Chapter Summaries

Orochimaru called Tsunade home and confronted her about gambling away the money she had borrowed, while Shizune discovered his singing and fretted over Kakashi’s early graduation. Tsunade agreed to gamble less and put her food expenses on credit, though she still resisted repaying her debt.

• Orochimaru sent Shizune to bring Tsunade home for dinner and threatened to double Tsunade’s debt if she refused.
• Shizune and Tsunade returned and overheard Orochimaru singing a song called “Black Hair,” which left them surprised and impressed.
• Shizune lamented that Kakashi had graduated early, and Orochimaru encouraged her not to compare herself to a rare genius.
• Orochimaru demanded repayment from Tsunade and told her she had to cover her monthly food expenses.
• Tsunade agreed to visit gambling houses less often and put her food expenses on credit until the New Year, but warned Orochimaru not to take money from Shizune.

Orochimaru arranged a camping trip with Tsunade and Shizune, then invited Jiraiya, who arrived with Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina. The group gathered at a waterfall outside Konoha, where Orochimaru noticed Anbu guarding Kushina.

• Orochimaru agreed to take Tsunade and Shizune on an outing, and Shizune suggested inviting Jiraiya to go camping.
• Orochimaru arranged work at the research institute, bought food and supplies, and went to wake Jiraiya, who angrily chased after him.
• Tsunade and Shizune set up camp near a waterfall while Orochimaru prepared hotpot and said Jiraiya could catch meat for dinner.
• Jiraiya arrived with Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina, and Orochimaru spotted Anbu ninjas watching them from the trees.

Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and their companions camped by a waterfall, where Orochimaru caught several fish while Jiraiya struggled to get a bite. Jiraiya finally landed a large fish after his rod snapped and he fell into the pool, ending the chapter with a bump on his forehead.

• Orochimaru accepted Minato Namikaze and Kushina as Jiraiya's new disciples, and Minato volunteered to gather ingredients while Kushina helped Tsunade set up tents.
• Orochimaru and Jiraiya went fishing, and Orochimaru caught a large grass carp followed by several more fish.
• Jiraiya asked Orochimaru for bait, then finally hooked a large fish after Orochimaru had caught a sea bass.
• Jiraiya's fishing rod snapped as he tried to haul in his catch, and he fell into the pool while grabbing the broken rod and fish.
• Jiraiya surfaced holding the fish above his head, while the others laughed at the bump on his forehead and recalled the advice to wear a helmet when fishing.

Orochimaru cooked rabbit hotpot for his companions, and the group enjoyed a leisurely meal together. After Orochimaru fell asleep while resting, a shout suddenly woke him, leaving him alert and looking toward its source.

• Orochimaru made rabbit hotpot with mushrooms and wild vegetables while the Anbu watching nearby decided not to approach for food.
• Tsunade, Shizune, Minato, Kushina, and Jiraiya gathered around the pot and eagerly ate the meal.
• Shizune wished Minato had caught more rabbits, and Minato promised to catch more that afternoon.
• After the meal, Jiraiya rested on a rock while the others relaxed; Orochimaru fell asleep beneath the trees.
• A shout woke Orochimaru, who immediately turned his alert gaze toward its source.

Jiraiya, Minato, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Kushina, and Shizune spent time swimming and diving at a waterfall. After Tsunade and Kushina went to help Shizune catch crabs, Orochimaru headed for shore to collect field snails for dinner.

• Jiraiya urged Minato to jump from the waterfall, then demonstrated with a dive into the pool.
• Orochimaru pushed Minato into the water, causing Minato to land on Jiraiya before they both resurfaced.
• Orochimaru jumped into the pool and teased Jiraiya about his dive, while Tsunade arrived at the top of the waterfall in a swimsuit.
• Tsunade dragged Kushina into a dive, then blasted Jiraiya away when he tried to approach her and warned Orochimaru to stay back.
• Shizune called the others over to help with crabs after one clamped onto her hand, and Orochimaru went to shore to gather field snails for dinner.

