Recaps

Uzumaki Jiuming learned that Uchiha Jingxin would lead him, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyuga Hiashi on a secret supply mission to the Land of Rain, and he questioned the mission’s route and cover. Before departing, he told Kushina Uzumaki why he needed to grow stronger, and she reluctantly accepted his decision while tearfully embracing him.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi introduced Uchiha Jingxin as the team leader for the supply mission, and Jingxin took Jiuming, Fugaku, and Hiashi to Training Ground 7.
• Jingxin explained that the team would secretly transport supplies to the front while Konoha spread a false story about a large escort force, and Jiuming questioned their remote route and merchant disguise.
• Jingxin agreed to reconsider the disguise and dismissed the team so they could prepare for their departure the next day.
• Kushina confronted Jiuming about going to the front, but he explained that he needed strength to face the dangers that might follow Mito’s death and promised to return alive.
• Kushina tearfully embraced Jiuming as he vowed to show his dance to the entire Shinobi World.

Uzumaki Mito gave Jiuming the Uzumaki Clan heirloom Heavenly Feather Blade and taught him how to control its sealing abilities. After learning the technique, Jiuming joined Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uchiha Seishin at Konoha’s gate, and the team departed for the Land of Rain.

• Jiuming finished breakfast and prepared to leave for his mission while Kushina and Nawaki worried about him.
• Mito gave Jiuming the Heavenly Feather Blade, which he summoned in its spiritual form and recognized as the Totsuka Blade.
• Mito used Minglun Shackles to turn the blade into a physical sword, explaining that it no longer sealed enemies in that form.
• Jiuming learned the Hand Seals and principles of Minglun Shackles from Mito, delaying his departure until afternoon.
• Jiuming met Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uchiha Seishin at Konoha’s gate, and the four set out for the Land of Rain.

Konoha reinforcements led by Uchiha Seishin approached the Land of Rain as the Northwest Front struggled to hold Sanpo City. After the squad heard a distress signal and went to help, Minato and Might Duy were left surrounded by Iwagakure shinobi, and their teacher Yagyu was apparently killed.

• Mitokado Homura worried that Konoha's supplies and reinforcements had not reached Sanpo City, where increasingly intense attacks threatened the village's last major stronghold in the Land of Rain.
• Uchiha Seishin's squad—Uzumaki Kuming, Hyuga Hiashi, and Uchiha Fugaku—stopped near the border, but set out to investigate after hearing a Konoha distress signal and learning a three-man squad faced fifteen Iwagakure shinobi.
• Kuming suspected the distress call was a trap, but followed Seishin after sending Shadow Clones ahead and hiding the squad's camp.
• Minato and Might Duy fought off their attackers; Duy opened the Third Gate, broke through an Earth Prison, and helped Minato kill two Iwagakure shinobi.
• A blond Stone Ninja arrived with eight reinforcements after an explosion killed or incapacitated Yagyu, leaving Minato and Might Duy surrounded in a desperate situation.

Uzumaki Jiuming joined Uchiha Seishin, Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, Might Duy, and the unconscious Minato Namikaze as Houtu bombarded them from the sky with clay explosives. The group survived behind Jiuming’s barrier and sheltered for the night, while Jiuming considered how to counter airborne enemies.

• A hidden attacker stabbed Minato Namikaze, and Houtu’s explosion knocked him unconscious before Uchiha Seishin and his team arrived to rescue him and Might Duy.
• Houtu attacked the Konoha Ninja with clay explosives, but Uzumaki Jiuming destroyed his Clay Centipedes with Lightning Style: Thunder Dragon.
• Jiuming’s Lightning Blade Flash disabled Houtu’s Clay Beetles, prompting Houtu to retreat into the sky on a Clay Giant Eagle and rain bombs across the battlefield.
• Jiuming directed Seishin, Hiashi, Fugaku, Duy, and Minato to safety and protected them from Houtu’s bombardment with the Four Violet Flames Formation.
• After Houtu’s attacks ended, Hiashi cleared the debris, Fugaku confirmed Minato was only unconscious, and Seishin ordered the team to build a concealed shelter for the night.
• As the team rested by a fire, Jiuming reviewed his weaknesses against airborne opponents and considered how to fight them in the future.

Jiuming’s group rescued Minato and learned that the Stone Ninja had been targeting Konoha’s reinforcements, while Houtu’s force slaughtered one of the divided units. At Sanpo City, Yagyu Tokio falsely accused Minato and Might Duy of treason, and Homura ordered them captured; Minato then arrived in the city with Duy and several Konoha shinobi.

