Chapter Summaries

Hiko led Mikoto Uchiha, Shikaku Nara, and Minato Namikaze to a covert meeting in the Land of Lightning, assigning them positions while keeping the mission’s purpose secret. After waiting until night, they saw several Kumogakure ninja approach Shikaku with a scroll, mistaking him for their contact.

• Hiko ordered Shikaku Nara to receive the target and Minato Namikaze to eliminate anyone who witnessed the exchange.
• Hiko and Mikoto Uchiha hid nearby while Shikaku Nara waited in the open and Minato Namikaze prepared an ambush.
• After a long wait, Hiko sensed several figures approaching through the darkness.
• The newcomers complained that Konoha’s contact was standing in plain sight, then handed Shikaku Nara a scroll and demanded the promised benefits.

Hiko took the intelligence scroll from the Kumogakure ninjas and left them uncertain about whether they would receive rewards or survive. Minato Namikaze then confronted the group alone, and they realized Konoha intended to silence them.

• Hiko took the scroll, warned the Kumogakure ninjas that their reward depended on the intelligence and their performance, and left with Mikoto Uchiha and Shikaku Nara.
• Hiko told Mikoto and Shikaku he would explain the situation after Minato returned, while the Kumogakure ninjas cautiously withdrew.
• Minato tried to approach the Kumogakure group, was discovered, and stepped out carrying his Three-Pronged Kunai.
• Minato mocked the Kumogakure ninjas' assumption that Hiko had broken his promise, and they prepared to fight while their leader searched for an escape route.

Minato Namikaze used the Flying Thunder God Technique in his first real battle, killing the Kumogakure ninja who attacked him while their leader escaped. He returned to Hiko, who considered using stronger opponents to accelerate Minato’s training.

• A Kumogakure Special Jonin sent his companions to attack Minato Namikaze while he fled to buy himself time.
• Minato Namikaze used the Flying Thunder God Technique to kill the attacking Kumogakure ninja.
• Hiko watched Minato fight and considered arranging powerful opponents to improve his technique.
• Minato Namikaze pursued the escaping Special Jonin but failed to catch him.
• Minato Namikaze returned to Hiko and admitted the enemy leader had escaped, and Hiko offered him roasted venison.

Hiko explained to Minato Namikaze and the others why they should not pursue the escaped informant, who had sacrificed his companions to escape. He began discussing how to judge the truth of enemy intelligence, and Minato Namikaze said he understood Hiko’s reasoning.

• Hiko dismissed the idea of pursuing the escaped enemy and asked Minato Namikaze to consider whether it was worthwhile.
• Hiko explained that the enemy had used his companions’ deaths to buy time to flee and was not worth their effort.
• Hiko told Minato Namikaze, Mikoto Uchiha, and Shikaku Nara that selling village intelligence was part of the dark side of being a ninja.
• Shikaku Nara wondered how they could tell real intelligence from false intelligence, and Hiko said experience and evidence were needed.
• Mikoto Uchiha and Shikaku Nara described the likely consequences for traitors who returned to their villages, and Minato Namikaze said he understood Hiko’s point.

Hiko explained to Minato Namikaze, Mikoto Uchiha, and Shikaku Nara why Anbu's mission to investigate the escaped informants still mattered. He left Minato and Shikaku determined to uncover the truth for themselves.

• Minato Namikaze realized that whether the suspects escaped was less important than the threat of their information being exposed, and Hiko confirmed his deduction.
• Hiko explained that the intelligence was likely genuine but could still be a trap, and warned that betrayal could bring severe punishment.
• Hiko refused to answer questions about Anbu's secret communications departments, prompting Mikoto Uchiha to laugh at Minato and Shikaku's frustration.
• Minato Namikaze and Shikaku Nara agreed that they wanted to investigate and resolve their doubts themselves.

After returning to Konoha, Hiko asked Hatake Sakumo to help temper Minato Namikaze, who was learning the Flying Thunder God Technique. Hatake Sakumo agreed but worried about Kakashi’s social problems at school.

