Chapter Summaries

While Jueming kept Tsunade hidden underground to raise her Grass Weapon level, the ninja world reacted to her disappearance and Danzo’s victories in Iwagakure. Jiraiya suspected Danzo was responsible, unaware that Tsunade was beneath Jueming’s home.

• Jueming’s Grass Clone promised the Nine-Tails that he would help free the Tailed Beasts once he reached Six Paths Level.
• Jueming continued raising Tsunade’s Grass Weapon underground while Sayuri searched for Tsunade without discovering her location.
• Danzo defeated the Third Tsuchikage, wrapped Ōnoki in the Chimera Technique, and prepared to turn him into a Mutation Weapon as Sunagakure looted Iwagakure.
• Fugaku Uchiha questioned Mitokado Homura about Tsunade’s disappearance and speculated that Danzo might have arranged it through someone else.
• Jiraiya asked Minato Namikaze and Kushina for leads, then concluded that Danzo was probably behind Tsunade’s disappearance.

Jiraiya, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze, and Kushina Uzumaki suspected Danzo was behind Tsunade’s disappearance, while Mikoto Uchiha privately wondered whether Senju Jueming had abducted her. Mikoto’s hint left Kushina questioning Jueming’s innocence, and she decided to seek answers from Rin Nohara.

• Jiraiya told Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze, and Kushina Uzumaki that Senju Jueming might be the Child of Prophecy and had learned Shikkotsu Forest’s Sage Mode.
• Jiraiya went out to search for Tsunade again, while Hiruzen Sarutobi resolved to oppose Danzo if he had targeted the Senju Clan and discussed the Reaper Death Seal with Minato Namikaze.
• Kushina Uzumaki visited Mikoto Uchiha and worried aloud that Tsunade might be imprisoned or turned into a Mutation Weapon.
• Mikoto Uchiha suspected Senju Jueming might have abducted Tsunade, based on her own experience of his hidden, ruthless nature.
• Kushina initially laughed off Mikoto’s suggestion but left with doubts and considered asking Rin Nohara what she knew about Jueming.

Kushina learned that Rin Nohara had fallen for Senju Jueming and went to find him, while Jueming drew Rin into a locked storage room to discuss leads about Princess Tsunade. The chapter ended with Kushina discovering the locked door and calling out to Rin in alarm.

• Rin Nohara told Kushina that the fetus was healthy and admitted she no longer had feelings for Kakashi.
• Kushina guessed that Rin had fallen for Senju Jueming and warned her that he and Senju Sayuri seemed inseparable.
• Rin left the ward and ran into Senju Jueming, who said he had found leads about Princess Tsunade and pulled her into a storage room.
• Jueming locked the storage-room door and told Rin to listen as Kushina searched the corridor for her.
• Kushina found the locked storage room and called out, fearing Rin might do something rash.

Jueming told Kushina that he could bring Tsunade back by using the Slug Sage’s Reverse Summoning Technique, but claimed he first needed to gather chakra and study the Yin Seal to summon the Sage’s enormous main body. Convinced by his plan, Kushina decided that she and Minato would side with Jueming if he succeeded.

• Kushina checked on Rin Nohara, then spoke with Jueming about finding Tsunade.
• Jueming explained that the Slug Sage could use Reverse Summoning to bring Tsunade back, but said Shikkotsu Forest was too dangerous for her to enter directly.
• Jueming claimed he could not summon the Slug Sage’s enormous main body without storing more chakra using the Yin Seal.
• Kushina watched Jueming leave and resolved that she and Minato would side with him if he could summon the Slug Sage.

Kakashi warned Momoka Senju that she would undergo Mutation within a year and urged her to trust Jueming to find a way to save her. Meanwhile, Jueming mastered Tsunade’s Yin Seal and prepared to summon the Slug Sage, while Danzo returned with news that Iwagakure had fallen.

• Kakashi saw through Momoka Senju’s Illusion Technique with Future Sight and told her she had less than a year before Mutation.
• Kakashi revealed that Momoka’s future Mutation would devastate Konoha and drive Jueming down a dark path, then decided to tell Jueming about her condition.
• Jueming learned Tsunade’s Yin Seal, Creation Rebirth, Byakugou Seal, and medical techniques after Tsunade reached the fourth stage.
• Jueming began storing Chakra in his Yin Seal and planned to summon the Slug Sage to save Momoka Senju.
• Danzo returned with news that Iwagakure had been wiped out, Ōnoki had been captured, and Sunagakure had divided the territory with Konoha.
• Konoha celebrated the victory while the Akatsuki Organization and Hidden Mist worried about what would happen next.

