Chapter Summaries

Shisui apologized to Lao Qi for misjudging him, then joined him and the other veteran shinobi, whose stories helped him understand why Ronglin had scolded him. Ronglin returned to the Command Center, where the others moved away from him as Tsunade watched.

• Ronglin nodded to Lao Qi and left, while Lao Qi realized Shisui had been scolded and pitied him for looking dispirited.
• Shisui apologized to Lao Qi, who invited him to eat and introduced him to the veteran shinobi as Ronglin’s little guard.
• The veterans joked with Shisui, teased him about blushing, and shared hardships that helped him understand Ronglin’s purpose in scolding him.
• Ronglin entered the crowded Command Center and sat in a corner, but the people nearby moved away as Tsunade watched from the main seat.

Ronglin reported that his squad had eliminated an enemy unit, then joined a Command Center briefing where Tsunade revealed that enemy forces had bypassed the Hyuga Clan's reconnaissance and inflicted devastating losses. The chapter ended with Tsunade calling on Hyuga Hiashi to answer for the breach.

• Ronglin told Nara Shikaku that his squad had defeated one Jonin and two Special Jonin and asked him to record the battle merits.
• Tsunade said enemy forces had appeared across the patrol area and that Konoha had lost seventy percent of its forces in the attacks.
• Tsunade explained that the enemy had bypassed the Hyuga Clan's reconnaissance and could infiltrate Konoha's rear to launch ambushes.
• Hyuga Hiashi looked shaken by the breach, while Tsunade addressed him as Commander-in-Chief and prepared to demand an explanation.

Tsunade held a meeting after Kirigakure infiltrated Konoha’s rear and devastated the patrol teams, seeking ways to prevent another attack. Hyuga Hiashi accepted responsibility for the reconnaissance failure, but the meeting ended without a new countermeasure.

• Tsunade questioned Hyuga Hiashi about how the enemy had slipped past the Hyuga Clan’s reconnaissance.
• Hyuga Hiashi admitted the clan’s mistake, promised to expand its reconnaissance range, and agreed that the Hyuga would bear responsibility for the village’s losses.
• Tsunade called for countermeasures against further infiltration and noticed Ronglin doodling a picture of her during the meeting.
• Uchiha Fugaku proposed increasing the patrol teams’ numbers and raising their strength.
• The Command Center fell silent as the attendees struggled to devise a response to Kirigakure’s tactics.

Nara Shikaku proposed forming a squad to hunt infiltrators beyond the Hyuga Clan's scouting range and disrupt the enemy’s positions. The group decided Ronglin should lead it, but Ronglin had not yet responded to the request.

• Nara Shikaku proposed using a strong squad with sensory ninja to counter Kirigakure’s infiltrators in the mist.
• The assembled leaders agreed the plan was feasible and considered who should lead the squad.
• Several people looked to Ronglin because of his strength on the battlefield in the Land of Wind.
• Ronglin joked that everyone was looking at him because he had become more handsome.
• Nara Shikaku explained the squad’s mission and began asking Ronglin to lead it.
• Ronglin abruptly shouted, “No! No!!!”

Ronglin repeatedly refused to lead the dangerous special squad, insisting that he remain with the patrol team. The Hyuga Clan agreed to take the mission, and Ronglin left the meeting determined to stay out of it.

• Ronglin rejected Nara Shikaku's proposal, citing his existing squad and lack of experience.
• Ronglin continued deflecting the assignment despite Nara Shikaku's explanations, frustrating the Command Center.
• Ronglin appealed to the strength of the clan elders and seniors, prompting Hyuga Hiashi to offer the Hyuga Clan for the mission.
• Nara Shikaku accepted the Hyuga Clan's offer and ended the meeting.
• Ronglin slipped away before Tsunade could confront him.

Ronglin reprimanded Shisui for drinking in the camp and urged him to judge people fairly and apologize to Lao Qi. After Shisui left, Ronglin worried that Hyuga might struggle with the dangerous mission ahead.

