Chapter Summaries

Tobirama approved plans for two canals across the Shinobi World, Rikusei proposed employing idle White Zetsu and was appointed their chief instructor, and Konoha began selecting candidates for Sage Jutsu. The chapter ended with Miss Green Persimmon observing the selection while a deliveryman wondered about her past.

• Tobirama showed Mu and Shikahira plans for two rivers from the Snow Country and prepared to discuss them with the nations' representatives.
• Rikusei named the rivers the Yangtze River and Yellow River, then presented extravagant names for crops grown from new tree species.
• Rikusei proposed an employment agency that would assign White Zetsu to labor-short and dangerous jobs, and Tobirama appointed him chief instructor to nearly a thousand White Zetsu.
• Sarutobi Sasuke, Shimura Tokiomi, and Hagoromo Jun began selecting Sage Jutsu candidates using Danzō's chakra as the benchmark and compensated those who failed with Alliance points.
• Sarutobi Sasuke announced that the next selection stage would test candidates' willpower through an Illusion Technique test.
• Miss Green Persimmon watched the examinees before returning to her late-night diner, where a deliveryman wondered where she had come from.

Danzō joined the gathered ninjas as they prepared to depart for Ryūchi Cave, where they would pursue Sage Jutsu training. The airship took off with leaders from several nations aboard, and the Raikage and Hozuki Gengetsu revealed that Cloud Village and Kirigakure also hoped to secure contracts with the giant snakes.

• Danzō noticed that the enormous Seven-Tails and its attached airships had brought a large group of ninjas to Hokage Plaza.
• Hiruzen told Danzō that Rikusei and Naori would not be going to Ryūchi Cave because they had important missions.
• Torifu rushed aboard carrying a heavily packed backpack, and Danzō noted that powerful leaders from the various Ninja Nations had been preselected.
• The Raikage praised Danzō to Tokiomi and said Cloud Village wanted a contract with Ryūchi Cave to help map the Land of Lightning's mountains.
• Hozuki Gengetsu challenged the Raikage and said Kirigakure would negotiate with the White Snake Sage to hire giant snakes for its growing fish farms.

An alliance of nearly three hundred elite ninja arrived at Ryūchi Cave, where Tagorihime watched them approach and mistook their presence for the start of war. She welcomed the group at the cave’s palace, while Hiruzen, Torifu, and others became distracted by her beauty and silenced Danzo when he objected.

• Aburame Zhixing announced that the airship had reached Ryūchi Cave and fined the Raikage for using chakra aboard it.
• The ninja disembarked into a mist-filled forest, where Shimura Tokiomi and Hozuki Gengetsu noticed that their chakra and surroundings behaved strangely.
• Tagorihime observed the allied force and concluded that the White Snake Sage’s failed negotiations had brought war to Ryūchi Cave.
• The Raikage and Hozuki Gengetsu inspected the palace, and Gengetsu ordered Kirigakure ninja to sketch its layout.
• Tagorihime welcomed the visitors, prompting Hiruzen, Torifu, and others to praise her beauty while Danzo tried to object.

Tagorihime tested the gathered ninjas with a Ryūchi Cave Sage Jutsu illusion that exposed their desires and fears, then told them to surrender their tribute if she selected them. After the crowd began leaving, Danzo searched for his father and heard that Tokiomi had disguised himself with Hiruzen’s help, leaving Danzo unaware of what had happened to him.

• Danzo noticed the scented fish-oil candles as Tagorihime led the crowd into the hall and sent the Raikage and Hozuki Gengetsu toward the White Snake Sage.
• Tagorihime revealed that the test had already begun, and an illusion made one ninja see her as a terrifying snake while the others saw their own temptations.
• Tagorihime dispelled the illusion, explained that Ryūchi Cave used Sage Jutsu chakra, and eliminated the man who had failed the test.
• Tagorihime said selected ninjas had to hand over their tribute before leaving, and the crowd discussed how the illusion had targeted human weakness.
• Danzo searched the mist for his father and overheard Hiruzen tell Tokiomi that his Transformation Jutsu disguise would keep Danzo from recognizing him.

Hozuki Gengetsu and the Raikage visited White Snake Sage to negotiate work contracts with Ryūchi Cave’s snakes, hoping to secure resources for their villages. White Spirit agreed to let the snakes choose their employers, then grew furious that her grandson had not come for the test.

