Chapter Summaries

Bai Hao infiltrated the Akatsuki’s meeting through Pain’s Phantasmal Body Technique and disrupted the extraction of the Tailed Beast. He rescued Gaara, but Obito Uchiha took Yugito Nii away before Bai Hao could teleport her; Bai Hao copied Obito’s Kamui before ending his Thought Wave.

• Bai Hao used Pain’s Phantasmal Body Technique as a medium to enter the Akatsuki base as a Thought Wave and learn its location.
• Bai Hao interrupted the Tailed Beast extraction, and Pain failed to remove his Thought Wave from the meeting.
• Black Zetsu attacked Bai Hao with Wood Release, but Bai Hao’s Thought Wave was unaffected.
• Bai Hao used his modified Heavenly Transfer Technique to send Gaara away safely.
• Obito Uchiha used Kamui to take Yugito Nii, interrupting Bai Hao’s teleportation and leaving him temporarily unable to teleport.
• Bai Hao copied Obito’s Kamui with the Dream Card skill and then canceled his Thought Wave.

Bai Hao infiltrated the Akatsuki Organization’s base, forcing its members to relocate and continue extracting the Two-Tails elsewhere. He returned to examine Gaara, who was near death after the One-Tail was extracted, and warned that Gaara would no longer be able to transform into the Tailed Beast once he recovered.

• Itachi concluded that Hidan had probably been sealed rather than killed, and felt hopeful that Konoha could still be saved.
• Pain ordered Zetsu to confirm Hidan’s status and told the Akatsuki Organization to abandon the exposed base.
• Obito said they had extracted enough of the One-Tail’s Chakra and directed the group to relocate and continue sealing the Two-Tails.
• Bai Hao ended his Phantasmal Body Technique and explained to Shikamaru how he had used an Akatsuki ring to infiltrate the base.
• Bai Hao examined Gaara and said he would survive for now, but would lose the ability to transform into the Tailed Beast after recovering.

Bai Hao saved Gaara by removing the remaining One-Tails Chakra and changing him from a Jinchuriki into an ordinary ninja, then departed with the Konoha Six after the Akatsuki hideout was destroyed. A day later, they met reinforcements in the Land of Fire, including Kushina Uzumaki, who had secretly joined the team to reach Naruto and worried that Obito Uchiha had once summoned the Nine-Tails.

• Bai Hao fed Gaara Chakra Pills and altered his seal, preserving his life while dispersing the One-Tails Chakra.
• Bai Hao noticed that the Flying Thunder God formula at the Akatsuki hideout had vanished, and he and the Konoha Six left after completing their mission.
• A day later, Bai Hao and the others encountered reinforcements in the Land of Fire.
• Might Guy led his team at high speed toward Naruto and the others, while Kushina Uzumaki questioned their urgency and worried about Naruto.
• Kushina recalled that Obito Uchiha, her once-favored disciple of Minato Namikaze, had summoned the Nine-Tails.

Might Guy’s team found Bai Hao and his companions returning with an unharmed Gaara and captured Akatsuki members, then traveled back toward Konoha with them. Meanwhile, Baki and his companions discovered the devastation left by Bai Hao’s battle and realized how powerful he was.

• Neji spotted Bai Hao’s group nearby and saw that Gaara was following them unharmed.
• Bai Hao’s group arrived, and Naruto showed Might Guy the sealed body of Hidan.
• Kushina wondered whether Bai Hao had sent the young ninja on their mission because he trusted their abilities.
• Might Guy’s team joined Bai Hao’s group on the journey to Konoha and asked about the mission.
• Gaara asked where Baki and the others were, and Might Guy said they had gone looking for him.
• Baki, Temari, and their companion inspected the former Akatsuki hideout and marveled at the battle damage Bai Hao had left behind.

Baki, Kankuro, and Temari headed toward Konoha as Baki worried about the growing threats and Sunagakure’s weakness. At the Five Kage Summit, the leaders discussed the Akatsuki Organization’s capture of jinchuriki and the Black-Clad Organization’s unknown aims, leaving the summit focused on the danger posed by both groups.

• Baki led Kankuro and Temari toward Konoha and worried that the changing era threatened Sunagakure.
• Mifune opened the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron.
• Grandma Chiyo announced that the Akatsuki Organization had captured Sunagakure’s One-Tails Jinchuriki and urged the Kage to confront it.
• The Fourth Raikage reported that Yugito Nii had also been captured and warned that the Black-Clad Organization was dangerous.
• Ōnoki explained the Akatsuki Organization’s plan to revive Madara Uchiha and use the Infinite Tsukuyomi, while Mei Terumi described the groups’ attacks on Kirigakure.
• Ōnoki questioned how the Black-Clad Organization had learned the Akatsuki Organization’s plans and what it intended, noting its ability to create and control Artificial Tailed Beasts.

