Chapter Summaries

Plot points and events

• After Liao Wu’s enormous Tailed Beast Ball, Tobirama uses Flying Thunder God to rescue Danzo and the Third Hokage.
• The three reflect on their shared past and argue over whether the village’s treatment of the Uchiha helped drive Liao Wu into rebellion. Tobirama views Danzo as a necessary shadow operative and the Third Hokage as compassionate but indecisive.
• Might Duy confronts Liao Wu, but Liao Wu’s uncontrolled Sage Transformation makes him increasingly monstrous. He kills Duy before Duy can open the Gate of Death.
• Tobirama, Danzo, and the Third Hokage attack together, but Liao Wu’s extraordinary speed and reflexes let him evade their techniques.
• Tobirama uses the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique to attack from within the darkness. Liao Wu counters with Time Stop and seals Tobirama using the Shukaku Seal, then kicks him away.
• Liao Wu turns on Danzo. The Third Hokage prepares the Reaper Death Seal, but Danzo throws him clear, insisting he reserve it for Madara. The chapter ends with Danzo facing Liao Wu alone.

Character developments and interactions

• The Third Hokage shows affection for Tobirama and nostalgia for their missions, but remains defensive about his cautious approach to the Uchiha.
• Danzo is blunt and pragmatic, arguing that Liao Wu’s current threat demands decisive action. Despite their clashes, he protects the Third Hokage from using a potentially costly technique.
• Tobirama recognizes the strengths and flaws of both former students, but is outmatched and sealed after attempting a close-range attack.
• Liao Wu is powerful but losing control: Sage Mode preserves his clarity, while Sage Transformation gradually strips away his humanity.
• Might Duy acts on Tobirama’s warning and confronts Liao Wu, but is killed before he can unleash his ultimate power.

Significant themes

• Decisiveness versus hesitation: the debate over the Uchiha foreshadows the danger of delaying action, though the cost of harsh choices remains uncertain.
• Power and loss of humanity: Liao Wu’s transformation increases his strength while pushing him toward mindless violence.
• Old bonds amid conflict: Tobirama and his former students briefly reconnect even as they prepare to fight a common enemy.
• Sacrifice and responsibility: Danzo risks himself and protects the Third Hokage, while insisting the Reaper Death Seal be saved for the greater threat.

Plot points and events

• After Danzo throws the Third Hokage aside, Liao Wu attacks and crushes Danzo’s heart. Danzo has already spent his remaining Sharingan’s Izanagi to escape the White Scaled Serpent, leaving him with no way to survive.
• As he dies, Danzo reveals he had prepared the Reverse Four Symbols Seal, a forbidden technique that draws everything within several hundred meters into the caster’s corpse. He activates it to take Liao Wu with him.
• Liao Wu recognizes the trap but remains calm. His extraordinary reaction speed lets him hurl Danzo into the sky before the seal can engulf him; the technique erupts there and seals only the air.
• Danzo accepts his failure as the Third Hokage rushes toward him. He dies reflecting on their shared past and their opposing roles in protecting the village.

Character developments and interactions

• Danzo dies with resolve rather than panic. His memories reveal that he once dreamed of becoming Hokage, but ultimately accepted his role as the village’s hidden “Root,” doing what Hiruzen could not. He sees his final sacrifice as a way to protect Hiruzen and Leaf Village.
• Liao Wu shows both pity and confidence: he calls Danzo a relic of the past, then calmly defeats the seal through his superior reflexes.
• Hiruzen and Danzo share a final, emotionally charged moment. Their youthful friendship and common loyalty to the village contrast with the political and temperamental differences that separated them. Danzo tells Hiruzen that he has finally caught up—and gone ahead—after once hesitating to cover Tobirama’s retreat.

Significant themes

• Different paths to protecting the same home: Hiruzen represents the village’s public, sunlit leadership; Danzo sees himself as its necessary darkness.
• The cost of rivalry and duty: The Hokage position and their opposing methods drove old friends apart, even as both remained committed to Leaf Village.
• Fate, failure, and sacrifice: Danzo’s last gamble cannot overcome the gap in power, but his final act expresses his enduring willingness to sacrifice himself for the village.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal on Root members' tongues disappears, indicating Danzo's death.
• True Snake and Red Hannya, two Root Jonin, decide to assassinate Yugito to buy time for the Ninja Alliance.
• The Sage Toads of Mount Myōboku detect the Root Ninjas' movements and report to Sage Shima and Toad Martial Venerable.