• The Raikage suppressed his anger and followed Gengetsu into Ryūchi Cave, hoping to obtain help that could strengthen Kumogakure.
• Gengetsu recognized Enlightenment Tea in White Spirit’s pipe tobacco and realized the sage had access to Konoha’s tea.
• White Spirit offered work contracts with Ryūchi Cave’s snakes in exchange for yearly tobacco, but said the snakes could choose whether to sign.
• Gengetsu asked how the sage would handle sea beasts that gained intelligence or formed settlements, and White Spirit said that was the ninja’s concern.
• After Gengetsu and the Raikage left, White Spirit recalled his warning about sea habitats, then became enraged that her grandson had missed the test.

Danzo and the surviving ninja entered Ryūchi Cave, where Tagitsuhime tested them by biting them and filling their bodies with Sage Jutsu chakra. Danzo faced an illusion that exposed his insecurities, passed by recognizing Tagitsuhime’s disguise, and was left aware of his weaknesses in strength and resolve.

• Danzo gathered the surviving ninja and warned that Ryūchi Cave’s next trial would likely test their willpower.
• Tagitsuhime used Sage Jutsu chakra to incapacitate Danzo and began biting the ninja as part of the trial.
• Danzo awoke alone in the mist and encountered an illusion of Hiruzen that taunted him about his failures, abilities, and lack of a relationship.
• Danzo recognized the figure was not Hiruzen because it got the cold drinks shop owner's gender wrong, exposing Tagitsuhime’s disguise.
• Tagitsuhime declared Danzo had passed the test, and Danzo reflected that he needed to improve both his strength and his heart.

The Land of Water's daimyo and General Ieyasu discussed the Shinobi World's upheaval and the prospect of Konoha absorbing their country. Ieyasu revealed that Genji had proposed joining Konoha and that he planned to go there himself, leaving Masamune furious and alone.

• The Land of Water's daimyo praised the effects of transferring confiscated assets to the Bounty Hunters and building a Konoha-style Commercial Street.
• The daimyo showed Ieyasu letters from Konoha and the Land of Wind, then dismissed the idea of resisting Konoha's growing power.
• Ieyasu suggested that the Land of Water attend the island-connection ceremony and propose joining Konoha alongside the Lands of Rainbow and Sea.
• Ieyasu revealed that Genji had devised the plan while Gengetsu was at Ryūchi Cave and the Bloodline faction was powerful.
• Ieyasu told Masamune that he had made contact with Konoha and intended to leave the Land of Water, then mocked Masamune as he threatened to fight.

Tobirama and Rikusei began an experiment to resurrect the Sage of Six Paths by cultivating Six Paths chakra in White Zetsu. When their first attempt showed no change, Rikusei suggested adding Tailed Beast chakra.

• Setsuna watched the Seven-Tails haul an airship over Konoha and decided Tobirama should establish flight routes and an airship port.
• Tobirama and Rikusei met Black Zetsu in the laboratory and discussed whether Hamura could also be resurrected.
• Tobirama prepared White Zetsu with Madara's cells and used Indra and Ashura's chakra to try to draw out Six Paths chakra.
• Rikusei observed no change in White Zetsu and suggested trying Nine-Tails and One-Tail chakra.

Tobirama and Rikusei experimented on White Zetsu by combining Ashura and Indra’s chakra with tailed beast chakra, causing the chakra sources to merge and produce a violent reaction. The experiment ended in failure when the God Tree’s life force emerged, leaving them to reconsider how many tailed beasts to use.

• Tobirama reasoned that Six Paths chakra could be revived through compatible chakra and decided to test whether tailed beast chakra could help merge Ashura and Indra’s chakra.
• Tobirama prepared tissue from tailed beasts and Kinkaku and Ginkaku, then implanted it into White Zetsu while Rikusei monitored the chakra changes.
• Ashura and Indra’s chakra overwhelmed and devoured the tailed beast chakra, then gradually merged without producing Six Paths chakra.
• The merged chakra triggered a violent storm inside the laboratory, and White Zetsu’s body cracked as the God Tree’s life force emerged.
• Rikusei called the experiment an expected failure and concluded they could not use all nine Tailed Beasts at once, while Tobirama recorded the findings.

Rikusei reflected on the failed experiment and the village’s shifting priorities before Afei told him their company had secured a major order amid a shortage of workers. Naori prepared to join Rikusei and Afei for the company’s first major business meeting.

• Rikusei concluded that Tobirama should continue the dangerous experiments while he observed from the sidelines, and he considered the power and risks of the chakra within him.
• Rikusei realized that alliance points had drawn shinobi away from the Tailed Beast Farm, while Naori’s appointment as an acting Uchiha elder had stirred controversy over her age.
• Afei told Rikusei that the company had found an opportunity to supply factories as alliance missions left them short of workers, and Rikusei agreed to meet the client.
• Naori worked on developing Izanagi and prepared to attend the company’s first major order meeting as its president, accountant, and chief secretary.

