Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu, disguised as Louis Koo, meets Killer B and the Raikage.
• The Raikage, despite his harsh demeanor, shows kindness and offers help to Qingyu.
• The Six Paths of Pain, led by Nagato, arrive in Kumogakure, surprising the Raikage with their six Rinnegan.
• Kumogakure enters a Level 1 war state, evacuating non-combatants and preparing for battle.

Character Developments

• Qingyu/Louis Koo: Struggles with his disguise, feeling ordinary and unremarkable. He's determined to improve his ninja skills.
• Raikage: Shows a softer side, encouraging Qingyu and offering help. He's excited for the upcoming battle with Nagato.
• Nagato: Suspects a mole in the Akatsuki organization. He's prepared for a potential battle with Konoha.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and Identity: Qingyu's struggle with his ordinary disguise highlights the theme of identity and self-perception.
• Preparation for Battle: Both Kumogakure and the Akatsuki are preparing for a major conflict, emphasizing the theme of anticipation and readiness.
• Power and Strength: The Raikage's excitement for battle and Nagato's display of power underscore the theme of strength and its importance in the ninja world.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu and Raikage: Qingyu interacts with the Raikage for the first time, finding him harsh yet caring.
• Raikage and Nagato: The Raikage and Nagato exchange words, setting the stage for their impending battle.
• Qingyu and Killer B: Qingyu is annoyed by Killer B's persistent attempts to learn rap from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nagato (Pain) and the Six Paths of Pain arrive in Kumogakure, surprising the Raikage and Konoha's spy, Qingyu.
• Pain demands the handover of the Jinchuriki, angering the Raikage who refuses and challenges Pain.
• The Six Paths of Pain commence a ruthless slaughter, with Pain's Heavenly Path facing off against the Raikage and Killer B.

Character Developments

• Nagato (Pain) feels threatened by Yasuo's growing power and seeks to assert his dominance as the Akatsuki leader.
• The Raikage, despite his injuries, remains fiercely determined to protect Kumogakure and eliminate the Akatsuki leader.
• Qingyu is bewildered by the Raikage's behavior, suspecting he has been influenced by their previous encounter.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and leadership within the Akatsuki Organization.
• The Raikage's unwavering resolve and loyalty to Kumogakure.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and the danger of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Nagato (Pain) and Konan discuss the internal instability within the Akatsuki Organization and Nagato's growing concern about Yasuo's influence.
• The Raikage and Pain's Heavenly Path engage in a fierce battle, with Pain initially gaining the upper hand.
• Qingyu observes the battle from a distance, confused by the Raikage's actions and the sudden appearance of the Akatsuki members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Killer B and the Raikage attempt to attack Pain's Heavenly Path with their combined ultimate attack, "Lightning Release: Great Bull Charge Liger Bomb," but it's easily neutralized by Pain's "Almighty Push."
• Killer B and the Raikage struggle to approach Pain due to his powerful repelling force.
• Qingyu, a Cloud ninja, is punched by Pain's Asura Path and embedded into a wall. He later retaliates by destroying the Asura Path's head.

Character Developments

• Killer B and the Raikage show their strength and teamwork but struggle against Pain's power.
• Qingyu demonstrates his power and quick thinking, destroying the Asura Path's head after being attacked.

Significant Themes

• The power gap between Pain and the Cloud ninja, highlighting the challenge of fighting powerful opponents.
• The importance of teamwork and strategy, as seen in Killer B and the Raikage's combined attack.

Character Interactions

• Killer B and the Raikage work together to attack Pain but fail.
• Qingyu interacts with Pain's Asura Path, ultimately destroying it.
• Cloud ninja recognize and cheer for Qingyu after he destroys the Asura Path's head, leading to his internal frustration with his chosen alias, "Nima Mele."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu (Nima Mele) arrives at the battle scene and defeats the Asura Path with a single punch.
• Pain's Heavenly Path is surprised by Qingyu's strength.
• The Naraka Path attempts to revive the Asura Path, but Qingyu cuts off its tongue, preventing it.
• Qingyu realizes that his short sword, which summons [Demon Possession], reacts to the King of Hell's blood, suggesting it can evolve by absorbing blood from powerful beings.
• Qingyu leads a group of Kumogakure ninja to attack the Naraka Path and the King of Hell.
• Pain dispatches the Animal Path and summoned beasts to defend the King of Hell.

