Nawaki

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Nawaki (绳树)
Gender	Male
Species/Race	Human; Senju Clan member
Affiliation	Konohagakure; Team One; Hokage Guard Squad (former role); Ninja Village Alliance 183 236 268
Occupation/Role	Shinobi; Water Release, Wood Release, and swordsmanship practitioner; squad leader; Hokage Advisor; Konoha representative in the Ninja Village Alliance 215 236 268
Rank	Jonin
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 1
Family	Senju Hashirama (grandfather); Tsunade (older sister); Natsuki (Tsunade’s boyfriend, whom she designates Nawaki’s brother-in-law) 268
Mentor	Orochimaru; Tsunade

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Ninja Academy student	1	Introduced as a third-year Academy student and recognized as one of the school’s notable geniuses.
Official ninja / Genin	87	Passes the graduation assessment alongside Natsuki and their peers; later assigned to Team One under Orochimaru.
Chunin	98	Promoted by Hiruzen Sarutobi after the Chunin Exams alongside Natsuki, Might Duy, and Inuzuka Sparrow.
Ryūchi Cave contractor	134	Receives a contract from Orochimaru, granting him access to its snake summons and Sage Region; his contractor status is reaffirmed before Natsuki’s visit. 134 176
Jonin	146	Passes his Jonin examination after fighting Natsuki with Water Breathing, Samehada, the Konoha Six Powers, and Armament Haki. 146
Advanced Water Release practitioner	156	Demonstrates Water Release: Water Body Flicker Technique, which Natsuki copies with his Sharingan. 156
Ryūchi Cave trial participant	178	Passes the first two Snake Princess trials; the second test confirms that his chakra exceeds that of most Jonin. This does not establish that he has mastered Sage Mode. 178
Hashirama Cells transplant / Wood Release user	215	Receives a successful transplant from Orochimaru and begins developing Wood Release alongside Tsunade. 215 216
Battlefield Wood Release practitioner	233	Uses Wood Release to restrain opponents and helps Tsunade hold off Kitsuchi’s Earth Release during Iwagakure’s general offensive. 233
White Zetsu-enhanced Wood Release / Wood Golem mastery	245	Bonds with a specially powerful White Zetsu, masters Wood Release: Wood Golem Technique after a month of training, and defeats Yugito Nii’s complete Two-Tails transformation with additional chakra supplied through Samehada. 245 246
True Wood Release awakening	256	Undergoes Natsuki’s potential-based evolution technique. His body expels the transplanted Hashirama cells as he awakens true Wood Release. 256

Background

Nawaki is Tsunade’s younger brother and the grandson of the First, Senju Hashirama. His lineage, large chakra reserves, and early training mark him as a prominent young talent in Konoha. He studies under Orochimaru, alongside whom he develops as a shinobi, while Tsunade also continues to oversee his taijutsu and field development. 1 22 117

He first meets Natsuki and Yakushi Nonō when they enter the Ninja Academy. Though older than them, he approaches them first, introduces himself, and offers help should they face trouble at school. 1

Following the Second Ninja World War, Nawaki continues training at the Senju compound with Natsuki, Kushina, and Nonō. He also becomes a contractor of Ryūchi Cave, although Natsuki later declines to bring him to the region’s dangerous Sage Mode trials until its Three Snake Princesses can be safely controlled. 134 176

His survival and continued development diverge from the early death Natsuki remembers from the original timeline. Rather than dying during the Second Ninja World War, he becomes a Jonin, gains Wood Release, and eventually enters Konoha’s leadership as an advisor to the Fifth Hokage. 1 18 146 215 236

By the later period of the Ninja Village Alliance, Nawaki serves as Konoha’s representative within the organization. Tsunade also encourages him to establish an independent household, giving him the key to a vacant neighboring house and urging him to consider starting a family. 268

Personality

Nawaki is sunny, sociable, and eager to make friends. His openness helps him quickly form a close training partnership with Natsuki, despite their repeated sparring matches and rivalry. 1 18

He is highly competitive and takes pride in his achievements, particularly his exam performance and growing strength. He is also impulsive at times, showing impatience to enter the battlefield and initially underestimating fighters such as Maruboshi Kosuke and Might Duy. 16 66 93 100

