Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto Uzumaki joins the Ninja Academy of Konoha as a new ninja.
• The Hokage Office uses a crystal ball to observe the new graduates, including Naruto, Neji, Sasuke, and Sakura.
• Team 7 is formed with Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, causing Naruto to feel resentful and Sakura to be excited.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi asks Gong Yi to lead a team of Genin, but Gong Yi declines.

Character Developments

• Naruto shows eagerness to prove himself as a ninja.
• Sakura shows a clear interest in Sasuke.
• Gong Yi reveals his intention to take Sasuke as his disciple to prevent him from being corrupted by Orochimaru or the Akatsuki organization.

Significant Themes

• The importance of teamwork and cooperation among ninja.
• The impact of the Uchiha clan's destruction on Sasuke and his desire for power.
• Gong Yi's influence and status in Konoha, as even elite Jonin show deference to him.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Shikamaru have a brief interaction, with Naruto showing off his forehead protector to prove he's a ninja.
• The elite Jonin in the Hokage Office discuss the new graduates, paying particular attention to Neji and Sasuke.
• Gong Yi expresses his intention to take Sasuke as his disciple to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Darui announces the formation of Team 7, causing a shift in Naruto and Sakura's attitudes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hiruzen Sarutobi invites Gong Yi to discuss taking on more students, but Gong Yi declines.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi assigns the new Genin teams: Team 7 (Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi), Team 3 (Neji, Rock Lee, Tenten, Might Guy), Team 8 (Hinata, Kiba, Shino, Kurenai), and Team 10 (Shikamaru, Choji, Ino, Asuma).
• Gong Yi gives Neji a scroll containing advanced Taijutsu and his personal insights as a graduation gift.

Character Developments

• Hiruzen Sarutobi shows his dedication to Konoha's future by gathering excellent Jonin to train the new Genin.
• Gong Yi demonstrates his commitment to his students' growth by giving Neji advanced Taijutsu and insights.
• Neji shows his eagerness to learn and grow under Gong Yi's guidance.

Significant Themes

• The importance of education and mentorship in nurturing the next generation of ninja.
• The value of personal growth and continuous learning.
• The responsibility of leaders in shaping the future of their village.

Character Interactions

• Hiruzen Sarutobi and Gong Yi have a professional, respectful relationship, with Hiruzen showing deference to Gong Yi's wishes.
• Gong Yi and Neji have a teacher-student relationship, with Gong Yi showing care and investment in Neji's growth.
• Neji shows respect and eagerness to learn from Gong Yi, highlighting their strong bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi leads Team 7 (Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura) in self-introductions on a rooftop.
• Gong Yi secretly observes them, unseen.
• Sasuke expresses his hatred for Uchiha Itachi and his desire to be Gong Yi's disciple.
• Gong Yi visits Sasuke at night, acknowledging his improvements.

Character Developments

• Sasuke reveals his obsession with defeating Uchiha Itachi and his desire to learn from Gong Yi.
• Kakashi shows understanding and acceptance of Sasuke's ambition.
• Gong Yi acknowledges Sasuke's growth but remains unimpressed by his desire to defeat Neji.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and desire for power (Sasuke's obsession with defeating Itachi and learning from Gong Yi).
• The influence of the past on the present (Sasuke's trauma from the Uchiha Clan Massacre).
• The mentor-student relationship (Sasuke's desire to learn from Gong Yi).

Character Interactions

• Kakashi shows understanding towards Sasuke's ambition but feels awkward about Sasuke's desire to learn from Gong Yi.
• Sasuke expresses his desire to learn from Gong Yi in front of Kakashi, causing tension.
• Gong Yi visits Sasuke at night, acknowledging his improvements and discussing his desire to defeat Neji.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gong Yi praises Sasuke's progress and agrees to take him as a disciple.
• Sasuke is overjoyed and accepts the offer.
• Gong Yi instructs Sasuke to meet him in the Gong Territory after completing a trial with Kakashi.
• Gong Yi plans to obtain the Nine-Tails Chakra during an upcoming mission to the Land of Waves.