• Minato woke from a battle-induced nightmare and nearly attacked Jiuming before recognizing him and learning that Teacher Yagyu had died.
• Minato told Jingxin that the Stone Ninja had ambushed his patrol while it traveled with the reinforcements, revealing that the enemy intended to strike the main force.
• Jiuming urged Jingxin to prioritize delivering the supplies, and Jingxin brought Minato and Duy along as the group set out for Sanpo City.
• Houtu’s Stone Ninja killed the Konoha unit they had ambushed, and Houtu ordered his surviving troops to withdraw.
• Yagyu Tokio arrived at Sanpo City and accused Minato and Duy of being Stone Ninja spies; Homura believed his account and ordered their capture.
• Homura learned that Minato had reached Sanpo City with Duy and several Konoha shinobi, and he suspected Minato had killed those who knew the truth.

Uchiha Jingxin and his team reached Sanpo City, where Minato Namikaze and Might Duy were accused of spying after Yagyu Tokio delivered a false report. Once they exposed Yagyu as a likely enemy infiltrator, an explosion devastated the Medical Corps and Stone and Rain forces advanced on the city, leaving Mitokado Homura to prepare its defenses.

• Hyuga guards tried to detain Minato Namikaze and Might Duy as Iwagakure spies, and Uzumaki Kuming fought them off while protecting his companions.
• Mitokado Homura revealed that Yagyu Tokio had accused Minato and Duy, and the team deduced that Yagyu had faked his death and was working for the enemy.
• An explosion struck Sanpo City's Medical Corps as the group moved to investigate, and reports said Yagyu had disappeared.
• Konoha scouts reported that Stone and Rain forces were approaching Sanpo City in numbers, so Homura ordered preparations for the attack and assigned Jingxin to capture Yagyu.
• Homura learned that the blast had destroyed much of the Medical Corps and killed dozens, then ordered a temporary facility and additional protection while Kuming and the others joined the city’s defenses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with the news that the second prince, Lin Jian, is leaving the capital to take up his post as a governor in a distant province.
• The first prince, Lin Wanyu, visits Lin Jian to bid him farewell, marking a rare display of brotherly affection between the two.
• Lin Jian reveals that he has been secretly investigating the death of their father, the late emperor, and suspects that the current emperor, their half-brother Lin Xie, is involved.
• Lin Wanyu decides to accompany Lin Jian on his journey, aiming to protect him and gather more information about their father's death.

Character Developments

• Lin Jian shows a more vulnerable side, expressing his fear of leaving the capital and his determination to uncover the truth about their father's death.
• Lin Wanyu demonstrates his protective nature and growing suspicion towards Lin Xie, hinting at a potential shift in his loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Brotherhood and family bonds: The chapter explores the complex relationship between the princes, highlighting their shared history and the importance of family in their lives.
• Power and political intrigue: The princes' conversation reveals the dangerous political landscape they inhabit, with secrets and suspicions threatening to tear them apart.

Character Interactions

• Lin Jian and Lin Wanyu: Their interaction showcases a rare moment of unity between the two princes, with Lin Wanyu offering support and protection to Lin Jian.
• Lin Jian and Lin Xie: Though not present in this chapter, their relationship is discussed, with Lin Jian expressing his suspicion and fear of Lin Xie's involvement in their father's death.

A Stone and Rain Ninja air raid devastated Sanpo City, and Uzumaki Jiuming, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyuga Hiashi rescued survivors while Konoha commanders protected their own facilities. The chapter ended with Rain Country civilians barred from shelter as a bomb exploded beside the barrier, engulfing them in flames.

• The joint Stone and Rain Ninja force reached Sanpo City, while Konoha learned that a relief force was on its way.
• Stone Ninja bombers breached the city's defenses and launched an air raid that killed civilians and set Sanpo City ablaze.
• Uzumaki Jiuming, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyuga Hiashi searched the ruins and carried a seriously wounded man toward a protected weapons depot.
• Nara Lukin refused entry to Rain Country civilians gathered outside the barrier, allowing only Konoha personnel inside.
• When civilians surged toward the opening, a gust drove them back and the entrance closed; Jiuming and Hiashi remained silent as Fugaku challenged Lukin's decision.
• A Clay Bomb exploded beside the barrier, engulfing the civilians in flames as Fugaku rushed toward the edge.

