Chapter Summaries

Hagoromo arrived to rescue Team 6 from Orochimaru, who had been testing the young ninja with Ryūchi Cave’s summoned beasts. Orochimaru then revealed his completed Impure World Reincarnation and summoned the First Hokage, provoking Hagoromo into a confrontation.

• Hagoromo arrived at the battlefield and dispelled the Shikkotsu Forest summons, ordering Mirai, Kimimaro, and Haku to leave and continue the Chunin Exams.
• Mirai and the others withdrew, and Hagoromo recognized Orochimaru despite his disguise.
• Orochimaru questioned Hagoromo about his sage arts and explained that he had returned to Konoha to test a newly completed technique.
• Orochimaru used Impure World Reincarnation to summon the First Hokage and said he had wanted to prepare for the possibility of becoming Hagoromo’s enemy.
• Hagoromo told Orochimaru that he had tolerated him because of his talent, but warned him not to provoke him.

Orochimaru summoned the First Hokage with Impure World Reincarnation to fight Hagoromo, while hiding nearby to watch. After an awkward conversation, the First Hokage attacked with Wood Release, and Hagoromo countered with Chidori Sharp Spears.

• Orochimaru concealed himself underground and let the First Hokage emerge from the coffin.
• The First Hokage questioned Hagoromo, who explained that he had been resurrected to fight him.
• The First Hokage said he was on Konoha's side and offered to reveal his weakness, then admitted he had none.
• The First Hokage used World of Trees Advent, sending branches and vines rushing toward Hagoromo.
• Hagoromo repelled the Wood Release with Chidori Sharp Spears and called his technique Starburst Stream Slash.

Hagoromo fought the First Hokage, whose power and resistance to Orochimaru’s control kept increasing, and used Sage Mode and a massive fire technique to escape the forest. The battle escalated when Hashirama revealed his Wood Human Technique as the Third Hokage arrived.

• Orochimaru struggled to control the First Hokage while trying to force Hagoromo to use his Eye Technique.
• Hagoromo tried to escape Advent of a World of Trees with the Yata Crow, but the First Hokage restrained it with Wood Dragon Technique.
• The First Hokage trapped Hagoromo in Darkness Genjutsu and nearly skewered him with Deep Forest Emergence, but Hagoromo broke free using Sage Mode.
• Hagoromo unleashed Sage Art: Fire Release: Kirin, setting much of the examination grounds and mountain ablaze.
• The Third Hokage arrived as Hashirama rose through the flames in his Wood Human Technique, stunning Hagoromo and his clone.

Hagoromo fought the First Hokage’s Wood Human, using Katsuyu and his clones to create openings while the First Hokage entered Sage Mode. Hagoromo feinted with a giant Rasengan and began sealing the Wood Human’s head with a modified Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique.

• Hagoromo summoned Katsuyu to raise him and his clones closer to the Wood Human.
• The First Hokage entered Sage Mode and attacked Hagoromo’s clones, while Hagoromo avoided the Myriad Gods Gate.
• Katsuyu split apart to escape the sealing gates, then let the Wood Dragon coil around it so it could dissolve the dragon with acid.
• Hagoromo’s third clone launched a Sage Art: Super Big Ball Rasengan, but the First Hokage blocked it with the Hobi Technique.
• Hagoromo used the Rasengan as a feint, rushed in, and swallowed the Wood Human’s head in a modified Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique.

Hagoromo fought the revived First Hokage during the Chunin Exams, while Tsunade and the Third Hokage watched from outside the battlefield. As Hashirama prepared his Sage Art Release Several Thousand Hands Transformed Buddha, Hagoromo readied a massive Rashomon technique and the Third Hokage feared their battle would destroy the area.

• Hagoromo used the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique, destroying much of the Wood Human and eliminating his Shadow Clone and the First Hokage's Wood Clone, but Hashirama evaded the blast.
• Tsunade arrived with the Third Hokage, who suspected Orochimaru had revived Hashirama with Impure World Reincarnation.
• Hagoromo charged Hashirama in Sage Mode, and Tsunade approached the battlefield on Katsuyu to get closer to her grandfather.
• Hashirama recognized Tsunade and lost focus, allowing Hagoromo to strike him with a series of kicks and pin him to the ground with his Chakra Blade.
• Hashirama recovered, pulled out the blade, and summoned Sage Art Release Several Thousand Hands Transformed Buddha as Hagoromo prepared a sealing-formula Rashomon.
• The Third Hokage feared the two would demolish the area as they prepared to resume fighting.

