Chapter Summaries

Nara Kaikei and Minato Namikaze visited the Land of Snow’s geothermal device, which Kazahana Sōsetsu had renamed the Rainbow Ice Wall. After Kazahana Koyuki used her Hexagonal Crystal Necklace to activate it, the ice walls collapsed and revealed a lake beneath the snow, while sunlight and steam formed a rainbow.

• Kazahana Sōsetsu invited Nara Kaikei and Minato Namikaze to see the device he had renamed the Rainbow Ice Wall.
• Nara Kaikei carried Kazahana Sōsetsu, Kazahana Koyuki, and a minister to the site on a Shadow Creature.
• Nara Kaikei located the six enormous ice walls and led the group to the pavilion at their center.
• Kazahana Koyuki inserted the Hexagonal Crystal Necklace into the pedestal, activating the device and releasing Natural Energy.
• The Rainbow Ice Wall’s six ice walls collapsed, exposing a lake and creating a rainbow in the steam.
• Kazahana Sōsetsu said he hoped the device would eventually turn the Land of Snow into the Spring Country.

Nara Kaikei toured Kazahana Sōsetsu’s Rainbow Ice Walls and exchanged a Boil Release manual for the Daimyō’s research. Kazahana Sōsetsu agreed to share the Rainbow Ice Walls and Projection Device with Nara Kaikei.

• Kazahana Sōsetsu showed Nara Kaikei and Kazahana Koyuki how the Rainbow Ice Walls created a springlike area and explained that transforming the entire Land of Snow would take at least fifteen years.
• Nara Kaikei visited Kazahana Sōsetsu’s laboratory, where the Daimyō showed him the original, smaller Rainbow Ice Walls.
• Nara Kaikei offered Kazahana Sōsetsu his Boil Release Chakra Manufacturing Method in exchange for knowledge and research.
• Kazahana Sōsetsu accepted the exchange and offered Nara Kaikei his research on the Rainbow Ice Walls and Projection Device.

Nara Kaikei exchanged the Boil Release Chakra Manufacturing Method for Kazahana Sōsetsu’s research on the Rainbow Ice Wall and Projection Device. Reading the materials, he saw potential in upgrading the Projection Device for long-distance communication and discovered that the Rainbow Ice Wall research also covered solar energy.

• Kazahana Sōsetsu gave Nara Kaikei the research materials on the Rainbow Ice Wall and Projection Device in exchange for the Boil Release Chakra Manufacturing Method.
• Nara Kaikei read that the Projection Device used Natural Energy to create changing, intangible images and considered adapting it into a long-distance communication device.
• Nara Kaikei compared the Projection Device with Gen'ei Jashin no Jutsu and decided to ask Brother Shikaku to persuade Kazahana Sōsetsu to support Konoha’s scientific research.
• Nara Kaikei studied the Rainbow Ice Wall’s principles, including its use of Natural Energy, thermal energy, and a Hexagonal Crystal Necklace made with modified Chakra Crystal.
• Nara Kaikei discovered that the Rainbow Ice Wall research also explained how to manipulate solar energy, a subject he found especially valuable.

Nara Kaikei considered whether solar energy could lead to a power beyond Sage Mode after receiving Kazahana Sōsetsu’s solar-energy research materials. Back in Konoha, he ordered Nara Shikaku to organize Pig Deer Butterfly branch families for a long-term mission in the Land of Snow.

• Nara Kaikei reasoned that Sage Mode had a limited ceiling and that he needed Six Paths-level strength to face threats like Black Zetsu.
• Nara Kaikei recognized solar energy as a promising path after recalling Otsutsuki Toneri’s attempt to use it, and resolved to protect and work with Kazahana Sōsetsu.
• After the Fourth Hokage returned from the Land of Snow, Nara Kaikei ordered Nara Shikaku to send branch families from the Pig Deer Butterfly clans there.
• Nara Kaikei explained that the Land of Snow’s Daimyo had commissioned Konoha to protect its nobles and royals, then tasked Nara Shikaku with developing Yukigakure as Konoha’s Land of Snow branch.

