Recaps

At Konoha Cemetery, Kuro confronted “Ryuichi” about abandoning two teammates, but accepted the mission-driven reasoning and the cost of becoming a ninja. “Ryuichi” rewarded him with a fire-nature Chakra Metal sword and offered to teach him Uchiha Style Swordsmanship, then led him to the training ground.

• Kuro challenged “Ryuichi” for leaving Kichitaro and Yoshiko to die, but “Ryuichi” argued that saving them would have endangered their intelligence mission and retreat.
• Kuro admitted that “Ryuichi’s” decision was correct and recognized that he was becoming accustomed to a ninja’s way of thinking.
• “Ryuichi” gave Kuro a clan-forged Chakra Metal sword designed to conduct fire-nature chakra.
• Kuro explained that he had studied Kakashi’s father’s books and was more skilled with the Hatake Blade Technique, prompting “Ryuichi” to criticize his lack of progress in Uchiha Style Swordsmanship.
• “Ryuichi,” revealed as Madara, offered to personally teach Kuro Uchiha Style Swordsmanship and walked toward the training ground with Kuro following.

The Allied Shinobi Forces battled the White Zetsu army while Deidara’s explosions and the Kaneki Twins’ attack caused heavy destruction. Obito briefly assessed the fighting before facing a group of powerful shinobi who had surrounded him.

• The Allied Shinobi Forces advanced against the White Zetsu army as Deidara’s clay bombs also endangered allied shinobi.
• Kaneki Eito and Kaneki Mitero attacked the battlefield with Lava Release, and Ōnoki used Dust Release against them, destroying their Shadow Clones.
• Eito told Ōnoki that the twins served Obito because he had saved them, and Ōnoki called Deidara over to help fight them.
• Deidara launched a clay dragon at the Kaneki Twins and detonated it in a massive explosion.
• Obito noticed the battle’s tremors, then turned to face Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, Kakashi, Asuma, Might Guy, and Tobirama Senju, who had surrounded him.

During the Third Ninja World War, Kuro and Ryuichi survived a battle against three elite Sand Village Jonin, but Ryuichi suffered fatal wounds protecting Kuro. Kuro thanked his dying teacher, while the story left their retreat and Ryuichi’s final moments unresolved.

• Kuro treated his waist wound among the corpses and complained that the Sand Village had sent three elite Jonin after their reconnaissance squad.
• Kuro and Ryuichi discussed how Kuro had chosen to fight rather than flee, and Ryuichi praised his performance despite criticizing his talent.
• Ryuichi said Kuro’s sword technique reminded him of an old friend, prompting Kuro to realize something was wrong.
• Kuro found Ryuichi badly wounded behind the dead tree and learned that his teacher had protected him at the cost of his own life.
• Kuro bowed and thanked Ryuichi, while Ryuichi told him to save his strength for the retreat.

Darui and the division captains coordinated a counterattack that devastated the White Zetsu army and rallied the Allied Shinobi Forces with a promise of exclusive doujinshi. As the troops renewed their assault, Gaara spotted reincarnated Uchiha approaching the Jinchuriki and warned that Kuro would become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki.

• Darui ordered the Allied Shinobi Forces to fall back while the captains covered their retreat and joined him at the front.
• Darui, Kitsuchi, Kurotsuchi, Guren, Kabuto, and Kimimaro combined their techniques to wipe out White Zetsu, then Kabuto signaled the army to unleash a five-element volley.
• Darui promised the troops limited-edition doujinshi after the war and urged them to fight and return alive, inspiring the Allied Shinobi Forces to charge.
• Killer B and Fu lamented that Darui had stolen the spotlight, while Gaara warned that the reincarnated Uchiha were closing in on the Jinchuriki and said Kuro would become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki.
• Hashirama and Madara continued their battle as shinobi across the battlefield fought for what they wanted to protect.

Fugaku arranged support for Ryuichi's family and chose an active-duty Konoha jonin as Kuro's next instructor, rejecting Tekka's request and warning him not to accuse Danzo. At Ryuichi's funeral, Madara watched Kuro with growing interest after the boy had brought the bodies of his fallen comrades back to Konoha.

• Fugaku ordered extra money for Ryuichi's family and learned that Kuro had brought Ryuichi's body and the other fallen shinobi back to Konoha.
• Tekka asked to become Kuro's jonin instructor, but Fugaku said he had chosen an active-duty Konoha jonin instead.
• Tekka accused Danzo of arranging Ryuichi's death, and Fugaku told him to stop making the accusation and avoid internal strife during the war.
• Kuro stood silently at Ryuichi's grave as Obito, Kakashi, Rin, and the others watched.
• Madara recalled that Kuro had carried his supposed corpse and the fallen comrades back from the Land of Wind, and said the role-playing game was more entertaining than expected.

