Chapter Summaries

Kimimaro fought Ogasawara Uemon to a stalemate until Uemon began an Evil God Cult ritual that reflected damage between them. Itachi stopped the ritual and trapped Uemon with genjutsu, and the chapter ended when reinforcements arrived as Kimimaro waited with a chest wound.

• Kimimaro and Ogasawara Uemon fought for nearly ten minutes, with neither able to overcome the other.
• Kimimaro launched an all-out attack, but Uemon drew the Evil God Cult symbol in his blood and began a ritual that made Kimimaro share his injuries.
• Itachi Uchiha kicked Kimimaro clear as Uemon's ritual took effect, then trapped Uemon with the Binding Chain Technique.
• Itachi destroyed the blood symbol with Water Release, and he and Kimimaro realized the ritual had reflected damage between them.
• Itachi helped the injured Kimimaro wait beside the restrained Uemon until reinforcements arrived.

Yoru investigated the envoy’s murder after the Police Force uncovered the secret chamber, while Kazuma sent the Fire Daimyo a confidential account of the incident. Obito tried to recruit Kazuma into opposing Konoha, but Kazuma rejected his claims and attacked him, so Obito planned to seek other allies.

• Yoru confirmed that Kimimaro’s injuries were minor, then ordered the Special Envoy’s Office sealed after learning that the envoy had been killed.
• Yoru examined the envoy’s body and concluded that a ninja had killed him and his guards, then detained those involved while awaiting the director’s orders.
• Izumi worried that she and her companions had stirred up a major incident, but Kabuto and Kojiro reassured her that they had followed orders and rescued survivors.
• Kazuma sent the Fire Daimyo a secret letter admitting that he had killed Takanori Hiramiya and explaining his reasons.
• Obito argued that Kazuma needed his help to challenge Konoha, but Kazuma doubted his identity and attacked him with a kunai that passed through him.
• Obito told Kazuma they would work together eventually and decided to search for other potential recruits because the Akatsuki Organization needed more manpower.

After the daimyo smoothed over the envoy’s murder, Kazuma clashed with Asuma Sarutobi over Konoha and began seeking ways to strengthen himself. He entered the Forbidden Library with the Daimyo’s permission and prepared to study its forbidden jutsu and secret techniques.

• The Daimyo apologized to the Fifth Hokage, compensated the victims’ families, replaced the envoy team, and allowed Konoha Ninja to search the Hiramiya Clan’s property.
• Kazuma provoked Asuma Sarutobi by attacking his loyalty to Konoha and bringing up his father, but Asuma refused to fight him.
• Kazuma considered how the Twelve Guardian Ninja’s Moderate and Radical Factions might affect their plans against Konoha, and decided to seek greater strength through Earth Style ninjutsu.
• Kazuma went to the Forbidden Library, where Genpachiro told him the Daimyo had granted him permission to enter two months earlier.
• Genpachiro brought Kazuma inside and warned him to keep the library’s forbidden jutsu and secret techniques confidential.

Kazuma searched Konoha’s Forbidden Library for a jutsu and settled on the ethically troubling Dead Soil technique after finding no better fit. Meanwhile, Sōken monitored Sasori’s experiments and the village’s investigation of the Evil God Cult before learning that the Fourth Mizukage had died.

• Kazuma examined the Forbidden Library’s techniques, chose Earth Style: Ultimate Creation Technique: Dead Soil, and found a Forbidden Jutsu Miscellany listing other techniques he wanted to investigate.
• Sōken subdued Sasori’s rampaging experimental subject with the Seal of the Self-Retribution Karma, and Sasori demanded more materials and access to the Amber Purifying Pot.
• Sōken warned Uchiha Akitaro to stay alert while assisting and watching Sasori’s research.
• Sōken noted that Anbu and the Police Force had failed to find the Evil God Cult’s leaders and that the investigation had become an ongoing assignment.
• An Anbu informed Sōken that the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, had died four days earlier.