Nara Kaikei sent Uchiha Shisui and a Pig Deer Butterfly team to help Kazahana Sōsetsu purge Yukigakure’s former rebels and reshape the village along Konoha’s lines. The alliance gave Kaikei new research materials and a way to enrich his laboratory with Natural Energy, while an unknown yin-yang man began moving in secret.

• Nara Shikaku objected to the distant mission but obeyed the Fourth Hokage’s orders as Konoha dispatched a Pig Deer Butterfly team, including a Boil Release user, under Uchiha Shisui’s command.
• At Kazahana Sōsetsu’s request, Uchiha Shisui used genjutsu to identify Yukigakure ninja who had supported Kazahana Dōtō’s rebellion, and the Land of Snow Daimyō ordered them executed.
• Uchiha Shisui and the team intervened in Yukigakure’s affairs, helping Kazahana Sōsetsu bring the village closer to Konoha’s control.
• Kazahana Sōsetsu shared research materials with Nara Kaikei, who used them to build an improved Rainbow Ice Wall that increased Natural Energy in his underground laboratory.
• Kazahana Sōsetsu advanced his Boil Release Chakra Manufacturing Method, and Nara Kaikei sent him the Ice Release Chakra Creation Method in return.
• Nara Kaikei settled the Land of Snow matters and entered a quiet period as an unknown yin-yang man began making his move.

Black Zetsu searched Konoha for the Rinnegan after learning Nara Kaikei had taken it from Nagato, but found no trace of its Chakra and feared it had been destroyed. As Black Zetsu considered rebuilding its plan, it sensed Asura's Chakra nearby.

• Black Zetsu infiltrated Konoha and searched the Nara and Uchiha compounds, Hokage Rock, and a secret base beneath the Hokage Building for the Rinnegan.
• Black Zetsu concluded that Nara Kaikei might have destroyed the Rinnegan, while White Zetsu Tobi pointed out that Dark Shadow had defeated Old Madara.
• White Zetsu Tobi suggested recruiting Uchiha Obito as the next part of Old Madara's plan, but Black Zetsu dismissed him as useless without Indra's reincarnation.
• Black Zetsu revealed that it had just detected Asura's Chakra.

Black Zetsu discovered Asura’s Chakra inside Naruto Namikaze, who also carried the Nine-Tails despite Kushina Uzumaki still being its jinchuriki. Minato Namikaze and Kushina sensed an underground watcher, but before they could identify it, someone moved rapidly beyond Konoha’s Perception Barrier.

• Black Zetsu recalled how Hashirama Senju had outlived expectations by defeating Uchiha Madara, who survived for decades and awakened the Rinnegan before Nara Kaikei killed him.
• Black Zetsu sensed Asura’s Chakra and the Nine-Tails’ Chakra in the golden-haired, whiskered Naruto Namikaze, and wondered how he could be Asura’s reincarnation while Kushina Uzumaki remained alive as the Nine-Tails’ jinchuriki.
• Black Zetsu suspected Hagoromo’s involvement and watched the Namikaze family from underground.
• Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki sensed the hidden watcher beneath their home and considered whether it was Root or the Hokage.
• Kushina Uzumaki sensed someone moving rapidly past Konoha’s Perception Barrier, and Minato Namikaze paused before contacting the Hokage Building.

Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze reported that a strange ninja had secretly watched their home and escaped through Konoha’s Perception Barrier. Nara Kaikei identified the watcher as Zetsu and gave the couple a way to respond if it returned, though Zetsu’s interest in Naruto remained unclear.

