Chapter Summaries

Shuji found Shisui’s hidden camp and warned him about the possibility that Danzo might target the Uchiha. As Shuji investigated Kirigakure’s unusually weak attacks, Ao’s conflicting orders from the Fourth Mizukage and Elder Genji revealed a deeper divide within the village.

• Shuji followed signs of battle to Shisui’s cave and delivered Tsunade’s authorization and his warning about Danzo.
• Shisui told Shuji that Kirigakure had increased its deployments but retreated quickly whenever its attacks failed to make progress.
• Shuji questioned Shisui and the Uchiha Anbu about Kirigakure’s movements and learned that they had seen no transport ships or other signs of a major offensive.
• Ao reassured his confused troops that caution was necessary against Shisui and the Uchiha, while withholding the reason for his restrained tactics.
• Ao recalled that the Fourth Mizukage had ordered intensified harassment, while Elder Genji had privately urged him to preserve Kirigakure’s strength and avoid serious clashes.

Obito ordered Kirigakure to intensify its attacks on Konoha and sent Kakuzu a mercenary commission after learning the village's forces had weakened. Shuji observed Kirigakure's hesitant patrols, but a large assault began, and he intercepted Kakuzu's powerful attack before it reached Shisui's squad.

• Obito questioned Kirigakure's weak harassment efforts, then arranged a mercenary commission for Kakuzu through Yagura.
• Shuji accompanied Shisui's patrols and watched two Kirigakure teams, including Ao's, retreat after brief skirmishes.
• A powerful Hidden Mist Technique engulfed the forest, and Shisui's seven ninja formed defensive positions against twenty-eight Kirigakure ninja.
• Ao spotted Shuji, while Kakuzu emerged from the fog and unleashed Composite Ninjutsu: Masked Blast Flame at the Konoha squad.
• Shuji raised an Earth Style: Earth Flow Rampart to block the firestorm, and Kakuzu recognized him as “ten million ryo.”

Shuji lured Kakuzu away from the battle and used a Wood Clone to catch him off guard before striking him with a powerful blow. Kakuzu lost one of his hearts and faced Shuji’s Wood Release, furious that his ten-million-ryo target could wield such a rare power.

• Shuji recognized Kakuzu as a major threat and drew him into the forest to keep him away from Shisui and the others.
• Kakuzu pursued Shuji and attacked with a combined fire-and-wind technique, but Shuji blocked it with an Earth Wall.
• Kakuzu pierced the wall with Lightning Style: Gian and captured what he thought was Shuji with Earth Grudge Fear threads.
• Shuji’s Wood Clone revealed itself and attacked with branches, forcing Kakuzu to destroy it with Earth Grudge Fear: Final Shooting.
• Shuji closed in and punched Kakuzu through his Earth Spear defense, shattering one of his hearts.
• Shuji unleashed Wood Release roots and vines, while Kakuzu deployed his threads to evade them and angrily questioned the bounty on a Wood Release user.

Shisui drove the Kirigakure ninja into retreat and hurried to support Shuji, while Obito arrived to save Kakuzu from Shuji’s Wood Release. Obito used Kamui to take Kakuzu away, leaving Shuji alone on the battlefield.

• Shisui used his Mangekyō Sharingan to incapacitate several Kirigakure ninja, and Ao ordered his forces to retreat.
• Shisui led his companions toward Shuji’s battlefield after confirming the Kirigakure ninja had withdrawn.
• Obito learned that Kakuzu was losing to Shuji and appeared at the battlefield before Shisui arrived.
• Shuji recognized Obito and prepared for Kamui while Kakuzu used the distraction to catch his breath.
• Obito claimed the Kirigakure ninja had abandoned them, then used Kamui to take Kakuzu away.
• Shuji ended his Wood Release as Obito and Kakuzu vanished.

Shuji warned Shisui about Kakuzu and the masked man who rescued him, then headed back to Konoha. On the way, Orochimaru ambushed him and revealed his interest in Shuji’s Wood Release and Hashirama-cell-compatible body.

• Shisui arrived at the battlefield, and Shuji told him that the masked man who rescued Kakuzu used extremely fast space-time ninjutsu.
• Shuji explained how to kill Kakuzu and warned Shisui to watch out for Orochimaru before leaving to report the danger to the Third Hokage.
• While traveling to Konoha, Shuji was swallowed by a giant snake, then burst out and killed it with a punch and wooden branches.
• Orochimaru emerged from a tree and offered to pay Shuji for cooperating with his research.
• Orochimaru praised Shuji’s Wood Release and body, then said he would not miss the chance to pursue him while he was alone.

