Chapter Summaries

Aozora advised Fugaku on the dangers of escorting supplies and suggested appointing Vice-Captains to support the three escort teams. Fugaku selected two deputies but struggled to find someone strong enough to work alongside Shūichi.

• Fugaku told Aozora that the Uchiha had been assigned to escort three food convoys while leaving enough personnel to protect the Konoha Military Police Force.
• Aozora recommended choosing experienced escorts and taking a concealed route, and Fugaku asked him about Itachi’s improved attitude toward his father.
• At the meeting, Fugaku named Takuma, Genma, and Shūichi as the three escort team Captains.
• Aozora proposed assigning a Vice-Captain to each team, and Fugaku appointed Hima and Kōgan to the first two squads.
• Fugaku struggled to choose a deputy for Shūichi and noticed Aozora leaning casually in his chair.

Aozora reluctantly accepted Fugaku’s appointment as Vice-Captain of the Third Escort Squad after securing access to the Uchiha Clan Library. He arrived at the squad’s weekend assembly, where the clan members greeted Shūichi as their leader.

• Fugaku explained that Aozora needed to accompany Shūichi on the dangerous escort mission and help guide him, and Aozora agreed after asking to study the ninjutsu in the Clan Library.
• Fugaku granted Aozora access to the Clan Library, and Aozora said his dream was to learn every ninjutsu in the Shinobi World.
• Aozora reflected that his Military Police Force work had been light and looked forward to studying the clan’s collection.
• Aozora arrived at the Ninth Training Ground for the Third Squad’s assembly and heard clan members discuss the mission and his reputation.
• Aozora prepared to address the gathered clan members, but they noticed Shūichi arriving with a sword and turned to greet him.

Uchiha Aozora challenged Uchiha Shūichi’s decision to dismiss the Third Escort Team without preparation, then trained the team in basic survival advice after Shūichi delegated the task to him. Before departing, Aozora returned home to pack, where Itachi gave him a notebook of answers and wished him a safe return.

• Uchiha Shūichi introduced himself as captain of the mission and dismissed the Third Escort Team without giving them instructions.
• Uchiha Aozora stopped Shūichi and argued that the team needed training to prepare for attacks on supply transports.
• Shūichi agreed with Aozora’s point but left the training to him so he could train to improve his strength.
• Aozora taught the Third Escort Team to obey orders and prioritize their own safety if the group came under attack.
• Aozora ended the training in the afternoon and returned home to pack his ninja tools.
• Itachi gave Aozora a notebook containing his answers to two questions and wished him a safe return.

Aozora reflects on Itachi’s belief that the Uchiha should integrate into Konoha, while worrying that the Clan’s destruction may be near. During a transport mission, he spots rogue ninja hiding in a forest and orders Shingo to lead the forward unit against them.

• Aozora reads Itachi’s assignment and sees that Itachi wants the Uchiha to cast aside their arrogance and integrate into Konoha.
• Aozora sends Shingo and the forward unit to scout in shifts as the convoy leaves Konoha, but the teams travel for two days without incident.
• Aozora stops the convoy before a suspiciously silent forest and warns the Chunin not to rush into danger.
• Shingo suggests setting the forest on fire, and Aozora puts him in command of the forward unit to deal with the rogue ninja.
• Aozora tells Shūichi that he wants the Chunin to gain experience, while more than a dozen well-equipped rogue ninja remain concealed in the forest.

Aozora watched six Uchiha Chunin battle a larger group of Rogue Ninjas, then stepped in when the enemy fled and killed them with his flying dagger and kunai. Shingo and the others began cleaning up the battlefield, while Aozora was pleased to gain twelve drops of merit.

• The rogue ninja leader launched a powerful Wind Release attack, and Shingo led the six Uchiha into battle against the seventeen Rogue Ninjas.
• The Uchiha endured the Rogue Ninjas’ initial assault, then gained the upper hand as their opponents’ limited techniques became apparent.
• The rogue ninja leader ordered a retreat and fled, while the Rogue Ninjas scattered and Shingo’s team kept nearby enemies occupied.
• Aozora pursued the fleeing Rogue Ninjas, killed them in moments, and struck down their leader with the Zhanxian Flying Dagger.
• Aozora told Shingo and the others to clean up the battlefield, then saw twelve drops of merit in the Heavenly Book.

