Chapter Summaries

Hiruzen Sarutobi convened an emergency meeting after Shimura Danzō confirmed that Kumogakure’s Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Blue B, was unstable. The meeting planned an operation to capture Blue B alive long enough to study him and recover his body, while Kurama Genshin, Namikaze Minato, and Kushina arrived to assist.

• Shimura Danzō reported that Blue B had repeatedly shown signs of losing control of the Eight-Tails and that Kumogakure’s Iron Armor Seal was weak.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi outlined a secret retaliation plan and said Konoha should seek to recover Blue B’s corpse and extract intelligence from his mind.
• Orochimaru proposed controlling Blue B with Genjutsu or poison, and Tsunade offered to modify Ibuse’s poison into a paralyzing agent within a day.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Kurama Genshin to provide Genjutsu support, while Jiraiya volunteered to handle infiltration and evacuation.
• Orochimaru said the Healthcare Pill needed only minor adjustments, and Shimura Danzō recognized him as a rival for the Fourth Hokage position.
• Anbu brought Kurama Genshin, Namikaze Minato, and Kushina to the Hokage’s office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi met with Kushina and Konoha’s leaders to study Kumogakure’s Iron Armor Seal and plan retaliation for the village’s attack. He ordered a covert mission to kill the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Blue B, and destabilize Kumogakure.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi welcomed Kushina and asked her to explain the Iron Armor Seal, which she and Minato diagrammed together.
• Kurama Genshin said his genjutsu could hold back a Tailed Beast temporarily and would work reliably if the Jinchuriki were poisoned or controlled by a Cursed Seal.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Danzō to clear sentries and secure a retreat route, Orochimaru to assassinate the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and Jiraiya to infiltrate with Genshin and support Orochimaru.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi told the team to kill Blue B secretly and throw Kumogakure into chaos.

Hizashi Hyuga and Shimura Danzō prepared to infiltrate Kumogakure while Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Kurama Genshin launched their operation against Blue B. After they freed the Eight-Tails, it rampaged and roared for Kumogakure to pay in blood.

• Hizashi Hyuga mapped Kumogakure's patrols and identified a Ninja Head while Shimura Danzō prepared to confront him.
• Orochimaru gave Blue B medicine and met Jiraiya and Kurama Genshin to coordinate their plan to control the Jinchuriki and the Tailed Beast.
• Blue B drank the medicine and reflected on his struggle to become the Eight-Tails' Jinchuriki as Kurama Genshin's genjutsu left him unable to move.
• Jiraiya set up an Isolation Barrier while Orochimaru dismantled Blue B's Iron Armor Seal and prepared to take Eight-Tails cells.
• Kurama Genshin retreated, and Orochimaru fully undid the seal, triggering the Eight-Tails' rampage.

Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Kurama Genshin, Shimura Danzō, and Hizashi Hyuga raided Kumogakure, where Orochimaru’s genjutsu triggered the Eight-Tails’ rampage. After returning to Konoha with Blue B and intelligence from slain Kumo-nin, the group’s discoveries reached Hiruzen Sarutobi, who studied materials on Lightning Style Nintaijutsu.

• Orochimaru sealed Blue B’s corpse and escaped while the Eight-Tails rampaged under genjutsu in Kumogakure.
• Shimura Danzō and the Anbu killed Kumogakure’s guards, collected their bodies, and covered the squad’s tracks as they withdrew.
• Hizashi Hyuga spotted the Eight-Tails gathering chakra for a Tailed Beast Bomb, and the Third Raikage stopped it from fully forming before fighting the beast directly.
• Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Kurama Genshin, Shimura Danzō, and Hizashi Hyuga returned to Konoha with Blue B and the Kumo-nin corpses.
• Yamanaka Clan ninja extracted intelligence from the bodies, and ten days later Hiruzen Sarutobi studied materials on Lightning Style Nintaijutsu while waiting for Orochimaru and the others.

Hiruzen Sarutobi used intelligence from Blue B to plan Konoha’s preparations for a future arms race over Tailed Beasts and Jinchuriki. The meeting turned tense when Shimura Danzō challenged Hiruzen’s plan to present Jinchuriki as controllable heroes.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi studied Lightning Release Chakra Mode and realized it could help him push beyond his physical limits.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi considered Konoha’s development priorities and planned to address advanced Ninja Academy students through monthly classroom events.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi told the meeting that intelligence from Blue B’s corpse showed Kumogakure was racing to create Jinchuriki because Iwagakure had begun controlling the Four-Tails and Five-Tails.
• Orochimaru called for contingency plans, and Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed training Jonin in genjutsu, Sealing Jutsu, and large-scale combination ninjutsu to counter Tailed Beasts.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi argued that Konoha should present Jinchuriki as controllable, selfless heroes, but Shimura Danzō demanded to know who would take responsibility if one lost control.