After Uzumaki Kuming persuaded Nara Lukin to accept Rain Country civilians as a strategic move, Konoha began relief efforts in Sanpo City. Witnessing the devastation firsthand, Kuming resolved to change the Shinobi World himself.

• Uzumaki Kuming secretly reshaped a barrier to protect Rain Country civilians, and Uchiha Fugaku recognized his work but kept quiet.
• Uzumaki Kuming argued that helping the civilians could win over the people of the Land of Rain and weaken its alliance with the Land of Earth.
• Nara Lukin revealed that Konoha lacked enough medical ninja and supplies, but Uzumaki Kuming proposed using Genin for basic aid and focusing on survivors.
• Nara Lukin ordered most barriers to admit Rain Country civilians while keeping key strategic sites closed and watching for spies.
• After the air raid ended, Konoha ninja helped the survivors search the ruins and treat the wounded as rain extinguished Sanpo City's fires.
• Uzumaki Kuming witnessed the suffering caused by the war and resolved to change the Shinobi World himself.

After Sanpo City was devastated by an air raid, Mitokado Homura assigned Uzumaki Kuming, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Minato Namikaze, and Might Duy a mission to attack enemy supplies and communications behind the front lines. Minato was promoted to Jonin and put in command, and the squad set out toward the Land of Grass before Hiashi spotted enemies nearby.

• Uzumaki Kuming, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyuga Hiashi saw the Ninja Hawks’ signal and returned to the command center as the Stone Ninja and Rain Ninja forces advanced on Sanpo City.
• Mitokado Homura ordered Kuming, Fugaku, Hiashi, Minato Namikaze, and Might Duy to strike enemy support units, seize supplies, and damage roads and bridges behind enemy lines.
• Minato was promoted to Jonin and appointed leader of the squad, and the five accepted their orders and left Sanpo City by climbing over its walls.
• The squad traveled through the rain toward the Land of Grass, and Minato said his injury had healed when Might Duy asked if he could keep up.
• Hyuga Hiashi spotted enemies to the southwest, prompting Minato and the others to scatter for cover while Kuming remained standing on a branch in confusion.

Minato Squad fought an Iwagakure reconnaissance team, but Uzumaki Kuming revealed he had trapped and anticipated the enemy leader before killing him. Afterward, the squad reached the border near the Land of Rain and prepared to begin its infiltration mission.

• Uzumaki Kuming sensed four Iwagakure ninjas approaching, and Minato Namikaze decided the squad should confront them after they changed course toward the Konoha team.
• The Iwagakure leader tried to escape with his three young students, but Minato Squad pursued and surrounded them.
• Might Duy and Hyuga Hiashi attacked the leader while Uchiha Fugaku defeated the three Genin, but the leader used a substitution and took Kuming hostage.
• Kuming revealed that Cursed Seals planted on a tree had immobilized the leader, then killed him; Hiashi killed the three Iwagakure Genin as Fugaku struggled with the decision.
• Minato buried the bodies, and Minato Squad continued toward the Land of Grass before camping near the border with the Land of Rain.

Uzumaki Kuming's squad infiltrated Lishou City and attacked an Iwagakure supply compound, only to discover it was guarded by Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki. Roshi emerged from their combined assault in a red Chakra Cloak, leaving the squad facing a much stronger enemy.

• Minato Namikaze led the squad to scout Lishou City, and the team chose to infiltrate through the west gate after dark.
• Kuming rejected Minato's proposal to stage a feint and warned that the city might be more heavily guarded than it appeared.
• Kuming, Minato, Hiashi, Fugaku, and Might Duy slipped past the city's detection barrier and used Hiashi's Byakugan to locate a heavily guarded compound.
• Kuming identified the compound's barrier as one designed to contain something inside, and the squad entered and quickly defeated the guards outside the training hall.
• Kuming recognized the man inside as Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, and warned the squad that he used Lava Style.
• Hiashi deflected Roshi's lava attack, and the squad struck him with several techniques, but Roshi emerged from the flames wrapped in a red Chakra Cloak.

Jiuming’s team escaped Roshi by trapping his Tailed Beast Bomb inside the barrier, but the blast disrupted Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade’s infiltration. The three Konoha shinobi were surrounded, then attacked by Roshi after his arrival.

