Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hanabi deduces that the Land of Waves is out of funds and that Gato, a cunning merchant, plans to destroy the bridge Tazuna is building just before its completion.
• Team 7 decides to help Tazuna by signing a loan agreement, using future tariffs as collateral.
• The Ghost Hand brothers, former subordinates of Zabuza, are encountered. Hanabi decides to let them go, hinting at a larger scheme involving Gato and Kirigakure.
• Team 7 enters the Land of Waves through an underground waterway, encountering a snow rabbit used for the Substitution Technique, indicating they're being watched.

Character Developments

• Hanabi demonstrates her strategic and analytical skills, understanding complex political and economic situations.
• Kakashi shows his leadership and experience, guiding the team and making strategic decisions.
• Naruto remains energetic and eager, but also naive and impulsive, learning from Hanabi and Kakashi.
• Sasuke is more reserved and thoughtful, understanding the implications of Hanabi's actions.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategic thinking and foresight in overcoming challenges.
• The complexity of political and economic situations, with seemingly simple problems having deep-rooted causes.
• The importance of understanding one's opponents and their motivations.

Character Interactions

• Hanabi and Kakashi work well together, with Hanabi providing strategic insights and Kakashi making practical decisions.
• Naruto and Sasuke learn from Hanabi and Kakashi, with Naruto's impulsiveness often contrasting with their caution.
• The Ghost Hand brothers interact with Team 7, revealing the complex political landscape of the ninja world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hanabi intervenes to block Zabuza's attack, revealing a hidden enemy.
• Hanabi deduces that Gato is likely a pawn of Kirigakure, controlled from the shadows.
• Zabuza uses the Hidden Mist Technique to obscure vision and launch an attack.

Character Developments

• Hanabi demonstrates her strategic thinking and logical reasoning, impressing Zabuza.
• Kakashi realizes Hanabi might have more abilities than he initially thought.
• Sasuke questions Hanabi's genjutsu abilities in the misty conditions.

Significant Themes

• The power of logic and deduction in combat.
• The manipulation of pawns by shadowy figures (Kirigakure).

Character Interactions

• Hanabi and Zabuza: Hanabi's logical deductions challenge Zabuza's understanding of his own situation.
• Kakashi and Hanabi: Kakashi begins to question his initial assessment of Hanabi's abilities.
• Sasuke and Hanabi: Sasuke expresses concern about Hanabi's genjutsu in the mist.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hanabi uses her Byakugan to track Zabuza in the mist and attacks him with a ninja fan infused with fire, which turns out to be a Water Clone.
• Zabuza approaches Hanabi from another direction to retrieve his weapon, the Kubikiribōchō, but Hanabi uses steel wires to block his path.
• Zabuza uses Water Style ninjutsu to attack Hanabi, but she uses her ninja tools for leverage to dodge his attacks.
• Hanabi uses psychological warfare to provoke Zabuza, revealing his past and true nature to the audience.
• Zabuza becomes conflicted and enraged by Hanabi's words.

Character Developments

• Hanabi demonstrates her strategic and manipulative abilities, using her knowledge of Zabuza's past and the audience's perception to provoke him.
• Zabuza's true nature and past are revealed, showing his complex character and motivations.
• Naruto and Sasuke learn about Kirigakure's graduation exam and Zabuza's role in it.

Significant Themes

• The power of perception and manipulation in shaping one's image and the narrative.
• The complexity of characters and their motivations, even among villains.
• The use of psychological warfare in combat.

Character Interactions

• Hanabi manipulates Zabuza, using her knowledge of his past and the audience's perception to provoke him.
• Kakashi and Hanabi work together to subdue Zabuza, with Kakashi's presence allowing Hanabi to borrow his might.
• Naruto and Sasuke learn about Zabuza's past and his role in Kirigakure's graduation exam, gaining a new perspective on him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zabuza attempts to use the Water Dragon Bullet Technique, but an unknown assailant (Haku) distracts Kakashi.
• Sparkle uses Mai Shiranui's Chō Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi against Zabuza, who counters with a Water Clone Jutsu.
• Sparkle discovers the optimal use of her ODM Gear for maintaining balance and posture in combat.
• Hanabi Hyuga uses the Gentle Fist Style: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms to seal Zabuza's chakra, defeating him.
• Kakashi decides to keep Zabuza and Haku from escaping to prevent future difficulties.

