Chapter Summaries

Hizashi Hyuga and Masamune Yagyu returned to the Royal Capital, where Jikai Kanmaki took an interest in Yagyu Uemon. After learning the scale of Kazuichi Kosaka’s trafficking, Ming Jing traveled with Qing Yan and Hizashi Hyuga to the Land of Sea, where Hizashi revealed his identity to an undercover contact.

• Hizashi Hyuga returned home to Hana Hyuga, who worried that Neji had accepted an A-rank mission.
• Kiki told Masamune Yagyu that Jikai Kanmaki had awakened but refused food and would not see him, so Masamune arranged for Uemon to train outside Kanmaki’s room.
• Jikai Kanmaki watched Uemon practice Iaido and Shinkage-ryu and asked Kiki to let the boy become his disciple.
• Ming Jing read Kazuichi Kosaka’s interrogation records, learned that over two thousand people had been trafficked to Otogakure, and set out for the Land of Sea with Qing Yan and Hizashi Hyuga.
• Hizashi Hyuga led Ming Jing and Qing Yan through the Land of Sea to meet an undercover agent, then revealed his identity as Hizashi Hyuga to Toothless Fourth.

Hizashi Hyuga, Ming Jing, and Qing Yan followed a lead on Orochimaru and infiltrated Otogakure after meeting Hizashi’s agents in the Land of Sea. They reached a fork in an underground passage, but found the route ahead led to a drainage system and turned back to seek another way.

• Toothless Fourth verified Hizashi Hyuga’s identity, reported that Otogakure had sent someone out, and gave him a hand-drawn map of Sagi Island.
• Hizashi Hyuga ordered the agents to maintain their cover and focus on finding the two thousand trafficked people, while Ming Jing noted they might be hiding something about Third Brother.
• Ming Jing used Genjutsu to lead Hizashi Hyuga and Qing Yan past Otogakure guards and patrols, and the three infiltrated the village.
• Ming Jing identified the place where Sixth Brother had died, and Hizashi Hyuga used his Byakugan to search for Orochimaru without finding him.
• The three opened a massive iron gate and followed a passage underground, but turned back after discovering it led toward a drainage system between busy training grounds.

Ming Jing used genjutsu to learn that Orochimaru was nearby, then confronted him about the people trafficked to Otogakure. The chapter ended with Ming Jing attacking Orochimaru after he implied the two thousand people were gone.

• Ming Jing used genjutsu on Kyutsu Reiko to question her about the trafficked people and learn where Orochimaru was conducting research.
• Ming Jing, Qing Yan, and Hizashi Hyuga followed Kabuto Yakushi to Orochimaru’s laboratory, where Orochimaru attacked them with a snake and the Kusanagi Sword.
• Hizashi Hyuga stopped Orochimaru’s Kusanagi Sword with Gentle Fist: Water Binding Stream, and Ming Jing demanded an explanation for the two thousand people sent by Kazuichi Kosaka.
• When Orochimaru said he could not keep two thousand people fed, Ming Jing punched him through the wall and leapt after him as Sound Ninja rushed to the scene.

Ming Jing fought Orochimaru in Otogakure, but Orochimaru’s antidote to Five Senses Manipulation failed to expose Ming Jing’s trick. As the battle spread, Hizashi Hyuga held off the Sound Ninja while Qing Yan fought Kabuto Yakushi and broke free of his chains.

• Ming Jing broke through Orochimaru’s Triple Rashomon and escaped his exploding snakes, while vowing to destroy Otogakure over the deaths of two thousand people.
• Orochimaru revealed that medicine refined from Ming Jing’s blood let him resist Five Senses Manipulation, but Ming Jing vanished again after calling himself careless.
• Hizashi Hyuga stopped the Sound Ninja with his Gentle Fist and Water Style Flow, sealing the Chakra of those caught in its range.
• Kabuto Yakushi attacked Qing Yan with a Chakra Scalpel, but Qing Yan’s Golden Transformation protected him, and he hurled Kabuto through a wall.
• Kabuto’s allies bound Qing Yan with twenty-four chains, but Qing Yan snapped them, deflected Kabuto’s Senbon, and charged him.
• Two Sound Ninja attacked Qing Yan with iron hammers, but he blocked them and dug his fingers into the weapons.

Sasuke discovered Akira Kurama’s attack devastating Otogakure, while Orochimaru summoned Kakuzu and Rasa with Impure World Reincarnation to confront him. Ming Jing unleashed a rain of Wind Blades across the village, leaving Otogakure almost entirely destroyed.

