Chapter Summaries

Nara Kaikei received generous clan support and visited Deer Cry Pavilion to study the Nara Clan’s secret techniques. There, he learned several shadow jutsu and opened an S-Rank scroll containing the Shadow Clone Technique, while a mission from Nara Shikano remained scheduled for the next morning.

• Nara Shikano offered Nara Kaikei access to Deer Cry Pavilion, Chakra Metal, research funding, and two special rewards, then asked him to return the next morning for a mission.
• Nara Kaikei entered Deer Cry Pavilion with Nara Shikano’s authorization and learned five Nara Clan secret jutsu, raising his evaluation to C+ (Chunin).
• Nara Kaikei opened a C-Rank Ninja Scroll and learned the Summoning Technique.
• Nara Kaikei opened his S-Rank Ninja Scroll and discovered the Shadow Clone Technique, which created durable clones able to use his Yin Release secret techniques and share their memories with him.

After learning Shadow Clone Technique, Nara Kaikei devised a way to combine it with Flat Shadow Technique and discussed his research and future with his family. The next morning, Nara Shikano gave him research rewards and led him toward the Hokage’s Office, revealing that their special rewards awaited in Kyoto.

• Nara Kaikei learned Shadow Clone Technique, raising his Ninjutsu, Wisdom, and Overall Evaluation, and considered how to improve his weaker physical attributes.
• Nara Kaikei realized he could combine Shadow Clone Technique with Flat Shadow Technique to conceal his real body and create a powerful clone controlled by his consciousness.
• At dinner, Nara Kaikei offered to find an elite medical ninja to help Nara Shusuke’s research, but Nara Shusuke and Nara Pingzi urged him to study medicine and marry Yakushi Nonō instead.
• Nara Shikano gave Nara Kaikei one million ryo in research funding and Chakra Metal, then asked him to deliver a mission scroll to the Third Hokage.
• Nara Shikano told Nara Kaikei that the two special rewards were in Kyoto, the capital of the Land of Fire.

Nara Shikano arranged an A-Rank mission to secure wartime support in Kyoto and a C-Rank escort mission for Nara Kaikei, while Hiruzen Sarutobi added two B-Rank missions for other teams. At Konoha's gate, Nara Shikano prepared to take Kaikei out of the village in a deer cart.

• Nara Shikano took Nara Kaikei to the Hokage Building, where he issued and accepted an A-Rank mission to transport medicinal herbs and obtain support from the Daimyo.
• Nara Kaikei submitted a C-Rank escort mission to the Temple of Fire, and Hiruzen Sarutobi approved it after recognizing Nara Shikano's plan.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed that he had attached two B-Rank missions to the assignment, including a merchant caravan escort for Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, Shibi Aburame, Genma Shiranui, Ebisu, and Might Guy.
• Nara Shikano summoned a large deer and told Nara Kaikei to board its cart so they could leave Konoha.

Nara Kaikei traveled with Nara Shikano and Konoha shinobi toward Kyoto on an A-Rank mission, learning about the convoy's escort assignments and the relationship between Konoha and the daimyo. After Inoichi Yamanaka's team swiftly defeated approaching bounty hunters, Nara Shikano began explaining the Twelve Guardian Shinobi.

• Nara Kaikei rode with Nara Shikano in the merchant convoy while Nara Shikano explained that two other teams had accepted B-Rank missions along the route.
• Nara Shikano told Nara Kaikei that assisting those teams could add B-Rank mission records for the shinobi, but Kaikei's client identity meant he would not receive one.
• The convoy crossed the mountains and entered an open plain as Nara Shikano estimated they would reach Kyoto the next morning and meet the daimyo.
• Inoichi Yamanaka sensed bounty hunters approaching, and his team defeated them before Nara Kaikei noticed anything.
• Nara Shikano told Nara Kaikei that the daimyo would support Konoha on matters of war and described how Konoha and the daimyo resolved disagreements.
• Nara Shikano asked Nara Kaikei whether he knew of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi.

