Chapter Summaries

Kiyohara defeated Kidomaru using Magnet Release and a powerful close-range punch, then freed Kakashi and Nohara Rin. The team prepared to bring the badly injured prisoner back for interrogation, while Rin treated him and Kiyohara searched his belongings.

• Kidomaru attacked Kiyohara with Spider Sticky Gold weapons and spiderwebs, but Kiyohara countered with Wind Release and Iron Sand while pursuing him through the forest.
• Kidomaru covered himself in Sticky Gold Armor and tried to stop Kiyohara at close range, but Kiyohara shattered the armor and badly injured him with one punch.
• Kiyohara cut Nohara Rin free with Iron Sand, and Rin asked whether Kidomaru was alive so the team could take him back for interrogation.
• Kiyohara confirmed Kidomaru was still breathing and asked Rin to treat him, while explaining that he came from a ninja clan in the Land of Rice Fields.
• Rin kept Kidomaru barely alive, and Kiyohara searched his belongings, finding only a few thousand ryo, ninja tools, and rations.

After capturing Kidomaru, Kiyohara returned to Konoha’s outpost, earned a reward and military merit, and exchanged most of his merit for a long-range Lightning Release technique. He lent Tsunade money in return for her offer of future training, then headed back to study the technique and pursue Steel Release.

• Kiyohara, Kakashi, and Nohara Rin carried the unconscious Kidomaru back to the Konoha outpost, where the registration ninja assessed the capture and awarded them two hundred thousand ryo and military merit.
• Kiyohara spent more than half his military merit to learn Lightning Release: Angry Lightning Arrow, then collected his wartime allowance.
• Kiyohara bought tender chicken in a nearby transit town, where he met Tsunade as she left a casino.
• Tsunade accepted Kiyohara’s chicken and borrowed seventy thousand ryo from him, offering to help with his Medical Ninjutsu or taijutsu in return.
• Kiyohara returned to his tent to study Lightning Release: Angry Lightning Arrow and work toward inheriting Steel Release.

Kiyohara returned to the southeastern coast as war with Kirigakure loomed, then mastered Lightning Release: Angry Lightning Arrow and inherited Steel Release Kiyohara’s power. His chakra reserves and affinities increased, and he began testing Steel Release’s defensive abilities.

• Kiyohara’s squad left the front line against the Land of Earth and returned to garrison duty on the southeastern coast, where Kakashi, Nohara Rin, and Kiyohara saw signs that war was approaching.
• Kiyohara trained alone for several days and successfully used Lightning Release: Angry Lightning Arrow to pierce a rock.
• Steel Release Kiyohara merged with Kiyohara, increasing his spiritual energy, Earth and Yang affinities, physical energy, and chakra reserves.
• Kiyohara tested Steel Release by hardening his skin, deflecting a sword strike, and smashing a groove into a rock with his fist.
• Kiyohara found that Steel Release could not cover his eyes and continued experimenting with localized hardening to protect himself in battle.

Kiyohara continued training as Kirigakure’s pressure on the coastline grew, while Orochimaru questioned his motives for pursuing power. The chapter ended with Orochimaru recognizing Kiyohara as someone who sought truth through the study of chakra.

• Steel Release Kiyohara explained how he infused Steel Release hardening into weapons, though the effect was weaker than actual steel.
• As Kirigakure’s probing increased, Tsunade, Shizune, and medical and logistics personnel withdrew inland under Anbu protection, while Orochimaru dismissed Danzo’s request to recruit Kiyohara into Root.
• Kiyohara completed his training in Lightning Release: Angry Lightning Arrow and gave Kurenai Yuhi notes on Genjutsu and other releases as she prepared to leave the coastline.
• Kiyohara warned Kurenai Yuhi to be careful, and Inuzuka Shi teased Sarutobi Asuma about his feelings for her.
• Orochimaru confronted Kiyohara and asked what drove him to study power; Kiyohara said he wanted to understand chakra and its transformations, prompting Orochimaru to say they both sought truth.

