Chapter Summaries

Aozora and Shisui recovered while Tsunade treated them, as Danzo’s right arm caused him severe damage and forced him to bargain with Orochimaru for help. The purple Barrier was weakening, and Tsunade prepared to face Orochimaru while Aozora agreed to protect Shizune.

• The Root shinobi attacked the thinning purple Barrier with ninjutsu after their leader urged them to keep striking it.
• Shisui dispelled Susanoo to rest, while Danzo’s right arm swelled and sprouted branches until he sealed it, leaving him weakened and half-white-haired.
• Danzo asked Orochimaru to kill Shisui and take his eyes, but Orochimaru demanded Danzo’s Sharingan secret technique as additional payment.
• Aozora and Shisui retreated to Tsunade, who healed Shisui and summoned Slugs to help both brothers recover their injuries and Chakra.
• Aozora asked Tsunade to have Shizune protected, and Tsunade prepared to confront Orochimaru while Aozora stayed ready to face Danzo.

Hirano Shiei and the others watched Tsunade and Aozora’s fight with Danzo and Orochimaru from the South City Tower. Danzo revealed Izanagi and attacked, while Aozora stopped his wooden branches—only to spot a figure appearing behind Shizune and Shisui.

• Hirano Shiei, Kyushin, Yukito, Hiroki, Kazuma, and Lord Musashi watched the Hirano Gambling House burn and discussed Tsunade, Danzo, and the coming battle.
• Aozora and Tsunade guessed that Orochimaru and Danzo were negotiating and bet on whether they would reach an agreement.
• Danzo agreed to give Orochimaru the Sharingan Secret Technique, Izanagi, and explained that each use consumed a Three Tomoe Sharingan.
• Danzo’s right arm transformed into a giant tree and sent branches toward Orochimaru, Aozora, and the others.
• Aozora used Blazing Blaze Release to stop the branches, then turned when a figure appeared behind Shizune and Shisui.

Orochimaru ambushed Shisui and tried to seize his body, but Aozora and Tsunade drove him off before he could escape with Shisui. The exhausted group recovered and discussed Danzo’s escape and severed arm, then heard that the gambling house was surrounded.

• Orochimaru appeared behind Shizune and Shisui, sealed Shisui’s Chakra with the Five Elements Seal, and attempted to take him as a vessel.
• Shisui trapped Orochimaru in an Illusion Space, but the illusion broke and Orochimaru dragged him away while fighting off Aozora and Tsunade.
• Aozora and Tsunade wounded Orochimaru, who used a flood of venomous snakes to cover his escape.
• Tsunade removed Shisui’s seal and confirmed that his depleted stamina and Chakra posed no serious danger.
• Black Eagle reported that Danzo had escaped using Wood Release and showed Tsunade the arm he had left behind; Tsunade ordered the group to rest before deciding whether to pursue him.
• A voice outside announced that the gambling house was surrounded and ordered the rogue ninjas inside to surrender.

Danzo fled Tenbara City but was surrounded by agents seeking his cooperation and accepted the Land of Fire Daimyo’s offer through General Tsukahara Musashi. Meanwhile, Aozora revealed his Uchiha identity to Tsunade and took responsibility for bringing the unconscious Shisui back to the village.

• Kyushin, Kazuma, Yukito, and Hiroki tried to stop Danzo as he fled, but he held his ground when Tsukahara Musashi arrived and offered him service to the Land of Fire.
• Tsunade and her companions rested in a cave near Tenbara City after escaping the City Guard’s encirclement.
• Tsunade told Aozora that Shisui had suffered a severe loss of vitality, and Aozora decided to take him back to the village.
• Aozora proved his identity by showing Tsunade his Three Tomoe Sharingan, and Tsunade agreed to honor their wager after returning to the village.
• The next day, Tsunade hired Aozora to escort Shisui home while the others searched for Danzo, whose traces were erased with official help.

Aozora carried the badly injured Shisui back to Konoha and reported the mission to Fugaku, who learned about Shisui’s Mangekyo and worried about his growing ties to the Hokage. Fugaku also warned Aozora that the Uchiha instructor election would be fiercely contested, leaving Aozora to prepare for the competition and the New Year.

• Aozora brought Shisui home through the snow, and Shisui woke on the journey and learned that Danzo and Orochimaru had escaped while Tsunade continued pursuing them.
• Aozora admitted he had tracked Shisui with Black Feather, then teased him about hiding his Mangekyo until Shisui apologized.
• Aozora reported the battle to Fugaku, who was shocked to hear that Shisui had awakened the Mangekyo and that Danzo, Orochimaru, and Tsunade had all been involved.
• Aozora warned Fugaku that Shisui trusted the Hokage’s circle more than the clan, and suggested that Fugaku involve Shisui more in clan affairs.
• Fugaku told Aozora that Jintai’s proposal had made the Flying Tigers instructor position important and that seven other Uchiha had signed up; Aozora agreed to do his best.
• Fugaku gave Aozora New Year’s goods that Mikoto had prepared for him and Shisui.