Despite this recklessness, Nawaki is receptive to correction. He respects capable people once their strength is clear, supports his teammates, and is deeply motivated by his family legacy and his ambition to become Hokage like his grandfather. 87 100 116

His experiences in the war and his continued training gradually make him more mature and tactful. Although he remains eager for difficult missions and recognition, he accepts Natsuki’s advice, considers opponents’ weaknesses in combat, and takes responsibility for instructing younger shinobi such as Hatake Kakashi. 142 145 174 175

Comparisons with Natsuki, Nonō, and Minato sometimes leave him discouraged, but he generally responds with renewed training rather than resentment. He asks Natsuki to treat him as an equal teammate and later recognizes that his reactions are insufficient to counter Minato’s Flying Thunder God Technique. 59 142 155

His ambition does not prevent him from supporting others. He nominates Orochimaru for Fourth Hokage and later openly backs Natsuki for Fifth Hokage, setting aside his joking claim to the position. He also recommends Kushina for a Hashirama Cells transplant rather than treating Wood Release as an exclusively Senju privilege. 180 216 235

Even as an experienced shinobi, he dislikes being treated as a child. He protests Tsunade’s battlefield precautions but ultimately accepts her and Natsuki’s authority. His embarrassment over discussions of girlfriends and his shock at Tsunade’s relationship with Natsuki preserve his straightforward, expressive nature. 231 268

Abilities & Skills

Water Release

As a Senju, Nawaki possesses substantial, high-quality chakra and specializes in the Water Release techniques associated with Senju Tobirama’s style. 17 41 58

• Uses an abbreviated, four-hand-seal version of Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique. 17
• Can perform Water Release: Water Formation Wall, including the all-directional variation attributed to Tobirama’s techniques. 17 41
• Uses Water Release: Water Shock Wave to create powerful torrents and water tornadoes, including during the Chunin Exams and against Sunagakure puppeteers. 90 95
• Trains Natsuki in Water Release chakra nature transformation and explains Water Release’s traits of moisture and flow. 43 79
• Continues refining Water Release under Maruboshi Kosuke during the war against Sunagakure. 102
• Continues studying Senju Tobirama’s Water Release after mastering Water Breathing and the Konoha Six Powers, with Water Release: Water Body Flicker Technique among his advanced training goals. 145 148
• Subsequently demonstrates Water Release: Water Body Flicker Technique, allowing Natsuki to copy the technique with his Sharingan. 156

Water Breathing Swordsmanship

Nawaki learns Natsuki’s self-created Water Breathing sword style and combines it with Samehada.

• Demonstrates the first four forms of Water Breathing while wielding Samehada. 80
• Defeats the Chunin-level samurai Yagyu Musashi in the Land of Iron’s swordsmanship exchange. 75
• Orochimaru judges his Water Breathing and Samehada combination sufficient to contend with some Special Jonin. 80
• His style benefits from his high chakra reserves, though he initially did not consider himself dependent on Samehada. 58 66
• Uses Water Breathing’s Third and Fourth Forms to repel Sunagakure puppets and poison-based attacks during the Second Ninja World War. 90
• Completes his study of Water Breathing and demonstrates the Tenth Form: Constant Flux during his Jonin examination against Natsuki. 145 146
• Delivers the finishing blow to a wounded Sunagakure Jonin with Second Form: Water Wheel, following Natsuki’s long-range attacks and Kosuke’s support. 101
• Combines Water Release, Water Breathing, and Samehada’s chakra absorption to defeat the mindless Ultimate Summoning Beast. 154

Taijutsu

Nawaki trained in taijutsu under Tsunade from a young age and possesses notable physical strength.

• His punches can crack a wooden training sword and force opponents back through raw power. 17
• He competes in close combat against Natsuki and later receives further taijutsu instruction from Tsunade. 17 117
• Learns Shave, one of Natsuki’s Konoha Six Powers, and later begins studying Finger Pistol. 107 118
• His physical conditioning limits his pace in the Six Powers compared with Tsunade and Uzumaki Kushina. 118
• Learns Geppo, Finger Pistol, and Iron Body, and later begins training in Tempest Kick. 133 156
• Applies Iron Body, Shave, and Finger Pistol in his Jonin examination, though Natsuki warns him that Iron Body’s immobility is dangerous against substantially stronger opponents. 146
• Trains in Armament Haki alongside Natsuki, Kushina, and Nonō, using it to strengthen his Finger Pistol during his battle with Natsuki. 136 141 146
• Uses Geppo to reach the calm eye of Fūshin’s typhoon before forcing him to surrender with Water Breathing’s Seventh Form. 142

Rasengan

Nawaki participates in developing the Rasengan from Natsuki’s concept.

• Understands that compressed, rapidly rotating chakra could become a hand-signless technique. 79
• Can form a Rasengan, but his incomplete control causes it to destabilize and explode. 80

Tactical Insight

Nawaki has developed greater battlefield awareness through missions, war experience, and sparring.

• Defeats opponents in the Land of Lightning’s fighting arena with Water Breathing and reaches the final stages of the competition. 142
• Identifies and exploits the weakness of Fūshin’s Typhoon Release after receiving Natsuki’s guidance. 142
• Serves as a senior instructor for Hatake Kakashi, teaching him swordsmanship, the Konoha Six Powers, and practical field experience. 174 175
• Coordinates Wood Release restraints with Tsunade’s close-combat attacks against Kitsuchi and other Iwagakure opponents. 233
• Recognizes that Kushina’s immense chakra reserves make her a suitable candidate for Wood Release through Hashirama Cells transplantation. 216

Wood Release

Nawaki initially gains Wood Release through Orochimaru’s successful Hashirama Cells transplantation procedure. He and Tsunade are the first two recipients placed under observation before the procedure is extended to other shinobi. 215

• Begins learning Wood Release alongside Tsunade and later Kushina. 215 216
• Uses Wood Release to restrain opponents and counter Kitsuchi’s powerful Earth Release in cooperation with Tsunade. 233
• Receives a substantial enhancement through a specially powerful White Zetsu bonded to him by Natsuki. 245
• Masters Wood Release: Wood Golem Technique after a month of training with the enhancement. His giant golem overpowers both Yugito Nii’s partial transformation and her complete Two-Tails form. 245
• Strengthens the golem with chakra released by Samehada, allowing it to withstand the Two-Tails’ Tailed Beast Ball and complete the victory. Natsuki had supplied Samehada with a large amount of chakra beforehand. 245 246
• Later undergoes Natsuki’s evolution technique and awakens true Wood Release, expelling the transplanted Hashirama cells from his body. 256

His victory over Yugito is an enhanced performance rather than a demonstration of wholly unaided strength. Tsunade specifically notes the distinction between White Zetsu’s contribution and Nawaki’s own power, while Natsuki treats the enhancement as a foundation for further growth. 245

Summoning and Sage Training

Nawaki holds a Ryūchi Cave contract received from Orochimaru. Initially, Orochimaru warns him that the region’s snakes are predatory and that failed Sage Mode candidates may be eaten by the Three Snake Princesses. 134

• Travels to Ryūchi Cave with Natsuki after the Snake Princesses have been brought under Natsuki’s control. 176 178
• Passes Tagorihime’s first trial and Ichikishimahime’s second trial without Natsuki requesting leniency. The second test leaves him pale but confirms unusually large chakra reserves. 178
• Participates with Natsuki and the Three Snake Princesses in subduing Manda, who is forced to accept summons without demanding living sacrifices. 179

Passing the documented trials and participating in Manda’s defeat do not establish that Nawaki has mastered Sage Mode. The explicitly confirmed Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode mastery in this sequence belongs to Natsuki. 178 179

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Samehada — A chakra-devouring ninja sword retained by Tsunade for Nawaki and Uzumaki Kushina; Nawaki uses it with Water Breathing. Its ability to absorb, store, and release chakra later supports his Wood Golem against the Two-Tails, with Natsuki supplying chakra in advance. 58 66 80 245 246
• Saburo — Yellow ninja dog obtained from the Inuzuka Clan with Tsunade’s assistance; used for detection and tracking during missions. 28 31
• First’s Necklace — Given to him by Tsunade upon his graduation as a symbol of his connection to Hashirama’s legacy. 87
• Red Healing Potions — Receives seven highly effective emergency healing potions from Tsunade. 61
• Ninja tools and traps — Uses traps during missions and recognizes the value of explosive tags for field operations. 39 121
• Standard ninja sword — Uses an ordinary ninja sword rather than Samehada when sparring the much younger Hatake Kakashi. 173
• White Zetsu support — A specially powerful White Zetsu bonded to him by Natsuki to enhance his Wood Release before the operation against Yugito Nii. 245
• Neighboring house key — Given to him by Tsunade when she asks him to establish his own household in the vacant house beside her residence. 268

Relationships

• Tsunade — Older sister and early taijutsu mentor. She protects, trains, and supports Nawaki, gives him Hashirama’s necklace, preserves Samehada for him and Kushina, and continues correcting his taijutsu and impulsiveness after the war. They later gain Wood Release together and cooperate against Kitsuchi. She remains concerned for his safety despite his objections, eventually encourages him to live independently, and reveals her relationship with Natsuki. 1 58 87 117 146 215 231 233 268
• Orochimaru — Mentor and Team One’s squad leader after Nawaki’s graduation. Orochimaru oversees Nawaki’s development and praises his Water Breathing progress. He provides the Ryūchi Cave contract, performs Nawaki’s Hashirama Cells transplant, and appoints him to the Hokage Guard Squad after becoming Fourth Hokage. Nawaki nominates him during the succession process. 22 80 86 134 180 183 215
• Natsuki — Close friend, frequent sparring partner, teammate, rival, and later Jonin examiner. Nawaki respects Natsuki’s strength, learns Water Breathing and Shave from him, accepts his leadership in the field, and continues relying on his guidance as a Jonin. Natsuki later appoints him Hokage Advisor, arranges his victory over Yugito, and helps him awaken true Wood Release. Tsunade identifies Natsuki as Nawaki’s brother-in-law because he is her boyfriend, leaving Nawaki shocked at the change in their relationship. 17 18 75 100 142 146 236 245 246 256 268
• Yakushi Nonō — Teammate in Team One. Nawaki fights alongside her under Orochimaru and follows her instruction in Shave. Her qualification for Medical Jonin initially heightens his concern about falling behind, but he continues supporting her and later serves beside her in the Hokage Guard Squad. 86 100 107 142 145 183
• Uzumaki Kushina — Friend and training companion. They train together under Uzumaki Mito’s supervision, and Nawaki defers to her preference regarding Samehada. After receiving his own Hashirama Cells transplant, he recommends her as a candidate because of her large chakra reserves, and she agrees to learn Wood Release with him. 18 66 73 216
• Namikaze Minato — Fellow young Konoha shinobi and occasional mission partner. Nawaki trains and later deploys alongside Minato in combined operations, while remaining conscious of Minato’s rapid growth. He acknowledges his inability to reliably counter Flying Thunder God, later serves with Minato as a Hokage Advisor, and attends the Seventh Night celebration for Minato’s newborn Naruto. 73 121 155 157 236 268
• Maruboshi Kosuke — Temporary wartime teammate and Water Release instructor. Nawaki comes to respect Kosuke after initially dismissing him for being a Genin. 100 102
• Hatake Kakashi — A younger temporary teammate and student. Nawaki defeats Kakashi in their initial spar, then acts as his squad leader and helps train him in swordsmanship, the Konoha Six Powers, and mission work. Kakashi later credits Nawaki, Natsuki, and Minato for his rapid improvement. 173 174 175 182
• Hiruzen Sarutobi — The Third recognizes Nawaki’s Jonin-level ability after his examination against Natsuki and formally promotes him to Jonin. 145 146
• Uzumaki Mito — An important family elder whose death affects Nawaki deeply. He channels his grief into training and his promise to become a shinobi worthy of Hashirama’s legacy. 60 115 116
• Three Snake Princesses — Ryūchi Cave authorities who test Nawaki after Natsuki secures their obedience. Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime administer his first two documented trials; the princesses subsequently participate alongside him and Natsuki in subduing Manda. 178 179
• Yugito Nii — Kumogakure’s Two-Tails jinchūriki and Nawaki’s opponent in a battle arranged by Natsuki to increase his reputation. Nawaki defeats her with an enhanced Wood Golem, leaving her unconscious for Natsuki to take away. 245 246
• Jiraiya — A senior Konoha shinobi who knows Nawaki through Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Minato. During Naruto’s Seventh Night celebration, Natsuki delegates to Nawaki the task of finding Jiraiya a position in the Ninja Village Alliance. Nawaki readily agrees because he needs assistance with his work. 22 183 268

Story Role / Major Arcs

Academy Rivalry and Training

Nawaki meets Natsuki at the Academy and later challenges him to spar after placing first in his final exam. Their battle establishes Nawaki’s strengths in taijutsu and Water Release, while Natsuki’s swordsmanship forces Nawaki to take him seriously. 16 17

Afterward, the two agree to train together during the holidays. Nawaki focuses on Water Release while Natsuki practices tree climbing and Kushina studies sealing techniques. 18

Their shared training develops into a reciprocal exchange: Nawaki teaches Natsuki Water Release nature transformation, while Natsuki later teaches him Water Breathing and the Konoha Six Powers. Nawaki also uses a Shadow Clone to study Water Release while his original body trains in taijutsu. 43 45 66 107

Early Missions

Under Orochimaru’s supervision, Nawaki joins Natsuki on missions outside Konoha for the first time. He uses Saburo to help monitor their surroundings and works with Natsuki on plans involving traps and poison. 31 39

During the mission to investigate the Uzumaki Clan’s situation, Nawaki and Kushina assist Natsuki against rogue ninja attacking a merchant vessel. 49

An early assassination attempt exposes his lack of experience when the target’s scream alerts a bandit stronghold. Orochimaru corrects his carelessness, frames the failure as a lesson, and assigns him the mission report. 32

When Kumogakure kidnaps Kushina, Nawaki follows Tsunade’s Shadow Clone’s order to alert her real body at Konoha Hospital while Natsuki pursues the abductors. His support role contributes to the organized village response. 69

Land of Iron Mission

Nawaki accompanies Tsunade, Natsuki, and Minato to the Land of Iron to secure an alliance against Amegakure. During the proposed swordsmanship exchange, he defeats Yagyu Musashi using Water Breathing, demonstrating the growth of his sword skills. 73 75

Graduation and Chunin Exams

Nawaki graduates from the Ninja Academy and joins Team One with Natsuki and Nonō under Orochimaru. Tsunade presents him with the First’s Necklace, reinforcing his aspiration to inherit Hashirama’s legacy. 86 87

He later wins his Chunin Exam match against Uzumaki Kae through his Water Release advantage and is promoted to Chunin when the exams conclude. 96 98

Second Ninja World War

Nawaki deploys with Tsunade, Natsuki, and Nonō to the Land of Rain during the conflict with Sunagakure. When Tsunade must remain at headquarters, he supports Natsuki’s temporary command of their squad and works with Maruboshi Kosuke against enemy reconnaissance teams. 99 100 101

He continues fighting alongside Natsuki and Kosuke against Sunagakure Jonin, using Water Release and Samehada in coordinated combat. 108 109 111

Nawaki participates in the later Amegakure campaign alongside Natsuki, Minato, Nonō, and Kosuke. He witnesses the scale of Natsuki’s strength following Hanzo’s defeat and remains part of the Konoha force during the conflict’s conclusion. 128 131 134

After Uzumaki Mito’s Death

Nawaki grieves Uzumaki Mito’s death alongside Tsunade, Kushina, Natsuki, and Nonō. Following the funeral, he resumes training immediately, determined to fulfill his promise to become a ninja like his grandfather. 115 116

Return to the Land of Rain

After Natsuki becomes a jonin, Nawaki returns to the Land of Rain with Team One as part of Konoha’s effort to cut Amegakure’s logistics and force Hanzo into a decisive confrontation. He reunites with Minato’s team and participates in the joint operation. 121 123