• Kushina Uzumaki accused Konoha’s elders of secretly monitoring her family, while Minato Namikaze focused on identifying the intruder.
• Nara Kaikei dismissed Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu as suspects and asked whether the watcher had any unusual traits.
• Kushina Uzumaki described the watcher’s Chakra as strange, and Nara Kaikei demonstrated a similar sensation by creating a Wood Clone and applying Yin-Yang Release.
• Nara Kaikei identified the watcher as Zetsu, a half-black, half-white being he had nearly caught in the Land of Rain.
• Nara Kaikei gave Minato Namikaze three Shadow Stream Blades and told him to alert him if Zetsu’s Chakra appeared again.

After Black Zetsu spied on Minato Namikaze’s family, Nara Kaikei ordered new village defenses and checked on Konoha’s jinchuriki. He decided Konoha should return Killer B and the Eight-Tails to Kumogakure for extra payment, while the other jinchuriki and Kokuō remained stable.

• Nara Kaikei told Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze to watch for Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, then ordered Nara Shikaku to arrange new barrier entry points and prepare six Rainbow Ice Walls for a new Perception Barrier.
• Nara Kaikei asked about the village’s jinchuriki, and Nara Shikaku reported that Killer B and the Eight-Tails were still in Konoha’s secret prison while other villages had lost interest in buying the Eight-Tails.
• Nara Kaikei decided to sell Killer B and the Eight-Tails back to Kumogakure and told Nara Shikaku to make the village pay extra.
• Nara Shikaku reported that Kakashi’s condition and his monitoring of Uchiha Obito were stable, and that Samui had entered Kikyo Orphanage under the name Yakushi Kan.
• Nara Shikaku reported that the Two-Tails and Samui were stable and that Kokuō had remained gentle.

Nara Kaikei strengthened Konoha’s defenses against Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, then advanced his Natural Energy research with Kazahana Sōsetsu. Their work upgraded the Chakra Crystal into the Limestone Forest Sage Chakra Crystal, allowing Kaikei to maintain Sage Mode continuously, and left him planning further Sage Mode variants.

• Nara Kaikei deployed the Natural Iron Wall barrier and altered Konoha’s Perception Barrier entrances to detect abnormal Natural Energy and Chakra movements.
• Nara Kaikei and Kazahana Sōsetsu exchanged research through Uchiha Shisui’s crows and shared their findings on Natural Energy and Chakra conversion.
• Kazahana Sōsetsu helped Nara Kaikei modify the Chakra Crystal so it absorbed Natural Energy and produced Sage Chakra.
• Nara Kaikei chose Shikkotsu Forest’s Sage Mode and named the upgraded gem the Limestone Forest Sage Chakra Crystal.
• Nara Kaikei planned to research Wood Style Sage Mode variants and Pure Sage Mode with Kazahana Sōsetsu.

Nara Kaikei developed the new Kekkei Genkai Abyss Release and advanced his research into Sage Modes and Kekkei Tōta. His fusion experiments with Kai Release and Abyss Release produced an S-Rank Shadow Release Chakra Manufacturing Method.

• With Kazahana Sōsetsu's support, Nara Kaikei developed several Kekkei Genkai Sage Modes and continued researching a human-exclusive Sage Mode.
• Nara Kaikei developed Abyss Release by fusing Yin Release and Water Release, using the Hozuki Clan's Water Transformation Technique as its Water Release source.
• Nara Kaikei tested Abyss Release and found that it retained physical immunity without being vulnerable to Fire Release or Lightning Release.
• Nara Kaikei shifted his Kekkei Tōta research toward fusing Kai Release and Abyss Release using the Chakra ratio from Mud Release.
• Nara Kaikei's experiments produced an S-Rank Shadow Release Chakra Manufacturing Method.

Nara Kaikei developed Shadow Release, a new Kekkei Tōta that raised his evaluation to Super Kage-level, and planned to expand it further. In autumn of Konoha Year 50, Konoha began carrying out deals from the previous Kage Summit, while Pakura prepared to make her debut.