Aozora and Shisui joined the Uchiha for their New Year visit to Naka Shrine, where Aozora and Tekka were suddenly targeted by a middle-aged ninja named Makki. The encounter ended without a fight, but Makki’s rivalry with Aozora over the Flying Tigers instructor position remained unresolved.

• Aozora and Shisui prepared traditional New Year food, prayed at their home shrine, and set out for Naka Shrine.
• Aozora urged Shisui to join his morning training, and Shisui agreed as they walked with the Uchiha crowd.
• Tekka and Inabi joined the brothers, and they chatted about relatives being pressured to marry and have children.
• Dozens of pebbles flew toward Aozora and Tekka; Aozora evaded them while Tekka blocked them with a kunai and got dust on his clothes.
• Aozora taunted the middle-aged ninja, who identified himself as Makki, and Shin'ichi briefly interrupted the confrontation while escorting the pregnant Yui.
• Makki left after warning Aozora that he hoped to see his weapons next time, and Tekka asked Aozora to beat Makki in the Flying Tigers instructor selection.

After the New Year shrine rites, Aozora told Shisui that he had revealed Shisui’s Mangekyo to the Clan Head, arguing that the clan could help him understand its risks. Aozora then urged Shisui to use his strength to bring the Uchiha and Konoha closer, leaving Shisui considering his claims about Fugaku, Hiruzen, and Danzo.

• Aozora, Shisui, and the Inabi brothers completed the shrine rites, drew Sacred Lots, and hung Tekka’s unlucky lot on the Sacred Tree.
• Nakamei summoned Aozora and Shisui to meet the Clan Head, and Aozora told Shisui he had reported Shisui’s Mangekyo awakening.
• Shisui angrily confronted Aozora, who defended his decision by citing Shisui’s lost life force and worsening eyesight and the clan’s knowledge of the Mangekyo.
• Aozora challenged Shisui’s belief that revealing his power would reignite conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha, pointing to Danzo’s defection and Hiruzen’s trust in the clan.
• Aozora revealed that Fugaku had also awakened the Mangekyo and concealed it to restrain the clan, prompting Shisui to reconsider his understanding of the Clan Head.
• Aozora urged Shisui to display his Mangekyo so he could earn the clan’s respect and help the Uchiha integrate into Konoha.

Fugaku explained the Mangekyō Sharingan’s powers and costs to Shisui and Aozora, then taught them how to use Mangekyō power to strengthen Sharingan techniques. He gave Shisui a scroll of the clan’s research and invited him to watch the Flying Tigers selection.

• Fugaku greeted Shisui and Aozora, confirmed Shisui had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, and revealed his own Mangekyō.
• Fugaku explained the Mangekyō’s abilities, its rarity, and the toll frequent use and Susanoo took on eyesight and life force.
• Fugaku gave Shisui a scroll containing the clan’s research on maintaining the eyes and body and making better use of Mangekyō power.
• Fugaku used Mangekyō power to cast a powerful Hanging Technique, and Aozora and Shisui failed to dispel it with their Three Tomoe Sharingan.
• Fugaku advised Shisui to study the scroll and limit his Mangekyō use, then discussed Police Force Reform and invited him to the Flying Tigers selection.

During New Year visits, Aozora arm-wrestled Torifu Akimichi and discussed recruiting Akimichi clan members into the Konoha Military Police Force. After the holiday, the Police Force began its Flying Tigers selections and instructor recruitment.

• Aozora visited Torifu Akimichi and accepted his challenge to arm-wrestle for a New Year's red envelope.
• Torifu defeated Aozora after a close contest and praised his strength before giving him the envelope.
• Aozora explained that the Konoha Military Police Force was recruiting Patrol Police to improve relations with villagers and other ninja.
• Choza asked whether Akimichi clan members could apply, and Aozora welcomed them to join the force.
• After the New Year, the Police Force resumed work, held Flying Tigers member selections from the seventh through ninth days, and began instructor selections on the tenth.

Aozora attended the Flying Tigers instructor selection with Shisui, where he faced hostility from Makki and drew attention as the youngest candidate. The competition began, and Aozora’s first opponent was Uchiha Mugen.

