Ch. 281Jueming: I Want Nonō to Submit!

Jueming infiltrated Kumogakure’s prison to reach Yakushi Nonō and extract information about the Mutation Weapon, while the Third Raikage ordered his village to prepare for the weapon’s effects and Shimura Danzō sent Sayuri to silence Nonō. The chapter ended with Jueming and Sayuri spotting each other inside the prison.

  • Jueming decided to find Yakushi Nonō, learned the location of Kumogakure’s prison, and prepared to force information from her if necessary.
  • The Third Raikage recognized that the Mutation Weapon caused physical and mental changes, ordered A and Killer B recalled, and directed his forces to contain the danger and interrogate a captured Konoha ninja.
  • Shimura Danzō sent Sayuri into Kumogakure to find Yakushi Nonō and kill her if needed to prevent her from revealing their information.
  • Jueming slipped into the prison, where Yakushi Nonō was unconscious in a cell beside Yugito Nii.
  • Sayuri emerged from underground just as Jueming prepared to act, and the two locked eyes.

Ch. 282To Save the Senju, Jueming Racked His Brains

At Kumogakure’s prison, Senju Jueming stopped Sayuri from killing Yakushi Nonō and launched a chaotic escape attempt. He left Nonō in the hands of his strawman clones while drawing the Cloud Ninja’s attention onto himself.

  • In Iwagakure, Ōnoki confirmed reports of Sunagakure’s collapse and ordered Kitsuchi to lead ten thousand troops deeper into the Land of Fire.
  • Sayuri came to the prison intending to kill Yakushi Nonō, but Jueming insisted he would rescue her and persuaded Sayuri to wait.
  • Jueming created strawman clones, broke open Nonō’s cell, and had four clones carry her away at high speed.
  • Yugito Nii joined the fight, and Jueming provoked the Cloud Ninja by insulting the Third Raikage.
  • Jueming and his strawman clones flung off their shoes and charged into battle barefoot.

Ch. 283Mass Taunts to Save a Life, Jueming's Wisdom

Jueming rescued Yakushi Nonō from the Cloud Ninja prison and escaped by using his speed and thousands of Explosive Tags. As Yugito Nii pursued him with the Two-Tails’ power, Jueming taunted her and drew the attention of more than 800 Cloud Ninja.

  • Jueming removed his shoes, sped through the Cloud Ninja, and led Grass Clones carrying Yakushi Nonō toward the prison exit.
  • Jueming traded the value of corpses in his inventory for 3,000 Explosive Tags and blasted through the Cloud Ninja blocking their escape.
  • Jueming and the Grass Clones escaped the prison while Yugito Nii and the others watched in shock.
  • Yugito Nii unleashed the Two-Tails’ power and chased Jueming, increasing her speed with a Tailed Beast Cloak.
  • Jueming taunted Yugito about the Raikage, provoking her to attack with Fire Rat Ball and draw the attention of more than 800 Cloud Ninja.

Ch. 284Embrace and Kill!

Utatane Koharu survived her mutation and returned to the fight, while Jueming drained Yugito Nii’s Tailed Beast Chakra after a fierce battle in Kumogakure. He gained Two-Tails Chakra, strengthening the Leaf Blade Sword.

  • Utatane Koharu used the Resistance Vaccine to expel mutated flesh, restore her body, and escape her tree form with the Mutation Weapon.
  • Jueming taunted the Kumogakure pursuers and fought Yugito Nii, then deliberately dragged her and the Grass Clones carrying Yakushi Nonō off a cliff.
  • Jueming bombarded Yugito Nii with Explosive Tags until her Tailed Beast Cloak weakened and her Two-Tails power faded.
  • Jueming grabbed Yugito Nii and used Grass Release: Absorption to drain her Tailed Beast Chakra.
  • Jueming’s system awarded him Two-Tails Chakra, which enhanced the Leaf Blade Sword and gave it the ability to use Two-Tails Flame.

Ch. 285Interrogation Intelligence

Jueming carried the unconscious Yakushi Nonō away to interrogate her about Root’s Mutation Weapon research, while Utatane Koharu survived and returned to Danzo after gaining power from the Mutation Weapon. The chapter ended with Jueming releasing its Power of Mutation in front of the uncooperative Yakushi Nonō.