After the Fourth Mizukage died, Konoha's leaders agreed to let Kirigakure handle its own affairs, then learned that Kazuma and other Twelve Guardian Ninja might be plotting against Konoha. The meeting ended without a plan, and Torifu Akimichi asked Nara Shikaku to monitor the Daimyo Mansion before suffering a brief dizzy spell.

• Sōken assured Konoha's leaders that Kirigakure would remain stable, and they agreed not to intervene unless the Mist Ninja formally contacted them.
• Nara Shikaku reported that some of the Twelve Guardian Ninja were spreading the Konoha Threat Theory and might be planning action against Konoha.
• Sōken connected the plot to Kazuma, and Torifu Akimichi confirmed that intelligence pointed to Kazuma as a likely leader.
• Torifu Akimichi said the Daimyo had promised to investigate the Twelve Guardian Ninja but had produced no results, while the council debated the risks of confronting them.
• Sōken urged Konoha to wait and respond if the Twelve Guardian Ninja acted, and Torifu Akimichi told Nara Shikaku to keep watch over the Daimyo Mansion.
• Torifu Akimichi briefly became dizzy after the meeting but dismissed it as a sign of aging.

Asuma Sarutobi refused to oppose Kazuma, revealing that his anger and lingering doubts over the Third Hokage’s death kept him from acting. Jiriku and the remaining Moderates decided they would need Konoha’s help to stop Kazuma’s faction.

• Jiriku confronted Asuma Sarutobi about Kazuma’s plans, but Asuma said he no longer considered himself a Konoha Ninja and would not get involved.
• Asuma Sarutobi accused Jūzō Biwa’s supposed killing of the Third Hokage of being a lie and left to go drinking.
• Jiriku told Hokone and Naruma that Asuma would not join them, leaving the Moderate Faction without its leader.
• Hokone and Naruma worried that Kazuma’s six supporters could overpower their faction and were increasingly willing to confront them.
• Jiriku proposed going to Konoha for help because the Moderates could not stop Kazuma’s faction alone.

Asuma Sarutobi rejected Kazuma’s offer to join the Radical Faction, though he promised not to interfere with its plans. After Jiriku left the Daimyo Mansion for Konoha, Kazuma changed course and proposed eliminating Hokone, Naruma, Hoshito, and Shigure instead.

• Kazuma offered Asuma Sarutobi the chance to help destroy Konoha and become Sixth Hokage, but Asuma refused and warned him not to bother him again.
• Kogitsunemaru urged Kazuma to kill Asuma, but Kazuma said the Daimyo favored Asuma and that he was no longer a threat.
• Jiriku left the Daimyo Mansion for Konoha because he feared Kazuma’s influence could turn the Daimyo against the One Country, One Village system.
• After learning Jiriku had left, Kogitsunemaru proposed attacking him, while Kamanosuke explained that defeating him would require at least three of them.
• Kazuma rejected the plan to target Jiriku and instead proposed eliminating Hokone, Naruma, Hoshito, and Shigure to remove the threat of their Lightning Style Forbidden Jutsu.

Kazuma and the Radical Faction attacked Hokone’s group inside the Imperial Palace, killing all four and capturing their bodies for Kazuma’s forbidden jutsu. As palace forces rushed toward them, Kogitsunemaru’s injuries threatened to limit the group’s escape.

• Kazuma explained that the Radical Faction would become traitors and target ninja clans and villages to strengthen their campaign against Konoha, and his comrades agreed to the plan.
• After Asuma left the palace, Kazuma led his group toward Hokone, Naruma, Hoshito, and Shigure, who had gathered in a guarded room.
• Shiko’s poison-coated senbon attack surprised Hokone’s group, and Kazuma and Kamanosuke killed Hokone while the others fought.
• Kogitsunemaru and Tenmoku killed Hoshito, and the Radical Faction killed Naruma and Shigure as well, suffering no deaths but sustaining injuries to Kogitsunemaru and Tenmoku.
• Kazuma sealed the four bodies in a Scroll for use with Dead Soil, then saw figures leaping across rooftops toward the group.