Character Developments

• Qingyu (Nima Mele) reveals his strength and becomes a significant factor in the battle.
• The Raikage and Killer B recognize Qingyu and appreciate his skills.
• Qingyu shows impulsiveness and a desire for glory but also strategic thinking in seizing opportunities.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual strength and initiative, as seen in Qingyu's actions.
• The importance of seizing opportunities and adaptability in battle.
• The theme of evolution and growth, hinted at with [Demon Possession]'s reaction to the King of Hell's blood.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu interacts with the Raikage and Killer B, who recognize and appreciate his strength.
• Qingyu leads a group of Kumogakure ninja, showing camaraderie and trust.
• Qingyu's actions directly oppose Pain's plans, creating tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu, disguised as Nima Mele, infiltrates King of Hell's mouth to collect blood, but Nagato intervenes, causing King of Hell to disappear.
• Qingyu then targets the Animal Path's summoned beasts to collect more blood and chakra.
• He encounters the Cloning Dog, which splits infinitely, and a giant centipede, both of which he defeats.
• The Chameleon swallows Qingyu, but he emerges unharmed and kills the Chameleon.
• Qingyu continues his rampage, defeating the Rhinoceros and Hell Crab, and prepares to face the remaining beasts.

Character Developments

• Qingyu displays his cunning, adaptability, and resilience, surviving encounters with powerful summoned beasts.
• Nagato shows his awareness and intervention when sensing King of Hell's pain.

Significant Themes

• Qingyu's single-minded pursuit of power and resources, regardless of the methods used.
• The disparity in power between Qingyu and the summoned beasts, reflecting his growth and confidence.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu interacts with various summoned beasts, showcasing his ability to adapt and overcome different challenges.
• The Cloud ninjas watch Qingyu's actions, initially viewing him as a hero but later expressing disbelief and shock at his survival.
• Nagato's intervention demonstrates his awareness and control over the summoned beasts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on well-wishes and encouragement for students taking their high school entrance exams.
• Old Faceless, a popular figure, expresses support and confidence in the students' abilities.
• He also humorously boasts about his own appearance, challenging others to prove they're more attractive.

Character Developments

• Old Faceless: Demonstrates a caring and supportive nature towards students, while also showing a playful, confident, and humorous side.

Significant Themes

• Support and encouragement for students during exams.
• Humor and self-deprecation as a coping mechanism.
• The importance of self-confidence and not putting too much pressure on oneself.

Character Interactions

• Old Faceless interacts with students, expressing his wishes for their success and calm performance during exams.
• He also engages in playful banter, challenging others to prove they're more attractive than him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu, a mysterious individual, appears and decimates Pain's summoned beasts.
• Kumogakure stabilizes and begins counterattacking, putting pressure on Pain's Human and Hungry Ghost Paths.
• Pain's Heavenly Path intervenes, pierces the Raikage, and ascends to unleash "Super Almighty Push," destroying Kumogakure and everything within a 10km radius.
• Nagato, the main body of Pain, uses the technique despite its severe side effects, shortening his lifespan.
• Konan tends to Nagato, who remains determined to complete their plan.
• The Eight-Tails protects the Raikage and others from the brunt of the attack, but Kumogakure is destroyed.

