Recaps

Tamura Hiroshi devised a lightning-war assault on Kusagakure, and the Cloud Ninja Army reached the village before its enemies could respond. He sent Uzumaki Kushina and Uchiha Hikari to the hospital to find their clanswoman while he posed as a Senju shinobi and met Kusagakure’s leaders; the chapter ended as the two girls reached a crowd arguing in the hospital corridor.

• Tamura Hiroshi proposed using ships and a rapid march to surprise Kusagakure, and Yozuki A and Fukai agreed on a plan with separate advance and retreat routes.
• The Cloud shinobi sailed to the Land of Takigakure, disguised themselves in Iwagakure uniforms, and ran to Kusagakure, arriving before the other armies could react.
• Uzumaki Tamayou located the imprisoned clanswoman at Kusagakure’s hospital, and Yozuki A made rescuing her the raid’s highest priority.
• Tamura Hiroshi proposed infiltrating the village as a Senju shinobi while Uzumaki Kushina went to the hospital; Yozuki A and Fukai agreed after he demonstrated Senju chakra.
• Tamura Hiroshi, Uzumaki Kushina, and Uchiha Hikari reached Kusagakure’s gate, where Tamura Hiroshi claimed to represent the Senju Clan and requested help for his poisoned companions.
• Uchiha Hikari carried the feigning-weak Uzumaki Kushina to the hospital’s top floor, where they found a group arguing in the corridor.

Uchiha Hikari and Uzumaki Kushina rescued a young Uzumaki prisoner from Kusagakure while Tamura Hiroshi used a false alliance proposal to destroy Kusagakure’s leadership and enable a Kumo assault. The chapter ended with Tamura Hiroshi and three Senju ANBU attacking Kusagakure’s hospital.

• Uchiha Hikari and Uzumaki Kushina killed the guards and villagers who were demanding access to the imprisoned Uzumaki girl, then Kushina found and comforted her beneath a bed.
• Uchiha Hikari slaughtered the researchers in the laboratories as Tamura Hiroshi entered Kusagakure’s conference room and met its leader and three Senju ANBU.
• Tamura Hiroshi claimed to represent the Senju Clan and offered Kusagakure a sealing technique for a Tailed Beast in exchange for support in the Hokage succession.
• After Kusagakure’s officials examined the scroll, Tamura Hiroshi detonated tens of thousands of explosive tags, destroying the conference room and killing the village leadership.
• Yozuki A led Kumo’s attack on the disorganized Kusagakure, while Tamura Hiroshi emerged from the protective iron sphere and headed to the hospital with three ANBU.
• Tamura Hiroshi and the three ANBU entered the hospital and began killing the ninja inside.

Tamura Hiroshi rescued Uzumaki Kousou from Kusagakure and soothed her damaged body and mind as Kumogakure’s forces looted and burned the village. After Uchiha Hikari uncovered the Grass Flower and Grass Fruit factions, Yozuki A ordered the troops home with Kousou and their spoils.

• Tamura Hiroshi used the Little Ten-Tails's Yachihoko Dōjutsu, his chakra, and life force to stabilize Uzumaki Kousou, then carried her to the hospital rooftop.
• Tamura Hiroshi comforted Kousou and learned her name, while Uzumaki Kushina resented how closely Kousou clung to him.
• Uzumaki Tamayou explained that Tamura Hiroshi had proposed the operation, and Yozuki A arrived with captured Kusagakure leaders and their offspring.
• Uchiha Hikari interrogated captives with genjutsu and discovered the Grass Flower and Grass Fruit factions, while Kumo-nin looted Kusagakure and destroyed evidence of their attack.
• Yozuki A ordered the troops to finish their preparations and return home as Kusagakure burned.

Konoha’s reinforcements arrived at Kusagakure after Iwagakure’s Explosion Corps had destroyed the village, and Tsunade confronted the loss of her relatives and the blame Konoha bore. Meanwhile, Tamura Hiroshi traveled to the Land of Iron, tested his swordsmanship against Kusayama Ichiro, and shared his plans for advancing samurai swordsmanship.

