Chapter Summaries

Naruto distracted Kakashi by urging him to teach Sasuke Chidori, then used the opening to visit Zabuza and review efforts to take control of Gato’s former organization. He identified where a hostile executive was hiding and explained why another suspicious executive should remain alive for now.

• Naruto persuaded Kakashi to take Sasuke into the woods to demonstrate Chidori, leaving Sakura with Naruto and Tazuna.
• Naruto accompanied Sakura and Tazuna to the bridge, where workers were returning and construction had accelerated.
• Naruto used a Shadow Clone to maintain his guard duty and teleported to Zabuza’s hideout with the Flying Thunder God Technique.
• Zabuza reported that most hardliners had been dealt with and that Ueno was secretly gathering samurai and wandering shinobi to resist.
• Naruto told Zabuza that Ueno was hiding at the old shipyard east of the Land of Waves and instructed him to eliminate the threat.
• Naruto explained that Kuroki should be kept alive because fear and the need to pay for his ill son’s treatment made him easy to control.

Naruto ordered Zabuza to turn Gato’s company into Dawn Shipping and use its assets to advance Konoha’s future interests. A day later, Zabuza arrived at the Land of Waves daimyo’s residence to negotiate the company’s takeover.

• Naruto told Zabuza to expand compensation for the people, purge resisting higher-ups, and consolidate Gato’s industries and shipping operations.
• Naruto renamed Gato Shipping to Dawn Shipping and directed Zabuza to claim its rights and interests in the Land of Waves from the daimyo.
• Naruto explained that Dawn Shipping would give Konoha future control over maritime trade and supplies, while Zabuza agreed to meet the daimyo and watch for contact from Gato’s remaining higher-ups.
• Naruto gave Zabuza a scroll for future communication, marked Zabuza and Haku with Flying Thunder God formulas, and then left the base.
• A day later, Zabuza entered the daimyo’s lavish residence to meet him, having previously visited as one of Gato’s guards.

Zabuza forced the Land of Waves daimyo to accept Dawn Shipping’s terms and secretly killed a man trying to ally with him, while Naruto directed the takeover of Gato’s business. After the bridge was completed and named Dawn Bridge, Team 7 began its journey home.

• Zabuza told the Land of Waves daimyo that Dawn Shipping had inherited Gato Shipping and made him sign a contract accepting annual compensation and noninterference.
• Zabuza waited outside the daimyo’s residence and killed a samurai who was trying to join forces with the daimyo.
• Naruto secretly directed Zabuza as they purged Gato’s loyalists, reorganized the business, secured its records, and reassured its partners.
• Sasuke learned Lightning Release nature transformation and mastered Chidori under Kakashi’s instruction as the bridge construction continued.
• Tazuna completed the bridge and named it Dawn Bridge, crediting Dawn Shipping and the others who helped.
• Team 7 left the Land of Waves, and Naruto reflected that the first step toward changing the shinobi world was complete.

After Team 7 returned from the Land of Waves, Kakashi reported the mission to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who questioned him about the takeover of Gato Shipping and Team 7’s readiness for the Chunin Ninja Exams. Kakashi again raised his proposal to emphasize teamwork, but Hiruzen rejected it and considered how to curb attempts to change Konoha’s system.

• Kakashi dismissed Team 7 after they returned to Konoha, and Sasuke went to the training ground to test Naruto’s advice about Chidori.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi told Kakashi that Gato Shipping had been taken over and renamed Dawn Shipping, and asked whether Kakashi had noticed other shinobi in the Land of Waves.
• Kakashi said he had detected nothing and reported that Naruto and Sasuke had improved enough for the Chunin Ninja Exams.
• Kakashi asked Hiruzen Sarutobi to reconsider his proposal to make teamwork and trust part of the shinobi system, but Hiruzen refused to change the existing system.
• Kakashi left the Hokage’s office, while Hiruzen Sarutobi considered pruning those who tried to alter Konoha’s foundations.

As the Chunin Exams approached, Kakashi nominated Team 7 despite Iruka’s objections, and Naruto observed Konoha preparing for the joint exam. At the training ground, Neji and Naruto met again before the exams began.