Character Developments

• Qingyu: Displayed immense power, thrifty and sensible, plans to cause trouble elsewhere.
• Nagato (Pain): Unleashes his most powerful technique, shortening his lifespan, remains determined to complete his plan.
• Konan: Worries about Nagato's health, accompanies him despite knowing the risks.
• Raikage: Struggles to protect Kumogakure, fails, and is left devastated.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Nagato's use of "Super Almighty Push" demonstrates the immense power of the Six Paths but also highlights its severe side effects.
• Determination and sacrifice: Nagato and Konan remain committed to their plan, even knowing the risks and costs.
• Loss and devastation: The destruction of Kumogakure leaves the Raikage and others with a sense of loss and emptiness.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu and Pain: Qingyu disrupts Pain's plans, causing Nagato to resort to using "Super Almighty Push."
• Nagato and Konan: Nagato reassures Konan, who worries about his health, and they remain determined to complete their plan together.
• Raikage and others vs. Pain: The Raikage and Kumogakure's forces struggle against Pain's Six Paths, ultimately failing to protect their village.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu (disguised as Nima Mele Maimepi) escapes Pain's Heavenly Path's Super Almighty Push with minor losses.
• Kumogakure is devastated, but some survivors remain.
• Nagato summons the other Six Paths to stall while Pain's Heavenly Path recovers.
• The Raikage plans to counterattack, asking Qingyu to tie down one of the opponents.

Character Developments

• Qingyu maintains his disguise and decides to cause Nagato trouble secretly.
• The Raikage shows confidence in Qingyu's abilities.
• Nagato demonstrates his strategic planning by stalling with the other Six Paths.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Five Great Shinobi Villages and Akatsuki.
• The consequences of Nagato's actions and the potential decline of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
• Qingyu's hidden strength and his desire to disrupt Nagato's plans.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu interacts with the Eight-Tails (Killer B), who is overly friendly and excitable.
• The Raikage asks Qingyu to engage one of the Six Paths, showing trust in his abilities.
• Nagato summons the other Six Paths to stall, demonstrating his strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu (possessed by an actor) volunteers to face Pain's strongest form, Pain's Heavenly Path.
• The Raikage and other Cloud ninja engage the remaining four Pain paths, aiming to create an opening for Qingyu.
• Qingyu discovers a 5-second cooldown in Pain's Heavenly Path's Almighty Push technique and uses this knowledge to successfully land an attack on Pain's Heavenly Path.

Character Developments

• Qingyu demonstrates bravery, strategic thinking, and quick observation skills, earning respect from the Raikage and other Cloud ninja.
• Pain's Heavenly Path shows confusion and uncertainty after being tricked by Qingyu's deception.

Significant Themes

• The power of observation and strategy in battle.
• The importance of teamwork and creating opportunities for allies.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu and the Raikage: Qingyu gains the Raikage's trust and admiration through his actions.
• Qingyu and Pain's Heavenly Path: Qingyu outsmarts Pain's Heavenly Path, exploiting a weakness in its technique.
• The Raikage and other Cloud ninja: They work together to break Pain's formation and support Qingyu's plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pain's Heavenly Path is defeated by Qingyu (Nima Mele) using a 72-hit combo and a 108-hit combo.
• The remaining Pains are defeated by Raikage and the Eight-Tails.
• Qingyu feigns severe injuries to downplay his role in defeating Pain's Heavenly Path.

Character Developments

• Qingyu (Nima Mele) demonstrates immense taijutsu skills and strategic thinking.
• Raikage shows leadership and determination in rallying his forces.
• Killer B's loyalty to Qingyu is emphasized.

Significant Themes

• The power of taijutsu versus ninjutsu.
• The importance of strategy and adaptability in battle.
• The consequences of underestimating an opponent.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu and Pain's Heavenly Path: Qingyu demonstrates his superior taijutsu skills and defeats Pain's Heavenly Path.
• Raikage and Qingyu: Raikage acknowledges Qingyu's contribution to the victory but is unaware of the full extent of Qingyu's capabilities.
• Killer B and Qingyu: Killer B expresses his concern and loyalty towards Qingyu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kumogakure celebrates their victory over the Six Paths of Pain, but the cost is high, with many casualties and the village destroyed.
• Nima Mele (Qingyu) is praised as a hero and a handsome man by Samui, leading to a touching moment between them.
• Suddenly, a paper rain attack from Konan, a surviving Akatsuki member, decimates the already weakened Kumogakure ninja.
• Nagato, the true leader of Akatsuki and owner of the Rinnegan, reveals himself, shocking the Raikage and revealing that the Six Paths of Pain were just puppets.
• The Raikage orders Samui, Darui, Omoi, and Karui to leave immediately, protect Samui, and inform the Hokage in Konoha about Nagato's revelation.

