Recaps

After a merchant escort mission, Itachi asked Shōji why people continually fought, and Shōji explained that conflicts ultimately arose from competing interests and the instinct to protect what one cherished. Itachi realized that even his own desire for peace could give way to violence if his younger brother Second Pillar were threatened.

• After the squad killed bandits during a merchant escort mission, Itachi approached Shōji while he kept watch and asked why people hated and fought one another.
• Shōji told Itachi that conflicts between people, nations, and villages stemmed from competing interests rather than hatred alone.
• Shōji asked Itachi to consider what he would protect at any cost and what might drive him to seek revenge.
• Itachi realized he could become willing to destroy the world if anyone harmed his younger brother, Second Pillar.

Shōji explained to Itachi that lasting peace could be approached by unifying the shinobi world under one country and one village, even though the path would be bloody. Itachi accepted the idea and resolved to move forward with Shōji.

• Itachi admitted that fear for his younger brother made him recognize the selfish desires behind his supposed pacifism.
• Shōji told Itachi that conflict could not be eliminated but could be controlled by bringing the world under one country and one shinobi village.
• Shōji explained that both Konoha’s leaders and the Uchiha bore responsibility for their conflict, while arguing that unity could reduce hatred between groups.
• Itachi understood Shōji’s reasoning but warned that unifying the Five Great Nations and villages would be difficult.
• Shōji said the bloody path could become easier as they grew stronger, and Itachi firmly agreed to move forward with him.

After returning to their mission routine, Shōji continued guiding Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi according to their strengths. Their squad’s rapid growth and exceptional mission record earned them growing fame in the village.

• Kurotsuchi sensed that something had changed in Itachi overnight and suspected it was connected to Shōji, while Shōji noticed her perceptive glances.
• Shōji ordered the squad to end its rest and set out for the village.
• Shōji tailored training for each student, sharing his experience with Itachi, suggesting future clay Explosion Release creations to Deidara, and teaching Kurotsuchi combat techniques and Earth Release methods.
• The three students made rapid progress as their squad completed more than a dozen D-rank missions and six C-rank missions in just over forty days.
• Their strength and mission record surpassed those of ordinary genin squads, and their special identities helped them gain fame in the village.

After six successful C-rank missions, Shōji judged that Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi had grown enough to face greater challenges, but gave them five days to rest after a long escort mission. He returned to the Uchiha compound to prepare to take his younger siblings, Uchiha Yang and Uchiha Saki, to the Ninja Academy entrance ceremony.

• Shōji reflected on how the three had grown more decisive after completing six missions, including a brutal bandit extermination.
• Shōji gave Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi five days off and warned Deidara not to overtrain.
• Kurotsuchi promised Shōji she would keep an eye on Deidara, and the three students went home.
• Shōji submitted the mission results, handled matters with the Jōnin Squad, and returned to his family's compound.
• Uchiha Yang noticed Shōji had returned and greeted him.

Shōji returned home and reunited with Uchiha Yang, Uchiha Saki, and Uchiha Chihaya before taking his younger siblings to their Ninja Academy entrance ceremony. The family set out together, while Chihaya watched them go with pride and worry.

• Shōji returned home and learned that Uchiha Saki and Uchiha Chihaya had gone grocery shopping while Yang stayed behind to prepare the siblings’ registration documents.
• Yang reminded Shōji that he had often broken promises to train with them, and Shōji promised to take them to register and train with them during his days off.
• Uchiha Chihaya and Uchiha Saki returned home at noon and were delighted to find Shōji back safely.
• The next morning, Shōji took Yang and Saki to their Ninja Academy entrance ceremony as Chihaya wished them a safe trip.
• Uchiha Chihaya watched her grandchildren leave, hoping their journey would go smoothly despite her fears about their lives as ninjas.

Shōji took Little Yang and Little Saki to register at the Ninja Academy, where they met Itachi and his young brother Sasuke. After warning Itachi to balance missions and training with family time, Shōji left with his siblings for the Academy.

• Shōji led five-year-old Little Yang and Little Saki out of the Uchiha compound to register them at the Ninja Academy.
• At the compound gate, Shōji encountered Itachi, who was taking his younger brother Sasuke around the village.
• Sasuke greeted Shōji, Little Yang, and Little Saki, showing his respect for Shōji and familiarity with the siblings.
• Shōji advised Itachi to rest and spend time with his family rather than rushing into missions and training.
• Shōji said goodbye to Itachi and Sasuke, then continued toward the Ninja Academy with Little Yang and Little Saki.

