Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhengyi, a 12-year-old Chunin, awakens memories of his past life.
• He learns that his master, Orochimaru, will eventually be driven out of Konoha and his reputation ruined.
• Zhengyi realizes he was involved in Orochimaru's human experiments in his past life, putting him at risk if Orochimaru defects.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi: Becomes aware of his past life's mistakes and Orochimaru's future downfall, causing him to worry about his own fate.
• Orochimaru: Still shows traces of humanity, appreciating Zhengyi's modern thinking, but is also driven by his thirst for knowledge and power.
• Anko: Greedy for food, cries when Zhengyi takes away her cake, but leaves when she senses Orochimaru's intense focus on Zhengyi's knowledge.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of past actions and the struggle to change one's fate.
• The thirst for knowledge and power, and the obsession that drives it.
• The tension between personal desires and responsibility towards others (e.g., Zhengyi's concern for Anko's health).

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Orochimaru: Zhengyi tries to guide Orochimaru's diet, leading to a discussion about nutrition and Orochimaru entrusting Zhengyi with a mission.
• Zhengyi and Anko: Zhengyi takes away Anko's cake, causing her to cry, but he does so out of concern for her health.
• Orochimaru and Anko: Orochimaru is impatient with Anko's interruption of his experiment and shows more interest in Zhengyi's knowledge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhengyi's past as an academic genius and his unrequited love for Rin Nohara are revealed.
• Obito confronts Zhengyi about his past actions, leading to a tense encounter at a dumpling shop.
• Zhengyi is revealed to be helping Orochimaru capture people for human experiments, causing him internal conflict.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi: Struggles with guilt over his actions and his past, showing remorse and internal conflict.
• Obito: Expresses deep resentment towards Zhengyi due to their past rivalry over Rin.
• Orochimaru: Shows appreciation for Zhengyi's efficiency and justifies his inhumane experiments.

Significant Themes

• Guilt and redemption: Zhengyi's struggle with his past actions and his current role in Orochimaru's experiments.
• The cost of progress: Orochimaru's justification for using humans in experiments to advance his goals.
• Unrequited love: The lingering effects of Zhengyi's past feelings for Rin on his relationship with Obito.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Obito: Their tense interaction highlights their past rivalry and Obito's lingering resentment.
• Zhengyi and Orochimaru: Their conversation reveals Zhengyi's internal conflict and Orochimaru's lack of remorse for his actions.
• Zhengyi and the captured people: Zhengyi's apologies to the captives show his remorse, while the captives' resignation highlights their helplessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru conducts human experiments on villagers using food to observe changes in their bodies.
• The Third Shinobi World War begins due to the disappearance of the Third Kazekage.
• Konoha is under threat from multiple shinobi villages, including Kumogakure.
• Orochimaru is absent from the Jonin meeting, sending Zhengyi instead, and is criticized by the Third Hokage for not participating in the war.
• Zhengyi learns that Minato is considering running for Hokage, with Jiraiya's support.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru: Shows a more humane side by feeding villagers, but remains focused on his research, even when Konoha is at war.
• Zhengyi: Develops a sense of loyalty to Orochimaru and becomes more involved in his teacher's plans.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi: Feels disappointed and frustrated with Orochimaru's absence and lack of commitment to Konoha during the war.

Significant Themes

• Orochimaru's obsession with research and discovery, even at the expense of his duties as a shinobi.
• The political landscape of Konoha and the potential power struggle between Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Minato.
• The moral implications of Orochimaru's human experiments and Zhengyi's complicity in them.