Aozora enjoyed the effects of Merit Water Droplets and discussed swordsmanship with Shūichi as the convoy approached Ōsugidani. They were interrupted by a warning that the valley lay ahead.

• After two safe days of travel, Aozora woke and warned the Uchiha to stay alert as they neared the front lines.
• Aozora reflected that Merit Water Droplets had healed and strengthened his soul, bringing him closer to cultivating an Outer Body Incarnation.
• Shūichi joined Aozora on the carriage roof and asked how he had thrown his knife so effectively.
• Aozora advised Shūichi to build momentum and restrain his edge, then described legendary swordsmen and their paths through the Sword Dao.
• Shouts announced that Ōsugidani was ahead, and Aozora saw the narrow passage through the massive hill.

Aozora’s convoy was ambushed by Iwagakure in Ōsugidani, leaving most of the squad trapped or killed. After reaching the mountaintop with Shūichi, Shingo, and Changxi, Aozora confronted an Iwagakure Jonin and killed him with his Flying Dagger.

• Aozora spotted a disguised Ninja Beast and ordered the convoy to retreat from Ōsugidani.
• Iwagakure shinobi triggered explosions that collapsed the cliffs and sealed both ends of the canyon.
• Aozora warned the squad about Rock Spikes, but most of the shinobi were struck as he, Shūichi, Shingo, and Changxi escaped to the mountaintop.
• Aozora and the others refused to abandon their trapped clansmen, but an Iwagakure Jonin emerged before Aozora.
• Aozora taunted the Jonin about his height and killed him with a Flying Dagger while the man formed hand seals.

Aozora killed an Iwagakure Jonin with a single strike, then faced Akaiwa, who refused to give him an opening and attacked with enormous boulders. Aozora dodged the first three, but the next barrage left him in serious danger.

• While Shūichi fought another Iwagakure ninja, Aozora killed his opponent with a single strike and stunned both sides.
• Akaiwa stepped between Aozora and the other fighters, and Aozora tried to provoke him into making a mistake.
• Akaiwa recognized the danger of Aozora’s Flying Dagger and resolved to kill him even if the mission failed.
• Aozora put away his dagger when Akaiwa refused to approach or reveal an opening.
• Akaiwa hurled a series of massive boulders at Aozora, who dodged the first three before more came crashing toward him.

Aozora fought Akaiwa through a barrage of boulders and used his Flying Dagger, but Akaiwa avoided the attack and charged into close combat. The two battled at arm’s length, each waiting for a chance to decide the fight.

• Aozora charged through Akaiwa’s boulder barrage and closed the distance enough to attack with kunai and shuriken.
• Aozora forced Akaiwa to evade his Fire Release attacks, then used the Great Fire Dragon Technique to conceal a strike with his Flying Dagger.
• Akaiwa escaped the Flying Dagger by using an afterimage, but suffered internal injuries and burns before deciding to attack directly.
• Akaiwa blocked Aozora’s kunai with hardened skin and fought him at close range with heavy punches and kicks.
• Aozora and Akaiwa continued their dangerous close-quarters battle, each waiting for an opening to end the fight.

Aozora activated the Blood Burn Secret Technique and overwhelmed Akaiwa with speed, then used genjutsu and his returning Blue Light dagger to kill him. The battle on the mountain shifted as Akaiwa fell, while the other fights remained underway.

• Aozora activated Blood Burn, boosting his strength and speed as Akaiwa hardened his body and defended.
• Aozora's rapid attacks pierced Akaiwa repeatedly, but the strain slowed him enough for Akaiwa to knock him down.
• Aozora used genjutsu to make Akaiwa see the Yellow Flash, then attacked as Akaiwa dispelled the illusion and retreated.
• A Blue Light dagger flew from behind Akaiwa and pierced his heart, returning to Aozora's hand as Akaiwa died.

Aozora and the Uchiha survivors defeated the Stone Ninjas, rescued the convoy, and decided to abandon the escort mission because of their losses. Aozora returned ahead of the convoy to report Iwagakure’s involvement in the war.

