Chapter Summaries

Kawafune confronted Madara in the cave after Black Zetsu escaped, and the two discussed their visions for peace in the Shinobi World. Madara accepted that Kawafune’s ideals might carry on the hopes he once shared with Hashirama, then prepared to fight him.

• Kawafune decapitated White Zetsu, but Black Zetsu escaped by abandoning its host body.
• Kawafune sent Obito away and identified the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path as the Ten-Tails’ true body.
• Madara confirmed that he had given Nagato the Rinnegan so Nagato could revive him and help carry out the Eye of the Moon Plan.
• Kawafune told Madara he intended to unify the Shinobi World, and Madara warned that unification could not guarantee lasting peace.
• Madara retrieved the Great Scythe and Blaze Release Fan, joined them together, and prepared to battle Kawafune.

Kawafune and Madara fought fiercely in the cave, with Kawafune gaining the upper hand after Madara cut himself off from the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. As Kawafune launched a killing strike, Madara used the Third Power and rapidly aged while gathering Chakra.

• Kawafune charged Madara, who blocked his attacks with a Great Scythe and Blaze Release Fan.
• Madara disconnected the tubes linking him to the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, causing his body to grow younger and his Chakra to swell.
• Madara attacked with a massive Great Fireball Technique, but Kawafune split it and broke through Madara's Wood Locking Wall.
• Kawafune asked about Madara's fusion with Hashirama Cells, and Madara explained that he had stitched Hashirama's flesh onto his chest wound and awakened nearly healed.
• Kawafune knocked Madara into the cave wall and rushed in to strike his neck, but Madara activated the Third Power and began to age rapidly as he gathered Chakra.

Kawafune fought Madara in the cave and faced his fully developed Susanoo after Madara unleashed its immense power. Outside, Kawafune defeated Madara with True Several Thousand Hands, and Madara died before reaching the ground.

• Kawafune recognized Madara's Susanoo and escaped its four-sword attack with Flying Thunder God.
• Madara expanded Susanoo into a colossal armored form and bombarded Kawafune with Yasaka Magatama, which Kawafune blocked with Hobi Technique.
• Madara's Susanoo smashed through the cave ceiling and flew outside, where Kawafune's Gate of the Great God was cut apart.
• Kawafune summoned True Several Thousand Hands and used Top Transformed Buddha to shatter Madara's Susanoo.
• Madara was thrown clear of Susanoo and died before hitting the ground, while Kawafune walked toward his body.

Kawafune defeated Madara, collected his body, weapons, Sharingan, and White Zetsu, then sent Obito back to Minato. Obito began adapting to his new powers and reunited with his companions.

• Kawafune sealed Madara's body and collected the Blaze Release Fan, Great Scythe, Sharingan, and White Zetsu from the cave.
• Kawafune left the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path behind and asked Obito whether he wanted to return to Konoha or Minato.
• Obito asked to return to Minato, and Kawafune transported him to Minato's tent before leaving.
• Kawafune told Obito to adapt to his changed body and new Chakra and Wood Style abilities.
• Minato urged Obito to find his companions, and Obito left the tent to reunite with them.

Kawafune returned to Konoha after his battle and reunited with Tsunade, then told her he had something important to share with her and Orochimaru. The chapter ended with the family discussing Kakashi and the possibility of having another child.

• A black lump gathered flesh and blood from the battlefield and vowed revenge on Hatake Kawafune before disappearing underground.
• Kawafune returned to Konoha and surprised Tsunade, who kicked him before realizing who he was and healing his injury.
• Kawafune and Tsunade spent the morning together and agreed to visit Orochimaru so Kawafune could show them something important.
• At breakfast, Kawafune told Sakumo and Nayuki that the mission in the Land of Earth was going smoothly and praised Kakashi and the others.
• Nayuki suggested Kawafune and Tsunade have another child, and Tsunade teased her about having children with Sakumo.

Kawafune brought Uchiha Madara’s weapons and a scroll to Orochimaru’s laboratory, revealing that Madara had survived. Orochimaru eagerly prepared to investigate, while Tsunade was left stunned by the news.

• Kawafune and Tsunade left the Hokage Building after greeting Shota, who resumed handling their workload.
• Kawafune brought Tsunade to Orochimaru’s laboratory, where he and Misaki were conducting research.
• Kawafune revealed a scythe and fan that Tsunade and Orochimaru recognized as Uchiha Madara’s weapons.
• Kawafune confirmed that Madara had survived, shocking Tsunade and prompting Orochimaru to reconsider the weapons’ significance.
• Kawafune handed Orochimaru another scroll, and Orochimaru eagerly accepted it for research.