• Kabuto told Sasuke that Orochimaru had ordered him to leave, and Sasuke emerged to find Akira Kurama’s Wind Blades striking Otogakure.
• Sasuke blocked one Wind Blade with Fire Release and realized the scale of Akira Kurama’s power.
• Orochimaru escaped underground, summoned Kakuzu and Rasa with Impure World Reincarnation, and urged them to attack Ming Jing.
• Kakuzu and Rasa attacked Ming Jing, but Ming Jing dispelled Kakuzu’s lightning spear and prepared to unleash the Wind Blades above Otogakure.
• Ming Jing commanded the Wind Blades to fall, and Hizashi Hyuga sheltered as the attack devastated the village and destroyed its buildings.

Ming Jing devastated Otogakure, then confronted Orochimaru and used Sage Mode genjutsu to free Rasa from Impure World Reincarnation. Kakuzu attacked Ming Jing with a powerful combined Fire and Wind Release technique.

• Qing Yan, Kabuto Yakushi, Sasuke, and other survivors emerged from shelter and saw that Otogakure had been flattened.
• Rasa and Kakuzu analyzed Ming Jing’s attack, concluding that its purpose was to terrify the Sound Ninja rather than kill them all.
• Ming Jing revealed that he had brought Orochimaru away from Rasa and Kakuzu, then immobilized Orochimaru with seven nails to test whether genjutsu could undo Impure World Reincarnation.
• Ming Jing activated Sage Mode and trapped Rasa in a vision of an ancient city, causing Rasa’s reanimated body to disintegrate and reveal its sacrificial body.
• Kakuzu fused his Fire Release and Wind Release mask monsters and attacked Ming Jing with their combined techniques.

Ming Jing defeated Kakuzu by sealing his soul inside a formula-engraved katana, then named the weapon Cursed Blade: Amemura. He and his companions left for the harbor while Orochimaru escaped, and Sasuke approached the abandoned blade in the rain.

• Ming Jing absorbed Kakuzu’s fire attack and sent its heat back at him, melting him repeatedly until the technique ran out of Chakra.
• Ming Jing restrained Kakuzu, pulled out his soul, and sealed it inside a katana engraved with barrier formulas.
• Orochimaru escaped as Kakuzu struggled against the seal, so Ming Jing added more formulas to the blade and named it Cursed Blade: Amemura.
• Qing Yan brought the unconscious Kabuto Yakushi to Ming Jing, and Ming Jing departed for the harbor with Qing Yan and Hizashi Hyuga.
• After the three left the katana behind, Sasuke approached through the rain and grasped its hilt.

Three months after Otogakure was rebuilt, Sasuke trained with the Cursed Blade: Amemura until Orochimaru sent him and Kabuto on an escort mission. Aboard the cargo ship, Sasuke encountered Mist Ninja attackers and fought them in a thick fog.

• Orochimaru questioned Kabuto Yakushi about Sasuke's training and ordered a mission arranged to give Sasuke real combat experience.
• Kabuto delivered the B-rank escort mission to Sasuke, who immediately set out for the Land of Sea with him.
• Sasuke and Kabuto boarded a cargo ship bound for the Land of Water and began the voyage.
• After training late into the night, Sasuke went onto the deck and found two black-clad men, who attacked him.
• One attacker used the Mist Technique to shroud the ship, and Sasuke deflected incoming shuriken before another enemy struck at his ribs.

Sasuke and Kabuto defended a cargo ship carrying disaster relief food from repeated attacks by Mist Ninja. After learning the cargo was aid for the Land of Eddies, Sasuke killed four attackers and left the last Mist Ninja facing him.

• Sasuke drove two Mist Ninja off the cargo ship and learned the Fifth Mizukage had sent the food to flood-stricken civilians in the Land of Eddies.
• Sasuke returned to his room and told Kabuto to keep watch; the night passed without incident.
• The next morning, five Mist Ninja attacked the ship with Waterfall Technique, and Sasuke and Kabuto went down to fight them.
• Sasuke killed one Mist Ninja with Chidori Sharp Spear and another with Cursed Blade: Amemura, while Kabuto held off the others.
• Sasuke interrupted one Mist Ninja's Water Prison Technique, then killed two more with False Darkness and Great Fireball Technique.

Ao and Jichiro asked Yuexi to help the starving people of the Land of Eddies, and Yuexi opened negotiations for payment. After emerging from seclusion, Ming Jing checked on Sasuke and Jiraiya, concluding that the Nine-Tails was safe for now.

• Ao and Jichiro waited at the Prime Minister's Residence and discussed how much the Land of Fire had changed.
• Nanakusa Kanae brought Ao and Jichiro to Yuexi, where Ao praised her and explained that the Fifth Mizukage had sent them to seek aid for the freezing, starving people of the Land of Eddies.
• Yuexi said the Land of Fire had already supplied the Land of Wind, but Jichiro offered payment, prompting her to ask how they would pay.
• Ming Jing emerged from seclusion, learned that Sasuke had gone out to sea with his sword, and credited Kakuzu with guiding him.
• Ming Jing asked about Jiraiya, and Qing Yan reported that no one had found him; Ming Jing concluded that the Nine-Tails was safe from the organization gathering information on the Tailed Beasts.