• Senju Chōsu and the Konoha force reached Kusagakure at dawn and found it destroyed; Jiraiya and Dan Katō traced the attack to a fast-moving force of at most six hundred, likely Iwagakure’s Explosion Corps.
• Tsunade learned that Clan Uncle Momiji was likely dead after Jiraiya found a charred Konoha forehead protector, and Kusagakure survivors accused Konoha of bringing the war to their land.
• Tamura Hiroshi and his companions split from the fleeing Cloud Ninja Army and traveled to the Land of Iron to buy supplies and seek out Kusayama Ichiro.
• Kusayama Ichiro examined the Kirigakure Ninja Swords and agreed to test Tamura Hiroshi, who fought him with Big Meow Small Meow and learned from his samurai swordsmanship.
• After their duel, Tamura Hiroshi described his vision of a chakra-enhanced swordsmanship system, and Kusayama Ichiro listened with growing interest.

Tamura Hiroshi became Kusayama Ichiro’s disciple in the Land of Iron to study swordsmanship and forging, with the goal of reaching the samurai ideal of Unity of Man and Sword. After beginning his new training, he comforted Uzumaki Kousou after a nightmare and clashed with Uzumaki Kushina, who swore she would defeat him.

• Tamura Hiroshi told Kusayama Ichiro that he had come to study swordsmanship, and Kusayama offered to teach him sword forging as a path toward Unity of Man and Sword.
• Tamura Hiroshi accepted Kusayama Ichiro as his teacher, and Kusayama set forging a supreme-grade treasured blade as the requirement for graduation and a chance to meet Great General Mifune.
• Kusayama Ichiro explained that Sword Zen infused a blade with its wielder’s spiritual will and said only Great General Mifune had reached Unity of Man and Sword.
• Tamura Hiroshi found Uzumaki Kousou suffering a nightmare, calmed her chakra, and reassured her that she was safe with him.
• Uzumaki Kushina confronted Tamura Hiroshi over Kousou, but he bound and spanked her after she challenged him to a duel; Uzumaki Tamayou afterward told Kushina not to use the Rasengan against its creator.

Tamura Hiroshi learned forging, swordsmanship, and Sword Zen from Kusayama Ichiro while the renewed war pushed Konoha toward its limits. Hiruzen Sarutobi forced Shimura Danzō to surrender a girl as the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and Danzō turned to Orochimaru’s experiments and a plan against the Third Kazekage.

• Tamura Hiroshi rapidly learned Kusayama Ichiro’s forging methods and developed a dangerous Quick Draw Slash while studying swordsmanship and Sword Zen.
• Konoha attacked Iwagakure after Kusagakure’s destruction, and Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure opened or intensified fronts against Konoha.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi demanded that Shimura Danzō hand over a Uzumaki girl to become the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and Danzō’s Shadow Clone angrily dispersed after Hiruzen threatened him.
• Shimura Danzō ordered Orochimaru to heal the girl and erase her memories before Konoha collected her, then arranged for Orochimaru to continue his research using a suspected Uzumaki in the Land of Rain.
• Shimura Danzō tasked Orochimaru with helping prepare an attack on the Third Kazekage and inspected an experimental arm combining First Hokage’s cells, Sharingan, and Uzumaki power.

Shimura Danzō assigned Yakushi Nonō to advance transplant surgery research while Orochimaru traveled to the Land of Iron to collect ninja tools. Tamura Hiroshi’s group identified Orochimaru and prepared an ambush, intending to trap and kill him.

• Shimura Danzō told Yakushi Nonō to master transplant surgery and provided for her to receive more medical research materials.
• Orochimaru traveled in disguise to Kusayama Ichiro’s estate and secretly watched Uzumaki Tamayou, Uchiha Hikari, and their companions.
• Uzumaki Tamayou noticed Orochimaru’s white snake and sent a shadow clone to alert Tamura Hiroshi.
• Tamura Hiroshi identified the visitor as Orochimaru and urged Yozuki A and the others to prepare to seize his Kusanagi Sword and suppress him.
• Uzumaki Tamayou agreed to cast the Four Violet Flames Formation, while Tamura Hiroshi ordered the barrier to extend beneath the ground and seal Orochimaru’s escape route.

Tamura Hiroshi and his allies ambushed Orochimaru, severely wounded him, and seized his Kusanagi Swords and hidden stores. After discovering Orochimaru’s Kusanagi clan heritage, Tamura brought the swords to Kusayama Ichiro, who explained that heirloom blades held a kind of life and power beyond ordinary materials.

