Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tsukano meets Lord Kazekage, Rasa, and is tasked with writing a report on the Grain Transport Corps.
• Tsukano returns to Sunagakure, finds his residence lacking, and decides to buy a new home.
• His report is reviewed by a Sunagakure ninja, who misinterprets it as an attempt to incite infighting and have him interrogated.
• The ninja reviewing the report sees an opportunity to profit from Tsukano's situation.

Character Developments

• Tsukano: He is eager to prove his loyalty to the village and the Kazekage. He writes a detailed report about the Grain Transport Corps, but his intentions are misunderstood, leading to his interrogation.
• Lord Kazekage, Rasa: He is portrayed as a stern and authoritative figure who is too busy to personally review Tsukano's report. He seems to have a pragmatic view of loyalty, valuing it only when it can be demonstrated effectively.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: The theme of loyalty is explored through Tsukano's actions and the village's reaction to his report. It's shown that loyalty is valued when it's demonstrated effectively and doesn't disrupt the political balance.
• Political Hypocrisy: The political atmosphere in Sunagakure is depicted as complex and hypocritical. Factions have their own interests, and the Kazekage must navigate these complexities.

Character Interactions

• Tsukano and Lord Kazekage, Rasa: Their interaction is brief but significant. Tsukano is eager to impress the Kazekage, while Rasa seems to keep Tsukano at arm's length, delegating the report review to others.
• Tsukano and the Sunagakure ninja reviewing his report: Their interaction is adversarial. The ninja misinterprets Tsukano's report and has him interrogated, showing a lack of trust and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rasa returns home to find Temari watching a new, imported television from the Land of Fire.
• Sunagakure's improved finances have led to increased imports, primarily through the Sunagakure Food Transport Team's routes in River Country.
• Rasa reflects on the village's past financial struggles and his role in supporting it.

Character Developments

• Rasa: He's less stern and more approachable than before, showing signs of personal growth. He's also more open to accepting gifts and luxuries, understanding the need to project a certain image as Kazekage.
• Temari: She's more sensible and less afraid of her father, feeling a new closeness with him as they watch television together.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and prosperity: The influx of imports and improved finances have led to increased spending and a higher standard of living in Sunagakure.
• Change and growth: Both Rasa and Temari exhibit personal growth, with Rasa becoming more open to luxuries and Temari feeling more comfortable around her father.
• Comparison of societies: Rasa watches a television drama from the Land of Fire, highlighting the stark contrast between Konoha's prosperity and Sunagakure's past struggles.

Character Interactions

• Rasa and Temari: Their interaction is more relaxed and affectionate than in the past. They watch television together, with Rasa showing understanding and acceptance of Temari's interests.
• Rasa and his subordinates: Though not directly shown, Rasa's subordinates are implied to be more at ease around him, as they gift him luxuries and encourage him to accept them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rasa, the Kazekage, considers implementing a Security Zone in Sunagakure, inspired by Konoha's success.
• Sunagakure's ban on the Security Officer TV drama is ineffective, with residents discussing and admiring the Security Zone.
• Rasa consults with Elder Chiyo, who advises studying Konoha's Security Zone before acting.
• They decide to send capable young shinobi to infiltrate and learn from the Security Zone, waiting for the right opportunity to act.

Character Developments

• Rasa shows growth in patience and strategic thinking, considering the village's future and learning from Konoha.
• Elder Chiyo demonstrates wisdom and political acumen, guiding Rasa and prioritizing Sunagakure's interests.

Significant Themes

• Imitation and adaptation: Sunagakure's response to Konoha's Security Zone highlights the theme of learning from and adapting to successful strategies.
• Patience and timing: Both Rasa and Chiyo emphasize the importance of waiting for the right moment to act, rather than rushing in.

