Chapter Summaries

Sosuke agreed to stay in Amegakure while Kazumi returned to Konoha with his secret instruction to investigate Hanzo. After the peace treaty was finalized, Konoha’s leaders redirected their war effort toward Sunagakure and chose Sosuke to command the assault.

• Kinnara invited Sosuke to stay in Amegakure, and Sosuke accepted while sending Kazumi away to report to Konoha.
• Kazumi discovered Sosuke’s message telling her to investigate Hanzo and return to the village, then left Amegakure worried about him.
• Sarutobi, Danzo, and Homura reviewed the peace treaty and decided Konoha would turn its forces against Sunagakure.
• Sarutobi ordered Danzo to let Sosuke command the assault on Sunagakure, and Danzo agreed to contact him.

In Amegakure, Nawaki questioned why Sosuke had left Konoha after seeing the misery caused by war. Sosuke explained that true peace required overwhelming power to subdue every nation, and said that this was why he had come to Amegakure.

• Nawaki trained in the rain and wondered whether Konoha’s war against Amegakure went against First’s goal of a world without war.
• Sosuke found Nawaki, dried their clothes with chakra, and asked what was troubling him.
• Nawaki told Sosuke that the suffering he had witnessed made him doubt whether First had achieved his goal.
• Sosuke described how war had destroyed a child’s peaceful family and explained that even First’s power had only brought temporary peace.
• Sosuke told Nawaki that a power capable of subduing every nation could break the cycle of war, and said that was why he had left Konoha for Amegakure.

Sosuke helped Nawaki awaken Wood Release and told him that the power carried the First's will to build a world without war. The Land of Fire and the Land of Rain then announced peace, while Konoha celebrated Sosuke's role in ending the conflict.

• Sosuke guided Nawaki as he found a spark of Wood Release within himself and grew a tree outside the covered walkway.
• Sosuke told Nawaki that inheriting the First's power meant inheriting his will, and warned him that pursuing a world without war would bring hardship and enemies.
• Sosuke promised to carry the responsibility until Nawaki was old enough to take up the mission, and Nawaki vowed to work hard.
• The Land of Fire and the Land of Rain announced a peace treaty that ended their long war with Amegakure's surrender.
• Konoha's villagers celebrated the victory and praised Sosuke, with some hoping he would become the Fourth Hokage.

The Sand Ninja, Rock Ninja, and Kumogakure leaders assessed how the Rain Ninja Village’s peace with Konoha would reshape the conflict. The Third Kazekage sought Rock Ninja support, while Ōnoki planned to profit from the Sand Ninja’s need and the Third Raikage urged Ay to focus on Kumogakure’s strength.

• The Third Kazekage and Ebizo concluded that the Rain Ninja Village had surrendered after confirming Hanzo’s death, and the Kazekage agreed to seek an alliance with the Rock Ninja.
• Ōnoki told Kitsuchi that Konoha would likely defeat the Sand Ninja now that it could redirect forces, and planned to demand benefits from the Sand Ninja while keeping the Rock Ninja’s conflict with Konoha going.
• The Third Raikage and Night Moon Ay predicted that Konoha would press its advantage against the Sand Ninja, with the Rock Ninja’s response likely affecting the outcome.
• The Third Raikage told Ay to prioritize Kumogakure’s strength and said Bee would be one of the village’s future assets, asking Ay to care for him as his older brother.

Tokino and Yuhi Ma pursued Sand Ninja to avenge Dan while Sosuke continued studying Nawaki's Wood Release training. Konoha appointed Sosuke to lead a full-scale assault against the Sand Ninja, leaving Tsunade and Orochimaru to consider the mission's risks and Dan's death.

• Tokino killed a Sand Ninja, then set off with Yuhi Ma to pursue more Sand Ninja and avenge Dan.
• Sosuke watched Nawaki grow trees with Wood Release in Amegakure and thought that events were proceeding according to plan.
• A secret report revealed that the Hokage had chosen Sosuke to lead Konoha's full-scale assault against the Sand Ninja.
• Tsunade and Orochimaru discussed the difficulty of fighting on Sand Ninja territory and the Uchiha Clan's possible opposition, while resolving to support Sosuke.
• Orochimaru wondered whether the Uchiha Clan had played a part in Dan's death and vowed to master a forbidden power that could defy the Death God.

Sosuke accepted Konoha's appointment to command the offensive against Sunagakure and left Amegakure after declining Kinnara's offer to join the campaign. In a rain-soaked forest, Sosuke told Tatsu he had found Hanzo's burial place and ordered him to report it to the Third.

