Chapter Summaries

Shuji negotiated with Ōnoki over Iwagakure’s border dispute with Konoha, then rejected Ōnoki’s proposal to coordinate their shinobi competitions. He returned to the Konoha camp, leaving Ōnoki questioning whether he was trapped in the past.

• Ōnoki proposed that Iwagakure and Konoha withdraw their forces from the border and restore the Land of Grass as a buffer zone, offering Iwagakure’s participation in Konoha’s next Chunin Exams; Shuji agreed.
• Ōnoki suggested standardizing the shinobi competitions and scheduling them separately to attract wider audiences, but Shuji explained that Sunagakure had joined the Rising Stars Joint Martial Arts Tournament.
• Shuji argued that wars no longer served the people’s wishes and that shinobi villages needed to seek alternatives to conflict, while Ōnoki dismissed his words as insufficient on their own.
• Shuji rejected Ōnoki’s additional conditions, descended to the Konoha camp, and left Ōnoki reflecting on whether he was mired in the past.
• Deidara began to mock Ōnoki, but Ōnoki silenced him and scolded him for only blowing things up and talking about art.

Orochimaru explained his plans to move the organization's core while Konoha was occupied, as Shuji prepared for the Uchiha clan's reaction to changes in the Police Force. In Konoha's fifty-eighth year, Ōnoki agreed to Iwagakure joining the Joint Martial Arts Tournament, settling the last loose end of the previous year.

• Obito questioned why Rasa had died after giving away the Ley Line and handing over the Sky Ninja, and Zetsu asked Orochimaru about his role in the outcome.
• Orochimaru said Iwagakure would soon withdraw and told Zetsu to move the organization's core while Konoha was distracted.
• Shuji warned Uchiha Shisui that the Uchiha might react fiercely to Police Force branch divisions and that the village would no longer handle open defiance gently.
• After Konoha and Iwagakure settled their terms in Konoha's fifty-eighth year, Ōnoki met Shuji and agreed that Iwagakure would join the Joint Martial Arts Tournament.
• Shuji invited Iwagakure to send representatives to Konoha to discuss tournament rules with Kumogakure and Sunagakure.

Kakashi finished taking control of Root’s surviving facilities and reunited with Guy, Kurenai, and Asuma, who discussed the upcoming Joint Martial Arts Tournament. Shuji arranged for Itachi to train Izumi so she could compete, while continuing experiments that could support a plan with Sunagakure.

• Kakashi emerged from Root’s underground base after spending two months organizing its personnel and intelligence.
• Kakashi joined Guy, Kurenai, and Asuma at a sweets shop, where they discussed the growing number of foreign ninja in Konoha and Guy’s new role as a jōnin instructor.
• Kakashi said the Ninja Academy’s recent changes were part of preparations for the Joint Martial Arts Tournament, which Iwagakure would also attend.
• Shuji told Itachi that the Ninja Academy graduation process could be moved up so Izumi could enter the tournament, and ordered him to coach her in ninja tool throwing and taijutsu.
• Shuji explained that his winter planting experiments had proved useful and were connected to Sunagakure’s interest in trial planting seeds.
• Shuji asked Itachi to examine the Uchiha clan’s inherited scrolls and notes while he was on leave.

After securing a reserve of seeds from the recovering Mother Stock, Shuji returned to the Senju Old Residence and saw how much the monthly gatherings had grown. Tsunade ended his rest by ordering him to receive an arriving delegation from Bamboo Village the next day.

• Shuji carefully cultivated the cutting until it grew roots and branches, collected the planned number of seeds, and returned his attention to the Mother Stock.
• Shuji sent a Wood Clone sealed with Ley Line energy to guard the experimental forest and set a warning formula before returning to the Senju Old Residence.
• Shuji arrived during a crowded gathering, where the attendees fell silent and greeted him as Lord Shuji.
• After the banquet, Senju Toka told Shuji that his strength and achievements had naturally drawn people to him.
• Tsunade complained that Shuji's refusal to become Hokage had kept her from leaving the position, then ordered him to receive visitors from Bamboo Village the next day.

Kakashi briefed Shuji on developments across the ninja villages, including Kirigakure easing entry restrictions for foreign guards. In Kirigakure, Mei Terumi revealed that Suikazan Fuguki was a traitor, and Kisame Hoshigaki reported that he had killed him and taken Samehada.

• Kakashi told Shuji that Bamboo Village had defeated the Hannya Group in an internal conflict in the Land of Woods.
• Kakashi briefed Shuji on developments in other villages, including Sunagakure's aerial weapons and Kirigakure's temporary landing permits for foreign ninja guards.
• Zabuza confronted Mei Terumi about the risks of allowing foreign ninja into the Land of Water and warned her that village intelligence was being leaked.
• Mei told Zabuza that Suikazan Fuguki was the traitor and that someone was already handling him.
• Kisame Hoshigaki arrived and told Mei that he had dealt with Suikazan Fuguki and taken Samehada.