Character Developments

• Sasuke Uchiha: Becomes more hopeful and determined after being accepted as Gong Yi's disciple.
• Gong Yi: Shows that he values willpower and personal growth in addition to strength.

Significant Themes

• Willpower and determination: Sasuke's persistent pursuit of becoming Gong Yi's disciple highlights the importance of willpower and determination in achieving one's goals.
• Mentorship: The relationship between Gong Yi and Sasuke underscores the significance of mentorship in character development.

Character Interactions

• Gong Yi and Sasuke: Their interaction demonstrates Gong Yi's recognition of Sasuke's growth and Sasuke's eagerness to learn from Gong Yi.
• Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura: Sasuke's improved demeanor towards his teammates indicates a shift in his attitude, possibly due to his newfound hope as Gong Yi's disciple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi gives the team a trial to steal bells from him before noon; if they fail, they won't get lunch and will have to watch the others eat.
• Gong Yi makes a breakthrough in his Impure World Reincarnation research.
• Gong Yi summons Neji and Sasuke to his place, revealing that he has taken Sasuke as a student.

Character Developments

• Kakashi's unreliability is highlighted as he arrives late for the trial.
• Gong Yi's research progresses, bringing him closer to his goals.
• Sasuke completes Kakashi's trial but arrives late at Gong Yi's place.

Significant Themes

• The importance of punctuality and responsibility (Kakashi's tardiness vs. Gong Yi's promptness).
• The value of hard work and perseverance (Sasuke's determination to complete Kakashi's trial).

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Sakura express their frustration with Kakashi's tardiness.
• Gong Yi reveals his decision to take Sasuke as a student to Neji.
• Sasuke and Neji meet at Gong Yi's place, hinting at their future interactions as fellow students.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Neji and Sasuke, former rivals at the Ninja Academy, are now students of Gong Yi.
• Gong Yi orders Neji to test Sasuke's current strength, with the two facing off against each other.
• Sasuke uses a combination of Shuriken, Substitution Technique, and Fire Style Ninjutsu against Neji.
• Neji easily defeats Sasuke, demonstrating his superior strength and skill.

Character Developments

• Neji: Shows confidence in his ability to suppress Sasuke, demonstrating his growth since their academy days.
• Sasuke: Displays strategic thinking and adaptability, using his knowledge of Neji's strengths to attempt to counter him. However, he is ultimately outmatched.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between former rivals, now students of the same master.
• The importance of understanding one's opponent and adapting one's strategies accordingly.
• The value of hard work and dedication, as seen in Neji's growth under Gong Yi's tutelage.

Character Interactions

• Neji and Sasuke: Their rivalry at the Ninja Academy continues, with Neji showing no mercy in their sparring match. Despite this, there's a mutual respect between them, as they both strive to improve.
• Gong Yi and Sasuke: Gong Yi shows interest in Sasuke's analytical abilities and adaptability, despite his loss to Neji. This suggests that Gong Yi values more than just raw strength in his students.
• Neji and Gong Yi: Neji shows unwavering obedience to Gong Yi, following his orders without question. This highlights the strong bond between them, built on trust and respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasuke has been training under Gong Yi for a month, improving his Taijutsu.
• Sasuke's team is assigned a C-rank escort mission, their first significant mission.
• Naruto's team is also assigned a C-rank mission, causing him to complain about the lack of exciting tasks.

Character Developments

• Sasuke has become more disciplined and respectful, eager to prove himself to Gong Yi.
• Naruto remains energetic and impatient, eager for more challenging missions.

Significant Themes

• Patience and perseverance in training (Sasuke).
• Ambition and eagerness for challenges (Naruto).

