Ch. 321So-Called Mangekyo... Was Nothing More Than an Eye
Key Plot Points and Events
- The Hyuga clan head and family are kidnapped from Konoha.
- Tsunade assembles a tracking squad to pursue the kidnappers.
- Naruto and Neji volunteer to join the squad but are refused by Tsunade due to the Otsutsuki clan's power over Tailed Beasts.
- Lin Qing is cultivating the Path of the Past and developing the Skybreaker II moon rocket at the Research Institute.
- The Otsutsuki clan from the moon invades Konoha, killing 46 people, abducting three Hyuga clan members, and then disappearing.
Character Developments
- Naruto's anger and determination to teach Toneri a lesson grows.
- Neji is determined to bring back the Hyuga clan head but understands Tsunade's concern for his safety.
- Lin Qing is focused on his cultivation and the rocket development, showing no desire for the Sharingan or Mangekyo.
- Sasuke is struggling with the decision to transplant Itachi's Mangekyo, but Lin Qing advises him not to do something that makes him unhappy.
Significant Themes
- Power and its consequences (Otsutsuki's power over Tailed Beasts, Sasuke's struggle with Itachi's eyes).
- Responsibility and duty (Neji's determination to save his clan, Tsunade's concern for her shinobi).
- The cost of progress (Lin Qing's focus on cultivation and technology, the invasion's impact on Konoha).
Character Interactions
- Naruto and Neji's camaraderie and shared determination to face Toneri.
- Tsunade's concern for Naruto and Neji's safety, leading her to refuse their request to join the tracking squad.
- Lin Qing's supportive and understanding conversation with Sasuke about the Mangekyo transplant.
- Samui's urgent report to Lin Qing about the Otsutsuki clan's invasion of Konoha.