Chapter Summaries

Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed paying pensions to the families of Konoha ninjas killed in past wars through monthly installments, while funding regular visits to support them. Hizashi Hyuga offered to do the visits without pay, but Hiruzen defended him and insisted that the village should subsidize the work.

• Mitokado Homura raised the issue of ninja pensions, and Hiruzen Sarutobi explained that 2,015 surviving family members would receive payments totaling 2.5 billion ryo over five years.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi set aside 500 million ryo annually for pensions and established a one-billion-ryo reserve fund for the continuing system.
• Hatake Sakumo, Hizashi Hyuga, and the other Commoner Ninja Committee Members were moved by Hiruzen Sarutobi's support for fallen ninjas' families.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed paying ninjas to visit the families and help with their difficulties, but Hizashi Hyuga argued that Konoha ninjas should do it as a duty without further expense.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi defended Hizashi Hyuga's proposal and praised his work in the Anbu, while Shimura Danzō backed him up.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi insisted that subsidies were necessary to make the visits sustainable, and Hizashi Hyuga became more devoted to following him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi allocated the first 3.2 billion ryo from the Sage Pills to ninja subsidies, public facilities, clan recruitment, and research, while turning Shinnosuke’s proposed dowry into a joke about marrying the Daimyo’s daughter. The meeting ended with Konoha Committee Members receiving distinctive uniforms, as Hiruzen watched the sunset and the Patrol Force searched for the vanished Namikaze Minato.

• Shimura Danzō outlined subsidies for 349 ninjas and increased Anbu equipment and intelligence spending, and the committee accepted the allocation.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi assigned funds for training facilities, Chunin ninjutsu improvements, and pilot recruitment of non-Konoha clans, placing Orochimaru in charge.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed using ninety percent of Shinnosuke’s nonexistent wife’s dowry for research and joked that Shinnosuke should bring back the Daimyo’s daughter; the committee members and Shimura Danzō offered to pay for the wedding.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi finalized the 3.2 billion ryo allocation, prioritized Orochimaru’s research, and adjourned the meeting.
• Shinnosuke handed out special uniforms to the Konoha Committee Members, who turned back to see Hiruzen Sarutobi framed by the setting sun.
• A Konoha Patrol Force squad searched for Namikaze Minato during his surprise inspection, while Uchiha Hono sensed his Chakra and wondered where he had gone.

Uchiha Hono led Inuzuka Ten and Aburame Shiki on patrol while trying to track the elusive Namikaze Minato, who repeatedly outmaneuvered their squad. As their shift ended, Minato appeared above them with cartons of the cigarettes Hono claimed to smoke.

• Uchiha Hono, Inuzuka Ten, and Aburame Shiki searched for Namikaze Minato but could not pinpoint his location despite their tracking skills.
• Uchiha Hono urged his squad to patrol carefully and shared battlefield lessons and advice about saving money.
• The squad finished its shift, and Uchiha Hono smoked from the iron case gifted by Hiruzen Sarutobi while discussing cigarettes with Inuzuka Ten and Aburame Shiki.
• Namikaze Minato revealed himself in a tree and showed Uchiha Hono two cartons of his preferred cigarette brand.

Namikaze Minato mastered consecutive uses of the Flying Thunder God Technique with Uchiha Hono’s help, and Hono awakened his Three-Tomoe Sharingan during their training. Hono learned about Konoha’s financial support for its veterans, while Minato left to exchange pointers with Ninja Academy students.

• Namikaze Minato demonstrated the Flying Thunder God Technique and defeated Uchiha Hono, whose Sharingan awakened to Three Tomoe.
• Hizashi Hyuga arrived, confirmed that the Hokage had ordered Minato’s training, and told Hono about veteran benefits and Tsunade’s search for volunteers to test limb-repair materials.
• Uchiha Hono gave Minato money to celebrate his new Sharingan, and Minato suggested that the Uchiha Clan might be suited to learning the Flying Thunder God Technique.
• Namikaze Minato left to exchange pointers with Ninja Academy students, and Uchiha Hono invited Aburame Shiki and Inuzuka Ten to a barbecue meal.