Character Developments

• True Snake and Red Hannya are revealed to be Root members, loyal to Danzo and willing to kill Yugito for the greater good.
• Sage Shima and Toad Martial Venerable show concern for the dire situation at the front lines and the potential threat from Madara.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and sacrifice for one's village and comrades.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and using extreme measures (Root's Curse Marks).
• The power dynamics between the Ninja Alliance and Madara Uchiha.

Character Interactions

• True Snake and Red Hannya work together to assassinate Yugito.
• Sage Shima and Toad Martial Venerable discuss the situation and decide how to handle the Root Ninjas' intrusion.
• Sage Shima and Toad Martial Venerable teach Kushina and Yugito Sage Arts, with varying degrees of success due to their Jinchuriki nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sage Shima learns about Jiraiya's death from Danzo.
• Danzo sends Root ninja (True Snake and Red Hannya) to kill Yugito and release the Two-Tails for Madara's Ten-Tails revival.
• Mount Myōboku secretly handles the Root ninja threat without involving Leaf or Cloud villages.
• Yugito receives a potential order from the Fourth Raikage to kill Kushina if the war situation worsens.
• Danzo activates the Reverse Four Symbols Seal and dies, taking the Third Hokage's life as well.

Character Developments

• Sage Shima mourns Jiraiya's death and decides not to tell Kushina.
• Yugito struggles with her loyalty to Cloud Village and her growing affection for Kushina, leading to inner conflict.
• Danzo's extremist actions and eventual sacrifice highlight his dedication to Leaf Village's survival.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of extremism in politics and war (Danzo, Fourth Raikage).
• The burden and inner struggle of Jinchuriki (Yugito).
• The cyclical nature of life and death in the ninja world (Danzo's death, Two-Tails' revival cycle).

Character Interactions

• Sage Shima and Martial Venerable discuss handling the Root ninja threat.
• The Two-Tails and Yugito communicate about her inner conflict and the potential order to kill Kushina.
• The Third Hokage and Minato discuss the dire situation and the need to retreat from Amegakure.
• Tobirama mourns Danzo's death and accepts that Liao Wu and Madara are too powerful for them to defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ryobu, in Sage Mode, explains his actions to the Third Hokage, who initially believes him but later realizes he's under a genjutsu.
• The Third Hokage attempts suicide under the genjutsu's influence but is stopped by Minato.
• Tobirama decides to retreat from the battlefield.
• Ryobu is ordered by Madara to capture the Eight-Tails.
• The battlefield becomes chaotic with both sides engaged in combat.

Character Developments

• The Third Hokage shows signs of stress and mental exhaustion due to recent events.
• Ryobu feels relieved after killing Danzo, but still follows Madara's orders.
• Madara continues to fight against Hashirama, Fugaku, and Shisui.
• The Ninja Alliance and the Hakimi Army begin fighting, with the Hakimi Army using spores to their advantage.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of desecrating the dead and disturbing the peace of the deceased.
• The pressure and stress of leadership and responsibility, as seen through the Third Hokage's actions.
• The manipulation and control of others, as shown by Ryobu's genjutsu and Madara's orders.

Character Interactions

• The Third Hokage and Ryobu discuss Danzo's fate and the implications of Impure World Reincarnation.
• Minato saves the Third Hokage from committing suicide under the influence of Ryobu's genjutsu.
• Tobirama decides on a course of action after realizing the Third Hokage is under a genjutsu.
• Madara orders Ryobu to capture the Eight-Tails.
• The Ninja Alliance and the Hakimi Army engage in battle, with individual matchups occurring between powerful fighters.

Plot points and events

• Cai Lai steals Sasori’s Rasa Puppet and pursues Natsuhiboshi, apparently hoping to claim her for his master. Sasori is left speechless.
• Chiyo confronts Sasori with her ten puppets. Restored to youth, she proves far stronger than expected and pushes him back, even overcoming his Magnet Release.
• Chiyo urges Sasori to abandon Madara’s Moon Eye Plan, warning that it will turn people into White Zetsu. Sasori rejects the warning: he believes White Zetsu’s longevity makes the plan a path to immortality, and chooses to support Madara.
• In Amegakure, Kisame, Mei Terumi, Zabuza, Hozuki Mangetsu, and a Yuki Clan Ice Style user fight the Third Mizukage, who is under Madara’s control. The Ice Style user freezes him, and Ao uses his Byakugan to break the illusion.
• Freed, the Mizukage warns that Madara has planted a Curse Mark that will force him to self-destruct. His body turns its Chakra into superheated steam and explodes. The Ice Style user is caught in the blast while trying to stop it; Mei, Kisame, and the others are injured.
• Hashirama confronts Madara over his disregard for human life. Madara replies that his ideal world has no place for Ninja, then sends the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path against Hashirama.