• Hiko teased Mikoto Uchiha about eating too much venison, while Minato Namikaze and Shikaku Nara avoided getting involved.
• Hiko visited Hatake Sakumo after returning to Konoha and told him about taking several rookies to the Land of Lightning.
• Hiko asked Hatake Sakumo to train Minato Namikaze and help him master the Flying Thunder God Technique.
• Hatake Sakumo agreed to temper Minato Namikaze but raised concerns about Kakashi’s difficulties socializing at school.

Danzo pushed Orochimaru to begin experiments on captured children with the First's cells while preparing to use the cells himself, as Hiko continued helping the Third Hokage with village paperwork. The chapter ended with Hiko teasing the Third Hokage about his worried expression after reading the documents.

• Hatake Sakumo took charge of tempering Minato Namikaze, giving Hiko time to handle other matters.
• Danzo ordered Orochimaru to begin researching the First's cells immediately, despite Orochimaru's warning that the process was unsafe.
• Danzo and Orochimaru discussed the captured children in the Central Control Room, and Orochimaru agreed to conduct research while refusing responsibility for anything else.
• Danzo struggled to obtain medicine and equipment without control of the Logistics Department and blamed Uchiha Hiko for his troubles.
• Danzo began experiments that killed batches of children and prepared to fuse with the First's cells himself, despite Orochimaru remembering Hiko's warning.
• Hiko brought documents to the Third Hokage, who stamped them without reading, and Hiko teased him about acting like a melancholy old man.

Hiko and the Third Hokage discussed Hatake Kakashi’s request to graduate from the Ninja Academy at five, worrying that his age and personality would leave him without suitable teammates. Hiko proposed approving his graduation while keeping him at the Academy until a team could be formed, and the Third Hokage assigned Hiko to handle the matter.

• The Third Hokage worried that Hatake Kakashi’s early graduation would leave him isolated and unable to join a suitable team.
• Hiko suggested approving Kakashi’s application but having him continue studying at the Ninja Academy until compatible teammates were ready.
• The Third Hokage agreed and handed the Kakashi matter to Hiko while taking over Anbu affairs for several days.
• Hiko accused the Third Hokage of assigning him the troublesome task to tease him, then left the Hokage’s Office.
• The Third Hokage wondered how to speak with the young Hatake Kakashi.

Hiko brought Hatake Kakashi to a small lake to discuss Kakashi’s application to graduate early from the Ninja Academy. He warned Kakashi that graduating at five would leave him unable to form a suitable team and that his reputation as a genius could bring danger.

• Hiko took Mikoto Uchiha fishing during his vacation and had an Anbu ninja bring Hatake Kakashi from the Ninja Academy.
• Hiko told the Anbu ninja to reassure Kakashi’s teacher so the summons would not fuel rumors among the students.
• Hatake Kakashi greeted Hiko respectfully and sat with him and Mikoto by the lake.
• Hiko explained that the Third Hokage had put Kakashi’s early graduation application in his hands and that his decision would determine whether Kakashi graduated.
• Hiko warned Kakashi that the older students would not form a suitable team with him and that becoming a famous genius could expose him to assassination attempts.
• Hatake Kakashi asked why the village had not arranged special protection for Hiko.

Hatake Kakashi weighed his choices about early graduation, and Hiko guided him toward a cautious plan that balanced an assessment with continued academy study. Kakashi chose that plan, then surprised Hiko by staying for Mikoto’s fish dinner and hiding his face as he ate.

• Mikoto Uchiha prepared the fish while Hiko waited for Hatake Kakashi to decide what to do.
• Hatake Kakashi asked whether Hiko would approve his application regardless of his choice, and Hiko told him to choose carefully.
• Hatake Kakashi noticed Hiko tapping his index finger and suspected Hiko favored the safest option.
• Hatake Kakashi chose to apply for the assessment, keep studying at the Ninja Academy, wait for suitable teammates, and test himself with missions.
• Hiko tried to send Kakashi away so he could eat, but Mikoto invited Kakashi to join them and he stayed for dinner.
• Hatake Kakashi hid behind the cloth covering his face while eating, leaving Hiko surprised by how much the boy had changed.

