Chapter Summaries

After the White Zetsu attacks, the other hidden villages compared their losses with Sunagakure’s and realized how far behind they were. The Kage resolved to work harder and prepare the next generation, while the chapter ended with them feeling doubly defeated by the disaster and Sunagakure’s success.

• Shimura Danzō watched Konoha’s barrier go up and bitterly compared its preparations with Sunagakure’s, vowing that Konoha would eventually catch up.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi reviewed intelligence showing that Sunagakure’s pre-existing city barriers had kept its losses far below those of the other villages.
• The other Kage reacted to Sunagakure’s small casualty count with frustration, and the Third Raikage repeatedly beat his sons while Ōnoki took comfort in the Will of Stone.
• The Kage of the Five Great Hidden Villages accepted that their generation was unlikely to surpass Sunagakure and focused on laying the groundwork for the next generation.
• The other villages counted the White Zetsu disaster and Sunagakure’s success as two blows, leaving them feeling they had suffered another critical hit.

Hiruzen Sarutobi tested Minato Namikaze's plans for using the White Zetsu disaster to rebuild Konoha's influence and replace disloyal officials. After sending secret orders to five senior shinobi, Tsunade confronted a capable official who had expected his own death.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Minato Namikaze how Konoha should address the damage caused by the White Zetsu disaster, and Minato proposed using reconstruction to expand Konoha's advantage and reach among the people.
• Minato Namikaze suggested extending Konoha's systems and replacing officials with divided loyalties, and Hiruzen Sarutobi approved his ideas.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned the Anbu and sent five secret letters to Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Sakumo, and Danzo.
• The five recipients read and destroyed their letters to prevent their contents from leaking.
• Tsunade appeared before a middle-aged official in a city lord's manor, and he revealed that he had expected her to come kill him.
• Tsunade asked the official why he had remained stubborn despite being intelligent and capable.

Tsunade offered a captured middle-aged traitor a final chance to save himself and his family, but he refused and was killed. The Five Great Hidden Villages then purged traitors in coordinated attacks and used the disaster to warn those who had surrendered to remain loyal.

• Tsunade questioned the middle-aged man about his betrayal, but he said he hated living among ninja and asked her to spare his family.
• Tsunade told him his betrayal had cost his family their chance, and an unseen attacker killed him as she left.
• White monsters under Genjutsu attacked an estate, and coordinated assaults struck administrators across the Five Great Nations the next day.
• The Five Kage publicly mourned the dead while secretly celebrating the coordinated cleanup of traitors.
• Yunqing and Ebizo reviewed the dead and agreed that the villages had given the traitors chances before killing them.
• The Five Great Hidden Villages warned those who had surrendered that further disloyalty would bring swift death.

Orochimaru confronted Black Zetsu at a Konoha food depot and captured the White Zetsu body Black Zetsu left behind while escaping. Meanwhile, Yunqing raided Black Zetsu’s laboratory to collect White Zetsu for Aizawa Uzumaki’s research.

• Orochimaru used his widespread snakes to find Black Zetsu and confronted him at the battlefield.
• Black Zetsu fought Orochimaru with a White Zetsu body, then abandoned it and escaped during their clash.
• Orochimaru restrained and sealed the berserk White Zetsu, then deduced that Black Zetsu had possessed it and fled.
• Black Zetsu returned home, unaware that Yunqing was already in his laboratory.
• Yunqing inspected the incubating White Zetsu and combat vessels with Angel’s Eye, then began collecting them for Aizawa Uzumaki.

Black Zetsu discovered that Yunqing had raided his laboratory and taken his White Zetsu and stored backups, leaving him furious and unable to retaliate. Yunqing brought the captured White Zetsu to Aizawa Uzumaki's laboratory, where Aizawa eagerly began studying them.

• Black Zetsu returned home to find it ransacked, then discovered that Yunqing had taken most of his White Zetsu from the laboratory.
• Black Zetsu found Yunqing's mocking note and cleaned up, only to discover that his Gene Storage Room had been emptied of tens of thousands of backups.
• Black Zetsu received another note from Yunqing claiming the raid was repayment for Black Zetsu's earlier attack on a Sunagakure storage base.
• Black Zetsu raged at Yunqing but decided against confronting him because Yunqing was too powerful.
• Yunqing watched as Aizawa Uzumaki excitedly examined the White Zetsu in his laboratory.

