Ch. 61Things Change
Chapter Summary: “Things Change”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Danzo warns the Third Hokage that Setsuna Uchiha’s return may be a cover for an imminent Uchiha coup, especially while Konoha and the wider ninja world are distracted by the Joint Chunin Ninja Exams.
- The Third Hokage rejects the idea, arguing that a coup during such a high-profile event would expose Konoha and likely leave the Uchiha in ruins. However, Danzo insists that Madara’s return makes the Uchiha a serious threat and accuses Hiruzen of being overly conciliatory.
- After Danzo leaves, Hiruzen considers the possibility that Uchiha Madara has secretly returned to Konoha. He concludes that Madara’s likely target is Kushina, the Nine-Tails jinchūriki.
- Hiruzen orders Minato and Jiraiya to guard Kushina closely and, if necessary, move her out of Konoha. He also recalls active jōnin and orders Danzo to prepare an elite Root unit.
- The elders question whether the Joint Chunin Ninja Exams should continue, but Hiruzen refuses to cancel them. Doing so would reveal Konoha’s weakness and invite attacks from enemy forces along the borders.
- Hiruzen also refuses to withdraw Uchiha Shingen from the exams, despite intelligence that Madara may have returned specifically to target him. Shingen has already become visibly important to Konoha’s efforts, and withdrawing him would alert the enemy.
- At White Fang’s grave, Sasori reflects on Hatake Sakumo’s death. He had intended to use Sakumo’s body as a puppet and viewed him as the enemy responsible for his parents’ deaths, but discovers that Sakumo had already been driven to suicide by Konoha’s expectations and condemnation.
- Sasori mocks the shinobi system for forcing even powerful ninja to obey rigid orders and die for perceived failures. His desire for revenge is complicated because his target has already died in a humiliating way.
- Madara appears beside Sasori and discusses Sakumo’s weakness, then reveals that he knew of Konoha from its founding era. Sasori realizes that the man beside him may truly be the legendary Uchiha Madara.
- Madara claims that he wants to end the ninja world’s endless wars and correct the mistakes made when he and Hashirama founded Konoha and the one-country, one-village system. Sasori is skeptical but remains intrigued.
- Although Madara leaves, Sasori crushes the flowers at Sakumo’s grave and follows him, signaling that he has chosen to continue accompanying Madara.
- The next morning, Uchiha Shingen reports for duty as usual. Setsuna is already waiting for him in a wheelchair and calls him over, saying he has something to give him.
Character Developments
- Third Hokage/Hiruzen: Becomes more forceful and authoritative as the threat escalates. Though he rejects Danzo’s suspicions about an imminent coup, he takes Madara’s possible return seriously and begins preparing Konoha’s defenses.
- Danzo: Grows increasingly distrustful and confrontational toward Hiruzen. He views Setsuna, the Uchiha, and Madara as connected threats and openly challenges Hiruzen’s judgment.
- Sasori: Moves beyond simple revenge against White Fang. Learning that Sakumo’s death resulted from Konoha’s oppressive system forces him to reconsider the nature of his hatred. His curiosity about Madara ultimately outweighs his desire to remain independent.
- Madara: Presents himself not as a conqueror but as someone seeking to “correct” the flawed system created by Konoha’s founders. His calm, cryptic claims deepen the mystery surrounding his true motives.
- Setsuna Uchiha: Remains secretive and influential. His unexplained return and private meeting with Shingen continue to fuel suspicion within Konoha.
Significant Themes
- Fear and political distrust: Danzo’s suspicion of the Uchiha contrasts with Hiruzen’s attempt to make rational judgments, highlighting the deep political divide within Konoha.
- The cost of the shinobi system: Sasori’s reflections reveal how village loyalty, military orders, and public judgment can destroy even respected ninja.
- History repeating itself: Madara’s return connects the current crisis to Konoha’s founding and suggests that unresolved mistakes from the past are resurfacing.
- Duty versus humanity: Hiruzen struggles to protect Konoha without sacrificing individuals, while the elders view Shingen’s possible death as a potential strategic exchange.
- Hidden motives and uncertainty: Nearly every major character is acting under incomplete information, making the Joint Exams and Setsuna’s actions especially dangerous.
Character Interactions
- Hiruzen and Danzo: Their normally restrained disagreement erupts into an unusually hostile confrontation, with Danzo accusing Hiruzen of underestimating the Uchiha.
- Hiruzen and the elders: Hiruzen asserts his authority over Koharu and Homura, especially when Koharu suggests sacrificing Shingen to drive Madara away.
- Sasori and Madara: Their conversation shifts from suspicion to reluctant fascination. Sasori challenges Madara’s motives, while Madara tests whether Sasori is willing to follow him despite not knowing the full plan.
- Setsuna and Shingen: The chapter ends by setting up a private exchange between the two Uchiha, whose contents may reveal more about Setsuna’s plans or Shingen’s role in the unfolding crisis.