Jueming summoned the Slug Sage’s main body after revealing that he had gained abilities from his Grass Weapons and used Tsunade to learn the Byakugou Seal. The Slug Sage summoned Tsunade, who awoke and blamed Danzo for her disappearance, while Jueming prepared to make the Slug Sage his Grass Weapon.

• Jueming showed Mito Uzumaki his Byakugou Seal and the abilities he had gained from turning others into Grass Weapons, explaining that he needed the seal to summon the Slug Sage and save Teacher Momoka.
• Jueming performed the Summoning Technique, expending all his Chakra and Natural Energy to bring the Slug Sage’s main body to his home.
• Jueming asked the Slug Sage to reverse-summon Tsunade, and she summoned Tsunade from an underground room.
• Tsunade awoke, recognized Jueming and the Slug Sage, and said Danzo had been responsible for her disappearance.

Jueming brought Tsunade back after finding her exhausted from a week of torment, then pressured the Slug Sage to honor their agreement. He arranged for the Slug Sage to care for Tsunade and introduced her to Sayuri, but his parting look left the Slug Sage fearing his scheme was not over.

• Jueming returned Tsunade to the Senju Clan compound and told the Great Elder that she might have suffered inhuman torture.
• The Slug Sage told Jueming that Tsunade had fallen asleep, and he sensed that she was deeply exhausted.
• Jueming reminded the Slug Sage of their agreement and persuaded her to care for Tsunade for the next few days.
• Jueming brought Sayuri to meet the Slug Sage, whose chakra Sayuri sensed as greater than a Tailed Beast's.
• Jueming left with Sayuri, and his meaningful look made the Slug Sage realize that his plans were not finished.

Tsunade woke from a nightmare and discussed Senju Jueming’s strength and plans with the Slug Sage. The Slug Sage revealed that Jueming intended to save Momoka Senju before helping Tsunade deal with Danzo, while both women kept the details of their recent losses secret.

• The Slug Sage watched over the sleeping Tsunade and wondered why Senju Jueming made her uneasy despite her overwhelming strength.
• Tsunade woke from a nightmare, cried in the shower, and accepted breakfast from the Slug Sage.
• The Slug Sage praised Senju Jueming’s power and told Tsunade he planned to save Momoka Senju first.
• Tsunade questioned how Jueming could save Momoka, and the Slug Sage admitted she was unsure how to help him.
• Tsunade said she had suffered a devastating defeat, while the Slug Sage concealed that she had lost a bet to Jueming and was bound to fulfill their agreement.

The Slug Sage appeared in Konoha and was nearly detained by Shisui Uchiha until Jueming vouched for her. Jueming then confronted the frightened Slug Sage about the decision she had promised to make, hinting that he could seal her and invoking Tsunade’s safety.

• Shisui Uchiha and several Uchiha ninja blocked the Slug Sage in the street because her Chakra seemed overwhelmingly powerful.
• Jueming confirmed the Slug Sage’s identity, and Shisui Uchiha let them leave while suspecting Jueming had grown strong enough to rival Hashirama Senju.
• Shisui Uchiha departed to discuss Jueming’s growing strength with Fugaku Uchiha.
• Jueming asked why the Slug Sage feared him and revealed that he had mastered Lady Miko’s techniques and considered sealing her.
• Jueming reminded the Slug Sage that three days had passed and warned her not to break her promise, threatening consequences involving Tsunade.

Jueming persuaded the Slug Sage to help with his training and searching for Tsunade, then used gifts and attention to win her trust. The Slug Sage returned to Tsunade’s residence in better spirits and went to wake her for food.

• Jueming convinced the Slug Sage to help him become stronger so he could find Tsunade’s abductor.
• Jueming and the Slug Sage met Hazuki Hyuga and Natsu Hyuga, and Jueming introduced the Slug Sage as the ruler of Shikkotsu Forest.
• Jueming bought the Slug Sage a red hair clip, and she was touched by the ordinary gift.
• Jueming privately resolved to use the Slug Sage’s trust and strength for his own purposes.
• The Slug Sage returned to Tsunade’s residence, put on the hair clip, and went to call Tsunade for something to eat.