Jiriku sought Konoha’s help against Kazuma and other Guardian Ninja who were trying to persuade the Fire Daimyo to take authority over the ninja, but Torifu’s worsening health forced him to delegate the response to Sōken. After learning Torifu was not in immediate danger, Sōken set out to meet Jiriku at the Hokage Building.

• Jiriku told Torifu that Kazuma, Kamanosuke, and others were urging the Daimyo to reject the Hokage and take control of the ninja, and he asked Konoha for support.
• Torifu suffered a severe headache and dizzy spell, took medicine, and recovered enough to put Sōken in charge of Jiriku’s matter.
• Jiriku waited at the Hokage Building after Nara Shiosui explained that Sōken was away.
• Sōken trained with the Bashosen after hosting a barbecue for Toka and the other children.
• An Anbu told Sōken that Torifu was unwell and relayed his message to prioritize the Daimyo Mansion matter.
• Sōken learned Jiriku was waiting at the Hokage Building and left to meet him.

Sōken set out under the moonlight to deal with the Daimyo Mansion, while Konoha’s leaders focused on Torifu Akimichi’s failing health. Meanwhile, Kazuma and his companions escaped the Imperial Palace and headed out to begin their plans for the country.

• Sōken chose Gekko Hayate and Kurenai Yuhi as guards and left for the Daimyo Mansion with Jiriku and the two Chunin.
• Nara Shikaku told Torifu Akimichi that Sōken had gone in person, then proposed asking Tsunade to treat his chronic illness; Torifu agreed.
• Kazuma and his companions escaped the Imperial Palace after the Oniwabanshu pursued them under orders to capture them alive.
• Tenmoku sensed no pursuers nearby, but Kazuma’s group encountered Asuma Sarutobi on a rooftop.
• Asuma accused Kazuma of killing Hokone and the others and vowed to avenge them, but let the group pass.
• Kazuma and his five companions set out beneath the moonlight to open a new era for the country.

Sōken and Jiriku met with the Fire Daimyo after Kazuma and his followers fled the capital, and Sōken arranged for Konoha to help pursue them. The Daimyo’s guards judged Sōken overwhelmingly powerful, while the Daimyo considered Kazuma’s chances bleak.

• Sōken and Jiriku arrived at the locked-down Daimyo Mansion and learned that Kazuma and his followers had killed four companions before escaping.
• Sōken and Jiriku met the Fire Daimyo, who admitted he had known of Kazuma’s views but claimed he had neither supported nor expected their crimes.
• The Daimyo issued a bounty for Kazuma and his followers and promised help to White Peak Village; Jiriku asked to join the investigation.
• Sōken offered Konoha’s Police Force to pursue the fugitives and received permission to stay in the Daimyo Mansion.
• After Sōken and Jiriku left, Genpachiro and Zenfubo told the Daimyo they believed Sōken could defeat them and that Kazuma had little chance against Konoha.

Gekko Hayate and Kurenai Yuhi watched as En no Gyōja visited Uchiha Sōken at the Daimyo Mansion to ask whether Konoha would honor its alliance with the Tsuchigumo Clan. En no Gyōja explained that he had come to entrust his clan’s future to Sōken, whose answer had yet to be given.

• Gekko Hayate told Kurenai Yuhi that the visiting elder was En no Gyōja, a title held by Chōhōra Tsuchigumo of the Tsuchigumo Clan.
• Sōken received En no Gyōja, his granddaughter Hotaru Tsuchigumo, and their attendants at the embassy.
• En no Gyōja asked whether Konoha would continue honoring the mutual-aid agreement made with the late Third Hokage.
• Sōken said only the Hokage could decide the matter, but En no Gyōja clarified that he wanted assurance about Konoha’s more distant future.
• En no Gyōja revealed that his clan lacked successors and that he had chosen to trust Sōken, believing he could protect the Tsuchigumo Clan.