  • Jueming left the scene with the unconscious Yakushi Nonō after releasing Yugito Nii’s braid.
  • Utatane Koharu discovered that her fracture had healed and slaughtered Cloud Ninjas with her enhanced strength before fleeing.
  • Sayuri reported to Danzo that Jueming and Yugito Nii had fallen off a cliff, and Utatane Koharu soon rejoined them alive with the sealed Mutation Weapon.
  • Danzo told Utatane Koharu he would arrange a physical examination, while she concluded that the Third Raikage’s mutation would likely force Kumogakure to withdraw.
  • Jueming brought Yakushi Nonō to an inn, demanded Root’s intelligence on Mutation Weapons, and released the Power of Mutation when she refused to answer.

Ch. 286A Hero, Closer Than Ever to Becoming Hokage

Yakushi Nonō revealed her intelligence to Jueming after seeing his Mutation, and Kumogakure retreated after the Third Raikage was infected and left critically ill. Danzo returned to Konoha to acclaim and won support to expand Root, but news of a massive Iwagakure invasion threatened the village as the meeting ended.

  • Yakushi Nonō panicked at Jueming’s Mutation, disclosed what she knew, and watched him leave after he threatened her.
  • The Fourth Raikage recalled Kumogakure’s forces to defend the village after the Third Raikage was critically injured by an alien biological virus.
  • Danzo returned to Konoha to a public welcome, arranged Utatane Koharu’s examination, and reported his victory at a meeting with Hiruzen Sarutobi and the village leadership.
  • Danzo requested more Root personnel, and Mitokado Homura and several Jonin supported expanding Root.
  • An Anbu reported that Iwagakure’s army of ten thousand had broken through the northern Land of Fire and was advancing toward Konoha.

Ch. 287The Situation on All Sides, Senju in Peril

Konoha learned that Iwagakure had invaded with an army of 10,000 led by Kitsuchi, Rōshi, and Han, forcing its leaders to prepare for a desperate defense. As Konoha recalled its forces and reassigned clan members, Jueming and the Senju elders worried that Danzo’s Mutation Weapon project would destroy the Senju Clan.

  • Ōnoki sent 10,000 Iwagakure troops into Konoha territory under Kitsuchi, Rōshi, and Han.
  • Danzo urged Hiruzen to recall Fugaku Uchiha, Minato Namikaze, and the other Konoha forces from the front against Kumogakure.
  • Kurenai's Mother received a transfer order to join Root, while Hizashi Hyuga saw a Root Ninja depart with a transfer order from the Hyuga compound.
  • Jiraiya noticed Tsunade had returned to Konoha and concluded that the northern war had become serious.
  • Jueming checked that Jing Senju had not escaped or damaged the Five Seal Barrier, then met Momoka Senju and the Great Elder in the Senju Clan Forbidden Ground.
  • Momoka Senju and the Great Elder feared Danzo would keep turning Senju clan members into Mutation Weapons if Senju Takeshi’s Aberrations could not serve as replacements.

Ch. 288Two-Tails Flame, Tsunade, Senju Jueming Mutated

Jueming returned from Kumogakure with the Two-Tails Flame and tested its power at home while Mito Uzumaki learned that Tsunade was her granddaughter. At Root, Yakushi Nonō told Danzo that Jueming had mutated, but Danzo focused on expanding his Mutation Weapon research and preparing for Iwagakure’s invasion.

  • Momoka Senju told Jueming to rest while she and the Great Elder continued discussing Mutation Weapons, and Mito Uzumaki asked what he planned to do.
  • Jueming encountered Tsunade on the street, learned from Mito Uzumaki that she was her granddaughter, and watched her head toward the Senju Clan Ancestral Hall.
  • Jueming subdued Jing Senju, drained her Chakra with Grass Release: Absorption, and tested the Two-Tails Flame on her with the Leaf Blade Sword.
  • Yakushi Nonō reported to Danzo that Jueming had mutated, while Danzo prioritized gathering materials for more Mutation Weapons and dealing with Iwagakure’s invasion.