Character Interactions

• Sasuke interacts respectfully with Gong Yi, valuing his guidance.
• Naruto interacts playfully with Kakashi and Iruka, showing his immaturity and eagerness.
• Sasuke and Naruto show contrasting attitudes towards their missions, with Sasuke being more serious and Naruto more carefree.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi are sent on a C-rank mission to escort Tazuna, a bridge builder from the Land of Waves.
• Unbeknownst to them, Tazuna is targeted by Zabuza Momochi, a rogue ninja from Kirigakure, for a previous offense.
• On their journey, the team encounters Zabuza, who attacks them. Kakashi engages Zabuza in battle while the others watch from a distance.

Character Developments

• Naruto Uzumaki: Shows excitement and eagerness for his first meaningful mission but is quickly put in his place by Sakura.
• Sakura Haruno: Shows concern for her team's safety and disapproval of Naruto's reckless behavior.
• Sasuke Uchiha: Initially confident, he becomes shocked upon seeing Kakashi's Sharingan.
• Kakashi Hatake: Reveals his Sharingan and demonstrates his powerful Ninjutsu skills against Zabuza.
• Zabuza Momochi: Shows expertise in Water Ninjutsu and creates clones to confuse Kakashi.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and Trust: The team's dynamics are tested as they face a powerful enemy, highlighting the importance of trust and cooperation.
• Power and Responsibility: Kakashi's power is revealed, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with great strength.

Character Interactions

• Naruto and Sakura: Their banter showcases their contrasting personalities and Sakura's protective nature towards the team.
• Kakashi and Zabuza: Their battle highlights their skills and strategies, with Kakashi's Sharingan proving to be a formidable counter to Zabuza's Water Ninjutsu.
• Gong Yi: Though not directly involved, his presence is felt as he observes the battle, planning to set up the Flying Thunder God formula in the Land of Waves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Land of Waves is a small, isolated island nation surrounded by turbulent seas, with no ninja power and rife with underground organizations.
• Tazuna, a bridge builder, is hunted due to his project's threat to these organizations' interests.
• Gong Yi, the Deep Blue Demon of Konoha, arrives in the Land of Waves to find Naruto and Kakashi, waiting quietly in a forest.
• Haku, a former student of Zabuza, encounters Gong Yi in the forest but doesn't recognize him.

Character Developments

• Gong Yi maintains his calm and mysterious demeanor, showing no interest in engaging with Haku.
• Haku is still learning about his identity and Kekkei Genkai, struggling with his past.

Significant Themes

• Identity: Both Gong Yi and Haku grapple with their identities, though in different ways. Gong Yi is mysterious and unreadable, while Haku is still discovering his true self.
• Power and Control: Underground organizations in the Land of Waves wield power, oppressing its people. Black Zetsu and White Zetsu discuss controlling Naruto and Sasuke, highlighting the theme of manipulation.

Character Interactions

• Gong Yi and Haku have a brief, cryptic encounter. Gong Yi hints at Haku's need to understand himself, then leaves abruptly.
• Black Zetsu and White Zetsu discuss their plans to control Naruto and Sasuke, and their shared disdain for Gong Yi.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kakashi and Zabuza fight on a bridge in the Land of Waves.
• Sakura protects Tazuna while Naruto and Sasuke are trapped in an Ice Release barrier by Haku.
• Naruto uses Shadow Clone Technique to fight Haku, but fails.
• Gong Yi watches from above, waiting for the Nine-Tails to emerge.
• Sasuke tries to find a way to defeat Haku, while Haku targets Naruto to make Sasuke wary.

Character Developments

• Kakashi shows concern for his students and determination to protect them.
• Sakura demonstrates loyalty and bravery in protecting Tazuna.
• Naruto shows resilience and strategic thinking in using Shadow Clone Technique.
• Sasuke shows growth and determination in trying to defeat Haku.
• Haku shows cunning and adaptability in targeting Naruto to provoke Sasuke.
• Gong Yi shows patience and strategic planning in waiting for the right moment to act.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and loyalty (Naruto and Sasuke's bond, Sakura's protection of Tazuna)
• Growth and determination (Sasuke's development, Naruto's resilience)
• Adaptability and strategy (Haku's tactics, Gong Yi's patience)