The Five Kage debated how to respond to the Akatsuki Organization and the Black-Clad Organization, agreeing to cooperate against them while postponing a full Ninja Alliance. They then began discussing a specific plan for sharing intelligence and coordinating their efforts.

• Ōnoki urged the Five Kage to eliminate the Akatsuki Organization and the Black-Clad Organization.
• Mifune proposed forming a Ninja Alliance, prompting the Five Kage to weigh the risks and benefits.
• Tsunade supported eliminating both organizations before they became more dangerous, and Mei Terumi and Chiyo agreed.
• A, the Raikage, proposed sharing intelligence and forming a strategic alliance instead of a full Ninja Alliance, and Ōnoki supported him.
• Tsunade, Mei Terumi, and Chiyo accepted the strategic alliance proposal, and Mifune moved the meeting to specific cooperation plans.

After the Akatsuki sealed the Two-Tails, Pain ordered the organization to investigate Bai Hao and hunt the Three-Tails while capturing the Four-Tails. Obito went to Konoha, burned Kakashi’s diary, and reaffirmed his belief that the Infinite Tsukuyomi would bring Rin back.

• The Akatsuki completed the Two-Tails’ sealing and met to discuss Bai Hao and the Black-Clad Organization.
• Pain told Black Zetsu to investigate Bai Hao’s connection to the Black-Clad Organization, while the others warned Deidara that spreading leaflets would get him killed.
• Pain ordered the Akatsuki to hunt the Three-Tails and capture the Four-Tails.
• Black Zetsu asked Obito to investigate Bai Hao while he sought to bring Orochimaru back into the Akatsuki Organization, and Obito agreed.
• Obito traveled to Konoha, burned Kakashi’s diary, and said that only the Infinite Tsukuyomi could cleanse the world and restore Rin.

Obito searched Konoha for clues about Bai Hao but found nothing unusual. Meanwhile, Amado set a trap that led Rin and Ringo Ameyuri to discover a Shell Organization base, and the news reached Bai Hao and the Spirit Pavilion.

• Obito infiltrated Bai Hao's bookstore and used Kamui to take books, but found no evidence of genjutsu or anything unusual.
• Amado learned of the Black-Clad Organization's influence and decided to use bait to draw them out while gathering information on the Shell Organization.
• A hidden Shell base in the Land of Fire released poisonous mist and light, prompting villagers to spread stories about a haunting.
• Rin and Ringo Ameyuri investigated the site, used Bai Hao's Detoxification Pellets to clear the poison gas, and explored the base.
• Rin and Ringo Ameyuri discovered that the base belonged to the Shell Organization and shared the news with the Spirit Pavilion, where Bai Hao learned of it.

Black Zetsu recruited Orochimaru back into the Akatsuki Organization by offering him access to powerful ninjas’ blood and the Black-Clad Organization’s secrets. Meanwhile, Bai Hao directed the Spirit Pavilion to investigate the Shell Organization, which he considered a growing hidden threat.

• Bai Hao ordered the Spirit Pavilion to focus its investigations on the Shell Organization, while Pakura and Guren continued their Akatsuki-related missions.
• Black Zetsu visited Orochimaru and invited him to return to the Akatsuki Organization to help develop ninjutsu against the Black-Clad Organization.
• Orochimaru refused until Black Zetsu offered him powerful ninjas’ blood, information, and access to the Black-Clad Organization’s secret bases and technology.
• Orochimaru accepted the invitation but warned Black Zetsu to prepare for conflicts within the Akatsuki Organization.

Orochimaru learned that Sasuke’s curse mark had been removed and decided to visit Konoha to see how Sasuke had changed. Sasuke then faced Orochimaru again, meeting his intimidation with calm confidence.

• Zetsu asked Orochimaru to help improve Impure World Reincarnation and design a powerful forbidden technique for Akatsuki’s members.
• Orochimaru realized his curse mark had been removed and decided to go to Konoha to investigate Sasuke and whoever had removed it.
• Bai Hao removed Sasuke’s curse mark, and he and the girls prepared to return to Konoha with information from the Shell Organization’s base.
• Obito found no leads on the Black-Clad Organization and concluded that Hinata was likely a member and Bai Hao was at least an executive.
• Orochimaru met Sasuke in Konoha, but Sasuke stayed composed and warned him not to waste time trying to place another curse mark.