Character Interactions

• Rasa and Chiyo discuss the potential implementation of a Security Zone, with Chiyo providing guidance and support.
• Rasa considers the future of Sunagakure, weighing the potential benefits and risks of following Konoha's lead.
• Rasa and Chiyo work together to plan the infiltration of Sunagakure shinobi into the Security Zone, showcasing their collaborative relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ishida loses a game to Ren and expresses interest in learning puppet techniques.
• Ren advises Ishida to train his fingers instead of learning puppet techniques for gaming.
• Ren gives Ishida a finger-training prescription.
• Ishida plans to repay Ren with a copy of the Konoha Forbidden Book Catalog but finds Ren gone.
• Ren meets his superior, Sasori, who tasks him with infiltrating Konoha's Security Zone.
• Ishida is questioned by the special service division about Ren's disappearance.

Character Developments

• Ishida Keiichi: Shows enthusiasm for learning new skills (puppet techniques) to improve his gaming abilities. He is also willing to repay Ren's kindness and is confused by Ren's actions.
• Ren (Muroya Ren): Proves to be a skilled ninja with nimble fingers. He is knowledgeable about finger training and willing to help Ishida. It's revealed that he is a spy for Sasori, showing loyalty to his superior despite the difficult tasks given.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Personal Ambitions: Ren's loyalty to Sasori conflicts with his personal goals and friendship with Ishida.
• Skill Development vs. Shortcuts: Ren advises Ishida to train his fingers instead of learning puppet techniques, emphasizing the importance of hard work over shortcuts.

Character Interactions

• Ishida and Ren: Their interaction shows Ren's willingness to help Ishida, while Ishida is eager to learn from Ren and repay his kindness.
• Ren and Sasori: Their interaction reveals Ren's loyalty to Sasori and the difficult tasks Sasori assigns to Ren.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren returns to Sunagakure and is summoned by the Kazekage, Lord Rasa.
• Rasa asks Ren to write a report about his time in the grain transport team.
• Ren is interrogated by a reviewing ninja about his experiences in the grain transport team.
• The reviewing ninja searches Ren's home and diary for sensitive information but finds none.

Character Developments

• Ren demonstrates maturity, respect, and loyalty to Sunagakure, showing no signs of emotional instability.
• Ren's unwavering dedication to the village and his positive experiences in the grain transport team are highlighted.
• The reviewing ninja becomes increasingly frustrated with Ren's "correct" answers and lack of incriminating information.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and dedication to one's village and its mission.
• The contrast between Ren's positive experiences and the reviewing ninja's suspicions.
• The struggle between finding evidence to support accusations and the reality of Ren's innocence.

Character Interactions

• Ren interacts respectfully and honestly with Lord Rasa, demonstrating his loyalty and maturity.
• Ren's interactions with the reviewing ninja highlight the latter's frustration with Ren's "correct" answers and lack of incriminating information.
• The reviewing ninja's interactions with his colleagues reveal their attempts to find sensitive information to use against Ren.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Muroga Ren returns to Sunagakure and is immediately suspected due to his involvement with the Food Transport Team.
• The investigating ninjas try to frame Muroga by accusing him of possessing a restricted book, but he is protected by a village faction he had previously bribed.
• Muroga is summoned by Kazekage Rasa, who is impressed by his detailed report on the Food Transport Team's operations in the River Country.
• Rasa assigns Muroga to undergo a loyalty examination, which he passes. Rasa then tasks Muroga with studying Konoha's Security System as a Security Officer in the Land of Fire.

Character Developments

• Muroga Ren demonstrates his loyalty, resourcefulness, and caution, proving that he is not greedy and is willing to give up his assets to protect himself and pursue advancement.
• Kazekage Rasa shows appreciation for Muroga's detailed report and recognizes his potential, deciding to assign him to an important mission.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: Muroga's unwavering loyalty to the village is tested and ultimately proven.
• Ambition: Muroga seeks advancement and is willing to give up his assets to pursue it.
• Greed vs. Selflessness: Muroga's actions contrast with the investigating ninjas' greed and willingness to frame him.