Character Developments

• Sparkle demonstrates her combat adaptability and strategic thinking.
• Hanabi reveals her pressure point striking ability without the Byakugan.
• Kakashi shows tactical awareness and determination in battle.
• Zabuza's overconfidence leads to his defeat.

Significant Themes

• The importance of information and preparation in battle.
• The power of adaptability and strategic thinking in combat.
• The role of teamwork and coordination in overcoming stronger opponents.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi and Sparkle work together to protect Tazuna and defeat Zabuza.
• Haku aids Zabuza but is ultimately unable to prevent his defeat.
• Zabuza underestimates his opponents, leading to his downfall.
• Hanabi's elegant demeanor contrasts with her formidable combat abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zabuza and Haku's escape attempt is interrupted by Team 7.
• A mysterious woman with immense power and killing intent arrives, freezing the area and destroying Kakashi's earth wall.
• She reveals she's from the Yuki clan and calls herself Kushina Yukiei, hinting at a connection to Uzumaki Kushina.
• She expresses her intention to "burn Kirigakure to ashes," establishing herself as the new primary antagonist.

Character Developments

• Kakashi shows concern for Naruto's safety and acknowledges the new enemy's power.
• Naruto feels the presence of the mysterious woman and is affected by her killing intent.
• Zabuza and Haku are saved by Kushina Yukiei, revealing their connection to her and the Yuki clan.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the introduction of a new, formidable opponent.
• The theme of "burning" (Konoha, Kirigakure) foreshadows potential conflicts and destruction.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi and Sparkle communicate about the situation, with Kakashi following Sparkle's lead in not pursuing the enemy.
• Zabuza and Haku interact with Kushina Yukiei, revealing their connection and her intentions.
• Naruto and the mysterious woman have a silent, ominous interaction, hinting at future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto encounters a mysterious woman who seems interested in his Nine-Tails power.
• Team 7 learns that the woman is likely targeting Zabuza, not them, and that she has a son with Ice Style Ninjutsu.
• Kakashi reveals that Naruto is sealed with the Nine-Tails Demon Fox, and Sasuke learns about this.
• Naruto meets Kushina Yukiei, a woman with a striking resemblance to his mother, Kushina Uzumaki.

Character Developments

• Naruto feels a strange connection with Kushina Yukiei and is drawn to her maternal aura.
• Sasuke learns about Naruto's power and is intrigued but also wary.
• Kakashi shows concern for Naruto's safety, hinting at his growing bond with the team.

Significant Themes

• The power of motherly love and its influence on characters.
• The consequences of having powerful abilities, as seen through Naruto's potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Kushina Yukiei share a moment of connection, with Naruto feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity.
• Kakashi and Sasuke discuss Naruto's power and the potential threat it poses.
• Naruto helps Kushina Yukiei, showing his kind and helpful nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto has dinner at Kushina Yukiei's house, who seems to be ill and lives alone.
• Kakashi and Sasuke discuss the mission upgrade, reward, and loan with Tazuna.
• Sparkle (an AI) is revealed to have orchestrated Kushina's presence in the Land of Waves for Naruto's sake.

Character Developments

• Naruto feels a connection with Kushina and enjoys her cooking, boosting his spirits.
• Kakashi is unsettled by the similarity of Kushina's name to his master's wife.
• Kushina is shown to be a caring individual, despite her illness.

