Recaps

Naruto prepared to kill Haku to avenge Sasuke, but Ueno Kei arrived and stopped him after Haku tried to rush to Zabuza’s aid. Ueno Kei subdued Haku, who saw Zabuza through the thinning mist and cried out for him.

• Naruto hesitated before Haku, then resolved to avenge Sasuke and raised his kunai.
• Ueno Kei arrived, checked that Naruto was safe from the Nine-Tails, and learned that Haku had killed Sasuke.
• Ueno Kei told Naruto to proceed, but Haku knocked aside Naruto’s thrown kunai and rushed to help Zabuza.
• Ueno Kei caught Haku, disarmed him, and slammed him into the ground, leaving him numb and unable to move.
• As the mist began to clear, Haku saw Zabuza and cried out for him.

Kakashi killed Zabuza, and Haku died with him in a burst of ice. Naruto feared telling Sakura that Sasuke was dead, but Sasuke appeared alive, leaving Naruto in tears of relief as the group turned to check on Kakashi.

• Kakashi withdrew his hand from Zabuza's chest, and Zabuza collapsed as Haku cried out and crawled to him.
• Haku embraced Zabuza, declared he would follow him forever, and turned them both into ice that shattered into glittering shards.
• Naruto panicked when Sakura approached, then told her that Sasuke was dead.
• Sasuke appeared behind Sakura and corrected Naruto, saying he was badly injured but not dying.
• Naruto wept with relief, and Sasuke suggested they go see how Kakashi was doing.

After Haku and Zabuza died, Kakashi and the others prepared to return from the completed mission while confirming Raiga had also died. Kei left to handle other business, taking the captured Ranmaru with him.

• Naruto recovered from his tears, and he, Sasuke, and Sakura joined Kakashi and Kei as Haku and Zabuza's bodies froze and shattered.
• Kakashi praised the team's work and promised a meal, while Kei said he had subdued Raiga for interrogation.
• Sakura revealed that Raiga had taken his own life while she was supposed to guard him.
• Kei reassured Naruto, said he had another mission to attend to, and left with the captured Ranmaru.

Ueno Kei returned to Konoha after defeating Aoi Rokushō and delivering the man’s head and the Sword of the Thunder God. As he left the Anbu base, a Root operative summoned him to meet Shimura Danzō.

• Kakashi told Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke that Ueno Kei was a thirteen-year-old jōnin, and Sasuke reacted by thinking of the man he wanted to surpass.
• Kakashi worried about Sasuke’s brief flash of killing intent, then led the team in handling the mission’s aftermath.
• Ueno Kei returned to Konoha in less than a day and turned in Aoi Rokushō’s head and the Sword of the Thunder God.
• A Root operative told Ueno Kei that Shimura Danzō wanted to see him, and Ueno Kei narrowed his eyes.

Ueno Kei met Shimura Danzō in Root after Danzō summoned him and praised his recovery of the Sword of the Thunder God. Danzō had spent years investigating Kei and believed his ruthlessness and potential might make him a like-minded ally.

• Ueno Kei agreed to meet Shimura Danzō and followed a Root operative into Root’s underground facility.
• Ueno Kei entered Danzō’s room, greeted him respectfully, and felt uneasy under Danzō’s scrutiny.
• Shimura Danzō praised Ueno Kei for recovering the Sword of the Thunder God, a treasured Konoha weapon once wielded by Kei’s grandmaster.
• Shimura Danzō reflected that he had investigated Ueno Kei for years and saw in him the potential to share his ideals.

Ueno Kei rejected Shimura Danzō’s attempt to draw him into his ideology and set him against Sarutobi Hiruzen. Danzō urged Kei to embrace war and slaughter, leaving Kei wary but composed as he faced him.