The Slug Sage worried over Tsunade’s distress and left to seek Senju Jueming’s help, while her appearance in Konoha stirred speculation about his strength. Shisui Uchiha announced that Jueming would soon visit the Uchiha to collect another debt payment, leaving Mikoto Uchiha terrified of what he might do.

• Tsunade brushed off the Slug Sage’s questions about her week, then sobbed under her blanket after the Slug Sage left her alone.
• The Slug Sage considered asking Shizune for help but remembered Jueming’s warning and decided to seek him out instead.
• Villagers and clanspeople reacted to the Slug Sage’s appearance, and some wondered whether Jueming’s power rivaled Hashirama Senju’s.
• Shisui Uchiha told Fugaku Uchiha, Yashiro, and Inabi that the Slug Sage’s chakra exceeded that of a Tailed Beast.
• Shisui told Mikoto Uchiha that Jueming planned to visit soon to continue repaying his debt, and Mikoto feared what he would do next.

Jueming arranged a lavish dinner to make the Slug Sage comfortable before asking her to train him. Tsunade joined the banquet, drank herself unconscious, and was taken to a guest room, leaving Jueming alone with the Slug Sage as he prepared to begin training.

• Minato told Kushina that the Slug Sage's chakra far surpassed the Nine-Tails and that only Hashirama Senju might have matched her.
• Jueming invited the Slug Sage to train him that evening and arranged for Sayuri to help prepare a feast.
• Tsunade decided to join the training, then brought a case of alcohol to Jueming's house and drank until she was completely drunk.
• Sayuri took Tsunade to the guest room, leaving Jueming alone with the Slug Sage.
• Jueming fixed the Slug Sage with a serious gaze and asked her to help him train.

Tsunade woke at Senju Jueming’s home, returned to her own place, and practiced her chakra control while Katsuyu trained with Jueming. Katsuyu returned profoundly changed by their long battle, and Jueming arrived the next morning to summon her for training again.

• Tsunade woke in Senju Jueming’s home, learned he was training with the Slug Sage, and returned home determined to train harder.
• After practicing chakra control, Tsunade met Katsuyu, who came back with a human form and strange behavior after spending more than twenty hours with Jueming.
• Katsuyu recalled being dominated by Jueming and realized the Grass Weapon Seed meant she could no longer escape him.
• The next morning, Tsunade thanked Katsuyu for her help and learned Jueming wanted her to stay for the time being.
• Senju Jueming knocked on the door and said he had come to ask the Slug Sage to help him train.

Jueming took Katsuyu to a hotel disguised as a training ground while Tsunade returned to work in Konoha and drew Jiraiya’s attention. As Mei Terumī sought Danzo’s help for the Hidden Mist, she decided to approach Jueming next, unaware of his true nature.

• Jueming left Tsunade’s home with Katsuyu, reassured her that she belonged to him, and led her to a hotel for training.
• Jueming and Katsuyu passed Mei Terumī and Ao in disguise as they arrived in Konoha seeking Danzo’s support.
• Tsunade resumed her post at Konoha Hospital, brushed off Jiraiya’s questions, and Kushina decided that she and Minato should side with Jueming.
• Mikoto Uchiha feared Jueming’s return after hearing that Tsunade had reappeared and looked at a rope in her drawer.
• Mei Terumī and Ao finished talks with Danzo, secured a temporary reprieve for the Hidden Mist, and decided to seek Jueming’s help.

Jueming brought the Slug Sage home after training, where Mei Terumī was waiting to speak with him. After Jueming drove Mei away, the Slug Sage partially transformed to steady herself, and Sayuri welcomed them back for dinner.

• Jueming told the weakened Slug Sage to wash up before they returned home.
• Mei Terumī arrived at the Senju Clan compound and waited for Jueming, hoping to discuss something with him.
• Mei saw Jueming returning with the Slug Sage and jokingly called the girl new prey, prompting Jueming to overwhelm her with killing intent.
• Jueming introduced the Slug Sage to Mei as an enemy of the Hidden Mist, then dismissed Mei and escorted the Slug Sage inside.
• The Slug Sage released some power and grew two tentacles from her head to regain her strength.
• Sayuri welcomed Jueming and the Slug Sage home, and they began dinner.