Character Developments

• Nima Mele (Qingyu) is finally recognized and appreciated for his heroic actions, leading to a moment of happiness before the new threat is revealed.
• Samui shows empathy and kindness, comforting Nima Mele and ultimately helping him on his final journey.
• The Raikage demonstrates his strategic thinking and prioritizes the safety of his people, ordering them to evacuate and inform Konoha about the true Akatsuki leader.

Significant Themes

• The high cost of victory and the fragility of peace.
• The importance of recognition and appreciation, even in the face of death.
• The theme of sacrifice for the greater good, as seen in the Raikage's orders.

Character Interactions

• Samui and Nima Mele (Qingyu) share a tender moment, with Samui comforting him and cradling him in her arms.
• The Raikage interacts with his subordinates, ordering them to evacuate and protect Samui, showing his leadership and care for his people.
• Nagato's revelation to the Raikage highlights the power dynamics and the true threat of Akatsuki.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Akatsuki attacks Kumogakure, led by Nagato (the leader of Akatsuki) and Konan.
• Darui and his team attempt to intercept but are outmatched and retreat.
• Nagato uses Chibaku Tensei to capture the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer Bee.
• The Raikage is saved by Killer Bee and escapes with a severed tail.
• Akatsuki seals the Eight-Tails into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
• News of Kumogakure's annihilation spreads, shocking the ninja world into silence.

Character Developments

• Nagato demonstrates his immense power and strategic prowess, leading Akatsuki to a significant victory.
• Killer Bee shows selflessness and bravery by saving the Raikage, leading to his own capture.
• The Raikage, despite his injuries, proves his resilience and strength by surviving Nagato's attack and escaping.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The balance of power shifts with Akatsuki's growing strength and the fall of Kumogakure.
• Fear and Paranoia: The ninja world is filled with fear and uncertainty due to Akatsuki's actions.
• Unity vs Division: Villages unite to form the Ninja Alliance to counter Akatsuki's threat, highlighting the importance of cooperation.

Character Interactions

• Nagato and Konan work together to execute Akatsuki's plan, showcasing their trust and understanding.
• Killer Bee and the Raikage's interaction highlights their bond and mutual respect, despite their differences.
• The ninja world's reaction to Kumogakure's fall demonstrates the interconnectedness and interdependence of the villages.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu fakes his death to escape from Samui and the Cloud ninja, who bury him in a grave.
• He emerges from the grave and spends the night there, experimenting with evolving his [Demon Possession] jutsu.
• He successfully evolves [Demon Possession] using blood from various summoned beasts, gaining new abilities.

Character Developments

• Qingyu demonstrates his cunning and resourcefulness in faking his death and evolving his jutsu.
• No significant developments for other characters in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Evolution and improvement, both in terms of power (Qingyu's jutsu) and personal growth (Qingyu's resourcefulness).
• The power of blood and its uses in evolution and enhancement.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu interacts with his own summoned beasts through the evolution process, but there are no interactions with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu decides to visit Orochimaru before returning to the Land of Bears' base.
• He receives a summons from Akatsuki, suggesting Nagato is about to reveal his hand.
• At the Akatsuki meeting, Pain announces the sealing of the Eight-Tails, but it transforms into a tail, indicating the Jinchuriki's escape.
• Qingyu reveals that he witnessed Pain's true body being exposed, causing tension.