• Aozora and Shisui arrived at the packed Training Ground 11, where Makki provoked Aozora and Ryoichi told Makki to focus on improving his strength.
• Aozora noticed The Third, Tsunade, and Torifu seated with Fugaku and Jintai, while Sarutobi Hiruzen wondered whether Tsunade was searching for an old friend.
• Shisui worried that information about the mission to capture Danzo had leaked, but Aozora asked him to cheer during the competition, and Shisui agreed.
• Fugaku opened the selection, and a middle-aged ninja explained that sixteen candidates would draw opponents, with the final four becoming instructors and the overall winner becoming Head Instructor.
• The names appeared on the large screen, and the first matchup was announced: Uchiha Aozora versus Uchiha Mugen.

Uchiha Aozora faced Uchiha Mugen in the first round of the tournament and overwhelmed him by perfectly copying his techniques. Mugen surrendered, leaving Aozora the winner as the crowd and clan leaders watched his strength.

• Mugen made a flashy entrance and drew cheers, but Aozora's arrival shifted the crowd's attention to him.
• The referee began the match, and Mugen and Aozora revealed their Three Tomoe Sharingan before exchanging Fire Release techniques and attacks.
• Aozora mirrored Mugen's ninjutsu, taijutsu, and throwing techniques so precisely that spectators and Uchiha observers recognized one fighter was copying the other.
• Mugen realized Aozora was stronger, admitted defeat, and raised his hand in surrender.

Uchiha Aozora defeated Mugen in the first match of the Flying Tigers instructor selection, drawing the crowd’s admiration and Makki’s scorn. As the selection continued, Inuzuka Tsume considered sending young clan members to join the Konoha Military Police Force, while Inuzuka Yū reflected on how much Aozora and the Uchiha’s standing had changed.

• Aozora defeated Mugen, who admitted that Aozora had outperformed him in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu.
• Makki disparaged Aozora’s battle experience, then defeated a skilled Fire Release user with ruthless, decisive attacks.
• Junpei, Hideki, and Ryoichi each demonstrated their specialties and won their matches.
• Inuzuka Tsume discussed the Uchiha’s strength with Inuzuka Ō and directed him to have young Inuzuka sign up for the Konoha Military Police Force.
• Inuzuka Yū remembered ANBU’s warning to keep Sai away from Aozora and recognized how the Uchiha’s influence and Aozora’s position had risen.

The second round of the Flying Tigers instructor matches began, and Uchiha Junpei faced Uchiha Hideki in a contest of ninja tools and swordsmanship. Aozora identified the matchup’s advantages and weaknesses as Junpei kept Hideki at a distance, then Hideki suddenly became unable to move as a shuriken cut his face.

• Sarutobi Hiruzen reflected on the Hokage faction’s decline and considered Shisui’s uncertain loyalty as the Uchiha grew stronger.
• The second-round draw paired Uchiha Junpei against Uchiha Hideki, prompting Aozora to suspect the matchup had been deliberately arranged.
• Junpei and Hideki began their fight, trading ninja-tool attacks and sword techniques as Junpei tried to maintain distance.
• Aozora explained to Shisui that Junpei’s Sharingan and skill with ninja tools gave him an edge against Hideki’s unfinished combination of ninjutsu and swordsmanship.
• Hideki attempted his ultimate move but suddenly could not move, and a shuriken cut a shallow bloody mark across his face.

Aozora recognized that Junpei had used a drained kunai to immobilize Hideki, then urged Shisui to advocate for equal treatment of Uchiha shinobi and more village service. The tournament continued, with Nobuo facing Ryoichi as the chapter ended.

• Junpei defeated Hideki after immobilizing him, and Aozora and Shisui suspected the drained kunai had caused it.
• Kosuke and Koma were drawn against each other, and Aozora recognized the matchups as a result of allocated slots.
• Aozora urged Shisui to ask the Hokage to treat Uchiha shinobi equally, while promising to persuade Fugaku to send clan members on village missions.
• Kosuke and Koma fought until one was heavily injured and the other lightly injured.
• Nobuo and Ryoichi were drawn against each other, and Fugaku and Jintai debated their chances as the match began.

As Nobuo and Ryoichi fought at elite Jōnin level, Aozora asked Shisui how to classify a ninja’s strength. Shisui outlined a system based on Ninjutsu ranks, and Aozora decided to pursue an S-Rank technique while continuing to refine his Chakra.

