Chapter Summaries

Chiba faced the remaining Iwa and Kumogakure ninjas after killing Hiratsuka Shin and defeating Yugito Nii. As both groups prepared to attack his apparently exhausted, injured body, he warned that he might have laid traps across the area, and they froze.

• The Iwa scout and captain realized Hiratsuka Shin was dead and suspected Chiba had also defeated Kumogakure's Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii.
• The Iwa scout insisted Chiba was exhausted and injured, and urged the Iwa patrol to attack before he could recover.
• The Iwa and Kumogakure ninjas readied themselves to strike Chiba, believing he was at the end of his strength.
• Chiba asked whether they feared he had laid traps all over the area, and both groups stopped in their tracks.

Chiba used the possibility of hidden traps to keep eight Kumogakure and Iwa patrol ninjas from attacking him. He then questioned whether traps were really there, leaving the patrol members unable to decide whether he was bluffing or luring them into danger.

• The Kumogakure and Iwa ninjas suspected Chiba had planted traps beneath the muddy clearing and hesitated to attack.
• Chiba judged the eight experienced patrol members to be dangerous despite their limited combat strength, while relying on his preparations in the clearing.
• Chiba sat beside the fallen Yugito Nii and asked whether there were really traps there.
• The eight ninjas argued with themselves over whether Chiba was bluffing or trying to lure them into the clearing, and remained paralyzed by uncertainty.

Kumogakure and Iwa hesitated to approach Chiba, each fearing that the clearing was trapped and that the other village would gain an advantage. When Kumogakure’s captain decided to test the clearing, Chiba prepared to respond.

• Kumogakure and Iwa held back as they weighed the danger of Chiba’s supposed traps and the stakes of the Defense Map and Yugito Nii.
• Chiba shifted closer to Yugito and wondered why the opposing ninja were so cautious while he recovered.
• Kumogakure’s captain decided to test the clearing rather than let Chiba regain his strength.
• The scouting ninja released the captain, and the other Kumogakure ninja steeled themselves to act.
• Chiba watched the captain with surprise and approval, reaching behind his back as the captain stepped forward.

Chiba tricked the Kumogakure and Iwa ninja into gathering over a controlled trap, then escaped the explosion with Yugito Nii. As he fled, Yugito opened her eyes.

• The Kumogakure and Iwa ninja watched the captain step into the clearing, each preparing to attack the other or Chiba depending on whether a trap was triggered.
• Chiba raised a Rock Wall, drawing the eight ninja’s attention and prompting them to charge toward it when the captain found no trap beneath his foot.
• Chiba revealed himself atop a distant mound with Yugito Nii over his shoulder and explained that the trap was controlled.
• The ninja realized too late that dozens of Exploding Tags were buried beneath them, and the explosion swallowed them.
• Chiba fled through the trees with Yugito as the blast propelled them, and Yugito’s scarlet eyes suddenly opened.

Chiba escaped with Yugito after defeating the Iwa and Kumogakure ninja, then realized their bizarre fear and recklessness might mean enemy villages knew about his past actions. He left the story heading toward the southwestern edge of the encirclement, newly concerned that he had become a target.

• Chiba questioned why Yugito and the Iwa and Kumogakure ninja had acted so cautiously and then charged recklessly into the clearing.
• Chiba recalled his original plan to escape while leaving Yugito behind so the enemy villages would fight over her and the Defense Map, allowing him to detonate buried Exploding Tags.
• After the enemy ninja entered the clearing, Chiba used the Rock Wall as cover to flee with Yugito instead of carrying out his original plan.
• Chiba reasoned that the enemy villages might be wary because they knew of his deeds, despite the Third Hokage's efforts to conceal them.
• Chiba realized that at least one village, and possibly more, had learned about his actions and resolved to be more careful as he headed southwest.

As Chiba raced through the forest, he realized that Sunagakure had likely publicized his exploits to make rival villages target him and weaken their forces. He resolved to finish his mission and return to Konoha, but an explosive-tag kunai suddenly flew past his face.

• Chiba considered how his growing reputation could make him a priority target during the war’s coming decisive battle.
• Chiba suspected Ebizo of Sunagakure had spread news of his achievements to turn Kumogakure, Iwa, and Kirigakure against him.
• Chiba ruled out Iwa and Kumogakure as the source of the rumors and concluded that Sunagakure was responsible.
• Chiba decided to complete his mission quickly, return to Konoha, and avoid taking further missions.
• As Chiba leaped through the forest, an explosive-tag kunai passed close to his cheek and its tag ignited.

Chiba faced a hidden attacker who used Exploding Tags and Kunai to force him from the trees and nearly blast him. Wounded and low on Chakra, Chiba realized the enemy was focused on him rather than Yugito Nii, but another attack opened directly behind him.

• Chiba used a Mechanical Kunai Hirohiko had made to catch himself beneath a branch after an explosion erupted nearby.
• The attacker fired three Kunai through the smoke, cutting Chiba’s Steel Wire and forcing him to fall toward an Exploding Tag.
• Chiba narrowly escaped the blast, but his injured right hand and limited Chakra left him at a disadvantage.
• Chiba saw Yugito Nii in a bush and deduced the attacker planned to kill him before taking her.
• A pair of bloodshot eyes appeared behind Chiba as a blade stabbed down toward him.