• Minato apologized to Roshi’s group, but Uzumaki Kuming, Fugaku, and Hiashi urged their team to fight back as Jiuming prepared a sealing trap.
• Jiuming used Multiple Shadow Clone Technique to pull Minato, Fugaku, Hiashi, and Dai toward the barrier’s edge while his clones scattered Four Symbols Seal scrolls around Roshi.
• Roshi transformed and fired a Tailed Beast Bomb, but the barrier contained it until the bomb destabilized and exploded, allowing Jiuming’s team to escape into the forest.
• Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade were surrounded by Stone Ninja reinforcements after the explosion, while Minato Squad slipped out of the city.
• The Stone Ninja scattered as Roshi arrived, and the transformed Roshi attacked Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, smashing a crater into the ground.

Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru escaped Roshi after Jiraiya was wounded protecting Tsunade, while Roshi collapsed from the strain of using the Four-Tails’ Chakra. Kuming’s group rested in a cave, but three unknown people arrived as they prepared for a possible confrontation.

• Roshi attacked Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru with his transformed Four-Tails Chakra, and Tsunade pulled Jiraiya away from a collapsing wall.
• A hidden Stone Ninja stabbed Jiraiya while he shielded Tsunade, and Tsunade killed the ambusher with a punch.
• Orochimaru summoned Manda, carried Jiraiya and Tsunade away, and used Explosive Tags to slow their pursuers.
• Roshi ordered the Stone Ninja to pursue the escapees, then dispelled his transformation and collapsed from exhaustion and injuries.
• Kuming, Minato, Fugaku, and the others reached a secluded cave, where Minato apologized and Kuming tried to prompt him to develop a technique inspired by the Tailed Beast Bomb.
• Kuming sensed three people approaching the cave and hid his real body as his Shadow Clone watched them enter.

Uzumaki Jiuming’s squad reunited with Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru in a cave after their failed missions in Lishou City disrupted one another. As Jiraiya accepted Minato as his student, Orochimaru returned with news that the enemy was approaching, leaving the group preparing for a fight.

• Orochimaru, Tsunade, and an injured Jiraiya entered the cave without triggering its traps, and Tsunade asked Jiuming to help support Jiraiya.
• Tsunade explained that a powerful toxin was preventing Jiraiya’s wound from healing, while Jiuming learned that their separate missions in Lishou City had collided during the Four-Tails’ Jinchuriki’s attack.
• Tsunade told Jiuming that Konoha had reached a ceasefire with the Land of Lightning and was sending forces toward the Land of Rain to confront the Stone Ninja.
• Jiraiya asked Minato to become his student because he believed Minato was the Child of Prophecy, and Minato accepted and signed Mount Myoboku’s Summoning Scroll.
• Jiuming reached for the summoning scroll and later wondered aloud about using an uncontracted Summoning Technique, so Tsunade restrained him and warned him not to take the risk.
• Orochimaru returned to the cave with Hiashi and Fugaku and announced that the enemy was approaching.

As Stone Ninja pursuers closed in on the cave, Orochimaru tried to kill the wounded Jiraiya to improve the others’ chances of escape, but Kuming, Minato, and Tsunade stopped him. Kuming opened a hidden exit and sent Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru ahead while he and the others stayed behind to face the pursuers.

• Orochimaru sensed the Stone Ninja pursuers, and Minato ordered the group to leave with the injured Jiraiya.
• Orochimaru argued that Jiraiya had to die for the others to survive, but Kuming and Minato intervened, and Tsunade threatened Orochimaru.
• Jiraiya showed Orochimaru a V sign, and a falling boulder forced them to stop arguing and carry Jiraiya together.
• Kuming activated a Four Symbols Seal to open a rear exit, and the group escaped just before a Tailed Beast Bomb destroyed the mountain.
• Orochimaru summoned Rashomon to shield the group while Kuming created over a thousand Shadow Clones and prepared to hold off the Stone Ninja.
• Tsunade left with Jiraiya and Orochimaru, while Kuming, Minato, Hiashi, Fugaku, and Duy stayed behind and charged toward the pursuers.

Uzumaki Kuming trapped Roshi with a Seal Binding Formation and wounded him with the Heavenly Feather Blade, but the formation collapsed and the Stone Ninja swarmed Kuming. Minato and the others rushed to help as Kuming faced the attackers alone.

