke reveals the defensive and tactical potential of Heavenly Hand, reflecting both Ino’s Mind Transfer: Snipe and Ban’s multi-directional laser attack. He also uses Amaterasu, Kagutsuchi, and his Kusanagi Sword with precision, proving himself capable of defeating Divine Tree People when supported by Chen.
• Ino shows a more advanced version of Mind Transfer, firing it as a concentrated mental “sniping” attack. However, fear rooted in her original body’s memories causes her to abandon her attempt against Chen and switch targets to Sasuke.
• Hong demonstrates cooperation and pragmatism by using her Tenseigan orb and Preta Path to absorb Amaterasu, preserving Ino’s body for future resurrection.
• Ban displays creativity with the Asura Path, constructing mechanical armor and cannons based on her imagination. Her strategy is intelligent, but she is ultimately outmatched by Sasuke’s Heavenly Hand and Chen’s sword attack.
• Jūki proves perceptive and analytical. He recognizes the pattern in Chen and Sasuke’s behavior and understands that their objective is likely negotiation or communication rather than mass destruction.
• Naruto is stunned by Sasuke’s strength and mistakenly believes that Chen and Sasuke may have joined forces specifically to rescue him and possibly save Kawaki.

Significant Themes

• Power and restraint: Chen and Sasuke possess enough power to devastate the battlefield, but their selective responses suggest a deliberate objective rather than indiscriminate violence.
• Cooperation and tactical complementarity: Chen provides overwhelming offense, while Sasuke supplies defensive reflection, ranged techniques, and precision attacks. Their partnership allows them to dominate multiple opponents.
• Adaptation of inherited abilities: The Divine Tree People creatively combine Tenseigan, Rinnegan, Asura Path, and Preta Path techniques, showing how familiar powers evolve in new forms.
• Fear and psychological influence: Ino’s reaction to Chen is shaped by the memories and trauma of her original body, demonstrating that mental and emotional weaknesses remain important even after transformation.
• Misinterpretation of motives: Naruto assumes Chen and Sasuke are allies acting to save him, while Jūki more accurately identifies their restrained behavior as a possible attempt to communicate.

Character Interactions

• Chen and Sasuke fight alongside one another, though Chen’s attack initially severely injures Sasuke. Sasuke nevertheless adapts and uses Chen’s opening to counter the Divine Tree People.
• Ino targets Chen but is redirected by Sasuke’s Heavenly Hand, leading Sasuke to attack her with Amaterasu. Hong then saves Ino by absorbing the flames.
• Ban deliberately coordinates with Jūki’s side against Sasuke, believing Chen is too dangerous to confront directly. Her attacks force Sasuke into a defensive battle, but he turns both assaults against her.
• Naruto watches Sasuke’s performance with admiration and renewed hope for his own rescue and Kawaki’s salvation.
• Jūki ultimately interrupts the escalating conflict and directly asks Chen to explain his intentions, shifting the chapter from combat toward a possible negotiation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen arrives at Jūki's sky garden, accompanied by Sasuke.
• Naruto, imprisoned, is tortured for speaking out.
• Chen seeks information from Naruto about the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
• Naruto reveals the prophecy, which hints at a demon from beyond the heavens plotting to subvert the Ninja World.
• Naruto asks Chen to spare and guide Kawaki, comparing him to Boruto.
• Jūki creates a barrier around the sky garden and reveals her body to Chen.

Character Developments

• Chen demonstrates his intelligence and willingness to negotiate, using Isshiki's power to subdue Yan.
• Naruto shows remorse for his past actions, asking Chen to spare Kawaki and guide him.
• Jūki displays uncertainty and emotional changes after hearing Naruto's words, leading to a mysterious action.

Significant Themes

• Prophecy and fate: The Great Toad Sage's prophecy is central to the chapter, with Naruto revealing its details and Chen considering its implications.
• Redemption and guidance: Naruto's plea for Kawaki's redemption and guidance highlights the theme of second chances and the potential for growth.
• Power dynamics: The interactions between Chen, Jūki, and Naruto showcase the power dynamics at play, with Chen maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor.

Character Interactions

• Chen and Jūki: Their interaction is tense yet controlled, with Chen seeking information and Jūki maintaining her position.
• Chen and Naruto: Their exchange is pivotal, with Naruto revealing the prophecy and asking for Chen's mercy towards Kawaki.
• Naruto and Kawaki: Their father-son bond is evident, with Naruto pleading for Kawaki's redemption and Kawaki refusing to leave his side.
• Jūki and her subordinates: Jūki displays control over her subordinates, ordering them to withdraw and creating a barrier around the sky garden.

Chen negotiated with Toki to cooperate in accelerating Kawaki’s Karma thaw so he could later use Kawaki as the Ten-Tails’ sacrifice. He offered Toki three gifts, including her missing Tenseigan and protection for Hanabi Hyuga, but Toki had not yet decided whether to agree.

• Toki taunted Naruto by propositioning Chen, and Naruto thrashed against the briars until he lost consciousness.
• Chen refused Toki’s advances, and she returned to her throne after explaining that she had lost her sense of shame when Isshiki forced her to crawl before Konoha.
• Chen told Toki he planned to use Kawaki as a living sacrifice after Kawaki’s Karma fully thawed and proposed that Toki and her Divine Tree Persons train him before Chen’s people created real life-or-death threats.
• Toki questioned Chen’s plan and pointed out that Kawaki knew she could not kill him because of Isshiki’s mission.
• Chen offered Toki a Black Cube, her missing left Tenseigan, and protection for her younger sister, Hanabi Hyuga, in exchange for cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jigen attempts to kill Hanabi by throwing her off a cliff and causing a landslide.
• Hanabi's bracelet, a gift from Jinghua, activates a Susanoo shield, saving her.
• Outer Circle #52 rescues Hanabi and summons her to Chen using a talisman.
• Chen decides to save Hanabi using scientific ninja tool modification once he obtains Amado's knowledge.
• Jūki activates her Tenseigan in both eyes and gains a complete Rinnegan on her forehead.
• Chen and Jūki agree to cooperate until Kawaki's Karma is unfrozen, then part ways.
• The Jūki asks Chen to remove Hanabi's memories of her and bows to him, addressing him as "Chen-kun".

Character Developments

• Hanabi's survival and near-death experience awaken her Byakugan into a Tenseigan, though Chen is initially unaware.
• Jūki activates her full Tenseigan power and gains a complete Rinnegan, becoming one of the strongest characters in the ninja world alongside Chen.
• Chen demonstrates his determination to save Hanabi, showing his compassion and commitment to his friends.

Significant Themes

• The power of connections and bonds, as seen through Jinghua's gifts to Hanabi and the cooperation between Chen and Jūki.
• The consequences of near-death experiences and the awakening of hidden powers.
• The importance of memories and the request to erase them, highlighting the complexity of relationships and the pain of loss.

Character Interactions

• Jigen and Hanabi: Jigen attempts to kill Hanabi, leading to her near-death experience and awakening.
• Hanabi and Jinghua: Jinghua's gifts to Hanabi save her life and awaken her powers.
• Chen and Hanabi: Chen decides to save Hanabi using scientific ninja tool modification.
• Chen and Jūki: Chen and Jūki agree to cooperate and part ways, with Jūki asking Chen to remove Hanabi's memories of her.
• The Jūki and Chen: The Jūki bows to Chen and addresses him as "Chen-kun", showing respect and familiarity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen and Sasuke stay at the Lair of the Ten Divine Generals to analyze the prophecy.
• Chen realizes Naruto's recall of the prophecy is too perfect, suggesting it might be manipulated.
• Chen decides to treat the prophecy as tampered and work backward to gather information.
• He enters Zen Meditation to connect the dots between recent events and the Otherworldly Demon.
• Chen realizes the Otherworldly Demon's identity and goal might be connected to his brother Jin's death seven years ago.

Character Developments

• Chen shows trust in Sasuke by asking him for protection during meditation.
• Chen demonstrates his analytical skills and determination to uncover the truth behind the prophecy.
• Sasuke shows understanding and support for Chen's methods.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty (Chen entrusts Sasuke with his protection).
• The power of analysis and deduction (Chen's method of treating the prophecy as tampered).
• The consequences of past actions (Chen's transmigration causing the butterfly effect).

Character Interactions

• Chen and Sasuke work together to analyze the prophecy.
• Chen seeks Sasuke's opinion on Naruto's recall of the prophecy.
• Chen entrusts Sasuke with his protection during meditation, showing trust in him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen completes his Zen meditation and identifies the Otherworldly Demon as Otsutsuki Shinshiki.
• Chen and Sasuke discuss the prophecy's authenticity and the significance of the keywords "Hamura Dojo" and "Shōbō Genzō".
• Chen unleashes a powerful attack, Mizuha: Super Six Paths: Indra's Arrow, towards the moon, which is blocked by a barrier.
• The Otherworldly Demon, revealed to be Shinshiki, prepares an army of Dishā White Zetsu using the resentful souls of the Hidden Leaf Village ninjas who died on Taoyuan.

Character Developments

• Chen: Shows growth in his abilities and determination, identifying the enemy and launching a powerful attack.
• Sasuke: Witnesses Chen's power and understands the gravity of their situation.
• Shinshiki: Reveals his true identity and prepares for the next phase of his plan.

Significant Themes

• Prophecy and its manipulation: The prophecy's authenticity is questioned, and its manipulation is explored as a means to delay or mislead Chen and Sasuke.
• Power and its consequences: Chen's immense power is demonstrated, but it's also shown that even his power has limits and cannot destroy the barrier around the moon.
• Identity and deception: Shinshiki's true identity is revealed, and his deception is explored as a means to achieve his goals.

Character Interactions

• Chen and Sasuke: Discuss the prophecy and Chen's plan to attack the moon, showing a level of trust and cooperation between them.
• Chen and Shinshiki: Their indirect interaction is shown through Chen's attack on the moon and Shinshiki's preparations for his next move, highlighting their opposing goals and powers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ada Wang, a clone of Ada created to eliminate Uchiha Shinshiki, appears.
• Uchiha Shinshiki analyzes Ada Wang's powers, which include Jōgan, Maharoka, and Kihigami, making her nearly invincible.
• Shinshiki attempts to defeat Ada Wang using various Ninjutsu, but she adapts and becomes immune to them all.
• Shinshiki decides to use Form Release to seal Ada Wang, preventing her from adapting further.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Shinshiki: Realizes the power of Ada Wang and the danger she poses. Considers activating his true form but decides against it due to the risk of taking Chen's body prematurely.
• Ada Wang: Proves to be a formidable opponent, adapting to Shinshiki's attacks and developing new attack methods.

Significant Themes

• The power of love and obsession, as Ada Wang's actions are driven by her love for Chen and hatred for Shinshiki.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents, as Shinshiki initially underestimates Ada Wang and Ada's love for Chen.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Shinshiki and Ada Wang: Engage in a battle of wits and power, with Shinshiki analyzing Ada Wang's abilities and Ada Wang adapting to Shinshiki's attacks.
• Uchiha Sarada and Obito: Sarada, distraught over recent events, seeks comfort and advice from Obito.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sarada wakes up in the hospital, concerned about how she got there.
• Obito reveals that it was Yuki, not Boruto, who brought Sarada to the hospital.
• Sarada confides in Obito about her worries and insecurities regarding her power and future with Boruto.