• At a Konoha outpost, Tokino wondered why Sosuke continued fighting the Sand Ninja and suspected he had influenced his appointment as commander.
• Kinnara declined Konoha's request for Amegakure to join the campaign, saying the Rain Ninja were tired of fighting.
• Sosuke told Kinnara he would leave immediately to direct the battle against the Sand Ninja, and Kinnara escorted him and the Konoha delegation to the village gates.
• After leaving Amegakure, Sosuke stopped the group in a forest and checked that no Rain Ninja had followed them.
• Sosuke identified the messenger as Tatsu and told him to report to the Third that he had found Hanzo's burial place.

Sosuke told the Konoha ninja that Hanzo’s remains were in the Mist-Obscured Forest and gave them a map, while secretly anticipating the fallout from a false report. In the Land of Fire, Feudal Lord Shijimi learned Sosuke would lead Konoha’s campaign and ordered her intelligence network expanded as she reflected on their past.

• Sosuke told Tatsu that Hanzo was dead and that his remains were likely buried in the Mist-Obscured Forest.
• Sosuke claimed he had obtained an S-rank Rain Ninja intelligence report through Kinnara and used Fire Release chakra to create a map for Tatsu and the Konoha ninja.
• Tatsu and the Konoha ninja left to investigate the forest and report their findings to Konoha.
• Sosuke watched them depart and said he was waiting for his false report to spread.
• Oni told Feudal Lord Shijimi that Sosuke had been chosen to lead Konoha’s campaign.
• Shijimi ordered Oni to expand her intelligence network and, alone, held the katana Sosuke had given her and wondered why he had left.

Sosuke reunited with Tsunade at a hidden Konoha outpost in the Land of Rain, promised to protect her, and turned his attention to ending the war. He later devised a strategy against the Sand Ninja that left Konoha’s commanders impressed by his military genius.

• Sosuke arrived at Tsunade’s outpost after completing negotiations with the Rain Ninja, and Tsunade thanked him for securing a swift peace agreement.
• Sosuke told Tsunade he would protect her, touched her cheek, and then said it was time to end the war.
• Tsunade wondered what Sosuke was hiding, but let the unease pass and resolved to preserve her appearance for him.
• Commanders including Tsunade, Orochimaru, Uchiha Tokino, Kuroi, and Misawa Taku gathered at the outpost a day later to hear Sosuke’s campaign plan against the Sand Ninja.
• Sosuke analyzed the battlefield and outlined an attack strategy, impressing the commanders and veterans.
• Misawa Taku described Sosuke as a terrifying, exceptionally gifted military genius.

Hatake Sakumo slaughtered a Sand Ninja squad in the Land of Rain as Konoha intensified its attacks. At a hidden stronghold, Chiyo learned that Sosuke was directing the campaign and warned that he was more important to Konoha than the White Fang or the Konoha Asura.

• Hatake Sakumo ambushed and killed a Sand Ninja squad led by Captain Sararyo, then continued toward the Sand Ninja’s destination.
• A wounded Sand Ninja reached the hidden stronghold and warned that Konoha had attacked again.
• Chiyo and the Sand Ninja leaders reviewed reports showing that several strongholds had been destroyed.
• The wounded shinobi reported that Sosuke, the “Child of Konoha,” had directed the plans against the Sand Ninja.
• Chiyo identified Sosuke and told the gathered shinobi that he was more important to Konoha than the Konoha Asura and the White Fang of the Leaf.

Konoha’s leaders learned that Sosuke had nearly eliminated Sunagakure’s strongholds in Amegakure, and the Third Hokage praised him as the “Child of Konoha.” In the Land of Rain, Sosuke taught his shinobi why they needed to prepare carefully before advancing against Sunagakure, while Tsunade cherished the time she spent with him.

• Utatane Koharu presented the Third Hokage with a report stating that Sosuke’s forces had destroyed ten Sand Ninja strongholds in the Land of Rain.
• The Third Hokage said Sosuke had nearly wiped out Sunagakure’s forces in Amegakure and called him the “Child of Konoha,” prompting Konoha’s officials to consider what that recognition might mean.
• Sosuke explained to the shinobi in the Land of Rain that an advance into the Land of Wind required preparations for scarce water and the risk of an attack from Iwagakure.
• Nara Shinse realized that Iwagakure could strike Konoha if its forces rashly attacked Sunagakure, and Sosuke praised him for understanding the danger.
• After the shinobi left, Tsunade complimented Sosuke on his teaching, and he teased her before apologizing for the assignment she had arranged.