Kawafune explained how Uchiha Madara had survived his battle with Hashirama and handed Madara’s corpse to Orochimaru and Tsunade for research. After they dissected the body, Kawafune revealed White Zetsu corpses, whose regenerative power left the researchers eager to study them.

• Kawafune claimed Madara had faked his death, survived by fusing Hashirama cells, and pursued a plan to achieve peace in his own way.
• Orochimaru and Tsunade examined Madara’s corpse, confirmed its Hashirama-cell features, and began studying it alongside Sharingan eyes Kawafune had collected.
• Kawafune discussed Orochimaru’s Tailed Beast cell experiments and planned to gather cells from the remaining beasts to pursue Six Paths Power.
• Orochimaru and Tsunade dissected Madara while Kawafune and Orochimaru bickered, and Tsunade made them quiet down so they could finish their work.
• Kawafune brought out White Zetsu corpses, and Orochimaru and Tsunade discovered their exceptional vitality and ability to regenerate severed limbs.

Kawafune found company with Karin after Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Sakumo brushed him off, then discussed Konoha’s next Hokage and the next stage of his plans with Tsunade. He ordered Yahiko and Konan to begin expanding Akatsuki’s influence among the surrounding small countries as the Shinobi World moved toward greater conflict.

• Kawafune visited Sakumo at the Anbu office, but Sakumo told him to leave and train his subordinates instead.
• Kawafune cheered Karin up with toys and snacks, took her out for the day, and returned her to Misaki at sunset.
• Ōnoki accused Nawaki of deliberately letting A and B Combo escape, but Nawaki defended himself and warned the Konoha ninja to prioritize their own safety.
• Ginji relayed Nawaki’s order to the Konoha ninja, while Aotsuki fixed Ginji’s hair and Little Ao startled their companions.
• Kawafune and Tsunade agreed not to interfere in the choice between Nawaki and Minato as the next Hokage.
• Kawafune contacted Yahiko and Konan, ordering them to take control of nearby small countries while sparing civilians and preventing plunder.

Yahiko led Akatsuki to conquer the Land of Grass, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Birds, rapidly expanding the Land of Rain and alarming the Shinobi World. After rebuffing a Cloud Ninja envoy, Yahiko spoke with Kawafune and learned that Konoha would publicly condemn him while preparing for the wider conflict.

• Yahiko rallied Akatsuki’s forces and sent himself, Kakuzu, and Konan to invade the Land of Grass, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Birds.
• Akatsuki defeated the three countries’ resistance within three days, expanding the Land of Rain’s territory nearly fivefold.
• Ishikawa Hideo confronted Yahiko in Kusagakure on behalf of Kumogakure, but Yahiko rejected the Raikage’s demands and ordered him to leave.
• Kawafune told Tsunade and Shota that Konoha would condemn Akatsuki’s aggression publicly while waiting for the conflict to spread.
• Yahiko told Kawafune that governing the poor Land of Grass was difficult, and Kawafune advised him to secure the territory and leave its long-term administration for later.
• Yahiko reported that he had dismissed Kumogakure’s envoy, and Kawafune assured him that the Raikage was too occupied in the Land of Earth to interfere further.

Third Raikage A struggled to find a retreat route after the Akatsuki abandoned the Cloud Ninja, while Ōnoki celebrated the Rock Ninja’s chance to block their escape. A tense exchange between Nawaki and a Rock Ninja ended with Nawaki leaving the meeting and preparing to withdraw.

• Third Raikage A rejected the idea of retreating through Ōnoki’s guarded route and considered Dodai’s proposal to pass through the Land of Rivers or the Land of Hot Water, despite the risk of provoking the Akatsuki.
• Third Raikage A’s advisers argued over whether to seek the Akatsuki’s permission or force their way through, leaving him without a clear decision.
• Ōnoki learned that Minato had reported the Akatsuki’s withdrawal and praised the chance to trap the Cloud Ninja, whose retreat routes the Rock Ninja had guarded.
• A Rock Ninja higher-up implied that Konoha might abandon its allies like the Akatsuki had, and Nawaki threatened to relay the remark to Konoha.
• Ōnoki ordered the Rock Ninja to apologize, and Nawaki left the meeting after saying he was tired and thinking it was nearly time to withdraw.