Character Developments

• Qingyu shows cunning and boldness by revealing Pain's secret and challenging his authority.
• Nagato, despite his power, shows vulnerability and concern about his true body's exposure.
• Akatsuki members become more wary and suspicious of each other.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation within Akatsuki.
• The consequences of secrets being revealed.
• The importance of results in achieving goals.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu and Nagato engage in a tense exchange, with Qingyu challenging Nagato's authority and Nagato trying to maintain his composure.
• Akatsuki members react to the failed Eight-Tails sealing, casting doubt on Nagato's leadership.
• Zetsu becomes a scapegoat for not noticing Qingyu's presence earlier.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nagato recalls the Eight-Tails' escape, realizing he was outmaneuvered.
• Pain takes responsibility and vows to find the Eight-Tails' whereabouts.
• Qingyu (Yasuo) visits Orochimaru, discussing a deeper level of cooperation.
• Orochimaru reveals his research on the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, requiring three pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan for experimentation.

Character Developments

• Nagato: Realizes his mistake in underestimating his opponents and vows to rectify it.
• Pain: Takes responsibility for the Eight-Tails' escape and plans to recapture it.
• Qingyu (Yasuo): Shows interest in deeper cooperation with Orochimaru, hinting at a larger plan.
• Orochimaru: Excited and apprehensive about Qingyu's proposal, reveals his research progress on the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances: Characters form and shift alliances based on their goals and interests.
• Ambition and deception: Characters hide their true intentions and manipulate others to achieve their objectives.
• The pursuit of power: Characters seek to gain more power through various means, such as acquiring Tailed Beasts or researching advanced techniques.

Character Interactions

• Nagato and Pain: Nagato silently reprimands Pain for the Eight-Tails' escape, but Pain takes responsibility, maintaining their cooperation.
• Qingyu (Yasuo) and Orochimaru: Qingyu visits Orochimaru, hinting at a deeper level of cooperation and discussing a potential battle with the Akatsuki leader.
• Orochimaru and Qingyu (Yasuo): Orochimaru reveals his research progress on the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, seeking Qingyu's help to obtain more Mangekyo Sharingan for experimentation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru explains that the Mangekyo Sharingan's evolution is restricted by its uniqueness, while the Rinnegan isn't.
• Orochimaru proposes a method to create three unique Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan by transplanting eyes between individuals with Mangekyo Sharingan.
• Qingyu realizes that this method could potentially benefit Itachi and Fugaku, and considers other potential candidates like Shisui and Sasuke.
• Orochimaru's self-interest is suspected, as he might include his test subject, Shin, in the plan.
• Konoha prepares for war with Akatsuki, and Jiraiya receives intelligence from Kumogakure about Akatsuki's leader, Pain, who is suspected to be Nagato, Jiraiya's former disciple.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru: Shows his genius and madness in developing a new method to evolve the Mangekyo Sharingan.
• Qingyu: Realizes the potential benefits and risks of Orochimaru's plan, and considers its implications for various characters.
• Jiraiya: Struggles with the revelation that his former disciple, Nagato, might be the leader of Akatsuki, Pain.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of war and the changes it brings to individuals.
• The potential for redemption and change in characters with dark pasts.
• The ethical implications of using others for personal gain, as seen in Orochimaru's plan.

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and Qingyu: Discuss Orochimaru's plan to evolve the Mangekyo Sharingan, with Qingyu considering its implications for various characters.
• Jiraiya and Nagato (off-page): Jiraiya struggles with the idea that his former disciple, Nagato, might be the leader of Akatsuki, Pain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu enters Ryūchi Cave, one of the Three Great Sage Lands, through a hidden entrance in a strange valley.
• He navigates through a thick, disorienting fog, eventually finding the cave's entrance after walking in circles.
• Upon entering, he's greeted by a woman named Tagorihime in a lavishly decorated palace, which feels like a high-class club or a trap.

Character Developments

• Qingyu demonstrates his calm and confident demeanor, even in potentially dangerous situations. He's aware of the illusions but remains unfazed.
• Tagorihime is introduced as a mysterious woman who seems to be expecting Qingyu's arrival.