Sōken promised that Konoha would honor its pact with the Tsuchigumo Clan, and En no Gyōja asked to send his granddaughter Hotaru to the Konoha Ninja Academy. Meanwhile, Kogitsunemaru left the hospital and prepared to join Kazuma in targeting a dangerous legendary figure.

• Sōken assured En no Gyōja that Konoha would not betray the Tsuchigumo Clan as long as the clan did not threaten their relationship.
• En no Gyōja explained that his clan had split amid internal conflict and asked Sōken to let Hotaru study at the Konoha Ninja Academy.
• Sōken agreed to arrange Hotaru’s enrollment, and En no Gyōja said Tonbei would escort her to Konoha after he was gone.
• A doctor discharged Kogitsunemaru from the hospital after confirming his bones had healed.
• Kazuma told Kogitsunemaru that a dangerous, elderly legendary figure was their target, and Kogitsunemaru eagerly accepted the prospect of a deadly fight.

Kazuma prepared to steal the Tsuchigumo Clan’s forbidden jutsu by intercepting En no Gyōja, while Sōken learned from the elder during his stay at the Daimyo Mansion. The chapter ended as Jiriku arrived to spar with Sōken.

• Kazuma reviewed the flaws in his forbidden jutsu and decided he needed the Tsuchigumo Clan’s technique to face powerful opponents like Sōken.
• Kazuma’s group waited near the Daimyo Mansion for En no Gyōja to leave, while Kogitsunemaru trained in the nearby forest and the others practiced.
• En no Gyōja spent a week showing Hotaru the city and sharing knowledge of Yang Release, Yin Release, and the Binding Seal Technique with Sōken.
• En no Gyōja told Sōken that the Temple of Fire’s Sage Art Talent shared a foundation with the Tsuchigumo Clan’s forbidden jutsu, prompting Sōken to consider visiting the temple.
• Gekko Hayate reported that Jiriku had arrived for his arranged spar with Sōken.

Jiriku challenged Sōken to a spar before returning to the Temple of Fire, demonstrating the Temple’s Sage Art Talent. Sōken endured Jiriku’s attacks while analyzing the technique, then began counterattacking, and the fight continued.

• Jiriku arrived with Zenfubo and Ishikimaru, and Sōken agreed to spar with him at the training ground before a crowd of spectators.
• Jiriku struck Sōken with Raijin: Thousand-Armed Kill, sending him flying, but Sōken got up unharmed.
• Jiriku used Raijin: Fudo Myo-o Sword, and Sōken caught the invisible slash with his hardened palm.
• Jiriku unleashed a sustained assault with the Temple of Fire’s Sage Art Talent while Sōken defended himself and studied its Chakra and use of Natural Energy.
• Sōken fired Wind Style: Vacuum Sphere, but Jiriku blocked it with Raikō: Kongo Kai, prompting Sōken to continue his attack.

Sōken defeated Jiriku with overwhelming control of Fire Release, leaving the onlookers impressed and wary of Konoha’s strength. Later, Hozuki Mangetsu and Hozuki Suigetsu arrived in the Land of Fire, where Mangetsu prepared to meet the Konoha Ninja and begin their long stay.

• Sōken overwhelmed Jiriku with a vast sea of fire, and Jiriku admitted defeat after [Raikō: Kongo Kai] could no longer protect him from the heat.
• Jiriku thanked Sōken for the match and was taken to the Konoha Embassy’s Medical Ninja for treatment.
• Zenfubo and Ishikimaru left for the Imperial Palace, with Zenfubo deciding to warn the Daimyo against underestimating Konoha.
• Sōken returned to the Tea Room to reflect on how Jiriku used Sage Art Talent to manipulate Natural Energy.
• Hozuki Mangetsu and Hozuki Suigetsu arrived by ship at a harbor in the Land of Fire, and Mangetsu went to meet the waiting Konoha Ninja.