Significant Themes

• Connection and Belonging: Naruto finds a sense of belonging and warmth in Kushina's company.
• Deception and Manipulation: Sparkle's actions raise questions about free will and manipulation.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Kushina share a warm, almost familial interaction.
• Kakashi and Sasuke discuss mission details with Tazuna, showing their professionalism.
• Kakashi's reaction to Kushina's name hints at a possible past connection or fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hanabi is amused by netizens' speculations about her and Naruto.
• Naruto meets Inari, Tazuna's grandson, who doubts Naruto's heroism.
• Hanabi, disguised as Kushina Yukiei, meets Zabuza, planting seeds of suspicion about Gato and Kirigakure.
• Zabuza considers using the Nine-Tails to lure the Mizukage and negotiate with Konoha.
• Kakashi questions Hanabi about the current situation and her plans.

Character Developments

• Naruto: Becomes arrogant after defeating Zabuza, but is humbled by Inari's doubt.
• Zabuza: Falls into Hanabi's trap, suspecting Gato and considering using the Nine-Tails for his own gain.
• Hanabi: Shows strategic prowess in manipulating Zabuza and understanding the audience's perspective.

Significant Themes

• The power of manipulation and misinformation.
• The consequences of doubt and suspicion.
• The duality of heroism and villainy.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Inari: Naruto's pride is challenged by Inari's doubt.
• Hanabi and Zabuza: Hanabi manipulates Zabuza into suspecting Gato and considering using the Nine-Tails.
• Hanabi and Kakashi: Hanabi shares her strategic insights with Kakashi, who grows increasingly suspicious.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gato's fleet has been attacked several times by an unknown assailant with unknown motives, but no deaths have occurred.
• There are rumors of a grudge against Gato, and some believe it's related to revenge against Kirigakure.
• Sparkle lies about attacks in the Land of Water to mislead Kirigakure and achieve her goals.
• Kakashi feels distressed, thinking about his past and Rin.
• Sparkle shares information about an evil god from the Land of Hot Water, which might be related to the mysterious woman's powers.

Character Developments

• Kakashi's PTSD is triggered by discussions about Kirigakure and Rin.
• Sparkle's kindness is evident as she doesn't harm anyone during her attacks, only creating illusions of harm.
• Naruto's determination to become a hero is strengthened by Sparkle's words and his own reflection on his past.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences.
• The power of belief and determination in the face of adversity.
• The impact of the past on the present.

Character Interactions

• Sparkle and Kakashi discuss the mysterious attacks and the potential revenge against Kirigakure.
• Naruto and Inari clash over Naruto's claim to be a hero, with Inari doubting his sincerity.
• Tazuna shares the story of Kaiza, Inari's stepfather, with Sparkle, Naruto, and Sasuke.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The admin restricts bullet comments due to netizens connecting the story to real-world events.
• Naruto and Sasuke are given a task to gather intelligence in the Land of Waves.
• Inari, a local child, is found by Sparkle (Hanabi), who tries to inspire him to stand up against Gato.
• Naruto and Sasuke encounter Kushina Yukiei, who recognizes Sasuke's clan symbol, the Gunbai.

Character Developments

• Inari: Struggles with guilt and fear due to his father's death and Gato's power. Sparkle's words inspire him to consider taking action.
• Naruto: Becomes more introspective and serious after learning about Inari's past. He also feels a strong desire to spend more time with Kushina.
• Sasuke: Adapts quickly to intelligence gathering tasks. He becomes wary when Kushina recognizes his clan's symbol.

Significant Themes

• The concept of heroism and the impact of heroes on society.
• The importance of standing up against oppression and injustice.
• The influence of one's past on their present actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Sparkle (Hanabi) interacts with Inari, trying to motivate him to take action against Gato. She uses Naruto's story as an example.
• Naruto and Sasuke work together to gather intelligence, with Sasuke taking the lead due to his quick adaptation to the task.
• Naruto and Sasuke encounter Kushina, leading to a brief conversation that hints at future events related to the Uchiha clan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasuke leaves Naruto and Kushina, leaving Naruto unsure of his next move.
• Kushina invites Naruto to her home, where she mends his torn clothes.
• A flashback reveals that Kushina's husband's name was Menma, and they had a son named Naruto, suggesting a connection between Naruto Uzumaki and Kushina.
• Naruto confides in Kushina about his doubts regarding his dream of becoming Hokage and gaining recognition.
• Kushina comforts Naruto, who cries and expresses his pain and longing for a normal childhood.

