Chapter Summaries

After Uchiha Ling’s victory at Kikyo Mountain Fortress drew attention across the Shinobi World, rival villages considered how to exploit or eliminate him. Ōnoki launched Iwagakure’s highest-level assassination plan against Ling, assigning the mission to Shū and a Stone Spider squad.

• Granny Chiyo and Ebizo discussed Ling’s threat and decided Sunagakure should deepen its cooperation with Konoha while marking him as a priority target.
• The Third Mizukage ordered increased reconnaissance and infiltration along the Land of Fire’s southeastern coast and directed Yagura to explore recruiting Ling or finding a chance to eliminate him.
• Ling reviewed his system panel, saw that he had 19,650 Emotion Points, and considered collecting more during the war to buy the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Ōnoki blamed Kitsuchi’s defeat on Ling’s overwhelming strength and ordered Iwagakure to eliminate the young Uchiha before he grew more dangerous.
• Ōnoki activated the Star-Shattering plan and assigned Shū, supported by a four-jōnin Stone Spider squad, to assassinate Ling.

Orochimaru sent Uchiha Ling, Minato, and Tokuma to sweep the Rift Corridor, warning that Iwagakure might target Ling. An Iwagakure squad led by Hunt prepared a deadly ambush for them at Stone Burial Ravine.

• Orochimaru praised Ling’s performance and assigned his squad a reconnaissance and sweep mission in the Rift Corridor.
• Ling relayed the mission to Minato and Tokuma, and the three set out for the corridor.
• Tokuma used his Byakugan to detect traces, traps, and movement, helping the squad avoid danger and defeat three Iwagakure Chunin.
• Hunt and four Iwagakure Jonin tracked the squad and prepared twenty-seven traps at Stone Burial Ravine.
• Hunt ordered his squad to separate Ling’s team and target Minato and Tokuma while he fought Ling.

Uchiha Ling’s squad walked into a carefully prepared Iwagakure ambush at Stone Burial Ravine, but Ling awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan and used Takemikazuchi to nullify the attack. The squad survived, and Ling prepared to strike back while his brief invincible state lasted.

• Hyuga Tokuma sensed that Natural Energy and the surroundings near Stone Burial Ravine were abnormal, so Uchiha Ling ordered the squad to approach cautiously.
• Hyuga Tokuma detected a strange chakra signature underground, but Iwagakure ninjas triggered collapsing cliffs, sinking ground, and coordinated explosions around the squad.
• Shou watched from the cliffs, expecting the trap to kill Uchiha Ling, Namikaze Minato, and Hyuga Tokuma.
• Uchiha Ling awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan and activated Takemikazuchi, forming a lightning field that rendered the ambush’s attacks ineffective.
• Shou and the Stone Spider Squad were horrified, while Namikaze Minato and Hyuga Tokuma realized they had survived; Ling prepared to attack before his power ran out.

Uchiha Ling slaughtered the Stone Spider Squad at Stone Burial Ravine, but using Takemikazuchi badly strained his right eye. News of the battle reached the factions’ leadership, while Minato’s faith in Ling as their leader became unshakable.

• Uchiha Ling used Wild Thunder Strike and Thunder Dash to kill the Stone Spider Squad members as Shu attacked him with Explosion Release.
• Uchiha Ling evaded Shu’s final explosive strike, severed his left shoulder and arm, and killed him.
• The last Stone Spider Squad member died, leaving the squad slaughtered at Stone Burial Ravine.
• Namikaze Minato and Hyuga Tokuma watched in shock, and Minato’s conviction in Uchiha Ling as their leader solidified.
• Uchiha Ling felt severe pain and blurred vision in his right eye after activating Takemikazuchi.
• News of the battle reached the highest levels of the factions through covert channels.

After Uchiha Ling single-handedly destroyed Iwagakure’s Stone Spider Squad, Ōnoki identified his attack immunity and lightning abilities as signs of the Mangekyō Sharingan and ordered his forces to avoid provoking him. In Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi read Orochimaru’s report and suspected Ling’s power came from his Sharingan.