Shiraki was ambushed by remnants of the Fourth Mizukage posing as Anbu, but Mei Terumi rescued him and killed their captain. Mei and her group headed for the docks to protect the grain shipment, unaware that it had nearly been lost and that Uchiha Sasuke was aboard the ship.

• Three Anbu pursued Shiraki and attacked him, claiming that the Fifth Mizukage had ordered his execution.
• Shiraki recognized Nuibari and realized the captain and his men were remnants of the Fourth Mizukage plotting against Mei Terumi.
• The Anbu captain trapped Shiraki in steel wires, but Mei Terumi arrived and struck him with a Water Dragon Bullet.
• Mei Terumi pinned the captain’s wires underfoot and killed him with an Earth Spear when he tried to attack her group.
• The two remaining Anbu surrendered, and Mei Terumi ordered her people to retrieve Nuibari and accompany her and Shiraki to the docks.
• Mei Terumi went to the docks to guard her grain shipment, unaware it had nearly been overturned into the sea and that Uchiha Sasuke was aboard.

Sasuke arrived in the Land of Water, where Mei Terumi invited him to join Kirigakure, but he refused. At the Prime Minister's Residence, Ming Jing foiled Kiyoyuzuki Kake and two Mist Ninja who had tried to capture him to pressure the Land of Fire into stopping food sales to Kirigakure.

• Sasuke reached the Land of Water and learned from the captain that Mei Terumi had ended the Bloody Mist era and opened the country to trade.
• Mei Terumi invited Sasuke to join Kirigakure and offered him one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's blades, but Sasuke refused and showed his Sharingan.
• Kiyoyuzuki Kake and two Mist Ninja used the Mist Technique to ambush Ming Jing and demanded that the Land of Fire stop selling food to Kirigakure.
• Ming Jing evaded the Mist Technique, put Kiyoyuzuki Kake under Genjutsu, and subdued the intruders.
• Ming Jing ordered Qing Yan to tie up Kiyoyuzuki Kake and the two Mist Ninja for Ao and Juro, then told Yami to improve the residence's security.

Ming Jing met with Kirigakure envoys Ao and Chojuro, allowed Ao to keep the Byakugan, and confronted them over Kiyoyuzuki Kake’s attempted kidnapping. He sent the envoys back with demands for Mei Terumi to consider, leaving the negotiations poised to turn into a bargain.

• Ao and Chojuro introduced themselves to Ming Jing as envoys of the Fifth Mizukage, while Hizashi Hyuga demanded the return of the Byakugan Ao had taken from a fallen Hyuga ninja.
• Ming Jing told Hizashi to let Ao keep the Byakugan for now, then presented Kiyoyuzuki Kake and held Kirigakure responsible for her attempted kidnapping.
• Ming Jing handed Ao a document pouch for Mei Terumi and ordered the Kirigakure group to take Kiyoyuzuki and her two companions back with them.
• Ao freed Kiyoyuzuki from Genjutsu and explained that her actions had caused the Land of Fire to formally protest Kirigakure; she insisted her goal had been achieved, and Ao reprimanded her.
• After the Kirigakure group left, Ming Jing told Hizashi that Mei Terumi could bargain over his demands.

Jiraiya brought Naruto to the Royal Capital so Ming Jing could teach him Wind Release, while Jiraiya also sought answers about a looming crisis. Naruto began learning Wind Cutter but struggled to perform it.

• Jiraiya and Naruto arrived at the Temple of Fire and spent the night there before Yami brought them to Ming Jing the next morning.
• Jiraiya told Ming Jing he had brought Naruto to fulfill a promise, and Ming Jing agreed to begin teaching him while Yuexi remained in seclusion.
• Ming Jing explained Wind Release and demonstrated Chakra nature transformation by slicing a leaf and a rock garden peak with Wind Cutter.
• Naruto struggled to memorize the five hand seals for Wind Cutter and failed to make the ninjutsu work.
• Jiraiya watched Naruto's training and privately wondered whether the Great Toad Sage had told Ming Jing about the crisis.

Mei Terumi, Ao, and Chojuro arrived in the Royal Capital to seek help for Kirigakure’s disaster victims, but the Prime Minister postponed their meeting until the next morning. While waiting, Mei Terumi explored the city and enthusiastically went on a shopping spree.