Orochimaru gathered Field Snails and crabs, then joined his friends for swimsuit photos and a campfire seafood dinner. The evening ended with Tsunade and Orochimaru attacking Jiraiya after he teased them about Orochimaru’s offer to cook for Tsunade.

• Orochimaru gathered Field Snails and explained that they were edible, while Shizune collected mitten crabs.
• Jiraiya brought out a camera and persuaded the group to take swimsuit photos together.
• Orochimaru prepared a campfire feast of mitten crabs, Field Snails, wild chicken, and grilled fish.
• Jiraiya praised the Field Snails and joked about Orochimaru cooking for Tsunade, prompting Tsunade and Orochimaru to attack him.

Orochimaru assessed his progress on cell-fusion research as Danzo pressed him for results and took a report suggesting Uchiha blood could suppress Hashirama Cells. After Danzo left, Orochimaru ordered new experiments using Uchiha and Hyuga formulas, while remaining wary of Danzo’s ambitions.

• Orochimaru reviewed the data and concluded that the Mito Uzumaki cell-fusion serum was nearly complete, though still unstable.
• Danzo visited the institute, questioned Orochimaru’s progress, and read a report showing that Uchiha blood had a weak suppressive effect on Hashirama Cells.
• Orochimaru hinted that the Sharingan might be needed for further research, and Danzo left with the report.
• Orochimaru considered Danzo’s political ambitions and resolved not to let him control his work.
• Orochimaru ordered researchers to inject Formula 2 into subjects 7 and 35, beginning tests of serum made with Uchiha cells.

Orochimaru injected himself with a gentle Mito Uzumaki cell fusion medicine and became temporarily powerless as it began altering his cells. The next morning, Shizune found him feverish and rushed to get Tsunade.

• Orochimaru returned home and found Tsunade drunk, so he carried her to bed while Shizune cared for her.
• Orochimaru injected himself with the Mito Uzumaki cell fusion medicine he had developed and became too weak to use Chakra.
• Orochimaru reflected on his years in the world and fell asleep with Shiro beside him.
• Shizune noticed Orochimaru had not prepared her lunchbox and found him flushed and burning with fever.
• Shizune hurried to find Tsunade for help.

Tsunade treated Orochimaru after he lost consciousness and developed a fever from a mild rejection reaction to his cell fusion medicine. Orochimaru woke up and teased Tsunade, who stayed by his side after Shizune left for the Ninja Academy.

• Tsunade examined Orochimaru and injected him with medicine despite her hemophobia, then gave him physical cooling treatment.
• Orochimaru slowly woke up, and Tsunade told him she had treated his high fever.
• Shizune asked after Orochimaru, then left for the Ninja Academy when Tsunade told her to go.
• Orochimaru grabbed Tsunade's hand when she tried to leave, and she agreed to stay until he let go.
• Tsunade asked why Orochimaru had become feverish, and he said he had probably overworked himself.

Orochimaru comforted Tsunade about her fear of blood and revealed that he had been gradually helping her overcome it through red-colored meals. While recovering at home, he urged Tsunade to consider becoming Hokage and said he wanted to push her into the position, leaving her dismissing him as a sickly fool.

• Orochimaru reminded Tsunade that she had eaten many red-colored meals over the past year, suggesting that she no longer physically rejected blood.
• Tsunade realized Orochimaru had been trying to help her overcome her fear and admitted that his efforts had not entirely failed.
• Tsunade told an Anbu ninja that Orochimaru was sick and would not work, then rested with him while he recovered.
• Orochimaru asked Tsunade whether she might become Hokage, but she said she had no interest in the position.
• Orochimaru told Tsunade he wanted to push her into becoming Hokage, and she brushed off his remarks before leaving with the lunchboxes.

Orochimaru recovered enough to return to his laboratory, but Hiruzen Sarutobi shut down his Hashirama Cell research project. A month later, Orochimaru submitted his findings and left, while Danzo angrily confronted Hiruzen over the decision.

