Recaps

After Taiichi's squad returned from its mission, Orochimaru learned that Cloud Village had lost a large force and sought permission to counterattack. Meanwhile, Taiichi tested his newly acquired Ice Release against Yohei and Saori, ending their spar when they finally recognized him.

• Taiichi, Yohei, and Saori reported that they had faced three Jonin and six Chunin, concealed their true strength, and asked Orochimaru to let them continue without a new squad member.
• Orochimaru spotted omissions in Taiichi's report, sent a complaint about the village's intelligence failures, and learned that Cloud Village had pulled back after its ambush force was wiped out.
• Orochimaru sent Konoha's Hokage's Office an urgent proposal for a limited counterattack against the weakened Cloud Village forces.
• Taiichi sparred with Yohei and Saori using Ice Release, and both initially mistook him for an enemy impostor.
• Yohei's empowered Fire Style melted Taiichi's ice dragons, and his punches broke Taiichi's arm before Taiichi revealed himself with Bright Gold flames.
• Yohei recognized Taiichi, though blood ran from his right eye.

Taiichi healed Yohei after their fight, learned about Yohei’s Mangekyo technique, and reunited with Minato and Hizashi, who warned him that a ten-million-ryo bounty had been placed on him. Meanwhile, Hiruzen rejected Orochimaru’s proposal for an offensive against the Cloud Village and ordered the Northern Front to remain defensive.

• Taiichi treated Yohei’s injured eye with Yang Release, and Yohei explained that his Mangekyo technique, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, doubled the power of his attacks.
• Taiichi told Yohei and Saori how he had developed Ice Release, then cleared the frost and fire damage before a patrol arrived.
• Taiichi, Yohei, and Saori reunited with Minato Namikaze and Hizashi Hyuga, who revealed that Taiichi had a ten-million-ryo bounty on his head.
• Minato and the others discussed how Kaze Wafu had been a spy who sabotaged their pursuit of the Cloud Village spy.
• Danzo supported Orochimaru’s plan to attack the Cloud Village from behind, while Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu warned that Konoha was unprepared for wider war.
• Hiruzen rejected Orochimaru’s offensive proposal and ordered the Northern Front to maintain its defenses, prompting Danzo to leave the Hokage’s Office in silence.

Orochimaru sent Taiichi Squad into the Land of Hot Water, where they found abandoned Cloud Village supplies before clashing with a powerful three-person squad led by the young Jinchuriki Yugito. Taiichi’s flames drove Yugito into a Complete Tailed Beast Transformation, leaving both Konoha and Cloud Village fighters facing the Two-Tails Matatabi.

• Orochimaru ordered his forces to drive Cloud Village out of the Land of Hot Water, and Taiichi Squad set out to hunt Cloud ninja.
• Taiichi, Yohei, and Saori found and looted five abandoned Cloud Village resupply depots as they searched the region.
• Taiichi Squad encountered three Cloud Village ninja in a rift valley and fought two Jonin while Saori battled the young Yugito.
• Yugito wounded Saori, and Taiichi recognized her as a Jinchuriki before intervening with powerful Bright Gold flames.
• Taiichi’s Phoenix Sage Fire struck Yugito and triggered her Complete Tailed Beast Transformation, prompting Taiichi to warn Yohei to flee.

Taiichi escaped Matatabi by redirecting her pursuit toward the Cloud Village jonin, then reunited with Yohei and Saori and reported the Jinchuriki’s arrival to Orochimaru. Back at camp, he explained how the Tailed Beasts could be countered and left Yohei hopeful that his Mangekyō Sharingan would improve his Genjutsu.

• Matatabi extinguished Taiichi’s flames, pursued him, and forced him to flee while Yohei and Saori retreated.
• Taiichi lured Matatabi toward the Cloud Village jonin, trapped the captain behind Phoenix Sage Fire, and escaped using Shadow Clones and Earth Style.
• A Cloud Village jonin awakened Yugito and suppressed Matatabi, while Taiichi set off to meet Yohei and Saori.
• Taiichi reunited with Yohei and Saori, hurried them back to camp, and reported the Two-Tails’ arrival to Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru recalled the hunting squads and prepared to defend the camp while requesting reinforcements from Konoha.
• Taiichi told Yohei and Saori about the Tailed Beasts and explained that Mangekyō Genjutsu and advanced Sealing Jutsu could restrain them; Yohei then learned his Mangekyō might help his weak Genjutsu.