• Naruto watched signs of the coming Chunin Exams and reflected on the political tensions and Konoha’s reasons for hosting them.
• Hiruzen convened the exam officials, and Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai nominated their Genin teams to participate.
• Iruka objected that the newly graduated students were not ready, but Kakashi insisted they were his subordinates and qualified.
• At the training ground, Neji recognized Naruto while passing Sasuke’s Chidori practice with Lee and Tenten.

Naruto told Neji he planned to change the Hyuga Clan’s unfair system after the Chunin Ninja Exams, leaving Neji shocked and suspicious. Nearby, Rock Lee challenged Sasuke, and the two prepared to fight.

• Sasuke failed another attempt to change the Chidori’s form while Naruto rested on the training ground.
• Neji approached Naruto, and Naruto said he had expected them to meet again.
• Rock Lee introduced himself and challenged Sasuke, who accepted the challenge.
• Naruto told Neji he intended to change the Hyuga Clan’s unfair system and asked him to be patient.
• Neji demanded to know what Naruto knew about the clan and what promise he meant, then reacted with confusion.

Naruto promised Neji a chance to change the Branch Family’s fate and later discussed Konoha’s need for change with Kakashi. The chapter ended with Naruto arguing that the Third Hokage had grown too old to lead Konoha effectively.

• Naruto told Neji he would give him and the Hyuga Clan’s Branch Family a chance to change their fates after Konoha underwent an unprecedented change.
• Might Guy interrupted Rock Lee and Sasuke’s fight, stopped Rock Lee from using a Forbidden Jutsu, and reunited tearfully with his student.
• Kakashi recommended Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura for the Chunin Ninja Exams and asked Naruto to stay behind for a private talk.
• Naruto guessed that the Third Hokage had rejected Kakashi’s proposal and said Konoha’s problems would not be solved through persuasion.
• Naruto recalled the Hyuga incident and told Kakashi that Konoha needed a more resolute and far-sighted Hokage because the Third Hokage had grown old.

Naruto told Kakashi that Konoha needed radical change and challenged him to choose between the Third Hokage’s old ways and Naruto’s plan. After Kakashi was left questioning his loyalties, Naruto prepared Sky Ninja technology blueprints to strengthen the Dawn Company’s forces.

• Naruto told Kakashi that he could not waste time waiting for gradual change and hinted that his plans were already underway.
• Naruto said Kakashi would have to choose a path after the Chunin Ninja Exams, leaving Kakashi troubled by memories of past losses.
• Naruto returned home and recorded Sky Ninja weapons, an ironclad ship, and a floating fortress in a sealed scroll.
• Naruto planned to give the blueprints to Zabuza and use the Dawn Company’s stable position to build up its forces.

Naruto secretly loosened the Eight Trigrams Seal and entered the sealed space to meet Kurama. After sharing memories of their countless cycles, he reached for the sealing tag, but Minato appeared to warn him, leaving him stunned by Naruto's bond with the Nine-Tails.

• Naruto recorded research knowledge on a scroll to use as leverage when he met Orochimaru, then carefully sealed it away.
• Naruto used his Fuinjutsu skill to loosen the Eight Trigrams Seal without letting Chakra escape and entered the sealed space.
• Naruto called the Nine-Tails Kurama and bumped fists with him, sharing memories of their countless cycles.
• Naruto reached for the sealing tag, but Minato appeared and warned him not to release the dangerous Nine-Tails.
• Naruto told Minato that Kurama was his comrade, and Kurama laughed at Minato's bewilderment.

Naruto freed the Nine-Tails and reunited with the Chakra remnants of Minato and Kushina, then explained his repeated reincarnations and plans. His parents accepted his account and supported him as he left with Kurama.

• Naruto dismantled Minato's Eight Trigrams Seal, freed the Nine-Tails, and caused Kushina's Chakra to appear.
• Kushina embraced Naruto, then grew confused when she saw the Nine-Tails acting calmly and Minato unable to explain what was happening.
• Naruto told Minato, Kushina, and the Nine-Tails about his cycle of reincarnation and what he intended to do in this life.
• Kushina and Minato promised to support Naruto, and he left the sealed space with Kurama.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura arrived for the Chunin Exams and overcame a Genjutsu trick at the entrance to Classroom 301. Inside, they encountered Gaara and his team, and Naruto told Sasuke that Gaara ranked among the strongest candidates.