• Shizune and Tsunade brought Orochimaru food and urged him to rest while he recovered from his illness.
• Orochimaru went to the laboratory and learned from Hiruzen Sarutobi that the research project would be terminated.
• Orochimaru reflected on the project’s results and continued the remaining experiments until Konoha stopped sending volunteers.
• A month later, Orochimaru submitted his research reports to the Hokage and left the Hokage Residence.
• Danzo argued with Hiruzen Sarutobi about ending the experiments, and they parted on bad terms.

Orochimaru returned to his workshop with his research complete and began studying the forbidden ninjutsu he had recorded. Meanwhile, Minato developed the Rasengan, fought the Nine-Tails manifestation, and recovered in the hospital as Orochimaru and Tsunade planned further training.

• Orochimaru returned to his workshop, stored his detailed research on several clans, and used Shadow Clones to study the forbidden ninjutsu he had recorded.
• Minato created a blue swirling orb by combining Wind Release with his chakra, and Kushina helped name the technique Rasengan.
• The Nine-Tails inside Kushina went berserk, and Minato fought its manifested body before collapsing and waking in Konoha Hospital the next day.
• Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya visited Minato, and Orochimaru said he planned to resume training with Tsunade.
• Jiraiya stayed behind to look after Minato while Orochimaru and Tsunade walked away, considering where Orochimaru could find a steady source of kinetic energy.

Unable to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique, Orochimaru summoned Tobirama Senju with Impure World Reincarnation to help him develop a seal against Uchiha genjutsu. Their discussion began smoothly, and Orochimaru eventually released his control over Tobirama while keeping the Second Hokage confined in his laboratory.

• Orochimaru gave up on learning the Flying Thunder God Technique and turned to studying Impure World Reincarnation.
• Orochimaru reincarnated Tobirama Senju in a cave near Konoha using a captured bandit as a vessel.
• Orochimaru explained that he had summoned Tobirama for guidance developing a ninjutsu to counter Uchiha genjutsu.
• Tobirama examined Orochimaru's notes on sealing and spiritual-power techniques and agreed to discuss the Eight Inner Gates Seal.
• As their research deepened, Orochimaru gradually released his control over Tobirama, relying on a barrier and his ability to restrain him again if necessary.

Orochimaru and Tobirama finished developing an early version of the Eight Inner Gates Seal while discussing Konoha’s decline and its future leadership. After releasing Tobirama and sleeping for three days, Orochimaru returned to Tsunade’s home and heard Shizune recount how they had struggled without him.

• Orochimaru told Tobirama about Konoha’s condition, including the Third Hokage’s failures and Danzo’s ambitions, and suggested Minato as a future leader.
• Tobirama praised Orochimaru’s willingness to help Konoha and departed after Orochimaru released the Impure World Reincarnation.
• Orochimaru examined the Eight Inner Gates Seal, which could block most genjutsu but prevented him from using Chakra while active.
• Orochimaru returned to Tsunade’s home, found it empty, and slept for three days.
• Shizune greeted Orochimaru and explained that she and Tsunade had struggled with takeout and her unsuccessful cooking while he was away.

Orochimaru was summoned by Danzo, who tried to recruit him to resume research on Hashirama Cells. The chapter left Orochimaru weighing the benefits of cooperation as Danzo insisted the Third Hokage would not interfere.

• Tsunade asked Shizune whether she had gained weight after Orochimaru teased her about it.
• Orochimaru caught a Root ninja spying near his laboratory and followed him to Danzo's underground base.
• Danzo asked Orochimaru whether he could succeed in restarting research on Hashirama Cells.
• Orochimaru received a choice between cooperating with Danzo for Mind Net or rejecting him for Armament Haki, and leaned toward cooperation.
• Orochimaru raised concerns about the Third Hokage, but Danzo claimed the research was Root's business and urged him to make a sacrifice for Konoha.

Orochimaru negotiated with Danzo over joining Root’s Hashirama Cell research, demanding ownership of Sharingan and Byakugan as well as test subjects and protection from harming Konoha civilians. After Danzo accepted his terms, he took Orochimaru to Root’s prepared research base, where the experiments could begin.