• Orochimaru was caught in a Four Violet Flames Formation and attacked by Tamura Hiroshi, Uchiha Hikari, Yozuki A, Fukai, Uzumaki Kushina, and Uzumaki Tamayou.
• Uchiha Hikari’s genjutsu helped the group dismember Orochimaru, but he escaped by summoning Manda, who Tamura Hiroshi then subdued and sealed.
• Uchiha Hikari found a human senjutsu method in Manda’s memories, and Tamura Hiroshi summoned Orochimaru’s contracted snakes to recover storage scrolls and other spoils.
• Fukai discovered records identifying Orochimaru as a descendant of the Kusanagi clan and describing the nine Kusanagi Swords and the Sky Blade technique.
• Tamura Hiroshi gave the two Kusanagi Swords to Kusayama Ichiro, who said heirloom swords were alive and possessed powers beyond their materials.

Orochimaru returned to the Frontline badly injured, forcing Shimura Danzō to abandon his plans against the Third Kazekage as the Sand forces advanced. Meanwhile, Tamura Hiroshi forged Cloud Cutter for Yozuki A, earned Kusayama Ichiro’s approval, and graduated as a bladesmith.

• Orochimaru escaped Ryūchi Cave after recovering enough to move, then told Shimura Danzō that Kumogakure had ambushed him and killed Manda, leaving him unable to fight for four months.
• Chiyo and Ebizo arrived early, and the Sand Ninja Army launched a full-scale attack that forced Shimura Danzō to retreat to another defensive line.
• Tamura Hiroshi used Amaterasu and a Rasengan to fuse Ninja Sword materials and forge a Lightning Release naginata he named Cloud Cutter.
• Yozuki A tested Cloud Cutter and found that its Lightning-powered edge cut through the bluestone floor with ease.
• Kusayama Ichiro examined Cloud Cutter, watched Yozuki A wield it, and declared that Tamura Hiroshi could graduate.

Tamura Hiroshi received Kusayama Ichiro’s research on the Kusanagi Swords, then visited General Mifune to learn about Unity of Man and Sword. Their spar revealed the power of Mifune’s swordsmanship and let Tamura test his new Three Sword Flashes technique; Mifune prepared to demonstrate his strongest Iaido attack.

• Kusayama Ichiro gave Tamura Hiroshi his research scroll on the two Kusanagi Swords, and Tamura promised to uncover their mysteries and forge a famous blade.
• Uzumaki Tamayou told Tamura that Konoha’s Chunin Ninja Exams would begin in half a month and that Hiruzen Sarutobi had selected Minato Namikaze to approach the new Uzumaki Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Kuhina.
• Tamura forged Ninja Swords for Fukai and the Third Raikage, including a heavy spear he named the Spear of Hell.
• Kusayama Ichiro brought Tamura to General Mifune, who agreed to guide him in Unity of Man and Sword and sparred with him before the gathered samurai.
• Tamura used Three Sword Flashes to cut apart Mifune’s Sky Splitting Slash, though the impact injured his hands and arms.
• Mifune praised Tamura’s technique and announced that he would demonstrate his strongest attack, an Iaido strike refined after his defeat by Hanzo of the Salamander.

Tamura Hiroshi faced Mifune in a sword exchange, learned about Unity of Man and Sword, and received a scroll of sword techniques. He then traveled with his companions to Sakizaki Ridge, where Uzumaki Kousou contracted with the genjutsu Summoning Beast Chūryōmaru, and the group set off for a port to arrange food for its clan.

• Tamura Hiroshi used Quick Draw Slash against Mifune, but Mifune’s Unity of Man and Sword cut Little Cat in half and gravely injured Tamura Hiroshi.
• Mifune explained Unity of Man and Sword, praised Tamura Hiroshi’s swordsmanship, gave him a scroll of sword techniques, and asked him to cross swords with the Demigod on his behalf.
• Tamura Hiroshi left with Kusayama Ichiro and reunited with his companions, and Uzumaki Tamayou treated his injured arm as they traveled toward Sakizaki Ridge.
• Uzumaki Tamayou sensed powerful chakra at the ridge, where Tamura Hiroshi and Uchiha Hikari saw through a genjutsu disguise and discovered the Giant Lizard Chūryōmaru.
• Tamura Hiroshi offered Chūryōmaru life energy and food, and Uzumaki Kousou signed its Summoning Contract.
• The group headed for a major port to obtain fish for Chūryōmaru’s clan while Tamura Hiroshi studied Mifune’s notes on swordsmanship and Shunpo.