After the battle against Two-Tails, Taiichi recognized that his physical training had fallen behind and revised his priorities. He returned to Konoha with Minato and Hizashi, reported their mission to Hiruzen, and learned that Minato would lead a newly graduated team as Taiichi considered how to protect his friends.

• Taiichi explained how Sealing Jutsu and village cooperation could counter Tailed Beasts, then resolved to prioritize physical training after reviewing his status panel.
• After reinforcements reached the Northern Camp, Minato, Hizashi, and Taiichi obtained Orochimaru’s approval to return to Konoha.
• Orochimaru recorded their merits and invited Taiichi to discuss his research ideas at their next meeting.
• Minato, Hizashi, and Taiichi returned to Konoha and reported their mission to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who praised their service.
• Hiruzen assigned Minato to lead a team of early graduates and offered Taiichi the chance to choose a new teammate later.
• Taiichi recognized Kakashi, Obito, and Rin among the incoming graduates and resolved not to let his friends meet their former tragic fate.

Hiruzen Sarutobi assigned Kakashi, Obito, and Rin to Minato’s Genin team while Taiichi continued his hospital work and intensive training. Taiichi joined Minato at the Academy to watch his friends graduate and saw the newly formed team gather, where Minato prepared to give them their final test.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi assigned Hatake Kakashi, Obito Uchiha, and Rin Nohara to Minato’s team, while placing Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu together and Sarutobi Asuma, Yūhi Kurenai, and Shino Aburame on another team.
• Taiichi trained daily, gained one point each in Constitution, Strength, Agility, and Spirit, and advanced his Chunin class level to Lv8.
• Taiichi met Minato on the way to Konoha Hospital and used a Shadow Clone to cover his work so he could visit the Ninja Academy with him.
• Taiichi and Minato found Kakashi at the Academy and realized he had been assigned to Minato’s team.
• Minato collected Obito and Rin from their classroom, where Obito stumbled through the door and Kakashi caught him.
• Minato asked Obito and Rin if they were ready for the final test, and both agreed.

Taiichi watched Minato establish his squad, then returned to hospital work as Konoha’s new graduates began taking missions. After a month of training, Taiichi Squad accepted a two-month posting to the Southern Front, where Jiraiya welcomed them and warned that the camp was short on medical support; the squad then discovered his promised surprise in the residential area.

• Minato introduced Kakashi as the final member of his squad, and the newly formed team nearly took the bells from Minato’s Shadow Clone.
• Taiichi left for the hospital, while Team Minato began accepting missions and Kakashi, Obito, and Rin adjusted to working together.
• After a month of training, Taiichi Squad chose a two-month mission at the Southern Front to test their combat abilities.
• Taiichi Squad reached the Southern Camp and reported to Jiraiya, who explained that frequent clashes with Sunagakure’s poison-using Puppet Masters strained the medical camp.
• Taiichi led Yohei and Saori around the camp, and they discovered Jiraiya’s promised surprise in the residential area.

Taiichi reunited with Kakashi, Obito, and Rin at the Southern Camp, then brought Rin to help at the Medical Camp. After discovering that Sunagakure’s poison overwhelmed Konoha’s treatments, he successfully treated Captain Yamaguchi and identified how to make an antidote.

• Taiichi met Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, invited Rin to train at the Medical Camp, and watched Yohei drag Obito off to train.
• Taiichi found Director Fujita in charge of the Medical Camp and learned that Sunagakure’s new poison could only be relieved with Antidote Pills, leaving poisoned ninja in severe pain.
• Taiichi examined the poisoned patients and recognized that the poison was based on Red Scorpion venom.
• Taiichi treated Captain Yamaguchi by removing the poison with the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique and healing his wound.
• Taiichi told Director Fujita that he understood the poison’s pathology and could make an antidote.

Taiichi developed an antidote to Red Scorpion poison, and Jiraiya and Nara Shikaku used the cure to prepare a trap for Sunagakure. As Konoha’s plan unfolded, Taiichi’s squad advanced to the front and ambushed a Sunagakure patrol.

