Chapter Summaries

Sasuke revisited Rōran, secured Sara’s promise to share the Dragon Vein, and gave her a seal that would alert him if danger arose. He then continued his travels with Sasori and resumed work at Orochimaru’s base, where he planned to visit Jugo at the northern base.

• Sasuke entered Rōran’s underground facility, met Sara, and learned that her mother had died during the war.
• Sara agreed to honor her mother’s promise to share the Dragon Vein, and Sasuke marked a seal so she could summon his attention in an emergency.
• Sasuke and Sasori traveled together, then separated so Sasori could wait near his parents’ former home while Sasuke handled Orochimaru’s affairs.
• Sasuke found his parents’ house empty but learned from neighbors that they had gone on a journey, then checked their intact offshore base.
• Sasuke returned to his laboratory base, saw that eight Kimimaro test subjects had survived, and discussed naming them with Kidomaru.
• Kidomaru suggested asking Jugo about the Kimimaro subjects, so Sasuke decided to visit the northern base.

Sasuke met Orochimaru at his base, where Orochimaru’s attempt to take over his body ended with Orochimaru inhabiting Sasuke instead. Sasuke later told Kabuto Yakushi that Orochimaru was dead and demanded proof of Kabuto’s loyalty.

• Kabuto Yakushi brought Sasuke to Orochimaru’s base, where Sasuke recognized the Hashirama Cells in his body and confronted Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru’s remaining soul attacked Sasuke, but Sasuke’s Mangekyō Sharingan helped him overcome the struggle and Orochimaru took control of Sasuke’s body.
• Orochimaru ordered Kabuto Yakushi to kill Sasuke, while Sasuke ordered Kabuto to kill Orochimaru; Kabuto refused to choose and made himself pass out.
• Orochimaru, wearing Sasuke’s appearance, confronted Kabuto about his inaction, then left him alive and ordered the battlefield cleaned up.
• Kabuto woke in the base and asked who Sasuke was; Sasuke insisted Orochimaru was dead and told Kabuto to prove his loyalty.

Sasuke used the Sharingan to reveal Kabuto Yakushi’s past and recruited him to manage Orochimaru’s legacy while keeping Orochimaru’s survival secret. They planned to search for Yakushi Nonō’s remains in the Land of Earth and investigate several Konoha clans.

• Sasuke showed Kabuto Yakushi his memories, including his childhood, Root training, and work with Orochimaru.
• Sasuke asked Kabuto not to betray him, and Kabuto agreed to serve him and help manage Orochimaru’s legacy.
• Sasuke said he would not return to Konoha and used a Shadow Clone transformed as Orochimaru to explain how they would maintain the deception.
• Kabuto said he still wanted to discover who he was, and Sasuke recalled Kabuto’s memories of Yakushi Nonō and his name.
• Sasuke proposed looking for Yakushi Nonō’s remains in the Land of Earth and using Danzo as an offering in her memory.
• Sasuke asked Kabuto to investigate the Shimura, Sarutobi, Utatane, Mitokado, and Senju clans.

Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi traveled to the Land of Water to set a trap that would bring Kirigakure’s ninja swords into circulation. As Kirigakure began its inheritance tournament, Sasuke also arranged a secret cloning project for Sasori, who chose not to reveal his living parents to Akatsuki.

• Sasuke told Kabuto Yakushi they would visit the Land of Water and then explore Orochimaru’s other bases.
• Sasori learned his parents were alive but kept his identity secret from them and Akatsuki, then asked Sasuke’s Crow to begin researching a cloning solution.
• Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi arranged for Lightning Blade: Fang to be discovered and returned to Kirigakure.
• Kirigakure announced an inheritance trial for Lightning Blade: Fang, prompting dozens of applications.
• Sasuke judged Nuibari, Kabutowari, and Exploding Blade Shibuki to be poorly made weapons while Kirigakure held its tournament.

Sasuke and Kabuto entered Kumogakure openly, where Sasuke requested an S-rank mission specifically for Yugito. The Raikage confronted Sasuke at a restaurant and ordered him to come to his office.

• Sasuke asked Kabuto to buy supplies while he went to Kumogakure, and Kabuto persuaded him to bring him along.
• Sasuke and Kabuto entered Kumogakure under their real names and applied for an S-rank mission requesting Yugito, paying the 100,000 ryo deposit.
• The Raikage recognized Sasuke as an Uchiha wanted by Konoha and rushed to confront him.
• Sasuke told the Raikage he had come to meet the Two-Tails' Jinchuriki and had no other intentions.
• The Raikage calmed down and ordered Sasuke to come to his office.

Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi arrived in Kumogakure, where the Raikage tried to recruit Sasuke and keep him under surveillance. Sasuke demonstrated his genjutsu skills, secured permission to search for Yugito, and began exploring the village with Samui’s squad.

• The Raikage proposed that Sasuke join Kumogakure, but Sasuke warned that the village could not keep him there and said he had come to find Yugito.
• Sasuke used genjutsu to evade the Raikage and control C and the surrounding ninja, then revealed that he needed the Two-Tails’ Jinchuriki.
• The Raikage accepted Sasuke’s mission and assigned C’s squad and Samui’s squad to monitor him and Kabuto Yakushi.
• Samui, Karui, and Omoi approached Sasuke and Kabuto after they ate, and Sasuke asked them to show him around Kumogakure.
• Sasuke chose an inn and noticed its unusually large number of young, friendly waitresses, including one who resembled Kabuto Yakushi’s sister.

Sasuke hired Yugito for a 4,000,000 Ryo challenge, and they raced into the mountains as the Raikage and others pursued them. Yugito tried to outrun Sasuke and asked what Itachi Uchiha was to him.

• Kabuto became suspicious of a woman who resembled him, while Sasuke teased him and arranged a commemorative photo.
• Yugito returned from her mission, heard village gossip, and was summoned to the Raikage’s office about Sasuke’s request.
• Yugito demanded 4,000,000 Ryo for the mission, and Sasuke agreed, prompting her to set the rules: catch and defeat her before sunset.
• Yugito and Sasuke raced from the Raikage’s office toward the mountains, with the Raikage, Kabuto, and guards giving chase.
• Yugito used her speed and agility to try to lose Sasuke, then asked whether Itachi Uchiha was his brother.

Sasuke fought Yugito and the Two-Tails in a distant forest, dodging their Fire Style attacks before cutting through Yugito’s claw-like chakra weapons and severing the Two-Tails’ tail. The Two-Tails grew angry and emerged at its limited giant size as the Raikage and other Kumogakure ninja watched.

• The Two-Tails coated Yugito in chakra and attacked Sasuke with homing Fire Rat Balls as they raced away from Cloud Thunder Gorge.
• Sasuke drew the Kusanagi Sword and clashed with Yugito at close range while the Two-Tails used fireballs to pressure him.
• The Eight-Tails alerted Killer B to the Two-Tails’ chakra, and Killer B left confinement to investigate.
• Sasuke severed Yugito’s chakra claws, then cut off the Two-Tails’ tail when it enlarged into a feline form.
• The Two-Tails became enraged, reclaimed its severed tail, and emerged from Yugito at a height of just over thirty meters.
• The Raikage watched from nearby as more Kumogakure ninja arrived under the pretext of protecting the village.

Sasuke fought the Two-Tails before Killer B joined in as the Eight-Tails, turning the battle into a chaotic clash with Tailed Beasts and Sasuke’s weapons. The chapter ended as Sasuke saw through the Eight-Tails’ attempt to hide a gathering Tailed Beast Ball behind its tentacles.

• The Two-Tails attacked Sasuke with fire, but Sasuke dodged and climbed onto its head before its flames burned him.
• Killer B transformed into his Super Beast Form and challenged the Two-Tails, while Sasuke argued with both Tailed Beasts over who got to fight.
• Sasuke cut off one of the Eight-Tails’ tentacles with his Kusanagi Sword, prompting Killer B to emerge and block Sasuke’s next strike.
• Sasuke used Shadow Clones and Explosive Tags against the Eight-Tails, but it remained unharmed and regenerated its severed tentacle.
• Sasuke sent two Molten Core Hammers into the Eight-Tails, shredding its tentacles as it continued attacking him.
• The Eight-Tails tried to obscure Sasuke’s view with its tentacles while gathering a Tailed Beast Ball, but Sasuke noticed the plan.

Sasuke defeated the Two-Tails and injured the Eight-Tails with his Molten Core Hammer, then treated Yugito and Killer B under the Raikage’s watch. He collected the Two-Tails’ paw print and completed his compendium.

• Sasuke escaped the Raikage and the tailed beasts’ assault, then detonated a weapon and Gyuki’s Tailed Beast Ball, severely damaging the Eight-Tails and its tentacles.
• The Raikage and Killer B attacked one of Sasuke’s Shadow Clones, while the Two-Tails admitted defeat and retreated into Yugito.
• The Raikage allowed Sasuke to treat the unconscious Yugito and injured Killer B, assigning C and Amai to assist and watch him.
• Sasuke healed Yugito and Killer B with Chakra, then asked the Raikage to clear the area so he could examine the tailed beasts.
• Sasuke had the Two-Tails make a paw print, completing the Paw Print Compendium.

After defeating Yugito and the Two-Tails, Sasuke collected tailed-beast paw and tentacle prints before leaving Kumogakure with Kabuto Yakushi. He warned the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails about Akatsuki, then the Two-Tails revealed that Sasuke had lied about the supposed Uchiha ritual.

• Sasuke pet the Two-Tails, took a photo with Yugito, and persuaded Killer B and the Eight-Tails to give him a tentacle print.
• After the battlefield was cleared, Sasuke left a Mangekyo mark on the Kumogakure group and vanished with Kabuto Yakushi.
• In Yugito's Consciousness Space, Sasuke asked the Two-Tails about making a clone and warned it and the Eight-Tails that Akatsuki planned to gather the tailed beasts.
• The Eight-Tails taught the Two-Tails its method of surviving by splitting off part of its Chakra, while the Raikage quickly broke free of Sasuke's genjutsu.
• After Sasuke left, the Two-Tails told the others that his story about an Uchiha coming-of-age ceremony was a lie and complained that only Sasuke and his brother had done that to it.

Sasuke visited Kumogakure, tested Eight-Tails meat on Kabuto, and searched for Turtle Island. At the Waterfall of Truth, he confronted different facets of himself but left without settling on what he wanted to do.

• The Raikage told Yugito and Killer B to visit his office after they recovered and shared Sasuke's message.
• Sasuke fed Kabuto Yakushi a thin slice of Eight-Tails meat, then let him experience the Tailed Beast Cloak and judged the power uncomfortable and less useful than Orochimaru's Cursed Seal.
• Sasuke continued through the Land of Lightning, evading the Raikage's pursuit while exploring local markets and technology.
• Sasuke found Turtle Island and sat beneath a waterfall he suspected was the Waterfall of Truth.
• Sasuke used Shadow Clone Jutsu to face different facets of himself, discussed possible futures, and watched them disappear without choosing a course.

Sasuke inspected and planned to renovate his underground bases, then traveled with Kabuto Yakushi to attempt a shortcut to Ryūchi Cave. The cave passage went dark, and their attempt appeared unsuccessful.

• Sasuke found that only three of his unfinished bases remained usable and gave Sasori the Spirit Transformation Jutsu to study.
• Sasuke discussed the risks of transferring Sasori into a clone and suggested other ways to give him a new body.
• Sasuke visited Cat Grandma, traded some of his collected hair, and renewed his ties with her group.
• Kabuto Yakushi led Sasuke through a forest to a cave passage that might connect to Ryūchi Cave and save them weeks of travel.
• The cave lights suddenly went out, and Sasuke concluded that they had not been lucky.

Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi entered Ryūchi Cave, where its sages put Sasuke through dangerous trials to test whether he could learn Sage Mode. After he completed Ichikishimahime’s chakra-draining puzzle, Mizuhime prepared to bite him as the next part of her trial.

• Kabuto Yakushi led Sasuke through a hidden passage into Ryūchi Cave, where Tagorihime greeted them and explained that failing to learn Sage Mode meant death.
• Sasuke said he wanted to learn Sage Mode, and Tagorihime sent him and Kabuto Yakushi to face Ichikishimahime’s trial.
• Ichikishimahime trapped Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi in a cave that drained their chakra and required them to assemble a puzzle from more than five hundred crystal fragments.
• Sasuke used Shadow Clones to finish the puzzle in half an hour, opening the cave door and passing Ichikishimahime’s trial.
• Mizuhime attacked Sasuke with hidden weapons and announced that her trial tested their minds and required her to bite him.