Character Developments

• Sarada: Struggles with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy due to her power compared to others like Boruto and Yuki. She expresses her desire to be more than just a supporting character in Boruto's life.
• Obito: Shows understanding and empathy towards Sarada's struggles. He provides guidance and advice, revealing four potential paths for ninja development.

Significant Themes

• Self-acceptance and growth: Sarada grapples with her self-perception and desire to improve.
• Power dynamics: The conversation revolves around different power systems (Mangekyo Sharingan, Karma, Divine Tree Person, Scientific Ninja Tools) and their implications.
• Relationships: Sarada's feelings for Boruto and her desire to support him drive her ambition.

Character Interactions

• Sarada and Obito: They have a heart-to-heart conversation, with Obito acting as a mentor figure, offering guidance and understanding.
• Sarada and Yuki: Though not present, Yuki's actions show her as a caring and responsible individual, which contrasts with Sarada's self-deprecation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen and Sasuke return to Taoyuan on August 2nd.
• Chen and Kaguya discuss the moon-related prophecy and the potential threat from the Otherworldly Demon.
• Chen decides to transfer Madara and Obito's souls into Divine Tree Persons using the Soul Transfer Technique.

Character Developments

• Chen shows concern for his allies' safety and demonstrates strategic thinking in preparing for the upcoming threat.
• Kaguya accepts Chen's request to be addressed as "Grandmother" and extends this to her entire family.
• Madara and Obito express their willingness to help Chen despite their reservations about becoming Divine Tree Persons.

Significant Themes

• The theme of family and respect is reinforced as Kaguya establishes a new form of address for her family.
• The theme of sacrifice and atonement is highlighted as Madara and Obito choose to help Chen, despite their personal reservations.

Character Interactions

• Chen and Kaguya discuss the upcoming threat and plan their strategy together, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Chen, Madara, and Obito have a heartfelt conversation about their past, present, and future, demonstrating their strong bond as comrades.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madara and Obito, resurrected as Divine Tree People, face off.
• Madara's Six Tomoe Rinnegan creates 16 Limbo shadows, overwhelming Obito.
• Obito uses Kamui to teleport Madara's head into his dimension, but Madara's Limbo shadows destroy Obito's body.
• Both Madara and Obito are destroyed in their first encounter.

Character Developments

• Madara: Shows increased power and arrogance, eager to prove his superiority.
• Obito: Realizes Madara's Limbo shadow strategy late, attempts a counter but fails.

Significant Themes

• Power and Dominance: Both characters exhibit immense power, seeking to prove their superiority.
• Mutual Destruction: Their fight ends in both of them being destroyed, highlighting the consequences of their arrogance and thirst for power.

Character Interactions

• Madara and Obito: Their interaction is marked by tension, with Madara trying to assert dominance and Obito trying to keep up.
• Kaguya and Chen: Both observe the fight, with Kaguya instigating it and Chen providing commentary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madara and Obito's bodies are restored using Omodaru's time-reversal ability.
• Madara and Obito acknowledge Obito's growth and potential to stand against Madara.
• Chen learns about Isshiki's possible whereabouts and plans to deal with him.
• Chen visits his secret laboratory on South Mountain.
• Sarada finds Chen at the laboratory, seeking his help.

Character Developments

• Madara: Recognizes Obito as a worthy opponent and acknowledges his growth.
• Obito: Accepts his current limitations compared to Madara but is satisfied with their mutual destruction outcome.
• Sarada: Overcomes her fear of Chen, seeks his help, and expresses her desire to modify her body.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Recognition: Madara and Obito's interaction highlights Obito's growth and Madara's acknowledgment of it.
• Trust and Fear: Sarada's fear of Chen evolves into trust as she seeks his help, showing her willingness to overcome her fears.