Obito challenged the gathered shinobi with Complete Body Susanoo, prompting Tobirama to leave Jiraiya and Itachi to face him. Itachi revealed that Kuro and the others had found the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, while Madara continued fighting Hashirama and wondered why Kuro had not appeared.

• Obito summoned Complete Body Susanoo and taunted the shinobi surrounding him.
• Tobirama assigned Jiraiya to hold off Obito while he led the others to reinforce the Jinchuriki.
• Itachi arrived and promised to fight alongside Jiraiya, saying they could use Senjutsu and his Impure World Reincarnation body to activate Complete Body Susanoo.
• Itachi told Jiraiya that Kuro and the others had found the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
• Madara destroyed the Giant Bell, but it regenerated, and he wondered why Kuro had not appeared.
• Hashirama sent Wood Dragons at Madara, and the two resumed their fierce battle.

Kuro, Naruto, and Sasuke reached Orochimaru in Night City's Underground Laboratory, where the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path stood. Orochimaru offered Kuro a method to remove Madara’s seal from his soul and warned that the seal could reveal Kuro’s location to Madara.

• Kuro arrived with Naruto and Sasuke, carrying the bodies of the White Zetsu guard and Shennong.
• Orochimaru acknowledged Kuro’s Rinnegan and said Uchiha Obito had secretly helped him pass information to Kuro.
• Kuro demanded the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and questioned Orochimaru about his request for payment.
• Orochimaru gave Kuro documents describing a method to remove Madara’s seal from his soul, which required the Rinnegan.
• Orochimaru warned Kuro that the seal could send information to Madara, who might summon the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path away.

Obito gathered Konoha friends at Kakashi's house to discuss presents for Kuro's birthday, rejecting several ideas as unsuitable. The meeting ended before Rin could share her carefully prepared gift, which she put away to give Kuro on his birthday.

• Might Guy proposed giving Kuro enormous dumbbells, but Obito rejected them because Kuro already owned plenty and needed a day of rest.
• Anko presented a dango-shop free-meal voucher, but Obito pointed out that Kuro already had many vouchers and often treated her on their outings.
• Obito guessed that Kakashi planned to give Kuro a recipe collection, and accused him of hoping Kuro would cook for everyone.
• Kakashi and Obito argued and headed for the door before Rin, Asuma, or Kurenai shared their ideas.
• Rin put her pale-purple-ribboned gift box away and decided to give Kuro his present on his birthday.

Kuro began transforming the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path into the Ten-Tails so he could become its jinchūriki and gain Six Paths power. In Naruto’s mental space, Nine-Tails warned that Kuro might destroy Konoha after defeating Uchiha Madara, but Naruto declared that Konoha’s destruction would be good for the Ninja World.

• Naruto threatened Orochimaru for threatening Kuro, but Sasuke restrained him as Orochimaru waited for Kuro’s answer.
• Kuro accepted Orochimaru’s documents and approached the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path with Naruto and Sasuke.
• Kuro activated Inari God and released the nine tailed beasts’ chakra into the statue, which awakened and began transforming into the Ten-Tails.
• Naruto and Sasuke sensed the statue’s terrifying power as Kushina worried about Kuro, and Minato reassured her.
• Nine-Tails warned Minato and Kushina that Kuro might use his power to change the Ninja World and leave Konoha gone after defeating Uchiha Madara.
• Naruto appeared in the mental space and told Nine-Tails that Konoha’s disappearance would be a good thing for the Ninja World, shocking Minato and Kushina.

Naruto discussed Konoha’s future with Minato and Kushina, concluding that the old ninja village system could not survive a peaceful world and would need to change. Minato entrusted the future to Kuro, while Kurama urged Naruto to return after revealing that the Uchiha kid had succeeded.

• Kushina panicked when Naruto said it was good that Konoha was gone, but Naruto clarified that he was not finished explaining.
• Minato described Konoha and other ninja villages as armed organizations, and Naruto asked whether Konoha could survive without war.
• Naruto argued that Kuro’s peaceful future required replacing the traditional ninja village system, and Minato agreed that Konoha would have to change.
• Minato recalled trying to reform Konoha before realizing Kuro had surpassed their vision, and said he had entrusted everything to him.
• Minato explained that Konoha’s deeper essence was a peaceful home where people could live happily, even if it ceased to exist as a ninja village.
• Naruto offered Kurama hope of freedom in a peaceful world, and Kurama told him the Uchiha kid had succeeded and urged him to return.

