Ch. 61The Charm of Old Man Danzō
Chapter Summary: The Charisma of Brother Danzo
Key Plot Points and Events
- Nagato clashes directly with the Fourth Raikage in a contest of physical strength. Despite the Raikage’s lightning-enhanced power, Nagato blocks his attack and sends him flying through a wall with a single punch.
- Shi rushes after the injured Raikage, while Darui prepares to defend against further attacks.
- Nagato confirms that the Raikage is still alive, attributing his survival to his immense physical durability. However, Nagato regrets misjudging his strength and launching the Raikage too far away, preventing him from capturing or continuing to fight him.
- Nagato reflects that he is still inexperienced with his original body’s recently acquired powers, including Senjutsu and the Strength of a Hundred. He recognizes the need to adapt after relying on the Pain bodies for so long.
- The other four Kage and their guards arrive, including Danzō. Sasuke immediately focuses on Danzō and is overwhelmed by murderous intent connected to his hatred of him.
- Sasuke attacks Danzō without hesitation, combining a high-speed assault, Chidori, swordsmanship, and Amaterasu.
- Gaara intervenes, using his sand to block and sweep away Sasuke’s Amaterasu. Sasuke and Gaara exchange familiar remarks before Sasuke continues toward Danzō.
- Mifune intercepts Sasuke, blocking his sword while Sasuke still attempts to strike Danzō with Chidori.
Character Developments
- Nagato: Demonstrates overwhelming physical strength, defeating the Raikage with one punch. Despite his victory, he is dissatisfied because he failed to control his power effectively. His thoughts reveal both tactical awareness and frustration over his lack of experience using his original body.
- Sasuke: Shows clear growth since his previous battle. He can now use Amaterasu while moving and attacking, rather than standing still and struggling to control it. His hatred of Danzō remains intense, driving him to attack immediately upon seeing him.
- Gaara: Appears composed and mature, but his reaction to Sasuke reveals lingering recognition and concern for Sasuke’s loneliness. His sand defense successfully counters Amaterasu.
- Raikage: Though blasted away, he survives because of his extraordinary physical resilience.
- Jugo: Becomes the target of Nagato’s unintentionally insulting comparison when Nagato complains that the Raikage flew as far as Jugo.
- Sasuke’s allies and the Kage guards: Shi pursues the Raikage, Darui prepares to protect him, and Mifune acts quickly to shield Danzō from Sasuke’s attack.
Significant Themes
- The danger of overwhelming power: Nagato’s strength is so great that even victory can become strategically disadvantageous when he cannot control it precisely.
- Adaptation and mastery: Nagato must relearn how to use his own body, while Sasuke’s improved control of Amaterasu shows rapid development through experience.
- Revenge and hatred: Sasuke’s encounter with Danzō immediately triggers his deepest anger, demonstrating how strongly his desire for revenge continues to shape his actions.
- Perception versus reality: Nagato’s punch appears spectacular, but he considers it a failure because it does not help him secure the Raikage. The chapter contrasts dramatic displays of power with practical battle results.
- Rivalry and recognition: Sasuke and Gaara acknowledge each other’s growth and signature abilities, recalling their earlier history while remaining opposed.
Important Character Interactions
- Nagato defeats the Raikage but speaks of the encounter as a failed opportunity, confusing and irritating the Akatsuki members around him.
- Sasuke internally criticizes Nagato’s arrogance and monstrous strength, recognizing the enormous gap between them.
- Sasuke and Gaara exchange brief, familiar comments about Amaterasu and Gaara’s “absolute defense.”
- Sasuke attempts to kill Danzō, but Mifune blocks him, creating an immediate confrontation between Sasuke and the Kage’s forces.