Character Interactions

• Muroga Ren interacts with the investigating ninjas, who try to frame him, and ultimately with Kazekage Rasa, who is impressed by his report and assigns him a mission.
• Muroga's interactions with the village faction he had previously bribed show his resourcefulness and ability to protect himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Muroga Ren (disguised as He Gu Ren) learns about the Joint Tea Products project between the Land of Tea and the Land of Fire, facilitated by Konoha's Wood Release tea strains.
• He observes a tea transport ship carrying tea from the Land of Tea with a Land of Fire label.
• He discovers that the Land of Fire's market prospects are attracting merchants from across the ninja world.

Character Developments

• Muroga Ren: He demonstrates curiosity and analytical thinking, understanding the implications of Konoha's Security Plan on the ninja world's markets.
• The Passenger (unnamed): He provides Muroga Ren with information about the Joint Tea Products project and the Land of Fire's market.

Significant Themes

• The impact of Konoha's Security Plan on the ninja world's markets and commerce.
• The importance of a broad consumer market for bulk commodities like tea.
• The potential for change in the ninja world, with the Five Great Nations vying for future prospects.

Character Interactions

• Muroga Ren interacts with an unnamed passenger on the ship, who shares insights about the Joint Tea Products project.
• Muroga Ren meets Cai Chuan, a Sunagakure spy posing as his cousin, upon arriving in the Land of Fire. They discuss the city's development and Konoha's Security Zones.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces Binliu, a city in the Land of Fire, strategically located at the mouth of a major river that connects to several prosperous inland wetlands and other countries.
• He Gu, a character from the River Country, arrives in Binliu and contemplates the city's potential as a transit hub for maritime trade routes.
• He Gu notes the inconvenience of the Tea Peninsula, which requires a long detour for ships to pass through, hindering direct trade with the Land of Water and the Land of Lightning.

Character Developments

• He Gu is introduced as a strategic thinker with knowledge of various countries' geographical layouts and trade routes.
• Cai Chuan, a local in Binliu, is shown to be helpful and generous, offering He Gu a place to stay and covering his rent for the first two months.

Significant Themes

• The importance of geographical location and trade routes in shaping political and economic power.
• The strategic value of Binliu as a potential hub for international trade.
• The inconvenience and potential solutions to the Tea Peninsula's geographical layout.

Character Interactions

• He Gu and Cai Chuan interact briefly, with Cai Chuan showing kindness and hospitality towards He Gu.
• Cai Chuan later meets with his neighbor, who is implied to be an accomplice in some secret activity. They discuss He Gu and their plans for him.
• Orochimaru, the Hokage of Konoha, receives intelligence reports about the dispatch of young spies from various countries, including the Land of Wind. He chooses not to intervene, understanding the strategic reasons behind these actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru reviews the workload for connecting the Fire Tea Gorge.
• The Hokage and Orochimaru discuss the importance of connecting the Fire Tea Gorge for global maritime trade and Konoha's influence.
• They plan to hire Earth Style ninja from Iwagakure and cultivate more engineering ninja talent.
• They also plan to involve merchants from the Land of Fire to support the project.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru shows strategic thinking and determination in leading Konoha's development.
• The Byakugan ninja demonstrates loyalty and dedication to Orochimaru and Konoha.

Significant Themes

• The importance of infrastructure development for global trade and a village's influence.
• The use of strategic partnerships (with merchants and other villages) for mutual benefit.
• The cultivation and utilization of talent for a village's prosperity.

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and the Third Hokage discuss the project's importance and next steps.
• Orochimaru interacts with a Byakugan ninja, showing understanding and respect for his dedication.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Joint Security Company, a front for Konoha, offers Iwagakure a mission to dig a canal through the Fire Tea Gorge.
• Tsuchikage Ōnoki initially refuses, not wanting Iwagakure to aid Konoha's growth.
• Despite his refusal, Ōnoki later agrees to send a few ninja to participate, aiming to slow Konoha's progress.

Character Developments

• Ōnoki: Starts off amused and angry at Konoha's proposal, later agrees to participate while aiming to hinder Konoha's progress.
• Kameda Yukio: Remains polite and persistent despite Ōnoki's initial refusal, ultimately securing Iwagakure's participation.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between villages (Konoha vs Iwagakure).
• The impact of global trade on village politics and economics.
• The struggle to keep up with the times and maintain balance among the Five Great Nations.