• Naruto met Sasuke and Sakura, and the three headed to the Ninja Academy for the exam.
• At the entrance to Classroom 301, Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane used a Genjutsu to misdirect examinees, but Naruto exposed and dispelled it.
• Izumo attacked Naruto, but Rock Lee stopped him and Sasuke before their strikes collided, then confessed his feelings to Sakura, who rejected him.
• Team 7 found the real Classroom 301 and saw Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro waiting inside.
• Sasuke asked Naruto how strong Gaara was, and Naruto said Gaara ranked among the top three candidates.

Naruto reflected on the Daimyo system and questioned whether it was necessary for the shinobi world. Minato, Kushina, and Kurama supported him as he resolved that if the Daimyo obstructed the world, he would destroy them.

• Naruto assessed Sasuke as strong enough to break through Gaara's defense without relying on his hidden power.
• Konoha's rookie genin gathered in the exam classroom, where Kabuto introduced information about their opponents.
• Naruto wondered whether the Daimyo's rule served any purpose and recalled killing a tyrannical Daimyo in a previous cycle.
• Minato explained the mutual dependence between the Daimyo and ninja villages while questioning whether their systems could ever bring true peace.
• Kushina and Kurama pledged to support Naruto, who concluded that the Daimyo should be destroyed if they stood in the world's way.

Naruto and his team passed Ibiki’s written exam and entered the Forest of Death for the second Chunin Exam. As the team began their search for an Earth scroll, Naruto sensed that Orochimaru was still nearby.

• Three Sound ninja attacked Kabuto, who convincingly pretended to be injured until Ibiki Morino interrupted them.
• Ibiki explained the written exam rules, and Naruto left his test paper blank while enduring the exam’s pressure phase.
• After Ibiki declared Naruto passed, Anko Mitarashi led the fifty-seven remaining examinees to the Forest of Death and explained the second exam.
• Sasuke returned with a Heaven scroll, and Naruto set out with Sasuke and Sakura to find an Earth scroll.
• Naruto entered the forest at an unhurried pace, sensed Orochimaru nearby, and stopped to assess their surroundings.

Naruto explained his plan to prevent a preliminary round by having Sasuke and Sakura seize scrolls from other teams, then revealed that Orochimaru had been listening in. Naruto confronted Orochimaru, who recognized him as Minato’s child but still underestimated his strength.

• Naruto told Sasuke and Sakura that collecting extra scrolls could prevent a preliminary round and help Konoha’s rookies advance.
• Naruto drew a route for Sasuke and Sakura to follow, warned them not to seek out Gaara’s team, and briefed them on the Amegakure teams.
• Sasuke and Sakura set off along Naruto’s planned route while Naruto stayed behind near the central tower.
• Naruto called out a Grass ninja hiding in the bushes and identified him as Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru recognized Naruto as Minato’s child, but he still did not take Naruto seriously.

Naruto defeated Orochimaru in the Chunin Exam forest and offered him a scroll containing future research in exchange for meeting conditions. Orochimaru eagerly seized the knowledge, while Naruto’s terms remained unstated.

• Naruto matched and overwhelmed Orochimaru in close combat, countering his techniques and striking him with a Rasengan.
• Naruto revealed that he knew how Orochimaru could be permanently killed and used the Spirit Transformation Technique while the Nine-Tails controlled his body.
• Naruto and the Nine-Tails attacked Orochimaru’s mind and body together, leaving him wounded and unable to rise.
• Naruto spared Orochimaru, saying he still had other uses, and gave him a scroll detailing future research and undisclosed technologies.
• Orochimaru excitedly read the scroll, and Naruto said he would provide the knowledge under certain conditions.

Naruto persuaded Orochimaru to become his subordinate by promising him a role in reshaping the shinobi world and freedom to pursue knowledge within limits. They agreed to proceed with the Konoha Crush Plan as a controlled show, while Naruto altered the plan to expose the Third Hokage’s failures during the Chunin Exams.

