Chapter Summaries

Tejima Shinichi arrived at the Chunin Exam finals, recognized the disguised Fourth Kazekage as Orochimaru, and alerted Konoha’s command center. The real Kazekage’s whereabouts remained unknown as the command center prepared to inform the Third Hokage.

• Sarutobi Hiruzen welcomed Tejima Shinichi’s safe arrival while Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, watched him with greed and praised his strength.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen opened the Chunin Exam’s official matches, and Gekko Hayate announced Hyuga Neji versus Uzumaki Naruto as the first bout.
• Tejima Shinichi used his Sensing Technique near the waiting-area entrance and confirmed that the figure in the Kazekage’s seat was Orochimaru.
• An Anbu member led Tejima Shinichi to Konoha’s secret command center, where Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi were coordinating security.
• Tejima Shinichi told Yamanaka Inoichi to urgently inform the Third Hokage that Orochimaru had impersonated the Fourth Kazekage, and said he did not know where the real Kazekage, Rasa, was.
• Nara Shikaku accepted Tejima Shinichi’s warning, and Yamanaka Inoichi prepared to transmit the intelligence.

After Naruto defeated Neji, the disguised Orochimaru questioned Sarutobi Hiruzen about his disciple Tejima Shinichi. Shinichi entered the arena to face Rock Lee as the crowd cheered, and the chapter ended with Sakura asking Ino why Shinichi had become so famous.

• Yamanaka Inoichi urgently informed Sarutobi Hiruzen that the Fourth Kazekage was Orochimaru in disguise, based on intelligence from Tejima Shinichi.
• Naruto defeated Neji with an uppercut from underground, and Gekko Hayate declared him the winner.
• Orochimaru asked Sarutobi Hiruzen about the upcoming match between Rock Lee and Tejima Shinichi, and Hiruzen said Shinichi would leave a deep impression on him.
• Gekko Hayate announced Rock Lee versus Tejima Shinichi, and the crowd cheered as both contestants entered the arena.
• Ino cheered for Shinichi and told Sakura that he was famous for being Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciple and awakening the First Hokage's Wood Release.

Rock Lee removed his weighted leg bands and opened the first five of the Eight Inner Gates to challenge Tejima Shinichi at full strength. The match began with Lee unleashing his power, while Shinichi still had not moved.

• Rock Lee removed his weighted bands, leaving deep pits in the arena floor and stunning the spectators.
• Might Guy encouraged Lee to use everything he had, while Kakashi and Yamato discussed Lee’s training and Yamato’s new nickname, “Merciful Wood.”
• Gekko Hayate began the match, and Rock Lee used his unweighted speed to retreat to the arena’s edge.
• Rock Lee opened the first four Inner Gates and then opened the Fifth Gate, releasing a surge of power that shook the arena.
• Kakashi recognized the Fifth Gate, and Might Guy watched to see how Tejima Shinichi would respond.

Rock Lee opened the Fifth Gate and launched a relentless attack on Tejima Shinichi, but Shinichi blocked and deflected every blow without moving. After Lee withdrew, Shinichi said the Fifth Gate was not enough to challenge him, leaving Lee frustrated and the spectators stunned.

• Rock Lee opened the Fifth Gate and charged Tejima Shinichi with a powerful Great Whirlwind kick.
• Tejima Shinichi blocked Lee’s kick and remained rooted as he efficiently defended against Lee’s rapid barrage.
• The spectators and contestants struggled to follow the fight, while Kakashi and Might Guy recognized Shinichi was controlling the exchange.
• After nearly a minute of attacks, Rock Lee leapt back, exhausted and unable to make Shinichi move.
• Tejima Shinichi praised Lee’s speed and strength but said the Fifth Gate was not enough to challenge him.

Rock Lee opened the Sixth Gate and unleashed Morning Peacock against Tejima Shinichi, but Shinichi’s Wood Golem Wall endured the attack and he won the match. Lee earned Shinichi’s respect, and Guy celebrated his student’s effort.

• Rock Lee asked Might Guy to forgive him for opening the Sixth Gate, and Guy gave him permission despite Kakashi’s warning about the danger.
• Rock Lee opened the Sixth Gate and attacked Tejima Shinichi with Morning Peacock, overwhelming the arena with a barrage of air cannons.
• Tejima Shinichi protected himself with Wood Release: Wood Golem Wall, which survived Lee’s attack.
• Exhausted and unable to continue, Rock Lee was bound by Shinichi’s Forest Technique, and Gekko Hayate declared Shinichi the winner.
• Tejima Shinichi helped Lee to his feet and praised his strength, while Lee shouted to Guy that he had done it and Guy cheered through tears.