Character Interactions

• Madara and Obito: They share a moment of mutual respect and understanding after their battle.
• Chen and Sarada: Chen shows kindness and understanding towards Sarada, helping her overcome her fear of him. Sarada, in turn, seeks Chen's help and expresses her desire to improve herself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sarada expresses her desire to undergo modifications to keep up with Boruto's growth.
• Chen explains the risks and complexities of cell transplantation and Scientific Ninja Tools using examples from Kara's modified humans.
• Hanabi Hyuga's severely injured body is revealed, and Chen prepares to perform a modification on her using a Regeneration Core.
• Sarada witnesses the gruesome process, leading to her vomiting and deciding not to undergo modification until she clears her memory.

Character Developments

• Sarada: Realizes the brutal reality of modifications and the risks involved, decides against undergoing modification for now.
• Hanabi Hyuga: Severely injured by Jigen, clinging to life, awaiting modification.
• Chen: Demonstrates his medical ninjutsu skills and commitment to helping Hanabi.
• Ao Ya: Revealed to be Chen's spy and assistant, shows a playful side while being professional.

Significant Themes

• The risks and consequences of seeking power and strength.
• The brutal reality of war and its impact on individuals.
• The importance of personal values and beliefs in decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Chen and Sarada: Chen explains the modification process to Sarada, who decides against undergoing it for now.
• Sarada and Ao Ya: They meet for the first time, with Ao Ya revealing she knows about Sarada's admiration for Boruto and the Seventh Hokage.
• Chen and Hanabi: Chen prepares to perform a modification on Hanabi to save her life.
• Sarada and Hanabi: Sarada is shocked and saddened by Hanabi's condition, leading her to decide against undergoing modification.

Hanabi's Modification Complete

August 3rd, early morning. After two hours of high-precision work, the modifications to Hanabi Hyuga were complete.
Sarada gazed at Hanabi, submerged in a glass container, her beauty and health restored.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hanabi's body is submerged in a glass container, her beauty and health restored.
• Chen and Sarada discuss the modifications made to Hanabi.
• Chen reveals that Hanabi has a Regeneration Core, inspired by the Ten-Tails' life tissue, which suppresses other Scientific Ninja Tools and prevents them from going berserk.
• Chen explains that the core is undetectable and cannot be expelled by Hanabi herself.
• Sarada expresses concern about Hanabi's rejection reaction, but Chen assures her that there are no signs of rejection.
• Chen reveals that he has also implanted three other powerful Scientific Ninja Tools in Hanabi: Meat Feather Robe, Sickle Hand, and Hurricane Turbine.

Character Developments

• Chen demonstrates his mastery over Scientific Ninja Tools by successfully modifying Hanabi.
• Sarada shows interest in undergoing modifications with Scientific Ninja Tools to become a top-tier ninja and walk alongside Boruto.
• Chen expresses concern for Sarada's safety and well-being during the modification process.

Significant Themes

• The power and potential of Scientific Ninja Tools are highlighted, as well as the risks and dangers associated with their use.
• The importance of careful consideration and decision-making when it comes to modifying one's body is emphasized.
• The bond between Chen and Sarada grows stronger as they work together to help Hanabi.

Character Interactions

• Chen and Sarada work together to complete Hanabi's modifications.
• Chen explains the intricacies of the Scientific Ninja Tools to Sarada, answering her questions and concerns.
• Sarada expresses her admiration for Chen's abilities and his dedication to helping Hanabi.
• Chen expresses his desire to protect Sarada and ensure her safety during the modification process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen enters the experimental base's inner area and finds the corpse of Moegi, the Animal Path Divine Tree Person, killed by Jūya.
• Chen plans to conduct an experiment using Moegi's corpse and her preserved cells as a control group.
• He successfully clones Moegi using his advanced cloning equipment.
• Chen attempts to extract Moegi's Divine Technique, Claw Mark, and transplant it into himself.
• He plans to use Time Reversal to retry the extraction if it fails.

Character Developments

• Chen: Shows his scientific prowess and determination to replicate Divine Techniques. He also demonstrates compassion towards his subordinates, White Zetsu.
• Moegi: Though not present, her role as a control group and potential donor of her Divine Technique is emphasized.