Rikusei and his associates negotiated with Jinjiang Jing to supply White Zetsu workers to the merchant association’s struggling factories. They signed an order for one hundred White Zetsu, while Rikusei refused to comment on plans for processing Enlightenment Tea.

• Rikusei welcomed Jinjiang Jing to Konoha Premium White Zetsu Services Co., Ltd. and heard how the merchant guild struggled against Konoha’s factories and the loss of shinobi workers.
• Jinjiang Jing explained that his factories needed workers to replace shinobi who had left for the Tailed Beast Farm.
• Rikusei and Afei offered White Zetsu as tireless factory workers, and Jinjiang Jing agreed they could wear masks to avoid discrimination.
• After Rikusei warned that giving a merchant control of a thousand White Zetsu was unacceptable, Jinjiang Jing ordered one hundred for fifty thousand ryo each.
• Rikusei divided the payment among the Ninja Nation, the White Zetsu, and his group, then declined to discuss processing Enlightenment Tea.

Naori proposed that she and Rikusei get engaged while Mao was away, and Rikusei worried about how Mao would take it. At Mount Myoboku, Mao completed her Sage Mode training and decided to return to Konoha.

• After remembering her mother's advice, Naori took Rikusei's hand and asked to make their relationship more intimate, clarifying that she meant getting engaged.
• Naori told Rikusei that Grandmother had already agreed to the engagement and urged him to face his feelings about her and Mao.
• Rikusei admitted that he did not know how he would face Mao, and Naori reassured him that she would handle it.
• At Mount Myoboku, Sage Shima praised Mao's Sage Mode after Mao set down a stone toad statue.
• Mao told her peers that she wanted to return to Konoha, and Shima ended the training and prepared to use Reverse Summoning Jutsu.

Hagoromo Mao returned to Konoha in powerful Sage Mode and learned that Rikusei and Naori had founded the White Zetsu Agency. After Tobirama warned her that their friendship might grow distant, Mao decided to take Rikusei back.

• Toad Kosuke reverse-summoned Mao to Konoha, and Mao gave him a scroll of Mount Myoboku delicacies from Sage Shima.
• Mao visited Tobirama and demonstrated Sage Mode, impressing him with chakra comparable to Elder Brother's.
• Tobirama told Mao that Rikusei and Naori had founded the White Zetsu Agency, with Rikusei as chairman, Naori as president, and Mao assigned director-level duties.
• Mao added assistant positions to the agency chart, then became distressed when Tobirama warned that a barrier could grow between her and her friends.
• Tobirama reassured Mao that there was still a chance, and Mao resolved to take Rikusei back.

Mao rejected Tobirama’s plan to use an old marriage arrangement to influence Rikusei, insisting she would fight for her own future. She confronted Rikusei beneath the moon, but Naori appeared, and Mao and Naori faced off in their rivalry.

• Tobirama proposed using an old Hagoromo Clan and Uchiha marriage arrangement to keep Madara from interfering in Mao’s pursuit of Rikusei.
• Mao refused the plan, telling Tobirama she wanted to choose her own future and would not accept happiness built on political maneuvering.
• Alone on Hokage Rock, Mao admitted to herself that her earlier confidence had been a lie, then sensed Rikusei approaching and declared that she would begin winning him over.
• Mao greeted Rikusei with a bold embrace, leaving him flustered as he remarked that the moon was beautiful.
• Naori arrived and challenged Mao; Mao noticed Naori’s Three-Tomoe Sharingan, entered Sage Mode, and prepared to fight.

Naori and Mao fought over Rikusei, who Naori had trapped in an illusion. Their clash of Fire Release and Sage Art escalated into a sword duel, and Mao refused Naori’s offered chance to use the Basho Fan as the confrontation continued.

• Naori’s Sharingan trapped Rikusei in an illusion, leaving him unable to interfere as she confronted Mao.
• Naori challenged Mao’s feelings and swordsmanship, and Mao declared she would persist in her love for Rikusei.
• Naori unleashed Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame, and Mao countered with Sage Art: Heaven-Soaring Lightning.
• Naori and Mao clashed swords, with Naori arguing that Mao’s Sage Mode could not overcome her superior swordsmanship for long.
• Naori tossed Mao the Basho Fan so she could use Sage Jutsu freely, but Mao rejected the concession and insisted she would not give up Rikusei.