After Rock Lee was carried away with severe injuries, Might Guy affirmed Lee’s choice and warned Kakashi that he had prepared a potentially life-threatening technique for their rivalry. As Konoha’s defenses awaited the Sand and Sound attack, Jiraiya met Tejima Shinichi, who declared he would resolve Orochimaru’s mess and become Hokage.

• The Medical Team carried Rock Lee away after he forcibly opened the Sixth Gate, and Might Guy told Kakashi he supported Lee’s decision to fight despite the cost.
• Might Guy told Kakashi he had prepared a move that risked his life, then turned his attention to Konoha’s coming battle as Shikamaru and Temari fought and Gaara waited for his match.
• Kakashi watched Gaara and considered the plan for Sasuke to face him, while Tejima Shinichi surveyed Konoha’s defensive preparations from a rooftop.
• Jiraiya joined Tejima Shinichi and questioned the speed of his rise, his Wood Release, and the pressure placed on him to lead Konoha.
• Tejima Shinichi told Jiraiya he would clean up the consequences of Orochimaru’s actions and take the position of Hokage, leaving Jiraiya impressed by his resolve.

Jiraiya was reverse summoned to Mount Myōboku, where Fukasaku and Shima told him the Great Toad Sage had seen a new path in the prophecy that affected the Child of Prophecy. Jiraiya set out to meet the Great Toad Sage and learn who had changed the prophecy.

• Fukasaku and Shima reverse summoned Jiraiya from the river, interrupting his attempt to gather artistic material.
• Jiraiya learned that the Great Toad Sage had awakened and wanted to see him.
• Shima explained that the Great Toad Sage had seen a new fork in the prophecy that affected the original Child of Prophecy.
• Jiraiya asked how the prophecy had changed and who had changed it, but Fukasaku said the Great Toad Sage had not explained.
• Jiraiya agreed to go see the Great Toad Sage immediately.

Jiraiya and the Toad Sages visited the Great Toad Sage, who revealed a prophecy of a boy with Wood Release and two companions standing against God. Jiraiya recognized the boy as Tejima Shinichi, while the identity of the golden Child of Prophecy and the other boy remained unknown.

• Jiraiya asked the Great Toad Sage whether the prophecy of the Child of Prophecy had changed.
• The Great Toad Sage said his clear dream recalled one from a thousand years ago and was caused by the appearance of a boy.
• The Great Toad Sage revealed that the boy possessed Wood Release, and Jiraiya recognized him as Tejima Shinichi.
• The Great Toad Sage described the boy standing atop a gigantic wooden Buddha with two young figures behind him.
• The Great Toad Sage said one figure was the Child of Prophecy and the other had power in his eyes, then revealed they were facing God.

Jiraiya reflected on the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy about a god and a variable connected to Tejima Shinichi, then invited Shinichi to Mount Myōboku. As the Chunin Exam match between Second Pillar and Gaara began, Shinichi accepted the invitation and revealed that he had inherited the legacy of one of the Three Great Sage Regions.

• Jiraiya recalled the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy and wondered whether Tejima Shinichi was the variable it had described.
• Jiraiya invited Shinichi to visit Mount Myōboku after the battle, but Shinichi warned him not to speak as though the battle’s outcome were certain.
• The announcer called Second Pillar and Gaara to fight in the fourth match of the third round of the Chunin Selection Exam.
• Shinichi accepted Jiraiya’s invitation and said he was interested in studying the thousand-year-old Great Toad Sage.
• Shinichi told Jiraiya that he had inherited the legacy of one of the Three Great Sage Regions.

Jiraiya learned that Tejima Shinichi had gained something from Shikkotsu Forest and heard his confidence that he could easily defeat Orochimaru. As Shinichi watched the arena, Sasuke overwhelmed Gaara with his speed and a copied Leaf Whirlwind, while Kakashi revealed that he had not taught Sasuke his refined use of Lightning Release.

• Jiraiya asked Tejima Shinichi about his Sage Art training and whether he was certain he could defeat Orochimaru, and Shinichi said he knew Orochimaru’s abilities and plans completely.
• Jiraiya left the rooftop, and Tejima Shinichi slipped into the shadows near the arena and watched the seated “Kazekage.”
• Sasuke used Lightning Release and his Sharingan to outpace Gaara’s sand defenses and evade his Sand Shuriken.
• Sasuke struck Gaara with Leaf Whirlwind and sent him crashing into the arena wall, drawing shocked cheers from the stands.
• Might Guy praised Sasuke’s copied Taijutsu and Lightning Release, and Kakashi admitted he had not taught Sasuke that refined technique.