• Taiichi identified Red Scorpion poison and developed an antidote formula overnight; two patients took the pills and quickly recovered.
• Director Fujita arranged mass production of the antidote and reported its success to Jiraiya, who praised Taiichi and summoned Nara Shikaku.
• Jiraiya and Shikaku devised a plan to feign weakness, hide cured ninja, and lure Sunagakure into a trap; Jiraiya accepted responsibility without seeking the village’s approval.
• Taiichi received the plan after waking and returned to the Medical Camp, where he encouraged Rin as she treated patients.
• As Konoha’s forces appeared to weaken, Taiichi’s squad received orders to reinforce the front and encountered a Sunagakure patrol.
• Taiichi, Yohei, and Saori attacked the patrol with ninjutsu and killed all four ninja, then left the bodies behind to be discovered.

Taiichi Squad returned from a successful campaign against Sunagakure, whose commanders responded by ordering a stronger offensive and an elite hunting squad. After helping clear the Medical Camp, Taiichi reunited with Minato, who asked him to take Kakashi and the others on missions, leaving Taiichi to weigh the risks and benefits.

• Taiichi Squad spent five days crossing Sunagakure's defensive line twice and killed eight squads, none of which included a Jonin.
• Sunagakure Commander Shamon dismissed Aokawa's warnings and ordered an intensified attack, while Aokawa was tasked with forming an elite squad to hunt Konoha's raiders.
• Taiichi sent Yohei and Saori to train with Obito and Kakashi, then spent his break treating wounded ninja at the Medical Camp with four Shadow Clones.
• After the clones dispersed, Taiichi nearly collapsed from exhaustion, and Director Fujita ordered Rin to take him back to rest.
• Minato returned and asked Taiichi to let Kakashi and the others join his squad on missions; Taiichi considered their strength and inexperience.

Minato arranged for Kakashi, Obito, and Rin to join Taiichi’s squad on missions, and the merged team took a patrol through the Land of Rivers. After the rookies made dangerous mistakes and struggled against a Sunagakure squad, Taiichi’s team intervened and Taiichi reprimanded them, leaving them to reflect on their failures.

• Minato asked Taiichi to take Kakashi, Obito, and Rin on missions, and both squads agreed to merge temporarily.
• Taiichi assigned Kakashi, Obito, and Rin to scout ahead during a patrol while his own squad covered the flanks and rear.
• Obito triggered a trap, and later Rin wasted chakra attacking a wild boar after mistaking movement for an enemy.
• Kakashi’s team encountered a Sunagakure squad, and Kakashi fought effectively while Obito and Rin struggled to coordinate and defend themselves.
• Yohei and Saori intervened to save Obito and help Kakashi defeat the Sunagakure squad.
• Taiichi criticized Kakashi, Obito, and Rin for their battlefield mistakes and ordered them to clean up and reflect during a half-hour rest.

Taiichi treated Obito after a near-fatal explosion, then discovered that Konoha was retreating ahead of a planned counterattack against Sunagakure. At the command meeting, he asked to fight alone in the coming battle, and Jiraiya agreed.

• The Kakashi Trio continued gaining battlefield experience, but Obito was badly injured when a dying enemy detonated Explosive Tags; Taiichi saved him, and Obito recovered and learned not to approach enemies carelessly.
• Taiichi sensed a hidden presence near the group and struck a tree, while two White Zetsu escaped and one followed the squad toward camp.
• At Konoha Camp, Taiichi learned from an older Chunin that Jiraiya had ordered a retreat because Sunagakure's advance troops had arrived.
• In the command tent, Shikaku revealed that Taiichi's antidote had allowed poisoned ninjas to hide in the rear, providing the manpower for a counterattack after the retreat.
• Taiichi asked Jiraiya to let him operate alone in the next day's battle, and Jiraiya agreed while warning him to avoid unnecessary risks.

Taiichi drew Sunagakure forces toward himself and slaughtered squads while Konoha’s main force retreated. After fighting off a large group of pursuers, he killed one of three Jonin, and the two survivors fired Signal Flares for help.