Yahiko, Konan, and Kakuzu led Akatsuki forces through the Land of Rice Fields to hunt down the mist ninja spies sent by Karatachi Yagura. After nearly wiping them out, they regrouped at a new camp, where Nagato promised to repay Karatachi Yagura for Kakuzu’s losses.

• Nagato spoke with Yahiko, Konan, and Kakuzu, who were eager to stop hiding and attack the mist ninja spies.
• Yahiko gathered Akatsuki forces and sent them in separate directions to search the Land of Rice Fields.
• Yahiko killed two mist ninja spies after overhearing one disparage Karatachi Yagura, while an Akatsuki member reported three more kills.
• Yahiko, Konan, and Kakuzu wiped out nearly all the mist ninja in the Land of Rice Fields and regrouped with Nagato at a new camp.
• Kakuzu told Nagato that he had replaced his two lost hearts, and Nagato vowed to repay Karatachi Yagura.

Karatachi Yagura learned that the Akatsuki had wiped out the Mist Ninja scouts in the Land of Rice Fields and prepared his forces for battle. Nagato and the Akatsuki met the Mist Ninja army at the border, where Yagura confronted Nagato and began cloaking himself in Tailed Beast Chakra.

• A surviving Mist Ninja scout reported that the Akatsuki had killed nearly all of the Mist Ninja forces sent to the Land of Rice Fields.
• Karatachi Yagura and his higher-ups concluded that the Akatsuki had received powerful reinforcements and ordered preparations for battle.
• At dawn, Karatachi Yagura led the Mist Ninja force toward the Land of Rice Fields while Nagato and the Akatsuki waited near the border.
• Nagato sensed the approaching Mist Ninja, and Yahiko ordered the Akatsuki army to advance and meet them.
• The Akatsuki and Mist Ninja charged toward each other, and Karatachi Yagura recognized Nagato and accused him of breaking faith.
• Nagato floated above Yagura as the Mizukage's body became enveloped in Tailed Beast Chakra.

Nagato used his powers to seize control of the fight against Karatachi Yagura, while Kakuzu battled Aoki Shin. Karatachi Yagura unleashed Isobu to break Nagato’s restraints, but Nagato’s laser cannon wounded Isobu and sent the beast crashing into the ground.

• Nagato used Banshō Ten'in to rip Karatachi Yagura from the ground and pull him toward him.
• Aoki Shin tried to help Karatachi Yagura, but Kakuzu struck him and followed with a combined Water Style and Lightning Release attack.
• Aoki Shin countered Kakuzu’s attack with a small Tailed Beast Bomb, then fought back in his partial Tailed Beast Transformation.
• Nagato restrained Karatachi Yagura with Asura Path cables and aimed a laser cannon at his forehead.
• Karatachi Yagura transformed fully into Isobu, who broke the cables, took the laser blast to the abdomen, and crashed into the ground.

Nagato dominated Isobu, reflecting its Iron Cannon Barrage and absorbing its massive water attack. The chapter ended with Isobu’s waterfall technique disappearing before Nagato, who continued advancing toward it.

• Konan cheered as Nagato gained the upper hand while she and Yahiko continued killing Mist Ninjas.
• Nagato reflected Isobu’s Iron Cannon Barrage with Shinra Tensei, but Isobu’s shell withstood the attack.
• Nagato taunted Isobu as he approached, frightening it into retreating to the crater’s edge.
• Isobu unleashed Isobu Great Waterfall in a rage, endangering everyone on the battlefield.
• Nagato used Blocking Technique Absorption Seal to absorb the water curtain completely.

Nagato drained Karatachi Yagura’s Tailed Beast Chakra and killed him, while Kakuzu defeated Aoki Shin. Akatsuki captured or killed the remaining mist ninja, and news spread that the Land of Water would be its next target.

• Nagato used Chakra Devouring to drain Isobu and weaken Karatachi Yagura until his Tailed Beast form collapsed.
• Kakuzu intensified his attacks as Karatachi Yagura’s defeat disrupted Aoki Shin, leaving him close to losing control of the Six-Tails.
• Nagato lifted Karatachi Yagura by the neck and killed him, taking the Fourth Mizukage and the Three-Tails’ lives.
• Kakuzu used Final Shooting to blast apart Aoki Shin’s head before the Six-Tails could fully go berserk.
• The Akatsuki captured mist ninja who surrendered and killed those who kept fighting.
• News of both Jinchuriki’s deaths spread through the Shinobi World, and the Land of Water was expected to be Akatsuki’s next target.