Shōji brought Uchiha Yang and Uchiha Saki to the Ninja Academy’s annual enrollment ceremony, where his fame drew attention to the siblings. Meanwhile, Itachi encouraged Sasuke and reaffirmed his resolve to fight for peace.

• Sasuke praised Itachi and said he believed his older brother would one day match or surpass Shōji.
• Itachi took Sasuke to Central Street and told him he could enter the Ninja Academy when he turned five.
• Shōji brought Uchiha Yang and Uchiha Saki to enroll at the Ninja Academy, where they were admitted without the civilian aptitude screening.
• The crowd’s attention made Yang and Saki uneasy, and Shōji encouraged them to work hard as they began their academy studies.

During the mission interval, Shōji handled clan affairs and advised Shisui on protecting the secret of his Mangekyō ability, Kotoamatsukami. He left Fugaku as clan head for now and warned Shisui not to expose or recklessly use his Dojutsu.

• Shōji took Little Yang and Little Saki home after their Ninja Academy registration and class assignments.
• Shōji refused Fugaku's proposal that he become Uchiha clan head, persuading the clan to prioritize stability and revisit the matter in a few years.
• After the clan meeting, Shōji contacted Shisui in the Land of Earth's capital to exchange intelligence and discuss precautions.
• Shisui revealed that his Mangekyō Sharingan possessed Kotoamatsukami, and Shōji ordered him to keep it secret and use it only when necessary.
• Shōji warned that Kotoamatsukami could fail against a stronger mind and that exposing it would provoke suspicion in Iwagakure.

Shōji focused on strengthening his body and pursuing a self-developed method of senjutsu rather than learning the Eight Gates Formation or relying on the Three Great Sacred Lands. After months of training, he had only faintly sensed Natural Energy and ended the chapter with no new progress.

• Shōji warned Shisui to keep his technique secret and use it only in a critical moment, and Shisui solemnly agreed.
• Shōji decided that improving his physical strength and taijutsu was his immediate goal, while dismissing the Eight Gates Formation as dangerous and unsuitable for his path.
• Shōji resolved to develop his own senjutsu method because he distrusted the Three Great Sacred Lands and believed Sage Mode would suit him best.
• For more than three months, Shōji tried to sense Natural Energy by calming his mind, but he detected it only faintly and briefly on rare occasions.
• After returning from a mission and handling his younger siblings’ enrollment and Jōnin Squad matters, Shōji trained again but made no further progress.

Shōji accepted a B-rank mission for Squad One, eager to test Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi on a mission beyond the Land of Earth. As they traveled toward the Land of Bears, he explained that Hoshigakure wanted them to protect its Star Stone from suspected Kusagakure shinobi.

• Shōji considered his progress toward Sage Mode and resolved to keep training while attending to other priorities.
• After the squad completed its sixth C-rank mission, Shōji accepted a B-rank mission he believed suited Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi.
• Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi met Shōji at Iwagakure's main gate, and the squad set out toward the southwest.
• Shōji explained that Hoshigakure had issued the mission to protect the Star Stone from suspected Kusagakure shinobi.
• Kurotsuchi asked about the Star Stone, and Shōji noted that Hoshigakure's evidence—a pair of Kusa Ninja forehead protectors—did not confirm who the enemy was.

Shōji and his squad discussed the suspected culprits behind Hoshigakure’s Star Stone theft and the risks of their B-rank mission. After warning Kurotsuchi against underestimating the threat, he assigned the three youngsters to identify the enemy and their intentions while staying cautious.

• Shōji explained that Kusa Ninja forehead protectors raised suspicion but did not prove Kusagakure was responsible for the Star Stone theft.
• Kurotsuchi suggested the attackers might be ordinary wandering shinobi and dismissed the mission as a routine B-rank assignment.
• Shōji sternly rebuked Kurotsuchi for being careless, and she acknowledged her mistake.
• Shōji reminded Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara that caution was essential for survival and told them to determine who the enemy was and what they wanted.

Shōji led Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi to Hoshigakure to fulfill the village’s escort mission and investigate its Star Stone. On arrival, Shōji recognized their guide, Akahoshi, as the future conspirator who would murder the Third Hoshikage, and wondered whether events had begun earlier than expected.

• Shōji’s group crossed into the Land of Bears and reached the area near Hoshigakure in less than two days.
• Akahoshi greeted the Iwagakure team and guided them through a dangerous gorge toward the village.
• Shōji recognized Akahoshi from the Original Work and recalled that he would later help murder the Third Hoshikage and seize power.
• Shōji wondered whether Kusagakure’s possible involvement might be connected to Akahoshi and Hoshigakure.
• The group passed through the gorge and saw that Hoshigakure was a small village compared with the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Shōji and his Iwagakure team arrived in Hoshigakure and met the Third Hoshikage, whose village’s use of the Kage title provoked a confrontation. Deidara openly challenged Hoshigakure’s status, while Shōji remained unconcerned.