Ch. 289Tsunade's Despair at Seeing the New Generation

Sayuri and Danzo reacted to the threat of Senju Jueming’s Mutation as Danzo pressured the Senju Clan to provide people for Mutation Weapon experiments. Meanwhile, Jueming sparred with Kakashi Hatake and Tekka Uchiha, and Tsunade met Jiraiya and Orochimaru as they discussed Konoha’s crisis after Iwagakure’s invasion.

  • Sayuri followed Danzo to the Senju Clan compound and headed to Jueming’s home to investigate whether he had mutated.
  • Danzo told Momoka Senju and the Great Elder that ten thousand Iwagakure troops were approaching Konoha and pressed the Senju Clan to cooperate with Root’s Mutation Weapon efforts.
  • Jueming easily defeated Kakashi Hatake and Tekka Uchiha in a sparring match while Sayuri watched nearby.
  • Tsunade watched the three young shinobi fool around, and Jiraiya argued that Jueming might help resolve the Iwagakure invasion crisis.
  • Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade met at an izakaya, where Jiraiya urged Tsunade to support Konoha as the village faced the invasion.

Ch. 290War Mobilization, Strategy to Repel the Enemy

Konoha mobilized most of its forces to face Iwagakure’s ten-thousand-ninja invasion, and Senju Jueming joined the command council at the front. He identified weaknesses in Iwagakure’s intelligence and in Ōnoki’s suspicious nature, but the chapter ended before he explained his plan.

  • Konoha issued a mobilization order and sent most of its forces, including Anko Mitarashi and Shizune, toward the front against Iwagakure.
  • Hizashi Hyuga, Kurenai's Mother, and others reported to Shimura Danzō as they joined Root and inherited the code names Hei and Tei.
  • Aoki Senju urged Jueming to join his group, but Jueming rejected his offer and demanded proof that Aoki could correct the damage to their followers.
  • Mitokado Homura asked Jueming for a strategy at the front-line command tent, where Konoha faced ten thousand Iwagakure ninja and their two Jinchuriki.
  • Jueming proposed exploiting Iwagakure’s poor intelligence-gathering and Ōnoki’s suspicious nature to turn the battle around.

Ch. 291Senju Jueming, You Still Say You Don't Know the Two-Tails' Fighting Techniques

Senju Jueming disguised himself as Yugito Nii and appeared before the armies of Iwagakure and Konoha, claiming that Kumogakure had allied with Konoha. His deception startled both sides as the battle was about to begin.

  • Orochimaru stated that he had preparations to escape if Konoha fell, while Shimura Danzō reinforced Root's underground base and prepared for the war.
  • Jueming presented an audacious plan, and Mitokado Homura approved trying it after Jiraiya urged the commanders to trust the next generation.
  • Kitsuchi led ten thousand Iwa Ninja to Konoha's defensive line, where Rōshi demanded that Konoha surrender and Han stood beside him.
  • Jueming, disguised as Yugito Nii, revealed pale blue flames and convinced Rōshi that he was the Two-Tails Jinchuriki.
  • Jueming announced that Kumogakure had allied with Konoha, shocking the Iwagakure force and encouraging the Konoha ninja.

Ch. 292A Complete Reversal, an Iconic Hokage Scene

Jueming convinced the Iwagakure commanders that Kumogakure had allied with Konoha and was attacking Iwagakure’s homeland. He reinforced the deception with a staged display of closeness to Konoha’s young ninja, leaving the Iwa forces believing they had no chance of winning.

  • Rōshi rallied Iwagakure’s ninja to fight Konoha, but Jueming claimed that the Third Raikage and ten thousand Cloud Ninja were attacking Iwagakure.
  • Iwagakure’s commanders sent a message to Ōnoki, who read the warning about Kumogakure’s supposed invasion and considered how to respond.
  • Rōshi remained doubtful that Kumogakure and Konoha had allied, so Jueming called Kakashi Hatake and Tekka Uchiha forward as supposed proof.
  • Jueming embraced Kakashi and Tekka, called them his good brothers, and claimed Konoha had given Kumogakure land in exchange for an alliance.
  • Jueming pulled Sayuri close as well, convincing Rōshi and the Iwa ninja that Kumogakure and Konoha were allies; Kakashi and Tekka then urged them to surrender, while Sayuri asked what was happening.