Character Developments

• Naruto Uzumaki: Naruto struggles with self-doubt and insecurities about his dream and his parents' abandonment. He finds solace and comfort in Kushina's embrace.
• Kushina Yukiei: Kushina shows maternal affection towards Naruto, mending his clothes and comforting him. She reveals a connection to Naruto's past through her late husband and son.

Significant Themes

• Family and Belonging: Naruto's longing for a family and his struggle with his parents' abandonment is a central theme. Kushina's maternal behavior towards Naruto highlights the theme of found family.
• Self-Doubt and Perseverance: Naruto's self-doubt about his dream and his worthiness challenges him to persevere despite his insecurities.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Kushina: Their interaction is marked by warmth and comfort, with Kushina providing maternal care and understanding to Naruto, who is in need of both.
• Naruto and Sasuke: Though not present in this chapter, their dynamic is hinted at, with Sasuke leaving Naruto and Kushina, leaving Naruto unsure of his next move.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto leaves to prepare for the Promotion Test in the Land of Waves.
• Sparkle decides to support Naruto as the best supporting character to gain popularity.
• Kushina Yukiei, now a ninja, joins Zabuza to control the Nine-Tails.
• Gato, under Genjutsu control, offers to negotiate with Tazuna, raising suspicions of a trap.

Character Developments

• Naruto becomes more determined to protect Tazuna and defeat Gato, also showing remorse for his past actions.
• Kushina Yukiei shows naivety in her desire for revenge without causing casualties.
• Gato, under control, changes his stance towards Tazuna.

Significant Themes

• Popularity and its manipulation in the anime world.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents (Gato underestimating Konoha's involvement).
• The struggle between naivety and realism in achieving goals (Kushina Yukiei vs. Zabuza).

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Inari reconcile after their morning argument.
• Tazuna and Kakashi discuss Gato's sudden change of heart.
• Sparkle advises Tazuna on dealing with Gato, showing her manipulative side.
• Zabuza and White discuss their alliance with Kushina Yukiei, revealing Zabuza's dislike for her naivety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sparkle and Kakashi discuss the true objective of the enemy, likely the Nine-Tails.
• Kakashi and Tazuna leave for the negotiations, with Sparkle in charge of Team 7.
• Naruto goes to say goodbye to Kushina Yukiei and is drugged, leading to his abduction.
• Sasuke discovers Naruto's abduction and pursues the ship carrying him.

Character Developments

• Kakashi becomes more cautious about the enemy's true objective.
• Sparkle demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
• Sasuke shows concern for Naruto and acts quickly upon discovering his abduction.
• Kushina Yukiei's true identity is hinted at, suggesting she's not just a commoner.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Nine-Tails and its desirability.
• The importance of strategic planning and preparation.
• The theme of identity and secrets, as hinted at with Kushina Yukiei.

Character Interactions

• Sparkle and Kakashi discuss the mission's complexities, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Naruto and Kushina share a warm moment before his abduction, highlighting their bond.
• Sasuke and Sparkle work together to find Naruto, demonstrating teamwork and concern for their teammate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi and Zabuza are excluded from Sparkle's plan due to their unpredictability.
• Sasuke infiltrates the cargo ship, but Sparkle arrives and reveals the crew members are under Genjutsu and have Ice Style traps.
• They reach a deserted island where Naruto is taken by Kushina and Haku. Sparkle and Sasuke follow.
• Kushina plans to summon the Nine-Tails using Naruto as the sacrifice and vessel.

Character Developments

• Sparkle demonstrates her intelligence and strategic thinking by excluding unpredictable elements and manipulating Sasuke.
• Sasuke shows his eagerness to rescue Naruto but is still naive about the true extent of the situation.
• Naruto appears defeated and helpless, but his emotions are building up.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and control: Sparkle manipulates Sasuke and the situation to her advantage, while Kushina seeks to control the Nine-Tails.
• Sacrifice: The theme of sacrifice is introduced as Kushina plans to use Naruto as the vessel for the Nine-Tails.