Significant Themes

• Science vs. Nature/Magic: Chen's scientific approach to replicate Divine Techniques contrasts with the magical nature of these abilities.
• Sacrifice and Utilization: Moegi's corpse and cells are used for an experiment, highlighting the theme of using resources, even bodies, for greater purposes.
• Determination and Persistence: Chen's resolve to succeed in extracting Divine Techniques, no matter the cost, is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Chen interacts with White Zetsu, showing care for his subordinates.
• Chen's thoughts about Moegi and Hinata reveal his respect for them and his desire to help them, if possible.

Chapter 277 Summary: “Divine Technique: Claw Mark, Extraction Complete”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto awakles inside the Thorn Cage and sees Kawaki being brutally defeated by Miyō, one of Sarutobi Mirai’s Divine Tree People.
• Miyō taunts Kawaki for being Isshiki’s Vessel and easily counters his attacks. Kawaki, enraged and humiliated, demands to be killed and vows to destroy the Divine Tree People someday.
• Naruto realizes that the Divine Tree People are distracted and that the cage’s restraints have weakened. He secretly enters Sage Mode and uses lightning techniques derived from Sasuke’s Chidori to cut himself free.
• Naruto attempts a surprise attack on Miyō using Chidori in one hand and a hidden Rasengan in the other. Miyō’s superior perception allows her to evade and counter him.
• Miyō uses her Summoning Technique: Thunderbird, releasing a powerful lightning creature that electrocutes and incapacitates Naruto.
• Hong absorbs Naruto’s Sage Chakra with a Tenseigan Spirit Orb and places him under Genjutsu. No then uses Human Puppet to control Naruto’s body, forcing him to dance and humiliating him further.
• Kawaki reacts violently to Naruto’s mistreatment. His Karma markings spread, and he unleashes a burst of power before being returned to a separate cage unconscious.
• Naruto awakens and learns from Jūki that Kawaki’s outburst apparently woke her. Naruto notices that Jūki has regained a Tenseigan eye, which she claims Chen rewarded her with.
• Believing Jūki may have seduced Chen while disguised as Hinata, Naruto angrily insults both Jūki and Chen. Jūki responds vindictively by casting a dream Genjutsu in which Naruto will be forced to watch Chen “develop” her.
• Meanwhile, Chen announces that his work is complete: after dissecting Moegi 361 times, he has successfully extracted the Divine Technique known as Claw Mark.

Character Developments

• Naruto: Despite attempting to rescue Kawaki, Naruto is shown to be severely weakened physically and mentally. His Sage Mode, Sharingan, and Genjutsu resistance are far below expectations, allowing the Divine Tree People to overpower and humiliate him.
• Kawaki: His desperation and anger intensify as he watches Naruto suffer. His Karma activates explosively, suggesting that his emotional bond with Naruto may trigger or amplify his power.
• Miyō: She demonstrates exceptional combat ability, especially perception and counterattacks, despite being described as the weakest of the Divine Tree People.
• Hong and No: Hong specializes in chakra absorption and Genjutsu, while No uses Human Puppet to manipulate Naruto. Their casual treatment of Naruto emphasizes their overwhelming superiority.
• Jūki: Her resentment toward Naruto becomes more apparent. She uses his accusations as justification for cruel psychological revenge and appears increasingly aligned with Chen.
• Chen: His experiments reach a major milestone with the successful extraction of Moegi’s Claw Mark technique.