During the island-outpost assault, Nawaki recognizes Natsuki’s intention to acquire the enemy Ninja Turtle rather than kill it. He uses Samehada’s living nature to silently immobilize the turtle sentry, enabling the wider Konoha force to launch its surprise attack. 123

Land of Lightning Fighting Arena

Nawaki accompanies Natsuki and Nonō on an Anbu mission to the Land of Lightning, where the group enters Mikoshi En’s fighting arena under false identities. He quickly defeats his initial opponent with Water Breathing and advances to face Fūshin, whose Typhoon Release he counters by exploiting its weakness. 142

The arena mission demonstrates Nawaki’s growth beyond direct force: he follows Natsuki’s warnings, evaluates an unfamiliar Kekkei Genkai, and adapts his Water Release and swordsmanship to the opponent. 142

His decisive maneuver uses Geppo to enter the typhoon’s calm center, where Water Breathing’s Seventh Form forces Fūshin to surrender. During the mission, Natsuki also advises him to complete Water Breathing and improve Armament Haki before applying for the Jonin examination. 142

Jonin Promotion

After completing Water Breathing and expanding his Water Release training, Nawaki applies for the Jonin examination. Hiruzen appoints Natsuki as his examiner, and Nawaki confronts him using Samehada, Water Breathing, Shave, Finger Pistol, Iron Body, and Armament Haki. 145 146

Although Natsuki holds back considerably and defeats him with superior skill, Nawaki’s performance satisfies Hiruzen and Tsunade. Hiruzen formally promotes him to Jonin, while Tsunade reminds him that his noncombat skills and judgment still require refinement. 146

Hatake Kakashi’s Training

When Hatake Kakashi graduates from the Academy early, he is temporarily assigned to Natsuki and Minato’s group. Nawaki spars with Kakashi using an ordinary ninja sword and defeats him through his greater experience and defense, without needing to press an attack. 173

Nawaki subsequently serves as Kakashi’s unusually young squad leader. Kakashi trains with him in the mornings, accompanies him or Minato on missions in the afternoons, and receives instruction in swordsmanship, the Konoha Six Powers, and practical shinobi work. 174 175

Because Minato is occupied with Sage Mode training, Nawaki usually handles Kakashi’s afternoon missions. He embraces the responsibility enthusiastically, and Kakashi later acknowledges his contribution to his rapid growth toward Chunin-level participation. 174 182

Ryūchi Cave Connection

Nawaki becomes a Ryūchi Cave contractor through Orochimaru’s arrangements. He is interested in pursuing the Sage Region’s power, but Natsuki does not take him along when confronting the Three Snake Princesses, judging the trial and intended conflict too dangerous until the princesses can be brought under control. 134 176

After securing the princesses’ obedience, Natsuki brings Nawaki to Ryūchi Cave through Ichikishimahime’s summoning. Natsuki refuses an offer to let Nawaki pass automatically, reasoning that forcing Sage Mode training on someone without the required talent would be harmful. Nawaki passes the first trial and, after a prolonged effort, the second chakra-draining trial. 178

Nawaki subsequently joins Natsuki and the Three Snake Princesses in defeating Manda. The giant snake is forced to cooperate without requiring living sacrifices, making its future use less dangerous for the contractors. 179

Ultimate Summoning Beast Investigation

Nawaki locates the failed Ultimate Summoning Beast before Natsuki arrives and observes it from concealment. After Natsuki recruits Honoka and the other researchers, Nawaki fights the mindless creature using Water Release, Water Breathing, and Samehada to drain its mixed chakra and defeat it. Natsuki then destroys the remains and the laboratory. 154

Orochimaru’s Administration and Hokage Guard Appointment

During the Fourth Hokage nomination process, Nawaki immediately chooses Orochimaru as his nominee. He does not nominate Tsunade because he knows she has no interest in the office. 180

After Orochimaru becomes Fourth Hokage, Nawaki hopes to receive an important assignment. Orochimaru includes him in the reestablished Hokage Guard Squad alongside Natsuki, Nonō, Minato, Uzumaki Kae, and Inuzuka Sparrow. Nawaki views the appointment as progress toward his own Hokage ambition, although Tsunade teases him about Natsuki’s much greater workload and authority. 182 183