• Shisui apologized to Ronglin and admitted that he had drunk a little with his seniors and elders.
• Ronglin told Shisui not to judge by appearances, said he should apologize to Lao Qi, and warned him not to drink again before his body developed.
• Ronglin ordered Shisui to tell the older soldiers that drinking inside the camp would be punished.
• Shisui promised to obey, and Ronglin later reflected that Shisui would never drink again and would also discourage Itachi from drinking.
• Ronglin lay down and worried that Hyuga might be overwhelmed when the enemy discovered Konoha's movements and sent forces to surround them.

Ronglin watched the Hyuga-led squad leave for a dangerous mission while Konoha strengthened its patrols. At Kirigakure’s command meeting, the Third Mizukage defended his cautious campaign against Konoha and blamed Sunagakure and Iwagakure for failing to make greater gains.

• Ronglin noted that the Hyuga Clan’s mission would keep the Uchiha out of danger and wondered how many Elite Jonin the Hyuga could afford to lose.
• Konoha formed a six-person special squad, including three Hyuga, and sent it toward a dangerous area with little chance of support.
• Konoha reorganized and strengthened its patrols, while Ronglin continued leading Shisui and Lao Qi without changes to their squad.
• The Third Mizukage told Kirigakure’s commanders that Konoha had strengthened its patrols and reconnaissance after learning of Kirigakure’s ambush strategy.
• The Third Mizukage explained that he had delayed Kirigakure’s attack to let Iwagakure act first, but Konoha’s swift response had spoiled the chance to plunder resources.
• The Third Mizukage rejected Iwagakure’s call for a more aggressive campaign, accused Ōnoki of wanting to use Kirigakure as a spearhead, and criticized Sunagakure’s failure to defeat Konoha decisively.

The Third Mizukage prepared to wear down Tsunade’s forces and sent the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to sabotage Konoha’s supply lines, while dismissing Ronglin’s reputation. Tsunade reviewed reports from the other fronts as Konoha slowly stabilized its positions.

• The Third Mizukage ordered Kirigakure to keep its mist-covered position and force Konoha to either retreat or suffer attrition.
• The Third Mizukage sent the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to infiltrate Konoha’s rear and destroy its supply lines.
• After learning Ronglin had arrived, the Third Mizukage dismissed his achievements as the result of Sunagakure’s weakness.
• Tsunade reviewed reports showing Jiraiya and White Fang had stabilized their front and begun a cautious counterattack after reinforcements arrived.
• Tsunade judged Danzo’s progress on the Land of Earth front disappointing.

Konoha slowly regained the advantage against Sunagakure, but the Land of Earth front remained under heavy pressure from Iwagakure. Tsunade worried about Uchiha Ronglin’s conflict with the Hyuga Clan while Nara Shikaku defended Ronglin’s loyalty to his own people.

• Jiraiya and White Fang gradually wore down Sunagakure’s forces and reclaimed the initiative, easing the Third Hokage’s concern about the Land of Wind front.
• Danzo’s forces stayed on the defensive against Ōnoki, and failed Vanguard Project squads led Danzo to stop trying that approach.
• Nara Shikaku warned that the Land of Earth front could become Konoha’s costliest battlefield unless another front finished early and sent support.
• Tsunade complained that Uchiha Ronglin had placed the Hyuga Clan in a dangerous position and feared what his grudge might lead him to do.
• Nara Shikaku told Tsunade that Ronglin held grudges against those who wronged him but remained loyal to the village and his allies.

Ronglin’s days settled into patrols and training as Konoha’s defenses kept its losses against Kirigakure’s attacks roughly even, though Konoha remained strained on several fronts. The Land of Lightning stayed neutral while waiting for the other nations to weaken, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen entered the Land of Fire.

