Ch. 61Revival Coin in Hand
Chapter Summary: “Revival Coin in Hand”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Jun leaves a successful meeting with clan head Uchiha Fugaku, having persuaded him to support a plan to elevate Orochimaru to Hokage after the Third Shinobi World War.
- Jun intends to consolidate the Uchiha Clan by removing the influence of the elder Uchiha Setsuna and presenting the clan as unified under Jun’s leadership.
- He plans to gain military prestige during the coming war, prove the Uchiha’s strategic value to Konoha, and eventually use Orochimaru’s political rise to weaken Danzo and create a path for the Uchiha to claim the Hokage position later.
- Jun receives a message from Kakuzu confirming that the requested goods have arrived at the Forest of Death.
- In a secret underground laboratory, Jun inspects three pairs of preserved Three-Tomoe Sharingan taken from powerful Uchiha.
- Kakuzu delivers detailed research data on Hero Water, while Orochimaru reports on experiments involving corpses and biological research.
- Jun pays Kakuzu thirty-five million ryo for his work, including expenses and the Sharingan acquisition. He later gives him an additional three hundred million ryo to fund further experiments and the development of Takigakure.
- Jun and Orochimaru analyze Hero Water and theorize that it may enhance energy conversion rather than merely increasing chakra production. They note similarities between its energy fluctuations and Tailed Beast chakra.
- Jun secretly suspects Hero Water is connected to remnants of the God Tree, though he does not reveal this theory to Orochimaru.
- Jun assigns Kakuzu a second-stage research project: developing a method to turn Hero Water’s temporary chakra explosion into a stable, long-term increase in a ninja’s chakra reserves.
- Jun promises to deal with the Land of Waterfalls’ daimyo, whose lack of financial support is hindering Takigakure’s development.
Character Developments
- Uchiha Jun reveals himself as an ambitious political strategist. He seeks not only to restore the Uchiha’s influence but ultimately to place the clan at the center of Konoha’s leadership. He also demonstrates considerable scientific knowledge, financial resources, and skill in manipulating allies.
- Uchiha Fugaku is deeply affected by Jun’s proposal. His shock and renewed hope suggest that he is ready to challenge the political stagnation imposed on the Uchiha.
- Uchiha Setsuna becomes increasingly threatened by Fugaku and Jun’s growing influence. He believes Fugaku will fail on the battlefield and intends to use that failure to restore the elders’ authority.
- Orochimaru becomes more interested in Jun’s research and increasingly wary of Kakuzu’s strength. His fascination with Hero Water and Jun’s theories strengthens their partnership, while his reaction to Jun’s generosity suggests growing respect and curiosity.
- Kakuzu is shown as intensely motivated by money. His loyalty is reinforced by Jun’s generous payments, and he is content to serve as the practical administrator and experiment supervisor for Jun’s projects.
- Jun and Orochimaru’s partnership becomes more collaborative, with both contributing technical insight and jointly planning future research.
- Jun and Kakuzu’s relationship is transactional but highly effective: Jun provides funding and clear goals, while Kakuzu handles logistics, construction, experimentation, and procurement.
Significant Themes
- Political consolidation and ambition: Jun is working toward long-term control of both the Uchiha Clan and Konoha’s future leadership.
- Generational conflict: Fugaku and Jun represent an emerging faction seeking change, while Setsuna and the elders cling to older methods and authority.
- Power through science: Hero Water, Sharingan transplantation or study, and biological experimentation show Jun’s attempt to create power through research rather than bloodline or tradition alone.
- Money as a tool of loyalty: Jun uses enormous sums of money to secure Kakuzu’s cooperation and maintain productive alliances.
- Manipulation and pragmatism: Jun treats enemies, allies, and even corpses as resources in a larger political and scientific plan.
- Hidden knowledge and forbidden potential: The possible connection between Hero Water, Tailed Beast chakra, and the God Tree hints at a much larger secret that could transform the balance of power.
- Fear versus loyalty: Jun explicitly believes that fair compensation and generosity create stronger, more dependable loyalty than intimidation.
Important Character Interactions
- Jun and Fugaku: Jun persuades Fugaku to support Orochimaru’s future rise and encourages the removal of Setsuna’s influence.
- Jun and Setsuna: Though they do not meet directly, Setsuna regards Jun as a dangerous upstart and sees his opposition as part of Fugaku’s destabilizing influence.
- Jun and Orochimaru: They exchange scientific theories about Hero Water and Tailed Beast chakra, forming a deeper intellectual and political partnership.
- Jun and Kakuzu: Jun rewards Kakuzu lavishly, assigns him further experiments, and entrusts him with major financial and logistical responsibilities.
- Orochimaru and Kakuzu: Orochimaru recognizes Kakuzu as unusually powerful and dangerous, while Kakuzu remains focused primarily on completing his work and getting paid.
- Jun and the Land of Waterfalls’ daimyo: Their future “friendly negotiation” is foreshadowed as Jun prepares to secure political and financial support for Takigakure.