Sasuke pierced Gaara’s Absolute Defense with Chidori, but Shukaku’s claw seized his arm as Gaara lost control. Yakushi Kabuto tried to escalate the chaos, only for Konoha’s hidden forces to launch their counteroperation and turn the arena against the invaders.

• Sasuke taunted Gaara about losing to Tejima Shinichi, provoking Gaara to form his Absolute Defense.
• Sasuke used Chidori to pierce Gaara’s sand sphere and injure him, but Shukaku’s claw emerged and grabbed Sasuke’s arm.
• Baki realized Gaara had lost control, while Yakushi Kabuto prepared to strengthen the Nirvana Temple Technique.
• A purple-haired Konoha Anbu ninja interrupted Kabuto with a surprise attack before he could complete his hand seal.
• Yamanaka Inoichi ordered Konoha’s operatives into action, and hidden forces across the arena attacked the Sand Village and Otogakure infiltrators.

Konoha’s forces sprang a prepared counterattack on the Konoha Collapse Plan, and Sarutobi Hiruzen exposed Orochimaru disguised as the Fourth Kazekage. Orochimaru revealed himself and challenged Hiruzen to stop him, until Tejima Shinichi appeared and offered to join the fight.

• Konoha’s hidden forces attacked Sand Village and Otogakure agents throughout the arena, revealing that they had anticipated the plan.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen recognized the disguised Fourth Kazekage as Orochimaru, who realized Konoha had uncovered his identity.
• Orochimaru tore off his Kazekage disguise as Anbu elites attacked him and the Sound Four.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen confronted Orochimaru and vowed to keep him in Konoha, but Orochimaru doubted they could stop him.
• Tejima Shinichi appeared beside a pillar and asked whether Orochimaru could still escape if he joined the fight.

As Konoha Crush erupted at the Chunin Exam, Sasuke learned that Tejima Shinichi had been granted authority as one of Konoha’s three top combat powers. Sasuke evacuated to Shelter No. 3, determined to follow Shinichi and gain the strength to surpass him.

• Konoha’s prepared forces fought infiltrators from Sand Village and Otogakure while instructors ordered the Genin to evacuate.
• Gekko Hayate told Sasuke that the attack was Konoha Crush and that the exam had become a war.
• Gekko Hayate explained that Shinichi had temporary special command authority and stood alongside the Hokage and Jiraiya as one of Konoha’s three top combat powers.
• Sasuke obeyed the order to evacuate, realizing he could not catch up to Shinichi by relying on himself alone.
• Sasuke vowed to follow Shinichi for life and learn all the strength he needed from him.

As Baki’s forces struggled against Konoha’s prepared ambush, he ordered Gaara to release Shukaku, but the Tailed Beast refused to emerge. Shukaku revealed that he feared the boy who had defeated and suppressed him before, leaving Gaara and both sides stunned.

• Baki ordered Gaara to fully release Shukaku as the Sand Village forces faced defeat.
• Gaara opened the seal and called for Shukaku, but no Tailed Beast appeared.
• Gaara said Shukaku was afraid and did not dare come out, shocking the Sand and Konoha ninja.
• Kankuro insisted that a Tailed Beast could not be afraid, while Shukaku heard him through the loosened seal.
• Shukaku raged that the boy who had beaten him in the Forest of Death was nearby and had grown stronger, so he refused to emerge for now.

Tejima Shinichi confronted Orochimaru after his disguise as the Fourth Kazekage was exposed and promised to handle him himself. As Sarutobi Hiruzen joined the fight below, Shinichi unleashed a massive Purple Pattern Wood Dragon and forced Orochimaru to evade.

• Temari recognized that Orochimaru had been impersonating the Fourth Kazekage, leaving Baki to wonder what had happened to Rasa.
• Tejima Shinichi confronted Orochimaru on the VIP platform, and Orochimaru questioned whether Shinichi had shown his full strength at the Forest of Death.
• Shinichi told Sarutobi Hiruzen to follow their plan and take care of the battle below, while he stayed to fight Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru attacked Shinichi with Multiple Hidden Shadow Snake Hands, but Shinichi summoned a Purple Pattern Wood Dragon with Wood Release: Magnetic Wood Dragon Technique.
• Orochimaru cut loose his snakes and sprang away as the Wood Dragon crushed them and tore through the platform.