Sasuke and Kabuto passed Mizuhime’s trial and met the White Snake Sage to seek Ryūchi Cave’s Sage Techniques. Sasuke endured the first stage of training, and Kabuto chose to begin as well.

• Mizuhime judged Sasuke worthy and let him and Kabuto proceed to the White Snake Sage.
• The White Snake Sage offered Sasuke Sage Chakra, which initially vanished when he tried storing it in his Yin Seal.
• Sasuke circulated and balanced the Sage Chakra through his body, developing sage markings and scales before the supplied chakra ran out.
• The White Snake Sage said Sasuke had passed the initial test but needed to remain in Ryūchi Cave and continue training until he mastered Sage Techniques.
• Kabuto accepted the White Snake Sage’s offer, and Sasuke explained his experience as Kabuto began the training.

Sasuke saved Kabuto Yakushi from being overwhelmed by sage energy, then bargained with the White Snake Sage to spare him. The White Snake Sage sent Sasuke and Kabuto to deal with Manda, and they entered the Snake Cave to search for him.

• Sasuke helped Kabuto Yakushi regulate the sage energy and kept him from losing his mind.
• The White Snake Sage declared that Kabuto had failed and would become food, but Sasuke offered Grell Energy Crystal Ores and took responsibility for him.
• The White Snake Sage ordered Sasuke to stop Manda from disturbing Ryūchi Cave, and Sasuke agreed.
• Mizuhime led Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi to the Snake Cave entrance and explained that Manda had disrupted the other snakes' peace.
• Sasuke and Kabuto entered the cave to look for Manda, while Sasuke warned Kabuto that the White Snake Sage might know what happened in Ryūchi Cave.

Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi searched Ryūchi Cave for Manda, questioning snakes and following signs of his passage. They tracked a distant commotion to a gruesome scene of fighting snakes and mangled remains.

• Kabuto Yakushi explained that Giant Snakes hid in pools throughout Ryūchi Cave, and Sasuke decided they would capture one to ask about Manda.
• Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi searched several pools but found no speaking snake until they reached the third pond.
• Sasuke used the Sharingan to force a large snake to reveal that Manda had passed through three days earlier.
• After hours of exploring the maze-like caves, Sasuke sensed vibrations in the ground and headed toward their source with Kabuto Yakushi.
• Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi arrived at a scene littered with severed snakes, shattered scales, blood, and the smell of venom.

Sasuke intervened in Manda’s fight with the other snakes and tried to enforce the White Snake Sage’s request for peace. He killed Manda, drained his blood, and left the other snakes in Ryūchi Cave afraid of him.

• Sasuke climbed to the cave ceiling and struck Manda with a Chidori Spear, making him release his prey.
• Sasuke relayed the White Snake Sage’s message asking Manda and the other snakes to coexist peacefully.
• Manda attacked Sasuke, who used Shadow Clones and Lightning Style strikes to fight back.
• Manda resisted Sasuke’s attacks with his Chakra, but Sasuke killed him by cutting open his abdomen.
• Sasuke drained Manda’s blood and sealed off the pond, while the other snakes watched from hiding and feared him.

Sasuke harvested Manda’s body for the Kubikiribōchō and prepared to leave Ryūchi Cave with Kabuto. Aoda offered to guide Sasuke by a shortcut and serve him in gratitude for saving his life.

• Sasuke collected Manda’s body and used his blood to regrow part of the Kubikiribōchō, discovering the new blade section was worth billions of ryō.
• Sasuke regretted killing Manda and considered raising other snakes for their blood in the future.
• Sasuke and Kabuto prepared to leave the cave after draining and refilling the bloodied pool.
• Aoda met Sasuke, thanked him for saving his life, and offered to guide him toward the White Snake Sage’s temple by a shortcut.

Sasuke treated Aoda’s serious wounds, and Aoda asked him to form a Summoning Contract. Sasuke refused to accept the offer without knowing what Aoda wanted in return.

• Sasuke and Kabuto Yakushi climbed onto Aoda and noticed his bleeding wounds.
• Sasuke treated Aoda by repairing the damaged tissue and advised him to rest for a month or two.
• Aoda thanked Sasuke and asked to form a Summoning Contract, offering convenient travel and help with escape and defense.
• Sasuke refused, explaining that he would not sacrifice humans to feed a summon and that he did not expect repayment for treating Aoda.
• Sasuke asked Aoda to plainly state what he wanted in return for the contract.