• An Anbu Ninja reported to Ōnoki that Uchiha Ling had wiped out the Stone Spider Squad using a power that nullified attacks and greatly enhanced his lightning, speed, and strength.
• Ōnoki concluded that Ling had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, based on the extraordinary abilities described and his memories of Madara Uchiha.
• Ōnoki classified Ling as an S-rank, extremely dangerous individual and ordered frontline units not to attack or provoke him without direct orders.
• Ōnoki ordered increased intelligence infiltration into Konoha, focusing on the Uchiha Clan and Shimura Danzō.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi read Orochimaru’s report about Ling defeating Iwagakure’s Star-Shattering unit in the Rift Corridor and suspected Ling’s Sharingan had granted him the new abilities.

Shimura Danzō urged Hiruzen Sarutobi to secretly surveil Uchiha Ling and curb his influence, suspecting Ling had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, but Hiruzen refused to act without evidence during the war. News of Ling’s abilities then reached Madara Uchiha, who ordered Black Zetsu to investigate him and warned that he would eliminate Ling if he threatened the plan.

• Shimura Danzō confronted Hiruzen Sarutobi and argued that Uchiha Ling’s abilities suggested he had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Shimura Danzō proposed secretly surveilling Ling, restricting his access to secrets, and reducing the Uchiha Clan’s authority.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi refused Danzō’s proposals, saying Ling remained a trusted hero and that Konoha needed him during the war.
• After Danzō left, Hiruzen worried about what he would do if Ling became a threat, but held on to his hope that Ling wanted to improve the village’s relationship with the Uchiha.
• Madara Uchiha ordered Black Zetsu to investigate Ling, and Black Zetsu concluded that Ling’s reported technique indicated the Mangekyō Sharingan.
• Madara Uchiha warned that he would kill Ling if Ling interfered with his plan.

In Kumogakure, the Third Raikage learned that Uchiha Ling had defeated Iwagakure’s assassination force with a powerful unknown jutsu. Fearing Ling would make Konoha impossible to challenge, he ordered a strike force to kill him, leaving Kumogakure preparing a major assassination mission.

• Mabui reported that Uchiha Ling’s unknown jutsu briefly made him immune to attacks while greatly enhancing his Lightning Release, speed, and strength.
• The Third Raikage recognized the possibility that Ling’s power came from the Mangekyō Sharingan and warned that Ling’s growth threatened Kumogakure’s ambitions against Konoha.
• The Third Raikage decided Kumogakure would assassinate Ling and said he would lead the mission himself.
• The Third Raikage ordered Mabui to assemble the 'Lightning Blade' squad with A, Bee, Darui, and C, and to bring in Toroi and Samui’s squads as support.

Uchiha Ling and Namikaze Minato returned to Konoha after being promoted to jōnin and were each granted a chance to choose a technique from the Scroll of Sealing. Minato chose the Flying Thunder God Technique, while Ling traded his reward opportunity for a promise concerning Uzumaki Kushina’s freedom and treatment.

• Orochimaru told Uchiha Ling and Namikaze Minato that they had been promoted to jōnin and could each choose an advanced ninjutsu as a reward.
• Uchiha Ling and Namikaze Minato returned to Konoha, where Hiruzen Sarutobi presented them with their jōnin flak jackets and led them to the Scroll of Sealing.
• Namikaze Minato chose the Flying Thunder God Technique and received a scroll explaining how to learn it.
• Uchiha Ling declined to choose a ninjutsu and asked Hiruzen Sarutobi to lift the surveillance and restrictions on Uzumaki Kushina and grant her respect and freedom as a Konoha shinobi.

Uchiha Ling persuaded Hiruzen Sarutobi to lift routine surveillance and restrictions on Uzumaki Kushina, taking primary responsibility for her safety. Kushina rejoiced at her new freedom, though she sensed concealed watchers remained nearby, and she set out with friends for the shopping district.

• Uchiha Ling argued that Konoha's surveillance and confinement were hurting Kushina and offered to protect her himself.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi lifted Kushina's routine surveillance and restrictions, while keeping Anbu's emergency protection plan in place and making Uchiha Ling responsible for her safety.
• Uchiha Ling told Kushina about the decision, and she embraced him with tears of gratitude.
• The next morning, Kushina told Uchiha Ling that most watchers were gone but that she still sensed a few concealed sources of cold chakra nearby.
• Uchiha Mikoto and Hyuga Natsuki joined Kushina, and she invited them and Uchiha Ling to go to the shopping district.

Uchiha Ling caught Danzo’s Root operatives spying near Kushina’s home and defeated them before publicly returning them to the Root Base. Shimura Danzō was left furious and humiliated, setting up an open conflict with Ling.