Kuro successfully absorbed the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and began transforming into a Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, then sent Sasuke and Naruto to the battlefield. At the border of the Land of Rice, Madara unleashed the Eight Gates at full force, revealing power beyond the Six Paths as the war reached its climax.

• Kuro confirmed that absorbing the Demonic Statue had succeeded, but told Orochimaru he would remove his restraints only after his transformation was complete.
• Kuro sent Sasuke and Naruto to help protect the battlefield and prevent the reincarnated Uchiha from breaking free of Impure World Reincarnation.
• Sasuke and Naruto left using the Flying Thunder God Technique, while Kuro watched Madara from a distance and resolved to end the war.
• Hashirama struck Madara with Sage Power, and Madara briefly sensed that Kuro was watching him.
• Madara surveyed the ongoing battles, then drove the Eight Gates at full force and unleashed a devastating shock wave that made Hashirama summon the Giant Bell.

Kuro studied Uchiha techniques in the clan library until Candle Flame found him after closing time and gave him two books on swordsmanship and Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson. Candle Flame reminded Kuro that it was his birthday, leaving Kuro surprised by the old man's thoughtfulness.

• Kuro studied Uchiha fire techniques and took notes in the library, unaware Candle Flame was standing behind him.
• Candle Flame explained Uchiha Style Swordsmanship and Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson, then gave Kuro books on their fundamentals.
• Kuro realized Candle Flame had arrived and tried to flatter him after admitting he had called him an old geezer.
• Candle Flame scolded Kuro for keeping the library open late and told him to go home before school the next day.
• Candle Flame stopped Kuro from tidying the books, then asked whether he remembered what day it was.
• Kuro guessed it was discount day at the dango shop, and Candle Flame told him it was his birthday.

Uchiha Jiahao attacked Killer B with Amaterasu, but Killer B used a substitution to counter him and began sealing him. Jiahao recovered and joined an assault on Killer B, until Otsutsuki Kou redirected the flames; Uchiha Jie and Uchiha Chiri then appeared beside Jiahao.

• Killer B saw a blood-red pillar of light in the distance before Uchiha Jiahao attacked him with Dragon Flame Song Technique and Amaterasu.
• Killer B used a Lariat to strike Jiahao, revealing that the badly burned Killer B on the ground had been a charred octopus tentacle substitution.
• Jiahao urged Killer B to seal him before Madara's control took hold, and Killer B began forming the sealing technique.
• Jiahao recovered and used Amaterasu as another attacker combined Majestic Destroyer Flame with Pressure Damage against Killer B.
• Otsutsuki Kou used Kagutsuchi to draw the flames away from Killer B and condense them onto a longsword.
• Uchiha Jie and Uchiha Chiri appeared beside Jiahao, and Otsutsuki Kou regarded them gravely.

Uchiha Jie and Uchiha Chiri reunited during the battle before Otsutsuki Kou attacked them and Uchiha Jiahao with a flaming warrior. A young man crushed the three with gravity, and Otsutsuki Kou identified him as Otsutsuki Xi, the fourth leader of the Ninjutsu School and Indra’s grandson.

• Uchiha Jie thanked Uchiha Chiri for helping prevent the Uchiha Clan from destroying itself through misuse of Izanagi, and Chiri said guiding the clan had been her responsibility.
• Otsutsuki Kou unleashed a flame warrior against Uchiha Jiahao, Uchiha Jie, and Uchiha Chiri.
• A young man in a haori used an invisible force to crush the flame warrior and pin the three reincarnated Uchiha to the ground.
• Tobirama joined Killer B, Otsutsuki Kou, Kakashi, Gaara, and the other injured allies, while Gaara warned them about the approaching enemy.
• Otsutsuki Kou explained that the young man’s Mangekyo abilities, Ōmononushi and Fudō Myō, controlled gravity.
• Otsutsuki Kou identified the young man as Otsutsuki Xi, Indra’s grandson and the fourth leader of the Ninjutsu School.

Otsutsuki Xi admitted he had considered helping the Allied forces defeat Madara, but abandoned the idea because he wanted to fight powerful warriors from the future. The battlefield braced for combat as Xi renewed his challenge.