• Danzō asked Kei what he thought of Hiruzen’s methods, and Kei carefully avoided criticizing his teacher or agreeing with Danzō.
• Danzō revealed that he viewed Kei as a potential successor who might inherit his ideals despite remaining Hiruzen’s disciple.
• Danzō accused Hiruzen of being too merciful toward outsiders and claimed Konoha needed a harsher leader.
• Kei recalled his objections to Danzō’s treatment of Konoha’s own people and suspected Danzō had helped exterminate the Uchiha clan.
• Danzō declared that only war and slaughter could punish Konoha’s enemies, while Kei’s thoughts settled and he looked steadily at him.

Ueno Kei defended Sarutobi’s ideals when Shimura Danzō challenged him in Root’s stronghold, and prepared to fight when Danzō’s killing intent rose. Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived and took Kei away, leaving Kei determined to grow stronger.

• Ueno Kei told Shimura Danzō that he believed in Sarutobi’s path and would follow his teacher’s ideals.
• Danzō’s killing intent grew, and Kei quietly prepared to escape or fight if Danzō attacked.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen entered Root’s headquarters, easing Kei’s tension and causing Danzō to suppress his hostile aura.
• Danzō claimed he and Kei had merely been discussing Kei’s mission, and Hiruzen politely accepted the explanation.
• Hiruzen announced that he was taking Kei back, and Kei resolved to strengthen himself rather than grow complacent.

Ueno Kei escaped Danzo’s Root base with the Third Hokage, who reprimanded him but praised his mission and ordered him to remain in Konoha for an upcoming event. After Naruto returned from his mission, he visited Kei and announced that he would take part in the Chunin Exams.

• The Third Hokage led Kei out of Root’s base, then scolded him for acting recklessly and told him not to worry about the child involved in the mission.
• The Third Hokage told Kei to avoid missions and handle guard duty while Konoha prepared for an important event the following month.
• Five days later, Naruto’s team returned to Konoha, and Naruto later told Kei about what had happened on their mission involving Zabuza.
• Naruto barged into Kei’s home and announced that he was about to become a Chunin.
• Kei realized Naruto meant he would participate in the Chunin Exams and questioned whether Kakashi had approved it so soon after Naruto became a Genin.

Ueno Kei encouraged Naruto to enter the Chunin Exams and recalled a meeting where the Third Hokage invited Konoha’s team instructors to recommend genin for the joint exams with Sunagakure. The meeting ended with the Hokage directing his attention toward Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai.

• Ueno Kei reassured Naruto that he believed Naruto’s team could pass the Chunin Exams, based on Naruto and Sasuke’s strength during the mission involving Zabuza.
• Ueno Kei recalled attending a meeting in the Hokage’s office, where he recognized Yuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma.
• The Third Hokage announced that Konoha and Sunagakure would jointly host the Chunin Exams and asked instructors to recommend their genin.
• Konoha’s ninja began recommending their students, and Ueno Kei noticed Hyuga Neji among the nominees.
• After the recommendations ended, the Third Hokage looked toward Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, and Yuhi Kurenai.

Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai recommended their newly graduated genin for the Chunin Exams, prompting Iruka to object that the exam was too dangerous for them. After the Third Hokage approved their participation, he stunned Ueno Kei by assigning him full responsibility for overseeing the exams.

• Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, and Yuhi Kurenai recommended their genin teams for the Chunin Exams, including Naruto and Hinata.
• Umino Iruka protested that the newly graduated genin were not ready for an exam where they could die, and Kakashi argued that team leaders should decide.
• The Third Hokage ruled that the recommended genin could participate if they had no objections, despite Iruka's concern.
• The Third Hokage called Ueno Kei and assigned him full responsibility for the Chunin Exams because dignitaries from other nations would attend.
• Ueno Kei said the assignment seemed inappropriate, but the Third Hokage insisted that Kei was suited to oversee the exams as his disciple.

The Third Hokage named Ueno Kei chief examiner of the Chunin Exams and privately warned him that Orochimaru was returning. Ueno Kei worried about Konoha’s ability to face him, but the Third Hokage urged him not to underestimate his strength; Kei then encouraged Uzumaki Naruto to pass the exams.