Character Interactions

• Ōnoki and Kameda Yukio: Their conversation highlights the power dynamics and mutual respect between Konoha and Iwagakure, with Ōnoki's initial refusal and later agreement showing his strategic thinking.
• Ōnoki and himself: Ōnoki's internal monologue reveals his worry about Iwagakure's pace of development compared to Konoha's, leading to his decision to participate in the mission while aiming to hinder Konoha.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Konohagakure's plan to open the Fire-Tea Canal creates global excitement and anticipation.
• Kakashi Hatake receives a transfer order to work on the Fire-Tea Canal project due to his proficiency in Earth Style and Engineering Ninjutsu.
• Kakashi is given a day to prepare before departing for the Fire Tea Gorge.

Character Developments

• Kakashi Hatake has improved his physical condition, Chakra control, and proficiency in Engineering Ninjutsu, earning him the title of Jonin.
• Keisuke Uchiha, Kakashi's roommate, is shown to be lazy and prioritizes gaming over his health, requiring medicinal support.

Significant Themes

• The importance of infrastructure development (Fire-Tea Canal) for economic growth and global interconnectivity.
• The value of hard work and dedication (Kakashi's improvements in skills and physique).
• The consequences of neglecting one's health (Keisuke's reliance on medicine due to his gaming habits).

Character Interactions

• Kakashi and the ninja delivering the transfer order discuss the mission's details and timeline.
• Kakashi and Keisuke interact over Keisuke's gaming habits and the need to take medicine for his health.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi and Keisuke Uchiha discuss their daily routines and the lack of excitement in their lives.
• They witness a lively street dance battle led by Takuma Uchiha, Keisuke's brother.
• Kakashi visits Lord Third before leaving on a work trip.

Character Developments

• Keisuke Uchiha: Struggles with the monotony of his daily life and is infatuated with a girl named Kiyomi.
• Kakashi: Has become more grounded and mature through his work on construction projects.

Significant Themes

• The changing nature of ninja life as they become more integrated into society.
• The pursuit of excitement and individuality among Konoha's youth.
• The passage of time and the changes it brings.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi and Keisuke Uchiha: Kakashi acts as a mentor figure to Keisuke, acknowledging his enthusiasm but also providing a steadying influence.
• Kakashi and Lord Third: Kakashi visits Lord Third to show respect and receive his blessing before leaving on a work trip. Their interaction highlights the bond between them and Lord Third's recognition of Kakashi's growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi seeks guidance from Lord Third after his training, having encountered many doubts and problems.
• Kakashi demonstrates his advanced ninjutsu, Insignia-less Raikiri (Chidori without hand seals), which combines Internal Family Boxing and ninjutsu.
• Lord Third showcases his mastery of ninjutsu by effortlessly countering Kakashi's Chidori and using seal-less ninjutsu.
• Kakashi realizes the vast gap between his and Lord Third's proficiency in ninjutsu.

Character Developments

• Kakashi has grown significantly in strength and control over his ninjutsu, becoming an "extraordinary existence" among jonin.
• Kakashi has learned to combine Internal Family Boxing with ninjutsu, improving his Chidori technique.
• Lord Third is revealed to be an incredibly powerful ninja, embodying the essence of ninjutsu.

Significant Themes

• The importance of guidance and instruction in personal growth.
• The balance between power and control in ninjutsu.
• The vast potential of Kakashi's talent, given proper guidance.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi seeks Lord Third's guidance, showing respect and humility.
• Lord Third praises Kakashi's progress but also highlights the gap between their skills.
• Kakashi reflects on his past and acknowledges his growth, then experiences pain in his Sharingan eye.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi learns that his past restlessness and trance-like state were likely due to the Sharingan in his left eye socket, which solidifies negative emotions.
• The Third Shinobi War's aftermath led to the establishment of a psychiatric research center to study shinobi with postwar traumatic stress reactions, including Uchiha clan members.
• Research reveals that the Sharingan exacerbates negative emotions and memories, making Uchiha clan members more prone to paranoia and stress reactions.
• Removing the Sharingan helps but doesn't eliminate the issue, as neural changes are inherited by ordinary Uchiha clan members as well.