• Taiichi handed command of his squad to Yohei and warned him not to use Susanoo unless his life depended on it.
• As Konoha retreated, Taiichi attacked Sand Village squads and fired Signal Flares to draw more enemies toward him.
• Taiichi avoided an ambush, used a Fire Dragon Flame Bullet to injure Sunagakure forces, and continued toward a Chunin squad with pursuers closing in.
• Taiichi and two Shadow Clones wiped out the Chunin squad, then he attacked the ten pursuing squads and three Jonin with Flame Blade Qi and Phoenix Sage Fire.
• Taiichi used Shadow Clones to distract the surrounding ninja and cut one Sunagakure Jonin’s throat.
• The two surviving Jonin regrouped and fired Signal Flares.

Taiichi escaped Sunagakure reinforcements, while Yohei used his Mangekyo to save his squad and discovered his left eye’s Izanagi ability. After killing the Sunagakure attackers, Yohei led his injured teammates away as the enemy pursuit closed in.

• Taiichi sent his Shadow Clones to hold off two Sunagakure Jonin, then escaped while the clones delayed the pursuing force until their chakra ran out.
• Yohei’s squad encountered a Sunagakure Jonin squad, and Yohei used Susanoo-no-Mikoto to wound the Jonin and unleash a powerful Majestic Destroyer Flame so his teammates could withdraw.
• Yohei caught up with Saori, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, but arrived as a Sunagakure Chunin prepared to kill Rin.
• Yohei took the Kunai through the heart while shielding Obito and Rin, then vanished as his death was undone by his left Mangekyo’s Izanagi.
• Yohei reappeared behind the Sunagakure Chunin and killed him, helped defeat the remaining enemies, and led his injured squad away before reinforcements arrived.

Taiichi fought Sand Village’s forces as Konoha’s blocking force withdrew, then helped hold the main line with his golden flames and killed a puppet master. Konoha’s flank reinforcements arrived and Jiraiya summoned Gamabunta, sending Sand Village into a retreat.

• Shamon ordered half the Puppet Master Unit to hunt Taiichi and Minato after reports of their attacks, increasing pressure on Konoha’s blocking force.
• Taiichi returned to Konoha’s main force with fewer than sixty survivors and treated Yohei’s badly strained eyes.
• At the battle near the Land of Fire border, Taiichi’s golden flames burned through Sand Village puppets and he killed an elite puppet master, bolstering Konoha’s line.
• Konoha reinforcements appeared on both flanks, and Shamon ordered Sand Village to retreat.
• Jiraiya summoned Gamabunta and used Toad Oil Flame Bullet, breaking Sand Village’s morale and starting a rout.

Konoha’s counterattack routed Sunagakure’s forces, and Jiraiya defeated their commander, Shamon, whom Taiichi sealed and brought back to camp. Konoha celebrated its victory as Taiichi and his exhausted companions rested, while Jiraiya continued the pursuit and Taiichi prepared to recover for another battle.

• Jiraiya summoned Gamabunta and launched Konoha’s counterattack, turning Sunagakure’s retreat into a rout.
• Taiichi joined Jiraiya’s pursuit of Shamon, and Konoha’s fighters cleared the guards and interceptors from their path.
• Jiraiya defeated Shamon in combat, and Taiichi dislocated his arms and used the Five Elements Seal to prevent him from using chakra.
• Taiichi brought the captive Shamon back to camp, where Nara Shikaku took custody of him and the Konoha Ninja celebrated their victory.
• Jiraiya continued pursuing Sunagakure’s fleeing troops, while Shikaku ordered Taiichi and his exhausted companions to rest.

Taiichi returned to the medical tent after recovering enough chakra to stabilize and treat the critically wounded, then joined Jiraiya and Konoha’s Jonin to hear the results of their victory over Sunagakure. After the meeting assigned the camp’s next duties, Taiichi headed back to his tent with the war still underway.

• Taiichi summoned Katsuyu to stabilize the critically wounded and treated their fatal injuries until he was exhausted.
• After sleeping through the night, Taiichi learned Jiraiya had summoned him to a meeting in the Central Army Tent.
• Jiraiya announced that Konoha had captured Shamon and driven Sunagakure from the Land of Rivers, while Shikaku reported heavy enemy and Konoha losses.
• Jiraiya and Shikaku assigned units to defend the reclaimed territory, treat the wounded, interrogate Shamon, and patrol the camp’s surroundings.
• Taiichi accepted his continued medical duties, then left the meeting and headed toward the tent where he had slept.