Hiruzen Sarutobi allowed Izumi Shimura to enter the Chunin Ninja Exams, while Tamura Hiroshi and the Kumogakure delegation arrived in Konoha and explored the village. The group met Mito Uzumaki, who reunited with Uzumaki Tamayou and invited her, Kushina, and Kousou to share a meal with Senju Nawaki.

• Izumi Shimura insisted on entering the Chunin Ninja Exams to take revenge on the Cloud Ninja, and Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed despite Hiruzen Biwako's concerns.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi learned that Sunagakure held Shinnosuke as a bargaining chip and considered using the exams to weaken rival ninja forces.
• Tamura Hiroshi and the Kumogakure delegation entered Konoha four days early, and Yozuki A and Fukai inspected Konoha's Entertainment City.
• The delegation found Konoha's Entertainment City expensive and its food unremarkable, while Uchiha Hikari went to investigate a boy wearing a Gunbai emblem.
• Mito Uzumaki recognized Uzumaki Tamayou, greeted Yozuki A and Fukai, and invited Tamayou, Kushina, and Kousou to eat Seafood Rice.
• Senju Nawaki greeted Mito Uzumaki at the restaurant and recognized Uzumaki Tamayou as his aunt.

Mito Uzumaki learned how Kusagakure had abused Uzumaki Kousou after Uzushio fell, while Tsunade tried to question Tamura Hiroshi and the Kumogakure delegation about the Food Entertainment City. Tamura later delivered the Raikage’s alliance proposal to the Uchiha Clan, and Uchiha Retsuyō agreed to sign it.

• Uzumaki Tamayou told Mito Uzumaki that Kusagakure had drained Kousou’s chakra and blood, leaving her mind and body near collapse, and Mito suspected the Senju had known about the girl.
• Mito Uzumaki took Uzumaki Tamayou, Uzumaki Kousou, Uzumaki Kushina, and Senju Nawaki for a walk after they ate together.
• Tsunade took Tamura Hiroshi, Yozuki A, and Fukai to Ichiraku Ramen, where Tamura criticized the food’s ingredients and Yozuki A explained Kumogakure’s role in the Food Entertainment City.
• Tsunade’s companions split up, and Tamura Hiroshi visited Hokage Cliff before wandering into the Uchiha Territory, where Mikoto Uchiha showed him around.
• Tamura Hiroshi presented the Raikage’s alliance treaty to Uchiha Retsuyō and explained Kumogakure’s plan to preserve Uchiha strength against the Hokage Faction.
• Uchiha Retsuyō accepted the mutually beneficial proposal, and Tamura Hiroshi offered him a brush to sign the two treaty scrolls.

Tamura Hiroshi discussed Kumogakure’s alliance and the Uchiha Clan’s political dangers with Uchiha Retsuyō, then provoked Mikoto Uchiha with his blunt predictions and criticism. When Mikoto insisted on cooking dinner for him, Hiroshi tried to leave, but she stopped him.

• Tamura Hiroshi signed the alliance contracts with Uchiha Retsuyō and proposed joint field training for their younger shinobi after the Chunin Ninja Exams.
• Tamura Hiroshi used a shogi-board arrangement to explain how Konoha’s clan territories trapped the Uchiha and predicted the village’s factions would eventually target them.
• Tamura Hiroshi criticized Fugaku Uchiha’s lack of ambition and claimed Mikoto Uchiha would weaken the drive of whoever married her, angering both of them.
• Mikoto Uchiha forced Tamura Hiroshi to drink her unusual tea, and he brushed his teeth and washed his face afterward while she confronted him.
• Uchiha Retsuyō invited Tamura Hiroshi to stay for dinner, but Hiroshi tried to avoid Mikoto’s cooking by recommending Ichiraku Ramen and then claiming he needed to report to Lord A.
• Mikoto Uchiha grabbed Tamura Hiroshi by the shoulder and ordered him to sit down before he could leave.

Tamura Hiroshi shared a meal with the Uchiha and explained Kumogakure’s theories about the Sharingan, while revealing that Hikari was an ancient Uchiha weapon who hated her clan. Uchiha Retsuyō and Fugaku discussed using the war and their temporary cooperation with Kumogakure to secure the Hokage Position, as Hiruzen Sarutobi’s faction watched the Uchiha’s moves and focused on the Senju.