Hagoromo held back his strongest attack as the Third Hokage stepped in to confront the First Hokage, who recognized his former student and chose to end his own Impure World Reincarnation. After the First Hokage vanished, Tsunade told Hagoromo to deal with the enormous True Several Thousand Hands statue he had left behind.

• Hagoromo prepared to summon and magnetize Rashomon, but he had no intention of unleashing a devastating attack near the Chunin Exam participants.
• The Third Hokage stopped Hagoromo with his Adamantine Staff and took his place atop Rashomon to face the First Hokage.
• The First Hokage recognized the aged Third Hokage, realized he had been dead for many years, and greeted Sarutobi and Tsunade warmly.
• The First Hokage praised Tsunade and the Third Hokage, then released the Impure World Reincarnation and disappeared.
• Hagoromo asked what to do with the True Several Thousand Hands statue, and Tsunade told him to move it himself.

Orochimaru decided to keep his plan unchanged despite Hagoromo’s strength, while Konoha’s leaders managed the aftermath of the battle. The Third Hokage entrusted Hagoromo with an unexpected task, leaving him staring at Tsunade as she handled the village’s affairs.

• Yakushi Kabuto asked whether Orochimaru would adjust their plan, but Orochimaru said it would remain unchanged and hinted that he had prepared bait for Hagoromo.
• The Third Hokage considered blaming Hagoromo for the battlefield disturbance while Tsunade ordered the Anbu and exam proctors to check the Chunin Exam candidates.
• Hagoromo refused to move the Senju Buddha Statue and suggested that Tenzō handle it because he could use Wood Release.
• The Third Hokage asked Hagoromo whether Orochimaru had used Impure World Reincarnation, and Hagoromo confirmed it and predicted Orochimaru would stay near Konoha.
• The Third Hokage entrusted Hagoromo with a difficult task, and Hagoromo looked toward Tsunade as she managed the aftermath.

After the Chunin Exams resumed following Orochimaru’s invasion, the surviving Genin began their one-on-one matches. Mirai effortlessly defeated Kankuro with Adamantine Sealing Chains, and the exams continued with her strength on full display.

• Hagoromo returned to the exam venue and reassured the Konoha Jonin that the crisis was over.
• Neji defeated Hinata in a gentle match, and Naruto beat Kiba with shadow clones.
• Ino defeated Sakura, while Shino was the only member of Team 8 to advance and all three members of Team 10 passed.
• Hayate Gekko announced Mirai’s match against Kankuro, who brought out his puppet Crow.
• Mirai used Adamantine Sealing Chains to destroy Crow and bind Kankuro without moving her feet.

Mirai defeated Kankuro with Adamantine Sealing Chains, and Haku forfeited his match as part of Team 6’s plan to let Gaara advance. The next match began between Kaguya Kimimaro and Rock Lee, with Hagoromo hinting that Kimimaro could unleash his full power.

• Mirai shocked Kankuro unconscious with Lightning Release: Adamantine Sealing Chains and won their match.
• Hagoromo worried that Mirai had exposed a powerful secret technique, then reasoned that her easy victory reflected both her strength and Kankuro’s mistakes.
• Haku withdrew before fighting, allowing Gaara to advance by default in accordance with Team 6’s plan.
• The next match paired Kaguya Kimimaro with Rock Lee, whom Hagoromo suspected could use the Eight Gates Formation.
• Kimimaro and Lee took their positions, and Hagoromo called out to Kimimaro before the fight began.

Rock Lee faced Kimimaro in a close-range fight, and Kimimaro’s weapon and chakra gave him the advantage in their opening exchange. After Lee admitted he could not win in his normal state, he removed his weights and opened four of the Eight Gates, leaving the fight poised to intensify.

• Kakashi and Hagoromo estimated the likely outcome of Lee’s match against Kimimaro, while Kai insisted Lee would surprise everyone.
• Lee charged Kimimaro with a punch, but Kimimaro dodged and countered with a sweeping strike from the Twin Swords.
• Kimimaro infused Hiramekari with chakra and launched a powerful attack that smashed into the arena wall, but Lee evaded it at the last moment.
• Lee told Kimimaro that he could not defeat him in his normal state, and Kai gave him permission to continue.
• Lee removed his weights and bandages, then opened the first four gates of the Eight Gates Formation.