Mei Terumi appointed Kisame to wield Samehada and protect Kirigakure’s intelligence, while Zabuza rejected her offer to join the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. In Konoha, Shuji told Hyuga Hiashi and the clan elders that village officials would review the new Police Force branch’s appointments and prevent the Hyuga from monopolizing its positions.

• Mei Terumi assigned Kisame Samehada and responsibility for Kirigakure’s intelligence security, and asked Zabuza to join the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
• Zabuza questioned why Hiramekarei was unavailable, then left Mei’s office without accepting her offer.
• Mei explained that Kirigakure’s brutal past had weakened the village and asked Kisame to protect its intelligence without his former ruthlessness; Kisame said he looked forward to the reforms.
• Shuji visited the Hyuga compound and told Hiashi and the elders that the village would review appointments to the new Police Force branch.
• Shuji explained that the village would normally approve reasonable staffing but would prevent Hyuga members from holding too many captain positions, then told the elders he was not there to negotiate.

Shuji persuaded the Hyuga Clan to accept the Police Force’s planned relocation, then Chiyo struggled to guide Gaara while managing Sunagakure’s strained resources. The chapter ended with the Feudal Lord seeking guarantees that new aid would fund land restoration.

• Shuji explained the Stadium District’s growth prospects and convinced Hyuga Hiashi and the elders to accept the village’s allocation plan.
• As Shuji left the Hyuga Main House, he passed Neji, whom Hiashi told to go inside.
• Chiyo tried to guide Gaara after he destroyed a puppet, then comforted Temari and gave Kankuro another puppet.
• Ebizo told Chiyo that an unknown force was tracking Sunagakure’s naval fleet, forcing it to lie low and threatening its sea income.
• Chiyo learned that Konoha’s special plants were growing well but would not yield seeds for two years, while the Feudal Lord wanted assurances that new aid would support land restoration.

Sasuke overheard Uchiha clan members arguing over the Hyuga Clan’s growing influence and resolved to prove himself by challenging a Hyuga. Meanwhile, Tsunade visited the Ninja Academy and discussed Naruto and medical-ninja training with Shuji.

• Sasuke overheard Uchiha clan members complain that Hyuga Hiashi was being appointed chief of the new branch division, but the Police Force chief said the village’s decision could not be changed.
• Itachi entered the meeting, and Sasuke left wondering whether the Hyuga Clan was challenging Uchiha authority.
• At school, Sasuke noticed Hinata and watched another Hyuga practicing, while Naruto followed him and got knocked down again.
• Sasuke decided that proving his ninja ability against the Hyuga might ease pressure on his father and make the clan stop treating him like a child.
• Tsunade visited the Ninja Academy, then returned to the Hokage Office and discussed direct hospital training for medical-ninja candidates with Shuji.
• Tsunade showed Shuji Naruto’s report card and speculated about what his own child might be like, prompting Shuji to tell her to get out.

Mei Terumi questioned Kirigakure’s place in the changing village order after securing a share in the Joint Chunin Exams and speaking with Haku and Genji. In Konoha, Shuji approved Bamboo Village’s participation and called for Kakashi after learning of an Uchiha plan to undermine the Hyuga.

• Mei Terumi learned that Konoha had readily accepted Kirigakure’s request to join the Joint Chunin Exams and granted it a share of ticket profits.
• Mei Terumi approached Haku after academy classes, but he called himself a tool and declined her offer of closeness.
• Mei Terumi sought Genji’s view on the Blood Mist’s influence, and he advised her to judge policies by whether they benefited the village.
• Shuji approved Bamboo Village’s application to participate in the Joint Chunin Exams while ordering strict background checks on its participants.
• Shuji read a report that some Uchiha planned to undermine the Hyuga after the Police Force branch opened, then sent for Kakashi.

Shuji persuaded Kakashi to test the village’s prototype Flying Bird, a chakra-powered glider modeled on Sky Ninja equipment. Meanwhile, Hyuga Hiashi prepared for security concerns in the Stadium District and worried over which daughter could inherit the Main House.