Taiichi wrote to Tsunade asking about the Yin Seal, then watched Minato lead his companions out on patrol while he returned to medical work. Meanwhile, Konoha’s leaders reviewed Jiraiya’s surprise victory over Sunagakure and moved to tighten their control over the front.

• Taiichi sent Tsunade a letter describing his chakra shortage and asking for guidance on the Yin Seal.
• Minato took Yohei, Saori, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin on patrol, and Taiichi gave them his medicine; Obito learned the hard way not to lick a Military Ration Pill.
• Minato’s patrol found a badly wounded Sunagakure Ninja, and Yohei killed him to end his suffering.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi read Jiraiya’s battle report and called Danzo, Koharu, and Homura to discuss the victory and the lack of prior notice.
• Hiruzen and the Advisors issued a commendation while sending reinforcements, including two Jonin Staff Officers, to limit Jiraiya’s control of frontline decisions.

After Sunagakure’s defeat, its leaders decided to send Chiyo to negotiate for the captured ninja while reinforcing their borders. As Chiyo approached Konoha, she learned more about the battle and the other villages’ reactions, and judged that her mission might be easier than expected.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Konoha to strengthen its defenses and wait for Sunagakure’s envoys, while Danzo and the other advisors anticipated extracting concessions.
• The Third Kazekage approved Chiyo’s diplomatic mission to recover the prisoners, and Sunagakure’s clans agreed to send more ninja to the depleted border.
• Ōnoki reinforced troops near the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, while Third A increased Kumogakure’s forces near the Land of Fire and the Third Mizukage strengthened Kirigakure’s maritime patrols.
• Jiraiya ordered a team to escort Chiyo and her three companions to Konoha under watch, and he continued planning defenses in the Land of Rivers with Nara Shikaku.
• Chiyo received intelligence about the battle and other nations’ responses, recognized Taichi Matsushita as a potential threat to Sunagakure, and concluded that her negotiations might be easier than expected.

Chiyo rejected Konoha’s ransom demands and proposed a three-year ceasefire and defensive alliance in exchange for the release of Sunagakure’s prisoners, forcing Konoha’s elders to seek Hiruzen Sarutobi’s decision. At the Southern Camp, Taiichi finished the Yin Seal and created a chakra-storage space in his forehead.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō delayed meeting Chiyo for a week, hoping to pressure Sunagakure into paying more for its prisoners.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura demanded harsh reparations and restrictions, but Chiyo rejected their terms and warned that Konoha could not afford another front in the war.
• Chiyo offered a three-year ceasefire and an offensive and defensive alliance against Stone Village in exchange for the release of all Sunagakure prisoners, and Konoha’s elders left to consult Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Chiyo told a Sunagakure Jonin that the alliance could be torn up when it was no longer useful.
• Taiichi used Tsunade’s formula and notes to cast the Yin Seal, forming a Rhombus Mark that stored chakra and began passively gathering more.

Taiichi received a solo mission to scout supply routes in the Land of Wind, then reassured Yohei about the danger of using his Mangekyo and set out undercover. After discovering a major Sunagakure figure had arrived at an oasis supply hub, Taiichi stayed to investigate further.

• Taiichi received orders to infiltrate the Land of Wind and scout its logistical supplies, and he told Yohei and Saori he was leaving on the mission.
• Taiichi discovered Yohei had been overusing his Mangekyo and warned him to limit its use while training his body; he promised his improving Yang Release and medical ninjutsu could help his eyes.
• Taiichi infiltrated an oasis market by replacing a caravan clerk and learned that the site also served as a Sunagakure supply distribution center.
• Taiichi trained in a cave outside the oasis and gained one point each in Taijutsu, Strength, and Agility.
• After learning that a high-ranking Sunagakure figure had arrived, Taiichi infiltrated the oasis again with an extra Shadow Clone to maintain surveillance.