After defeating the mist ninja, Yahiko met with the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water, who asked Akatsuki to protect and govern the country. Yahiko accepted, and he and the others settled into their lodging before contacting Kawafune.

• The Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water approached Akatsuki's army and requested an audience with Yahiko.
• Yahiko met the Daimyo, who offered his cooperation and asked Akatsuki to take responsibility for the country's safety after Kirigakure destroyed Yugakure.
• Yahiko accepted the request and reassured the Daimyo that Akatsuki would deal with any enemies, including Kirigakure.
• The Daimyo arranged lodging for Yahiko, the other leaders, and the army, then left after Yahiko agreed to work with him.
• Yahiko explained the meeting to Nagato and the others, and that night they stayed at the country's most luxurious Hot Spring Bathhouse and contacted Kawafune.

Kawafune and Tsunade spoke with their disciples after the battle, joking about having a child before discussing the Akatsuki Hidden Village’s victory and plans for the Land of Water. Yahiko planned to rest his forces before advancing, while Kawafune advised him to negotiate with Genji first.

• Konan teased Kawafune and Tsunade about having a child, and the other disciples joined in until Kawafune told them to have children themselves.
• Nonō explained that she had overused her Chakra treating the many wounded after the battle, while Yahiko reported that Nagato defeated Karatachi Yagura and Kakuzu killed the Six-Tails Jinchuriki.
• Nagato praised Tsunade’s strength, and Yahiko, Konan, and Nonō playfully beat him up after he refused to teach them his way with words.
• Yahiko said the group would rest and regroup for several days before crossing the sea to the Land of Water.
• Kawafune advised Yahiko to speak with Genji before resorting to force, then Tsunade ended the call by saying she and Kawafune would make a baby.

After Kirigakure’s crushing defeat, the Land of Water’s Daimyo ordered Genji to mobilize every ninja to resist the Akatsuki. Genji announced the Mizukage’s death and prepared the entire village for battle, leaving Mei Terumi and Ao fearing that Kirigakure was doomed.

• The Land of Water’s Daimyo contacted Genji, learned Kirigakure could barely resist, and demanded that the village fight to the death while promising supplies.
• Genji ordered all Kirigakure ninja to gather, and Ao told young Mei Terumi that the Mizukage and Shin had died and the village had lost.
• Genji announced the Mizukage’s death and said the Akatsuki might soon invade the Land of Water.
• Genji ordered every registered ninja, including children and the elderly, into the combat ranks to defend Kirigakure.
• Members of the Kaguya Clan protested, while Mei asked Ao whether Kirigakure was finished and Ao answered that it might be.

The Akatsuki reached the Land of Water and found Kirigakure had sent old people and children to face them. After a brief battle ended in a crushing defeat for the mist ninja, Nagato decided to speak with Genji.

• The Akatsuki army landed at the shipyard and found it deserted, while Nagato sensed a large number of Chakra fluctuations to the north.
• Yahiko led the army toward the mist ninja camp after Kakuzu went ahead to scout.
• Kakuzu reported that the camp held elderly people and children, and Yahiko suggested the Land of Water's Daimyo might be preventing Kirigakure from surrendering.
• The mist ninja launched a surprise attack with Explosive Tags, but the Akatsuki quickly overwhelmed them.
• The mist ninja commander ordered a retreat, and Yahiko restrained the Akatsuki from pursuing them.
• Nagato decided to go to Kirigakure and talk with Genji.

After the Akatsuki defeated the Mist ninja, Mei Terumi and Ao despaired over the war while Yahiko’s group rested in a nearby town. Nagato entered Kirigakure to confront Genji and revealed his ties to Konoha, leaving the elder stunned and hopeless.

• Mei Terumi mourned her dead classmates, and Ao admitted he could not promise they would survive the war.
• The defeated Mist ninja hid in a temporary shelter, where their leader grieved over Genji’s actions.
• Yahiko’s group feasted in a town, and Kakuzu left to pursue the Daimyo of the Land of Water as a backup plan.
• Nagato slipped through Kirigakure’s barrier and went directly to Genji’s residence.
• Genji recognized Nagato, who introduced himself as a member of the Hidden Akatsuki Village and said he could also be considered Nagato of Konoha.
• Genji realized Konoha was behind the Hidden Akatsuki Village and was left in despair.