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and Zhengyi: Their relationship deepens as Zhengyi becomes more involved in Orochimaru's plans and defends him against criticism.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Zhengyi: The Third Hokage expresses his frustration with Orochimaru's absence and lack of commitment to Konoha through Zhengyi.
• Zhengyi and the other Jonin: Zhengyi feels out of place among the other Jonin, who are focused on the war and criticize Orochimaru's absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru develops high-protein food using Zhengyi's idea, which could significantly boost ninjas' strength.
• Orochimaru sends Zhengyi to intercept the AB brothers of Kumogakure.
• Zhengyi confronts A, the future Fourth Raikage, and gets beaten but remains undeterred.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi shows remarkable courage and determination, even after being defeated by A.
• Orochimaru demonstrates his scientific prowess by creating high-protein food.
• A shows approval for Zhengyi's reckless courage, despite being an opponent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a balanced diet and protein intake for ninjas' strength.
• Courage and determination in the face of adversity.
• The power dynamics and respect between ninjas of different villages.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Orochimaru: Zhengyi's idea inspires Orochimaru to create high-protein food, showing their teacher-student bond.
• Zhengyi and A: Zhengyi's reckless challenge against A highlights their contrasting personalities and strength levels.
• The Konoha ninjas: They watch Zhengyi's actions with a mix of surprise, concern, and admiration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A (A from the AB Brothers) spars with Zhengyi, a Konoha ninja, to test his strength.
• Zhengyi, despite being outmatched, refuses to give up, impressing A and the onlookers.
• A knocks Zhengyi out, but acknowledges him as a future rival.
• Orochimaru returns, and A retracts his earlier insults towards him.
• Orochimaru plans to steal dairy cows from the Land of Lightning to boost Konoha's protein powder production.
• Zhengyi is featured in the newspaper as a model for Konoha's children.

Character Developments

• A shows his prowess and vanity but is moved by Zhengyi's determination.
• Zhengyi demonstrates his resilience and dedication to protecting his teacher.
• Orochimaru's trust in Zhengyi grows.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya discuss the potential Fourth Hokage, with Jiraiya hinting at his interest in the position.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and determination in the face of adversity (Zhengyi).
• The importance of strength and power (A, Orochimaru).
• The bond between teacher and student (Zhengyi and Orochimaru).

Character Interactions

• A and Zhengyi's sparring match highlights their differences in strength and willpower.
• A's interaction with Zhengyi leads him to retract his earlier insults towards Orochimaru.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya's conversation reveals their thoughts on the potential Fourth Hokage and their differing views on Orochimaru.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhengyi is appointed as the Konoha commander on the Kumogakure front line by Orochimaru, responsible for managing nearly two thousand ninjas.
• Zhengyi, despite his injuries, initiates a fierce offensive against Kumogakure, aiming to strike their weakest point.
• Zhengyi proposes the "One Point Two Sides" tactic to his Jonin subordinates, demonstrating a strategic approach to warfare.
• The Kumogakure ninja, A, attempts a surprise attack on the Konoha camp but finds it deserted, with only a small number of ninjas remaining.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi: Shows maturity and strategic thinking, taking command of the Kumogakure front line despite his injuries. He demonstrates his ability to lead and teach others, earning respect from his subordinates.
• A (Killer B): Shows cunning and strategic thinking in attempting a surprise attack on Konoha. However, he is also shown to be cautious and meticulous, not rashly launching an attack despite the strange situation.