Yunqing learned that White Zetsu had unusually potent vitality despite weak foundations, while Black Zetsu mourned the loss of his forces and revised his plans. The Five Great Hidden Villages began studying the White Zetsu, and Orochimaru discovered Hashirama Cells in a combat shell and feared Tsunade’s reaction.

• Aizawa Uzumaki explained to Yunqing that White Zetsu had high-quality vitality but weak foundations, and Yunqing grasped the difference between vitality and combat strength.
• Black Zetsu counted his remaining White Zetsu, decided to withdraw some and rebuild his strength, and blamed Hagoromo Otsutsuki and the Sage of Six Paths for Kaguya Otsutsuki’s sealing.
• The Five Great Hidden Villages recovered from the disaster, rooted out internal dangers, and began investigating White Zetsu abilities for ways to strengthen themselves.
• Orochimaru examined Black Zetsu’s combat shell, found Hashirama Cells and fused animal genes, and worried that Tsunade had discovered the cells and might be furious.

Tsunade discovered that White Zetsu contained cells with the same vitality as Hashirama Senju, and Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to keep the finding secret to prevent Konoha from becoming a target. The chapter ended with Tsunade asking to investigate her grandfather’s connection to White Zetsu, while Hiruzen explained that Konoha had no suitable person to do so without attracting attention.

• Tsunade examined White Zetsu’s corpse and found that it contained cells with vitality matching Hashirama Senju’s.
• Tsunade reported her findings to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who feared other villages would blame Konoha and attack it if the secret became known.
• Hiruzen ordered Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Hiruko to keep quiet, and Orochimaru and Hiruko sent letters claiming they knew nothing.
• Tsunade asked Hiruzen whether Konoha should investigate the connection, but he said surveillance between the villages made secret investigation too risky and Konoha had no suitable operative.

After a powerful White Zetsu revealed it had Hashirama Cells and used Wood Release to destroy a city, the hidden villages blamed Konoha and sought to exploit the cells. Hiruzen Sarutobi answered with a massive border mobilization and counteraccusations, but the ensuing clashes cost Konoha many hard-won shinobi.

• A powerful White Zetsu announced that it contained Hashirama Cells, then used Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence to destroy a city before it was killed.
• The major hidden villages hid their White Zetsu corpses for research and demanded that Konoha explain the Hashirama Cells.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Sakumo, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Minato to lead nearly thirty thousand shinobi to the borders, while Orochimaru prepared support and Hiruko modified White Zetsu to implicate the other villages.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi brought out the Seven-Tails and Nine-Tails, displayed White Zetsu with traits associated with the other villages, and attacked them on the Ninja World Forum.
• The villages fought several small-scale border wars before letting the crisis subside, and Hiruzen Sarutobi mourned Konoha's heavy losses among its carefully built forces.

The other Kage learned that Hiruzen Sarutobi had hidden thousands of Konoha ninja, weakening the secret’s value as a trump card. Back in Konoha, Orochimaru reported that Impure World Reincarnation could restore its subjects to full strength, then secretly prepared to expand his research while Madara Uchiha, Hashirama Senju, and Tobirama Senju remained sealed in coffins.

• Ōnoki, the Third Raikage, the Third Mizukage, and Yunqing reacted to Hiruzen Sarutobi’s exposed reserve of thousands of Konoha ninja and resolved to be more cautious.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Minato’s squad to investigate the Hashirama Cells found in White Zetsu.
• Orochimaru told Hiruzen Sarutobi that Impure World Reincarnation could restore its subjects to full strength and proposed adding cells to the sacrifices to enhance the revived individuals.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Orochimaru a vial of Madara Uchiha’s blood, and Orochimaru returned excitedly to his underground laboratory.
• Orochimaru checked the sealed coffins containing Madara Uchiha, Hashirama Senju, and Tobirama Senju, then planned to research reviving other dead shinobi for Konoha.

Yunqing worked late as Kazekage and discussed the damage from the white monsters with Pakura, then reflected on how Sunagakure had absorbed the Craftsmanship Country. He ended the night comfortably, wondering which country to bring under his control next, though he could not think of any worthwhile targets.