Significant Themes

• Decline and humiliation: Naruto’s defeat reflects the loss of his former power and status, contrasting sharply with his reputation as the Seventh Hokage.
• Parental devotion: Naruto’s willingness to risk himself for Kawaki reinforces their father-son relationship, while Kawaki’s rage at Naruto’s suffering shows his deep attachment.
• Power through suffering and experimentation: Chen’s repeated dissection of Moegi and the extraction of Claw Mark highlight the story’s brutal, scientific approach to acquiring power.
• Manipulation and identity: Jūki’s use of Hinata’s appearance and Naruto’s accusations emphasize themes of impersonation, jealousy, and psychological control.
• Emotional triggers: Kawaki’s Karma activation demonstrates how anger, helplessness, and protective instincts can unlock dangerous power.

Character Interactions

• Miyō dominates Kawaki in combat and mocks his status as Isshiki’s Vessel.
• Naruto tries to rescue Kawaki but is defeated by Miyō, Hong, and No.
• Kawaki protests the Divine Tree People’s treatment of Naruto and challenges Jūki to intervene.
• Naruto confronts Jūki about her Tenseigan and suspected relationship with Chen.
• Jūki retaliates by trapping Naruto in a humiliating dream.
• Chen’s interactions with Jūki remain indirect, but his reward to her and completion of the Claw Mark extraction establish his growing influence over the others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen successfully extracts and replicates the Divine Technique: Claw Mark from a modified Divine Tree Person named Moegi.
• Chen performs an autopsy on Ada, determining that her Divine Techniques, All-Seeing Eye and Omnipotence, cannot be extracted through the same method used for Claw Mark.
• Ada's corpse is transformed into Pain using the Six Paths Technique.

Character Developments

• Chen demonstrates his dedication to his goals, experimenting extensively to achieve his objectives.
• Ada's love for Chen is further emphasized, even after her death.
• Chen shows empathy and respect for Ada, despite having to dissect her.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and knowledge, even at great personal cost.
• The consequences of unchecked love and obsession.
• The blurred line between humanity and divine beings.

Character Interactions

• Chen interacts with Moegi's corpse, expressing gratitude for her role in his experiments.
• Chen and Ada's relationship is explored further, with Chen showing understanding and respect for Ada's feelings.
• Chen interacts with Ao Ya, delegating tasks and discussing their findings.

Chapter 279 Summary: “Shinshiki’s Action”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shinshiki unveils an army of 20,000 Earthly Fiends, created from the resentful souls of Leaf Village civilians killed by Ōtsutsuki Isshiki. Their bodies resemble silver-gray, barb-covered White Zetsu.
• Earthly Fiends possess strength comparable to the Five Kage, retain the techniques they knew in life, and can repeatedly revive at their birthplace. Each revival intensifies their resentment and increases their power.
• Their primary targets are Naruto and his family, whom they blame for accepting Kawaki and causing their deaths. Shinshiki restrains them by promising that, once he takes over Kawaki’s body, they will be allowed to attack Naruto.
• Shinshiki cuts down a branch of the Divine Tree and transforms it into a Demonized Ten-Tails clone. This creature, empowered by the Genjutsu Demon Hour, will accompany the Earthly Fiends to the moon to construct the Crimson Moon Demon Lair, a fake version of the prophesied Demon Lair.
• Using the Hell Path, Shinshiki creates a fake version of himself. He reveals coffins containing numerous Uchiha corpses, including Tajima, Izuna, Kagami, Fugaku, and Izumi.
• He chooses Uchiha Izumi’s corpse and combines it with an imitation of his own soul through the Hell King’s power, creating a female-bodied combat clone. The clone possesses a false Six Tomoe Rinnegan with roughly one-third of Shinshiki’s ocular power and is intended to appear as the “Otherworldly Demon.”
• Shinshiki also fabricates the prophesied True Dharma Eye by sealing the soul of Ōtsutsuki Hamura inside a wooden box. Byakugan users who look into it will supposedly inherit Hamura’s Tenseigan power.
• With the Earthly Fiend vanguard, Demonized Ten-Tails, fake Demon, and True Dharma Eye prepared, Shinshiki begins the final stage: constructing the fake Demon Lair on the moon.