Significant Themes

• Strategic Thinking: Zhengyi's approach to warfare emphasizes strategy and methodology, contrasting with the ninja world's typical skirmishes and large-scale frontal assaults.
• Leadership: Zhengyi's ability to command and teach Jonin, despite being a Chunin, highlights his potential as a leader.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Orochimaru: Orochimaru entrusts Zhengyi with the Kumogakure front line, showing faith in his abilities. However, Orochimaru's irresponsible behavior in leaving Zhengyi to handle the details and his own experiments highlights the tension between their relationship.
• Zhengyi and the Konoha Jonin: Zhengyi's ability to teach and command Jonin earns him respect and cooperation from his subordinates, including the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans.
• A and the Kumogakure ninjas: A's attempt to surprise attack Konoha showcases his cunning and strategic thinking, but also his caution and meticulousness in the face of unusual circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Konoha ninja, led by Zhengyi, invade the Land of Lightning to exploit its weakened defenses due to the Third Raikage's absence.
• Zhengyi's forces raid and redistribute wealth from local nobility to impoverished residents, winning their favor.
• Konoha ninja engage in guerrilla warfare, evading Cloud ninja pursuit with the help of local villagers.
• Zhengyi executes a Konoha ninja, Sarutobi Hayate, for harming innocent villagers, demonstrating his commitment to justice and military discipline.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi shows his strategic prowess and charisma, winning the hearts of Land of Lightning residents by redistributing wealth and enforcing justice among his own forces.
• Dodai, the Jonin left to guard Kumogakure, feels overwhelmed and responsible for the village's safety upon hearing about the Konoha invasion.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Fairness: Zhengyi's actions reflect his desire for justice, both within his own forces and towards the people of the Land of Lightning.
• Leadership and Charisma: Zhengyi's ability to win the support of the local population demonstrates his strong leadership skills and charisma.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Dodai feels responsible for Kumogakure's safety, highlighting the theme of accountability among ninja leaders.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi interacts with local villagers, showing compassion and understanding, which wins their favor and support.
• Zhengyi confronts Sarutobi Hayate, demonstrating his commitment to justice and military discipline by executing him for harming innocent villagers.
• Dodai interacts with his fellow Cloud ninja, expressing his concern and responsibility for Kumogakure's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru expresses his disillusionment with Jiraiya's neutrality in the Hokage succession, leading to a rift in their friendship.
• Orochimaru secretly monitors Konoha ninja using summoning snakes, but later stops paying attention to them, trusting Zhengyi's capabilities.
• Zhengyi kills Sarutobi Hayate, the Third Hokage, without Orochimaru's knowledge or consent.
• The Third Raikage is killed in battle against Ōnoki, leading to A's ascension as the Fourth Raikage.
• Zhengyi and Konoha ninja are driven out of the Land of Lightning by A, but their actions buy Konoha's northeast border some peace.
• Orochimaru and Zhengyi's extreme methods cause concern among Konoha's upper echelon, with Hiruzen Sarutobi comparing them to each other.
• The Four-Tails and Five-Tails jinchuriki, Han, cause trouble in Konoha, keeping Jiraiya and Minato busy.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru's disillusionment with Jiraiya leads him to lose faith in friendship and become more isolated.
• A grows up rapidly after his father's death, becoming more mature and calm, and eventually taking up the mantle of the Fourth Raikage.
• Kakashi becomes more withdrawn and hostile after his father's death, engaging in arguments with Obito.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and disillusionment in friendship (Orochimaru and Jiraiya)
• Rapid growth and maturity (A, Kakashi)
• Extreme methods and their consequences (Orochimaru, Zhengyi)
• The burden of leadership and responsibility (A, Hiruzen Sarutobi)

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and Jiraiya's friendship is strained due to Orochimaru's feelings of betrayal.
• A and the Third Raikage's relationship is explored, leading to A's ascension as the Fourth Raikage.
• Kakashi and Obito's rivalry and arguments escalate, highlighting their growing tension.
• Orochimaru and Zhengyi's actions cause concern among Konoha's upper echelon, with Hiruzen Sarutobi comparing them to each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhengyi focuses on physical training to improve his stamina and avoid Kakashi's fate.
• Orochimaru brings supplies, including creatine, a supplement Zhengyi recognizes from his past life.
• Zhengyi shares the supplements with other Konoha ninjas, excluding zinc tablets.
• Kumogakure spies observe Konoha ninjas training rigorously.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi shows maturity and generosity by sharing supplements with his comrades.
• Orochimaru demonstrates favoritism towards Zhengyi and acknowledges his efforts.
• Darui and Samui, Kumogakure ninjas, show curiosity and perceptiveness.

Significant Themes

• The importance of physical training and self-improvement.
• The power of scientific research and innovation (Orochimaru's creatine discovery).
• The impact of Zhengyi's actions on the morale and unity of Konoha ninjas.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Orochimaru: Teacher-student relationship, with Orochimaru showing favoritism and Zhengyi expressing gratitude.
• Zhengyi and Konoha ninjas: Zhengyi shares supplements, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Darui and Samui: They observe Konoha's training, showing curiosity and perceptiveness about the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhengyi shares fitness knowledge with Might Duy, correcting his training methods.
• Zhengyi returns to Konoha for rest and rotation, summoned to the Hokage's office.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi assigns Team Minato as a mobile support unit and keeps Orochimaru and Zhengyi in Konoha for administrative duties.

Character Developments

• Might Duy starts adopting Zhengyi's fitness methods.
• Zhengyi shows maturity and understanding of the political undercurrents in Konoha.
• Minato demonstrates his leadership and ambition, acknowledging Zhengyi as a rival for the Fifth Hokage position.

