Arc 21Akatsuki’s Tailed Beast Hunt
Taiichi and Konoha tried to protect the tailed beasts as the Akatsuki captured several Jinchuriki and attacked allied villages. After meeting Hagoromo Otsutsuki and learning more about the approaching threat, Taiichi returned to prepare for the Akatsuki’s next move.
- Taiichi learned Kurama’s name and the requirements for Kurama Mode, then helped send Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tsunade to protect Takigakure’s Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.
- Kakuzu and Hiruko defeated Fu after she transformed into the Seven-Tails, and they captured her before Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tsunade could intervene.
- Taiichi joined the pursuit and confronted Obito, but Obito escaped with Fu, and Taiichi later rescued Fu from Pain’s cave and brought her to Konoha under Tsunade’s care.
- Akatsuki captured Shukaku, while Konoha failed to rally the other villages and Taiichi trained Kakashi and approved the early graduation of Jiangtai, Yami, and Itachi.
- Taiichi helped Fourth Raikage A lure Akatsuki into capturing Killer B, but Pain’s attack forced A to defend Kumogakure and the real Killer B was captured by Jigen.
- Taiichi advanced his Yin, Yang, and Fire Nature Transformations, then met Hagoromo Otsutsuki, who warned him about the Ōtsutsuki Clan, the God Tree, and the Ten-Tails.
- Taiichi told Minato and Hiruzen Sarutobi about Hagoromo’s warning, treated Yohei’s Mangekyō Sharingan with Yang Release, and Kushina agreed to remain in Konoha with Naruto.