Character Interactions

• Sparkle and Sasuke work together to follow Naruto, with Sparkle guiding Sasuke while also ensuring her own safety.
• Kushina and Haku interact, with Kushina ordering Haku to delay any approaching Konoha ninjas while she prepares the summoning ritual.
• Naruto and Kushina have a brief interaction, with Naruto expressing his disbelief in the situation and Kushina revealing her true intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasuke and Sparkle reach the island and encounter Haku.
• Haku reveals that the Nine-Tails will be extracted and given to Zabuza.
• Sparkle uses her signature move, "Thousands Senbon Like Rain," to hold Haku off while Sasuke escapes.
• On the other side, Naruto is being used in a ritual by Kushina Yukiei to extract the Nine-Tails.
• Sasuke, with the help of his Sharingan, breaks through Kushina's defenses and frees Naruto.
• Naruto decides to fight Kushina to stop the ritual, using his Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Character Developments

• Sasuke shows determination and growth, using his Sharingan to read and counter Kushina's attacks.
• Naruto regains his fighting spirit upon seeing Sasuke's efforts to save him.
• Kushina is revealed to be under the influence of a dark power, causing her to act against her will.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and will (Naruto's resolve, Sasuke's persistence).
• The consequences of dark power and manipulation (Kushina's actions).
• The bond between friends and teammates (Sasuke's rescue of Naruto).

Character Interactions

• Sasuke and Haku: Sasuke tries to escape Haku's detection, while Sparkle holds Haku off.
• Naruto and Kushina: Naruto struggles against Kushina, who is under the influence of a dark power.
• Sasuke and Naruto: Sasuke rescues Naruto, boosting his morale and determination to fight back.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto's Shadow Clones are defeated, and he's sent flying by Kushina Yukiei.
• Sasuke helps Naruto, and they team up against Kushina.
• Kushina uses an Ice Style jutsu, "Swallows Snow Blizzard," which Sasuke counters with a Fire Style jutsu, "Blazing Sky."
• After a prolonged struggle, Sasuke and Naruto are overwhelmed by Kushina.
• Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra manifests, and he briefly loses control.
• Kushina summons a clone to attack Naruto, but Sasuke warns him in time.
• Naruto's consciousness fades, and he calls out to his mother for help.

Character Developments

• Naruto: Struggles with his Nine-Tails chakra, shows concern for Kushina's well-being.
• Sasuke: Demonstrates growth in his Fire Style jutsu, shows concern for Naruto.
• Kushina Yukiei: Reveals her desire to obtain the Nine-Tails' power, shows vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and teamwork (Naruto and Sasuke)
• The struggle against inner demons (Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra)
• Ambition and its consequences (Kushina's desire for power)

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Sasuke: Work together against Kushina, showing mutual concern and support.
• Naruto and Kushina: Naruto shows empathy and concern for Kushina, despite her actions.
• Sasuke and Kushina: Sasuke shows determination to stop Kushina, but also acknowledges Naruto's trust in her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Nine-Tails' chakra begins to manifest and spread within Kushina, who is trying to protect Naruto.
• An unknown force summons Kushina's soul, mixing it with the Nine-Tails' chakra, creating a situation where the Nine-Tails is about to be released.
• Naruto, still within the Nine-Tails' chakra, tries to suppress it but struggles due to his age and power level.
• Sasuke realizes that his final attack affected the sealing jutsu, causing the Nine-Tails to manifest directly on Naruto.
• Kushina Yukiei, Naruto's mother, appears, and the Nine-Tails takes a humanoid form resembling her.