Shuji fought off Orochimaru's attack with his mastered Wood Release, convincing the rogue ninja that brute force would not secure research material. Orochimaru offered Shuji research notes and a way to contact him, then disappeared into the forest.

• Orochimaru sent serpents and used Hidden Shadow Many Snake Hands, but Shuji's Wood Release bound and destroyed the snakes and forced Orochimaru to evade attacking roots.
• Orochimaru drew the Kusanagi Sword and stabbed at Shuji, whose vines trapped the blade before he could enter Sage Mode.
• Orochimaru ended the fight and told Shuji that he had mastered the Hashirama Cells and recreated true Wood Release.
• Orochimaru gave Shuji a scroll containing research insights and experimental data about the Hashirama Cells, along with a technique for finding a temporary contact location.
• Orochimaru vanished into the forest, and Shuji frowned at the saliva-covered scroll.

Shuji reported Kirigakure’s need for reinforcements to Tsunade and handed her Orochimaru’s research data on Hashirama’s cells. Meanwhile, Obito and Zetsu discussed new ways to fund operations after Kakuzu finished his Kirigakure commission.

• Shuji told Tsunade that the Kirigakure front needed reinforcements and that Shisui’s return would be delayed, so Tsunade planned to mobilize support and sent Shuji to speak with Fugaku.
• Shuji gave Tsunade a scroll Orochimaru had provided, and she identified it as research data from early Wood Release cell-transplant experiments.
• Tsunade said the scroll contained details missing from village archives and offered Shuji access to sealed documents if he needed them to control his power.
• Kakuzu asked Zetsu about his remaining payment from Kirigakure, then left after warning Obito that future partners would need to meet his standards.
• Obito dropped his Tobi persona and told Zetsu that Kirigakure’s ninja were too incompetent to rely on, proposing commissions in the Mizukage’s name and considering the Land of Water’s Feudal Lord.

Shuji studied Tobirama’s records on Hashirama’s cells in Konoha’s sealed archives, then agreed to speak with Itachi about his request to join the Anbu. In Kirigakure, Genji learned that Yagura planned to continue harassing Konoha through hired outsiders and resolved to secretly gather allies against the Mizukage.

• Tsunade gave Shuji access to Tobirama’s research scrolls, which described how Wood Release and Hashirama’s altered cells influenced each other.
• Shuji praised Tobirama’s theories, and Tsunade warned him to keep the Hashirama Cell records inside the sealed archive.
• Tsunade told Shuji that Itachi had volunteered to join the Anbu, and Shuji said he would discuss the matter with him.
• Ao received Yagura’s order to withdraw Kirigakure’s frontline forces from the Land of Waves, while Yagura privately told Genji that hired rogue shinobi would take over the harassment missions.
• Genji accepted Yagura’s decision but concluded that the Mizukage was unfit to rule and planned to contact trusted shinobi in secret.

Uchiha Fugaku met Shuji to discuss the Uchiha’s participation in village reforms, including Anbu and Academy positions, and was warned not to obstruct them. Itachi supported Shuji’s plans and joined the Anbu, while Team Five was set to remain intact.

• Fugaku met Shuji at the Senju Old Residence to discuss Anbu openings, Academy teaching positions, and four non-Uchiha recruits for the Police Force.
• Shuji said Itachi would select the other three Anbu candidates and told Fugaku to prepare to receive four Hyuga Clan members in the Police Force one week later.
• Shuji warned Fugaku not to obstruct the reforms and offered to arrange other solutions if Fugaku could not ensure the clan’s stability.
• Fugaku confronted Itachi about his decision, and Itachi said Shuji’s plans were the most correct and beneficial choice for the Uchiha.
• Itachi joined Shuji and Anko in the kitchen and confirmed that he had decided to enter the Anbu.
• Shuji told Anko that Team Five would remain intact, with members added temporarily for future missions.

The Uchiha expanded into the Ninja Academy and Anbu, while Fugaku forced the clan to accept four non-Uchiha members in the Police Force. Tsunade and Shuji discussed gradually restructuring the force, and Tsunade revealed that the old Hokage was preparing to step down so she could take the seat.

• Five Uchiha secured teaching positions at the Ninja Academy, and Itachi and three other young Uchiha joined the Anbu.
• Fugaku announced that four non-Uchiha members would join the Police Force, and Yashiro defended the exchange before Fugaku compelled the hardliners to accept it with his Mangekyō Sharingan.
• After hearing the news from Itachi, Shuji learned that the Hyuga Clan had sent four Branch House members to join the Police Force.
• Shuji and Tsunade discussed gradually admitting members of other clans to the Police Force and moving some Uchiha into other village departments.
• Tsunade told Shuji that the old Hokage was preparing to step down and that she would soon take the seat.