Orochimaru brought Kiyohara to his hidden laboratory, tested his aptitude, and gave him research notes as Kirigakure’s invasion approached. Meanwhile, Uchiha Madara prepared a plan to drive Obito into despair, and Kirigakure’s full-scale invasion began along the coast.

• Orochimaru showed Kiyohara his laboratory and had him dissect a summoned beast, then gave him notes on chakra nature transformation and improved ninjutsu.
• White Zetsu reported Kirigakure’s preparations and Konoha’s weakened defenses to Uchiha Madara, who ordered a staged mission and conflict meant to push Obito toward despair.
• Uchiha Madara told White Zetsu to make the plans appear natural and to complete them within the month, as he pursued his Infinite Tsukuyomi plan.
• Several days later, Kirigakure launched a full-scale invasion along the coastline.

Kirigakure’s invasion broke through Konoha’s main defensive line with the Six-Tails, forcing the shinobi to retreat while Orochimaru and others fought to hold the enemy back. Kiyohara stayed behind to aid the retreat and gather battle merit, and Orochimaru gave him a vial of White Snake power before the battle continued.

• Saiken, the Six-Tails, breached Konoha’s main defensive line, while Orochimaru used Triple Rashomon to divert its Tailed Beast Bomb and fought it with summoned snakes and other techniques.
• Nara Shikadan ordered the shinobi to retreat toward the second inland defensive line, and Kiyohara, Kurenai Yuhi, and Genma Shiranui defeated three Kirigakure shinobi who had infiltrated their flank.
• Kiyohara searched the defeated enemies for useful equipment and told Kurenai Yuhi and Genma Shiranui to retreat without him so he could help comrades and earn battle merit.
• Orochimaru appeared as a Shadow Clone, confirmed the retreat, and let Kurenai Yuhi and Genma Shiranui leave after Kurenai gave Kiyohara a signal flare.
• After Kurenai Yuhi and Genma Shiranui departed, Orochimaru gave Kiyohara a vial of power extracted from White Snake cells and genes, saying it could help him in a critical moment.

Kiyohara agreed to delay Kirigakure’s pursuit while collecting supplies from the ruined camp, then used his speed and Magnet Release to attack the infiltrating squads. The chapter ended as he caught Yamagami Haku’s descending greatsword with his hardened hand.

• Orochimaru told Kiyohara to use his speed to harass and delay the Kirigakure squads pursuing the retreating forces.
• Kiyohara searched the ruined camp and packed useful medical supplies, sealing scrolls, and weapons into his scroll.
• Kiyohara detected three Kirigakure squads and used Steel Release and Magnet Release to charge into the first squad, killing and wounding several ninja.
• Kiyohara evaded a Water Dragon Bullet Technique and used his speed and Explosive Tags to disrupt the second squad’s formation.
• Yamagami Haku confronted Kiyohara with a greatsword, and Kiyohara caught its blade with his Steel Release-hardened hand.

Kiyohara used an invisible Chameleon and quicklime to ambush Kirigakure forces, then called on Steel Release Kiyohara to rapidly restore his chakra and continue fighting. As Kiyohara tore through the flank, Orochimaru watched with growing interest while Jiraiya arrived at the main battlefield.

• Kiyohara killed Yamagami Haku and several other Kirigakure ninja, then summoned an Invisible Chameleon to spread quicklime across the battlefield.
• Kiyohara exploited the blinded Kirigakure ninja, targeting weaker fighters while avoiding Jonin and collecting supplies from the fallen.
• As his chakra ran low, Kiyohara summoned Steel Release Kiyohara and asked him to accelerate his digestion and chakra recovery.
• Kiyohara’s chakra recovered rapidly, allowing him to resume his attack and kill more Kirigakure ninja as they recognized him as Konoha’s Magnet Release genius.
• Orochimaru watched Kiyohara’s unnatural recovery and fighting from Manda’s head while Jiraiya arrived at the main battlefield.