Character Developments

• Kushina: Realizes she's been summoned and understands the situation. She wants to return to the underworld but stays to prevent the Nine-Tails from going berserk.
• Naruto: Struggles to maintain consciousness and suppress the Nine-Tails' power. He's confused and in pain.
• Kushina Yukiei: Reveals her past and her desire for revenge, driven by the death of her child, Menma.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences: Kushina Yukiei's desire for revenge has led her to make a deal with the Shinigami, putting her on a path of no return.
• The power of the Nine-Tails: The immense power of the Nine-Tails is shown to be dangerous and difficult to control, even for its original jinchuriki, Kushina.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Kushina: Naruto calls out to Kushina Yukiei, thinking she's his mother, while Kushina wants to reassure Naruto that she's not the Nine-Tails.
• Kushina and Kushina Yukiei: The two Kushinas have a moment of realization, understanding each other's pain and experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kushina uses the Uzumaki clan's secret technique to control Kushina Yukiei, but the latter transforms using the Nine-Tails' power.
• A fierce battle ensues between Kushina and Kushina Yukiei, with the latter transforming into a "final boss" form.
• The island where they are fighting begins to sink due to the power of their battle.

Character Developments

• Kushina demonstrates her strength and determination to protect Naruto.
• Kushina Yukiei's true motivations and desires are revealed.

Significant Themes

• The power of motherly love and selflessness.
• The consequences of obsession and revenge.

Character Interactions

• Kushina and Kushina Yukiei's intense battle highlights their similarities and differences.
• Sasuke's concern for Naruto and his desire to protect him is evident.
• Sparkle's actions and dialogue reveal her immersion in her role and her understanding of the other characters' motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kushina Yukiei, disguised as Sparkle, uses the Ice Style to freeze the ocean currents, preventing the opponent from transforming into the black form again.
• Kushina leaves the island, realizing that the Nine-Tails' power is still within Naruto, posing a hidden danger.
• Haku's plan fails, and she is sealed by Sparkle using the Gentle Fist Style.
• The nameless island sinks into the sea, and Team 7 returns to the Land of Waves.
• The Land of Waves receives protection, and the bridge is completed, marking the successful completion of Team 7's mission.

Character Developments

• Naruto gains a deeper understanding of the cruelty of life and the role of a hero and a ninja, marking his growth.
• Kushina, as Sparkle, shows her maternal side, wanting to free Naruto from the fate of being a jinchuriki.
• Haku's true intentions are revealed, and she is captured by Sparkle.

Significant Themes

• The theme of motherhood and selflessness is explored through Kushina's actions.
• The concept of a hero and a ninja is discussed, with Naruto gaining a deeper understanding of these roles.

Character Interactions

• Kushina and Naruto share a mother-son-like bond, with Kushina wanting to protect Naruto and Naruto not wanting to leave Kushina.
• Haku and Sparkle's interaction results in Haku's capture, marking the end of her plan.
• Team 7 interacts as they return to the Land of Waves, with Naruto reflecting on his experiences and growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sparkle is exhausted after resonating with Jingliu twice and taking hits from Nine-Tails' power.
• Zabuza and his subordinates are apprehended by Kakashi, with Zabuza defeated by Kakashi's Sharingan techniques.
• Naruto expresses pity for Zabuza, leading to a heated exchange between them.
• Sparkle reveals that Kirigakure didn't send anyone to the Land of Waves, suggesting internal issues within the village.
• The Land of Waves is set to take over Gato's shipping business, with the Third Hokage likely to agree.

Character Developments

• Zabuza's defeat is partly due to Sparkle's manipulation, causing him to question his true self and leading to his capture.
• Naruto's perception of Zabuza changes, seeing him as someone who wants to change Kirigakure for the better.
• Sparkle's plan to have the Land of Waves take over Gato's shipping business is successful.

Significant Themes

• The theme of self-discovery and questioning one's true nature, as seen in Zabuza's character arc.
• The struggle between loyalty to one's village and personal beliefs, as seen in Zabuza and Naruto's interactions.

Character Interactions

• Zabuza and Kakashi's battle, leading to Zabuza's capture.
• Naruto and Zabuza's heated exchange, with Naruto expressing pity for Zabuza and Zabuza reacting in anger.
• Sparkle's manipulation of Zabuza, leading to his self-doubt and capture.
• Sparkle and Kakashi's coordination, with Sparkle handling the next phase of the plan while Kakashi slacked off.