Orochimaru investigated the aftermath of a battle on the eastern coast and in the Land of Waves, while a hidden creature identified him as a possible recruit for the Mizukage. In Konoha, Tsunade began taking over as Fifth Hokage, and Shuji reluctantly helped her review documents.

• Orochimaru left with Danzo's Root squad after Shuji failed to take the bait, then found traces of a battle involving Wood Release, Lightning Release, Wind Release, and Fire Release on the coast.
• Orochimaru ordered the squad to investigate the Land of Waves, where they found signs that Kirigakure's ninja had retreated in haste and the main force had disappeared.
• A pitcher-plant-like creature watched Orochimaru from underground and suggested that he would suit the Mizukage's search for capable rogue ninja.
• Tsunade secured the jonin assembly's support for becoming Fifth Hokage and began handling administrative affairs ahead of the formal ceremony.
• Shuji refused to become Tsunade's secretary, but Tsunade made him stay and review a stack of documents.

Hiruzen told Danzo that Root’s mission could end and that Tsunade was ready to become Hokage, while Kakashi reported Kirigakure’s sudden withdrawal. In Kirigakure, Genji recruited Ao, Mei Terumi, and Zabuza to remove Yagura, planning to target him when he traveled to the Water Capital for funds.

• Hiruzen told Danzo that the Uchiha situation had stabilized and that Tsunade was ready to take over as Hokage, but Danzo warned that the danger remained.
• Kakashi reported that Kirigakure had abandoned several forward bases, and Tsunade ordered reinforcements, stronger reconnaissance, and intensified intelligence gathering.
• Genji decided to recruit Ao, Mei Terumi, and Zabuza to remove Yagura from power.
• Mei warned that Yagura’s status as a Jinchuriki made an attack dangerous, while Zabuza volunteered to kill him.
• Genji proposed having Yagura travel to the Water Capital to request special funding, creating an opportunity to attack him away from the village.

Orochimaru accepted a commission from Zetsu to work for Kirigakure, while Tsunade and Konoha’s leaders investigated Kirigakure’s recruitment of rogue shinobi. As Tsunade prepared to take office, Shizune told Shuji that the Third Hokage wanted to see him, and he immediately fled the office.

• Zetsu offered Orochimaru a well-paid commission on behalf of the Mizukage, and Orochimaru accepted.
• Orochimaru examined Zetsu’s unusual technique after Zetsu left him a letter and disappeared into the ground.
• Tsunade, Shikaku, and the Anbu commander discussed Kirigakure’s apparent recruitment of rogue shinobi in the Land of Woods and the Land of Frost.
• Tsunade ordered the Anbu to monitor the rogue shinobi and told Shikaku to reinforce the Border Patrol, especially in the Land of Woods.
• Tsunade threw paper at Shuji as they argued, but Shuji darted away when Shizune said the Third Hokage wanted to see him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi explained to Shuji why he was stepping down as Hokage and entrusted the next era to him and Tsunade. In Kirigakure, Genji arranged for Yagura to travel to the Water Capital over funding, while Ao discovered that Yagura was under a powerful genjutsu and rushed to tell Genji.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi told Shuji that he was handing the Hokage position to Tsunade because his continued leadership could hinder her policies and because he trusted Shuji's abilities.
• Genji told Yagura that Kirigakure could not secure more funds without the Feudal Lord's approval, prompting Yagura to agree to travel to the Water Capital.
• Obito considered controlling Genji but decided that the Feudal Lord would be easier to manipulate with the Sharingan.
• Genji arranged Yagura's trip and secretly placed Ao near the Mizukage Building.
• Ao used his Byakugan to detect abnormal chakra in Yagura's brain and concluded that Yagura had long been controlled by genjutsu.
• Ao hurried to find Genji because Yagura's condition could force them to change their coup plan.

Genji learned that Yagura was under genjutsu control and sent Mei Terumi, Zabuza, and Ao to free him before the controller returned. Meanwhile, Obito assembled hired shinobi to attack Konoha, and Shuji was summoned on urgent orders after speaking with the Third Hokage.

• Genji summoned Mei Terumi and Zabuza, then ordered them to follow Ao to the Mizukage Building and break Yagura’s genjutsu if the controller was absent.
• Obito inspected the hired shinobi gathered in the Land of Waves and ordered Zetsu to have them attack before dawn while watching Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru noticed a Root member slipping away with intelligence about the camp, then deliberately drew Zetsu’s attention as he prepared to leave.
• Shuji met Itachi outside the Hokage’s office, and Itachi explained that his Anbu work was simpler than he had expected.
• An Anbu arrived on the rooftop and ordered Shuji to report immediately to Tsunade.