Character Developments

• Kakashi understands the impact of the Sharingan on his mental state and decides to keep it, viewing it as a trial to overcome.
• The Lord Third praises Kakashi's resolve and encourages him to maintain his spirit.

Significant Themes

• The impact of trauma and negative emotions on mental health.
• The importance of spirit, resolve, and perseverance in personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
• The consequences of inherited traits and the struggle to overcome them.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi interacts with the Lord Third, who provides him with insights about his mental state and encourages him to maintain his spirit.
• Kakashi thinks about Keisuke Uchiha, an Uchiha clan member who struggles with letting go of sorrowful events, and compares his situation to his own.
• Kakashi also thinks about Kai, another Internal Family Boxing practitioner, and wonders about his progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sandaime explains the positive cycle of cultivating essence, energy, and spirit using Internal Family Boxing and Chakra.
• He marvels at Chakra's perfection and the world's special rule allowing Chakra's creation.
• Sandaime shares his thoughts on the ninja world's history of conflict and the potential existence of a fate driving it to endless slaughter.
• He teaches Kakashi a new ninjutsu, Earth Listener Earth Walker Technique, which combines sensory perception and high-speed movement.

Character Developments

• Sandaime reflects on his creation of Internal Family Boxing and its impact on the ninja world.
• Kakashi considers the implications of using Insignia-less ninjutsu with both hands and feet.
• Both characters display determination to face future challenges and improve their strength.

Significant Themes

• The nature of Chakra and its role in cultivation.
• The impact of conflict and violence on the ninja world's development.
• The potential existence of fate and its influence on the world.
• The pursuit of strength and self-improvement.

Character Interactions

• Sandaime and Kakashi engage in a mentorship discussion, with Sandaime sharing his insights and Kakashi learning from him.
• Kakashi shows respect and dedication to Konoha, mirroring Sandaime's own commitment.
• Sandaime expresses his belief in Kakashi's potential and encourages him to become stronger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi learns a new jutsu, Earth Listener Earth Walker, from Lord Third.
• The jutsu combines sensory abilities, movement, and power amplification.
• Kakashi understands the jutsu's potential to create a powerful combat system.
• Lord Third explains the jutsu's complexity and requirements for mastery.
• Kakashi receives a booklet containing Lord Third's thoughts and experiences with the jutsu.
• Kakashi decides to rest and prepare for his duties at the Canal Development General Headquarters the next day.

Character Developments

• Kakashi shows eagerness and determination to learn and master the new jutsu.
• Kakashi reflects on the purpose of mastering powerful jutsu, deciding to use it to protect peace and the people of Konoha.
• Lord Third demonstrates patience and thoroughness in explaining the jutsu to Kakashi.

Significant Themes

• The power of jutsu and the responsibility that comes with it.
• The importance of understanding and mastering complex skills.
• The protection of peace and the people.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi interacts with Lord Third, learning from him and showing respect and determination.
• Kakashi observes the peaceful daily life of Konoha's citizens, reflecting on his role as a ninja.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi and other Konoha ninja skilled in Earth Style gather at a riverbank to board a ship for transfer to Fire Tea Gorge.
• The ship's manager attends to the ninja's needs, ensuring they have breakfast and comfortable accommodations.
• The ninja discuss Engineering Ninjutsu and its applications in construction and industry.
• Kakashi observes the bustling river traffic, reflecting on the economic prosperity it signifies.
• Merchants discuss the impending opening of the Fire Tea Gorge Canal and its potential to create a Circum-Fire Country Water Transport Economic Belt, with Konoha at its core.

Character Developments

• Kakashi demonstrates introspection and understanding of the political and economic implications of the canal's opening.
• The merchants show strategic thinking and awareness of the potential risks and benefits of the new trade route.

Significant Themes

• The impact of infrastructure development on economic prosperity and geopolitics.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in business and politics.
• The role of ninja in construction and industry, beyond combat.