Significant Themes

• The importance of proper training and rest for physical development.
• The political maneuvering and grooming for the Hokage position.
• The rivalry and competition among ninja peers.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Might Duy bond over fitness and training.
• Zhengyi and Team Minato reunite, with Obito's hostility towards Zhengyi evident.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi subtly influences the Hokage succession by assigning missions and roles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru observes his human experiments, showing his dedication to research and power.
• Zhengyi warns Orochimaru about Minato's growing influence, but Orochimaru dismisses his concerns.
• Team 7 members, including Zhengyi, compare heights and arm-wrestle, with Obito trying to prove his strength.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru remains confident in his position as Hiruzen's favorite student and successor.
• Zhengyi shows concern for Orochimaru's future and tries to advise him.
• Obito feels inferior to Zhengyi and seeks to prove his strength and worth.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and ambition is shown through Orochimaru's dedication to research and his confidence in his position.
• The theme of competition and comparison is evident in Obito's desire to outdo Zhengyi.

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and Zhengyi have a mentor-student relationship, with Zhengyi trying to advise Orochimaru.
• Obito and Zhengyi have a competitive dynamic, with Obito feeling inferior to Zhengyi and seeking to prove himself.
• Team 7 members interact casually, with Rin inviting Zhengyi to join them and Obito challenging Zhengyi to arm-wrestle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Obito, Kakashi, and Zhengyi compare their physiques, with Zhengyi revealing impressive muscle definition.
• Zhengyi reveals he lived with Obito as a child, showing kindness towards him despite their current rivalry.
• Zhengyi tells Rin about Zhengyi's embarrassing childhood, but she's distracted by thoughts of Zhengyi's physique.
• Orochimaru's position improves, and he shows Zhengyi his new office, hoping to reassure him.
• Zhengyi tells Orochimaru a parable about a great Daimyo and his sons, comparing it to their situation.

Character Developments

• Obito feels embarrassed and inferior after seeing Zhengyi's physique.
• Zhengyi shows kindness and understanding towards Obito, revealing their past friendship.
• Orochimaru becomes more confident in his position and power, leading Zhengyi to worry about his intentions.
• Zhengyi shows concern for Orochimaru's well-being and the potential consequences of his actions.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and competition among friends and peers.
• The complexities of friendship and loyalty, even in the face of competition.
• The dangers of unchecked ambition and favoritism.

Character Interactions

• Obito and Zhengyi's rivalry is further emphasized through their physical comparison.
• Zhengyi's kindness towards Obito highlights their past friendship and his desire to maintain it.
• Zhengyi's conversation with Orochimaru reveals his concern for his teacher's well-being and the potential consequences of his actions.
• Rin's distraction by Zhengyi's physique shows her growing attraction to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi becomes the youngest Jonin in Konoha, and his teacher Minato is praised, while Zhengyi's achievements are overlooked.
• Orochimaru gifts Zhengyi a gym with advanced equipment, including a gravity chamber.
• Zhengyi opens the gym to the public, offering affordable memberships with bathing facilities.
• Obito starts using the gym, initially reluctantly, but later becomes a regular member.
• Minato's use of the Flying Thunder God technique against Iwagakure gains him the title "Yellow Flash" and widespread recognition.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi shows concern for Obito's well-being, despite their past conflicts.
• Obito, driven by his love for Rin, becomes more dedicated to training.
• Minato's reputation grows as he demonstrates his power and saves Konoha ninjas.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and reward for merit (Zhengyi's gym, Minato's praise).
• The fragility of life and the need for protection (Orochimaru's concern for Zhengyi, Minato's role as a protector).
• The power of connections (Kakashi's preferential treatment at the gym).