Nara Shikano offered Nara Kaikei a chance to join the Twelve Guardian Shinobi, but Kaikei postponed his decision. After Bounty Hunters attacked the caravan while hunting a Chinoike Clan fugitive, Kaikei spotted several suspicious figures at the camp and suspected one might be the fugitive.

• Nara Shikano explained that the Twelve Guardian Shinobi protected the Land of Fire's daimyo and offered Kaikei a position as a safer alternative to serving as a Konoha shinobi.
• Kaikei said he wanted to learn more about the organization before deciding whether to join.
• Inoichi Yamanaka used the Mind Reading Technique on captured attackers and learned that Bounty Hunters had been seeking a Chinoike Clan descendant who fled to the Land of Fire.
• Nara Shikano ordered the caravan to strengthen its guard and alert the smaller caravans, and the group traveled on without another attack.
• At camp, Kaikei took a Soldier Pill, raised his Precision to D+, and used his Lacquer Eye to count suspicious people among the campers.

Nara Kaikei revealed that Oyashiro En had powerful Mental Energy and might be the Chinoike Clan exterminator, prompting Nara Shikano to plan a cautious investigation. Kaikei approached Oyashiro using a Shadow Clone and Flat Shadow Technique, with the previous-generation Pig Deer Butterfly team secretly guarding him, and began his probe.

• Nara Kaikei told Nara Shikano that Oyashiro En's Mental Energy rivaled Inoichi Yamanaka's and explained that [Lacquer Eye] had detected it.
• Nara Shikano connected Oyashiro En to the suspected Chinoike Clan exterminator and decided the Nara Clan would quietly spread [Lacquer Eye] after the mission.
• Nara Shikano asked Nara Kaikei whether he could face Oyashiro En, then sent him to investigate while the previous-generation Pig Deer Butterfly team watched from the shadows.
• Nara Kaikei used a [Shadow Clone] and [Flat Shadow Technique] to approach Oyashiro En, who cut his palm while turning toward him.
• Nara Kaikei let his clone confront Oyashiro En and asked whether he had heard of the Shadow Binding Technique.

Nara Kaikei confronted Oyashiro En and exposed him as a Chinoike Clan ninja, while Oyashiro En tried to resist and conceal his identity. Kaikei used a clone and Shadow Binding Technique to catch him after he revealed his Ketsuryūgan.

• Nara Kaikei restrained Oyashiro En with the Shadow Binding Technique and tried to subdue him rather than kill him.
• Oyashiro En accelerated his blood flow, expanded his body, and broke free before throwing a blood shuriken at Kaikei.
• Kaikei blocked the shuriken with the Shadow Shield Technique, and a mission notification identified Oyashiro En as a Chinoike Clan descendant.
• Oyashiro En denied being anything more than a merchant and claimed his abilities came from medical ninjutsu, but then revealed his Ketsuryūgan.
• Oyashiro En tried to trap Kaikei in genjutsu, but Kaikei's apparent body vanished as a clone and Kaikei emerged behind him to restrain him with Shadow Binding Technique.

Nara Kaikei and the Pig Deer Butterfly team captured Oyashiro En after Inoichi Yamanaka disrupted his control of his body. Kaikei received the B-Rank jutsu Blood Piercing Bullet, while Oyashiro En was questioned about why he had entered the Land of Fire.

• Oyashiro En realized his visual genjutsu had struck a Shadow Clone and found himself restrained by Nara Kaikei's Shadow Binding Technique.
• Inoichi Yamanaka used the Mind Disturbance Body Technique on Oyashiro En, and Nara Shikano gave him medicine that suppressed his Chakra.
• Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi, and Nara Shikano praised Nara Kaikei for defeating the elite jonin.
• Nara Kaikei received a B-Rank Ninja Scroll containing the Blood Piercing Bullet jutsu and considered combining it with Camouflage Concealment.
• Nara Shikano questioned Oyashiro En about his infiltration, and Oyashiro En claimed he had entered the Land of Fire to do business and support his family.

Inoichi Yamanaka confirmed that Oyashiro En had massacred the Chinoike Clan to avenge his wife, who had been driven to death by the clan’s leaders. Nara Shikano continued the escort to Kyoto, where the Daimyo granted Konoha’s request for support, but a hostile group confronted the ninja as they left.