Ch. 293We Were Ready to Fight to the Death, Why Did You Surrender First?

Iwagakure’s commanders obeyed Ōnoki’s order to withdraw, leaving Rōshi alone against Konoha’s leaders. Rōshi unleashed the Four-Tails’ power and charged at Jiraiya, while Jueming watched the battle with concern.

  • Kitsuchi and Han persuaded Rōshi to obey Ōnoki’s withdrawal order, and ten thousand Iwa Ninja marched back toward Iwagakure.
  • Rōshi cursed Ōnoki after his comrades left, and Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade approached to fight him.
  • Rōshi released a four-tailed Tailed Beast Cloak, prompting Jiraiya to warn everyone to fall back.
  • Rōshi charged the three Konoha leaders and struck Jiraiya, sending him flying.

Ch. 294The Three Legendary Sannin Battle the Four-Tails

Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade fought Rōshi, but his Four-Tails power overcame their attacks and he transformed into the full Four-Tails. The enormous beast charged toward the Konoha forces.

  • Jiraiya recovered from Rōshi's attack and joined Orochimaru and Tsunade in battling him.
  • Orochimaru's wind and Jiraiya's fire trapped Rōshi in a fiery tornado, and Tsunade broke his arms with a punch.
  • Rōshi healed, underwent Partial Tailed Beast Transformation, and struck Tsunade and Orochimaru despite their counterattacks.
  • Orochimaru's Kusanagi Sword could not pierce Rōshi's cloak, and Rōshi transformed into the full Four-Tails.
  • Rōshi charged toward the Konoha forces as Orochimaru watched in alarm.

Ch. 295The Tide Turns, Tailed Beast Power

Rōshi’s Four-Tails overwhelmed the Three Legendary Sannin’s summoned creatures, forcing them to withdraw and leaving the Konoha fighters facing the beast alone. Jueming asked Mito Uzumaki about controlling or sealing it, and she said Fugaku Uchiha might use the Sharingan, though doing so could make Konoha’s leaders fear the Uchiha even more.

  • Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade summoned Gama Bunta, Manda, and Katsuyu to fight the Four-Tails.
  • The Four-Tails smashed Katsuyu apart, battled Gama Bunta and Manda, and raised a vast eruption of lava that burned away much of Katsuyu.
  • Rōshi’s Four-Tails transformation defeated the summoned creatures, which withdrew one by one and left the Sannin without their mounts.
  • Minato Namikaze considered bringing Kushina to restrain the Four-Tails with her Adamantine Sealing Chains.
  • Jueming asked Mito Uzumaki how to deal with the beast, and she explained that sealing, barriers, or another Tailed Beast could work.
  • Mito Uzumaki said the Sharingan might let Fugaku Uchiha control Rōshi, but that would increase Konoha’s suspicion of the Uchiha.

Ch. 296Spirit Bomb!?

Jueming combined the Chakra of the Three Legendary Sannin, the two great toad sages, and Mito Uzumaki into the Leaf Blade Sword to attack Rōshi with a massive azure flame technique. The strike hit Rōshi as his borrowed Four-Tails power waned, and Jueming acquired a new verbal-barrage skill.

  • Jueming asked Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade to lend him their Chakra so he could defeat Rōshi.
  • Minato Namikaze, Fugaku Uchiha, and Mitokado Homura moved to delay the Four-Tails while Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Sage Fukasaku, and Sage Shima transferred Chakra to Jueming.
  • Tsunade unlocked her Yin Seal and poured its stored Chakra into Jueming, who channeled the combined power into the Leaf Blade Sword.
  • Jueming used Grass Release: Grass Transformation to launch himself and unleashed Southern Brightness: Separation Fire, creating an enormous ocean of azure flames.
  • Rōshi, whose borrowed Tailed Beast power was fading, took Jueming’s attack head-on, and Jueming acquired Grass Release - Illusion - Verbal Barrage.

Ch. 297An Elusive Victory

Senju Jueming’s ultimate move devastated the battlefield and left Rōshi badly injured, while Konoha’s ninja cheered Jueming as their hero. As Jiraiya and Orochimaru moved to capture Rōshi, Kitsuchi intervened with a massive Earth Release technique and helped him escape.