• Orochimaru challenged Danzo to offer compensation for the risks of defying the Hokage, and Danzo threatened him by summoning Root ninja.
• Orochimaru demanded Sharingan and Byakugan that would belong to him, and Danzo reluctantly agreed on the condition that the arrangement remain secret.
• Orochimaru secured Root test subjects, equipment, and materials, while requiring Root ninja to handle laboratory security and confidentiality.
• Danzo led Orochimaru to a prepared Root research base, where researchers greeted them.

Orochimaru joined Danzo’s Hashirama Cell research while Konoha’s leaders and clans turned public opinion against Hatake Sakumo after he abandoned a mission to save his comrades. Sakumo died by suicide, and Orochimaru realized the system would only react to events connected to him, meaning he might have to follow the original course of events to keep progressing.

• Danzo assigned Ling to assist and monitor Orochimaru as he continued researching Hashirama Cells.
• Hatake Sakumo chose to rescue comrades during a mission, causing the mission to fail and sparking a debate over missions versus comrades.
• Konoha’s leaders and major clans encouraged hostility toward Sakumo, while his comrades and the ninja he saved condemned him.
• Hatake Sakumo succumbed to public pressure and committed suicide at home.
• Orochimaru found that the system had not reacted to Sakumo’s death and concluded that unrelated events would not trigger the plot.

Orochimaru prepared to secretly protect Yamato, a child who had survived fusion with Hashirama Cells and could use Wood Release. He persuaded Jiraiya to raise Yamato in secret, leaving the child in Jiraiya’s care.

• Ling gave Orochimaru a list for the next experiments, and he recognized Tenzō as Yamato, the rare survivor of Hashirama Cell fusion.
• Orochimaru decided to ensure Yamato survived and prepared a fusion serum for him.
• Shiro led Jiraiya into the forest, where Orochimaru asked him to raise a child in secret.
• Orochimaru revealed that the child could use Wood Release and asked Jiraiya to keep his identity hidden until he was older.
• Jiraiya agreed, and Orochimaru brought him the sleeping child, whose original name was Yamato.

Jiraiya took Yamato in and, after Minato suggested a name, began calling him Jiraisui, while rumors convinced Konoha that the child was his. Orochimaru left Jiraisui in Jiraiya’s care and returned to secretly researching at Danzo’s base, keeping up the appearance that he stayed home.

• Orochimaru left after Jiraiya tried to persuade him to abandon his dangerous path, but Jiraiya did not follow him.
• Rumors spread that Jiraiya had fathered the child he brought back, and Jiraiya denied them to Minato.
• Minato suggested the name Jiraisui, and Jiraiya accepted it and assigned Minato to change the child’s diapers and wash his clothes.
• The Third Hokage heard that the child was called Jiraisui and accepted the rumor that he was Jiraiya’s son.
• Orochimaru secretly continued funding Jiraisui’s care and resumed research at Danzo’s base while a Shadow Clone maintained the appearance that he was home.

Shizune, Kurenai, and Asuma celebrated their Ninja Academy graduation with Tsunade and Orochimaru, who discussed Shizune’s plans and Asuma’s strained relationship with his father. Orochimaru announced he would leave for up to a year, then reacted with surprise when Tsunade mentioned Jiraiya had brought back a child named Jiraisui.

• Tsunade and Orochimaru celebrated Shizune, Kurenai, and Asuma’s Ninja Academy graduation with them.
• Orochimaru reflected on Asuma’s conflict with the Third Hokage and toasted the newly graduated Asuma.
• Shizune told Orochimaru she planned to study Medical Ninjutsu with Tsunade.
• Orochimaru told Tsunade he would be away for half a year to a year, but did not explain what he needed to do.
• Tsunade said Jiraiya had brought back a child named Jiraisui, and Orochimaru nearly spat out his wine before hiding his reaction with an awkward laugh.