• Mikoto Uchiha served dinner, but Tamura Hiroshi made hot pot instead, and Mikoto’s Sharingan evolved from one tomoe to two after she became angry with him.
• Tamura Hiroshi explained that negative emotions could strengthen the Sharingan while damaging its user, and described cultivating Yin Release Chakra as a safer path.
• Tamura Hiroshi revealed that Hikari was an ancient Uchiha who had survived being sealed, and warned that she hated the Uchiha more than the Senju and Sarutobi.
• Uchiha Retsuyō told Fugaku Uchiha that the clan would use its cooperation with Kumogakure and wartime achievements to pursue the Hokage Position, while eventually weakening Kumogakure.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura discussed the Uchiha’s contact with Kumogakure and chose to focus on crushing the Senju faction.
• The Third Raikage fought at Cloud Thunder Gorge.

The Third Raikage tested the power of his new Spear of Hell while Tamura Hiroshi stayed in the Uchiha residence and became entangled in trouble with Mikoto Uchiha and Nawaki. After defeating Nawaki and taking his green crystal necklace, Tamura was confronted by Izumi Shimura, who ordered him to come to ANBU for questioning.

• The Third Raikage used his Spear of Hell to pierce mountains, replenished his stamina, and ordered Dodai to collect more precious metals for weapons.
• Mikoto Uchiha sneaked into Tamura Hiroshi's room to draw on his face, but he paralyzed her, took compromising photographs, and coerced her into returning that night.
• Mikoto Uchiha awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan, and Uchiha Retsuyō scolded her for acting hostile toward Tamura Hiroshi.
• Nawaki challenged Tamura Hiroshi to a duel over his treatment of Kushina, but Tamura tricked and beat him before taking his green crystal necklace.
• Izumi Shimura confronted Tamura Hiroshi in an alley and ordered him to accompany her to ANBU for an investigation.

Tamura Hiroshi subdued and blackmailed Izumi Shimura, then discussed Uchiha politics and plans with Yozuki A and Fukai before visiting Sunagakure’s delegation to court Pakura and propose an alliance against Konoha. The chapter ended with Yozuki A urging Rasa to join a coalition of the other villages against the Land of Fire and Konoha.

• Tamura Hiroshi defeated Izumi Shimura, took compromising photographs of her, and threatened to spread them if she challenged him again.
• Tamura Hiroshi gave Uzumaki Kushina two black eyes after accusing her of badmouthing him, then reviewed intelligence about the Uchiha with Yozuki A and Fukai.
• Tamura Hiroshi learned that the Uchiha had five pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan and planned to give the Uchiha protection of his Konoha Food Entertainment City in exchange for a share of its profits.
• Tamura Hiroshi decided to approach Pakura, obtained a sealed spark of Amaterasu from Uzumaki Tamayou, and went with Yozuki A and Fukai to the Sunagakure delegation.
• Tamura Hiroshi recognized Scorpion among the Sunagakure group and secretly restrained Pakura with Chakra Threads while Yozuki A spoke with Rasa.
• Yozuki A told Rasa that Kumogakure faced four Uchiha wielding Mangekyo Sharingan and proposed that Sunagakure join an alliance against Konoha.

Tamura Hiroshi secured a cooperation agreement with the Uchiha and used blackmail to make Mikoto Uchiha share his bed, though he kept his promises and treated her gently. The next day, he trained with Uchiha Retsuyō, discovered two Mangekyō Sharingan inside his abdomen, and left Mikoto unsettled by his contrasting behavior.

• Rasa and Yozuki A tentatively agreed to cooperate, while Tamura Hiroshi waited for Pakura to approach him about his gift.
• Tamura Hiroshi showed Mikoto Uchiha a compromising photo and threatened to reveal copies unless she served as his pillow, then cooked a meal for the Uchiha household.
• Tamura Hiroshi told Uchiha Retsuyō and Fugaku Uchiha that the Uchiha would receive ten percent of the Food Entertainment City's earnings for overseeing its security in Konoha.
• Mikoto Uchiha reluctantly slept beside Tamura Hiroshi, who held her without shocking or undressing her, and she fell asleep from exhaustion.
• Tamura Hiroshi made breakfast, learned high-speed Taijutsu from Uchiha Retsuyō, and discovered two Mangekyō Sharingan inside his abdomen absorbing his chakra.
• Mikoto Uchiha arrived late the next day and questioned Tamura Hiroshi about his gentle behavior, asking which version of him was real.

