Chapter Summaries

The Third Hokage struggled to figure out how to guide the unusually capable members of the Sarutobi Squad and realized they needed real combat experience. After months of tedious D-rank work, he announced their first early-morning departure from the village, leaving Jiraiya and Tsunade dreading the wake-up call.

• Tsunade and Jiraiya demanded different compensation after learning the Third Hokage could not give them the money they wanted, and he eventually gave them lesser alternatives.
• The Third Hokage watched the squad train and felt guilty that he could offer little guidance and had not taken them on real missions.
• Hiko told Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru that the Third Hokage would likely take them on missions soon, and urged them to focus on training.
• The Third Hokage told the squad to gather at the village gate at five the next morning.
• Hiko offered to wake Jiraiya, while Tsunade was left to figure out her own early-morning arrangements.

Hiko sensed his Sharingan might be nearing an evolution and continued building his Chakra before waking Jiraiya with firecrackers as revenge for their early training. He met Orochimaru and a furious, disheveled Jiraiya at the village gate as they prepared to leave on a mission.

• Hiko noticed changes in his Sharingan and hoped the God-tier Evolution Potion would help him gain power, even Wood Style.
• Hiko refined Chakra late into the night, woke energetic at four in the morning, and went to Jiraiya's room with firecrackers.
• Hiko set off the firecrackers in Jiraiya's room, startling him awake and drawing angry complaints from the neighbors.
• Hiko teased Jiraiya and ran off, while Jiraiya discovered the explosions had blown out his light bulb.
• Hiko met Orochimaru at the village gate, and Jiraiya arrived in a rage with his pants on backward before changing and vowing revenge.

Hiko, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru waited for the Third Hokage, who arrived late and tried to make up for it with dumplings. Hiko snatched the food, leaving Jiraiya furious, while the chapter ended with the author’s on-shelf testimonial asking readers to subscribe.

• Tsunade arrived at the village entrance at five, where Hiko, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were waiting for the Third Hokage.
• Hiko told Tsunade how he had pranked Jiraiya with firecrackers, and Tsunade laughed at Jiraiya until they began bickering.
• The group realized it was around seven and concluded that the Third Hokage had tricked them by making them arrive early.
• The Third Hokage arrived late and offered the group dumplings as an apology.
• Hiko snatched the dumplings from the Third Hokage, and Jiraiya shouted for him to give them back.

The Sarutobi Squad began escorting a merchant caravan from the Land of Fire to the Land of Wind, with the Third Hokage leading the mission. Along the way, Hiko explained that poverty and the effects of the Ninja War had contributed to the rise of bandits and rogue ninja in the Land of Wind.

• The merchant caravan arrived, and its members were delighted that the Third Hokage would lead their escort mission.
• The group set out for the Land of Wind, traveling slowly to accommodate the caravan.
• Jiraiya eagerly hoped to encounter Sand Ninja, but Hiko warned that bandits and rogue ninja were more likely.
• The Third Hokage confirmed that desert bandits and rogue ninja were common near the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire.
• Hiko explained that the Land of Wind’s barren terrain and food shortages encouraged banditry, while the Third Hokage noted that the Ninja War was only one contributing factor.

Hiko explained to Jiraiya how the Ninja War and hostility from small villages led Rogue Ninjas to prey on inexperienced shinobi near the borders. As the group walked on, Jiraiya argued with Tsunade and Orochimaru while the Third Hokage wondered at Hiko’s maturity and their Employers commented on the children’s behavior.

• Hiko and the Third Hokage explained that Rogue Ninjas from wars and small villages often robbed and killed near the borders, making them dangerous to newly graduated ninjas.
• Tsunade and Orochimaru mocked Jiraiya for failing to understand, and he angrily protested as they continued walking.
• The Third Hokage observed Hiko’s mature perspective and wondered how he differed from the other children.
• Several Employers discussed the Hokage’s lively disciples and remarked that they would discipline their own children more harshly.

