Recaps

Orochimaru helped Tsunade take leadership of Konoha, then brought Sasuke away to train while pursuing Ōtsutsuki power and expanding his influence. After transforming his body, he continued Sasuke’s training and took him to Ryūchi Cave for the trials of Sage Jutsu and a Summoning Beast.

• The Raikage found Killer B alive after his battle with Orochimaru, while news spread of Orochimaru’s attack on Konoha and his plans for closer ties with Sunagakure.
• Jiraiya and Naruto found Tsunade, and Orochimaru later fought her and Jiraiya before urging her to lead Konoha against future threats.
• Orochimaru drugged Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Shizune, then left Tsunade the Crystal Pendant as she considered his proposal and Jiraiya’s request.
• Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage and appointed Jiraiya, Nara Shikaku, and Asuma to leadership roles, while Sasuke left Konoha to train under Orochimaru.
• Naruto pursued Sasuke to the Valley of the End, where they fought as Sasuke awakened the Three Tomoe, and Orochimaru let Sasuke leave with him after Tsunade accepted his choice.
• Orochimaru trapped Urashiki in the Black Cavity Space, removed his eyes, and used his Ōtsutsuki cells to create a fusion serum that transformed Orochimaru’s body and enhanced his powers.
• Orochimaru continued Sasuke’s training with Ringo Ameyuri, Guren, and Kimimaro, gave him the Kusanagi Sword, and took him to Ryūchi Cave after more than two and a half years.

Orochimaru strengthened the Northern Lands and pursued the tailed beasts while Akatsuki captured more Jinchuriki and targeted Konoha and Kirigakure. Tsunade and A agreed to cooperate with Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, Hozuki Mangetsu, and Darui began a secret mission in Amegakure as Sasuke set out with Snake Squad.

• Pain assigned Shinno and Daibutsu to capture the One-Tail and sent Konan and Zetsu to search for the Two-Tails and Three-Tails, while Orochimaru put the Northern Lands on war readiness against Akatsuki.
• Orochimaru brought Sasuke out to fight the Four-Tails Naruto, then ended their master-disciple bond and left him to pursue his own path as Orochimaru went to find Utakata.
• Orochimaru defeated Utakata, arranged for the Tsuchigumo Clan to cooperate with the Northern Lands, and returned to work with his main body as Sasuke confronted Shinno and later formed the Snake Squad with Dosu, Kin Tsuchi, Jirobo, and Zaku.
• Pain captured Utakata, while Hiruko attacked Konoha to take Kakashi’s Sharingan but died after Kakashi broke free and fought alongside Jiraiya and Naruto.
• Tsunade learned that Akatsuki had captured several Jinchuriki and called for cooperation, leading her and A to meet Orochimaru and agree to investigate Amegakure.
• Tsunade chose Jiraiya, A chose Darui, and Orochimaru chose Hozuki Mangetsu for the joint mission, which Shikaku Nara, Dodai, and Haku planned to begin in three days.
• Itachi learned from Orochimaru’s letter about Akatsuki’s goal and Sasuke’s identity, while Sasuke burned a letter naming Uchiha Shrine as their destination and left with Snake Squad.
• Jiraiya, Hozuki Mangetsu, and Darui secretly entered Amegakure and split up to search for information, planning to regroup in the village center in two hours.