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Obito's relationship improves as Zhengyi shows kindness towards Obito.
• Zhengyi and Kakashi's friendship is evident as Kakashi enjoys the gym's facilities without interference.
• Minato's reputation grows among the villagers as they discuss his feats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru, despite his contributions, is undervalued by Konoha villagers who prioritize military achievements over administrative roles.
• Zhengyi, Orochimaru's student, tries to convince Orochimaru to challenge Minato's growing influence but is dismissed.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, summons Zhengyi to discuss his interference in village politics.
• Zhengyi asks Hiruzen a hypothetical question: if Orochimaru and Minato fell into water, who would he save first, revealing his bias towards Minato.
• Hiruzen avoids answering directly, first suggesting he'd save both, then claiming he'd choose one with Enma's help.
• Biwako, Hiruzen's wife, delivers lunch, and Zhengyi asks another hypothetical question, this time about Biwako and Danzo.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru: Stays focused on his grand plan for immortality, undervalues Zhengyi's concerns.
• Zhengyi: Becomes more determined to protect Orochimaru's interests, even if it means disrupting village politics.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi: Struggles to maintain balance between supporting Minato's rise and managing Orochimaru's influence.
• Biwako: Maintains a cold relationship with Zhengyi due to his past actions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within Konoha's leadership.
• The value of administrative roles versus military achievements in the village's perception.
• The consequences of past actions on present relationships (Biwako's feelings towards Zhengyi).

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and Zhengyi: Teacher-student relationship strained due to Zhengyi's interference in village politics.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Zhengyi: Tense interaction due to Zhengyi's attempts to influence the Hokage's decisions.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Biwako: Affectionate relationship, with Biwako nudging Hiruzen during their interaction with Zhengyi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Danzō, leader of Konoha's Root, is commanding operations against Sunagakure at Kikyo Pass, a crucial defensive line near Konoha.
• Sunagakure, surprisingly, has pushed the battle to Konoha's doorstep, bewildering both Danzō and the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
• Zhengyi, fearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's wrath after manipulating him, seeks Danzō's protection at the front lines.

Character Developments

• Danzō reveals his ambition for the Hokage position and his resentment towards Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership.
• Zhengyi shows cunning and manipulation, trying to rally Danzō against Hiruzen and Orochimaru.
• Danzō dismisses Zhengyi's offer of alliance, deeming him unworthy of his Root's assistance.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle among Konoha's leaders (Danzō, Hiruzen, Orochimaru).
• Manipulation and deception (Zhengyi's actions, Danzō's dismissive attitude).
• The consequences of underestimating opponents (Sunagakure's surprising advance).

Character Interactions

• Danzō and Zhengyi discuss their shared disdain for Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru, but Danzō rejects Zhengyi's offer to join forces.
• Danzō's frustration with Orochimaru's inaction and Hiruzen's leadership is evident in his conversation with Zhengyi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Danzo's stubbornness in battle leads to heavy losses for Konoha against Sunagakure.
• Zhengyi's strategic advice is often ignored by Danzo, leading to failed missions and teammate casualties.
• Konoha is fighting on multiple fronts, with Hiruzen Sarutobi reluctant to send reinforcements to Danzo.
• Minato is sent to reinforce Kikyo Pass, turning the tide of the battle and driving Sunagakure back.
• Danzo is stripped of his military command due to his incompetence in battle.

Character Developments

• Danzo: Becomes increasingly stubborn and unwilling to listen to advice, leading to poor strategic decisions. Loses his military command but retains his position as Root leader.
• Zhengyi: Grows more mature and understanding, offering comfort and encouragement to Danzo despite his frustrations. Loses several teammates during missions.
• Rasa: Realizes the futility of the war against Konoha and signs an alliance treaty, offering rewards for killing anyone associated with Minato.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of stubbornness and refusal to accept advice (Danzo's downfall).
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in warfare (Danzo vs. Zhengyi).
• The impact of war on individuals and villages (Konoha's and Sunagakure's losses, Rasa's regret).

Character Interactions

• Danzo and Zhengyi: Danzo often ignores Zhengyi's advice, leading to tension between them. Zhengyi eventually offers comfort and encouragement to Danzo.
• Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi: Danzo is stripped of his military command by Hiruzen due to his incompetence in battle.
• Rasa and Minato: Rasa blames Minato for Sunagakure's defeat and offers rewards for his death.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Sunagakure surrenders unconditionally to Konoha, withdrawing from the Land of Fire and signing a peace treaty.
• Minato becomes the supreme commander of Konoha's forces at Kikyo Pass.
• Minato and Zhengyi work together to drive Sunagakure forces out of the Land of Fire.
• Zhengyi offers fitness equipment to Rasa, the Kazekage, but is dismissed due to his low rank.