• Tsunade considered Ronglin’s growing mastery of Time Stop, blushed, and forced herself to stop thinking about it.
• Nara Shikaku’s stronger patrols and expanded Hyuga scouting reduced Konoha’s casualties from enemy infiltrations.
• Ronglin patrolled with Lao Qi and Shisui and helped train Shisui while Kirigakure avoided a direct advance.
• The Land of Lightning rejected Konoha’s request to join the war and remained neutral while waiting for the other nations to weaken.
• The Seven Ninja Swordsmen crossed into the Land of Fire carrying their distinctive weapons.

Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen infiltrated the Land of Fire to attack Konoha's supply lines, prompting outrage at Konoha's Command Center. Tsunade and Nara Shikaku faced pressure to stop the raid as Ronglin recognized the danger to Konoha's war effort.

• Juroza Hachiya, Suikazan Fuguki, and Munashi Jinpachi discussed their mission as the Seven Ninja Swordsmen hurried through the forest toward Konoha's supply routes.
• The Seven Ninja Swordsmen spoke of Uchiha Ronglin's reputation and hoped to fight him.
• Konoha discovered that several supply teams had disappeared and learned the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had infiltrated the rear.
• Tsunade struck the Command Center table and condemned Kirigakure, while its officers demanded that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen be hunted down.
• Ronglin reflected that the early war and the threatened supply lines could throw Konoha's three-front campaign into chaos.

Tsunade ordered a team to eliminate the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, who had been attacking Konoha’s supply line. She required the Uchiha and Hyuga to each provide a member, then dismissed the meeting and kept Ronglin behind.

• Tsunade, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyuga Hiashi agreed that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had to be stopped before they killed more Genin and disrupted supplies.
• Tsunade considered who could lead the mission and noticed Ronglin drawing circles instead of paying attention.
• Tsunade cut off Ronglin’s attempt to speak and told him he had not become more handsome that day.
• Tsunade ordered the Uchiha and Hyuga to each send one person, dismissed the meeting, and ordered Ronglin to stay behind.

Tsunade secured the clans’ agreement to let Uchiha Ronglin lead a joint mission, then privately asked him what it would take for him to act. Ronglin teased her with an outrageous demand before admitting he was joking, leaving the real terms of his cooperation unresolved.

• Uchiha Fugaku agreed to the mission and left the Command Center after glancing at Hyuga Hiashi.
• Hyuga Hiashi accepted Tsunade’s decision, while Nara Shikaku left to soothe him.
• Nara Shikaku reflected that Ronglin was exceptionally powerful and feared he might attack anyone who angered him.
• Tsunade asked Ronglin what he wanted in exchange for agreeing to act.
• Ronglin jokingly asked Tsunade to become his housekeeper, then quickly said he was only joking.

Ronglin agreed to go after Tsunade promised the Senju elders would not interfere again. After Tsunade challenged him to show his sincerity, Ronglin immobilized her and kissed her on the mouth.

• Tsunade said she supported Ronglin going and threatened to take the mission herself if he refused.
• Ronglin agreed to go and warned Tsunade not to let the Senju elders interfere again.
• Tsunade promised the elders would stay out of it, then told Ronglin to show sincerity if he was interested in her.
• Ronglin immobilized Tsunade and kissed her on the mouth.

Ronglin set out with Uchiha Izumi Nishi and Hyuga Ritsurin to find the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, who had infiltrated deep into the Land of Fire. The swordsmen targeted a Konoha supply convoy while the village remained unaware of their position.

• Ronglin teased Uchiha Izumi Nishi and Hyuga Ritsurin before leading them toward the rear of the Land of Fire.
• Tsunade sent the two clan guards with Ronglin to aid the mission and improve its reconnaissance.
• The Seven Ninja Swordsmen ignored the Third Mizukage’s orders and ventured farther into the Land of Fire, near Konoha.
• The Third Hokage dispatched Anbu to protect a supply convoy bound for the battlefield in the Land of Earth.
• The Seven Ninja Swordsmen set their sights on the supply convoy.

Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen ambushed a supply convoy near Konoha and slaughtered its escorts. The battle ended with the convoy's defenders dead, including the two Anbu, while Might Duy was among the surviving fighters caught in the attack.

• Two Anbu guarding the supply team revealed themselves when they sensed someone approaching.
• Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen emerged from the roadside trees and prepared to attack the convoy.
• Juroza Hachiya drew Kubikiribōchō and led the Seven Ninja Swordsmen in a coordinated assault as the defenders signaled Konoha for help.
• The Genin transporting supplies, including Might Duy, joined the two Anbu in fighting back.
• The Seven Ninja Swordsmen overwhelmed the defenders, and Juroza Hachiya killed both Anbu with Kubikiribōchō.

Ronglin tracked the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and led his team toward the village despite Hyuga Ritsurin’s doubts. Meanwhile, Suikazan Fuguki prepared to kill the wounded Might Duy, who suddenly showed signs of renewed fighting spirit.

• Ronglin examined faint traces and concluded the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had probably headed toward the village.
• Hyuga Ritsurin questioned Ronglin’s decision, but Uchiha Izumi Nishi followed Ronglin, and Ritsurin eventually followed too.
• Suikazan Fuguki asked who wanted to kill the last surviving Konoha ninja, Might Duy, and took him when the others showed no interest.
• Suikazan Fuguki mocked Might Duy and raised Samehada to kill him as the Seven Ninja Swordsmen prepared to leave before Konoha reinforcements arrived.
• Might Duy stared at his fallen companions and murmured that they were all dead, then a cold gleam appeared in his eyes and made Suikazan Fuguki pause.

Might Duy activated the Eight Inner Gates after the Seven Ninja Swordsmen killed his companions and threatened his life. As he opened the Gate of Life, his power surged and the swordsmen realized the danger.

• Suikazan Fuguki prepared to kill Might Duy while Jinin Akebino urged him to hurry.
• Might Duy forced himself to stand and threatened to kill the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
• Might Duy opened the Gate of Opening, startling Suikazan Fuguki with his increased aura.
• Might Duy opened the Gate of Healing, and his power continued to rise.
• Might Duy opened the Gate of Life, turning red as green energy rose around him, and the swordsmen recognized the danger.

Might Duy opened the Eight Inner Gates to their final gate and unleashed a devastating attack against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Uchiha Ronglin reached the crater in time to freeze Duy’s final moments, but he could not save him.

• Uchiha Ronglin sensed Might Duy opening the Eight Inner Gates and hurried toward the battlefield with Hyuga Ritsurin and Uchiha Izumi Nishi.
• Might Duy opened the Gate of Death and unleashed a massive attack that devastated the battlefield.
• Ronglin used Susanoo to break through the shockwave and reached Duy in the crater.
• Ronglin froze time around Duy, but could not prevent his death as his body turned to ash.
• Several battered enemies escaped, and Juroza Hachiya’s notched Kubikiribōchō remained in the crater.

Ronglin mourned Might Duy, who died after defeating five of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and declared him a hero of Konoha. He ordered Duy’s remains returned to the village and defended his sacrifice, leaving the survivors to honor the fallen ninja.

• Ronglin watched Might Duy die and promised to protect Might Guy and use Kubikiribōchō against Kirigakure ninja.
• Ronglin ordered the team to gather Duy’s remains and report that the threat of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had been eliminated.
• Uchiha Izumi Nishi revered Duy, while Hyuga Ritsurin questioned whether a genin could have accomplished such a feat.
• Ronglin threatened Hyuga Ritsurin for doubting Duy, and Uchiha Izumi Nishi rebuked him for disrespecting the hero.
• Uchiha Izumi Nishi half-knelt and carefully wrapped Might Duy’s fragile remains in white cloth.