Lee used the Fourth Gate against Kimimaro, but Kimimaro caught Lee’s Reverse Lotus and revealed his Dead Bone Pulse: Willow Dance. The battle’s outcome remained undecided as Kimimaro prepared to counter with bone blades.

• Kakashi questioned Kai for teaching Lee the dangerous Eight Gates Formation, and Kai defended his decision because taijutsu was Lee’s only path to becoming a strong ninja.
• Lee warned Kimimaro that his speed and power had increased, then fought him after opening four Gates.
• Kimimaro charged Lee with Hiramekari, but Lee dodged the attack and kicked the weapon out of his hand.
• Hagoromo caught the flying Hiramekari and drove it into the floor as Lee restrained Kimimaro and launched the Reverse Lotus.
• Kimimaro caught Lee’s fist, trapped his arm, and grew bone blades across his body before using Dead Bone Pulse: Willow Dance.

Rock Lee opened four Gates against Kimimaro, whose Dead Bone Pulse let him counter Lee’s taijutsu and gradually wound him. As Kimimaro prepared to use Lightning Release against Lee’s next Gate, Hagoromo and Kai stopped the match before it could become a fight to the death.

• Rock Lee opened four Gates and attacked, but Kimimaro activated the Dead Bone Pulse and used bone blades to defend himself.
• Kimimaro explained his bone-manipulating ability after Lee asked what he was using, then cut Lee’s arm as Lee charged again.
• Lee’s repeated attacks failed to break through Kimimaro’s Willow Dance, and he concluded that four Gates were not enough to win.
• As Lee prepared to open the Fifth Gate, Kimimaro retracted his bone blades and surrounded himself with Lightning Release.
• Hagoromo asked Kai to end the contest, and Kai told Lee to stop before the fight became too dangerous.

Rock Lee forfeited his match against Kimimaro after using the Eight Gates, and the preliminary round concluded with ten Genin advancing. Later, Tsunade examined Kimimaro and suspected Lightning Release suppressed Dead Bone Pulse’s harmful effects, while Hagoromo reported no sign of Orochimaru.

• Might Guy had Rock Lee forfeit, and the exhausted student cried with his teacher after the inconclusive fight against Kimimaro.
• Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuga Neji, Gaara, Second Pillar, Aburame Shino, Yamanaka Ino, Temari, Nara Shikamaru, Uzumaki Mirai, and Kimimaro advanced to the finals.
• Hagoromo and Kimimaro visited Konoha Hospital, where Tsunade analyzed Kimimaro’s blood and asked Hagoromo whether he had found Orochimaru.
• Hagoromo said he had no leads, and Tsunade urged him to find Orochimaru or drive him away from Konoha before the exams ended.
• Tsunade suspected Lightning Release helped suppress the side effects of Kimimaro’s Dead Bone Pulse and praised Hagoromo for teaching it to him.

Hagoromo learned that Tsunade could manage Kimimaro’s Dead Bone Pulse symptoms but that a lasting cure would require long-term research. As the final stage of the Chunin Exams approached, Orochimaru remained missing while Konoha’s ninja prepared for the coming matches and trouble.

• Tsunade explained that Hashirama Cells might help Kimimaro but were dangerous, and that she could temporarily suppress his condition with medicine and reduced use of his kekkei genkai.
• Hagoromo spent the next month searching for Orochimaru on Tsunade’s orders but could not locate him.
• Orochimaru had already begun his operation and was away from Konoha for his own obsessive reasons.
• Jiraiya began intensive training for Naruto and the Children's Group, while Kakashi took Sasuke to train for his match against Gaara.
• Gaara continued secretly watching people in Konoha, and the final stage of the Chunin Exams drew closer as several people prepared to cause trouble.

Hagoromo proctored the Chunin Exams final selection while keeping watch for Orochimaru, who had secretly killed and replaced the Fourth Kazekage. As Naruto and Neji fought, Mirai sensed trouble and approached Hagoromo just as Orochimaru’s disguise was about to be exposed.

• The Fourth Kazekage arrived in Konoha, unaware that Orochimaru had ambushed and killed him on the way.
• Hagoromo was chosen to replace Hayate Gekko as proctor for the final selection and agreed so he could stay near his target.
• Naruto and Neji began the first match, with Naruto holding his own against Neji without relying on a tunnel ambush.
• Hagoromo watched the Third Hokage for a signal while remaining unaware that Orochimaru was disguised as the Fourth Kazekage beside him.
• Mirai walked onto the examination grounds and came to Hagoromo’s side as Orochimaru prepared to act and risk exposing himself.