• The Third Hokage revealed that Ueno Kei was his disciple and appointed him chief examiner of the Chunin Exams.
• After the other shinobi left, the Third Hokage told Ueno Kei that Orochimaru was coming back to Konoha.
• Ueno Kei worried that Konoha could not stand against Orochimaru and suggested bringing Jiraiya and Tsunade back.
• The Third Hokage acknowledged his age but urged Ueno Kei to have faith in him.
• Ueno Kei snapped out of his thoughts, reassured Uzumaki Naruto, and encouraged him to shine in the Chunin Exams.

Ueno Kei oversaw preparations for the Chunin Exams as chief examiner and reassured Morino Ibiki that everything was fine. The exams then officially began in Konoha, jointly hosted by Konoha and Sunagakure.

• Ueno Kei coordinated the Chunin Exams with the senior ninja after the Third Hokage appointed him chief examiner.
• Morino Ibiki approached Ueno Kei and mentioned his appointment and his connection to the Third Hokage.
• Ueno Kei reassured Morino Ibiki that everything was normal, and Ibiki accepted his answer and left.
• Ninja from other villages arrived in Konoha, and the Chunin Exams hosted by Konoha and Sunagakure officially began.

Ueno Kei watched the first Chunin Exam through surveillance monitors as Naruto and his classmates gathered at the venue and met Yakushi Kabuto. Kabuto offered them advice about the exam, while Shikamaru, Shino, and Second Pillar remained wary of him.

• Ueno Kei returned to the examination venue and watched the first test on the monitors.
• Ino clung to Sasuke, and she and Sakura argued while their classmates gathered nearby.
• Naruto and Kiba loudly challenged each other, drawing unfriendly looks from the other genin until Shino told them to quiet down.
• Yakushi Kabuto introduced himself as a Konoha senior and offered to advise Naruto and the others.
• Shikamaru questioned Kabuto about his experience, and Kabuto said he had taken the exams several times without passing before sharing warnings about other shinobi.

Sasuke asked Kabuto for information about Gaara and Rock Lee, then requested details about Ueno Kei. Naruto reacted angrily to Sasuke’s interest in Kei, leaving the group waiting to hear what Kabuto knew.

• Sasuke asked Kabuto whether he had information on other ninja, and Kabuto offered to answer.
• Sasuke asked about Gaara and Rock Lee, and Kabuto described their missions, abilities, teammates, and supervising jonin.
• Sakura was shocked by Gaara’s solo B-rank mission, while Shikamaru grew more suspicious of Kabuto.
• Sasuke asked Kabuto about the Konoha ninja Ueno Kei, and Naruto angrily questioned why Sasuke was investigating Big Brother Kei.

Yakushi Kabuto revealed Ueno Kei’s exceptional record and rumored status as the Third Hokage’s disciple, shocking the genin. As Morino Ibiki began the Chunin Exams’ first stage, Ueno Kei spent time with Kakashi, Yuhi Kurenai, and Sarutobi Asuma, who grew uneasy about Kei’s connection to Kurenai.

• Yakushi Kabuto described Ueno Kei’s ninja achievements and said he was rumored to be the Third Hokage’s personal disciple, surprising the genin.
• Morino Ibiki appeared before the candidates, identified himself as the first-stage examiner, and began the examination.
• Ueno Kei relaxed with Kakashi, Yuhi Kurenai, and Sarutobi Asuma while the first stage got underway.
• Sarutobi Asuma questioned Ueno Kei about becoming the Hokage’s disciple and his connections with Kakashi and Kurenai, while Ueno Kei struggled to understand Asuma’s awkward remarks.

At the Chunin Exams’ first round, Naruto struggled with the written test and refused Hinata’s offer to help him cheat. He passed when the tenth question allowed him to stay, but Anko Mitarashi abruptly arrived to announce the second round.