Character Interactions

• Kakashi and Zabuza clash, showing their skills and determination.
• Sakura and Tazuna show a protective relationship.
• Naruto and Sasuke work together to defeat Haku, demonstrating their bond and growth.
• Haku and Sasuke engage in a strategic battle, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• Gong Yi watches the battle, showing no direct interaction but influencing the events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasuke awakens a Two-Tomoe Sharingan in one eye due to Naruto's stimulation.
• Haku becomes more aggressive, injuring Sasuke severely.
• Naruto's Nine-Tails Seal loosens, and he begins to go berserk, healing his wounds and manifesting the power of the Nine-Tails.
• Gong Yi provokes Naruto further, causing him to enter a partial Tailed Beast Transformation.
• Naruto's Nine-Tails tails sweep the area, knocking out Haku, Kakashi, Zabuza, and killing Tazuna.

Character Developments

• Sasuke's Sharingan evolves due to Naruto's influence.
• Naruto's Nine-Tails power begins to manifest, showing signs of a Tailed Beast Transformation.
• Haku, Kakashi, Zabuza, and Tazuna are all incapacitated or killed due to Naruto's power.

Significant Themes

• The power of friendship and stimulation (Naruto's influence on Sasuke and his own power manifestation).
• The danger and consequences of losing control over powerful forces (Naruto's berserk state).

Character Interactions

• Sasuke and Naruto's bond leads to Sasuke's Sharingan evolution and Naruto's power manifestation.
• Haku and Naruto's fight escalates, leading to Haku's incapacitation.
• Kakashi, Zabuza, and Tazuna are caught in the crossfire of Naruto's power, resulting in their defeat or death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto enters a berserk state, reminiscent of the Nine-Tails' power.
• Kakashi faints, unable to stop Naruto.
• Gong Yi descends, enters Naruto's mental world, and faces the Nine-Tails.
• Gong Yi breaks into the Nine-Tails' sealed space, bypassing its defenses.
• The Nine-Tails attempts to manipulate Gong Yi into freeing it, offering power in return.
• Gong Yi agrees to free the Nine-Tails, tearing off the seal.

Character Developments

• Naruto's power and instability are highlighted as he enters a berserk state.
• Kakashi's concern for Naruto is shown, but he's unable to intervene.
• Gong Yi demonstrates his power and cunning, manipulating the Nine-Tails.
• The Nine-Tails reveals its desire for freedom and power, attempting to manipulate Gong Yi.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences (Naruto's berserk state, Nine-Tails' imprisonment).
• Manipulation and deception (Gong Yi's actions, Nine-Tails' attempts to manipulate Gong Yi).
• Freedom vs. imprisonment (Nine-Tails' desire to escape, Gong Yi's ability to enter its sealed space).

Character Interactions

• Kakashi's concern for Naruto, but he's unable to stop him.
• Gong Yi's interaction with the Nine-Tails, manipulating it and agreeing to free it.
• The Nine-Tails' attempts to manipulate Gong Yi, revealing its desire for freedom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gong Yi, a skilled seal master, starts dismantling the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style from the Nine-Tails.
• The Nine-Tails, believing itself free, emerges from its seal but is immediately attacked by Gong Yi.
• Gong Yi uses his Gold Style and Wood Style to subdue the Nine-Tails, trapping it within a wooden prison.

Character Developments

• Gong Yi demonstrates his immense power and confidence, showing no fear against the Nine-Tails.
• The Nine-Tails, initially arrogant and confident, becomes wary and enraged after Gong Yi's counterattack.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Gong Yi's display of power challenges the Nine-Tails' perception of its own strength and status.
• Hubris: Both characters initially display overconfidence, leading to a shift in their dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Gong Yi and the Nine-Tails engage in a power struggle, with Gong Yi asserting dominance.
• The Nine-Tails' initial arrogance and subsequent reaction to Gong Yi's actions highlight their contrasting personalities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gong Yi, standing atop a wooden pillar, observes the Nine-Tails with detachment.
• The Nine-Tails struggles against Gong Yi's power, reminiscent of its past encounters with Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
• Gong Yi uses Gold Style and Extreme Severing Blade to create a massive golden sword, which he uses to strike down the Nine-Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb.
• The Nine-Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb is easily shattered, demonstrating Gong Yi's overwhelming power.