Orochimaru impersonated the Fourth Kazekage and trapped the Third Hokage and Shimura Danzo in a barrier, summoning powerful reanimated fighters to battle them. While Hagoromo prepared to deal with Root as agreed with the Hokage, Team 6 was left to confront Gaara.

• The Sound Ninja Four raised the Four Violet Flames Formation around the Hokage and Kazekage, prompting Konoha and Sunagakure to attack each other.
• Inside the barrier, the Third Hokage identified the Fourth Kazekage as Orochimaru and revealed that Shimura Danzo was there to help fight him.
• Orochimaru summoned the First Hokage, the Second Hokage, the Fourth Kazekage, and Third Lightning Shadow A to battle the two Konoha leaders.
• Five Rashomon gates and a black curtain concealed the inner barrier, allowing Orochimaru to abandon the Kazekage disguise without Sunagakure discovering the truth.
• Hagoromo appeared, then left after the Third Hokage signaled him to proceed with their agreement.
• Hagoromo prepared to help the future Fifth Hokage reclaim Root, while Team 6 was tasked with holding off Gaara.

Hagoromo moved to take control of Root on the Third Hokage's orders, announcing Danzo's removal and the organization's dissolution before attempting to alter its Cursed Seals. When Root resisted, Pakura appeared and burned Aburame's insects, revealing herself as Hagoromo's unexpected ally.

• The Third Hokage resolved to reclaim Root from Danzo so Tsunade could inherit Konoha's military authority.
• As Orochimaru's invasion threw Konoha into chaos, Root's ninja stayed in their headquarters without Danzo's orders.
• Hagoromo tricked Aburame Torune into gathering Root's assassination division, then announced that Danzo had been removed and Root disbanded into the Hokage Direct Anbu.
• Hagoromo ordered Root's ninja to stay still while he corrected their Cursed Seals, but they began resisting.
• Pakura burned Aburame's Kikaichu and warned the Root ninja not to move, and Hagoromo greeted her.

Hagoromo restrained Root and began taking control of its curse seals while leaving a clone to continue the work. He then found Tsunade treating the wounded and told her that the Third Hokage had named her the Fifth Hokage, leaving her calm and ready to face her responsibility.

• Pakura recognized that Hagoromo would reorganize Root and urged its shinobi to accept the Hokage's authority.
• Hagoromo activated Danzo's Self-Inflicted Curse Binding Seals, immobilizing Root's shinobi, then altered Pakura's seal so she could move again.
• Hagoromo left a clone to take control of Root's Mind Shackles Imprisonment Seals and went to deal with matters above ground.
• Hagoromo found Tsunade unable to treat an injured Konoha shinobi because she was trembling at the sight of blood.
• Hagoromo told Tsunade that the Third Hokage had named her the Fifth Hokage, and her trembling stopped.

Hagoromo rushed to help Mirai’s team restrain Gaara after Shukaku emerged, but found the One-Tail still growing in strength. Shukaku recognized Hagoromo and confronted him, leaving their fight about to begin.

• Hagoromo sensed Shukaku’s chakra and left to find Gaara, while Jiraiya pursued Chiyo and Tsunade coordinated Konoha’s response.
• Hagoromo followed Shukaku’s chakra to Mirai and the others, who were struggling to fight the Tailed Beast.
• Mirai explained that Gaara had used the False Sleep Technique and Shukaku’s chakra was still increasing.
• Hagoromo learned Gaara was hiding inside Shukaku’s head and prepared to free the One-Tail completely.
• Shukaku recognized Hagoromo and angrily greeted him.

Hagoromo defeated Shukaku in battle and freed Gaara from the One-Tail’s seal. As Shukaku emerged, Mirai and the others restrained it with Adamantine Sealing Chains while Hagoromo approached with his sword.

• Hagoromo countered Shukaku’s Wind Release: Drill Air Bullet with Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet.
• Hagoromo launched himself through the water curtain and sliced through Shukaku’s neck with Chidori Sharp Spear.
• Shukaku’s head and body collapsed, and Hagoromo reached Gaara to release the One-Tail from its seal.
• Mirai and the others bound the newly freed Shukaku with five Chakra chains.
• Hagoromo drew his sword and walked toward the restrained Shukaku.