Sasuke used his eagle Summoned Beast and a deception to land a Chidori strike on Orochimaru, who survived with the Substitution Technique. Orochimaru then attacked from a tree, but Sasuke escaped with Lightning Flash Mode.

• Orochimaru praised Sasuke's talent and called him a suitable reincarnation vessel, but Sasuke dismissed him and considered how to activate Sage Mode.
• Sasuke summoned his eagle and flew into the air to avoid giving Orochimaru an opening to attack.
• Orochimaru summoned a giant python and pursued Sasuke, but Sasuke emerged from a cloud of smoke and severed Orochimaru's neck with Chidori.
• Orochimaru's body turned into logs through the Substitution Technique, and he burst from a tree to attack Sasuke.
• Sasuke used Lightning Flash Mode to escape Orochimaru's strike as Orochimaru explained that Sasuke had hidden his real body as a feather on the eagle.

Sasuke activated Sage Mode and overwhelmed Orochimaru with his speed and lightning techniques. Orochimaru escaped Sasuke’s attacks through body replacement and snake techniques, but realized he had badly underestimated Sasuke.

• Orochimaru emerged from underground and mocked Sasuke for overestimating his strength.
• Sasuke revealed Sage Mode, surprising Orochimaru, who questioned how he had learned it without visible markings.
• Sasuke activated Lightning Flash Mode and struck Orochimaru with Sage Art: Lightning God Spear, but Orochimaru escaped by shedding his body.
• Orochimaru used substitutions, a sword, and a swarm of snakes to evade Sasuke’s pursuit, while Sasuke destroyed the snakes with Sage Art: Thunder God's Robe.
• Sasuke caught Orochimaru with another Lightning God Spear strike, forcing him to use a substitution and leaving him sweating as he recognized Sasuke’s overwhelming speed.

After Sasuke defeated Orochimaru, he asked Bai Hao whether he could beat Itachi, but Bai Hao explained that Sasuke would be badly outmatched. Sasuke’s confidence faltered, though Bai Hao praised his progress and urged him to keep training.

• Sasuke used Sage Mode, Lightning Flash Mode, and the Spear of the Thunder God to drive Orochimaru away, then celebrated his improved strength.
• The next morning, Sasuke told Bai Hao about defeating Orochimaru and asked whether he could beat Itachi Uchiha.
• Bai Hao told Sasuke he would be badly beaten by Itachi because their strength was unequal.
• Bai Hao explained that Orochimaru had held back and could have used forbidden techniques, including Impure World Reincarnation.
• Sasuke lost his confidence, but Bai Hao praised his progress and encouraged him to continue training.

The Five Kage agreed to return to their villages and select elite shinobi for a joint force to hunt the Akatsuki Organization. The chapter ended with the Kage preparing to leave the Land of Iron and choose their candidates.

• Bai Hao sent information about Scientific Ninja Tools to Kazahana Koyuki so the Land of Snow could research the technology.
• Ōnoki learned that Roshi and Han had been captured and called for another Five Kage meeting.
• The Hokage, Mizukage, and Kazekage received reports about Bai Hao’s strength, the rescue of Gaara, and the Akatsuki Organization’s growing threat.
• A learned that Killer B had escaped and resolved to find him before the Akatsuki could capture him.
• The Five Kage agreed to form a unified force of elite shinobi to hunt Akatsuki members.
• A proposed that each Kage return to their village to choose candidates, and Tsunade, Chiyo, and Mei Terumi agreed.

The Five Kage ended their summit and began planning how to cooperate against the Akatsuki Organization and the Black-Clad Organization. Obito Uchiha chose Hiruko to deal with Hinata Hyuga and said he would need to make arrangements first.

• Mifune formally concluded the Five Kage Summit after the Kage agreed to communicate using a secret code.
• Tsunade and Kakashi discussed whom Konoha should send to the allied force, and Tsunade considered asking Bai Hao to become a jōnin directly.
• News spread that the Akatsuki Organization had collected five tailed beasts, prompting Utakata to flee and Shibuki to take Kaede to Konoha for refuge.
• Obito Uchiha and Black Zetsu located Hiruko's hidden base, and Obito explained why Hiruko could counter Hinata Hyuga's abilities.
• Obito said he would make arrangements to ensure Hiruko could successfully deal with Hinata Hyuga.