Character Developments

• Minato: Shows maturity and leadership in his first independent command, earning respect from his troops.
• Zhengyi: Struggles with resentment towards Minato and Hiruzen, feeling overlooked and undervalued. He also expresses his desire to become Hokage.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and responsibility: Minato steps up to lead Konoha's forces, while Zhengyi grapples with his own ambitions and insecurities.
• Recognition and status: Zhengyi feels unappreciated due to his low rank, highlighting the importance of recognition in the ninja world.

Character Interactions

• Minato and Zhengyi: Despite their tense relationship, they work together to achieve their goals. Zhengyi's hostility towards Minato is evident, but they maintain a professional dynamic.
• Zhengyi and Rasa: Zhengyi attempts to connect with Rasa over fitness, but Rasa dismisses him due to his low rank.
• Zhengyi and his subordinates: Zhengyi interacts with his new Genin subordinates, Killua and Sakata Yuji, showing a caring and playful side.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhengyi returns to Konoha after several months.
• Orochimaru visits Zhengyi, asking him to cover his shifts.
• Zhengyi urges Orochimaru to compete for the Hokage position.
• Orochimaru confronts Hiruzen Sarutobi about his favoritism towards Minato.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi explains his actions and reassures Orochimaru of his importance.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru: Struggles with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy towards Minato, but ultimately values his bond with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi: Shows his manipulative side, favoring Minato for the Hokage position while trying to appease Orochimaru.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation within the village.
• The bond between master and student.
• Orochimaru's insecurities and desire for recognition.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and Orochimaru: Zhengyi encourages Orochimaru to assert himself and compete for the Hokage position.
• Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi: Orochimaru questions Hiruzen's favoritism, and Hiruzen tries to reassure Orochimaru while manipulating him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sunagakure's surrender ends the first half of the Third Shinobi World War.
• Zhengyi asks Orochimaru to make a chakra-powered skateboard for Killua's birthday.
• Killua and Yuji's skateboard is snatched by older genin, leading to a confrontation.
• The dispute escalates into a large-scale fight involving both sides' connections and clans.
• Zhengyi and his group, including the Hokage's son and Uchiha clan members, beat the opposing side.
• Orochimaru intervenes, and the opposing side is punished. Bullying incidents decrease in Konoha.
• Zhengyi passes the Jounin exam but is labeled "Special Jounin" by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Konoha's financial struggles are discussed in the Jounin conference.

Character Developments

• Zhengyi shows his protective side towards his students and is willing to fight for their sake.
• Orochimaru demonstrates his power and influence as the "Acting Hokage."
• Killua and Yuji show their loyalty and eagerness to please Zhengyi.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi is shown to be dismissive of Zhengyi's achievements.

Significant Themes

• Bullying and its consequences.
• The importance of connections and influence in the ninja world.
• The financial struggles of Konoha and the ninja world.

Character Interactions

• Zhengyi and his students (Killua, Yuji) show a strong bond and willingness to protect each other.
• Zhengyi and Orochimaru work together to resolve the conflict and maintain order in Konoha.
• Zhengyi and Hiruzen Sarutobi have a tense relationship, with the latter showing disregard for Zhengyi's accomplishments.
• Various Konoha clans and their members interact, showing clan loyalty and rivalries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru embezzles funds from Konoha's accounts to finance his experiments.
• Konoha's treasury is depleted due to the ongoing war, and they've taken out a loan.
• The Konoha leadership brainstorms ways to generate revenue, considering increasing mission commission cuts but deeming it disastrous.
• Zhengyi proposes a pension system, where ninjas contribute 15% of their personal income during their working years to receive a pension and medical coverage in old age.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru's greed for funds to support his experiments is evident.
• Zhengyi demonstrates strategic thinking and long-term planning with his pension system proposal.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi shows reluctance to accept Zhengyi's proposal initially but eventually agrees after considering its feasibility.

Significant Themes

• The financial strain of war on Konoha and its impact on the village's economy.
• The disparity between the earnings and benefits of different sectors within Konoha, such as ninjas, civil servants, and the Anbu.
• The long-term consequences of short-sighted decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru supports Zhengyi's proposal, seeing it as a means to secure more funding for his experiments.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo have a tense exchange regarding Konoha's financial situation and the war.
• Utatane Koharu suggests expanding the pension system to the entire village, which is met with resistance from the ninja clans.
• Zhengyi proposes auditing shops under individual names and redefining tax rates based on income, further upsetting the ninja clans.