Sōken prepared to return to Konoha to oversee a joint investigation with the Mist Ninja while En no Gyōja, Hotaru Tsuchigumo, Tonbei, and Jiriku departed the Daimyo Mansion. Kazuma’s group tracked them down and began its operation to capture En no Gyōja alive.

• Sōken told Nara Shiosui he would return to Konoha within three or four days and asked the Mist Ninja to wait if they arrived first.
• En no Gyōja, Hotaru Tsuchigumo, Tonbei, and Jiriku left the Daimyo Mansion together, unaware that a goshawk was carrying news of their departure to Kazuma.
• Kazuma gathered the former Radical Faction members and ordered them to prioritize capturing En no Gyōja, warning them not to act recklessly against Jiriku.
• Tenmoku sensed En no Gyōja and the others resting beside a stream, and Kazuma ordered the group to begin the operation.

En no Gyōja used the Tsuchigumo Clan’s Binding Seal Technique to hold off Kazuma’s group while Jiriku and Tonbei escaped with Hotaru. He exhausted his Chakra and collapsed, leaving the forbidden technique in Kazuma’s hands.

• En no Gyōja sensed an ambush, and Jiriku recognized Kamanosuke as the attacker before Kazuma and the others revealed themselves around the group.
• En no Gyōja used the Binding Seal Technique to drive back his attackers and told Jiriku to flee with Hotaru and Tonbei.
• Kazuma admitted that he wanted the Tsuchigumo Clan’s forbidden technique, while En no Gyōja refused his offer and said he could hold them off for only a few minutes.
• Jiriku carried Hotaru away with Tonbei, and En no Gyōja struck Kamanosuke with lightning to clear their escape.
• En no Gyōja spent his remaining Chakra holding Kazuma’s group back for two and a half minutes, then collapsed as Shiko was told not to let him die before they obtained the forbidden technique.

Kazuma’s group captured En no Gyōja, but Shiko found him too fragile to move, so Kazuma sent four allies after Jiriku while searching the old man’s scrolls. Jiriku’s escape route led toward a large group of unfamiliar ninja, and the pursuers discovered that they appeared to be Mist Ninja.

• Shiko confirmed that En no Gyōja was still alive but warned that moving him could kill him, so Kazuma stayed behind to treat him and searched his pockets.
• Kazuma sent Kogitsunemaru, Kamanosuke, Tenmoku, and Ungyo to pursue Jiriku, while Jiriku and Tonbei fled with the unconscious Hotaru Tsuchigumo.
• Jiriku sensed powerful chakra ahead and hoped the group might be Konoha ninja, while Tenmoku used the Bird's Eye View Technique to inspect them.
• Tenmoku warned the pursuers that more than thirty ninja were ahead and identified their clothing and forehead protectors as resembling those of Mist Ninja.
• Kogitsunemaru and Ungyo charged ahead, and Kamanosuke and Tenmoku followed to assess the situation and continue pursuing Jiriku if possible.

Hozuki Mangetsu and Shirakumo Hayama’s groups encountered Jiriku and his companions while they were being pursued by Tenmoku’s party. Jiriku asked whether the Mist Ninja were Konoha’s allies, and Shirakumo stepped forward to question him as the pursuit closed in.

• The Mist Ninja rested in the forest because the Land of Fire’s intense heat exhausted Hozuki Mangetsu and Hozuki Suigetsu.
• A Mist sensor ninja detected three approaching people and then four powerful Jonin-level pursuers behind them.
• Shirakumo Hayama and Hozuki Mangetsu chose not to interfere unless the newcomers provoked them.
• Jiriku asked whether the Mist Ninja were allies of Konoha, hoping they might help him escape Tenmoku’s group.
• Shirakumo Hayama identified himself as a Konoha Jonin and asked Jiriku why he was seeking Konoha Ninja.