Orochimaru and Jiraiya joined forces to stall the Six-Tails while Kiyohara Shin disrupted Kirigakure’s flank with his chameleon and lime powder. As Kiyohara looted the battlefield, Kirigakure sent Suiryu Seiku to stop him, and the wounded chameleon disappeared in a puff of smoke.

• Orochimaru told Aburame Ryoma that Kiyohara’s survival was not a priority, though he might make Kiyohara his subordinate if he lived.
• Jiraiya arrived and joined Orochimaru to hold off the Six-Tails while the main force withdrew.
• Tono Yama learned that Kiyohara had killed more than twenty-five Kirigakure ninja and ordered Suiryu Seiku to restore order in Sector D.
• Hyuga Natsu used her Byakugan to report that Kiyohara was attacking Kirigakure’s formation, evading Jonin, and killing the remaining enemy ninja.
• Yamanaka Shintoku relayed that Kiyohara was looting bodies as Suiryu Seiku approached, while Kiyohara dismissed his injured chameleon.

Kiyohara chose to push deeper into the battlefield rather than retreat, using Iron Sand to carry Explosive Tags and survive a close-range blast from Suiryu Seiku. When Suiryu Seiku covered the area in mist, Kiyohara raced past him toward scattered Kirigakure teams, aiming to inflict more losses and earn battle merits.

• Kiyohara sensed Suiryu Seiku approaching and decided to seek a greater haul of battle merits by targeting Kirigakure’s command system.
• Kiyohara wrapped Explosive Tags in thin sheets of Iron Sand and detonated them at close range when Suiryu Seiku attacked.
• Steel Release protected Kiyohara from the blast, and he revealed his Iron Sand Explosive Tag technique to Suiryu Seiku.
• Suiryu Seiku used Hidden Mist Technique to cover the battlefield and enhance his Water Flow Body Flicker.
• Kiyohara tore through the mist with Repulsion and the Konoha Body Flicker Technique, charging toward scattered Kirigakure Chunin and Genin as Suiryu Seiku tried to intercept him.

Kiyohara defeated Suiryu Seiku with a concealed battlefield trap and gathered supplies while Kirigakure prepared to surround him. As he prepared one final attack before retreating, Uzuki Yugao arrived and identified herself as an ally.

• Kiyohara lured Suiryu Seiku into a copper-wire trap, electrified the battlefield, and detonated a concealed Explosive Tag on his armor, leaving him near death.
• Kiyohara searched the battlefield for supplies while distant Kirigakure ninja hesitated to approach.
• Yamanaka Shintoku relayed reports of Kiyohara's fight to the retreating Konoha forces, while Tono Yama ordered nearby squads to surround him and Zabuza Momochi reassessed him.
• Jiraiya and Orochimaru continued restraining the Six-Tails, and Jiraiya noticed the explosions on Kiyohara's flank.
• Kiyohara recovered slightly with Military Ration Pills, then prepared a long-range attack on the Kirigakure command post before retreating.
• Uzuki Yugao landed behind Kiyohara, who recognized her and lowered his suspicion after she said they were on the same side.

Kiyohara used a Magnet Release cannon to destroy Kirigakure's flank command post, then returned to the Konoha camp with valuable spoils. Orochimaru recruited him as an assistant and gave him a Wind Release scroll.

• Uzuki Yugao found Kiyohara still fighting, and he formed a massive Iron Sand projectile packed with Explosive Tags.
• Kiyohara launched the projectile at Kirigakure's command post, killing Tono Yama and wounding Zabuza Momochi as he escaped.
• Kiyohara and Uzuki Yugao returned to the second defensive line, where Kurenai Yuhi and Genma Shiranui welcomed him and praised his contribution.
• Orochimaru explained that Kirigakure's Six-Tails had lost control, then invited Kiyohara to become his assistant.
• Kiyohara accepted Orochimaru's offer, and Orochimaru gave him a scroll containing Wind Release: Wind Cutter Technique.