• Kakashi told Killer B that the forces had lost their chance to seal Xi when a reincarnated Uchiha blocked their attack, and Tobirama had saved them with Flying Thunder God.
• Tobirama deduced that Xi was suppressing the reincarnated Uchihas’ regeneration by choice and urged him to explain how to defeat him.
• Xi said he had wanted the Allied forces to seal him and stop Madara, prompting Fu and the others to relax.
• Xi changed his mind, released his gravitational hold, and allowed Uchiha Jie, Uchiha Chiri, and Uchiha Jiahao to regenerate.
• Xi declared that he wanted a satisfying fight with the warriors of the future, and the Allied forces prepared to face him.
• Otsutsuki Kou explained that Xi was unusually self-centered even among his own people and had once started a war largely to fight the Ninja Sect’s leader.

Otsutsuki Ori attacked Otsutsuki Xi, but Xi’s Susanoo stopped him as more Uchiha with powerful Susanoo surrounded the battlefield. Naruto and Sasuke returned with news that the plan had succeeded, then joined forces against the reincarnated fighters while Obito watched and wondered whether Kuro could defeat Madara.

• Otsutsuki Xi used Omononushi to increase gravity on Otsutsuki Ori, then blocked Ori’s attack with his Susanoo and transformed it into its third-stage Crow Tengu form.
• Otsutsuki Ori retreated beside Otsutsuki Kou as Uchiha Jiahao and other reincarnated Uchiha surrounded the group with more than a dozen third-stage Susanoo.
• Naruto and Sasuke arrived and told Tobirama that their plan had succeeded and Kuro would soon join them.
• Naruto covered the group in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode while Sasuke formed a Susanoo that armored the Nine-Tails.
• On another battlefield, Obito saw the Susanoo-clad Nine-Tails appear and wondered whether Kuro could defeat Madara.

Jiraiya pushed himself to sustain Itachi’s Susanoo against Obito, determined to kill Obito before Kuro returned. Obito destroyed the Susanoo with Kamui Shuriken and overwhelmed Jiraiya, leaving him poised to strike as the chapter ended.

• Jiraiya insisted on continuing to fuel Itachi’s Susanoo with senjutsu chakra despite his failing condition.
• Obito hurled Kamui Shuriken, and Itachi shoved Jiraiya clear before the attack shattered the orange-red Susanoo.
• Obito’s blue-green Susanoo dissipated, and he charged Jiraiya with a black Yin-Yang Release rod.
• Jiraiya failed to form a Rasengan as his body reached its limit, while Sage Fukasaku leapt forward to help him.
• Obito used Sage Shima’s Mangekyo illusion to catch Fukasaku off guard, then impaled and tossed him aside.
• Obito aimed his rod at Jiraiya’s chest and declared that it was over for Konoha’s Fifth Hokage.

Itachi used Izanagi and the Totsuka Blade to pierce Obito, but Obito escaped by turning transparent and sinking into the ground. Jiraiya and Itachi were left wondering about Obito’s intentions as the battle between Madara and Hashirama neared its end.

• Itachi appeared in Susanoo and pierced Obito with the Totsuka Blade, revealing that he had used Izanagi to outmaneuver him.
• Obito acknowledged losing the battle but hinted that he had prepared an escape and noted that the blood-red energy pillar signaled everything would soon end.
• Obito turned transparent and sank into the ground, leaving Jiraiya, Itachi, and the sages behind.
• Jiraiya discovered that Fukasaku was alive, and Shima embraced him as he woke and protested that she was squeezing him.
• Itachi and Jiraiya questioned Obito’s intentions while looking toward Madara and Hashirama’s battlefield, where their fight was reaching its final moments.

Madara unleashed the power of the Eight Gates and attacked Hashirama, rejecting his plea to stand with Kuro and change the Ninja World. As Madara’s Blazing Sun struck, Kuro appeared before Hashirama, while Tobirama sensed that the war was nearly over.

• Madara revealed his crimson, life-burning Eight Gates form and rejected Hashirama’s invitation to trust the Ninja World and join Kuro.
• Madara’s casual shock wave shattered the Giant Bell and left Hashirama gravely injured, though Hashirama healed with Sage Power.
• Madara questioned how long Hashirama could keep fighting and formed a crimson sphere for his Blazing Sun attack.
• Madara hurled the Blazing Sun at Hashirama, but Kuro suddenly appeared in front of him.
• The attack exploded in a massive shock wave, and Tobirama sensed that the war was almost over.

Kuro returned to the battlefield with his own Six Paths power and challenged Madara to a final battle. The chapter ended with Madara recognizing Kuro as the Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki.