Significant Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: The cave plays with Qingyu's senses, blurring the line between reality and illusion.
• Confidence and Caution: Qingyu's overconfidence in his abilities is balanced with a cautious awareness of potential dangers.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu interacts with Tagorihime, who seems to be guiding him through the cave. Their dynamic is tense yet polite, with Qingyu aware of the possible trap and Tagorihime acting as a welcoming host.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu encounters Tagorihime, who tries to lure him with an illusionary feast.
• Qingyu sees through the illusion, revealing Tagorihime's true snake form.
• The surroundings change, and Qingyu finds human skeletons, including children's remains.
• A voice reveals that only those who fail the trial can be devoured, and Tagorihime leaves.
• Qingyu receives a 'Super Death-Seeking Mission' from the dog system to kill the White Snake Sage and eradicate the evil influence in Ryūchi Cave.
• Qingyu encounters Ichikishimahime, who challenges him to a game to leave or stay in Ryūchi Cave.

Character Developments

• Qingyu's anger and determination grow as he learns about the man-eating habits of the snake demons in Ryūchi Cave, particularly their lack of mercy towards children.
• Qingyu decides to take on the 'Super Death-Seeking Mission' to challenge the White Snake Sage and change the rules of Ryūchi Cave.

Significant Themes

• The moral ambiguity of the 'Sage Lands' and their trials.
• The consequences of unchecked power and desire.
• The importance of principles and standing against evil, even in the face of danger.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu's interactions with Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime highlight the deceptive and manipulative nature of the snake demons in Ryūchi Cave.
• Qingyu's internal dialogue reveals his growing anger and resolve against the man-eating practices of the snake demons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu enters a peculiar space, realizes it's a super-large illusion space, and decides to continue the trial.
• He summons Doflamingo, a member of the [Seven Ninja Sea Pirates], to solve a gem puzzle on a stone door.
• After solving the puzzle, the mist disappears, and they face another snake spirit woman (Tamazu-hime) who tries to bite Qingyu but fails.
• Qingyu passes the trial and arrives at Ryūchi Cave, facing the White Snake Sage.

Character Developments

• Qingyu demonstrates strategic thinking, calmness, and resourcefulness in handling the trials and dealing with the snake spirit women.
• The White Snake Sage is introduced as an ancient, powerful, and potentially dangerous figure.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming trials and challenges to reach one's goal.
• The power of strategic thinking and adaptability.
• The danger and unpredictability of powerful, ancient beings.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu interacts with various snake spirit women, each presenting a trial or challenge.
• Qingyu communicates with Doflamingo, using him to solve the gem puzzle.
• Qingyu faces the White Snake Sage, showing calmness and determination despite the danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu, the outsider, arrives before the White Snake Sage after passing its trials.
• He reveals he's not there for Sage Art but to kill the Sage.
• The Sage transforms into a white dragon, revealing its true form.
• Qingyu breaks one of the Sage's scales but is injured by its tail.
• The Sage uses its Dragon's Breath technique, attempting to suck Qingyu into its mouth.

Character Developments

• Qingyu shows calm determination and strategic thinking even in the face of a powerful enemy.
• The White Snake Sage reveals its true form and immense power, displaying arrogance and underestimation of Qingyu.

Significant Themes

• Desire and its consequences: The Sage accuses humans of being ruled by desire, while Qingyu argues that all living beings have desires.
• Power dynamics: The Sage's immense power and arrogance contrast with Qingyu's strategic planning and calm demeanor.
• Death and mortality: The Sage's threat to devour Qingyu highlights the theme of death, while Qingyu's determination to fight back shows his acceptance of the risk.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu and the White Snake Sage: Their interaction is hostile, with Qingyu provoking the Sage and the Sage underestimating Qingyu.
• Qingyu and the Great Toad Sage (mentioned): Their past interaction is referenced, suggesting a history of conflict between the two sages.