• Mei Terumi criticized the Royal Capital’s appearance and public security after seeing thieves, but patrol officers promptly arrested them.
• Mei Terumi sent Chojuro to deliver a calling card at the Prime Minister’s Residence and accepted a meeting with Akira Kurama at eight-thirty the following morning.
• Mei Terumi told Ao to find lodging and took Chojuro sightseeing while Ao went to book rooms.
• Mei Terumi shopped through the busy pedestrian street, making Chojuro carry her purchases.
• Mei Terumi enjoyed a cold drink and told Chojuro she was happy to buy everything she wanted.

Ming Jing and Mei Terumi negotiated aid for the Land of Water, reaching an agreement on discounted grain, a strategic alliance, and lower tariffs. The grain shipment proceeded smoothly, strengthening Mei Terumi’s support back home.

• Mei Terumi asked Ming Jing for aid, but he refused her request to take Tsukishiro Yuexi back to the Land of Water.
• Mei Terumi offered to buy eighty tons of grain at a discount and form a strategic alliance, while Ming Jing negotiated a five-percent tariff reduction for Land of Fire goods.
• Ming Jing revealed that twenty tons of grain had already been sent to the Land of Waves, then escaped when Mei Terumi attacked his seat with Lava Release.
• Mei Terumi sent Ao to check the grain shipment, which proceeded without interference from Kirigakure’s Grand Elder faction.
• Ao returned a week later with good news, and Mei Terumi’s standing among the people of the Land of Water rose greatly.

Ming Jing and the Kurama Clan attended Hinata’s engagement ceremony at the Hyuga Clan compound. Hinata accepted their betrothal gifts and her family’s blessing, while Ming Jing promised to care for her.

• Zuo Yang Kurama led Ming Jing and the Kurama Clan party to the Hyuga estate before dawn.
• Neji welcomed the party and brought them inside as Hana Hyuga and Hinata Mai helped Hinata prepare.
• Hinata entered the main hall in her white dress, and Zuo Yang Kurama, Chiyo, Taichi, and the Four Brothers gave her red envelopes.
• Hyuga Hiashi warned Hinata to honor Ming Jing’s devotion, while Hizashi Hyuga reminded her that the Hyuga Clan would always welcome her.
• Ming Jing promised Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga that he would take good care of Hinata.

Tsunade attended Akira Kurama and Hinata Hyuga’s engagement ceremony at the Kurama Clan compound, where both families welcomed Hinata and offered their blessings. The ceremony ended with Tsunade urging Ming Jing to care for Hinata and the couple promising to face their future together.

• Tsunade and Shizune went to the Kurama Clan compound, where Yuexi welcomed them and Tsunade asked for breakfast.
• Ming Jing returned with Hinata and members of the Hyuga Clan, filling the compound with guests from both families.
• Mai Kurama and other Kurama Clan members welcomed Hinata and gave her red envelopes, while Xiangling complained that Hinata had met Ming Jing first.
• Xiangling asked Yakumo to arrange a hot-spring outing so she could compare her figure with Hinata’s.
• Ming Jing and Hinata bowed to Koji Kurama, who praised their engagement and gave Hinata a red envelope.
• Tsunade told Ming Jing to take responsibility for Hinata and wished the couple happiness and good health.

Naruto returned to Konoha and learned that Ming Jing and Hinata were celebrating their engagement, while Tsunade prepared to test his training. Far away in the Land of Lightning, Tsukikyuu Shang Mei and Hidan confronted Yugito to capture the Two-Tails, and Hidan’s abnormal resilience became clear as their fight began.

• Naruto returned to Konoha, reunited with Sakura, and learned that Ming Jing and Hinata were celebrating their engagement.
• Tsunade greeted Naruto and Jiraiya, then invited them to the Hokage Office to hear about their travels and arrange a test of Naruto’s strength.
• Tsukikyuu Shang Mei and Hidan found Yugito at a waterworks facility and demanded that she come with them.
• Tsukikyuu Shang Mei kicked Hidan toward Yugito, who pierced his chest with her claws.
• Hidan attacked Yugito with his scythe, survived being struck into a wall, and shocked her with his rapid recovery.

Yugito fought Hidan in the waterworks, but his ritual let him inflict his injuries on her. A teleportation barrier suddenly whisked Yugito away, leaving Tsukikyuu Shang Mei and Tamamura with Hidan.

• Yugito battled Hidan while Two-Tails Matatabi warned her that his stamina and immortality made a prolonged fight dangerous.
• Tsukikyuu Shang Mei trapped Yugito inside the waterworks with a shadow barrier, and Yugito failed to break through it.
• Hidan used his scythe and spear to draw Yugito's blood, then began his ritual and stabbed himself to inflict matching wounds on her.
• A hidden Teleportation Barrier Array activated and transported Yugito away when she faced a life-or-death crisis.
• Tsukikyuu Shang Mei asked Hidan to stab himself in the heart, and Tamamura pierced Hidan's chest with a katana instead.