Jueming rejected Kushina’s attempt to make peace, insisting that she and Minato Namikaze had chosen to side with Danzō and would face the consequences. He then left with the Slug Sage to continue their private training, which he believed would help him obtain a way to save Teacher Momoka.

• At dinner, Jueming told Sayuri that Mei Terumī had left after disrespecting him, and Sayuri shared that Mei had become the Fifth Mizukage.
• Jueming invited the Slug Sage to stay the night, then went outside to meet Kushina when she arrived at eight in the evening.
• Jueming accused Kushina and Minato Namikaze of choosing Danzō’s side and rejected Kushina’s offer of goodwill.
• The Slug Sage apologized to Kushina and followed Jueming, leaving Kushina alone beneath the streetlight.
• Jueming left clones behind and used the Flying Thunder God to take the Slug Sage underground for another training session.

Jueming visited Mikoto Uchiha to repay his debt and warned her that the Uchiha Clan would be caught up in his coming conflict with Danzo. He left Mikoto facing the possibility that his threat could plunge the clan into war.

• Kushina returned home and falsely told Minato Namikaze that her meeting with Jueming had gone well, while deciding to test Jueming again later.
• Jueming concluded that the Slug Sage needed a day to recover, then left to visit Mikoto Uchiha.
• Jueming told Sayuri that the Uchiha Clan had come to collect a debt and instructed her to say he was out if Kushina came looking for him.
• Jueming arrived at the Uchiha Clan compound and told Mikoto he had come to repay his debt.
• Jueming warned Mikoto that the Uchiha Clan was about to be finished and said it was time to settle accounts.
• Mikoto accused Jueming of making an enemy of all Konoha, and Jueming challenged her assumption that the village would unite against him.

Jueming repaid Mikoto Uchiha one hundred million ryo, then bound her with Grass Release and challenged her to escape as punishment for her past attempts to kill him. As Fugaku's return approached, Jueming gave Mikoto twenty-five minutes to begin doing what he wanted before he would leave her tied up.

• Jueming listed the allies he believed would stand with him and threw Mikoto Uchiha one hundred million ryo as repayment for the day.
• Jueming confronted Mikoto about her past actions and revealed that he knew Shisui Uchiha had used Kotoamatsukami on Kakashi.
• Kushina visited the Senju Clan compound looking for Jueming, but Sayuri told her he was out cultivating.
• Jueming used Grass Release to bind Mikoto and ordered her to escape while he sat and drank tea.
• Mikoto struggled from morning until dusk without freeing herself, while Jueming taunted her about awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Jueming warned that Fugaku would soon return and gave Mikoto twenty-five minutes to begin helping him cultivate.

Jueming coerced Mikoto Uchiha, and she returned home concealing what had happened while Fugaku mistook her distress for pregnancy syndrome. Itachi took Mikoto to Konoha Hospital, where Rin Nohara confirmed the pregnancy and then met Jueming at a warehouse.

• Jueming demanded that Mikoto act, and half an hour later Fugaku returned home without finding the Slug Sage.
• Mikoto came home vomiting and crying, and Fugaku assumed she had pregnancy syndrome and comforted her.
• Fugaku found a money-sealing formula scroll and realized that Senju Jueming had visited.
• Itachi noticed Mikoto's retching and convinced Fugaku to have her examined at Konoha Hospital.
• Rin Nohara told Itachi that Mikoto was fine and had pregnancy syndrome, then went to meet Jueming at a warehouse.

Jueming promised to resolve Momoka Senju’s mutation within a week and trained to raise the Slug Sage’s stage. In Kakashi’s vision of the future, Momoka became a colossal monster, transformed the Senju Clan’s ninja, and reached for Jueming.

• Jueming reassured Sayuri that he was close to finding a way to save Momoka Senju, and Kakashi told him Future Sight predicted her mutation would occur within a week.
• Jueming entered the underground training room to work on advancing the Slug Sage’s stage while Kakashi used Future Sight to see one week ahead.
• Kakashi saw mutated Momoka Senju devastate Konoha and reach for Jueming, still recognizing him as her disciple.
• Mito Uzumaki blocked Momoka’s attack with Adamantine Sealing, and Jueming wept as he realized she could no longer be saved.
• Momoka released the Power of Mutation, transforming the Senju Clan’s ninja into Aberrations, and Jueming stepped forward.