Character Developments

• Gong Yi: Proves himself to be even stronger than the Nine-Tails' past opponents, Hashirama and Madara, by easily defeating it.
• The Nine-Tails: Realizes the extent of Gong Yi's power and feels despair, acknowledging his strength as comparable to the Six Paths or legendary shinobi like Hashirama and Madara.

Significant Themes

• The power of humans vs. Tailed Beasts: While Tailed Beasts possess immense strength, humans with equal or greater Chakra levels can suppress and control them due to their mastery of techniques.
• The legacy of legendary shinobi: Gong Yi's power is compared to that of Hashirama and Madara, highlighting the influence of these legendary figures and the expectation that he should surpass them.

Character Interactions

• Gong Yi vs. The Nine-Tails: Gong Yi demonstrates his superiority over the Nine-Tails, leaving it shocked and despairing. Their interaction showcases the power gap between them and the Nine-Tails' realization of Gong Yi's true strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive explosion occurs, signaling the end of the battle between Kurama and Gong Yi.
• Kurama loses one of its tails to Gong Yi, who absorbs its Chakra.
• The Wood Pillar Prison and other structures are destroyed.
• Kurama is shocked by Gong Yi's knowledge of its secrets and the Sage of Six Paths' power.
• Gong Yi seals Kurama with the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style and warns it not to reveal his involvement to Naruto.
• Outside, the white mist dissipates, and everyone is found unconscious but safe.

Character Developments

• Kurama: Realizes Gong Yi's immense power and knowledge, becomes cautious and intrigued by him.
• Gong Yi: Proves his power and knowledge to Kurama, seals it, and warns it about Naruto.

Significant Themes

• Power and Knowledge: Gong Yi's display of power and knowledge of secrets intimidates Kurama.
• Secrecy: Gong Yi warns Kurama not to reveal his involvement to Naruto, hinting at future plans.

Character Interactions

• Kurama and Gong Yi: Kurama is initially aggressive but becomes cautious and intrigued after seeing Gong Yi's power and knowledge.
• Gong Yi and Kurama: Gong Yi seals Kurama and warns it about Naruto, showing his dominance and foreshadowing future events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naruto loses control of his emotions, causing a minor Nine-Tails power leakage.
• Zabuza and Haku retreat, leaving the scene.
• Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke return to the village.
• Orochimaru meets with the Kazekage, Rasa, to propose a cooperation plan targeting Konoha during the Chunin Exams.

Character Developments

• Naruto: Shows emotional instability due to the Nine-Tails' influence.
• Sasuke: Remains unconscious throughout the chapter.
• Orochimaru: Demonstrates strategic thinking and manipulation skills in convincing Rasa to cooperate.
• Rasa: Reveals his deep-seated resentment towards Konoha and Gong Yi, agreeing to Orochimaru's plan.

Significant Themes

• Emotional control and the dangers of losing it (Naruto's struggle with the Nine-Tails).
• Hatred and its consequences (Rasa's resentment towards Konoha and Gong Yi).
• Manipulation and strategic planning (Orochimaru's approach to Rasa).

Character Interactions

• Kakashi and Naruto: Kakashi helps Naruto regain consciousness and advises him not to chase after Zabuza.
• Orochimaru and Rasa: Orochimaru manipulates Rasa into agreeing to his plan, exploiting Rasa's hatred for Konoha.
• Naruto and Sasuke: Naruto rushes to Sasuke's side upon waking up, showing concern for his teammate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Half a month has passed since the Land of Waves mission.
• Kimimaro reports to Gong Yi about Orochimaru's activities in Sunagakure.
• Gong Yi confirms Orochimaru's plan to use Sunagakure against Konoha remains unchanged.
• Kimimaro suspects Danzo is also making moves.
• Sasuke Uchiha trains rigorously under Gong Yi's guidance.
• Orochimaru and Kabuto visit the Gong Territory, with Orochimaru intending to meet Gong Yi.
• Gong Ling, Gong Yi's guard, confronts Orochimaru.