• Inoichi Yamanaka searched Oyashiro En’s memories and confirmed he posed no threat to Konoha and had killed the Chinoike Clan to avenge his wife.
• Nara Shikano agreed to continue escorting Oyashiro En safely to Kyoto, and Oyashiro En suggested future cooperation with Konoha.
• The caravan reached Kyoto the next day, and Oyashiro En greeted Nara Shikano before the groups split up at the city gates.
• Nara Shikano and the others met the Daimyo, who readily agreed to Konoha’s request for support.
• As the Konoha ninja left the Daimyo’s Mansion, a group wearing cloth marked with the character “Fire” insulted them as country bumpkins.

Nara Shikano restrained a group of arrogant Guardian Shinobi and left the Daimyo’s Mansion with Nara Kaikei. After Kaikei rejected joining the Twelve Guardian Shinobi, Shikano led him out of Kyoto and asked about the Nara Clan’s secret techniques, prompting Kaikei to describe them as physical forms of genjutsu.

• Nara Shikano used Shadow Binding Technique to immobilize the Guardian Shinobi who insulted the Konoha shinobi, then slapped their leader across the face with Shadow Strangulation Technique.
• Nara Shikano separated from Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi, telling them to watch over the genin while he took Nara Kaikei on another mission.
• Nara Shikano explained that the Twelve Guardian Shinobi included members loyal to the Daimyo as well as others, and Nara Kaikei said he did not want to join the divided organization.
• Nara Shikano reassured Nara Kaikei that he could decline the Guardian Shinobi reward and led him out of Kyoto to reveal the second special reward.
• Nara Kaikei argued that the Nara Clan’s Shadow Secret Technique was a control technique resembling visible, physically effective genjutsu, leaving Nara Shikano stunned.

Nara Kaikei explained how the Shadow Secret Technique bypassed the body's Chakra Pathway System, impressing Nara Shikano and inspiring Kaikei to consider other techniques. As they approached the Temple of Fire, Shikano revealed that the second special reward was a Chakra Crystal, a ninja tool once used by the First Hokage that could give its wielder an effect similar to being a Jinchuriki.

• Nara Shikano described how the Shadow Secret Technique stored Chakra in shadows beyond the body's usual limits, and Nara Kaikei explained the Chakra Pathway System in detail.
• Nara Kaikei considered studying the Rasengan, Gentle Fist, and the Eight Inner Gates Formation after reflecting on the clan head's explanation.
• Nara Shikano led Nara Kaikei toward the Temple of Fire and introduced Chakra Resonance as another way to bypass the body's limitations.
• Nara Kaikei guessed that the reward was a Tailed Beast, but Nara Shikano clarified that the Nara Clan could not capture one.
• Nara Shikano revealed that the reward was a Chakra Crystal, a ninja tool once used by the First Hokage that could produce an effect similar to a Jinchuriki.

Nara Kaikei learned how the Nara Clan’s Chakra Crystal could help address his weak constitution and low Chakra reserves. When he infused the crystal with his Chakra, it resonated and began glowing, giving Nara Shikano hope that Kaikei’s problem had been solved.

• Nara Shikano explained that the Nara Clan’s Chakra Crystal differed from the First Hokage’s relic and described how Chakra resonance could let a shinobi use a crystal’s energy.
• Nara Shikano and Nara Kaikei delivered the clan’s medicinal herbs to Chūkaku at the Temple of Fire and retrieved the crystal stored there.
• Nara Shikano told Kaikei that matching the crystal’s Chakra nature might allow it to replenish his severely limited Chakra.
• Nara Kaikei infused the indigo crystal with his Chakra, triggering the Lazy Ghost System to identify it as an A-Rank Ninja Tool and reveal its properties.
• The Chakra Crystal shone with divine radiance, and Nara Shikano declared that Kaikei’s insufficient Chakra problem had been solved.

Nara Kaikei received a Chakra Crystal that greatly expanded the Chakra he could command and began considering how to use it. After learning the crystal could replenish itself more effectively at the Temple of Fire, he suspected it was connected to Natural Energy, while Nara Shikano left him to test it around the temple.