Chiba struggled to adapt to fighting in his normal state after relying on Gate of Pain Mode, leaving him unable to dodge the surviving Kumogakure captain’s attacks. The captain paralyzed Chiba with Lightning Release Chakra and thrust a kunai toward his chest, leaving Chiba trapped in mortal danger.

• Chiba failed to dodge the charred Kumogakure captain’s punch and was knocked into a tree.
• Chiba recognized the captain as the ninja who had tested the trap and realized he had survived the Exploding Tags.
• The captain used the Body Flicker Technique to strike Chiba again, pinning his arms against his chest.
• Chiba tried to form a Substitution Technique hand seal, but the captain’s Lightning Release Chakra paralyzed his body.
• The captain drew a kunai and stabbed it toward Chiba’s chest.

Chiba outmaneuvered the Kumogakure captain in close combat while concealing how much strength he had left. The captain believed Chiba was exhausted, but Chiba unleashed Monster Strength in Gate of Life Mode and sent him flying.

• The Kumogakure captain mistook a clone for Chiba and was struck by Chiba's side kick from behind.
• Chiba spun to attack the captain with his left leg while secretly throwing a kunai into his left arm.
• The captain caught Chiba's right foot and used electricity to try to paralyze him, believing his strength and chakra were exhausted.
• Chiba suddenly released Monster Strength in Gate of Life Mode, blasting the captain sideways.

Chiba used a sealing scroll to unleash a Fire Release attack that engulfed the badly injured Kumogakure captain. As the captain burned, Chiba discovered that a kunai and steel wire had been wrapped around his torso, and someone called his name.

• Chiba realized the Kumogakure captain was relying on a life-prolonging secret medicine and had survived his injuries long enough to keep fighting.
• Chiba's Gate of Life Mode shut down after his Monster Strength strike, and he dropped to one knee as his strength failed.
• The Kumogakure captain thought Chiba was helpless and reached for the kunai in his shoulder, but Chiba revealed a steel-wire trap connected to a sealing scroll.
• Chiba released the scroll's sealing mechanism, sending a Dragon Fire Technique along the wire and engulfing the Kumogakure captain.
• Chiba noticed steel wire wrapped around his chest and abdomen with a kunai lodged in his right chest, and a shocked voice called his name.

Chiba was badly wounded by Yugito Nii in Tailed Beast Version Two, while Yukina treated him and Hirohiko prepared to face her. Chiba gave Yukina instructions to help everyone escape, but Yugito began a powerful attack as Hirohiko braced to block it.

• Yugito Nii pierced Chiba's shoulder and chest with her Chakra tail, sending him crashing into a tree.
• Yukina caught Chiba, saw how severely he was injured, and began bandaging him with supplies from his Ninja Tool Pouch.
• Hirohiko faced Yugito Nii despite being exhausted, while Chiba realized he could not defeat her alone.
• Chiba told Yukina that they all had to survive and whispered instructions to her, which she accepted.
• Yugito Nii roared and unleashed a Chakra shockwave that cracked the ground and blew Hirohiko backward as he prepared to block her next attack.

Yugito Nii prepared to fire a Tailed Beast Bomb at Chiba and Yukina, but Chiba triggered an attack that caused her transformed body to erupt before she could release it. Hirohiko and Yukina escaped with Chiba as a pillar of fire burst through Yugito Nii’s Tailed Beast Mode.

• Yugito Nii gathered Chakra into a Tailed Beast Bomb while Hirohiko and Chiba realized the blast could kill everyone nearby.
• Chiba urgently asked Yukina to help him form a hand seal, and she joined her fingers with his to form the Tiger seal.
• Yugito Nii swallowed the Tailed Beast Bomb and prepared to spit it toward them as Chiba shouted for Hirohiko to flee.
• Explosions erupted across Yugito Nii’s body, interrupting her attack as Hirohiko leapt away and Yukina carried Chiba from the area.
• A blazing pillar of light tore through Yugito Nii’s Tailed Beast Mode, and Matatabi’s pained roar echoed through the forest.

Chiba believed he had died and waited in a dark place by a bonfire, unable to leave behind the people and life he had found. Kanno Satoru comforted him and urged him not to give in to fate before Hirohiko and Yukina appeared to take him home.

• Chiba realized his wounds and exhaustion had vanished and concluded that he was dead, waiting in a darkness lit only by a bonfire.
• Chiba remembered the people and bonds he had gained and wondered whether fate had doomed him to die.
• Kanno Satoru appeared and told Chiba not to blame himself for failing to save him, since the mission had been Kanno's, Suke's, and Masaru's responsibility.
• Chiba assured Kanno that his parents were doing well, and Kanno thanked him and urged him not to compromise with fate.
• Kanno shook hands with Chiba and said someone had come to take him home.
• Hirohiko and Yukina appeared as figures of light, placed their hands on Chiba's shoulders, and called him home.