• Yuhi Kurenai explained Ueno Kei’s talents to Sarutobi Asuma, embarrassing him as Kakashi grinned and Ueno Kei remained confused.
• Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke struggled with the written exam, while their classmates worried Naruto would drag down their team’s score.
• Hinata showed Naruto her exam paper and urged him to copy, but Naruto refused because cheating could disqualify the whole team.
• Morino Ibiki announced the tenth question, and Naruto felt relieved when he passed the first round.
• Anko Mitarashi crashed through a window and introduced herself as the second round’s chief examiner, silencing the celebrating genin.

Anko announced that the second Chunin Exam round would eliminate more than half the genin and led them toward the Forest of Death, while a snake-eyed figure recognized her. Ueno Kei learned that their prey had arrived at the examination grounds and left to deal with it.

• Anko complained that too many genin had passed the first round, and Ibiki said this year's candidates were outstanding, briefly drawing attention to Naruto's performance.
• Anko warned the genin that fewer than half would survive the second round, then left through the broken window and threatened to disqualify teams that could not keep up.
• The genin rushed after Anko toward the Forest of Death, while a figure in the crowd watched her with snake-like pupils and thought that it had been a long time.
• Morishita Takashi told Ueno Kei that their prey had arrived at the examination site, and Ueno Kei left Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma to handle the situation.

Ueno Kei and the Third Hokage learned that Orochimaru had returned to the Forest of Death, while Sakura was left to protect her unconscious teammates. The chapter ended with Orochimaru secretly following Sakura, eager to test her potential.

• Ueno Kei examined three corpses, confirmed Orochimaru's presence, and ordered the Forest of Death sealed while keeping the alert secret.
• The Third Hokage learned Orochimaru had appeared but stayed behind as Ueno Kei and Anko pursued him; Danzō emerged from hiding and disappeared after mocking the Hokage's softness.
• Sakura slapped herself to steady her nerves and vowed to protect her unconscious teammates.
• Sakura struggled to drag Naruto and Sasuke toward safety while Orochimaru watched from a nearby tree.
• Orochimaru followed Sakura and her teammates through the Forest of Death.

Orochimaru attacked Anko in the Forest of Death, overwhelming her despite her attempts to fight back. Ueno Kei intervened to protect her and prepared to face Orochimaru.

• Orochimaru revealed his interest in Sasuke and encountered his former disciple Anko in the Forest of Death.
• Anko attacked Orochimaru, but he disarmed and injured her, then brushed aside her Hidden Shadow Snake Hands.
• Orochimaru threw a kunai at Anko as she closed her eyes and murmured, “Orochimaru-sensei.”
• Ueno Kei intercepted the kunai and attacked Orochimaru with a Great Fireball Technique.
• Orochimaru questioned whether Ueno Kei could stop him, while Anko urged Kei to run.
• Ueno Kei reassured Anko, vanished with a rumble of thunder, and moved to confront Orochimaru.

Ueno Kei fought Orochimaru and discovered that his senior brother far outmatched him, even after he unleashed his strongest techniques. Badly injured and running low on chakra, Ueno Kei faced another counterattack from Orochimaru.

• Ueno Kei rushed Orochimaru with his Lightning Armor, but Orochimaru blocked his blade and trapped him in a chakra-draining Earth Release technique.
• Ueno Kei detonated his Lightning Armor to escape the vortex and Orochimaru’s sword, suffering severe burns and injuries in the explosion.
• Ueno Kei considered escaping with Anko, but Orochimaru attacked him with Wind Release and pierced what turned out to be a wooden substitution.
• Ueno Kei used Cloud Shadow and Chidori to launch his strongest assault, but Orochimaru blocked the attack and showed no effect from the lightning chakra.
• Orochimaru countered with Flame Dragon Bullet Technique, forcing Ueno Kei to retreat.

Ueno Kei was badly wounded and nearly out of chakra after fighting Orochimaru, who prepared to finish him with the Kusanagi Sword. Ueno Kei sprung a binding trap and unleashed Yu—Shadow Kill, leaving Orochimaru restrained as brilliant light filled the sky.