Tamura Hiroshi sparred with Mikoto Uchiha and Fugaku Uchiha, revealing his resistance to Sharingan genjutsu and formidable close-combat skills. After the match, he suggested Minato Namikaze might be a candidate for the Fourth Hokage and could learn the Flying Thunder God Technique, leaving Fugaku and Uchiha Retsuyō alarmed by the possibility.

• Tamura Hiroshi sparred with Mikoto Uchiha, broke her Shackling Stakes Technique, and quickly subdued her with a lightning-charged strike.
• Fugaku Uchiha challenged Tamura Hiroshi, who used twin swords and relentless attacks to prevent Fugaku from forming hand seals until Fugaku escaped with an Explosive Tag and countered with fire techniques.
• Tamura Hiroshi and Fugaku Uchiha ended the match impressed by each other's strength, and Fugaku compared Tamura to Minato Namikaze.
• Tamura Hiroshi suggested that Hiruzen Sarutobi might be grooming Minato Namikaze for the Fourth Hokage position, prompting Fugaku Uchiha and Uchiha Retsuyō to suspect a political plan.
• Tamura Hiroshi asked whether Minato Namikaze had learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, and Fugaku Uchiha and Uchiha Retsuyō grew concerned about his potential.

Tamura Hiroshi sparred with Fugaku Uchiha, warned Mikoto Uchiha about the Uchiha clan’s precarious future, and traded intelligence with Uchiha Retsuyō in exchange for help locating the Nine-Tails during its transfer. The chapter left the Uchiha shaken by reports of secret experiments with the First Hokage’s cells while Tamura Hiroshi concealed his schemes and his mistreatment of Mikoto.

• Tamura Hiroshi explained the Flying Thunder God Technique, then sparred with Fugaku Uchiha and studied his Uchiha Style Swordsmanship.
• Uchiha Retsuyō and Fugaku Uchiha discussed Minato Namikaze and Tamura Hiroshi as future threats, while Tamura Hiroshi warned Mikoto Uchiha that the Uchiha clan might not survive another twenty years.
• Tamura Hiroshi asked the Uchiha to provide the Nine-Tails’ transfer coordinates so Kumogakure could obtain some of its flesh, and Uchiha Retsuyō agreed to consider the exchange.
• Uchiha Retsuyō and Fugaku Uchiha read Tamura Hiroshi’s intelligence about experiments with the First Hokage’s cells and the Sharingan’s ability to suppress them.
• Tamura Hiroshi secretly shocked Mikoto Uchiha’s ankles under the table while explaining the intelligence, and Fugaku Uchiha noticed her trembling only after the discussion ended.

Uchiha Retsuyō and Uchiha Fugaku left Konoha to seek Hashirama Senju’s research, while Tamura Hiroshi learned that the Little Ten-Tails had gained Wood Release and planned with Black Zetsu to strengthen it and pursue Kaguya’s return. The chapter ended with Tamura and Black Zetsu discussing potential sacrifices and targets, including Nagato Uzumaki, Orochimaru, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Uchiha Obito.

• Uchiha Retsuyō revealed his sealed original eyes to Uchiha Fugaku, had them transplanted back, and said he planned to seize research on Hashirama Senju’s power.
• Uchiha Retsuyō and Uchiha Fugaku secretly left Konoha to search for Shimura Danzō’s experimental base as Shimura Danzō and Orochimaru were away from the frontline.
• Tamura Hiroshi sensed that the Little Ten-Tails had awakened Hashirama Senju’s Wood Release, though he could not use it through his own body.
• Black Zetsu explained that the Little Ten-Tails needed more power and nine tomoe before they could seek Kaguya’s Initial Sphere Space, and Tamura Hiroshi discussed obtaining Uchiha Retsuyō’s Mangekyō and Hashirama Senju’s corpse.
• Tamura Hiroshi and Black Zetsu discussed exploiting Nagato Uzumaki, Orochimaru, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Uchiha Obito as future tools or sacrifices.

Tamura Hiroshi visited the Hatake home to seek Sakumo’s swordsmanship guidance, gave young Kakashi a sword, and agreed to be tested by Sakumo. Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi and his students discussed Hiroshi’s role as a possible future Kumogakure strategist and the threat he posed.