Tsunade proposed promoting Bai Hao directly to jonin, but Konoha’s elders rejected the idea and Danzo called for him to be investigated. Meanwhile, Obito and Black Zetsu prepared a plan to lure Hinata’s team into investigating, and Black Zetsu noted the Black-Clad Organization’s repeated interventions in Konoha’s affairs.

• Tsunade argued with Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu over Bai Hao’s promotion to jonin, but they refused to decide the matter immediately.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura suggested Bai Hao might be a Senju and a possible Sixth Generation Hokage, while Danzo suspected ties to the Black-Clad Organization.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi warned Danzo not to scheme against Bai Hao, but Danzo left confident in Shisui’s eye and his Sharingan.
• Black Zetsu reported that White Zetsu could imitate a Konoha higher-up after absorbing chakra from the village’s leaders, and Obito set the plan for the next morning.
• Black Zetsu told Obito that the Black-Clad Organization had protected Sasuke, saved the Third Hokage, helped Itachi, and that the Third Hokage was still alive.

Obito and Black Zetsu arranged for Team 8 to investigate Hiruko while concealing the mission’s true origins. The scheme left Tsunade discovering that Kurenai had already departed, just as Konoha received an urgent reminder of its agreement to protect the Tsuchigumo Clan.

• Black Zetsu told Obito to have Hinata investigate Hiruko and remove the Flying Thunder God kunai from her, and Obito said he had already switched it.
• A disguised Tsunade gave Kurenai Yuhi a confidential mission to investigate the disappearances of Kekkei Genkai users, and Kurenai accepted.
• An Anbu shinobi secretly altered the mission scroll in the Hokage’s office before the real Tsunade arrived.
• Shizune and Hiruzen Sarutobi brought Tsunade a secret agreement with the Tsuchigumo Clan, who had sealed En no Gyōja’s powerful technique in exchange for Konoha’s protection.
• Tsunade checked the mission register and noticed that Kurenai had already gone on a mission.

Tsunade assigned Kakashi to reinforce En no Gyōja and sent Might Guy’s team to search for Utakata. Bai Hao prepared to escort Takigakure’s Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, then met Team 7, where Naruto announced he had mastered Sage Mode.

• Tsunade sent a Slug to deliver the urgent Tsuchigumo Clan mission to Kakashi.
• Tsunade assigned Might Guy’s team to search for Utakata with Sunagakure and Bai Hao to escort the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki from Takigakure.
• Bai Hao waited at Konoha’s entrance for Team 7 while Might Guy’s team departed on its mission.
• Naruto told Bai Hao that the Shadow Clone cultivation method had helped him master Sage Mode.

Bai Hao took Team 7 out of Konoha to retrieve the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki and began teaching Naruto Wind Style: Rasenshuriken during a rest. Meanwhile, Obito learned of their mission and set out to capture the Seven-Tails first, while Black Zetsu worried about the future attempt to capture the Nine-Tails.

• A White Zetsu clone spotted Bai Hao leaving Konoha with Team 7 and reported that he was likely heading to Takigakure for the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.
• Obito learned the Six-Tails Jinchuriki had escaped Kirigakure's assassination squad and decided to capture the Seven-Tails himself before Bai Hao reached them.
• Obito told Black Zetsu to watch Hinata Hyuga, and Black Zetsu considered using Orochimaru's perfect Impure World Reincarnation when they eventually went after the Nine-Tails.
• During a rest in the Land of Fire, Bai Hao demonstrated Wind Style: Rasenshuriken to Naruto and explained that Naruto needed Wind Style Chakra and Sage Mode to use it safely.
• Naruto eagerly asked Bai Hao to teach him the technique, and Bai Hao demonstrated how Wind attribute Chakra could split a leaf.

Bai Hao taught Sasuke a powerful Lightning Style technique and showed Sakura the Eight Inner Gates. Meanwhile, Obito and Kakuzu captured the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, and Kurenai's team found a suspicious secret base near Mount Sumeru.

• Bai Hao used Fire Style and Chidori to create and shape natural lightning, then taught the technique to Sasuke.
• Bai Hao taught Sakura the Eight Inner Gates as an S-Rank technique suited to her strengths.
• Obito Uchiha and Kakuzu slaughtered more than half of Takigakure's ninjas and abducted Kaede, the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.
• Shibuki set out for Konoha to ask for help recovering Kaede.
• Kurenai Yuhi's team reached Hiruko's secret base, where Hinata used her Byakugan to detect its size and mechanisms.
• Kurenai wondered whether the base belonged to the Black-Clad Organization or the Akatsuki Organization, putting the team on alert.