• Orochimaru pierced Ueno Kei with his sword, and Ueno Kei retreated with a serious wound.
• Ueno Kei realized his attacks had barely affected Orochimaru and that he had exhausted his strength.
• Orochimaru approached Ueno Kei with the Kusanagi Sword, but a powerful chakra fluctuation bound him and disrupted his chakra.
• Ueno Kei planted the Lingyu Blade and activated the Yu Seal Technique, forming a large formation around Orochimaru.
• Orochimaru broke the first binding, but Ueno Kei used The Utmost of Yu—Lock to restrain him again.
• Ueno Kei drew the Lingyu Blade and unleashed Yu—Shadow Kill, filling the sky with brilliant light.

Ueno Kei’s enormous explosion failed to defeat Orochimaru, leaving Kei severely injured and Anko struggling to protect him. Orochimaru had secretly sustained damage himself, but Kei and Anko believed he was unharmed as he advanced on them.

• Gaara led Kankuro and Temari toward the explosion in the Forest of Death, while most genin fled and Anbu hurried to investigate.
• Anko reached the exhausted Ueno Kei after the blast and urged him to escape before Orochimaru recovered.
• Orochimaru appeared behind them seemingly unharmed, shocking Anko and Ueno Kei.
• Ueno Kei coughed up blood as Orochimaru concealed his numb, injured right hand and reflected on the chakra and techniques he had used to survive.
• Orochimaru approached Ueno Kei and Anko with the Kusanagi Sword as they prepared to resist despite their injuries.

Anko prepared to protect the near-death Ueno Kei after Orochimaru vanished. Kakashi and Konoha Anbu arrived and carried Kei toward the Forest of Death tower for treatment, while Anko learned the Hokage was already there.

• Anko resolved to keep Ueno Kei alive, but Orochimaru suddenly vanished before she could fight him.
• Anko found Ueno Kei unconscious and near death, with severe injuries, depleted chakra, and damage from using the Eight Gates and a demanding Wind Wing Clan technique.
• Konoha Anbu arrived with Hatake Kakashi, who took Ueno Kei and headed for the tower in the Forest of Death.
• Kakashi told Anko that Lord Hokage had arrived, and Anko followed him with renewed reassurance.

After recovering from his battle with Orochimaru, Ueno Kei urged Sarutobi Hiruzen to eliminate Shimura Danzō, but learned that Konoha was too vulnerable to act recklessly. He resolved to grow stronger so he could protect the village and ease his teacher’s burdens.

• Ueno Kei woke in a medical room, assessed his serious injuries, and learned he would need time to recover.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen visited and asked Ueno Kei to confirm whether the enemy had been Orochimaru.
• Ueno Kei confirmed Orochimaru’s return and warned that he and Shimura Danzō posed a danger to Konoha.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen refused to move against Shimura Danzō, citing Konoha’s precarious position and possible schemes by Sunagakure.
• Ueno Kei recognized how weakened Konoha had become and resolved to become strong enough to protect what mattered to him.

After Azure Spirit reported that it could not track the powerful person and had found no sign of Shin, Ueno Kei reflected on how far he still was from Orochimaru’s level. He then discovered that his spiritual power had broken through and his chakra refinement and circulation had become about one-third faster, giving him hope for his next training stage.

• Azure Spirit told Ueno Kei that it had failed to track the powerful person and had no news of Shin.
• Ueno Kei told Azure Spirit to bring Shin back and warn Thunderlight not to enter Imperial Dragon Cave.
• Ueno Kei concluded that his carefully prepared attack had not shown he could truly contend with Orochimaru, whose strength remained unknown.
• Ueno Kei sensed a major increase in his spiritual power and confirmed that his chakra refinement and circulation were roughly one-third faster.
• Ueno Kei realized the improvement met the basic requirement for the final stage of his training and vowed to fare better against Orochimaru next time.