Character Developments

• Gong Yi remains focused on Orochimaru's plans and their potential impact on Konoha.
• Kimimaro shows loyalty and understanding of Gong Yi's preferences.
• Sasuke Uchiha trains intensively to improve his strength after the failed mission.
• Orochimaru is cautious about Gong Ling's strength and acknowledges Gong Yi's power.
• Kabuto expresses concern about Gong Yi's potential reaction to their plan.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances within Konoha and other villages.
• The impact of the Konoha Crush Plan on various characters.
• The consequences of failed missions and the drive to improve.

Character Interactions

• Gong Yi and Kimimaro discuss Orochimaru's plans and Danzo's activities.
• Gong Yi observes Sasuke Uchiha's training progress.
• Orochimaru and Kabuto discuss their plan before Orochimaru meets with Gong Yi.
• Gong Ling confronts Orochimaru upon sensing his presence at the Gong Territory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru and Kabuto are startled by an approaching figure, revealed to be Gong Yi.
• Orochimaru offers Gong Yi new research data on the Impure World Reincarnation.
• Orochimaru reveals his plan to target Konoha, the "Konoha Crush Plan."
• Orochimaru seeks Gong Yi's cooperation, specifically asking him to eliminate the Kazekage, Rasa.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru: Shows cunning and strategic thinking, willing to betray Sunagakure and seek Gong Yi's help.
• Gong Yi: Remains calm and composed, understanding Orochimaru's intentions and considering his proposal.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances: Characters align and realign based on their strengths and goals.
• Manipulation and betrayal: Orochimaru's actions highlight the transient nature of alliances in the ninja world.

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and Gong Yi: Their interaction shows Orochimaru's deference to Gong Yi's power and intelligence, while Gong Yi remains aloof and calculating.
• Orochimaru and Kabuto: Kabuto's fear of the approaching figure highlights Orochimaru's power and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orochimaru approaches Gong Yi for cooperation to deal with Rasa, who's leaving Sunagakure.
• Gong Yi agrees to let Orochimaru handle Rasa but warns against causing chaos in Konoha.
• Orochimaru offers Gong Yi his immortality research, but Gong Yi declines.

Character Developments

• Orochimaru: Desperate for Gong Yi's cooperation, he offers his immortality research, showing his desire for validation and partnership.
• Gong Yi: Maintains his composure and indifference, revealing his disinterest in Orochimaru's immortality research and his focus on personal growth and strength.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The interaction between Orochimaru and Gong Yi highlights their power struggle and Gong Yi's dominance.
• Immortality: The theme of immortality is explored through Orochimaru's research, contrasting with Gong Yi's disinterest and focus on personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Orochimaru and Gong Yi: Their interaction shows Orochimaru's desperation and Gong Yi's indifference, with Gong Yi asserting his dominance and control over the situation.
• Orochimaru and Rasa: Orochimaru's plan to deal with Rasa is mentioned, showing their ongoing conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chunin Exams are approaching, and Konoha is bustling with ninja from all over the world.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi gathers Konoha's elite ninja to recommend outstanding Genin for the exams.
• The exams are seen as a display of each village's strength and prestige.

Character Developments

• Hiruzen Sarutobi shows his strategic thinking by using the exams to showcase Konoha's power.
• Gong Yi demonstrates his experience and sharp eye for talent by recommending Kimimaro.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power are paramount in the ninja world, determining a village's status and prestige.
• The Chunin Exams serve as a platform for villages to display their new generation of ninja.

Character Interactions

• Hiruzen Sarutobi consults with Konoha's elite ninja about recommending Genin for the Chunin Exams.
• Gong Yi recommends Kimimaro for the exams, with Hiruzen Sarutobi readily agreeing due to Kimimaro's exceptional abilities.