The Ninja Academy students trained under their parents and prepared to face Namikaze Minato together, while Konoha’s compensation brought relief to Obito’s family. Obito awakened his One-Tomoe Sharingan, and a mysterious creature decided to report him to Lord Madara.

• Konoha parents and experienced ninjas organized extracurricular training for the Ninja Academy students, drawing attention from Hiruzen Sarutobi and the village’s leaders.
• Hatake Sakumo led the students in planning a group battle against Namikaze Minato and assigned them roles and positions for the match.
• Obito returned to the Uchiha Clan Compound and learned that his family had received money from the village, easing his grandmother’s worries.
• Obito’s fear and relief as he rushed home awakened his One-Tomoe Sharingan, and his grandmother promised to buy groceries and make food for his classmates.
• A mysterious creature witnessed Obito awakening his eyes and decided to report him to Lord Madara.

Uchiha Madara searched for an Uchiha heir while relying on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to sustain his failing body. After dismissing the effects of Konoha’s new funding, he went to the research lab, where Hiruzen Sarutobi continued advancing the village’s plans.

• White Zetsu told Uchiha Madara that Obito Uchiha was kind, talented, and had awakened his Sharingan while worrying about his grandmother.
• Uchiha Madara recalled Izuna’s advice about protecting kind, emotional Uchiha, but decided to seek a potential spokesperson for the Eye of the Moon Plan.
• Uchiha Madara ordered Tobi to monitor the Uchiha Clan Compound while avoiding the area where Mito might detect the White Zetsu.
• Black Zetsu reported that Nagato and the others were believed dead and that Konoha had distributed money to the Uchiha, including Obito; Uchiha Madara chose not to interfere.
• Uchiha Madara returned to sleep while Black Zetsu doubted his spokesperson plan, and Hiruzen Sarutobi visited Konoha’s Research Lab to discuss upcoming projects with Orochimaru, Tsunade, Hiruko, and the others.

Hiruzen Sarutobi inspected Konoha’s expanding research complex and coordinated priorities with Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Hiruko. He promised stable support and new materials for research, while plans continued for Namikaze Minato’s Ninja Academy event.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi toured the research complex with Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Hiruko, stressing security and offering Hiruko direct support.
• Hiruzen and Tsunade agreed to advance emergency medical training and improve Medical Scrolls, while Hiruzen urged caution in research on First Hokage cells.
• Orochimaru reported that Uchiha cells were helping moderate First Hokage cells and said current supplies would last a year and a half.
• Hiruzen encouraged research into restoring mobility to disabled ninja and promised research funding would remain a priority.
• Hiruko requested more Earth Grudge Fear to develop Limb Fusion Technique, and Hiruzen promised to supply it in fresh batches.
• Orochimaru told Hiruko to attend Namikaze Minato’s Ninja Academy event and suggested he select disciples.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru arranged for the Iburi Clan and Tsuchigumo Clan to join Konoha through a pilot program that addressed their bloodline and Natural Energy problems. After the clans accepted the village’s terms and swore loyalty, Hiruzen invited their leaders to watch an upcoming advanced class at the Ninja Academy.

• Orochimaru proposed using Hiruko's Cell Stabilization Technique for the Iburi Clan and consulting Mount Myoboku about the Tsuchigumo Clan’s Natural Energy technique.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi offered the clans a staged path into Konoha, with shared housing, defensive duties, missions, and benefits after a year of observation.
• The Iburi and Tsuchigumo leaders pledged loyalty, swore before Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama, and received Konoha forehead protectors from Hiruzen.
• Hiruzen invited both leaders to attend an upcoming advanced class at the Ninja Academy.