• After Akaiwa died, Shūichi killed another Stone Ninja with Lightning Flash Slash, and the two remaining Stone Ninjas fled into the earth.
• Aozora warned the others not to pursue and led them down the mountain to search for survivors trapped beneath the collapsed earth prison.
• Aozora and the others rescued all the survivors and rested, then Aozora persuaded Shūichi to abandon the mission because the convoy was badly damaged and the road ahead was dangerous.
• Aozora told Shūichi that news of Iwagakure entering the war was more valuable than completing the escort mission, then took time to recover from his injuries and exhaustion.
• The next day, Aozora and Shūichi escorted the convoy to the nearest city, and Aozora went ahead to report the mission details.

Aozora reported the failed escort mission and the suspected Iwagakure attack to Sarutobi Hiruzen, then received rewards and two months of leave from Fugaku. After returning home, he assessed the changing war and the gains he had made before falling asleep.

• Aozora told Sarutobi Hiruzen that the escort team had fought off the attackers, lost supplies, and abandoned the mission, then handed over three bodies for identification.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen praised Aozora and ordered the bodies examined, a meeting with the elders, and surveillance for Iwagakure movements.
• Aozora reported to Fugaku, who offered him access to the Clan Library and a clan Secret Technique after his Sharingan reached Three Tomoe, then approved two months of leave.
• Aozora reasoned that Iwagakure's involvement had pushed Konoha and Cloud toward settling their conflict rather than letting Iwagakure benefit.
• Aozora counted thirty-two merit drops, planned to study Medical Ninjutsu and Earth Release techniques, and reflected on his friendship with Shūichi before falling asleep.

Aozora chose to pursue the Reverse Summoning Technique as his next step toward improving his chances of survival and began forming a soul contract with his split soul. Meanwhile, Danzo dispatched Root operatives to gather intelligence on Iwagakure, then restored his abnormal right arm and ordered Tsume to watch Jonin leaving the Konoha Military Police Force.

• Aozora assessed his training bottleneck and chose the Reverse Summoning Technique over the Earth Release Divine Ability because it offered more ways to escape.
• Aozora began carving a soul contract into his recovered split soul before it developed an independent consciousness.
• After a Konoha High Command meeting, Danzo ordered Root ninjas to investigate Iwagakure and its Stone Ninja.
• Danzo's right arm, embedded with Blood Eyes, began swelling when one eye dimmed, so he entered a secret room and restored it.
• Danzo ordered Tsume to monitor Jonin leaving the Konoha Military Police Force and prevent them from betraying Konoha.

After successfully contracting with his split soul, Aozora left home to relax and visited Training Ground 11, where he watched Itachi defeat an older boy. Aozora explained to Itachi that the Uchiha’s pride and bullying stemmed partly from their frustration at having no outlet for their strength.

• Aozora completed the contract with his split soul and practiced controlling it until its soul flame dimmed.
• After resting and eating snacks on Food Street, Aozora went to Training Ground 11 to exercise.
• Aozora watched Itachi defeat Toshimo in a taijutsu match, then asked Itachi why they had fought.
• Itachi said he had tried to stop Toshimo from bullying other students and wanted to show him that someone stronger could challenge him.
• Aozora told Itachi that the Uchiha’s pride and behavior at the Ninja Academy reflected their frustration at having no battlefield or other stage on which to display their strength.

Aozora accepted Kyūdai's challenge at the Uchiha training ground and defeated him in a taijutsu match after discovering his Sharingan could read Kyūdai's movements and chakra flow. The clan members praised Aozora as he left the arena, while Itachi watched in astonishment.

• Aozora explained to Itachi that the Military Police Force had both restricted the Uchiha and helped preserve the clan through the wars, then said Shisui had left because he was tricked into becoming a thug.
• Kyūdai challenged Aozora to a fight, and Aozora accepted, saying he wanted to balance work and rest.
• Aozora and Kyūdai exchanged blows, and Aozora noticed his taijutsu had improved since his battle with Akaiwa.
• After both activated their Sharingan, Aozora read Kyūdai's movements and chakra flow, countered his attacks, and forced him to retreat from the arena.
• Aozora invited the other clan members to spar, but they backed away; he then left the arena as they praised him and Itachi watched in astonishment.