• Nobuo and Ryoichi’s fast, powerful fight astonished the spectators and led Hyuga Hiashi to reflect on how the Caged Bird limited the Hyūga Clan.
• Aozora asked Shisui how ninja strength was ranked, and Shisui explained a rough classification based on the ranks of Ninjutsu they could use.
• Shisui said Kekkei Genkai techniques could be treated as one rank higher and linked the Three Tomoe Sharingan to elite Jōnin strength and the Mangekyo to Kage-level power.
• Aozora concluded that he was exceptional even among elite Jōnin and set his sights on mastering an S-Rank Ninjutsu while continuing Chakra refinement.
• As Aozora and Shisui finished talking, Nobuo and Ryoichi’s match entered its final stage.

Uchiha Ryoichi defeated Nobuo in the third match after outlasting him, and Uchiha Aozora prepared to face Uchiha Makki in the fourth. The chapter ended just as the barrier rose and the match began.

• Ryoichi pressed his attack until Nobuo depleted his Chakra and lost his Sharingan, then won the third match.
• Jintai taunted Fugaku about Ryoichi and suggested Aozora would benefit from attending the Flying Tigers' classes if Makki defeated him.
• The referee announced the fourth match between Aozora and Makki, who entered the arena eager to fight.
• Aozora calmly joined Makki in the arena, drawing cheers from his female fans and skepticism from many Taijutsu Ninja.
• The referee raised the barrier and started the match, while Tekka shouted for Aozora to teach Makki a lesson.

Aozora faced Makki in the arena, enduring his taunts before overpowering his Fire Release and catching two blades with his bare hands. After throwing Makki’s Shadow Clones together, Aozora found a hidden attacker emerge from the ground with a blade at his neck.

• Makki boasted about Uchiha geniuses and mocked Aozora, who answered with taunts of his own.
• Aozora warned Makki to stop provoking him and readied his Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger as the crowd demanded they fight.
• Makki launched a Great Fireball Technique and sent two Shadow Clones to attack, but Aozora’s larger fireball destroyed Makki’s attack and another clone.
• Makki’s two Shadow Clones struck at Aozora’s throat and heart, but Aozora caught their blades with his bare hands.
• Aozora threw the two figures into each other, then a dark shadow emerged from the ground and held a long blade to his neck.

Aozora defeated Makki by first burying him, then evading and copying Makki’s Earth Rising Spear to trap him alive. His performance established him as an elite Jōnin-level prodigy and strengthened the other clans’ confidence in the Uchiha.

• Aozora used the Double Suicide Decapitation Technique to bury Makki, but Makki broke free and unleashed Earth Rising Spear.
• Aozora effortlessly dodged Makki’s earth spikes, using his sensitivity to ground Chakra and the Sharingan to anticipate their attacks.
• When Makki demanded to see his Flying Daggers, Aozora refused and defeated him with a more powerful Earth Rising Spear, trapping him unharmed in a cage of spikes.
• The referee declared Uchiha Aozora the winner of the fourth match, while spectators and clan leaders reacted to his remarkable strength.
• Inabi admitted he could not confidently defeat Aozora, then encouraged Tekka to keep training and aim for elite Jōnin strength.

Aozora defeated Makki in the fourth match, impressing the audience with his ability to copy ninjutsu. As the matches continued, Fugaku arranged for Aozora to hear that the Head Instructor could skip attendance and training, making him reconsider forfeiting.

• Aozora defeated Makki with Earth Release: Earth Rising Spear and returned to the stands amid cheers.
• The audience praised Aozora's copying ability and compared his talent to Kakashi's.
• Jintai challenged Fugaku over Kakashi's Sharingan, while Fugaku and Sarutobi Hiruzen defended their views of Kakashi's accomplishments.
• Jintai ordered the matches to continue despite the competitors' fatigue, and Fugaku sent Nakamei to speak with Aozora.
• Nakamei told Aozora that the Head Instructor only needed to prepare training plans, and Aozora reconsidered forfeiting the position.

Aozora won the Flying Tigers instructor selection after Ryoichi conceded, and Fugaku appointed him Head Instructor. When Jintai and Ryoichi challenged his authority over training, Fugaku ordered both Aozora and Ryoichi to submit plans for evaluation.

• Ryoichi conceded the final match, and the referee declared Aozora the winner.
• Fugaku named Aozora, Ryoichi, Junpei, and Koma as Flying Tigers instructors and appointed Aozora Head Instructor.
• Fugaku handed each instructor a specially forged Kunai and told them to rest before preparing a training plan.
• Jintai argued that Ryoichi should take charge of training because Aozora lacked experience, but Aozora insisted the elite Flying Tigers needed an unprecedented plan.
• Fugaku asked Aozora and Ryoichi to submit separate training plans by next Wednesday for evaluation, and Aozora later noticed his older brother had left.