• Uzumaki Kuming, Hyuga Hiashi, and Uchiha Fugaku ambushed the Stone Ninja in the smoke, killing several and injuring others before Roshi’s unit launched a counterattack.
• A Stone Ninja’s ground spikes wounded Dai, while Minato and the others were surrounded by the remaining Stone Ninja and Roshi focused on Kuming.
• Roshi revealed that he had recognized Kuming as the shinobi who blocked his Tailed Beast Bomb and prepared to attack him with magma spheres.
• Kuming immobilized Roshi and several Stone Ninja with the Seal Binding Formation, released the Yin Seal, and drew the Heavenly Feather Blade.
• Kuming struck Roshi with the Heavenly Feather Blade, leaving a deep gash in his waist, but Roshi broke free as the formation collapsed.
• The Stone Ninja rushed Kuming, and Minato and the others ran to help as Kuming began Leaf Style: Shinto Munen.

Hatake Sakumo rescued Uzumaki Kuming from Roshi’s Tailed Beast Bomb, and Kuming later woke after more than ten days in Konoha Hospital. After recovering and returning home, Kuming heard Uzumaki Mito call him to her study.

• Hatake Sakumo arrived as Kuming was surrounded, dismantled the Stone Ninja’s attacks, and rescued Kuming from Roshi’s Tailed Beast Bomb.
• Tsunade took the unconscious Kuming to Konoha Hospital while Hatake Sakumo and the others returned to the base.
• Kuming woke after more than ten days, learned that Uzumaki Mito had taken Heavenly Feather Blade, and heard that fighting on the Rain Country front had eased.
• Tsunade left for the Land of Rain, and Kushina stayed to care for Kuming as he recovered.
• Three days later, Kuming was discharged and walked home alone through a thriving Konoha.
• Uzumaki Mito called Kuming to her study as soon as he entered the house.

Uzumaki Mito transferred the Nine-Tails to Uzumaki Kuming and helped him seal Kurama in his mindscape. After giving her final instructions to Kuming, Nawaki, and Kushina, Mito died, leaving Kuming to face life as Konoha’s new Jinchuriki.

• Mito brought Kuming into the seal space, revealed the Nine-Tails, and chose him to inherit it.
• Mito transferred Kurama into Kuming, who bound the cage with his own lightning-powered seal and accepted his role as its vessel.
• Mito told Kuming that Heavenly Feather Blade was in the secret room, then sent him to bring Nawaki and Kushina to her.
• Hiruzen and Danzo discussed the new Jinchuriki outside the compound, and Hiruzen stopped Danzo from pressing the matter.
• Mito gave Nawaki and Kushina her final instructions, asked them to protect Kuming, and died as the compound’s barrier vanished.

After the Second Shinobi World War paused, Konoha kept Uzumaki Jiuming confined and guarded because he had inherited the Nine-Tails. When outsiders approached his estate, Jiuming suspected the danger came from Konoha’s leadership, and Danzō demanded that Hiruzen move the Nine-Tails and Mito’s sealing formula immediately.

• Konoha’s alliance with Hanzo helped force the Stone Ninja into ceasefire negotiations, and the Konoha Sannin returned to the village while Jiraiya stayed behind.
• Seven masked outsiders approached Jiuming’s guarded estate, fled when the Anbu attacked, and triggered an explosion in the woods.
• Jiuming threw Qifeng out of his courtyard for entering without permission, while the other Anbu learned only that Jiuming was Hiruzen’s fourth disciple.
• Jiuming trained with the Heavenly Feather Blade and told Kurama he believed the danger was coming from within Konoha, not from enemy villages.
• After reading Qifeng’s report, Hiruzen was confronted by Danzō, Homura, and Koharu, who demanded that he move Jiuming and Mito’s sealing formula at once.

Uzumaki Kuming sent a Shadow Clone to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi and the elders, who planned to move him and secure the Uzumaki Clan’s secret techniques. After Shimura Danzō placed a Cursed Seal on the clone, Kuming used the incident to turn Hiruzen against him, then left the real Kuming free at home to continue training.

• Kuming sent a Shadow Clone to Hiruzen Sarutobi’s office while his real body stayed at home and practiced swordsmanship.
• Utatane Koharu unexpectedly offered to take Kuming in as her grandson, but he politely refused.
• Shimura Danzō proposed moving Kuming to a secret facility and storing the Uzumaki Clan’s techniques there; Kuming argued that moving could endanger the Nine-Tails’ seal.
• Danzō grabbed Kuming’s throat and placed a Cursed Seal on him, prompting Kuming to plead that Danzō must have acted for Konoha’s sake.
• Hiruzen ordered Danzō to remove the seal, but Danzō left with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu instead.
• Kuming revealed himself to Hiruzen as a Shadow Clone, while his real body learned what happened and returned to training, expecting Hiruzen to suppress Danzō.