Aozora discussed Itachi’s concerns about the growing rift between Konoha and the Uchiha, then challenged him to consider how the clan should respond if Konoha’s leaders wanted to destroy them. He left Itachi to think it over until the following weekend, when he planned to show him something.

• Itachi praised Aozora’s taijutsu and explained that Fugaku had wanted to ask Aozora to do something but planned to approach the Second Elder instead.
• Aozora watched several Uchiha sparring matches with Itachi, then left when he lost interest.
• Itachi asked Aozora how to address the growing rift between the village and the Uchiha, and Aozora insisted that he state his thoughts plainly.
• Itachi asked Aozora to help make changes, and Aozora asked him to consider the consequences under two assumptions about the Konoha High Command’s intentions.
• Aozora told Itachi to think seriously about the assumptions and said he would be at home the following weekend, then left him to reflect.

Aozora realized that his Sharingan had grown stronger after he instinctively used the Yin Eye through his Soul Splitting. He spent Golden Droplets to complete the Yin-Yang Eye inheritance and evolved his Sharingan into Three Tomoe.

• Aozora noticed his eyes had changed and confirmed that his Two-Tomoe Sharingan had gained considerable Dōjutsu Power.
• Aozora concluded that observing the Sea of Consciousness through his Soul Splitting had awakened an application of the Yin Eye.
• Aozora used thirty-two Golden Droplets to complete the Yin-Yang Eye inheritance, leaving nineteen on the Wordless Page.
• Aozora accepted the inheritance of the Yang Eye, Yin Eye, and Yin-Yang Fusion, then declared his path complete.
• Aozora precisely activated his Sharingan and evolved it into Three Tomoe, discovering that it gave him sharper vision in dim environments.

Aozora visited Fugaku and revealed that he had awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan, shocking the clan head. After Aozora described a nightmare about Shisui’s death, Fugaku claimed he had figured out how Aozora evolved.

• Aozora arrived at Fugaku’s office while still on vacation and reminded him that he had been told to come by.
• Fugaku sent Kyūdai to inspect the North District, then asked Aozora whether he had awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan.
• Aozora confirmed the awakening and showed Fugaku his eyes, leaving him astonished by how quickly and cleanly they had evolved.
• Fugaku asked whether Aozora had left the village, and Aozora said he had stayed home training until the previous night.
• Aozora claimed he had awakened after a nap and described a nightmare in which Shisui was killed and lost an eye.
• Fugaku comforted Aozora and declared that he knew how the Three Tomoe Sharingan had awakened.

Fugaku devised an Uchiha Sharingan Awakening Ceremony with Aozora’s suggestions, then taught him the forbidden technique Izanagi. Afterward, Fugaku canceled Aozora’s leave because several Uchiha, including Three Tomoe Sharingan users, had disappeared.

• Fugaku proposed using genjutsu to create intense emotional experiences that could awaken or evolve the Sharingan, and he and Aozora outlined an Uchiha Awakening Ceremony.
• Fugaku trapped Aozora in a genjutsu at Naka Shrine and taught him Izanagi, explaining its power, cost, and history as a Forbidden Jutsu.
• Fugaku told Aozora to return to work because the clan faced weakened Military Police duties and a series of disappearances, including among Three Tomoe Sharingan users.
• Aozora agreed to return as soon as possible and left Fugaku’s office.

Aozora visited the Uchiha Clan Library, copied several useful ninjutsu and chose the Headhunter Technique to learn. After his first practice triggered the Heavenly Book, the inheritance revealed the ability called Earth Shrink.

• Aozora reviewed how Izanagi worked and regretted that it could not grant him a Heavenly Book inheritance.
• Aozora entered the Clan Library, where the guard warned him to stay off the Second Floor Vault.
• Aozora copied three Earth Release techniques, basic Sealing Jutsu knowledge, and two Lightning Release techniques.
• Aozora chose the Headhunter Technique, studied its Chakra method, and practiced it in his courtyard.
• Aozora fell into a pit while attempting the Headhunter Technique, then felt the Heavenly Book respond.
• The Heavenly Book displayed Earth Release and Earth Shrink before the Golden Droplet engulfed the characters.