Hiko and Mikoto Uchiha acknowledged their feelings, and Hiko agreed to face her father, the Great Elder, while Hatake Kakashi chose to graduate early. The chapter left Hiko considering how to handle the Great Elder as rumors about Kakashi spread at the Academy.

• Hatake Kakashi ate the fish after Hiko ordered him to remove his face covering, then left while Mikoto Uchiha laughed about his habits.
• Hiko warned Mikoto Uchiha that he was possessive, and she told him she did not regret her feelings and regarded him as a hero.
• Hiko asked how Mikoto Uchiha planned to get past her father, and she told him to handle the Great Elder himself.
• Hatake Kakashi chose to graduate early, and the Third Hokage approved his application.
• Unpleasant rumors about Hatake Kakashi circulated at the Ninja Academy, where his classmates largely disliked him and he had no friends.

Two years after the Second Ninja War, Konoha had recovered quickly while Hiko's restaurant was still under construction. The Third Hokage summoned Hiko back to handle another visit from Takigakure's envoy, who was still searching for the missing Seven-Tails.

• Hiko spent three days relaxing by a little lake while the Third Hokage handled his duties.
• Konoha rebuilt rapidly with generous funding from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, and Hiko's concrete-and-steel restaurant continued to be built.
• The Third Hokage confronted Hiko in his office about staying away during his vacation, but Hiko defended his time off.
• The Third Hokage told Hiko to negotiate with Takigakure's envoy, who had returned to ask for Konoha's help finding Seven-Tails Chōmei.
• Hiko complained that Takigakure's representatives were impossible to get rid of.

Hiko was assigned to negotiate with Takigakure over the Seven-Tails, while the Third Hokage revealed to Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura that he was considering Hiko as his successor. The elders opposed the choice, but the Third Hokage stood by it and began explaining his reasons.

• Hiko complained that Takigakure still wanted the Seven-Tails and agreed to meet its envoys, while refusing to restrain the beast again.
• The Third Hokage hinted that he might retire and told Hiko he had full authority to handle the Takigakure matter.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura arrived, and the Third Hokage told them he was testing Hiko as a possible successor.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura opposed Hiko’s candidacy and suggested Tsunade or Jiraiya instead.
• The Third Hokage refused to change his choice, explaining that Tsunade would not compete against Hiko and that Jiraiya’s flaws made him unsuitable.

Hiruzen Sarutobi arranged for news of his retirement and a Hokage candidate selection to spread so the village's reaction could support his case for Uchiha Hiko. The rumor reached Hiko at home, where he dismissed it because the Hokage Office Building had made no official announcement.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura to spread word that he wanted to rest and select candidates for the next Hokage.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura objected, fearing the news would cause Konoha to fall into turmoil, but Hiruzen Sarutobi insisted he would let the results speak for themselves.
• Hiko returned to the Uchiha Clan Grounds, unaware that news of the selection was spreading throughout Konoha.
• Mikoto Uchiha hurried home and found Hiko after hearing the rumor that the Third wanted to retire and choose the next Hokage.
• Hiko laughed and told Mikoto Uchiha not to worry because the Hokage Office Building had not announced anything officially.

Mikoto Uchiha told Hiko that rumors of the Third Hokage retiring were spreading through Konoha, and Hiko investigated whether the authorities had issued any notices. After the Police Force and Anbu confirmed they had received none, Hiko went to the Uchiha ancestral hall to discuss the rumor with the elders.

• Mikoto Uchiha and Kyuku Uzumaki urged Hiko to take seriously the rumor that the Third Hokage would retire and Hiko might become the next Hokage.
• Hiko sent people to check for official notices, and an Anbu operative reported that none had been issued.
• Uchiha Fugaku reported that the Police Force had received no news about Hokage candidates and said the elders wanted Hiko to convene a clan meeting.
• Hiko left with Uchiha Fugaku for the ancestral hall and agreed that they needed to find out whether the rumor had been deliberately spread or accidentally leaked.

After confirming that the news about the Third Hokage selecting candidates had come from the Elder Council, Hiko told the Uchiha elders that the clan would not take part. He believed the news was accurate but said its purpose was not what people assumed.