• Naruto demanded that Orochimaru hand over his knowledge, forces, village, bases, and laboratories while continuing to manage them as Naruto’s subordinate.
• Naruto convinced Orochimaru by offering him a part in changing the shinobi world and in witnessing the results of Naruto’s ambitions.
• After they reached an understanding, Naruto treated Orochimaru’s wounds and revealed that he knew about Orochimaru’s experiments, Danzo collusion, and Konoha Crush Plan.
• Naruto ordered Orochimaru to carry out the plan as usual but prevent Otogakure from causing substantial damage to Konoha.
• Naruto explained how the Chunin Exams would expose the Third Hokage’s weakness and make Konoha see the need for a new Hokage, prompting Orochimaru to remark that destroying someone’s heart was more terrifying than killing them.

Naruto defeated Orochimaru and sent Anko to report the encounter to the Third Hokage before continuing to collect scrolls in the Forest of Death. He found Karin being mistreated by her Kusagakure teammates and stepped out to confront them.

• Naruto told Orochimaru he would have to make up for his past crimes, marked him with Flying Thunder God, and accepted his Earth Scroll.
• Anko arrived after Orochimaru had left, and Naruto claimed he had defeated him; Anko hurried to report the news to the Third Hokage.
• Naruto sensed Sasuke and Sakura progressing through the exam, then defeated a Sunagakure team and took their scrolls.
• Naruto heard Karin's Kusagakure teammates complain and order her to wait with an Earth Scroll while they pursued the Sunagakure team.
• Naruto emerged from hiding as the two Kusagakure boys grabbed Karin, challenging how they treated their teammate.

Naruto saved Karin from two Kusagakure genin who had been exploiting and bullying her, then offered her a place in Konoha. Karin accepted his offer, leaving her future with Naruto and Konoha.

• Naruto appeared before the Kusagakure genin could bite Karin again and killed the first attacker with a kunai.
• Naruto defeated the second attacker with a Rasengan after the boy surrendered the Earth Scroll.
• Naruto asked Karin about the bite marks, and she explained that Kusagakure used her ability to restore Chakra and heal wounds.
• Naruto introduced himself as Uzumaki Naruto, explained his Uzumaki heritage, and promised Karin she would not be treated as a tool in Konoha.
• Karin agreed to leave Kusagakure and go to Konoha with Naruto.

Naruto sent a Shadow Clone to escort Karin to safety after defeating the Grass ninja, while Anko reported Orochimaru's infiltration and defeat to Hiruzen Sarutobi. Hiruzen decided the Chunin Exam would continue as planned, leaving Naruto's victory and Orochimaru's motives unresolved.

• Naruto ordered a Shadow Clone to take Karin out of the Forest of Death, then collected the Earth Scroll and left.
• Anko returned to the central tower, where examiners reported that Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro had passed the exam in a record ninety-seven minutes.
• Anko urged the examiners to watch Team 7, then went to report Orochimaru's appearance to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Anko told Hiruzen that Orochimaru had infiltrated the exam and that Naruto had defeated him alone.
• Hiruzen considered suspending the exam but ordered it to proceed as usual because Orochimaru had already fled.

Hiruzen and Danzō argued over Naruto’s power and whether he had learned the truth about the Nine-Tails, while Hiruzen assigned most vacant village posts to Sarutobi Clan members. In the Forest of Death, Naruto ran into Kabuto and said Kabuto was just the person he needed.

• Anko left Hiruzen’s office, and Danzō confronted Hiruzen over Naruto’s strength and demanded action against the supposedly uncontrollable Jinchuriki.
• Hiruzen ordered Danzō to leave, then wondered how much Naruto knew about the Nine-Tails and decided it was time to bring Jiraiya back to the village.
• Shikaku brought Hiruzen a list of staffing shortages, and Hiruzen assigned more than half of the twenty openings to Sarutobi Clan shinobi while rejecting Danzō’s and the advisers’ recommendations.
• Naruto reviewed the scrolls he had collected in the Forest of Death and realized he still needed one team’s scrolls.
• Kabuto approached Naruto and asked where his teammates were, hoping to assess Naruto’s strength, and Naruto replied that Kabuto was just the person he needed.