Character developments

• Chiyo shows renewed strength and confidence, recalling that she was once Hanzō’s fiercest rival. Her concern for Sasori remains, but she cannot persuade him to change sides.
• Sasori reveals that his pursuit of immortality outweighs his loyalty to his grandmother; he embraces Madara’s plan as a way to preserve both body and mind.
• Madara demonstrates ruthless control, using the Mizukage’s forced death to make his opponents’ efforts seem futile.
• Kisame, shaken by the loss, again questions whether the world is real and wonders whether Madara’s illusion might offer greater meaning.

Significant themes and interactions

• Immortality and illusion: Sasori sees the Moon Eye Plan as eternal life, while Kisame’s despair leads him to question reality itself.
• The cruelty of control: The Mizukage’s death is imposed on him even after his comrades free him from Madara’s illusion.
• Conflicting visions of peace: Hashirama condemns Madara’s disregard for life; Madara argues that eliminating conflict means eliminating Ninja.
• Family bonds versus conviction: Chiyo tries to save Sasori through a direct appeal, but his belief in Madara’s promise of eternity overrides their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kisame is confused and seeks answers about Obito and the Mist Village's future.
• The Mist Village is leaderless after the Mizukage's death, with Mangetsu, Mei Terumi, and Zabuza vying for the position.
• The Mist ninja decide to retreat and find Yagura, the Three-Tails Jinchuriki, to protect him from Madara.
• Kisame considers joining Madara to create an Illusion World where no one fights.
• Ryobu threatens Tobirama and the Ninja Alliance, holding Rain Village villagers hostage.
• Asuma takes Itachi hostage to negotiate with Ryobu.

Character Developments

• Kisame struggles with his loyalty to Obito and the Mist Village, considering Madara's offer.
• Mangetsu, Mei Terumi, and Zabuza show ambition and differing views on leading the Mist Village.
• Ryobu demonstrates ruthlessness and willingness to sacrifice others to achieve his goals.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of a survival-of-the-fittest environment, as seen in the Mist Village and the Sand Tiger Shark analogy.
• The struggle between loyalty and self-preservation, exemplified by Kisame's internal conflict.
• The use of hostages and threats as bargaining tools in negotiations, shown by Ryobu and Asuma.

Character Interactions

• Kisame feels abandoned by his comrades when seeking answers.
• Mangetsu, Mei Terumi, and Zabuza clash over the future of the Mist Village.
• Ryobu and Tobirama engage in a tense standoff, with Ryobu threatening Rain Village villagers.
• Asuma uses Itachi as a bargaining tool to negotiate with Ryobu, showing a level of desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Asuma threatens Ryobu to leave, but Ryobu reveals his immense power by appearing behind Asuma undetected.
• Ryobu spanks Itachi for disobedience, while the Third Hokage hopes Ryobu's hatred will lessen with Danzo's death.
• A massive Chakra gathering is noticed on the moon, causing concern among the powerful ninjas and sages.
• The White Snake Sage and Orochimaru sense a threat from the moon, while Ōnoki and Madara witness a devastating beam of golden light gathering.

Character Developments

• Asuma shows initial bravado but quickly succumbs to fear upon facing Ryobu's power.
• Itachi shows desperation and remorse for his actions, pleading for Asuma's life.
• Ryobu demonstrates his immense strength and speed, as well as his disapproval of Itachi's actions.
• The Third Hokage shows concern for the village and its safety, hoping Ryobu's grudge will lessen.
• Madara becomes frightened and tries to justify the heavenly punishment as targeting Ryobu instead of himself.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and fear: Characters like Asuma and Madara face the consequences of underestimating Ryobu's power.
• Divine intervention: The mysterious Chakra gathering on the moon raises questions about the existence of gods and their potential involvement in the Ninja World's conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Asuma and Ryobu: Asuma's threat backfires, and he experiences Ryobu's immense power firsthand.
• Itachi and Ryobu: Itachi pleads for Asuma's life, and Ryobu disciplines him for disobedience.
• The Third Hokage and Ryobu: The Hokage hopes Ryobu's hatred will lessen with Danzo's death, while Ryobu shows no signs of relenting.
• Madara and Ryobu: Madara blames Ryobu for the heavenly punishment, trying to distance himself from the divine retribution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madara prepares to escape with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path using Susanoo to avoid the incoming Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion.
• Hashirama and the Ninja Alliance realize they can't escape the attack's range and must find a way to save some members.
• Tobirama decides to use the Flying Thunder God Technique to save the Five Kage, as they are the most valuable to the alliance's survival.
• Liao Wu, driven by selflessness, attempts to stop the Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion using his strongest technique, Susanoo Mucalinda Dragon King.

Character Developments

• Madara shows cowardice and self-preservation, prioritizing his own safety over the alliance.
• Hashirama demonstrates leadership and concern for his comrades, trying to find a solution to their predicament.
• Tobirama exhibits quick thinking and strategic decision-making, prioritizing the Five Kage's survival for the alliance's future.
• Liao Wu reveals his selfless nature, choosing to protect the villagers and the Land of Rain, even at the cost of his own life.

Significant Themes

• Self-preservation vs. selflessness: Madara's escape contrasts with Liao Wu's sacrifice, highlighting the theme of personal gain versus the greater good.
• Leadership and decision-making: Tobirama's quick thinking and prioritization of the Five Kage showcase the importance of strategic leadership in crisis situations.
• Power and its consequences: The Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion's devastating power emphasizes the destructive potential of immense chakra and the need to control and responsibly wield it.

Character Interactions

• Hashirama and Madara's interaction highlights Madara's cowardice and Hashirama's concern for his comrades.
• Tobirama and Minato's collaboration demonstrates their trust and teamwork in making crucial decisions under pressure.
• Liao Wu's interaction with the villagers and the Hakimi Army shows his selfless desire to protect them, even at great personal cost.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashirama erects a Wood Golem Wall to protect the Senju and Uchiha.
• Hashirama and Tobirama differ in their approach to saving people.
• Ryobu, Hashirama, and Might Duy attempt to block the Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion.
• Madara observes the scene, reflecting on his past and the worthiness of protecting people over gods.
• Fried Rice and Kuhon decide to stay and face the explosion together.
• The Fourth Raikage refuses to abandon Killer B and his comrades.

Character Developments

• Hashirama: Shows unwavering compassion and determination to save everyone, activating Sage Mode to support Ryobu.
• Ryobu: Proves his kindness and selflessness by protecting the alliance, activating Susanoo to face the divine attack.
• Madara: Reflects on his past and the value of protecting people, realizing that gods are not worthy of awe.
• The Fourth Raikage: Demonstrates loyalty and camaraderie by refusing to abandon Killer B and his comrades.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between divine power and human compassion.
• The value of protecting people and the bonds between them.
• The difference between rational decisions and personal sacrifices.

Character Interactions

• Hashirama and Ryobu: Hashirama acknowledges Ryobu's kindness and supports him in Sage Mode.
• Madara and Ryobu: Madara sees his younger self in Ryobu and reflects on his past aspirations.
• The Fourth Raikage and Killer B: The Raikage refuses to abandon Killer B, showing their strong bond and loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Fourth Raikage, Pakura, and Kitsuchi refuse to leave the Land of Rain.
• Tobirama decides to take them with him when they evacuate.
• Liao Wu, Hashirama, and Might Duy work together to block the Giant Tenseigan's Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion.
• Xuan Dou and Kui, on the moon, are astonished by the ninjas' strength and unity.
• Kui and Xuan Dou decide to work together, increasing the Giant Tenseigan's power.

Character Developments

• The Fourth Raikage shows determination and courage, but also fear of Tobirama.
• Pakura shows loyalty to Liao Wu and admiration for his charisma.
• Tobirama displays strategic thinking and a willingness to use others for the greater good.
• Xuan Dou and Kui's views on humanity change as they witness the ninjas' unity and strength.

Significant Themes

• Unity and cooperation in the face of adversity.
• The power of determination and will.
• The consequences of prejudice and misunderstanding.

Character Interactions

• Tobirama and the Fourth Raikage: Tobirama's authority and the Raikage's defiance.
• Pakura and Liao Wu: Pakura's admiration and loyalty to Liao Wu.
• Xuan Dou and Kui: Their changing views on humanity and decision to work together.

Plot points and events

• Uchiha Ryobu and Hashirama struggle to hold back the Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion, an immense golden blade pressing down from the sky. Its power grows, forcing them toward the ground.
• Desperate for more strength, Ryobu enters Curse Mark Stage Two and uses roots from his Susanoo to draw natural energy directly from the earth. This boosts his defense but risks letting nature overwhelm his mind.
• Hashirama warns Ryobu that he may be assimilated. As Ryobu’s sanity fades, he strikes Hashirama and sends him flying, but keeps resisting.
• Candy realizes Ryobu needs chakra and rallies others to feed it into his roots. Konan, Nagato, Satoru, and many others join in; some are persuaded or forced, including ninjas from the Leaf and Hoshigakure.
• The effort spreads across the battlefield. The ninja cats of Cat City return to help despite having had a chance to escape underground. The Cloud, Sand, and Stone villages, the samurai, and the toads of Mount Myōboku also contribute chakra.
• Even with this united effort, the combined chakra only barely sustains Ryobu against the overwhelming attack. Ōnoki also flies up to test whether Dust Release can break it. The chapter ends with the Mist and Leaf villages still hesitant and ashamed.

Character development and interactions

• Ryobu risks losing himself to protect everyone, revealing a selfless, morally courageous side. His allies’ chakra helps him hold on, though his control is slipping.
• Hashirama recognizes the danger of Ryobu’s method and tries to stop him, but Ryobu chooses the risk over surrender.
• Candy takes the initiative in organizing support, even compelling the reluctant Satoru to help.
• The ninja cats and other former opponents show loyalty and solidarity by staying to aid Ryobu rather than fleeing.
• The Fourth Raikage, Pakura, Ōnoki, Chiyo, Mifune, and Gamabunta each rally their people or allies to contribute. Chiyo and Mifune revise their judgments of Ryobu, recognizing his sense of justice.
• Tobirama is moved by the cats’ choice to stand with Ryobu, despite being able to escape.

Significant themes

• Unity in crisis: Former enemies and rival nations set aside divisions when everyone’s survival is at stake.
• Sacrifice and loyalty: Many choose to help Ryobu even when escape is possible.
• Actions reveal character: Life-threatening circumstances expose the difference between professed patriotism and genuine courage.
• The cost of power: Ryobu’s attempt to draw strength directly from nature may save others, but threatens his sanity and identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A divine being, Xuan Dou, attacks the Ninja Alliance with a Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion.
• Tobirama considers various escape strategies, but most are impractical or temporary solutions.
• Hashirama arrives and criticizes the villagers' inaction, ordering them to support Liao Wu.
• Liao Wu, with the alliance's Chakra, pushes back the explosion using his Susanoo Mucalinda Dragon King.
• Ōnoki reinforces Liao Wu's efforts with Dust Release, nearly reaching the atmosphere.
• Xuan Dou, on the moon, realizes the alliance's power rivals the Giant Tenseigan.
• Tobirama holds Killer B hostage to prevent Madara from interfering.

Character Developments

• Tobirama shows strategic thinking but initially appears hesitant and out of touch with the villagers' resolve.
• Hashirama demonstrates leadership and courage, rallying the villagers to support Liao Wu.
• Liao Wu exhibits immense power and determination, pushing back the divine explosion despite the risk to himself.
• Madara shows restraint, refraining from interfering when Killer B's life is threatened.
• Ōnoki contributes significantly to the alliance's defense with his Dust Release.

Significant Themes

• Unity and collective effort: The villagers come together to support Liao Wu, demonstrating the power of unity.
• Sacrifice: Liao Wu risks his life to protect the alliance, embodying the "Will of Fire" taught by Hashirama.
• Leadership: Hashirama's arrival and orders inspire the villagers to act, while Tobirama's initial hesitation contrasts with his later decisive action.

Character Interactions

• Tobirama and Hashirama: Tobirama's initial inaction contrasts with Hashirama's decisive leadership, but Tobirama later takes bold action to protect the alliance.
• Liao Wu and the Alliance: Liao Wu receives support from the alliance, which enables him to push back the divine explosion.
• Tobirama and Madara: Tobirama uses Killer B as a hostage to prevent Madara from interfering, showing his strategic thinking and willingness to make tough decisions.
• Ōnoki and Liao Wu: Ōnoki's Dust Release reinforces Liao Wu's efforts, contributing significantly to the alliance's defense.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madara Uchiha attempts to destroy the moon using his Rinnegan technique, Tengai Shinsei, to eliminate the Tenseigan threat.
• The Giant Tenseigan, controlled by Xuan Dou and Kui, successfully destroys Madara's meteors, but at great cost to themselves.
• Madara summons multiple meteors consecutively, overwhelming the Giant Tenseigan's defenders.
• The Giant Tenseigan's power darkens Madara's expression, acknowledging its divine power.
• Xuan Dou and Kui decide to focus on protecting their son, Toneri, and wait for him to awaken the Tenseigan using the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan.

Character Developments

• Tobirama Senju remains wary of Madara's actions and is concerned for Killer B's safety.
• Xuan Dou and Kui realize the importance of their son, Toneri, and prioritize his safety over their mission.
• Hiashi Hyuga reflects on his father's secret about another Hyuga Clan on the moon and the implications of their existence.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between the Rinnegan and Tenseigan, representing reincarnation and destruction respectively.
• The importance of family and personal relationships over missions and duties.
• The revelation of another Hyuga Clan on the moon and the secrets they guard.

Character Interactions

• Tobirama Senju and Killer B: Tobirama keeps Killer B hostage, fearing Madara's interference.
• Xuan Dou and Kui: They work together to control the Giant Tenseigan, ultimately deciding to prioritize their son's safety.
• Hiashi Hyuga: Reflects on his father's secret about the moon's Hyuga Clan and the implications of their existence.

Chapter Summary: Liao Wu Is Going to the Moon

Key Plot Points and Events

• The White Snake Sage uses the earth to transmit her Senjutsu Chakra to Liao Wu, helping him survive the moon’s Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion. Through her connection with the earth, she also senses that the Slug Sage, Great Toad Sage, and the Sage of Six Paths are lending Liao Wu their power.
• Although she resents helping Liao Wu—one of the people responsible for destroying Ryūchi Cave—the White Snake Sage believes Hamura’s descendants on the moon must be punished before they attack the ground again. She later repairs Ryūchi Cave’s barrier.
• Orochimaru learns that the attack originated from the moon and wonders whether actual gods live there. The White Snake Sage refuses to explain, considering him unqualified to know. Rather than being discouraged, Orochimaru becomes even more excited, seeing the moon’s mysteries as new opportunities to uncover the secrets of ninjutsu.
• At Mount Myōboku, Kushina, Yugito, Obito, Kakashi, and others rush to the Great Toad Sage for answers. They discover that he has been watching the battle through a live broadcast but deliberately kept them uninformed.
• The group witnesses the Ninja Alliance temporarily putting aside its hatred of Liao Wu to help him resist the moon’s attack. Obito, Rin, and Kushina defend Liao Wu by recalling his generosity and kindness.
• In Shikkotsu Forest, the Slug Sage and the Sage of Six Paths discuss the aid given to Liao Wu. They acknowledge that Madara’s meteors were crucial because they attacked the moon and reduced the pressure on Liao Wu.
• The Sage of Six Paths reveals the greatest danger: the moon is also the prison created by his and Hamura’s Six Paths—Chibaku Tensei. If the moon is severely damaged or destroyed, Kaguya’s ancient sealing may weaken or fail, allowing her to revive.

Character Developments

• White Snake Sage: Her assistance to Liao Wu shows that she can prioritize the survival of Ryūchi Cave and the wider world over personal resentment. However, she remains bitter about helping someone partly responsible for Ryūchi Cave’s destruction.
• Orochimaru: His curiosity intensifies after learning about possible lunar gods. Instead of fearing the increasingly chaotic world, he embraces its mysteries and becomes more determined to uncover every secret and master all ninjutsu.
• Obito: He passionately defends Liao Wu, revealing a deep personal attachment and gratitude toward him. His admiration helps show that Liao Wu’s compassionate side has affected many people.
• Rin and Kushina: Both acknowledge Liao Wu’s generosity and argue that his past crimes should not prevent the opposing sides from negotiating after the crisis.
• Great Toad Sage: He continues pretending to be senile whenever questioned about the moon, implying that he knows far more than he is willing to reveal.
• Sage of Six Paths: He remains focused on the larger consequences of the battle, especially the possibility that attacks against the moon could accidentally free Kaguya.