• Kuro appeared before Hashirama and took Madara’s attack, then told Hashirama that his plan had succeeded and he could defeat Madara.
• Kuro sent Hashirama to help Naruto, Sasuke, and the others, then faced Madara alone.
• Madara unleashed more power by burning his life force and warned Kuro that his previous moves would not work again.
• Kuro released a vast aura and transformed, growing horns and manifesting a white robe, eight Truth-Seeking Orbs, and a scepter.
• Madara recognized Kuro’s transformed state as that of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki.

Kuro received birthday gifts from Candle Flame in the Uchiha library, then hurried home after remembering his friends might be waiting. After Kuro left, Candle Flame praised his intelligence to Fugaku, who agreed to arrange specialized training for him.

• Kuro realized it was his birthday, and Candle Flame gave him two notebooks as presents.
• Candle Flame urged Kuro to go home before midnight, reminding him that Obito and the others had brought him home on his birthday the previous year.
• Kuro thanked Candle Flame and left the library, while Candle Flame watched him go and reflected on his diligence and limited talent.
• Fugaku arrived and spoke with Candle Flame about his past service to the Uchiha and Konoha.
• Candle Flame praised Kuro's intelligence, and Fugaku agreed to arrange specialized training for him.

Kuro revealed his Six Paths form and fought Madara on the final battlefield, while Madara realized the war had been a trap and suspected Obito had betrayed him. Kuro countered Madara’s devastating Eight Gates attack with Magatsuhi God, leaving the battlefield split apart by the blast.

• Madara realized Kuro had used the war and the Allied Shinobi Forces to keep him occupied while Kuro secretly attained Six Paths power.
• Madara suspected Obito had helped Orochimaru break the soul seal and wondered why Obito had betrayed the Eye of the Moon Plan.
• Kuro launched eight Truth-Seeking Orb cones at Madara, who used the Eight Gates to escape to a distant mountaintop.
• Madara reassembled his Long Halberd and sent an Eagle Phoenix of crimson steam charging toward Kuro.
• Kuro used Magatsuhi God to collapse space and destroy Madara’s attack in a blast that split the basin and shook the distant shinobi.

Kuro used a new Susanoo technique to survive Madara’s Torch-Dragon attack and reappeared with vastly increased power. Madara realized Kuro was still alive and stronger than before.

• Kuro assessed Madara’s worsening wounds and decided to stall until the Eight Gates’ toll overcame him.
• Kuro summoned a complete Susanoo within a pillar of blue-green light, while Madara’s body began to fail under the Eight Gates.
• Madara attacked with Torch-Dragon, seemingly piercing Kuro and scattering his figure into motes.
• Madara believed Kuro had sacrificed himself to destroy the Ten-Tails inside him and stop the Eye of the Moon Plan.
• Kuro struck Madara from the side and taunted him, revealing that he was uninjured and still in his Six Paths form.
• Madara noticed blue-green markings across Kuro’s body and sensed that his power had grown far greater.

Kuro fused his complete-body Susanoo and divine artifacts into his Six Paths form, then charged Madara for their final battle. As their swords and halberd collided, the people of Inari City waited anxiously and kept watch under Zabuza’s command.

• Kuro revealed that his fusion with the Susanoo had strengthened him and given him the ability to adapt and recover from Madara’s attacks.
• Kuro formed the Great Ori Cutter and a black Six Paths sword, while Madara welcomed the chance to face a worthy opponent.
• Kuro and Madara charged each other and clashed, sending shock waves across the battlefield and shaking the Ninja World.
• In Inari City, Suigetsu worried aloud about Sora and Kimimaro, and Zabuza scolded him for undermining morale.
• Zabuza comforted the anxious Haku, then reminded Suigetsu that Sora had entrusted them with protecting the city.
• Suigetsu steadied himself and rejoined Zabuza and Haku on patrol as the distant lights and rumbles continued.

Obito and Kisame confronted Mei Terumi and Karin at High Heaven Palace, where Obito stopped Mei Terumi from killing Karin. Obito revealed that he had come to speak with them about Kuro.

• Mei Terumi shielded Karin while Kisame greeted her and Obito watched from the main seat.
• Karin told Mei Terumi she would rather die than become a burden to Kuro, and Mei Terumi prepared to kill her at Karin’s urging.
• Obito caught Mei Terumi’s wrist before her kunai reached Karin and mocked her for the trouble she had caused him in the Mist Village.
• Mei Terumi asked Obito what he wanted, and he said he had come to talk with her and Karin about Kuro.