Ch. 961Restriction
Chapter Summary: “Restriction”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Naruto Uzumaki and Fu are trapped inside the Four Violet Flames Formation, a powerful barrier maintained by four reanimated bodies under Uchiha Obito’s command.
- Naruto recognizes the danger of the barrier, recalling that it had contributed to the Third Hokage’s defeat. Although stronger after nearly three years of training and combat, he realizes that he and Fu are facing overwhelming opposition.
- Naruto activates Nine-Tails Chakra Mode and attacks the barrier with chakra arms, but the formation withstands the assault because the reanimated guardians can continually replenish it.
- He then launches a Super Giant Rasenshuriken at Obito, but Obito absorbs it with the Rinnegan’s Preta Path. Naruto’s attacks are ineffective because he is relying on ordinary chakra rather than senjutsu, Yin-Yang Release, or space-time techniques.
- Naruto creates golden Shadow Clones and attempts to break the barrier through sheer force. However, Obito controls Mito Uzumaki, who uses Adamantine Sealing Chains to destroy the chakra arms and suppress Naruto’s efforts.
- Outside the barrier, Kisame confronts Killer B and the approaching Utakata. He uses Exploding Water Colliding Wave to turn the battlefield into a massive body of water, giving himself an advantageous environment and allowing him to delay the two Jinchuriki.
- The battle changes when Ōnoki arrives and uses Dust Release. His attack destroys part of the barrier and severely damages Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, whose lower body is erased.
- Kaede takes advantage of the opening, grabs Naruto, and flies him out of the damaged formation. Naruto and Fu escape before Obito can recapture them.
- Black Zetsu mocks Obito for allowing the “prey” to escape, but Obito insists that the outcome has not changed. The chapter reveals that Obito remains bound by a Cursed Seal placed by Madara, forcing him to continue acting according to Madara’s will despite possessing the Rinnegan.
Character Developments
- Naruto is shown to be significantly more capable and battle-aware than before, but he still misjudges the specific abilities of his opponents. His reliance on Nine-Tails Chakra Mode proves ineffective against the Rinnegan, and his incomplete relationship with the Nine-Tails remains a serious weakness.
- Fu recognizes that the cramped barrier neutralizes her greatest advantages—flight and speed—leaving her especially vulnerable.
- Uchiha Obito demonstrates overwhelming control through the Rinnegan and his use of reanimated allies. However, his frustration and resentment reveal that he is not acting entirely of his own free will.
- Kisame displays confidence and tactical intelligence by reshaping the battlefield to favor his Water Style. He understands that he cannot defeat both Killer B and Utakata easily but believes he can stall them.
- Kaede proves decisive by using her flight to rescue Naruto at the critical moment.
- Ōnoki once again establishes the enormous destructive power of Dust Release, instantly breaking through a defense that Naruto could not damage.
- Black Zetsu acts as an observer and manipulator, criticizing Obito while emphasizing the larger plan.
Significant Themes
- Power versus compatibility: Naruto’s immense strength is not enough by itself; the chapter emphasizes that the correct type of technique matters. His Nine-Tails chakra attacks are countered by Obito’s absorption ability.
- The danger of incomplete control: Naruto has not fully reconciled with the Nine-Tails, so drawing on its power carries the risk of backlash and limits his options.
- Tactical cooperation: Naruto cannot escape through individual strength alone. Kaede and Ōnoki’s intervention creates the opening that allows him to survive.
- Control and free will: Obito appears powerful and influential, yet Madara’s cursed seal prevents him from acting independently. This creates a contrast between outward authority and inner captivity.
- The changing battlefield: Kisame’s transformation of the terrain and Ōnoki’s long-range intervention show how environmental control and timely support can overturn seemingly decisive situations.
Character Interactions
- Naruto and Fu cooperate while trapped, though both understand that their situation is worsening.
- Naruto directly challenges Obito, but Obito neutralizes his strongest attacks with the Rinnegan.
- Obito uses Mito’s sealing abilities against Naruto, turning a former ally’s power into an obstacle.
- Kisame blocks Killer B and Utakata, preparing to delay rather than defeat them outright.
- Ōnoki intervenes from afar, unintentionally—or strategically—giving Kaede the chance to rescue Naruto.
- Black Zetsu taunts Obito over the escape, while Obito angrily rejects the criticism and reasserts that Madara’s plan remains on course.