Chapter Summaries

Yakumo Kurama accepted her decision to leave Konoha and quietly returned home after Naruto departed. Naruto reunited with Sasuke as the invasion ended in failure, and the two prepared to move on to the final stage of their plan.

• Yakumo Kurama reflected on her memories and her choice to leave Konoha, then whispered a wish about Naruto before returning to the house.
• Naruto returned to Sasuke after failing to obtain the Scroll of Sealing and recognized that the invasion was ending.
• The Four Violet Flames Formation vanished, and Naruto and Sasuke concluded that the Sand Ninja and Sound Ninja had failed to defeat Konoha.
• Naruto told Sasuke that he had obtained the first item but still needed to investigate the second, then said they would confirm their remaining intelligence before starting the final stage of their plan.
• Orochimaru retreated under Yakushi Kabuto and the Sound Four's protection, ending the joint assault after heavy losses for the invading forces.

After the Konoha Crush Plan devastated both Konoha and Sunagakure, Konoha’s leaders chose Jiraiya to succeed the Third Hokage. Naruto stayed home, waiting for the postwar period to pass and for Jiraiya to leave Konoha before carrying out his plan.

• Kakashi captured Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari after the Sand Ninja assault was defeated, while Rasa had already been killed by Orochimaru.
• The battle left Sunagakure and Konoha with heavy casualties and widespread destruction, with the Third Hokage dead.
• Mitokado and Utatane chaired a meeting where Konoha’s leaders discussed postwar matters and the next Hokage, while Shimura Danzō failed to gain support.
• Shikaku proposed Jiraiya as the Fifth Hokage, and the meeting’s attendees approved the choice.
• Mitokado, Utatane, and Shikaku went to discuss the succession with Jiraiya, while Naruto stayed home and waited for the right time to leave Konoha.

Naruto waited for Jiraiya to leave Konoha before carrying out his plan to escape with Sasuke and Yakumo, while Sasuke patiently prepared to exploit his deal with Orochimaru. Before Jiraiya arrived, Yakushi Kabuto visited Naruto and asked whether their previous deal still stood.

• Naruto told Sasuke to stay home, avoid unnecessary moves, and wait for his signal.
• Sasuke agreed to wait and planned to use the next three years to gain strength through his deal with Orochimaru.
• Three days after the Konoha Crush Plan, Naruto sensed someone hiding in his home and confronted Yakushi Kabuto.
• Kabuto apologized for entering uninvited, said he had important business, and asked Naruto whether their previous deal was still on.

Naruto reaffirmed his deal with Orochimaru but refused Yakushi Kabuto’s attempt to hurry him, saying he would travel to the Land of Fields within half a month. Kabuto accepted the delay and disappeared, while Naruto remained set on his plan.

• Naruto told Yakushi Kabuto that he would honor his deal with Orochimaru and promised to reach the Land of Fields within half a month.
• Yakushi Kabuto urged Naruto to leave sooner, citing Karin’s wait and the danger Naruto faced in Konoha.
• Naruto intimidated Kabuto with his power and warned him that Karin’s safety was part of the deal.
• Naruto suggested Orochimaru seek a solution to the Reaper Death Seal’s effects through his fellow student and a possible bargaining chip.
• Yakushi Kabuto stopped probing, agreed to report Naruto’s timeline to Orochimaru, and vanished into the shadows.

Naruto continued preparing his plan, anticipating Orochimaru’s dealings with Danzo and considering how to use Orochimaru to strengthen Sasuke. At dawn, Akatsuki sent Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki to Konoha to gather information about the village and Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

• After Yakushi Kabuto left, Naruto decided to approach the final person needed for his plan and resolved to kill them if they refused.
• Naruto reasoned that Orochimaru had sent Yakushi Kabuto mainly to negotiate with Danzo and planned to use Orochimaru as nourishment for Sasuke’s growth.
• Naruto considered the limited time before Akatsuki began collecting the Tailed Beasts and resolved to strengthen himself and build his forces while watching for changes caused by his defection.
• At dawn, Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki arrived outside Konoha under Nagato’s orders to gather information, especially about Naruto.
• Uchiha Itachi used his knowledge of Konoha and its barriers to bypass the newly rebuilt perimeter barrier without difficulty.

Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki entered Konoha to investigate, while Itachi planned to visit Sasuke and confront Shimura Danzō. Jiraiya visited Naruto and revealed that he had declined the position of Fifth Hokage because he believed someone else was better suited.

• Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki passed through Konoha's barrier and agreed to rest at Itachi's clan home before acting.
• Uchiha Itachi planned to use his visit to see Sasuke Uchiha and speak with Shimura Danzō.
• Naruto welcomed Jiraiya at home and deduced that the village had considered him for Fifth Hokage.
• Jiraiya confirmed that he had been asked to become Fifth Hokage but turned it down, saying his visit was related to someone better suited for the role.

Jiraiya explained why Tsunade was the best candidate for Fifth Hokage and invited Naruto to travel with him to find her, offering to train him along the way. Naruto understood Jiraiya’s reasons but declined the invitation.

• Naruto asked whether Jiraiya meant Tsunade, and Jiraiya confirmed that he wanted her to become Fifth Hokage.
• Jiraiya explained that Tsunade’s strength, reputation, and status as Hashirama’s granddaughter made her especially suited to lead Konoha during a crisis.
• Jiraiya invited Naruto to help find Tsunade and offered to guide him in training while they traveled.
• Naruto thanked Jiraiya but told him he could not go with him to find Tsunade.

Naruto declined to help choose Konoha’s next Hokage, explaining that he wanted to focus on becoming stronger and avoid the village’s political schemes. Jiraiya accepted his decision and left to find Tsunade, while Naruto decided it was time to put his own plan into motion.

• Naruto told Jiraiya he wanted to stay in Konoha because Hinata had been injured, his training was at a critical stage, and he did not want to take part in choosing the next Hokage.
• Naruto said he feared becoming entangled in the village’s politics before he was strong enough to protect himself and the people he cared about.
• Jiraiya understood Naruto’s concerns, agreed not to press him, and offered his help.
• Jiraiya left Konoha to search for Tsunade, whom he believed he could find through his intelligence.
• Naruto watched the morning light and decided it was time to set his plan in motion.

After confirming Jiraiya had left and preparing for Danzō’s possible interference, Naruto began the plan to leave Konoha with Sasuke and Yakumo. Before departing, he visited Hinata at the Hyuga compound for what might be their last meeting.

• Naruto spent two days checking Konoha’s security and preparing an escape route while watching for Danzō’s interference.
• Naruto used his special method to notify Sasuke and Yakumo that it was time to carry out their plan to leave the village.
• Naruto entered the Hyuga compound to see Hinata before leaving Konoha.
• Huayan welcomed Naruto and recognized how happy Hinata became whenever he visited.

Naruto visited Hinata during her training, where he met Neji and sensed the complicated Hyuga family pressures surrounding Hinata’s future. After Neji left, Naruto and Hinata were alone together, both still shy despite their mutual feelings.

• Huayan welcomed Naruto to the Hyuga residence and led him to Hinata’s training area.
• Naruto found Hinata training with Neji, who had been helping her practice.
• Hinata happily greeted Naruto, and Neji ended their training session before leaving.
• Neji paused beside Naruto as though sensing something, but said nothing and walked away.
• Huayan brought tea and refreshments, leaving Naruto and Hinata alone together.

Naruto visited Hinata as she recovered, told her he was leaving on an important mission, and promised to take her on a date when he returned. He secretly placed a faint mark on her before leaving to make preparations.

• Hinata changed after training, and Naruto watched over her while she rested and they shared tea.
• Naruto told Hinata he was leaving the village for an important mission and reassured her that he would return safely.
• Naruto gently rubbed Hinata's head and secretly placed a faint mark on her.
• Naruto said goodbye and promised to go on a date with Hinata after he returned.

Naruto left Hinata and prepared to carry out his plan to defect from Konoha with Sasuke and Yakumo. At a secluded meeting place, he introduced Yakumo to Sasuke, and the three set out as teammates united by common interests.

• Naruto left the Hyuga compound, resolved to pursue his goal before allowing himself personal attachments.
• Naruto met Sasuke at a lightly guarded area on Konoha’s outskirts, bringing Yakumo Kurama with him.
• Sasuke reacted with suspicion when he saw Yakumo, and Naruto introduced her as their teammate and a gifted genjutsu user.
• Naruto introduced Sasuke to Yakumo, and the two acknowledged one another as teammates with shared goals.
• Sasuke urged Naruto to leave before the patrol arrived.

Naruto waited with Sasuke and Yakumo for Neji Hyuga, whom he had invited to leave Konoha with them. After questioning Naruto about his plans and the truth behind his claims, Neji chose to join them.

• Naruto told Sasuke and Yakumo that a fourth person would soon arrive.
• Neji emerged from the forest and challenged Naruto about leaving Konoha and the information he had shared.
• Naruto explained that he wanted Neji to choose a new path and change the Hyuga Clan's unjust order.
• Neji asked whether Naruto intended to destroy Konoha, and Naruto described building a fairer new order.
• Neji accepted Naruto's invitation to become his companion.

Naruto welcomed Neji as a temporary companion and promised to help free him from the Caged Bird Seal. He began sealing the mark, leaving Neji enduring a sudden burst of pain.

• Naruto assured Neji that he accepted his warning and would prove himself trustworthy.
• Naruto told the group that he would use the name Namikaze Naruto, prompting Neji to suspect a connection to the Fourth Hokage.
• Naruto explained that he could temporarily suppress Neji’s Caged Bird Seal and promised to help remove it permanently in the future.
• Neji exposed the mark on his forehead, and Naruto used Nine-Tails Chakra to begin sealing it.
• Neji endured a sharp, searing pain as Naruto’s sealing jutsu took effect.

Naruto removed the restriction on Neji’s Caged Bird Seal and led Neji, Sasuke, and Yakumo out of Konoha toward the Land of Fields, with the Land of Snow as their main target. By dawn, Konoha’s advisors learned that the four had vanished and recognized the seriousness of Naruto and Sasuke’s disappearance.

• Naruto covered Neji’s Caged Bird Seal with a new mark, and Neji confirmed that its restriction had nearly disappeared.
• Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, and Yakumo slipped through a tampered section of Konoha’s barrier and fled toward the Land of Fields.
• As they traveled, Naruto shared his plans and goals, and the others accepted him as their leader for the time being.
• At dawn, an Anbu reported Yakumo’s disappearance and the apparent disappearance of Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji to Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
• The Hokage advisors reacted with alarm when they learned that Naruto and Sasuke were missing.

Konoha's acting Hokage Advisors learned that Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, and Yakumo had disappeared and ordered a search, fearing they had defected together. Kakashi, Kurenai, Guy, and Hiashi assembled their students to find them, while Hinata and Sakura struggled to accept the news.

• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu ordered Anbu to locate Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Neji Hyuga, and Yakumo Kurama, and summoned Kakashi, Kurenai Yuhi, Might Guy, and Hyuga Hiashi.
• Kakashi, Kurenai Yuhi, Might Guy, and Hyuga Hiashi met at the Hokage Office, then gathered again at Konoha's main gate with Asuma and their Genin students to organize a search.
• Kakashi and the other Jonin told the Genin that Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji might have defected, shocking Sakura, Hinata, Lee, Kiba, Tenten, and Shino.
• Hinata realized Naruto's departure the previous day might have been connected to the suspected defection and was devastated that Naruto and Neji might have left together.
• Kakashi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Might Guy reassured the students that nothing was confirmed and said they would find the missing ninja and try to bring them back.

Konoha dispatched a team of Jonin and young ninja to pursue Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, and Yakumo, while Danzō secretly sent three squads to capture Naruto. As the four fugitives traveled toward the Land of Fields, Naruto sensed that pursuit had begun.

• Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma, Might Guy, and Hiashi led Hinata, Sakura, Tenten, Shino, Kiba, and Lee out of Konoha to bring the fugitives back.
• Danzō sent twelve Root operatives after Naruto and decided capturing the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki could help him become Hokage.
• Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, and Yakumo rested by a river, ate breakfast, and continued toward the Land of Fields with Neji carrying Yakumo.
• Naruto sensed that Konoha had noticed their disappearance and would send trackers after them.

Naruto’s group discussed the pursuit Konoha might send after them and planned to avoid unnecessary fights while continuing toward the Land of Fields. Naruto expected Orochimaru’s contact team to meet them near the border, though the exact destination remained unclear.

• Yakumo worried that Konoha had discovered their trail, and Naruto explained that several Jonin squads might pursue them because he was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
• Sasuke and Neji agreed that a strong pursuit was likely, while Sasuke suggested killing any tracking squads that caught up with them.
• Naruto rejected unnecessary combat and said they would prepare contingencies, alter their route, and prioritize reaching the Land of Fields safely.
• Naruto revealed that Orochimaru had arranged for someone to meet them near the border, though Naruto did not know Otogakure’s location or which base Orochimaru was using.

Naruto’s group changed course toward the Valley of the End as Kakashi’s pursuers closed in. Before reaching the valley, Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, and Yakumo were intercepted by four Anbu who demanded their surrender.

• Naruto concluded that reaching the Land of Fields and meeting the Sound Ninja was their priority, and Sasuke agreed to follow his plan.
• Naruto led Sasuke, Yakumo, and Neji toward the Valley of the End by the shortest route.
• Kakashi’s group used chakra signatures and tracking information to locate Naruto’s party, then split up to pursue them.
• Kakashi and Might Guy raced ahead while Kurenai, Hiashi, and Asuma followed with Hinata, Sakura, Lee, and the other Genin.
• Four Anbu intercepted Naruto’s group before the Valley of the End and ordered them to surrender or be killed.
• Naruto refused to surrender and challenged the Anbu to prove they were strong enough to capture them.

Naruto and Sasuke fought off the pursuing Anbu squad while Neji protected Yakumo. After killing all four attackers, they prepared to continue on before reinforcements could arrive.

• Naruto told Neji to protect Yakumo while he and Sasuke split up to engage the four Anbu.
• Sasuke used his speed and lightning chakra to kill one Anbu and drive back the other.
• Naruto quickly killed the two Anbu he faced, including one with his Rasengan.
• Naruto and Sasuke joined forces to kill the last surviving Anbu before the squad could call for reinforcements.