Hiruzen Sarutobi led the council in planning how to protect Kushina and honor Konoha’s older generation, then answered Shimura Danzō’s challenge about the Third Raikage by revealing his Lightning Release Chakra Mode. He left Danzō stunned and demonstrated that he intended to face the Raikage himself.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed that Konoha should distinguish Kushina from the Nine-Tails and consider reducing the beast’s chakra if she could not bear it safely.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi directed Utatane Koharu to revise Ninja Academy lessons on the Will of Fire and the Uzumaki Clan, and Koharu agreed.
• Shimura Danzō raised the threat posed by the Third Raikage and emphasized that his own Wind Release could injure him.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi activated Lightning Release Chakra Mode and said he would train to surprise the Third Raikage in the next war.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi teased Jiraiya, then put a hand on Shimura Danzō’s shoulder and asked whether Danzō agreed that he was a genius.

Hiruzen Sarutobi reprimanded Shimura Danzō while appointing him Anbu Chief and Hizashi Hyuga captain of the Anbu Second Squad, tightening his control over the Anbu. After the meeting, Orochimaru stayed behind and showed Hiruzen a piece of Eight-Tails Gyuki tissue.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi used his lightning-charged hand to unsettle Shimura Danzō, then teased him about resting and sparring.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi appointed Shimura Danzō Anbu Chief, and Danzō accepted the role.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi appointed Hizashi Hyuga captain of the Anbu Second Squad, with Koharu, Hono, and Danzō raising no objections.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Hatake Sakumo to strengthen village security against Kumogakure spies, and Sakumo reported that the Patrol Force had begun trial operations.
• After the meeting, Orochimaru stayed behind and showed Hiruzen Sarutobi a small piece of Eight-Tails Gyuki tissue.

Hiruzen Sarutobi accepted Orochimaru’s Eight-Tails research while setting limits on whom he could use as research subjects, then discussed Konoha’s committee appointments and Orochimaru’s developing Forbidden Technique. After Orochimaru left, Hiruzen prepared to visit Mito Uzumaki and investigate his teacher’s Secret Archive as he pursued new sources of support and a new body for his teacher.

• Orochimaru gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a severed Eight-Tails tentacle and explained that he had cut it off during Kurama Genshin’s genjutsu; Hiruzen allowed the research but forbade using people from the village or Land of Fire without permission.
• Hiruzen showed Orochimaru the proposed Konoha Committee Members and invited him to suggest candidates, so Orochimaru recommended Hiruko and Hiruzen added him to the list for consideration.
• Hiruzen explained why he had included Hyuga and Uchiha representatives on the committee, aiming to balance clan interests and build communication between the village and the Uchiha.
• Orochimaru said he was close to completing a Forbidden Technique based on Senju Tobirama’s notes, and Hiruzen told him not to worry about its use and suggested sealing it if necessary.
• After Orochimaru left, Hiruzen planned to visit Mito Uzumaki and examine his teacher’s Secret Archive while preparing a new identity and body for him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi explored Senju Tobirama’s sealed underground laboratory and discovered an experimental body made from Izuna Uchiha’s cells, cultivated with Senju Hashirama’s cells. He decided to continue Tobirama’s research and seek Mito’s help with the body’s Chakra pathway defects.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi entered Senju Tobirama’s Secret Archive beneath Hokage Rock and examined its experiments and research notes.
• Hiruzen identified a failed Zero-Tails experiment and found Sharingan specimens among the laboratory materials.
• Hiruzen opened the sealed cultivation tank and recognized its youthful body as Izuna Uchiha, with Senju Hashirama’s cells nourishing it from a connected container.
• Hiruzen inferred that Tobirama had created the body through cell fusion but failed to resolve defects in its Chakra pathways.
• Hiruzen decided to refine the body and ask Mito for help, choosing to revive Tobirama’s buried research.

Orochimaru brought Hiruko to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was considering him for the Konoha Committee Members after hearing about his cell research. Hiruko explained his Cell Fusion ideas, which caught Hiruzen’s interest as a possible aid to his secret project.

• Orochimaru told Hiruko that Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to meet him and had taken an interest in his research.
• Hiruko hurriedly dressed for the meeting, while Orochimaru watched and hoped his friend would pass Hiruzen’s test.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi reviewed Senju Tobirama’s research notes and reflected on the need to understand research before approving projects.
• Hiruzen welcomed Hiruko, poured him tea, and asked about his cell research.
• Hiruko described his Cell Fusion ideas, and Hiruzen recognized their potential use for his privately stored Great Figurines.