Tejima Shinichi's Wood Release destroyed the Hokage viewing platform, while Sarutobi Hiruzen confronted the Sand Ninja and rejected Baki's attempt to blame Orochimaru. After seeing Shinichi's Wood Dragon wield Magnet Release, Orochimaru abandoned his other plans and decided to take Shinichi's body immediately.

• Tejima Shinichi's Wood Release shattered most of the Hokage viewing platform, leaving the Konoha Anbu astonished.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen confronted Baki and the Sand Ninja, holding them responsible for attacking Konoha.
• Baki claimed Orochimaru had impersonated the Kazekage and deceived Sand Village, but Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered the Sand Ninja captured.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen challenged Baki's warning that capturing them could provoke a war, asking whether he feared war.
• Orochimaru realized Shinichi's Wood Dragon had gained Magnet Release after absorbing Shukaku's Chakra and became obsessed with obtaining Shinichi's body.

Orochimaru summoned Manda to fight Tejima Shinichi, who called Katsuyu to heal injured Konoha ninjas before unleashing the Wooden Man. The Wooden Man seized Manda and smashed it into the ground, leaving Orochimaru and his summon in dire straits.

• Orochimaru summoned Manda and promised it a thousand human sacrifices if it helped him defeat Tejima Shinichi.
• Manda charged Tejima Shinichi, but the Magnetic Wood Dragon met its attack head-on.
• Tejima Shinichi summoned Katsuyu and directed her to treat the wounded Konoha ninjas across the battlefield.
• Katsuyu split into thousands of clones that neutralized poison, healed injuries, and helped the wounded return to battle.
• Tejima Shinichi created the fifty-meter Wooden Man and sent it rushing at Manda.
• The Wooden Man grabbed Manda's head, slammed it into the ground, and punched it between the eyes.

Tejima Shinichi nearly killed Manda, but Orochimaru helped it escape the Wooden Man’s grip. Shinichi unleashed a triple assault on Manda and Orochimaru, leaving their fate obscured by dust.

• Orochimaru summoned Rashomon to block the Wooden Man’s punch, giving Manda time to shed its skin and burrow underground.
• Orochimaru used Swamp of the Underworld to slow the Wooden Man, while Manda emerged elsewhere and demanded more sacrifices from him.
• Tejima Shinichi used Deep Forest Emergence to free the Wooden Man and sent trees, Iron Sand Senbon, and the Wooden Man and Wood Dragon against his opponents.
• Manda abandoned Orochimaru and escaped in a burst of smoke as the triple assault closed in.
• The attack engulfed Orochimaru’s position and shattered the surrounding ruins, leaving nearby Konoha ninja wondering whether he had survived.

Orochimaru summoned Hashirama Senju and Senju Tobirama with Impure World Reincarnation to fight Tejima Shinichi. Tobirama nearly broke free of Orochimaru’s control, but the summoning restraints held, leaving both Hokage poised to face Tejima.

• Maruboshi Kosuke recognized the two figures beside Orochimaru as the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
• Tejima Shinichi watched from atop his Wooden Man and said he was almost ready to use his own technique.
• Orochimaru explained that he had summoned Hashirama and Tobirama to deal with Tejima, though his plan to summon Rasa had gone unused.
• Hashirama and Tobirama realized they had been revived and saw Tejima standing atop a massive Wooden Man.
• Tobirama tried to break free of Impure World Reincarnation, but Orochimaru strengthened his control and stopped him.

Tejima Shinichi activated Sage Mode, shocking Hashirama Senju, Senju Tobirama, and Orochimaru with how quickly he had mastered Sage Art. Orochimaru forced the two Hokage into dormancy, but Shinichi prepared a Sage Art Wood Release technique to end the battle.

• Hashirama Senju apologized to Tejima Shinichi and explained that he and Senju Tobirama were being controlled through Impure World Reincarnation.
• Senju Tobirama revealed the technique’s weaknesses before Orochimaru silenced him with hand seals.
• Tejima Shinichi activated Sage Mode and declared that the Hokage’s current strength could not pressure him.
• Hashirama Senju recognized Shinichi’s Sage Art and said he might surpass Hashirama at his peak within a few years.
• Orochimaru drove control talismans into Hashirama Senju and Senju Tobirama, forcing them into dormancy.
• Tejima Shinichi announced that he would end the fight and began Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands.