Ch. 181Skipping Stones
Key Plot Points and Events
- Tsunade destroys the Crystal Necklace, refusing to hand it over to Konoha.
- Uchiha Dan appears, expressing concern for Naruto's safety and criticizing Konoha's treatment of him.
- Koharu and Homura approach Dan, offering to help him become Hokage if he controls Danzo.
- Dan declines their offer, instead demanding the return of the seized Sharingan.
- Tsunade sends Shizune away for safety, while Dan offers to protect Tsunade.
- Dan and Tsunade reminisce about Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha's past competitions.
- Dan skips a stone across the river, hitting a Kirigakure scout (Ao) and causing him to flee.
- Ao reunites with his Kirigakure team, but Dan appears, ordering them to leave.
Character Developments
- Tsunade: Shows her love for Konoha by protecting it, even if she claims to be disillusioned.
- Dan: Reveals his concern for Naruto's well-being and criticizes Konoha's actions. He also shows his power and precision by skipping a stone to hit Ao.
- Ao: Shows his fear of Dan and the Fourth Raikage's respect for him. He also demonstrates his ability to gather intelligence but is injured by Dan.
Significant Themes
- The consequences of Konoha's actions towards Naruto.
- The power dynamics between different villages and their leaders.
- The past history and rivalries between the Senju and Uchiha clans.
Character Interactions
- Tsunade and Dan: They reminisce about their clans' past, and Dan teases Tsunade about competing like Hashirama and Madara did.
- Ao and Dan: Ao is injured by Dan's stone skip and flees in fear. Dan later appears to order Ao's team to leave.
- Koharu, Homura, and Dan: The two elders approach Dan with an offer to help him become Hokage, but Dan declines and demands the return of the Sharingan instead.