Hiruzen Sarutobi won Hiruko’s trust by taking his cell-fusion research seriously and offering village support in exchange for shared results. The next day, an Anbu delivered a letter from Uzumaki Kushina to Hiruzen.

• Hiruko explained his cell-fusion technique, and Hiruzen connected it to the experimental subject based on Izuna Uchiha and Senju Tobirama’s cells.
• Hiruzen discussed research ideas and told Hiruko that Konoha would provide personnel and funding while sharing the results.
• Hiruko agreed enthusiastically to organize his findings and submit them to the village.
• After Hiruko left, Hiruzen wondered about Orochimaru’s soul research and waited for him to report.
• The next day, an Anbu delivered Uzumaki Kushina’s letter to Hiruzen.

Hiruzen Sarutobi visited Mito Uzumaki to apologize for Konoha’s failure to protect Uzushio and promised to help rebuild the Uzumaki Clan in the village. He told Mito that she was more valuable than the Nine-Tails, then presented her with a swaddled infant whose presence reminded her of Hashirama.

• After reading Kushina’s grateful letter, Hiruzen decided to visit Mito and check on the Wood Release child.
• Hiruzen arrived at the Mito Residence with thorny branches tied to his back and begged Mito to punish him for failing as Hokage.
• Mito sensed Hiruzen’s sincerity, forgave him over Uzushio, and removed the branches from his back.
• Hiruzen told Mito that Konoha valued her more than the Nine-Tails and promised to find Uzumaki survivors and make Konoha a new home for their clan.
• Mito accepted Hiruzen’s support but said she still felt lonely and did not want to demand his visits.
• Hiruzen summoned an Anbu, who brought him a swaddled infant, and Mito sensed Hashirama’s presence in the child.

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Mito Uzumaki to raise the surviving Hashirama-cell child, and Mito named him Yamato. After discussing Madara Uchiha and village affairs, Hiruzen asked Mito about a secret technique for connecting meridians.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi handed Mito Uzumaki the infant who had successfully fused with Hashirama's cells and asked her to care for him.
• Mito Uzumaki agreed and named the child Yamato.
• Mito Uzumaki recalled that Hashirama had hidden Madara's burial place after refusing Tobirama's attempt to dissect Madara's body.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi discussed village reforms and plans to support Uzumaki orphans with Mito Uzumaki.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Mito Uzumaki whether she knew a secret technique that could connect meridians, and she gave him a meaningful look.

Hiruzen Sarutobi visited Mito Uzumaki to ask about Senju Tobirama’s research on reattaching severed limbs, and Mito gave him Hashirama’s keepsake, two pendants, and a sealing scroll to help the village. After Hiruzen left, the Nine-Tails quietly reconsidered him, and the next day Hiruzen summoned Orochimaru and Hiruko.

• Mito Uzumaki recalled Tobirama’s interest in the subject and teased Hiruzen about reading his research notes before he explained his purpose.
• Hiruzen told Mito that Tobirama’s notes linked her to research on reattaching severed limbs, and Mito trusted him enough to share her work.
• Mito gave Hiruzen Hashirama’s necklace, two pendants she had made, and a sealing scroll that could help with Chakra fusion and severed limbs.
• Mito told Hiruzen about Takigakure’s Earth Grudge Fear technique, whose black threads could transmit Chakra and stitch flesh together.
• The Nine-Tails heard that Hiruzen valued Mito’s peaceful old age over its power and quietly remembered his compassion.
• The next day, Hiruzen ordered that Orochimaru and Hiruko be brought to him.

Hiruko received Mito Uzumaki’s sealing technique to support limb-regeneration research, while Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Orochimaru secret notes on Senju and Uchiha cells to guide research into Hashirama Cells. Orochimaru wrestled with whether to reveal his Living Corpse Reincarnation technique before news arrived that Danzō was coming and Kumogakure had condemned Konoha’s retaliation.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Hiruko Mito Uzumaki’s sealing technique and tasked him with advancing research into reconnecting severed limbs.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi shared Tobirama’s secret research notes with Orochimaru and proposed using Uchiha cells to suppress Hashirama Cells.
• Orochimaru considered telling Hiruzen Sarutobi about Living Corpse Reincarnation because he wanted his teacher to understand and accept him.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura reported that Danzō was on his way and Kumogakure had issued a severe condemnation of Konoha’s retaliatory actions.

Hiruzen Sarutobi rejected Kumogakure’s accusations as pressure tactics and ordered Konoha to answer with a firm declaration while avoiding war. Three days later, Konoha’s response shocked the major Hidden Villages with its toughness.