• Nara Kaikei created Shadow Release by fusing Yin, Water, and Earth Chakra, then upgraded his ninjutsu and raised his overall evaluation to S (Super Kage-level).
• Nara Kaikei planned to develop Shadow Release Sage Mode and eventually fuse additional Nature Transformations into Shadow Release.
• Nara Kaikei approved selling Killer B and the Eight-Tails back to Kumogakure to balance the villages' strength.
• Nara Kaikei kept Samehada and Hiramekarei, gave Nuibari to Shizune, and Hiruzen Sarutobi claimed Lightning Blade Kiba as Kirigakure bought back three other swords.
• Nara Kaikei rejected Iwagakure's request to redeem Han and the Five-Tails after Han died by suicide in the underground laboratory.
• The Fourth Kazekage gathered enough ransom money for Ebizo to return home, and Pakura finished her seclusion and prepared to debut.

Pakura tested her improved abilities against Nara Kaikei, but her Swift Release and Scorch Release failed to hurt him, and he revealed a new shadow technique. Nara Kaikei declared that Pakura had passed the test and was strong enough to serve as Kazekage.

• Pakura used Swift Release to attack Nara Kaikei, whose body burst into shadow and reformed after she struck him with Scorch Release.
• Pakura stabbed Nara Kaikei with the Shadow Stream Blade, but her arm passed through his body without injuring him.
• Nara Kaikei trapped Pakura with the Shadow Strangulation Technique and asked if she wanted to continue.
• Pakura surrendered and asked whether she had passed the test.
• Nara Kaikei said Pakura had passed and was strong enough to serve as Kazekage.

Nara Kaikei prepared Pakura to return to Sunagakure and help him install her as Kazekage. He outlined a plan to restore her standing in the village and warned that the succession of the One-Tail Jinchuriki was Sunagakure’s most urgent issue.

• Pakura admitted that the Kazekage and Sunagakure were not as impressive as she once believed, after learning that Sasori had killed the Third Kazekage and made him a human puppet.
• Nara Kaikei asked Pakura about the current Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and she recognized that he intended to send her home to become Kazekage under his influence.
• Nara Kaikei told Pakura not to rush into assassinating Rasa and proposed that she seize Ebizo while a special operations squad escorted him back to Sunagakure.
• Nara Kaikei explained that rescuing Ebizo would help Pakura clear suspicion, while demonstrating her strength as a Dual Bloodline Limit Ninja would secure the village’s support.
• Nara Kaikei promised to give Pakura an intelligence scroll and said Sunagakure’s urgent concern was replacing the One-Tail Jinchuriki, since Bunpuku might already be dead.

Nara Kaikei explained why he believed Bunpuku might be dead and advised Pakura to use a rampaging One-Tail to prove her strength and earn trust in Sunagakure. As Ebizo was released for the exchange, Pakura began her journey back to the village.

• Nara Kaikei deduced that Sunagakure needed Gaara to replace the aging Bunpuku as its Jinchuriki.
• Nara Kaikei told Pakura that defeating a rampaging One-Tail could help her gain Sunagakure's trust, and Pakura agreed while doubting she could beat a Tailed Beast head-on.
• Nara Kaikei gave Pakura Sunagakure intelligence scrolls and told her when Ebizo would be released.
• Two days later, Ebizo left Konoha under the protection of Konoha ninja and headed for the Land of Valleys for the Ebizo-Gold Dust Trade.
• Pakura set out to return to Sunagakure.

Nara Kaikei let Pakura return to Sand Village, while the dispute over Ebizo’s escape left Konoha’s leaders dealing with an unpaid ransom and political fallout. At the beginning of Year 51, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu Tobi entered a hidden passage in the Land of Fields to meet Orochimaru, whom they needed for their plan against Konoha’s overwhelming power.

• Nara Kaikei accepted that Pakura might not follow his New Kazekage Plan, but expected her to keep Sand Village from opposing Konoha.
• Sand Village refused to pay the Gold Dust ransom after Ebizo disappeared, troubling Nara Shikaku and prompting Hiruzen Sarutobi to relinquish some authority.
• At the beginning of Year 51, White Zetsu Tobi complained about the dark passageway as he traveled with Black Zetsu through the Land of Fields.
• Black Zetsu explained that Konoha and Dark Shadow were too powerful for any current force to challenge, making their plan necessary.
• Black Zetsu and White Zetsu Tobi passed through a door covered in Defensive Jutsu and arrived behind Orochimaru.