• Nara Kaikei found that the Chakra Crystal raised his usable Chakra to A-rank and let him incorporate previously acquired jutsu into his regular combat abilities.
• Nara Kaikei asked Nara Shikano for another Chakra Crystal, but Nara Shikano said the clan had none left and that Tsunade might own one.
• Nara Shikano explained that the Chakra Crystal replenished more effectively at the Temple of Fire, but withheld the reason until Nara Kaikei's Chakra amount matched the crystal's energy.
• Nara Kaikei connected the crystal's replenishment to Natural Energy and considered how it might help him pursue Sage Mode, though his own Chakra capacity remained insufficient.
• Nara Kaikei fitted the Chakra Crystal into a Chakra Metal ring and put it on his right index finger.
• Nara Shikano told Nara Kaikei to explore the temple and test the crystal's combat effects before going to rest.

Nara Kaikei used the Chakra Crystal to extend Camouflage Concealment across his whole body and developed the B-Rank jutsu Shadow Piercing Bullet. After lunch, he went with Nara Shikano to watch the Temple of Fire's warrior monks train, while Kakuzu learned of a wealthy rogue shinobi and demanded the target's information.

• Nara Kaikei tested the Chakra Crystal in a quiet room and gained the ability to turn his entire body transparent with Camouflage Concealment.
• Nara Kaikei combined Shadow Secret Technique with Blood Piercing Bullet to create the B-Rank jutsu Shadow Piercing Bullet.
• Nara Kaikei joined Nara Shikano for the Temple of Fire's vegetarian lunch and considered which jutsu he might offer the clan in exchange for an S-Rank Ninja Scroll.
• Nara Shikano invited Nara Kaikei to watch the Temple of Fire's warrior monks train, and Kaikei accepted.
• Kakuzu delivered a corpse to the underground Bounty Exchange and demanded information about a rogue shinobi carrying his clan's wealth.

Nara Kaikei sparred with the Temple of Fire apprentice monk Chiriku and defeated him using basic ninjutsu and a pair of punches. The resulting Ninja Scroll revealed the Temple of Fire’s Sage Clan Guiding Technique, a breathing method that used Mental Energy to improve the body and mind.

• Nara Shikano brought Nara Kaikei to the Temple of Fire, where Master Chūkaku arranged a spar with Chiriku.
• Chiriku attacked Kaikei with a high-speed kick, but Kaikei evaded it with the Substitution Technique.
• Kaikei used the Clone Technique and Body Flicker Technique to close in and punch Chiriku in the chin.
• Kaikei followed up with another punch, defeating Chiriku and completing the D-Rank Ninja Battle Mission.
• Kaikei opened his reward scroll and obtained the Sage Clan Guiding Technique.

Nara Kaikei gained the Sage Clan Guiding Technique after defeating Chiriku, then challenged a full-fledged ninja monk and received the Arhat Fist scroll. As he prepared to leave the Temple of Fire, Kazuma arrived demanding the Konoha ninja, and the monks drove him out.

• Nara Kaikei reviewed the Sage Clan Guiding Technique and realized it taught meditation and breathing to sense Natural Energy.
• Master Chūkaku revived Chiriku, and Nara Kaikei defeated a full-fledged ninja monk with the Shadow Binding Technique, earning a C-Rank scroll containing Arhat Fist.
• Nara Shikano ended the sparring, and Nara Kaikei declined Master Chūkaku's invitation to train at the Temple of Fire.
• Kazuma arrived at the temple demanding Nara Kaikei, triggering a B-Rank mission, but Master Chūkaku blocked him and ordered the monks to drive him out.
• The Temple of Fire's ninja monks attacked Kazuma with red Chakra fists and knocked him unconscious, while Nara Kaikei speedran the mission and received a C-Rank Ninja Scroll.

After the Temple of Fire defeated Kazuma, Nara Shikano learned that Kazuma had been expelled for desecrating the graves of the temple’s monks and had attacked Konoha ninja to promote the daimyo’s prestige. The Konoha group recovered their war supplies and set out to return to the village.