Hiko reflected on his decision to stand closer to the Third Hokage despite the risk of rejection by the Uchiha Clan, and the Third Hokage asked what Ninjutsu he wanted as compensation. Hiko chose Flying Thunder God, the Ninjutsu created by the Second Hokage.

• The Third Hokage noticed Hiko seemed distracted and asked what was on his mind.
• Hiko said he was thinking about the Sharingan, and the Third Hokage apologized for being unable to help him with it.
• Hiko resolved to grow strong enough to influence Konoha and protect the Uchiha Clan, even if the clan rejected him.
• The Third Hokage asked Hiko what Ninjutsu he wanted as compensation for leading the team.
• Hiko teased the Third Hokage about using Earth Release to peep at girls bathing, then requested Flying Thunder God.

Hiko declined to pursue the Flying Thunder God Technique for now and continued the mission with the Third Hokage, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru toward the Land of Wind. During a night watch, Hiko teased Tsunade, who asked why he acted differently from the usual image of the Uchiha.

• Hiko asked for the Flying Thunder God Technique as his reward, but clarified he was joking and said he would consider a more suitable Ninjutsu instead.
• The team continued toward the Land of Wind, traveling through the Land of Fire and toward the Land of Rivers.
• At night, Hiko and Tsunade took the first watch while the frightened Employers stayed in the trees and the Third Hokage rested nearby.
• Hiko teased Tsunade for staring at him, then listened as she asked why he was so playful despite being an Uchiha.
• Hiko explained that clan members were not born expressionless and that family rules and upbringing shaped their behavior; Tsunade realized other clans were similar.

Hiko teased Tsunade until she nearly cried, then compensated her through the night as their group traveled toward the Land of Wind. After crossing the Land of Rivers, they reached the harsh desert border, where Hiko asked Jiraiya whether hardship there could drive people to robbery.

• Hiko and Tsunade argued at their campsite, and Tsunade shouted at him until the sleeping group woke.
• Tsunade threw a rock at Jiraiya and Orochimaru, then teared up after accusing Hiko of bullying her.
• Hiko stayed awake compensating Tsunade, while she cheerfully continued the journey the next day.
• The group traveled through the Land of Rivers and crossed into the barren, scorching Land of Wind.
• Hiko asked Jiraiya whether living without food or money in the desert might lead someone to robbery, and Jiraiya wondered whether anyone lived there.

Employer Uncle explained the Land of Wind’s food shortages and the dangers of traveling there as the Sarutobi Squad escorted him. The squad encountered Desert Bandits, and the Third Hokage watched to see how his students would handle their first battle.

• Employer Uncle described the Land of Wind’s limited farmland, food shortages, and the dangers posed by bandits and rogue ninja.
• The Third Hokage led the squad onward, hoping the children would gain experience despite Employer Uncle’s fear of trouble.
• Employer Uncle spotted suspicious footprints, and Jiraiya and Tsunade hurried forward to inspect them.
• Hiko noticed eleven approaching Desert Bandits, including three ninja, while the Third Hokage silently observed the students.
• The Desert Bandits surrounded Hiko, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, then singled out Tsunade as a potential captive.

Hiko killed a Desert Bandit and, stirred by the bloodshed, evolved his Sharingan from one tomoe to two, alarming the Third Hokage. He joined Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya in wiping out all eleven bandits, leaving the Third Hokage worried that Hiko’s growth and temperament would attract trouble.

• Hiko killed the bandit who had proposed capturing and selling Tsunade, and his Sharingan evolved into two tomoe.
• Orochimaru attacked while the Desert Bandits were stunned, killing several of them with thrown kunai.
• Hiko charged the remaining rogue ninja, and Tsunade and Jiraiya joined the fight after recovering from their shock.
• The group killed all eleven Desert Bandits in less than three minutes, with Hiko overpowering the three rogue ninja.
• Hiko calmly said that killing was easier than killing chickens, prompting Jiraiya to vomit and leaving the Third Hokage worried about Hiko’s bloodlust and the attention his Sharingan might draw.