• Uchiha Ling reassured Kushina and used his Sharingan to locate the Root operatives watching her home.
• Uchiha Ling defeated the three Root ninjas in under ten seconds, using force and Earth Release to stop them escaping.
• Uchiha Ling tied the injured Root ninjas together and dragged them through Konoha toward the Root Base as passersby watched.
• Uchiha Ling hurled the three Root ninjas outside the base and warned Elder Danzo to keep his men away from the wrong people.
• Shimura Danzō smashed his teacup in rage after hearing Ling’s warning, while the Root members around him stayed silent.

After Uchiha Ling ended the surveillance of Kushina, the two shared a tender night together. The next morning, Ling cooked breakfast for Kushina and left her to enjoy a peaceful day at home.

• Kushina embraced Uchiha Ling and thanked him for protecting her, while Mikoto and Natsuki gave them time alone.
• Uchiha Ling and Kushina returned to her home, shared their feelings, and kissed before spending the night together.
• Uchiha Ling woke early and prepared porridge, fried eggs, and bok choy for Kushina.
• Kushina ate the breakfast Ling fed her and felt cherished.
• Uchiha Ling told Kushina to rest at home and assured her that no one would bother her again.

Uchiha Ling visited Tsunade at Konoha Hospital, where she questioned him about his Uchiha power and worried about the price it might demand. After he encouraged her about overcoming her Hemophobia, they discussed chakra control and Katsuyu, and Tsunade gave him guidance.

• Uchiha Ling went to Konoha Hospital to visit his teacher, Tsunade.
• Tsunade asked whether the power Uchiha Ling had used at Stone Burial Ravine was the Mangekyō, and he replied that it was the power of the Uchiha Clan.
• Tsunade worried that Uchiha Ling's power came at a steep price, but he said it was under control and asked how her research on Hemophobia was going.
• Uchiha Ling took Tsunade's wrist and promised to support her as she worked to overcome her Hemophobia, flustering her.
• Uchiha Ling and Tsunade discussed chakra control and Katsuyu, and Tsunade offered him pointers while expressing amazement at his chakra reserves and progress.

Uchiha Ling met Orochimaru at a secret Forest of Death base, where Orochimaru tested Ling’s ambitions and showed him forbidden research. Ling challenged Orochimaru’s pursuit of immortality by warning that Living Corpse Reincarnation would erode and corrupt his soul.

• Orochimaru secretly invited Uchiha Ling to meet him in the Forest of Death.
• Uchiha Ling entered Orochimaru’s hidden base and questioned why Orochimaru had summoned him.
• Orochimaru probed Ling’s power and displayed experiments involving Hashirama Cells, Impure World Reincarnation, and other forbidden research.
• Orochimaru criticized Konoha’s restrictions and argued that becoming Hokage would only make Ling a puppet of the village’s rules.
• Uchiha Ling warned Orochimaru that Living Corpse Reincarnation would erode and contaminate his soul until he might no longer remain himself.

Uchiha Ling tempted Orochimaru with the possibility that Pure Gold could preserve his original body and grant him immortality. Orochimaru agreed to withdraw from the Hokage race and support Ling in exchange for access to the research, leaving them with a deal to share their findings.

• Uchiha Ling proposed slowing cell metabolism to preserve Orochimaru’s original body instead of transferring his soul into new bodies.
• Uchiha Ling showed Orochimaru materials about Pure Gold, a substance said to slow aging and bodily processes.
• Orochimaru asked to see the Pure Gold, but Uchiha Ling said its location was unknown and offered theoretical designs instead.
• Uchiha Ling demanded Orochimaru’s support for his bid to become the Fourth Hokage in exchange for sharing the research.
• Orochimaru agreed to withdraw from the race and support Uchiha Ling, provided the village prioritized Pure Gold research and they shared all findings.

Uchiha Ling learned that rumors were turning Konoha against Hatake Sakumo for abandoning an S-rank mission to save his comrades, and suspected Shimura Danzō was behind the campaign. As the White Fang faced condemnation from the villagers and shinobi he had protected, he began to doubt his choice and felt profoundly alone.

• Uchiha Tekka gave Uchiha Ling reports describing suspicious rumors about Hatake Sakumo's failed mission and the growing criticism inside Konoha.
• Uchiha Ling suspected Shimura Danzō was spreading the rumors to damage Sakumo and disrupt the village leadership.
• Hatake Sakumo heard villagers accuse him of sacrificing Konoha's interests by rescuing a comrade during the S-rank mission.
• Sakumo watched former allies and people he had saved avoid offering him support as public disapproval intensified.
• Hatake Sakumo questioned whether saving his comrade had been wrong and felt betrayed by the village he had protected.