• Shuji ordered Anbu to inform Hyuga Hiashi and sent two teams to support the Stadium District before taking Kakashi to see the new flight equipment.
• Technicians explained that the Flying Bird required a launch from a height, continuous chakra, and a safe landing spot, while Kakashi questioned its combat usefulness and lack of safety measures.
• Shuji assigned Kakashi to conduct the first test flight, and Kakashi leaped from the cliff wearing the prototype.
• A Branch House clansman told Hiashi that Anbu had entered the Stadium District, and Hiashi welcomed the village’s support amid tensions with the Uchiha Clan.
• Hiashi worried that Hinata lacked the resolve to inherit the Main House and decided Hanabi’s training had to begin so she could prove herself before receiving the Caged Bird seal.

Kumogakure advanced its anti-air projects while A sent a team to Konoha to confirm the village’s position on future tournament hosting rights. Meanwhile, a Police Force operation against key facilities failed, and Itachi reported on Izumi’s training before the tournament.

• Mabui reported that Kumogakure’s Chakra Cannon and flight-wing projects still fell short against agile aerial forces, and A ordered the technical department to continue its work.
• A told Mabui, Samui, and Dodai that the Joint Martial Arts Tournament was set for July and assigned a team to confirm Konoha’s stance on the hosting agreement and Iwagakure’s expected demands.
• Anbu captured several Uchiha clan members attempting to infiltrate facilities in the Stadium District, and Police Force members later questioned Itachi about his activities.
• Itachi told Shuji and Tsunade that Izumi’s instruction had improved her tool throwing and combat adaptability, though her competition results remained uncertain.

Kumogakure’s delegation arrived in Konoha as the five-village Shinobi World Martial Exhibition took shape. Shuji told Samui that Konoha would honor its old agreement with Kumogakure, but argued that both villages had to share benefits with the other villages to preserve the broader alliance.

• Kumogakure’s delegation arrived early and Dodai noticed signs that Konoha’s internal problems had been resolved.
• Samui met Shuji, and they walked through the Stadium District before sitting together in the empty arena.
• Shuji told Samui that Konoha would honor its agreement with Kumogakure as long as Kumogakure still wanted to uphold the bilateral arrangement.
• Shuji warned that refusing to yield benefits in a five-village tournament could drive Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure toward an alliance.
• Shuji said Konoha believed cooperation with Kumogakure in a broader exhibition and examination system could bring fair benefits, if Kumogakure shared Konoha’s resolve.

Shuji visited the Ninja Academy to assess Special Jonin candidates and teach students about tactical ninjutsu. He demonstrated a powerful Earth Release technique, leaving the students unable to keep their footing as he told them to run from overwhelming attacks.

• Shuji told Tsunade he would skip the formal Kumogakure talks to visit the Ninja Academy and assess Special Jonin candidates.
• Iruka led his class to Training Ground Seven, where Shuji and Izumi prepared a practical lesson for students from several grades.
• Shuji and Izumi demonstrated how a Fire Style attack meeting Water Release created steam that could disrupt visibility and team coordination.
• Naruto challenged Shuji to show more powerful ninjutsu, so Shuji demonstrated Earth Release: Earth Wave and told the students to run from techniques they could not face head-on.
• Naruto and the other students struggled to stand on the surging ground, confused about how they could run while it shook beneath them.

Shuji used a controlled Earth Wave Technique to teach the Ninja Academy students how to respond to a large-scale attack. Naruto and Karin both tried to reach Shuji, but Karin struck at Naruto instead, and the lesson ended with Shuji calming the ground and dismissing the class.

• Shuji slowed the Earth Wave Technique and praised Uchiha Izumi, Sasuke, and Shikamaru for adapting to the shifting ground.
• Shuji explained that escaping the attack was usually best, while the caster's central area could be a safer fallback when escape was difficult.
• Naruto and Karin moved toward Shuji, but Karin leaped at Naruto, and Shuji caught both students before she could hit him.
• Shuji released Karin, told Naruto his reckless move had been somewhat useful, and dismissed the class.
• Shikamaru, Ino, and Sakura complained about Naruto's actions as they walked back, and Naruto ran off to ask Iruka-sensei about chakra nature.

Shuji began Anko’s special jonin assessment by helping her attempt to sense natural energy and confront the Cursed Seal Orochimaru left on her. Anko admitted she feared being left behind and abandoned, but chose to continue the training.

• Shuji explained that Anko’s assessment would focus on intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, then proposed training to expand her basic abilities.
• At the West Suburbs Old Residence, Katsuyu guided Anko as she attempted to sense natural energy.
• Anko’s awareness touched the Cursed Seal, and Orochimaru’s aura overwhelmed her, forcing her to stop.
• Shuji told Anko to face the Cursed Seal and assured her he would help remove the problem in the future.
• Anko admitted she felt useless beside Shuji and Itachi and feared being abandoned, but she asked to try the training again.