• Utatane Koharu told Hiruzen Sarutobi that Kumogakure had condemned Konoha and that the major villages were waiting for a response.
• Shimura Danzō urged total war, but Hiruzen Sarutobi argued that Kumogakure was bluffing after losing the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki and wanted to hide its weakness.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered a forceful declaration that invoked Hashirama’s peace ideals and threatened enemies with Tobirama’s legacy of Forbidden Techniques.
• Orochimaru reported that the revised medicine was ready for initial large-scale production and discussed the long-term Deactivated Hashirama Cells project.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi assigned Shimura Danzō to village security and border scouting, and said he would take him to the Land of Fire.
• Three days later, Konoha’s response spread across the Shinobi World and threw the major Hidden Villages into an uproar.

The Third Raikage analyzed Konoha’s hardline response with the Fourth Raikage and Dodai, concluding that Kumogakure could not risk a war or find allies against Konoha. He ordered a conciliatory reply while prioritizing the village’s security and its Two-Tails and Eight-Tails jinchuriki.

• The Third Raikage rebuked the Fourth Raikage for assuming Konoha had developed a forbidden wartime technique and explained that war would cost Kumogakure more than it could gain.
• Dodai and the Third Raikage discussed Hiruzen Sarutobi’s appeal to the legacies of Senju Tobirama and Senju Hashirama, recognizing it as a warning to the other major villages.
• The Third Raikage described Tobirama’s many powerful inventions and told the Fourth Raikage not to criticize Hashirama, who had genuinely sought peace.
• The Fourth Raikage demanded action over Blue B, but the Third Raikage ordered him to focus on strengthening Kumogakure rather than provoking Konoha.
• The Third Raikage instructed Dodai to acknowledge Hiruzen Sarutobi’s inherited will, admit Kumogakure had judged hastily, and propose cooperation against threats to peace.
• The Third Raikage decided that completing the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails jinchuriki must become an immediate priority.

The Hidden Villages reacted to Konoha’s forceful stance toward Kumogakure by pursuing their own political and military interests. In Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi explained his approach to Shimura Danzō, who resolved to ensure Hiruzen would be remembered fairly.

• Ōnoki decided Iwagakure should condemn Kumogakure, damage its reputation, and warn Roshi to master the Four-Tails’ power.
• The Third Kazekage, Chiyo, and Ebizo chose to support Konoha’s stance while hoping to turn it against multiple powers.
• The Third Mizukage used the worsening situation as a pretext to set Kirigakure’s clans against each other in a purge called the Bloody Mist Village plan.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō inspected the Patrol Force, and Danzō acknowledged Hatake Sakumo’s effective reconnaissance arrangements.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi told Shimura Danzō to treat Konoha’s shinobi as people and explained that cohesion mattered more than coercion; Danzō listened and resolved to give Hiruzen a fair place in Konoha’s history.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō visited the Patrol Force, where Danzō accidentally provoked the veteran Uchiha Hono by praising him for losing his arm for Konoha. Hono revealed that the Second had severed it, and Hiruzen broke the tense silence by reminding Danzō that his grandfather had once cut down Hiruzen’s father.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō inspected the Patrol Force and learned how its reconnaissance teams operated.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi encouraged the patrol members, and an Inuzuka Chunin and an Aburame Chunin praised their work.
• Shimura Danzō tried to praise Uchiha Hono for losing his arm in service to Konoha.
• Uchiha Hono explained that the Second had severed his arm during the final battle between the Uchiha and Senju.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi eased the tense mood by reminding Shimura Danzō that Danzō’s grandfather had once cut down Hiruzen’s father.

Hiruzen Sarutobi eased tensions with Uchiha Hono by acknowledging the village’s troubled past and treating him fairly. After Hono resumed patrol, Hiruzen told Shimura Danzō that the village needed to remain cautious of the Uchiha while gathering intelligence through cooperation among its forces.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō recalled how their families had fought during the Warring States Period, and Hiruzen argued that the village had brought former enemies together.
• Uchiha Hono accepted Hiruzen’s words, smoked with him, and said he would tell his clan how the village treated the Uchiha.
• Shimura Danzō criticized Hiruzen and Hono for smoking on duty, and Hono agreed to write an explanation and request punishment.
• Hiruzen gave Hono the cigarettes, and Hono resolved to report the village’s treatment honestly to his clan.
• After Hono and the patrol left, Hiruzen told Danzō that the Uchiha’s resentment would take time to fade and proposed using cooperation among the Patrol Force, Anbu, and Military Police Force to gather intelligence.