Significant Themes

• Unity in a crisis: Former enemies cooperate when the survival of the Ninja World is at stake, suggesting that shared danger can overcome longstanding hatred.
• The cost of power: Liao Wu receives Chakra from several immense sources, but combining different energies is dangerous and inefficient. Power is useful only when it can be controlled and harmonized.
• Hidden knowledge and curiosity: The moon’s secrets deepen Orochimaru’s desire for knowledge, while the older sages conceal information they consider too dangerous or advanced for others.
• Unintended consequences: Madara’s attack on the moon helps protect the earth but may weaken Kaguya’s prison, demonstrating that even heroic actions can create catastrophic risks.
• Moral complexity: Liao Wu is both a destroyer of Ryūchi Cave and a compassionate benefactor. The chapter challenges the idea that people can be judged as entirely good or evil.

Character Interactions

• The White Snake Sage rejects Orochimaru’s questions about the moon, emphasizing the gap between his current knowledge and the sages’ understanding.
• Obito, Rin, and Kushina collectively defend Liao Wu’s character, while Kakashi listens skeptically but recognizes that their examples are credible.
• Sage Shima confronts the Great Toad Sage about the moon and the repeated destruction of the Land of Rain, but he avoids answering by pretending to be senile.
• The Slug Sage and the Sage of Six Paths evaluate the effectiveness of the Chakra sent to Liao Wu and credit Madara with being central to the defense.
• Their discussion ends on a grave revelation: damaging the moon could weaken the seal imprisoning Kaguya, turning the battle into a potential threat to the entire world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Wu, driven mad by excessive Chakra absorption, flies to the moon, intending to destroy everything.
• Madara pursues Liao Wu to save him.
• The Ninja Alliance, led by Hashirama and Tobirama, retreats from Amegakure.
• Fish Ball attacks the Leaf Village women, but is driven off by Minato.
• In Huo Jin Lake, Yagura and Three-Tails save Mist ninja elites from the impending Origin Point Strike.
• Yagura is proposed to become the new Mizukage.

Character Developments

• Liao Wu: Loses control and rationality due to excessive Chakra absorption, flies to the moon.
• Madara: Pursues Liao Wu to save him, showing attachment and concern.
• Hashirama: Stands his ground, watching Madara, before deciding to retreat with the Ninja Alliance.
• Tobirama: Urges Hashirama to retreat, shows strategic thinking.
• Yagura: Proposed to become the new Mizukage, feels pressure and responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of excessive power and Chakra absorption.
• The struggle between rationality and instinctual desires.
• The responsibility of leadership and the pressure it brings.

Character Interactions

• Liao Wu and Madara: Madara pursues Liao Wu to save him, showing a protective and caring side.
• Hashirama and Tobirama: Hashirama considers pursuing Madara, but Tobirama urges him to retreat.
• Yagura and Mist ninja elites: Yagura is proposed to become the new Mizukage, showing unity and support among Mist ninja.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Wu, transformed into a streak of red light, flies towards the moon, enraging Xuan Dou.
• Xuan Dou attempts to regain control of the Giant Tenseigan but reaches his limit and collapses.
• Liao Wu, using the Susanoo Mucalinda Dragon King's energy, creates a massive explosion on the moon.
• Madara witnesses the explosion from the atmosphere and wonders about Liao Wu's survival.
• Liao Wu's death is mourned by Tsunade and the Six Paths Sage, while the Slug Sage remains skeptical.
• Madara confirms Liao Wu's survival by examining Fish Ball's body and detecting the connection between Liao Wu's Spore Clone and Main Body.
• Madara threatens to kill Konan if Liao Wu doesn't reveal himself.

Character Developments

• Liao Wu demonstrates his selflessness and determination to protect the Ninja World by drawing the explosion to the moon.
• Madara shows concern and vulnerability when he believes Liao Wu is dead, reflecting on Izuna's death.
• Xuan Dou reaches his limit and collapses, indicating his power has its limits.
• The Six Paths Sage and Tsunade mourn Liao Wu's death, showing they cared for him despite his antics.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Liao Wu's willingness to sacrifice himself to protect the Ninja World.
• Power and Limits: Xuan Dou's power has limits, and even the gods on the moon are not invincible.
• Resilience: Liao Wu's survival despite Madara's belief that he had died.