• Akahoshi led Shōji, Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi to the Star Shadow Tower to meet Hoshigakure’s leader.
• The elderly Third Hoshikage welcomed the Iwagakure team and questioned whether Shōji was qualified to lead the mission.
• Shōji introduced himself as Uchiha Shōji and addressed the Third Hoshikage as “Leader-sama,” prompting Fire Fly to rebuke him for not using the title Hoshikage-sama.
• Deidara mocked Hoshigakure for claiming the Kage title and warned Akahoshi and Fire Fly not to mistake courtesy for weakness.
• The Third Hoshikage stopped Akahoshi and Fire Fly from reacting, and Shōji silently approved of Deidara’s outburst.

Shōji’s team met the Third Hoshikage, who explained that Hoshigakure suspected Kusagakure of targeting its treasure, Hoshi. After settling in for the night, Shōji planned to investigate the suspiciously convenient evidence and seek answers about the Star Stone.

• The Third Hoshikage recognized Shōji’s reputation, and Akahoshi and Fire Fly realized whom they had insulted.
• Shōji had Deidara offer a perfunctory apology, and the Third Hoshikage accepted it before turning to the mission.
• Akahoshi told Shōji’s team that Hoshigakure’s intelligence pointed to Kusagakure as a possible threat to Hoshi.
• Shōji privately suspected the evidence was too neatly aligned and kept Akahoshi under close consideration.
• The Third Hoshikage arranged lodging for Shōji’s team, whose mission was to provide protection, and Shōji resolved to investigate further.

Shōji let Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara decide whether to investigate Hoshigakure beyond their guard mission, encouraging them to act in their interests while ensuring the mission did not fail. Meanwhile, two conspirators agreed to carry out a plan the following night, despite the threat posed by Uchiha Shōji.

• Itachi suspected the Third Hoshikage was hiding information and argued that the squad needed to investigate further.
• Kurotsuchi urged the squad to move out that night, and Shōji left the decision to her, Itachi, and Deidara.
• Shōji explained that the squad should fulfill its mission while taking opportunities to pursue its own interests, including possibly investigating the Star Stone.
• Two figures in a dimly lit house agreed to act the following night, with one warning that Uchiha Shōji might foil their plan.
• The second figure agreed to participate but vowed to flee if the plan went badly and demanded that the promised conditions be honored.

Akahoshi secretly plotted against the Third Hoshikage, but at dawn a scream from the Star Stone’s storage area exposed a crisis in Hoshigakure. As the Third Hoshikage sent Fire Fly and Natsuhi after Akahoshi, Shōji and his group set out to investigate.

• Akahoshi dismissed his unseen accomplice and revealed his determination to carry his plan through, while the Third Hoshikage remained unaware of the full danger.
• A piercing scream from the Star Stone’s storage area alerted Hoshigakure, and the Third Hoshikage suspected Akahoshi had acted.
• The Third Hoshikage ordered Fire Fly and Natsuhi to go to Akahoshi’s house and authorized them to act as circumstances demanded.
• The Third Hoshikage headed for the Star Stone as Shōji, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara watched the village respond.
• Shōji proposed that his group investigate the disturbance, and the others agreed.

Shōji and his squad entered Hoshigakure after the Third Hoshikage ordered the guards to let them through, as the village mobilized around a possible Star Stone crisis. Shōji wondered whether the Third Hoshikage would discover the Star Stone’s deadly side effect as he had in the original timeline.

• Shōji explained that his squad’s B-rank mission was to protect Hoshigakure from an invasion during the next fifteen days.
• Star Ninja guarding the incident site barred Shōji’s squad from entering, and Deidara began to object before Shōji stopped him.
• Shōji told the guards that the incident could be related to their mission and asked them to seek instructions from their leader.
• A tall, middle-aged Star Ninja announced that the Hoshikage had ordered the Iwagakure Ninja to enter, and the guards let Shōji’s squad pass.
• Shōji entered with Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara and saw dozens of Star Ninja mobilized around the site.
• Shōji observed the Third Hoshikage and wondered whether he would uncover the Star Stone’s fatal training side effect.