Chiba woke in a damaged house in the war zone beside the unconscious Yukina and feared Hirohiko had died. Hirohiko soon arrived unharmed, and Chiba urgently asked him what had happened.

• Chiba awoke in pain and realized he and Yukina were still in the war zone.
• Chiba found Yukina unconscious and judged that she had lost a great deal of blood, though he could see no wound.
• Chiba worried that Hirohiko had died after he had last seen him on the battlefield.
• A young girl entered the house, then ran outside to announce that Chiba was awake.
• Hirohiko rushed in, relieved to see Chiba awake, and Chiba asked him to explain what had happened.

Chiba recovered in a town in the Land of Grass after escaping the encirclement, while Yukina remained unconscious and badly weakened. As Hirohiko went to find supplies, Chiba met Chiaki, the girl who had sheltered them, and she offered him candy for his pain.

• Hirohiko secured Chiba's injured hands and confirmed they were about three days from the village, then told him Yukina only needed rest.
• Chiba asked Hirohiko to find quilts, medicine, and game before nightfall, and Hirohiko left to search the town and its outskirts.
• Chiba reflected on how Hirohiko and Yukina had escaped the rampaging Two-Tails and vowed to take Yukina home safely.
• Chiba noticed Chiaki peeking into the room and gently introduced himself, though she remained frightened at first.
• Chiaki approached Chiba and asked whether he was hurt, then offered him candy to help ease the pain.

Chiba met Chiaki, a young girl living in a war zone, and comforted her by letting her touch his bloodstained bandage. He promised to stay with her and Yukina, though he knew he and Yukina would have to leave.

• Chiaki offered Chiba her treasured candy, but he told her to keep it for herself.
• Chiba assured Chiaki that his wound did not hurt, and she cautiously touched his bandage until she was reassured and laughed with him.
• Chiaki asked whether Yukina would be all right, and Chiba promised that she would be.
• Chiaki asked Chiba and Yukina to stay and keep her company, and Chiba agreed despite knowing they would leave.

Chiba waited with Chiaki in a ruined town, worrying about the teammates who had gone to the rendezvous point and wondering what would happen to Chiaki when they returned to the village. Hirohiko finally came back carrying food and supplies.

• Chiba reflected on how Morino Ibuse, Kinoi Kento, Shiga Takeyoshi, Hirohiko, and Yukina had escaped after defeating the Kumogakure ninja, and worried that Iwa ambushers might threaten the group heading to the rendezvous point.
• Chiba assessed the ruined house and its warning traps, deciding that he and Chiaki were temporarily safe while they recovered.
• Chiba wondered what would happen to Chiaki when they returned to the village.
• Chiaki spotted Hirohiko returning, and he arrived carrying a wild boar, a pheasant, and a backpack with a cooking pot.

Chiba realized Chiaki had been surviving on moldy bread and ration balls, so he promised her meat while Hirohiko went to find firewood. With Yukina stable and their team having escaped the encirclement with the Defense Map, Chiba finally relaxed and collapsed to the ground.

• Hirohiko killed a wild boarlet and a pheasant, frightening Chiaki, then apologized for treating the killing as routine.
• Chiba discovered that Chiaki had been eating moldy bread and ration balls and promised her meat for dinner.
• Chiba and Chiaki checked on Yukina, whose condition was stable despite her blood loss.
• Chiba realized he could not gather firewood because of his injuries, and Hirohiko had already gone to find some.
• Chiba reflected that the group had escaped the encirclement and obtained the Defense Map, then collapsed as his tension finally eased.

After escaping the encirclement, Chiba and his companions recovered at their shelter while Hirohiko reflected on the pressure Chiba had endured. Chiba checked on the recovering Yukina, praised Chiaki’s work, and began teaching her to read Hirohiko’s map, leaving Hirohiko wondering why Chiba had become so proactive with her.

• Hirohiko prepared pheasant and wild boar while recognizing how heavily Chiba had carried responsibility for the mission.
• Chiba reassured himself that Yukina’s anemia had stabilized and thanked Hirohiko in his thoughts for his dependable help.
• Chiaki finished building a campfire and stove, and Chiba praised her work.
• Chiba asked Chiaki to unfold Hirohiko’s map and began teaching her how to read it.
• Hirohiko listened to Chiba and Chiaki, then wondered whether meeting Chiaki had changed Chiba.

Chiba decided to bring Chiaki back to Konoha despite the danger of traveling with the Defense Map and their injuries. The chapter ended with Chiba inviting Chiaki to come with them.

• Chiba and Hirohiko fed unconscious Yukina soup while Chiaki watched the cooking fire and waited to eat with them.
• Chiba asked Hirohiko what he thought would happen to Chiaki, and Hirohiko agreed that she would die if left alone in the war zone.
• Chiba explained that he wanted to take Chiaki to Konoha, praising her quick learning and strong willpower.
• Hirohiko warned that bringing Chiaki along could endanger them all, but Chiba insisted and claimed he had a seventy percent chance of escaping with her.
• Hirohiko accepted Chiba's decision and agreed to protect Chiaki as their captain's companion.
• Chiba called Chiaki over and invited her to come to Konoha with them.