At a Konoha Academy event, Hiruzen Sarutobi explained how the Ninja Security System had strengthened the village and rallied its shinobi. He delivered a speech that tied his leadership to the new benefits, then began introducing shinobi who had contributed to Konoha's development, pointing toward Danzo.

• At the packed training ground, Danzo asked Hiruzen Sarutobi why the crowd was so enthusiastic, and Hiruzen explained that shinobi were celebrating the Ninja Security System as well as cheering for the children.
• Hiruzen told Danzo that security and institutional support had fostered trust and community among Konoha shinobi.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared before the crowd and promised further medical support, improved benefits, and better Ninja Tools while crediting the village's shared efforts.
• The crowd roared for Hiruzen, and Danzo wondered whether he could ever earn comparable affection and support.
• Hiruzen pointed toward Danzo and announced that he would introduce several shinobi who had contributed to Konoha's development.

Hiruzen Sarutobi publicly honored Konoha’s contributors before introducing a match between Namikaze Minato and the Ninja Academy children. As the contest began, Uchiha Madara watched from afar and judged Hiruzen while considering Obito’s potential.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi praised Shimura Danzō, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Hiruko, Jiraiya, Nara Shikayama, and Torifu Akimichi for their service to Konoha.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi honored Hatake Sakumo, Hizashi Hyuga, and Uchiha Hono, prompting reactions from Kakashi, Hyuga Ko, and Uchiha Isshin.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi thanked Konoha’s advisors, workers, and students, then introduced the Ninja Academy children and Namikaze Minato as opponents.
• Mito Uzumaki praised Hiruzen Sarutobi to Biwako, while Uchiha Madara watched the event through a White Zetsu and wondered whether Obito was qualified.

Namikaze Minato faced the Ninja Academy elites in a staged battle, evading their coordinated attacks while praising their teamwork. As the students pressed him with a melee assault, he scattered kunai and unleashed a mysterious technique that left every student with a lipstick mark on the neck.

• Namikaze Minato recognized that Hiruzen Sarutobi had arranged for him to be the hidden eleventh ninja honored and planned to use the battle to raise his standing in Konoha.
• Asuma led the academy elites in coordinated squads, and Obito, Shisui, Kakashi, and others attacked Minato with combined Fire, Earth, Water, and weapon techniques.
• Uchiha Madara watched the students and considered Shisui for his Spokesperson Plan while reflecting on Hashirama and the village’s children.
• Minato evaded the students’ attacks with extraordinary speed as the spectators praised their performance, and he encouraged them by saying Konoha’s future belonged to them.
• Asuma, Might Guy, Shisui, Kakashi, and Obito charged Minato, but he scattered kunai across the field and performed a bizarre technique that gave every student a lipstick mark on the neck.

Namikaze Minato used the Flying Thunder God Technique to defeat the academy students, then publicly flirted with Kushina and thanked Hiruzen Sarutobi for his guidance. His display left Obito envious, prompted Jiraiya and Danzō to reconsider their own strengths, and enraged Uchiha Madara, while Senju Tobirama finished modifying the Great Figurines.

• Namikaze Minato defeated the academy students with the Flying Thunder God Technique, then teased Kushina about her lipstick as the crowd cheered them on.
• Namikaze Minato thanked Hiruzen Sarutobi for his guidance, while Hiruzen considered training with him and Orochimaru thought about finding a suitable disciple.
• Obito watched Minato with envy, bragged to Nohara Rin that he had awakened his Sharingan, and received supplies from her.
• Jiraiya resolved to train in Senjutsu, while Shimura Danzō decided to develop Wind Release Chakra Mode after worrying that he lacked a specialty.
• Uchiha Madara complained that modern Uchiha feared the Flying Thunder God Technique instead of learning to counter or master it.
• Senju Tobirama finished modifying the Great Figurines in the underground Laboratory beneath Hokage Rock.