• Yunqing worked through government documents late at night until Pakura brought him coffee and cake.
• Yunqing and Pakura discussed the white monsters’ devastation and the strength of the Five Great Hidden Villages.
• Yunqing recalled how Sunagakure used Sasori and Bunpuku to pressure the Craftsmanship Country until it joined the Land of Wind.
• Yunqing considered which country to target next, but concluded that no worthwhile countries remained for now.

Yunqing explained to Pakura how the Senju Clan’s integration into Konoha helped create the village’s large ninja population. He argued that the clan’s legacy and techniques had become part of Konoha, leaving the story with the question of whether Konoha itself had become another kind of Senju Clan.

• Pakura asked Yunqing how Konoha had produced so many ninja, and he cited its population, academy system, and long peace.
• Yunqing explained that Senju family members had married commoners and Civilian Ninja, spreading their bloodline and creating many ninja families.
• Yunqing said the families gathered around Tsunade Senju and Nawaki Senju, and that they would scatter into Konoha if both died.
• Pakura questioned what would happen to the Senju Clan’s accumulated ninjutsu and identity if its families dispersed.
• Yunqing said the Senju Clan had already shared its techniques with Konoha, making the village itself another form of the clan.

Yunqing explained his views on Sunagakure’s political choices and admired how the village had developed into a safer, more prosperous place. As Yunqing and Pakura walked home, Pakura recalled how she had come to accept their marriage and shared the memory of first meeting him.

• Pakura reflected on the ruthless schemes shaping events, and Yunqing answered her questions while explaining why he admired Gaara’s pragmatic compromises with Konoha.
• Yunqing finished his government work, then walked through Sunagakure with Pakura and took pride in its lively streets, cinemas, and growing entertainment industry.
• Yunqing joked that Kazekage Building staff had left work early, while Pakura knew they had finished their duties and that Yunqing often looked after them.
• Pakura linked arms with Yunqing and recalled being happy to become his assistant before learning she was meant to be his child bride.
• Pakura remembered Ye Xiu helping her think about her family and future, after which she began trying to accept Yunqing and gradually learned about his bad habits.

Pakura reflected on her prejudice against Yunqing and on how Sunagakure’s people admired him for transforming their lives. She remained exasperated by his confidence and popularity, while Yunqing did not know what she was thinking.

• Pakura recognized that her dislike of Yunqing had clouded her judgment, despite knowing his fairness, strength, and accomplishments.
• Pakura learned from Ye Xiu that Sunagakure’s people and elders supported Yunqing’s romantic pursuits because of what he had done for the village.
• Pakura remembered that Sāmon had chosen her for Yunqing and accepted his many affairs so long as he kept them outside the home.
• Pakura recalled that her close friends said they would kill her for refusing to marry Yunqing, leaving her furious and bewildered.
• Pakura compared herself with Yunqing and wondered what made him so exceptional, while Yunqing remained unaware of her thoughts.

The Third Raikage discovered that White Zetsu carried cells with Hashirama Senju’s vitality and suspected Konoha had used the discovery to implicate the other villages. Hiruzen Sarutobi struggled to investigate the cells’ spread, while the other villages reassessed Nawaki Senju as weaker than Hashirama but still a Kage-level threat.

• The Third Raikage learned that one White Zetsu had Lightning Release affinity and both examined corpses contained unusually vital cells, then suspected Konoha had planted Second Raikage cells in them.
• The Third Raikage ordered his researchers to continue studying the Hashirama Cells and left without pursuing Konoha over the matter.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi continued investigating the cells’ spread after finding nothing missing from Hashirama Senju’s grave or Orochimaru’s holdings.
• The leaders of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure took Nawaki Senju’s apparent limitations as a relief but still considered him a Kage-level opponent.

The other hidden villages developed their strength rather than risk war against Sunagakure and Konoha. Yunqing learned how Konoha’s staff department worked and recognized that Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura had survived by being capable administrators who knew their limits.

• The other hidden villages copied Sunagakure’s system and focused on domestic development because they could not match Sunagakure’s strength and saw Konoha growing more powerful.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi formed a staff department from capable members of the Jonin Council to manage logistics and advise him, while keeping decision-making authority in his hands.
• Yunqing learned about Konoha’s staff department and connected its stable structure to the village’s enduring leadership.
• Yunqing assessed Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura as capable administrators who had preserved their positions by handling logistics and avoiding unnecessary power struggles.