After the Sarutobi Squad defeated the Desert Bandits, Hiko found the bandits’ hidden valuables and the group returned to Konoha. The Third Hokage gave them three days of rest and promised mission rewards before leaving them to celebrate together.

• Hiko searched the Desert Bandits’ corpses and found a sack of money, then invited Jiraiya to help divide it.
• The group left the bandits’ bodies for wild animals and continued to their destination; the employer thanked the Third Hokage before the squad headed back to Konoha.
• After several days of rest, the Third Hokage took the four children to a barbecue restaurant, praised their mission performance, and granted them three days off.
• The Third Hokage explained that he would choose their rewards for them, gave them money, and left the restaurant.
• Hiko teased the unusually quiet Tsunade and Jiraiya after the Third Hokage departed.

After Jiraiya struggled to process his first killing, two senior ninjas mocked him at a barbecue restaurant, prompting Hiko to confront them. Hiko escalated the clash with a stream of insults, leaving both squads and the onlookers stunned as a fight seemed imminent.

• Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Hiko ate together, and Hiko reassured Jiraiya that he would adapt to killing with time.
• Two seniors who had previously fought Hiko's group arrived with Hatake Sakumo and mocked Jiraiya for being afraid to kill.
• Jiraiya angrily challenged the seniors, while Tsunade and Orochimaru prepared to fight under Hiko's direction.
• Hiko stood up and directly insulted the seniors, shocking Hatake Sakumo, both squads, and the restaurant's onlookers.
• Hiko continued provoking the seniors and dared them to attack him.

Uchiha Hiko provoked Hatake Sakumo's teammates into attacking, and Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru beat them while Hiko held Sakumo back. As the fight threatened to draw the Uchiha patrol, Hiko challenged Sakumo and the two began fighting.

• Hiko insulted Hatake Sakumo's teammates until the shorter man charged at him.
• Jiraiya and Tsunade beat the shorter man, while Orochimaru blocked the taller teammate from helping.
• Hiko stopped Hatake Sakumo from joining the fight and challenged him over bullying young children.
• Hatake Sakumo tried to persuade Hiko to let them leave, but Hiko demanded to see the Hatake Family's swordsmanship.
• Hatake Sakumo drew his short blade and slashed toward Hiko's arm.

Uchiha Hiko revealed his Sharingan and fought Hatake Sakumo at the Barbecue restaurant, overpowering him before leaving with Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. The group went to the Hokage Office to complain again, while the patrol team took Sakumo in to explain the fight.

• Hiko revealed his Sharingan and exchanged rapid blows with Hatake Sakumo, matching his speed and strength.
• Hiko sent Sakumo crashing through the restaurant wall with a kick, then ended the fight when the patrol team approached.
• Hiko, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru left for the Hokage Office to file a complaint, while Sakumo and his injured teammates were taken by the patrol team.
• The Third Hokage returned to his office after more than ten days away and was interrupted when Tsunade and the others burst in, claiming two seniors had bullied them again.

Hiko, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru explained their latest fight to the Third Hokage, who let them leave while he handled the matter. The patrol team later gave Sarutobi Squad minor demerits and Hatake Sakumo’s squad major demerits, and Hiko ended the night taking his three drunk teammates to an inn.

• Hiko told the Third Hokage that Hatake Sakumo’s teammates had mocked Jiraiya, and that they attacked after Hiko cursed them out.
• The Third Hokage dismissed Hiko, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru and told them to avoid fighting outside the Training Ground.
• Hiko took his teammates to another place to eat, while the patrol team reported the barbecue restaurant fight to the Third Hokage.
• The patrol team gave Sarutobi Squad minor demerits and Hatake Sakumo’s teammates major demerits, along with compensation costs.
• Jiraiya got the group high-proof alcohol, and Hiko arranged an inn for the three unconscious drinkers before heading home.

Rumors about Hiko’s six-year-old Two-Tomoe Sharingan spread through Konoha, drawing attention from the village and fury from the Uchiha High Command. As Hiko prepared to face the fallout, the Uchiha leaders blamed the Third Hokage for influencing him.