Naori and Mao argued over Rikusei before their confrontation on Kage Rock became a serious battle. Mao broke Naori’s sword and shifted to taijutsu, while Naori prepared to counter her Sage Mode as the fight continued.

• Mao challenged Naori to release her Illusion Technique and learn what Rikusei felt, but Naori accused her of hiding her desire to fight.
• Naori revealed Konoha had designated the area a restricted zone for Mao’s Sage Jutsu test, and Mao realized her attempt to attack with information had failed.
• Mao attacked Naori with Futsu-no-Mitama, then shattered Naori’s fire-nature ninja sword with a powerful strike.
• Naori escaped with the Substitution Technique, and Mao admitted she had long wanted a proper battle with her.
• Mao switched to taijutsu as her Sage Chakra waned, while Naori used the Sharingan and prepared to crush Mao’s feelings for Rikusei.

Mao and Naori fought fiercely as Mao’s Sage Jutsu chakra dwindled, until the ground collapsed beneath them and revealed Rikusei trapped in a genjutsu. Mao rescued him from the falling rubble and turned toward Naori’s voice in the dust.

• Mao attacked Naori with a devastating Sage Jutsu punch, and Naori evaded it with a Shadow Clone.
• Mao questioned why Naori had given up the chance to master Sage Jutsu, but Naori offered reasons involving Rikusei and a sanctuary for ninjas.
• Naori used her Sharingan and close-combat skill to exploit Mao’s dwindling Sage Jutsu chakra, while both continued trading blows.
• Mao struck Naori’s injured arm and the cracked ground collapsed, exposing the shelter where Rikusei lay trapped in a genjutsu.
• Naori called out to Mao, who rescued Rikusei from the falling rubble, disrupted his chakra to free him, and followed Naori’s voice toward safety.

Naori and Mao ended their destructive battle without a clear victor, and Mao gave Naori a Sage Talisman before returning to Mount Myoboku. Tobirama and the others arrived amid the ruins, where Hagoromo Jun proclaimed Mao the first Sage of the Hagoromo Clan.

• Naori treated her injuries with Mao's Sage Talisman, and Mao departed for Mount Myoboku after the two agreed their rivalry would continue.
• Rikusei woke among the ruins, and Naori explained that she had narrowly edged Mao in a battle that ended without a victor.
• Naori and Rikusei discussed Mao's condition and devised an excuse for Tobirama, saying they had tested the shelter against a Sage Jutsu attack.
• Tobirama arrived through a Flying Thunder God mark and asked where Mao had gone; Naori said she had returned to Mount Myoboku to train.
• Hagoromo Jun arrived and boasted that Mao was the Hagoromo Clan's first Sage, while Sarutobi Sasuke corrected him and inspected the ruins.

Rikusei reflected on Naori’s research into his cells and Konoha’s growth as he spoke with Afei, who brought news that Tobirama’s plan could resume. Rikusei and Afei then went to begin the next attempt to summon the Sage of Six Paths.

• Rikusei worried that Naori’s interest in studying his cells could leave him vulnerable to her and Mao.
• Afei reported that White Zetsu were working in factories, had bought homes near the old Senju residence and outer Uchiha clan grounds, and faced no complaints from ninja.
• Rikusei welcomed Afei as a new neighbor and suggested that he take Bai as his surname.
• Afei told Rikusei that Tobirama had said the plan could proceed again, and Rikusei identified it as the Impure World Reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths.
• Rikusei and Afei went into the woods, where Rikusei formed hand seals and prepared to meet the Sage of Six Paths.

Rikusei and Tobirama experimented on White Zetsu by combining Madara, Hashirama, and Nine-Tails tissue, hoping to bring Indra and Ashura's chakra together. As Ashura's chakra began devouring Indra's, Hagoromo appeared in the laboratory and identified himself as the Sage of Six Paths.

• Rikusei persuaded Tobirama to use Nine-Tails tissue as an adhesive for Indra and Ashura's chakra instead of beginning with the One-Tail.
• Tobirama operated on White Zetsu and introduced Madara, Hashirama, and Nine-Tails tissue into its body.
• Rikusei sensed that the Nine-Tails' chakra was splitting and merging with Indra and Ashura, but then warned Tobirama that Ashura was devouring Indra.
• Tobirama prepared to add more Nine-Tails tissue when a vast chakra erupted and formed into a staff surrounded by Truth-Seeking Orbs.
• Hagoromo appeared before Rikusei and Tobirama, introduced himself as the founder of the Ninjutsu Sect, and declared himself the Sage of Six Paths.