Konoha’s leaders studied the rising strength of other hidden villages and pushed reforms, then watched Orochimaru’s Gene Potion restore a captured enemy ninja to peak health. The potion appeared successful, and the leaders looked forward to using it themselves after further checks for side effects.

• Konoha’s leaders surveyed the growing powerhouses in Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure, and resolved to work harder on reform and development.
• Orochimaru injected a captured ninja from another village with the newly developed Konoha-brand Gene Potion while Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shimura Danzō, and other leaders observed.
• The test subject’s metabolism rapidly increased, causing his hair and nails to grow and making him lose control of his bodily waste, so Orochimaru activated overhead nozzles to wash him.
• After half an hour, the subject’s scars had disappeared and he appeared healthy and full of vitality, leading Orochimaru to declare the results promising and propose continued observation for side effects.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other leaders were delighted by the prospect of restoring their strength and extending their lives with the potion.

Konoha’s leaders and elites took Orochimaru’s Gene Potion, which extended lifespans and boosted vitality and Chakra. Hiruzen Sarutobi tested his newfound strength after emerging younger, while Hatake Sakumo and Kakashi Hatake also began experiencing the potion’s benefits.

• Konoha’s leadership eagerly used the Gene Potion despite its unpleasant effects during the metabolic process.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi drank the potion at home and endured an hour of intense physical changes.
• After the potion rejuvenated him, Hiruzen Sarutobi burned down the house and challenged five Jonin to test his strength.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi overwhelmed the five Jonin with a powerful Fire Release, then let them withdraw.
• Hatake Sakumo sparred with Kakashi Hatake, who felt unusually strong and full of Chakra after taking his dose.

Hatake Sakumo, Gojo Satoru, Minato Namikaze, Tsunade, and Orochimaru demonstrated their increased strength after using Gene Potions. As news of Konoha’s transformed leaders and secret research spread, Konoha’s officials investigated the leak and blamed Yunqing despite having no evidence.

• Hatake Sakumo defeated Gojo Satoru in a sword match, while Minato Namikaze showed off his speed and power to Kushina Uzumaki.
• Tsunade overwhelmed Jiraiya and Nawaki Senju in training, and Hiruzen Sarutobi sent Orochimaru resources to make more Gene Potions.
• Within three days, reports of Konoha’s rejuvenated leaders and Gene Potion research spread, prompting other hidden villages to send spies and envoys.
• Konoha investigated the leak but found no leads, and Hatake Sakumo reported that the first known source was a dead ninja from a small country.
• Orochimaru suggested that Yunqing, the Third Kazekage, had leaked the information, and Konoha’s officials became convinced despite having no proof or knowing his motive.

Sunagakure’s leaders discussed Konoha’s Gene Potion research and the leak that had exposed it. Yunqing admitted he had discovered the news by watching Konoha, then turned the meeting toward preparing Sunagakure’s next generation.

• Chiyo and Ebizo discussed Konoha’s strength and the difficulties the hidden villages faced in opposing it.
• An Elder questioned who had leaked the news about Konoha’s Gene Potions and remarked on the timing.
• Yunqing admitted he had revealed the information after keeping an eye on Konoha.
• Suke praised Yunqing and redirected the discussion toward Sunagakure’s priorities.
• Yunqing said Sunagakure needed to train its troops so its next generation would gain combat experience.

Yunqing and Sunagakure's elders discussed how much weaker and less prepared the current Ninja Academy graduates were than children who grew up during wartime. The meeting ended with the elders agreeing that the new generation would have struggled to survive in the era they had endured.

• A veteran Sunagakure Elder complained that today's students neglected basic ninja equipment and combat training.
• The Elder asked Yunqing to compare the graduates' combat abilities with those of children from his own generation, but Yunqing avoided answering.
• The Elder called on Chiyo, Pakura, and the other elders to compare today's children with their own children and peers.
• The Elder said his twelve-year-old great-granddaughter had graduated without the skills or battlefield experience he had possessed at her age.
• The elders laughed bitterly as the Elder said his great-granddaughter would not have survived three days in the wartime era.