Senju Tobirama transferred his soul into an artificial body made from his and Izuna Uchiha’s cells, beginning a new life as an Uchiha. After awakening a Two-Tomoe Sharingan, he destroyed the laboratory’s sensitive records and set out for Kusagakure to begin his first mission.

• Senju Tobirama prepared the artificial body and planned how to present himself as an Uchiha genius while keeping his identity secret.
• Senju Tobirama used the Soul Solidification Technique to enter the artificial body and successfully revived in his new teenage body.
• Senju Tobirama celebrated his rebirth and awakened a Two-Tomoe Sharingan through his powerful emotions.
• Senju Tobirama tested the Sharingan, judged that firm will could manage its emotional effects, and accepted Hiruzen Sarutobi’s idea of instilling the Will of Fire in Uchiha clansmen.
• Senju Tobirama destroyed the laboratory’s sensitive data, removed the seals, and headed for Kusagakure to carry out his first mission.

Hiruzen Sarutobi trained Namikaze Minato in close combat and reaction speed, pushing him to adapt to pressure against the Flying Thunder God Technique. Asuma watched his father overwhelm Minato, while Danzo returned to Konoha with intelligence on Kusagakure.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Namikaze Minato discussed their Lightning Release Chakra Mode training before Hiruzen asked Minato to attack with all his strength.
• Asuma passed the Training Ground and warned his father that Minato was strong, then watched them begin their spar.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi used Water Release to disrupt Minato's Flying Thunder God Kunai and struck him as he teleported around the Training Ground.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato continued sparring at increasing speed until Minato adapted, exhausted his Chakra, and ended the session with new training advice.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi healed Minato's shoulder and encouraged him to return after consolidating his gains, while Asuma left eager to tell his friends that Minato was not invincible.
• One month later, Danzo returned to Konoha with all the intelligence he had compiled on Kusagakure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo reviewed evidence that Kusagakure’s Hawk Faction planned to use the Box of Ultimate Bliss to dominate the Shinobi World. Hiruzen ordered Konoha to prepare a forceful response, recover imprisoned people connected to the village, and investigate the box’s capabilities.

• Danzo presented intelligence showing that Kusagakure’s expansionist Fruit of Grass had seized power and was imprisoning ninja to supply Chakra to the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi judged the box dangerous but questioned whether it could truly rule the Shinobi World, and he noted that the Sage’s Treasured Tools had weaknesses and costly Chakra requirements.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed consulting the Three Great Sage Regions for historical records about the box and studying its mechanisms in preparation for future conflict with Kumogakure.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi directed Konoha to investigate the identities of imprisoned people connected to the village and process applications from those willing to join, while scrutinizing unverified claims.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered the Committee Members to convene and set the tone for an immediate show of force against Kusagakure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi laid out Konoha’s plan to invade Kusagakure, rescue captured Konoha ninja, and secure the Box of Ultimate Bliss. Tsunade overcame her hemophobia and took Sakumo’s assignment, while Konoha’s forces prepared to move.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Sakumo to expel foreign spies and negotiate at the borders while Danzo, Hizashi, Fugaku, and Minato led a strike against Kusagakure.
• Hiruzen directed Konoha to rescue its captured ninja, eliminate Kusagakure’s Militant Faction leaders, find the Box of Ultimate Bliss, and share compensation negotiations with the other victimized villages.
• Tsunade asked to replace Sakumo on the border mission and proved she could face blood without losing consciousness, explaining that she wanted to inherit Nawaki’s will.
• Hiruzen accepted Tsunade’s request, and Tsunade’s return prompted Orochimaru and Danzo to consider her as a potential rival for Hokage.
• Jiraiya declared that he also wanted to become Hokage, drawing laughter from the committee members.
• Sakumo said that joining Minato’s strike could shorten the operation by fifteen minutes, and Hiruzen ordered Konoha’s forces to act.