Kiyohara returned to Konoha after Kirigakure’s offensive slowed, and Konoha’s leaders discussed the war and praised his battlefield performance. Back in the village, he handled his affairs and agreed to visit Kurenai Yuhi to see her new cat summoning contract and practice Genjutsu.

• Kiyohara considered seeking Steel Release ninja for his second wish and planned to take missions involving Iwagakure while gathering information.
• Kirigakure paused its offensive after the Six-Tails Jinchuriki lost control, and Kiyohara’s group returned to Konoha with the rotating troops.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other leaders identified Iwagakure as the war’s next focus, while Orochimaru praised Kiyohara’s record and recommended promoting him directly to Jonin.
• Kiyohara returned home, noticed his improved nature-transformation talent, and planned to replace his damaged chainmail after settling his battlefield affairs.
• Kurenai Yuhi invited Kiyohara to see her cat summoning beast, which could do backflips, and he agreed to visit and practice Genjutsu.

Kiyohara visited Kurenai Yuhi’s home to discuss Genjutsu, but her father, Yuhi Shinku, returned and challenged him to a sword match. After Kiyohara held his own against Shinku, Shinku acknowledged his skill and battle experience while calling him Kurenai’s friend.

• Kurenai Yuhi welcomed Kiyohara into her home, and they exchanged ideas about Genjutsu techniques and battlefield experience.
• Yuhi Shinku returned home, noticed Kiyohara’s shoes, and recognized him as the talented ninja Orochimaru had praised at the Jonin meeting.
• Shinku challenged Kiyohara to demonstrate his swordsmanship, and the two fought in the courtyard.
• Kiyohara’s solid fundamentals and adaptability allowed him to remain evenly matched with Shinku through sixty-five exchanges.
• Shinku praised Kiyohara’s skill and experience, then reminded Kurenai that it was getting late.

Kiyohara trained under Orochimaru, learned he would temporarily lead Kiyohara’s team, and discovered he was being considered for Jonin promotion. In Kirigakure, Genji believed the Third Mizukage was weakening and that Uchiha Madara might soon die, while Kiyohara weighed his team’s mission options in the Land of Rain.

• Kiyohara sparred evenly with Yuhi Shinku, then visited Orochimaru’s laboratory and began learning its equipment and procedures.
• Orochimaru told Kiyohara that he had become the team’s temporary guiding Jonin and that their transfer notice would arrive the next day.
• Genji discussed Kirigakure’s strategic position and ordered Hozuki Mangetsu to secretly monitor the Third Mizukage, believing Uchiha Madara’s influence might soon fade.
• Orochimaru offered Kiyohara, Kurenai Yuhi, and Genma Shiranui three missions in the Land of Rain and revealed that Kiyohara was about to be promoted to Jonin.
• Kiyohara compared the missions and considered the dangers facing the Land of Rain as he began to assess which one to choose.

Kiyohara chose to escort a merchant caravan to the Land of Rain and prepared his gear before meeting Tsunade, who offered to teach him Medical Ninjutsu. After testing his healing ability, Tsunade began guiding him at Konoha Hospital.

• Kiyohara, Genma Shiranui, and Kurenai Yuhi agreed to escort a merchant caravan to the Land of Rain, and Orochimaru scheduled their departure for three days later.
• Kiyohara sold ninja tools, paid part of his loan, and bought chainmail and stronger wire for his equipment.
• Tsunade asked Kiyohara for a loan, and he gave her some money in exchange for more guidance.
• Tsunade tested Kiyohara's Regeneration Jutsu on a carp and praised his active Yang Release chakra.
• Tsunade gave Kiyohara books on Medical Ninjutsu and trained him at Konoha Hospital for the afternoon.

Kiyohara tested Orochimaru’s Power of the White Snake, confirmed it appeared safe, and gained stronger physical vitality and faster chakra recovery after taking it. Three mornings later, he left Konoha for the Land of Rain with Orochimaru’s team and traveled alongside Minato’s group and a caravan.