Black Zetsu and White Zetsu Tobi brought Orochimaru a living White Zetsu specimen, which Orochimaru restrained and tested in his laboratory. Orochimaru reflected on how their supply of living White Zetsu had persuaded him to work with them, despite his wariness.

• Black Zetsu and White Zetsu Tobi arrived at Orochimaru's laboratory with a newly produced White Zetsu specimen.
• Orochimaru used the Curse Binding Seal to immobilize the White Zetsu and took a sample for experiments.
• Orochimaru finished testing the specimen and told Black Zetsu he was satisfied with its quality.
• White Zetsu Tobi showed reluctance at handing over another companion, while Orochimaru considered how much he wanted to study Tobi himself.
• Orochimaru recalled that Black Zetsu and White Zetsu had found him in the Land of Fields and won his cooperation by offering an endless supply of living White Zetsu.

Black Zetsu claimed that Uchiha Madara had pursued peace and recruited Orochimaru by promising him Yin-Yang Release and Madara’s secret techniques. Orochimaru pretended to support Madara’s will so he could learn more and gain access to the collection.

• Black Zetsu told Orochimaru that Madara was dead, that Nara Kaikei had killed him, and that the Fourth Hokage had concealed the truth.
• Black Zetsu claimed he was the will Madara had separated before dying and described the Yin-Yang Release Jutsu that had created him.
• Orochimaru questioned Black Zetsu about Yin-Yang Release and grew interested when he learned it could create form and grant life.
• Black Zetsu promised Orochimaru the technique and Madara’s secret collection if he cooperated.
• Orochimaru falsely declared his support for Madara’s will in pursuit of the promised knowledge and techniques.

Orochimaru agreed to cooperate with Black Zetsu and received the Wood Release Chakra Manufacturing Method, then learned that Madara supposedly sought power beyond Hashirama Senju by pursuing the Sage of Six Paths. Black Zetsu pointed Orochimaru toward the Uchiha Clan’s Naka Shrine as proof, leaving Orochimaru demanding to see it.

• Orochimaru agreed to cooperate with Black Zetsu, who gave him the Wood Release Chakra Manufacturing Method scroll.
• Orochimaru swallowed the scroll and listened as Black Zetsu explained Madara’s Wood Release and his survival after the Valley of the End.
• Black Zetsu claimed that Orochimaru’s experiments could make him only a lesser Hashirama Senju, prompting Orochimaru to defend Hashirama’s status as the God of Shinobi.
• Black Zetsu said Madara had found a path to the Sage of Six Paths, a level beyond Hashirama Senju.
• Orochimaru demanded proof, and Black Zetsu directed him to the Uchiha Clan’s Naka Shrine.

Black Zetsu persuaded Orochimaru that Senju and Uchiha powers could awaken the Rinnegan, using Nagato and Madara as evidence. Orochimaru turned his attention to Nara Kaikei, who had taken the Rinnegan, and began a Living Corpse Reincarnation experiment with Black Zetsu’s companion.

• Orochimaru questioned why the union of Senju and Uchiha alone could produce the Sage of Six Paths' power, and Black Zetsu cited Madara’s Rinnegan as proof.
• Black Zetsu revealed that Nagato had once hosted Madara’s Rinnegan, explaining that Nagato’s Senju and Uzumaki heritage made him a suitable host.
• Orochimaru learned that Nara Kaikei had taken Nagato’s Rinnegan and wondered whether Kushina Uzumaki had received them.
• Black Zetsu admitted he did not know what Nara Kaikei had done with the Rinnegan.
• Orochimaru invited Black Zetsu’s companion to join his Living Corpse Reincarnation experiment, and Black Zetsu welcomed another potential tool.