Ch. 81Hostage
Plot points and events
- Gentō is relieved to learn the system’s reward for killing Danzo is a Family Relocation Card, which could protect the Uchiha if they act against him.
- Danzo arrives with Root, accusing the Uchiha of plotting and demanding answers over their detention of the Nine-Tails’ jinchūriki. Gentō attacks without replying, using Susanoo to kill two Root ninja and drive Danzo back.
- Shisui impales Danzo with his own Susanoo, but Danzo vanishes and reappears beside Kushina, confirming he can use Izanagi. He attacks her, but she evades and knocks him back.
- Fugaku arrives with Uchiha reinforcements. As Danzo prepares to retreat, a Root ninja emerges from Kushina’s house with Naruto and takes him hostage. Naruto bites the ninja, who knocks him unconscious.
- Danzo seizes Naruto and threatens to kill him unless the Uchiha withdraw. Gentō orders his clan to fall back, then agrees to take Naruto’s place.
- Danzo has Root seal Gentō with the Four Symbols Seal. Once Naruto is set down and the seal is complete, Danzo tries to kill Gentō with a kunai. Gentō remains calm and activates Tokitsumori.
Character developments and interactions
- Gentō is decisive and willing to risk himself to protect Naruto, while his calm acceptance of Danzo’s terms suggests he has a plan.
- Danzo shifts from intimidation to desperation, exploiting Naruto as a hostage and using Izanagi to survive Shisui’s attack.
- Kushina is fiercely protective of Naruto but is forced to stop when Danzo threatens him.
- Naruto, even as a small child, fights back by biting his captor.
- Shisui and Fugaku support Gentō: Shisui strikes Danzo, while Fugaku brings the Uchiha forces. Gentō’s order to retreat puts clan loyalty to the test, but they obey.
Significant themes
- Protecting family and community: Gentō risks himself for Naruto, while the relocation reward raises the possibility of safeguarding the entire Uchiha clan.
- Power and coercion: Danzo’s hostage-taking turns a battle of strength into a moral trap.
- Loyalty and sacrifice: The Uchiha follow Gentō’s orders despite their fear for him.
- Suspense and hidden abilities: Danzo’s unexpected Izanagi and Gentō’s final activation of Tokitsumori leave the outcome unresolved.