  • Jueming’s ultimate move drained the chakra of seven people, devastated the terrain, and left Rōshi burned and injured.
  • Jiraiya praised Jueming’s potential, while Orochimaru warned that Jueming had already undergone Mutation; Aoki and White Zetsu considered recruiting or killing him, and Black Zetsu decided to capture him alive.
  • Jueming returned to the front lines, delivered a boastful morale-raising speech, and was cheered by the Konoha crowd, while Sayuri doubted he could become their hope.
  • Rōshi declared that he would never yield, and Tsunade left after exhausting her chakra and undoing Creation Rebirth: Unlock.
  • Kitsuchi emerged from the earth to help Rōshi leave, then used Mountain Wood Technique to trap Jiraiya and Orochimaru; Orochimaru pulled Jiraiya clear before the Earth Release fortress closed.

Ch. 298Charge! Everyone, Charge!

Konoha celebrated Iwagakure’s withdrawal, but Hiruzen Sarutobi and his advisers knew the threat would soon return and considered using the Nine-Tails’ power. Meanwhile, Obito Uchiha grew more resentful of Senju Jueming, and Utatane Koharu emerged from Root’s experiments transformed by Hashirama Senju’s cells.

  • Hiruzen Sarutobi learned that Iwagakure’s ten thousand ninja had only been tricked into withdrawing and could return in six days.
  • Mitokado Homura raised the possibility of activating the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to counter the other villages.
  • Rin Nohara and Obito Uchiha returned to Konoha, where they heard Senju Jueming had driven off the Iwa Ninja, and Obito’s Sharingan activated as his resentment grew.
  • Black Zetsu watched Obito and decided he might be useful as a replacement tool.
  • Danzo learned that Utatane Koharu had fused with Hashirama Senju’s cells, gaining greater strength and resistance to Mutation.
  • Utatane Koharu left the Life Support Jar looking young and beautiful again.

Ch. 299Black Despair Beneath Hope

Jueming returned to the Senju forbidden ground, reassured Momoka Senju that he was unharmed, and learned more about Tsunade’s grief and trauma. Momoka killed the mutating Naoki Senju at his request and vowed to protect Jueming until he grew up, while Utatane Koharu’s youthful appearance caused a stir in Konoha.

  • Jueming boasted to Momoka Senju about his achievements, and she examined him after his battle and found that he was unharmed despite his changed body.
  • Momoka Senju explained that Tsunade had lost hope after Nawaki Senju and Dan Katō died, and Jueming left intending to try his new [Mouth Cannon] skill on Jing Senju.
  • Naoki Senju, overcome by physical mutation and visions of Hashirama, asked Momoka Senju to kill him rather than let him become an experiment.
  • Momoka Senju pierced Naoki Senju with branches, then resolved to live long enough to protect Jueming as he grew stronger.
  • Utatane Koharu appeared young again on Konoha’s streets, escorted by Kunugi Mokume, and Kakashi and Tekka Uchiha realized Kunugi Mokume was her devoted admirer.

Ch. 300High-Level Proposal: Activate the Nine-Tails

Utatane Koharu returned to youth and gained the First Hokage’s cells, strengthening Danzo’s faction as Konoha debated using the Nine-Tails against the looming invasion. After the meeting, Danzo and Koharu headed to the Senju Clan Forbidden Ground to pressure Momoka Senju for more test subjects.

  • Tekka Uchiha returned to training, while Kakashi decided to work toward developing B-Rank Ninjutsu.
  • Kunugi Mokume escorted the rejuvenated Utatane Koharu to the Hokage Building, where Hiruzen Sarutobi learned she had gained the First Hokage’s cells and strength comparable to Kagami Uchiha.
  • Danzo and Koharu discussed the returning Iwa Ninja and the possible attacks from Sunagakure and the Hidden Mist, then urged Hiruzen Sarutobi to use the Nine-Tails.
  • Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed that the Nine-Tails could be released at the last moment, despite the danger to Kushina Uzumaki and Konoha’s own forces.
  • Danzo and Koharu went to the Senju Clan Forbidden Ground to pressure Momoka Senju for test subjects, with Danzo considering using Mutation Weapon: Senju Takeshi on her.
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