Hiruzen took responsibility for Hatake Sakumo’s failed mission and ordered the rumors against him investigated, while Uchiha Ling uncovered signs of a coordinated campaign and prepared to intervene. Danzo continued escalating the pressure on Sakumo, hoping to break him and weaken the Hokage faction.

• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu criticized Sakumo’s decision, but Hiruzen accepted responsibility and ordered the rumors stopped and their source investigated.
• An Anbu Ninja gave Ling a report tracing the rumors, and Uchiha Yashiro warned that unknown people were watching Sakumo’s residence.
• Ling ordered the Military Police Force to protect Sakumo and his family, then resolved to wait for the right moment to save Sakumo and recruit him.
• At Root’s base, Danzo ordered his subordinates to intensify the rumors and monitor Sakumo, aiming to weaken the Hokage faction and draw Sakumo into Root.
• Danzo asked about Ling, learned that Ling was investigating the rumors without intervening directly, and ordered Root to watch him.

Hatake Sakumo, crushed by village rumors and despair, nearly took his own life before Uchiha Ling arrived and revealed that Danzo had orchestrated a political attack against him. Sakumo abandoned his death wish and turned his despair into fury and murderous intent.

• Hatake Sakumo overheard young ninja condemn him for abandoning a mission and returned home troubled by what Kakashi might think of him.
• Sakumo drew his White Fang short sword and nearly harmed himself before Uchiha Ling entered his home.
• Uchiha Ling challenged Sakumo's belief that the dispute was simply about duty and loyalty to comrades.
• Ling told Sakumo that Danzo had spread the rumors to isolate him and either control or destroy him.
• Sakumo realized he had nearly played into the plot and erupted in rage, while Ling remained unmoved by his killing intent.

Uchiha Ling persuaded Hatake Sakumo to abandon despair by warning that his death could endanger Kakashi, then offered him a vision of uniting the Shinobi World and building a new empire. Sakumo accepted Ling as his leader and pledged his life and White Fang to the New World.

• Uchiha Ling warned Hatake Sakumo that his death would leave Kakashi burdened by disgrace and vulnerable to hidden enemies.
• Uchiha Ling revealed his ambition to unite the Shinobi World, end wars, and use ninjutsu to build a new order.
• Hatake Sakumo considered Ling's vision as an alternative to dying for Konoha's broken order.
• Hatake Sakumo sheathed the White Fang short sword and pledged his life, blade, and loyalty to Lord Ling and the New World.
• Uchiha Ling smiled, satisfied that Sakumo had joined his cause.

Uchiha Ling used the Military Police Force, a public meeting, and Hatake Sakumo’s quiet visits to his wounded subordinates and the Memorial Stone to reverse the rumors and restore Sakumo’s reputation. Shimura Danzō, furious that Ling had foiled his scheme and gained more prestige, resolved to kill him at the first opportunity.

• The Military Police Force arrested prominent rumor-spreaders, posted notices, and announced that false claims about Hatake Sakumo were being punished.
• At a public discussion meeting, Uchiha Tekka presented records of Sakumo’s missions and rescues, turning the audience against those who had slandered him.
• Hatake Sakumo visited wounded subordinates at Konoha Hospital and stood silently at the Memorial Stone, strengthening the villagers’ view of him as a hero.
• Konoha Police News featured Sakumo’s visits on its front page, while Uchiha Ling watched the village’s opinion shift in his favor.
• Shimura Danzō learned that his rumor campaign had failed and decided to wait for a chance to kill Uchiha Ling.

Danzō leaked Uchiha Ling’s solo mission to Kumogakure, hoping the resulting attack would remove a political rival. At the Gloomy Forest, Ling detected Cloud ninja traces before a powerful force surrounded him.

• Danzō ordered Aburame Tatsuma to anonymously reveal Ling’s mission through Root’s black-market channel, Ashes.
• The Third Raikage A learned that Ling was traveling alone and ordered a force including A, Killer B, Darui, and C to attack him.
• Ling entered the Gloomy Forest, spotted concealed tracks and traces of Cloud chakra, and chose a hidden observation point.
• Five powerful chakra signatures erupted around Ling, revealing a planned encirclement targeting him.