Hashirama Cells Transplantation and Wood Release

Orochimaru’s research produces a successful Hashirama Cells transplantation procedure. Nawaki receives the transplant before Tsunade, and the two are placed under observation for a month before additional recipients are considered. The procedure gives Nawaki access to Wood Release and a new means of carrying forward his grandfather’s legacy. 215

Nawaki then proposes Kushina as another recipient, citing the suitability of her large chakra reserves. She accepts and agrees that they can study Wood Release together. 216

Following Danzō’s apparent defection, Nawaki worries that the former aide could disclose Konoha’s secrets. Natsuki reassures him and Tsunade that Danzō will not escape. 217

War Against Iwagakure

After Konoha and Amegakure’s initial victory, Nawaki eagerly asks to reinforce Natsuki. Tsunade volunteers to accompany him as a medical ninja, and Orochimaru recognizes the siblings’ deployment as an opportunity to publicize Wood Release’s return. 224

Before Iwagakure’s general offensive, Tsunade warns Nawaki not to travel too far from camp. Although he objects to being treated as inexperienced, he yields when Natsuki supports her warning and promises to account for his safety in mission assignments. 231

During the decisive battle, Nawaki and Tsunade confront Kitsuchi together. Their Wood Release holds off his Earth Release, with Nawaki restraining opponents while Tsunade breaks through their defenses. Their cooperation contributes to Kitsuchi’s capture and Konoha’s overwhelming victory. 233

Fifth Hokage Succession and Advisory Role

Nawaki jokes about becoming Fifth Hokage but ultimately supports Natsuki openly in the Jonin vote. After winning, Natsuki considers him suitable for an advisory position because of his strength, connections to Orochimaru and Tsunade, and status as a Wood Release shinobi representing Konoha’s heritage. 235

At his first Jonin meeting as Fifth Hokage, Natsuki removes Homura and Koharu and appoints Tsunade, Nawaki, and Minato as the new Hokage Advisors. Koharu objects to the younger candidates, but the assembled Jonin and clan leaders support the appointments. 236

Defeat and Capture of the Two-Tails Jinchūriki

Natsuki arranges an operation against Yugito Nii to improve Nawaki’s reputation. Rather than making a new Wood Release Chakra Crystal, he supplies a specially powerful White Zetsu to enhance Nawaki’s Wood Release and gives him a month to master the Wood Golem Technique. 245

Natsuki transports Nawaki and Tsunade to a Kumogakure outpost and isolates the area with a barrier. Nawaki’s golem overwhelms Yugito’s partial and complete Two-Tails transformations. When she fires a Tailed Beast Ball, chakra stored in Samehada strengthens the golem sufficiently to withstand it, after which the golem defeats her. 245

Natsuki takes the unconscious Yugito away and returns with the siblings to Konoha’s main camp. Nawaki acknowledges that Natsuki had supplied Samehada’s stored chakra in advance, and Natsuki directs the Anbu to publicize the victory. Tsunade recognizes how extensively Natsuki prepared and supported Nawaki’s achievement. 246

Awakening True Wood Release

When Natsuki explains his potential-based evolution technique, Nawaki eagerly asks to undergo it. Natsuki applies the technique to him and Tsunade, causing both to expel their transplanted Hashirama cells as they awaken true Wood Release. 256

Ninja Village Alliance and Family Revelation

By the time of Naruto’s Seventh Night celebration, Nawaki serves as Konoha’s representative in the Ninja Village Alliance. When Jiraiya requests a position there to continue pursuing the Child of Prophecy, Natsuki assigns Nawaki to arrange it. Nawaki agrees readily, noting that he needs someone to help with his work. 268

At the celebration, Nawaki reflects on Minato having become a father and takes an interest in the newborn Naruto, whom Uzumaki Kae lets him hold. 268

Afterward, Tsunade gives Nawaki the key to the vacant neighboring house and tells him that he is old enough to live independently and start a family. When he points out that she has no boyfriend, she reveals that she is dating Natsuki and declares him Nawaki’s brother-in-law. Nawaki is left stunned because Natsuki is younger than him, already close to Kushina and Nonō, and someone he had always regarded as a brother rather than his sister’s partner. 268

---