Character Developments

• Shinshiki is shown as an elaborate planner who manipulates prophecy, souls, corpses, and divine techniques to create an entirely convincing false scenario. He treats the Earthly Fiends as both weapons and partners in a conditional bargain.
• He displays strong personal devotion toward Chen, claiming that he wants Chen’s final year to be peaceful and happy before their inevitable confrontation.
• Shinshiki’s abilities come with significant costs. His use of the Eightfold God of Words causes him to suffer physically, demonstrated when he bleeds after creating the True Dharma Eye.
• Uchiha Izumi is repurposed as the vessel for Shinshiki’s artificial clone, allowing him to exploit her appearance and create a gender-swapped imitation of himself.
• The Earthly Fiends are revealed to be powerful but unstable. Their hatred gives them strength, yet their instinct to kill Naruto can override Shinshiki’s orders if they approach their target too closely.

Significant Themes

• Resentment and revenge: The Earthly Fiends’ power is directly fueled by hatred, but their endless revival also traps them in a cycle of suffering.
• Manipulation of fate and prophecy: Shinshiki deliberately invents the True Dharma Eye and fake Demon Lair, turning prophecy into a tool for deception.
• Identity and imitation: The fake Shinshiki, false Rinnegan, fabricated treasure, and Demonized Ten-Tails all explore the difference between genuine power and convincing replicas.
• Power and sacrifice: Shinshiki can create extraordinary weapons, but divine techniques demand a personal Price.
• Love and control: Shinshiki’s affection for Chen appears sincere, yet it is intertwined with manipulation, long-term planning, and a desire to shape Chen’s future.

Character Interactions

• Shinshiki calms and directs the Earthly Fiends by promising them eventual revenge against Naruto and his family.
• He addresses Kawaki, explaining that the Earthly Fiends will be released once Kawaki becomes his ideal vessel.
• Shinshiki speaks of Chen with unusual tenderness, claiming that he wants Chen to live happily during the final year before their confrontation.
• He notices Ada observing him from a distance but ignores her attention and continues preparing the moon-based Demon Lair.
• Shinshiki uses the Hell King to merge his artificial soul with Izumi’s corpse and to transform Hamura’s soul into the supposed True Dharma Eye, demonstrating his control over both allies and unwilling materials.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shinshiki Otsutsuki, an Otsutsuki clan member, recounts his history and connection to Taoyuan.
• Five hundred years ago, Shinshiki and Urashiki were sent to Kengetsu Province as scouts.
• Shinshiki discovers Taoyuan's immense energy and kills its monks to gain access, inheriting the gate-opening permission.
• He plans to demonize the Ten-Tails to absorb Taoyuan's energy but faces unforeseen consequences.
• Shinshiki chooses to defy his clan and decides his fate is his own.
• He manipulates Urashiki's actions to create a time-loop connection with Chen.
• Shinshiki creates a secret gate to the outside world and reveals his past encounter with Chen.

Character Developments

• Shinshiki Otsutsuki: Reveals his past, motivations, and powers. He is strategic, ambitious, and manipulative, with a strong belief in karma.
• Urashiki: Mentioned as a rival and pawn in Shinshiki's plans. His actions are manipulated by Shinshiki.
• Chen (Uchiha Chen): Shinshiki's target and focus of manipulation. His past encounters with Shinshiki are revealed.

Significant Themes

• Karma and fate: Shinshiki believes in karma and sees events as connected through fate.
• Power and ambition: Shinshiki's desire for power drives his actions and decisions.
• Manipulation and control: Shinshiki manipulates Urashiki and events to achieve his goals.

Character Interactions

• Shinshiki and Urashiki: Rivals and pawns in each other's plans.
• Shinshiki and Chen: Their interactions are revealed through Shinshiki's recounting, showing a complex relationship of manipulation and connection.
• Shinshiki and the monks of Taoyuan: Shinshiki kills the monks to gain access to Taoyuan's energy.