Senju Tobirama built trust with Uzumaki Shio while posing as a Kusagakure prisoner, gaining chakra and learning ninjutsu from her. When Konoha forces arrived, Tobirama prepared to fight Kusagakure and return to Konoha.

• Senju Tobirama delivered food to Uzumaki Shio and gave her chicken legs, then convinced her that they should find a way to escape Kusagakure.
• Uzumaki Shio taught Senju Tobirama Water Release techniques and explained the Uzumaki Clan’s Blessing of the Ancestors.
• Senju Tobirama absorbed chakra from Uzumaki Shio by biting her arm, strengthening his starved body.
• Uzumaki Shio sensed powerful unfamiliar chakra signatures as Konoha forces arrived in Kusagakure.
• Senju Tobirama recognized that Konoha had come and looked forward to fighting Kusagakure’s forces and returning home.

Senju Tobirama killed a Kusagakure leader and his squad while protecting Uzumaki Shio, then leaned into his assumed Uchiha persona as the village came under attack. The chapter left him preparing to ambush more enemies while Uchiha Fugaku led Konoha’s assault inside Kusagakure.

• A Kusagakure leader tried to take Senju Tobirama and Uzumaki Shio away, but Senju Tobirama killed him and his squad with a kunai.
• Senju Tobirama revealed his Two-Tomoe Sharingan and recited a boastful line to sell his Uchiha persona to Uzumaki Shio.
• Senju Tobirama spat up blood from the instability between his soul and body, and Uzumaki Shio offered him her arm to bite.
• Senju Tobirama told Uzumaki Shio to hide, then armed himself and concealed himself behind a cabinet to ambush more Kusagakure ninja.
• Uchiha Fugaku arrived at Kusagakure’s administrative building with Konoha’s forces, ordered the defenders to surrender, and cut down a resisting ninja.

Konoha forces captured Hozuki Castle and searched Kusagakure for prisoners, while Fugaku found Uzumaki Shio and a boy he mistook for an Uchiha orphan. The boy was actually Senju Tobirama in disguise, and Uchiha Hono's comments about Tobirama left him privately alarmed.

• Fugaku and the Konoha forces fought through Kusagakure as Danzō ordered them to capture prisoners and locate the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
• Fugaku extracted information from Kusa-nin and learned that Uzumaki Shio was being held in a wooden house to the south.
• Fugaku found Shio with Senju Tobirama, who concealed his identity and let Fugaku believe he was a kidnapped Uchiha.
• Shio explained that she and the boy had been abducted, and Fugaku reassured them that Konoha would protect them.
• Uchiha Hono welcomed the pair and praised Konoha's improved treatment of the Uchiha, prompting Tobirama to wonder why Hono had brought him into the conversation.

Orochimaru led Konoha’s operation in Kusagakure, rescuing imprisoned ninja and arranging compensation with representatives of the Great Hidden Villages. Days later, the rescued Senju Tobirama arrived in Konoha, where Uchiha Fugaku mistook him for a relative and Danzo met his returned teacher for the first time.

• Orochimaru convinced Pakura to accompany him to Kusagakure, while Jiraiya and Tsunade drew representatives from Iwagakure and Kumogakure there as well.
• The representatives saw Kusagakure’s rescued prisoners, captured Dove Faction members, and displayed assets, then agreed provisionally to Konoha’s compensation plan and a non-interference convention.
• Orochimaru rebuked Dodai over Kumogakure’s role in hiring Kusagakure spies, and Dodai accepted the settlement and prepared to report back to the Raikage.
• Konoha identified the rescued ninja and invited their families and clans to collect them, including Senju Tobirama and Uzumaki Shio.
• Uchiha Fugaku saw Tobirama’s resemblance to Izuna Uchiha and insisted he join the Uchiha Clan, then rushed off to fetch the clan register.
• Tobirama saw Shimura Danzō approaching and silently judged his bandaged appearance as his former disciple’s first impression.