Shimura Danzō attacked Uzumaki Kuming’s residence to seize control of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but Kuming fought back, killed a Yamanaka Anbu, and forced Danzō to withdraw when reinforcements approached. The Third Hokage hurried to the residence, believing Qifeng’s report that the attackers were insect users from Iwagakure.

• Shimura Danzō and his subordinates killed or drove off the Anbu guarding Kuming, then attacked the residence with swarms of insects and grappling hooks.
• Kuming countered with Lightning Release, escaped a Mind Transfer attempt, and killed the Yamanaka Anbu after surviving attacks from the other two.
• Kuming surrounded Danzō’s group with Shadow Clones and launched Lightning Release attacks, but Danzō summoned Baku to swallow them.
• Kuming retreated behind the residence’s barrier as Danzō’s Wind Release shuriken failed to break through.
• An Anbu warned Danzō that someone was approaching, so Danzō and his remaining subordinates fled with the dead Yamanaka shinobi.
• The Third Hokage rushed toward Kuming’s residence with Anbu and concluded from Qifeng’s report that the attackers were from Iwagakure.

After Shimura Danzō attacked Kuming, the Third Hokage acknowledged what happened but avoided confronting Danzō directly, then compensated Kuming for his broken gate. Kuming learned that he would leave for a secret mission in the Land of Rain with Minato, Fugaku, and Hiashi under Jiraiya’s leadership, and understood that the Third Hokage meant to protect him from Danzō while building his bonds with his teammates.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi visited Kuming’s residence, recognized Baku’s hoofprints, and promised that the Stone Ninja would not run wild in Konoha without directly addressing Danzō’s attack.
• Kuming dismissed Hiruzen and demanded fifty million ryo for his broken Huanghuali gate, then Hiruzen left Anbu under Qifeng’s command to guard the residence.
• The next morning, Qifeng gave Kuming a replacement gate and a thirty-five-million-ryo bank slip as compensation from Hiruzen.
• Kushina, Minato, Fugaku, and Hiashi visited Kuming and told him the Third Hokage had assigned their team to investigate the Land of Rain alongside Jiraiya.
• Kuming learned the mission was top secret and realized Hiruzen intended to keep him away from Danzō’s influence while strengthening his bonds with Minato, Fugaku, and Hiashi.

Uzumaki Kuming left Konoha with Minato, Fugaku, and Hiashi for the Land of Rain, while Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Qifeng to keep Root from leaving the village. In a town in the Land of Rain, Kuming’s group encountered Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato as they searched for Jiraiya, and Kuming stopped Yahiko’s sudden attack.

• Kushina stayed at Jiuming’s house to study Fuinjutsu, and two days later Uzumaki Kuming gave her the key to the Fuinjutsu storage before leaving on his mission.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi told Qifeng to take command of Root and prevent any Root ninja from leaving Konoha without permission.
• Hiashi spotted eight Anbu following Uzumaki Kuming’s group, but Kuming told Minato, Fugaku, and Hiashi to ignore them.
• Minato received a message that Jiraiya was in a town in the heart of the Land of Rain, so the group crossed the border and headed there.
• Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato heard approaching ninja and hurried through the woods, where Uzumaki Kuming’s group blocked their path and asked for Jiraiya.
• Yahiko attacked Kuming, who caught his wrist, disarmed him, and revealed his Konoha Forehead Protector.

Jiuming and his team reached Jiraiya’s home after meeting his students, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, on the way. Jiuming introduced himself as their senior and demonstrated a barrier technique, which Nagato’s Rinnegan appeared able to perceive.

• Jiuming’s team intercepted Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, and Fugaku used genjutsu to learn where Jiraiya was staying.
• Jiuming identified Nagato’s eyes as the Rinnegan and told Fugaku they were said to belong to the Sage of Six Paths.
• Jiuming and the others found Jiraiya, who welcomed them and explained that he had been living in the Land of Rain with his students.
• Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan arrived at Jiraiya’s home, and Jiraiya introduced them to Minato, Fugaku, Hiashi, and Jiuming.
• Jiuming offered to teach the younger students a fuinjutsu, then demonstrated the Heavenly Cover Formation barrier without forming hand seals.
• Nagato reached toward the barrier, and Jiuming realized that the Rinnegan could see it.