Character Interactions

• Madara and Liao Wu: Madara's concern for Liao Wu's well-being and his frustration when Liao Wu plays dead.
• Liao Wu and Xuan Dou: Liao Wu's defiance against Xuan Dou's threats, leading to the latter's collapse.
• Madara and the Six Paths Sage: The Sage's acknowledgment of Liao Wu's decent nature despite his less-than-human personality.
• Madara and Konan: Madara threatens Konan to force Liao Wu to reveal himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cai Lai, with Rasa and the Natsuhi Star, brags to Fish Ball about catching Hong and Shizune.
• Liao Wu, using his Amenominakanushi dojutsu, revives after the moon's destruction and confronts Madara.
• Madara offers Liao Wu control over reality in exchange for his support of the Moon Eye Plan.
• Candy suggests casting the Moon Eye Plan on people before they die, but Madara rejects the idea.
• Madara reveals he has captured three Jinchuriki and plans to find the remaining four.
• Using Sage Mode, Madara discovers Kushina and Yugito on Mount Myōboku and vows to attack the Toad Country.

Character Developments

• Liao Wu shows cunning and determination, reviving and challenging Madara.
• Madara demonstrates adaptability, altering the Moon Eye Plan for Liao Wu and considering Candy's suggestion.
• Candy shows initiative and intelligence, proposing a modification to the Moon Eye Plan.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Madara's desire to end conflict and control the world.
• Manipulation and control: Madara's influence over Liao Wu and his plan to control humanity.
• Death and afterlife: Candy's suggestion to cast the Moon Eye Plan on people before they die.

Character Interactions

• Madara and Liao Wu: Madara alters his plan to appease Liao Wu, showing a level of respect for his strength.
• Madara and Candy: Madara strokes Candy's head, showing affection and appreciation for her ideas.
• Madara and the Ninja Alliance: Madara's determination to find and capture the remaining Jinchuriki, including Kushina and Yugito.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madara and Liao Wu reach Mount Myōboku to capture the Two-Tails and Nine-Tails.
• Madara discovers Kisame, a defector from the Ninja Alliance, who wants to join Madara's Moon Eye Plan.
• Madara accepts Kisame into his ranks after a brief interrogation and places a Curse Mark on him.

Character Developments

• Madara shows his willingness to accept new followers, marking a shift from his lone wolf tendencies.
• Kisame reveals his troubled past in Kirigakure, seeking sincerity and reality in Madara's Illusion World.
• Liao Wu displays his impulsive nature, trying to influence Madara's decisions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for sincerity and belonging in a world filled with deception and betrayal.
• The consequences of growing up in oppressive environments, like Kirigakure, on an individual's psyche.
• The power dynamics and trust issues within Madara's growing organization.

Character Interactions

• Madara and Liao Wu's dynamic changes as Liao Wu tries to influence Madara's decisions, leading to conflict.
• Madara's interaction with Kisame shows his cautious approach to accepting new followers.
• Kisame's interaction with Fish Ball reveals his desire for the Great Sword Samehada.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madara Uchiha appoints Kisame Hoshigaki as the new Crown Prince of the Hidden Mist Village, gifting him the great sword Samehada.
• Madara seals the three Tailed Beasts into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and plans to attack Mount Myōboku.
• Liao Wu, now the boss, absorbs Tailed Beast chakra and prepares for war. He also uses his Sage Mode to enhance Fish Ball's Samehada.
• Cai Lai is appointed as the new Crown Prince of Cat Country by Liao Wu, leading to a clash with Fish Ball over female cats.

Character Developments

• Kisame Hoshigaki: Proven to be incredibly strong, capable of suppressing Killer B and infiltrating the Cloud Village. Obtains Samehada, which will help him reach his Complete Form.
• Liao Wu: Absorbs Tailed Beast chakra, becomes the boss, and uses his Sage Mode to enhance Fish Ball's Samehada. Appoints Cai Lai as the new Crown Prince of Cat Country.
• Fish Ball: Receives an enhanced Samehada from Liao Wu but clashes with Cai Lai over female cats.
• Cai Lai: Proves his loyalty and is appointed as the new Crown Prince of Cat Country by Liao Wu.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy within the organization.
• The importance of loyalty and service in gaining favor and position.
• The consequences of greed and desire (Fish Ball's desire for Samehada and Liao Wu's desire for Natsuhi Star).

Character Interactions

• Madara gifts Samehada to Kisame, recognizing his strength and potential.
• Liao Wu enhances Fish Ball's Samehada, showing his support and acknowledgment of Fish Ball's role.
• Cai Lai's appointment as Crown Prince of Cat Country leads to a clash with Fish Ball, highlighting their competitive nature and desire for power.
• Liao Wu's interaction with Natsuhi Star showcases his perverse nature and disregard for her feelings, contrasting with Konan's disapproval.