Obito’s attempt to regain control of Yagura failed after Kirigakure broke his genjutsu, while Konoha’s ambush against invading mercenaries began before dawn. As the battle unfolded, Orochimaru identified a Uchiha Anbu squad, and Tsunade prepared to attend the ceremony in Konoha.

• Obito returned to the Mizukage Office, but Yagura attacked him after breaking free of his genjutsu, with Mei Terumi, Zabuza, and Kirigakure’s forces joining the fight.
• Obito escaped the encirclement, and Genji ordered the Anbu to search for him and secure the village entrances.
• More than a hundred rogue and wandering ninja crossed into the Land of Fire, where Kakashi and Uchiha Shisui led Konoha’s prepared ambush.
• Orochimaru, disguised among the invaders, spotted a four-person Uchiha Anbu squad with Sharingan and advanced toward them with Root members.
• Tsunade learned that the ceremony site was ready and left her office with Shuji and Shizune.

Tsunade became Konoha's Fifth Hokage as Shuji left the ceremony and spoke with Jiraiya, who warned him about Orochimaru. After a failed attack on the Uchiha and the rout of the mercenary force, Obito considered targeting Konoha from within, while Shisui suspected Orochimaru had attacked Enjin's squad.

• Tsunade accepted the Hokage Hat from Hiruzen Sarutobi and became Konoha's Fifth Hokage.
• Jiraiya warned Shuji that Orochimaru was persistent after hearing that he had approached Shuji.
• Orochimaru retreated after Uchiha Shisui disrupted his attack, taking one Uchiha body and leaving two behind.
• The mercenary ninja force fled Konoha's forces, and Obito resolved to seek opportunities to undermine Konoha from within.
• Uchiha Enjin mourned his fallen companions as Shisui arranged for his squad to return to the village and suspected Orochimaru was the attacker.

After Tsunade ordered Shuji to investigate the deaths of three Uchiha on the Eastern Frontline and escort their bodies home, Shuji learned Orochimaru had targeted the clan. The chapter ended with Uchiha Enjin accusing Kakashi of stealing the dead Uchiha’s Sharingan.

• Shuji met Kotetsu Hagane, Izumo Kamizuki, and Hyuga Tokuma, who described the difficulties Hyuga recruits faced in the Police Force.
• An Anbu summoned Shuji to Tsunade, who ordered him to lead a rotation force to the Eastern Frontline, investigate the battle, and escort the fallen Uchiha home.
• Shuji arrived at the outpost and learned from Kakashi about the battle and from Uchiha Shisui that Orochimaru had likely targeted the Uchiha.
• Uchiha Enjin discovered that the corpses’ eyes were missing and accused Kakashi of stealing their Sharingan.

After Uchiha Enjin accused Kakashi of stealing the Sharingan from two dead Uchiha, Shuji investigated the bodies and challenged Enjin’s own account. The chapter left Enjin shaken by the realization that he, not Kakashi, was now the leading suspect.

• Uchiha Enjin accused Kakashi of taking the Sharingan from Fudō and the other dead Uchiha, and Shisui subdued him when he grew hostile.
• Shuji examined the bodies and found their eyes had been cleanly removed, with no signs of Earth Release infiltration.
• Shisui told Shuji that Enjin had guarded the bodies most of the time and was usually present when others visited.
• Shuji questioned Enjin in the holding cell and pointed out that Enjin’s access to the bodies made him more suspicious than Kakashi.
• Shuji overwhelmed Enjin with his chakra and told him to prove his innocence, leaving Enjin bewildered by the accusation.

Yagura stepped aside as Mizukage while Genji took responsibility for Kirigakure’s recovery, and Shuji returned to Konoha with Uchiha Enjin under suspicion over the stolen Sharingan. Tsunade considered approaching Kirigakure for negotiations, while Shuji planned to question Enjin further.

• Yagura handed his Mizukage hat to Genji and urged Kirigakure to end its conflict with Konoha after the hired shinobi fled.
• Genji learned that the captured stragglers had been recruited by someone wearing a black cloak with red clouds, but chose not to pursue the matter further.
• Shuji ordered Uchiha Enjin to return to Konoha for investigation, while Kakashi reported no evidence of outside infiltration at the camp.
• Shuji learned that Kirigakure had gone quiet and that the wandering shinobi near the Land of Waves had scattered, then arranged to return to the village with Enjin.
• Shuji took Enjin to the Hokage Building, where he reported the stolen Sharingan and Kirigakure’s movements to Tsunade.
• Tsunade considered a formal request for negotiations with Kirigakure, and Shuji decided to keep Enjin in the interrogation room for a day before speaking with him.