Chiyo led the wounded and other Sand Ninja away from their last outpost in the Land of Rain, while Chidong and a handful of comrades stayed behind to make a final stand. At the Konoha outpost, Sosuke deduced the Sand Ninja position and prepared to take Tsunade and Orochimaru with him to attack it, leaving Tsunade delighted by his visit.

• Chiyo ordered the Sand Ninja to abandon their outpost, but Chidong refused and several others chose to remain with him.
• Chiyo departed with a group of Sand Ninja carrying their wounded, while Chidong led the remaining dozen or so in a vow to fight for the village.
• Sosuke used the locations where captives had been released to pinpoint the Sand Ninja's important outpost.
• Sosuke proposed that he, Orochimaru, and Tsunade go together, and Orochimaru vowed to avenge his student by killing the Sand Ninja.
• Sosuke went to find Tsunade, who greeted him with a radiant smile.

Sosuke, Tsunade, and Orochimaru found the Sand Ninja’s last stronghold and confronted its defenders. Chidong survived Orochimaru’s opening attack and prepared to fight the three Konoha ninja.

• Sosuke told Tsunade that he had discovered the Sand Ninja’s last stronghold, and she insisted on going there to avenge Nawaki.
• Orochimaru used the Thousand Snake Seeking Technique and learned that the Sand Ninja were gathered to the right of the group.
• Chidong realized Konoha had found the stronghold and urged the Sand Ninja to secure Sunagakure’s remaining gains, even at the cost of their lives.
• Sosuke, Tsunade, and Orochimaru entered the stronghold, where Tsunade declared that it was time to settle their score with the Sand Ninja.
• Orochimaru attacked Chidong with a giant snake, but Chidong cut it apart with Wind Release: Gale Slash and retreated to face the three intruders.

Chidong led the Sand Ninja in an attack on Sosuke, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, using a forbidden Human Puppet and coordinated puppet techniques. Orochimaru and Sosuke repelled the assault as Tsunade struck Chidong, leaving him frozen under Sosuke’s threat.

• Chidong summoned a Human Puppet and urged the Sand Ninja to attack the three, hoping they would become village heroes.
• The Sand Ninja launched puppet attacks and Wind Release techniques, but Orochimaru raised an Earth Flow Rampart to shield the group.
• Orochimaru and Sosuke used Great Breakthrough to disperse the puppets’ flames and poison, while Orochimaru sent snakes against Chidong and summoned a giant snake to attack the Sand Ninja.
• Tsunade appeared behind Chidong and struck with Collapse Fist, narrowly missing him and destroying the Human Puppet.
• Sosuke threatened Chidong, who stood motionless in fear.

Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Sosuke defeated the Sand Ninja remaining at the outpost, though the important personnel and intelligence had already been withdrawn. After the trio left, Chidong discovered that Sosuke had stayed behind.

• Tsunade sensed something strange after striking what she thought was Chidong, while Sosuke secretly warned the real Chidong to stay still.
• Orochimaru attacked the Sand Ninja with venomous snakes, killing several of them.
• Tsunade used her techniques to cripple and kill three Sand Ninja who escaped her attack.
• Orochimaru reported that the important Sand Ninja and intelligence had already been withdrawn, and Tsunade said Nawaki would be at peace with their victory.
• Sosuke, Tsunade, and Orochimaru left the outpost, but Sosuke appeared behind Chidong and asked whether he thought Sosuke had left.

Sosuke saved the Sunagakure shinobi Chidong, revealed himself as the Child of Konoha, and learned of Chidong’s forbidden puppet technique and his longing to return to Yuno and their child. Sosuke then activated Kyoka Suigetsu, leaving Chidong unable to tell what he intended to do.

• Chidong questioned why Sosuke had saved him, and Sosuke said he respected Chidong’s wish to become a hero.
• Sosuke clarified that he was not one of the Konoha Sannin and told Chidong to call him Aizen; Chidong recognized him as the Child of Konoha.
• Chidong refused to reveal Sunagakure’s intelligence, but Sosuke said he had no interest in extracting it and asked Chidong’s name.
• Sosuke asked about Chidong’s Human Puppet technique, and Chidong recalled being rejected in Sunagakure while Yuno supported him and waited for him with their child.
• Sosuke drew Kyoka Suigetsu and said, “Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu,” leaving Chidong staring blankly at the blade and fearing he was about to die.