• Kiyohara borrowed Tsunade’s testing equipment and, with Steel Release Kiyohara guarding him, examined the Power of the White Snake and found it contained active White Snake cells without signs of deliberate sabotage.
• Kiyohara tested small doses on two white mice, then drank the remaining liquid himself and endured a two-hour transformation that improved his physical strength, vitality, and chakra recovery.
• Kiyohara tested Wind Cutter Technique and found it used less chakra than before, while his chakra recovered faster.
• Kiyohara met Kurenai, Genma, Rin, Kakashi, and Minato at Konoha’s gate before departing with Orochimaru’s team toward the Land of Rain.
• Orochimaru’s group joined Jirobo’s thirty-six-person caravan, while Minato’s team traveled alongside them for part of the route.

During the journey to the Land of Rain, Orochimaru became increasingly interested in Kiyohara’s abilities and considered taking him as a disciple. Kiyohara used Earth Release to shelter the caravan from a storm, and Orochimaru ended the chapter by suggesting he might develop another Kekkei Genkai.

• Orochimaru told the caravan about an escort mission and discussed how feelings could change over time, while Minato praised Kiyohara’s impending Jonin promotion.
• Orochimaru complimented Kiyohara’s Magnet Release and asked about the copper wire he had added to his equipment, strengthening his interest in taking him as a disciple.
• When heavy rain forced the caravan to stop in the Land of Rain, Kiyohara combined Earth Release techniques to build a shelter for more than forty people.
• Kiyohara healed Kurenai Yuhi’s injured finger with Medical Ninjutsu, surprising Rin and drawing further interest from Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru compared Kiyohara’s range of skills to Senju Tobirama and asked how his Magnet Release worked; after Kiyohara said it combined Earth and Wind, Orochimaru suggested he might develop other Kekkei Genkai.

Kiyohara explored the possibility of developing new Kekkei Genkai and used his electromagnetic Iron Sand bullets to help defeat five Iwagakure ninja. At the caravan’s exchange point, he recognized Konan, who had arranged the delivery of medical supplies for her organization.

• Kiyohara told Orochimaru and the others that he had considered combining additional Chakra natures, and Orochimaru offered him access to Kekkei Genkai research materials.
• Kiyohara sensed five Iwagakure ninja ahead, and Orochimaru sent Kiyohara, Kakashi, and the other young ninja to engage them while he and Namikaze Minato watched.
• Kiyohara killed three Iwagakure Chunin with accelerated Iron Sand bullets, and Kakashi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Genma Shiranui helped defeat the two Jonin.
• Kiyohara searched the fallen ninja and handed their encrypted intelligence to Orochimaru, but found no information about Steel Release.
• At the exchange point, Orochimaru recognized Konan from the Land of Rain, and Konan explained that her organization had commissioned the caravan to deliver medical supplies.

Konoha’s escort team helped Yahiko and Akatsuki fight off an Amegakure squad sent by Hanzo to force them to disband. After the battle, Yahiko thanked Orochimaru and Minato, who warned him that Akatsuki would have to face the consequences of its ideals in a dangerous era.

• Yahiko welcomed the Konoha team and warned Orochimaru and Minato that Amegakure patrols were approaching Akatsuki’s supply handover.
• Yahiko agreed to let the Konoha ninja hide and intervene after Amegakure attacked, trusting Orochimaru because he was Jiraiya’s close friend.
• An Amegakure squad demanded that Yahiko disband Akatsuki, and Yahiko countered their attack with a powerful Water Release technique.
• Kiyohara, Kakashi, Konan, Minato, Orochimaru, and the other Konoha ninja ambushed the Amegakure squad and killed its members.
• Kiyohara collected supplies from the fallen ninja while Yahiko thanked Orochimaru and Minato, who warned that Amegakure might intensify its search.