Konoha agreed to Sunagakure’s demands and signed an offensive and defensive alliance after learning Iwagakure had sent more troops to the Land of Grass. While spying near an oasis, Taiichi discovered the Third Kazekage meeting Sasori and witnessed Sasori reveal his Human Puppets and challenge him.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi accepted Chiyo’s demands and ordered Konoha to sign an alliance with Sunagakure and release its prisoners after Iwagakure reinforced its troops in the Land of Grass.
• Konoha and Sunagakure signed the alliance treaty, and Chiyo headed to the frontline camp to collect the prisoners.
• Taiichi listened to Sunagakure ninjas in an oasis tavern and learned that the Third Kazekage was nearby.
• After waiting several days, Taiichi sensed a powerful impact in the desert and found the Third Kazekage facing Sasori.
• Sasori revealed ten Human Puppets and challenged the Third Kazekage, who raised Iron Sand and prepared to fight.

Taiichi watched the Third Kazekage and Sasori fight, then killed Sasori after both were gravely wounded and took their bodies and several Human Puppets. At the frontline camp, Jiraiya reluctantly prepared to release Sunagakure’s prisoners under the Hokage’s order, leaving Shikaku asking why Konoha had agreed to it.

• The Third Kazekage overwhelmed Sasori’s Puppets with Iron Sand, but Sasori’s poison weakened him and made his antidote pills useless.
• The poisoned Kazekage fought back with Iron Sand Giant Cones, killing the remaining Puppets and dying as Sasori survived the attack with severe injuries.
• Taiichi emerged from the sand and stabbed Sasori, then sealed away both bodies and several Human Puppets before fleeing toward the Land of Rivers.
• Sunagakure Ninja found the battlefield and recognized evidence that Sasori had fought the Kazekage, so their leader ordered them to seal off the scene and keep silent.
• Chiyo and her party arrived at the frontline camp with the Hokage’s order, and Jiraiya agreed to arrange the release of Sunagakure’s prisoners.
• After Chiyo left, Shikaku asked Jiraiya why Konoha was releasing the prisoners and whether Sunagakure had paid a ransom.

Jiraiya released Sunagakure’s prisoners to secure an alliance, but Taiichi returned with proof that the Third Kazekage had been killed by Sasori of the Red Sands, throwing the agreement into doubt. As Chiyo brought the freed prisoners home, a Sunagakure ninja told her that the Kazekage had gone missing.

• Jiraiya ordered Shikaku to hand over the Sunagakure prisoners, and he calmed Konoha’s angry ninja by explaining the need for a secure Southern Front.
• Taiichi reached the camp and told Jiraiya and Shikaku that Sasori of the Red Sands had killed the Third Kazekage, then showed them both bodies.
• Jiraiya halted plans to transfer ninja back to Konoha and ordered the camp to tighten security while he reported the news to the village.
• Jiraiya sealed the Kazekage’s and Sasori’s bodies for transport to the village and promised Taiichi a commendation and a chance to choose a jutsu from the Scroll of Sealing.
• Chiyo led the freed prisoners into the Land of Wind and learned from a Sunagakure squad leader that Lord Kazekage had gone missing.

Chiyo learned that the Third Kazekage had gone missing and hurried back to Sunagakure, while Taiichi trained and taught Medical Ninja at the Konoha Camp. After raising his Yang Release Nature Transformation to Lv11, Taiichi discovered it strengthened his body and improved his Mystical Palm Technique, and he awaited Yohei’s return to test its effect on his Mangekyo.

• Chiyo learned from Yuta that the Third Kazekage had disappeared and returned to the Border Camp to question Sara.
• Sara told Chiyo that the Kazekage had fought someone at the Central Oasis before his trail vanished, so Chiyo ordered the released Sunagakure Ninja screened and left for Sunagakure.
• Taiichi trained after waking, noticed his Chakra manifesting as a faint blue glow, and found that Advanced Taijutsu strengthened his body more than before.
• Taiichi taught eight Medical Ninja at the Medical Camp, then healed a Genin whose broken arm they had repeatedly examined for practice.
• Taiichi raised Yang Release Nature Transformation from Lv10 to Lv11 and found that it increased his physique and reduced the cost of using the Mystical Palm Technique.
• Taiichi returned to his tent after training and waited for Yohei to return so he could test Yang Release on his Mangekyo.