• Black Zetsu chose Nawaki, Tsunade, and Senju Chōsu as potential pawns and gave Tamura Hiroshi a scroll of stolen village techniques.
• Tamura Hiroshi planned to exploit the Uchiha, then gave Pakura an Amaterasu flame and persuaded her it was a gift meant to strengthen her Scorch Release.
• Tamura Hiroshi visited the Hatake home, presented Kakashi with the sword Chidori, and asked Sakumo for swordsmanship guidance.
• Hatake Sakumo agreed to test Tamura Hiroshi after learning Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted him assessed.
• Tamura Hiroshi detected Hiruzen Sarutobi watching through the Telescope Technique and mocked him for spying on the women’s bathhouse.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi told Tsunade and Jiraiya that Tamura Hiroshi had exposed a spy and saved Kumogakure ten billion ryo, and they considered him a likely future Raikage’s Assistant.

Tamura Hiroshi tested his swordsmanship against Hatake Sakumo, then sparred with Tsunade while studying her techniques. Hiruzen Sarutobi learned more about Tamura’s potential and ordered Sakumo to the Sand Ninja Frontline, while secretly planning to draw Kumogakure into the war and weaken the Uchiha.

• Tamura warned Hatake Sakumo that his strength and Hokage’s half-cloak could make him a target, then discussed swordsmanship with him.
• Hatake Sakumo tested Tamura at a training ground; Tamura endured his attacks before conceding, and Sakumo predicted he would eventually surpass him.
• Tsunade challenged Tamura to a spar, and he dodged her punches while studying the chakra flow behind her Super Strength Technique.
• Hatake Sakumo told Hiruzen Sarutobi that Tamura could reach Unity of Man and Sword, and Hiruzen ordered Sakumo to assist Orochimaru and Shimura Danzō at the Sand Ninja Frontline.
• Hiruzen secretly planned to provoke Kumogakure into war and weaken the Uchiha, then shifted his viewing technique to watch Jiraiya and a blond boy.

Tamura Hiroshi turned Jiraiya’s peeping into a challenge and ran a paid bathing and massage service in the women’s bathhouse, impressing the customers and Tsunade with his techniques. Tsunade joined the bath, leaving Tamura ready to serve her and ask about medical matters.

• Tamura Hiroshi found Jiraiya peeping at the women’s baths and challenged him to enter openly and touch the women in exchange for Jiraiya’s hair-control ninjutsu.
• Tamura Hiroshi prepared a steam bath and massage service, then persuaded the women to try his packages.
• Tamura Hiroshi massaged several customers while Jiraiya watched from outside, and he helped a new mother regain her ability to produce milk.
• Jiraiya fled when Tsunade approached, and Tsunade entered the bathhouse to find Tamura working.
• After hearing about Tamura’s services and seeing his success, Tsunade ordered the most expensive package and went to soak in the pool.

Tamura Hiroshi consulted Tsunade about his oxygen-based body-activation technique, traded secret techniques with Jiraiya, and returned to the Uchiha residence before the Chunin Ninja Exams. At the written test, he spotted several notable Konoha examinees and grew wary of Orochimaru’s possible plans and Might Duy’s presence.

• Tamura Hiroshi massaged Tsunade and asked for help developing the Seven Heavens Breathing Method, and she warned him that techniques pushing the body beyond its limits could be dangerous.
• Tamura Hiroshi traded his notes on massage techniques to Jiraiya for the Frog Transformation Technique after receiving Jiraiya’s hair secret technique.
• Tamura Hiroshi cooked with Uchiha Mikoto, discussed his defeat by Hatake Sakumo, and slept before the exams began.
• Fukai and Yozuki A explained that Tamura Hiroshi and Uchiha Hikari would compete as single-person teams and that Kumogakure planned to target Konoha examinees with support from other villages.
• Tamura Hiroshi warned Uchiha Hikari about Orochimaru, and Uzumaki Tamayou gave sealing scrolls of Explosive Tags to Hikari, Uzumaki Kushina, and Uzumaki Kousou.
• At the written examination, Tamura Hiroshi recognized a blond girl, Minato Namikaze, and Might Duy, and suspected that Danzo had returned to Konoha and that Duy’s presence might be deliberate.