Character Interactions

• Kakashi interacts with his fellow ninja, observing their attitudes towards their transfer and their discussions about Engineering Ninjutsu.
• The merchants engage in candid discussions about the potential benefits and risks of the new trade route, acknowledging their dependence on Konoha's favor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The announcement of the Fire Tea Gorge project draws overwhelming interest and investment from merchants and entrepreneurs across the ninja world.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, initially skeptical, seek explanation from Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Hiruzen explains the strategic importance of the project, likening it to a crucial checkpoint that ensures stability and income for Konoha.
• Orochimaru, now Hokage, realizes the benefits of leading Konoha's research and development system, acknowledging that his teacher's decision to hand over the position was wise.

Character Developments

• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura: They acknowledge their age and the need to adapt to new situations, accepting their role in guiding and advising the younger generation.
• Orochimaru: He understands the importance of cooperation and rules in research and production, appreciating the vast foundation and resources that Konoha provides. He feels grateful to his teacher for making him Hokage.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic thinking and foresight in leadership (Hiruzen's explanation of the project's significance).
• The value of experience and wisdom in guiding the younger generation (Hiruzen's role as a mentor to Orochimaru).
• The benefits of cooperation and resource sharing in research and development (Orochimaru's realization of the advantages of leading Konoha's research system).

Character Interactions

• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura interact with Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeking his wisdom and guidance.
• Orochimaru reflects on his teacher's decision to make him Hokage, appreciating the wisdom behind it.
• Merchants and entrepreneurs interact with Konoha, showing their eagerness to invest in the Fire Tea Gorge project, highlighting Konoha's influence and importance in the ninja world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru receives a notification from his Shadow Clone leading the Science Squad.
• He heads to the Science Squad's base, deep underground, where a significant project is nearing completion.
• Orochimaru arrives at the underground facility and sees seven Curse Bodies, each corresponding to a nature transformation (Yin, Yang, Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Lightning).
• He initiates the "Curse Transfer Body" technique, causing intense Chakra reactions on each platform and beginning the creation of seven physical forms.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru shows anticipation and satisfaction with the progress of the Science Squad's project.
• Kabuto, Orochimaru's disciple, is seen assisting in the project and expressing admiration for Orochimaru's ambition.
• Orochimaru expresses his desire to master every ninjutsu and looks forward to Kabuto's future achievements.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and desire for power (Orochimaru's goal to master every ninjutsu).
• The potential consequences of scientific advancement and powerful techniques (the creation of seven powerful entities).
• The relationship between mentor and disciple (Orochimaru and Kabuto).

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru interacts with Kabuto, expressing confidence in his disciple's abilities and looking forward to their future together.
• Orochimaru interacts with the researchers at the Science Squad, showing familiarity with the project's progress and giving instructions.
• Orochimaru's Shadow Clone is mentioned, highlighting his use of Shadow Clones for tasks and his connection to the Science Squad's project.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru creates seven clones, each representing a major attribute (Yin, Yang, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Lightning), using his "Curse Transfer Body" technique.
• The Fire clone is designated to act as the Hokage, while the others assist in research.
• Orochimaru enters a state of slumber to extend his life and learn more ninjutsu through the clones.
• The clones examine each other and collect samples, including those from the Eight-Tails, for research.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru: Shows his ambition to master all ninjutsu and stand alongside the legendary Sage of Six Paths.
• Kabuto: Demonstrates loyalty and dedication to Orochimaru's teacher, expressing his desire to learn more.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and pursuit of power (Orochimaru's desire to master all ninjutsu and surpass the Sage of Six Paths).
• The importance of research and knowledge (Orochimaru's use of clones to learn more ninjutsu and Kabuto's eagerness to learn).
• The consequences of experimentation (the creation of the Curse Transfer Body clones and the Eight-Tails samples).

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and his clones: They communicate mentally, and the clones follow Orochimaru's orders.
• Orochimaru and Kabuto: Kabuto shows respect and admiration for Orochimaru, while Orochimaru treats Kabuto as an apprentice researcher.
• The clones among themselves: They discuss their research and examine each other for data collection.