Sosuke persuaded Chidong that becoming a hero meant helping build a new world and ending war, not merely serving Sunagakure. Chidong accepted Sosuke’s invitation and followed him into the rain, hoping to become a true hero for Yuno.

• Sosuke spared Chidong and said he admired Chidong’s convictions, while insisting he did not want him to betray Sunagakure.
• Sosuke described his goal of ending war and building a new world, arguing that enough power could make it possible.
• Chidong struggled with Sosuke’s words and worried that Yuno might suffer in another war, then shouted that the war had to end.
• Sosuke invited Chidong to join his plan and promised he could gain power and honor by helping create the new world.
• Chidong embraced Sosuke’s vision of heroism and hurried after him, promising himself that he would become a true hero for Yuno.

In the Land of Rain, Sosuke revealed his plans to take control of Sunagakure and persuaded Chidong to serve him. A few days later, Chidong returned to the Sand Village, ready to await Aizen’s orders.

• Sosuke told Chidong that he intended to take control of Sunagakure and might install him as Kazekage.
• Sosuke revealed that Amegakure was under his control, that he had arranged its reconciliation with Konoha, and that he had dealt with Hanzo.
• Chidong pledged himself to Sosuke’s plan after Sosuke promised him a place in the history of a new world.
• Sosuke reached toward Chidong and promised to give him the power to take control of the Sand Ninja.
• A few days later, Chidong returned to Sunagakure and vowed to wait patiently for Lord Aizen’s orders.

Hatake Sakumo led a covert unit across the desert toward Sunagakure, revealing that their mission was to cause military damage even if it became a one-way trip. A flashback showed Sosuke, Tsunade, and Orochimaru asking Sakumo to undertake the operation, and the chapter ended with Sosuke questioning whether a ninja’s life was simply sorrowful.

• Kojika warned Hatake Sakumo that a sandstorm was forming, but he ordered the unit to continue.
• Sakumo revealed that the mission was to infiltrate Sunagakure and cause as much military damage as possible, with little chance of returning.
• Kojika and the other Konoha ninja accepted the mission, and Sakumo led them onward, calling on Sunagakure to witness Konoha’s final light.
• Two days earlier, Sosuke told Sakumo that his strategic plan required a special unit to disrupt Sand Ninja territory, and Sakumo agreed to take part.
• Sosuke told a beautiful figure that ninja suffered for their villages by doing dirty, ugly, and pointless things.

Sosuke explained to Kyoka Suigetsu that he needed more power to change fate and protect her, while discussing the Tailed Beasts and their possible connection to the Uchiha Clan. After she vanished, Kyoka Suigetsu broke down in her palace, wondering whether Lord Aizen had once wanted to protect her too.

• Kyoka Suigetsu asked Sosuke whether he considered himself a ninja, and he said he was not bound to a village.
• Sosuke discussed capturing a Tailed Beast and investigating their origins, noting a possible connection to the Uchiha Clan.
• Kyoka Suigetsu showed jealousy over Sosuke relying on another man's power, and Sosuke told her he had to grow stronger so he could protect her.
• Kyoka Suigetsu vanished from the tent after understanding Sosuke's feelings, and he murmured about what lay above the sky.
• In her palace, Kyoka Suigetsu rejoiced that Sosuke wanted to protect her, then wept and wondered whether Lord Aizen had once wanted to protect her too.
• As Kyoka Suigetsu sobbed, the palace's plants withered and its monsters crumbled into dust.

After Hatake Sakumo and several Konoha ninjas vanished, Sosuke concealed his satisfaction as rumors spread that Sakumo had defected. The captains debated the disappearance and voted on a dangerous infiltration of Sand Ninja territory to learn the truth.

• A Konoha ninja reported Sakumo and several others missing, and Sosuke ordered an investigation while keeping the news secret.
• Rumors spread through the base that Sakumo had defected, with some claiming he had killed his men to prove his loyalty to the Sand Ninja.
• Sosuke told the assembled captains that Sakumo might have had a reason to disappear, but Fukadera Shizuka insisted that the facts pointed to treason.
• Sosuke proposed sending an elite team into Sand Ninja territory to investigate Sakumo’s disappearance and sabotage enemy operations, warning that the team might not return.
• A cold-voiced ninja and Fukadera Shizuka supported the risky mission, while Tsunade and Orochimaru reacted with faint smiles.