• The Temple of Fire’s monks exhausted themselves defeating Kazuma, while Nara Kaikei discovered the C-rank jutsu Corpse Kiss in a scroll.
• Master Chūkaku told Nara Shikano that Kazuma had dug up the graves of the Temple of Fire’s eminent monks, and the other Guardian Shinobi explained that Kazuma had attacked Konoha ninja to boost the daimyo’s prestige.
• Master Chūkaku had Kazuma and the other Guardian Shinobi driven from the temple, while Nara Shikano returned to Kyoto to check on the injured Konoha ninja.
• Nara Shikano reprimanded the group after Choza Akimichi revealed that the Guardian Shinobi had poisoned their food; the ninja had suffered only minor injuries.
• The following morning, the Konoha ninja collected their war supplies from the Daimyo’s Mansion, sealed them into scrolls, and left Kyoto for the village.

Nara Kaikei practiced the Sage Clan Guiding Technique while hidden in a shadow and developed a stronger form of Shadow Piercing Bullet as the team hunted bounty hunters on the road back to Konoha. The group learned about ninja-tool forgers, then encountered Kakuzu waiting in the forest ahead.

• Nara Kaikei used Flat Shadow Technique and a Shadow Clone to cultivate the Sage Clan Guiding Technique while traveling.
• Inoichi Yamanaka located bounty hunters, and Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Shibi Aburame eliminated them along the road.
• Nara Kaikei practiced forming a rotating shadow projectile, and his panel identified his new jutsu as B-Rank Spiral Shadow Piercing Bullet.
• Nara Shikano told Nara Kaikei about Konoha's ninja-tool shops and explained that the Nekamura Clan forged weapons for the Uchiha Clan.
• Inoichi Yamanaka sensed a ninja with enormous Chakra ahead, and Kakuzu emerged from the forest.

Nara Shikano's team encountered Kakuzu, who was tracking a Chinoike Clan rogue ninja, and a brief exchange escalated into a fight. Choza Akimichi struck Kakuzu with Rolling Bomb Needles Tank while Shikano's Shadow Binding Technique held him, triggering an A-Rank mission to defeat or kill Kakuzu.

• Asuma Sarutobi charged Kakuzu and was kicked in the chest, but Nara Shikano pulled him out of danger with a shadow tentacle.
• Kakuzu said he was a Bounty Hunter seeking a rogue ninja from the Chinoike Clan, and Inoichi Yamanaka identified him as the infamous Kakuzu.
• After Kakuzu recognized the Pig Deer Butterfly team and threatened to claim their heads, Nara Shikano ordered Inoichi Yamanaka to retreat with Nara Kaikei and the others.
• Choza Akimichi transformed into Rolling Bomb Needles Tank as Shikano's prepared Shadow Binding Technique pinned Kakuzu in place.
• Choza Akimichi's attack crashed down on Kakuzu, and an A-Rank Ninja Battle Mission to defeat or kill him appeared.

The Cross-Generation Pig Deer Butterfly team fought Kakuzu, whose powerful Earth, Wind, Lightning, and Fire Style techniques overwhelmed their defenses. Just as Kakuzu prepared another combined attack, Nara Kaikei’s Shadow Clone pierced his chest with Shadow Bullet Through Heart and completed the mission.

• Nara Kaikei sent a Shadow Clone wearing the Chakra Crystal ring back toward the battlefield while his main body retreated with the other Chunin.
• Kakuzu broke free of the Shadow Binding Technique and survived Choza Akimichi’s Rolling Bomb Needles Tank by hardening his body with Earth Style.
• Kakuzu drove the Cross-Generation Pig Deer Butterfly team back with Wind Style: Great Breakthrough and Lightning Style: False Darkness, but Nara Shikano and Choza Akimichi coordinated to block the lightning spear.
• Kakuzu unleashed Fire Style: Headhunter, and Choza Akimichi split the sea of flames with Partial Expansion Jutsu and Super Push Hand.
• As Kakuzu prepared to combine his Fire and Wind Styles, Nara Kaikei’s Shadow Clone shot him through the chest with Shadow Bullet Through Heart and received an A-Rank Ninja Scroll.