Shuji and Kakashi decided to keep monitoring Otogakure and the Fuma Clan after finding no trace of Orochimaru. Meanwhile, Miroku foresaw her death and sent Shion away, prompting Sunagakure to prepare to bring the crisis to Konoha.

• Kakashi told Shuji that former Fuma Clan members were leading Otogakure, and Shuji ordered continued surveillance.
• Kakashi assigned more Anbu to track Otogakure and the Fuma Clan while the village's intelligence was archived for continued observation.
• Miroku foresaw that she would die and ordered her guards to send Shion to whichever of the Five Great Shinobi Villages they could reach first.
• Miroku's guards met Sunagakure shinobi escorting a merchant fleet and traveled with them to the Land of Wind.
• Chiyo and Ebizo concluded that Sunagakure could not handle the threat of Moryo alone, and Chiyo ordered an envoy to contact Konoha's border garrison.

After Miroku’s seal failed and the Stone Statue Legion began advancing, Sunagakure and Konoha discussed coordinating their defenses. Chiyo agreed to let Konoha’s forces enter the Land of Wind, but feared that Shion’s departure had cost Sunagakure its leverage over Moryo.

• Chiyo learned that the Stone Statue Legion had emerged and sent warnings and ninja squads to intercept it.
• As Shion arrived in Konoha, reports said the Stone Statue Legion was breaking through Sunagakure’s defenses, prompting Konoha to mobilize reinforcements.
• Shuji told Chiyo and Ebizo that Konoha could help defend the Land of Wind or wait at its border, leaving Sunagakure to bear greater pressure.
• Chiyo authorized Konoha’s forces to enter designated western defensive areas under Sunagakure’s escort and appointed Baki to coordinate with them.
• Chiyo concluded that the shrine maiden was the true root of the crisis and regretted sending Shion away, since Sunagakure had lost leverage in dealing with Moryo.

Shuji joined Sunagakure’s defense against the Stone Statue Legion and used Earth Release techniques to halt its advance. Kakashi reported that Miroku was missing and the shrine in the Land of Swamps remained intact, leaving Shuji uncertain about Moryo’s intentions.

• Iwagakure used Earth Release terrain barriers to hold back the Stone Statue Legion, giving Konoha’s arriving support force an example for defending the Land of Wind’s western border.
• Shuji proposed leading a mixed elite squad to the forward fighting zone, and Baki joined him with Sunagakure’s elite shinobi.
• Shuji trapped the stone statues in a chasm and swamp while Konoha shinobi used Earth Release techniques to block and impale those that tried to advance around it.
• Kakashi told Shuji that Miroku was absent from the Land of Demons, her palace showed signs of battle, and the Land of Swamps and its sealing shrine appeared undisturbed.
• Shuji questioned whether Moryo had taken Miroku’s body, since the Stone Statue Legion’s advance did not match the expected steps needed for Moryo to regain its full power.

Obito considered how Moryo’s stone statue army could exploit the changing Shinobi World, while Shuji planned to lure the demon out by advancing alone. Shuji plunged into the stone legion and devastated it with a vast forest, pressing deeper into enemy territory as Kakashi and Baki watched.

• Obito discussed Orochimaru’s assessment that the Five Great Shinobi Villages would increasingly resolve disputes through methods other than war, and considered Moryo’s stone army a threat that could drain the Shinobi World.
• Shuji proposed advancing alone to provoke Moryo into revealing itself, and Kakashi warned that the demon’s unknown abilities made the plan dangerous.
• Shuji told Baki that Kakashi would temporarily take over his duties, and Baki agreed that Sunagakure would cooperate with the operation.
• Shuji leaped from the defensive line into the stone army and unleashed a forest that crushed and scattered the statues.
• Baki expressed both fear and reassurance at Shuji’s power as Kakashi watched Shuji advance deeper into enemy territory.

Obito attacked Shuji on the battlefield, using Kamui to try to absorb him while Zetsu helped create an opening. Shuji outmaneuvered the attack and struck Obito, but Obito survived with Izanagi and recognized that Shuji had used Flying Thunder God to switch places with his clone.

• Obito watched Shuji repel Moryo’s forces and used the battlefield chaos to approach him.
• Obito attacked Shuji from behind, but Shuji evaded his strikes while killing Moryo’s three subordinates.
• Obito and Shuji fought as Shuji and his Wood Clone switched positions, while Obito searched for the difference between them.
• Zetsu helped Obito land a strike that appeared to expose Shuji’s original body, and Obito used Kamui to absorb him.
• The absorbed Wood Clone exploded inside the Kamui dimension, forcing Obito to cancel his intangibility as Shuji punched through his chest.
• Obito survived with Izanagi and realized Shuji had used Flying Thunder God to switch the original and the clone.