• Hiko and Uchiha Fugaku went to the Clan Ancestral Hall as rumors about the Third Hokage’s succession plans spread through Konoha and beyond.
• The Great Elder reported that the Senju and Hatake Clans had confirmed the news came from the Elder Council.
• Hiko questioned whether the Third Hokage was testing people or genuinely planning to select candidates.
• Hiko told the elders that Uchiha would not interfere in the matter and urged them to focus on their duties.
• When the Great Elder asked if the news was false, Hiko said it was accurate, but its purpose was not what people assumed.

Hiko told the Uchiha elders that the Third Hokage would not retire soon and warned them not to cause trouble during the real inspection. Tsunade returned to comfort Nawaki Senju, who was discouraged by the news about becoming Hokage.

• Hiko told the Uchiha elders that the Third Hokage would not step down unless a major event occurred or his health failed, and cautioned them against disgraceful conduct during the inspection.
• Uchiha Fugaku suggested that the clan should still help Hiko perform well in the evaluation, but Hiko said he did not need to work for it.
• Tsunade returned from the Medical Department and found Nawaki Senju sitting in a daze on the doorstep.
• Tsunade sat beside Nawaki Senju and asked whether the news had left him discouraged as he looked up at the moon.

Nawaki Senju struggled with the thought that Hiko might become Hokage and worried about the Senju Clan's decline, while Tsunade urged him to accept the gap between them. Danzo, anxious as his influence was stripped away, tried to draw Orochimaru into his plans, determined to prevent his rivals from gaining power.

• Nawaki Senju admitted to Tsunade that he wanted to become Hokage but felt overshadowed by Hiko.
• Tsunade reminded Nawaki Senju that he could not yet compare with Jiraiya, Orochimaru, or Hatake Sakumo and urged him to focus on the clan's recovery.
• Tsunade left for the Medical Department after wondering what the Third Hokage and the Elder Council were planning.
• Nawaki Senju vowed to restore the Senju Clan and blamed Danzo and his supporters for its decline.
• In a hidden underground laboratory, Danzo questioned Orochimaru about whether the news had tempted him and resolved to keep his rivals from gaining power.

Danzo tried to recruit Orochimaru to challenge Hiko, but Orochimaru refused and focused on researching Hashirama's cells. Orochimaru agreed to prepare a transplant for Danzo in exchange for the Impure World Reincarnation, which Danzo could not obtain without Hiko's and Hiruzen's approval.

• Danzo asked Orochimaru to compete with Hiko, but Orochimaru said he had little chance of winning and no interest in the struggle.
• Orochimaru revealed that his research on the First's cells had progressed and questioned whether Danzo could survive a transplant.
• Danzo insisted that he was willing to undergo the transplant, and Orochimaru agreed to prepare it.
• Orochimaru asked Danzo to obtain the Impure World Reincarnation, but Danzo explained that Hiko and Hiruzen controlled access to the Forbidden Jutsu.
• Orochimaru suggested that Danzo ask Hiko for help obtaining the jutsu.

Orochimaru found that Hiko’s security measures made it nearly impossible to obtain the Impure World Reincarnation, leaving Hiko as his only possible source of help. Meanwhile, Kakashi learned firsthand that graduating early did not spare him from social isolation, and Orochimaru sought Hiko out as the chapter ended.

• Orochimaru realized that he could not get the Impure World Reincarnation from Danzo or the Third Hokage and that Hiko was his only remaining option.
• Hiko continued his Anbu duties while the village watched to see how he would respond to the Elder Council’s leaked news.
• Hatake Kakashi passed his early graduation exam, then joined squads on Novice Missions arranged by Hiko.
• Kakashi’s temporary teammates isolated and mocked him after he responded coldly to their attempts to befriend him.
• After completing his Novice Missions, Kakashi returned to the Ninja Academy and began communicating more with his classmates, prompting Hatake Sakumo to thank Hiko by getting him drunk.
• An Anbu member told the hungover Hiko that Orochimaru was looking for him.