• The Third Hokage worried that Hiko would face pressure from Konoha, the Uchiha, and the wider ninja world, though he resolved to protect Hiko from physical harm.
• Tsunade asked Hiko what he would do now that the news had spread, and he said he would endure the consequences of his choice.
• Hiko encouraged Tsunade to face hardship with a smile, and she blushed at his touch and words.
• Konoha’s families learned that Hiko had awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan at six, and some hoped to win over the Uchiha genius because he seemed distant from his clan.
• The Uchiha High Command grew enraged that Hiko had hidden his ability from the family and suspected the Third Hokage had brainwashed him.

Hiko received a summons to meet the Uchiha Clan Head after his mission, while Tsunade worried that he would be punished. Uchiha Shuu confronted the Third Hokage over the village’s treatment of Hiko and the clan’s being kept unaware of his talent.

• An Uchiha shinobi told Hiko to return to the clan grounds and see the Clan Head when his mission ended.
• Tsunade angrily criticized the messenger and worried that Hiko would be punished, but Hiko said the Third Hokage would bear the pressure.
• Uchiha Shuu went to the Hokage's Office and accused the Third Hokage of interfering with a member of the Uchiha Family.
• Uchiha Shuu demanded an explanation after learning that Hiko had awakened a Two-Tomoe Sharingan and the Uchiha had been kept in the dark.

The Third Hokage became the target of Uchiha Shuu’s suspicion that Konoha was trying to manipulate Uchiha Hiko. Shuu demanded that Hiko leave the Sarutobi Squad, but Hiruzen Sarutobi refused, leaving their dispute unresolved.

• Uchiha Shuu interpreted the Third Hokage’s remarks about Hiko as an attempt to brainwash him and accused Konoha’s leadership of interfering with the Uchiha.
• The Third Hokage realized Shuu blamed him for Hiko’s secrecy and hoped Hiko would serve as a bridge between the clan and the village.
• Uchiha Shuu insisted that the Uchiha would train Hiko themselves and objected to him remaining in the Sarutobi Squad.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi declared that the Uchiha could help teach Hiko but could not remove him from the squad, and Shuu reacted with an uneasy expression.

Hiko learned that the Third Hokage had taken the blame for the Uchiha Clan Head’s accusations to protect him. As Hiko returned to the clan grounds, the Uchiha discussed his newly revealed Two-Tomoe Sharingan and his growing reputation.

• Uchiha Shuu confronted Hiruzen Sarutobi and left the Hokage’s Office after Hiruzen refused to remove Hiko from the Sarutobi Squad.
• Hiko delivered the mission scroll to Hiruzen, who told him to act clueless and learn Genjutsu and the Sharingan from the clan elders while he bore the pressure.
• Hiruzen explained that Uchiha Shuu had blamed him for Hiko’s age and other matters, and Hiko realized Hiruzen was protecting him.
• Hiko thanked Hiruzen, returned to the Uchiha Clan Grounds, and headed to the Clan Leader’s Compound.
• Uchiha clan members pointed out Hiko’s Two-Tomoe Sharingan and argued over his talent, while some compared him unfavorably to Kagami Uchiha.

Hiko met with Uchiha Shuu, who questioned his loyalty and ordered the clan to train him while allowing him to remain in Sarutobi Squad. After Hiko left, the Uchiha elders discussed keeping him under closer control so he would rely on the clan.

• Hiko entered the Clan Leader's Compound after the guards warned him that Uchiha Shuu was in a bad mood.
• Uchiha Shuu asked whether Hiko felt undervalued by the clan and questioned when he had awakened the Sharingan and why he had not reported it.
• Uchiha Shuu said Hiko could remain in Sarutobi Squad and grow close to Tsunade, then arranged for clan elders to teach him and gave him access to the Clan Ancestral Hall.
• Hiko left the compound, and Uchiha Shuu asked the elders for their opinions of him.
• The elders suspected Hiko was pretending to be naïve and proposed keeping him within the Uchiha Clan Grounds outside of missions.