Shōji learned that Akahoshi had rebelled and stolen the Star Stone, with possible foreign enemies involved, and accepted the Third Hoshikage’s request to help defend the village. The Third Hoshikage wanted Shōji’s team to remain under village direction, while Shōji arranged a reconnaissance and warned him not to act rashly.

• The Third Hoshikage admitted that Akahoshi had rebelled, stolen the Star Stone, and might have outside accomplices.
• The Third Hoshikage raised Shōji’s mission to A-rank and asked him to help recover the Star Stone, punish Akahoshi, and defend against foreign enemies.
• Shōji accepted the mission, while the Third Hoshikage urged his team to follow village assignments and avoid interfering in internal affairs.
• Shōji asked the Third Hoshikage to inform the other Star Ninja that his team would briefly scout the village’s surroundings without entering sensitive areas.
• Shōji warned the Third Hoshikage not to act rashly, then departed with Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi.

The Third Hoshikage read a letter from Akahoshi and ordered Fire Fly to carry out a plan, while privately suspecting that Fire Fly or Natsuhi might be involved in the betrayal. Meanwhile, Shōji proposed a challenge for Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara, leaving them to prove themselves while keeping their actual mission in mind.

• The Third Hoshikage considered the evidence against Akahoshi and chose to keep Shōji as a last resort while trying to resolve the crisis within Hoshigakure.
• Fire Fly brought the Third Hoshikage a letter Akahoshi had left behind, and the Third Hoshikage ordered Fire Fly to act after reading it.
• The Third Hoshikage watched Fire Fly leave and wondered whether he or Natsuhi was among the traitors.
• Shōji assessed Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara's strength and encouraged them to take greater risks.
• Shōji proposed a challenge to the three, and Kurotsuchi asked what reward they would receive if they succeeded.

Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi began investigating the threats surrounding Hoshigakure while Shōji prepared to intervene if necessary. After several hours, the three uncovered two crucial details that the Third Hoshigake had not disclosed.

• Kurotsuchi insisted on proceeding boldly, and Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi accepted their assignments from Shōji.
• Shōji left a Shadow Clone behind and vanished to prepare safeguards, especially because Kurotsuchi’s safety was a sensitive matter.
• Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi gathered intelligence around Hoshigakure and evaded the village’s Star Ninja patrols.
• The three slipped into the Star Stone’s storage site after the Star Ninja and the Third Hoshigake’s main force departed.
• After several hours of investigation, Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi learned two crucial facts the Third Hoshigake had not revealed.

Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara monitored Hoshigakure’s leaders and discovered that the Third Hoshikage was preparing a secret operation against Akahoshi. They followed him toward the outskirts of the village at dusk to learn what he would do.

• Itachi assigned Deidara to monitor the Third Hoshikage with a clay creature while he and Kurotsuchi watched important Hoshigakure Jōnin.
• The Third Hoshikage confirmed through a trusted subordinate that Fire Fly and Natsuhi were following his orders and had not met anyone else.
• The Third Hoshikage ordered his confidants to join him that night to deal with Akahoshi and his people.
• Deidara alerted Itachi and Kurotsuchi after his clay creature witnessed the Third Hoshikage meeting with his subordinate.
• As dusk fell, the Third Hoshikage left his residence in combat attire, and Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi followed him toward the village outskirts.

Shōji followed the Third Hoshikage as he met Akahoshi in a forest southwest of Hoshigakure. Akahoshi revealed that he had turned against the Third Hoshikage over the decision to stop using the Star Stone, insisting that Hoshigakure needed its power to become a great village.

• Shōji sensed Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi following the Third Hoshikage and quietly trailed them with his clay spider’s help.
• The Third Hoshikage traveled to a forest southwest of Hoshigakure, unaware that Shōji and the three young ninja were following him.
• The Third Hoshikage confronted Akahoshi about betraying Hoshigakure and killing their former companions.
• Akahoshi accused the Third Hoshikage of weakening the village by abolishing the Mysterious Peacock Method and ending Star Stone training.
• Akahoshi declared that he would make Hoshigakure powerful enough to earn the respect and fear of the ninja world.

Akahoshi rejected the Third Hoshikage’s warnings about the Star Stone and fought him to prove his beliefs. As the Third Hoshikage gained the upper hand, Itachi suspected Akahoshi had allies nearby and sent Deidara’s clay creatures to search for them.

• Akahoshi explained that the great villages’ contempt had pushed him to pursue his ambition of making Hoshigakure a great shinobi village.
• The Third Hoshikage warned Akahoshi that training with the Star Stone would damage his body, but Akahoshi dismissed the warning and accused him of trying to maintain control.
• The Third Hoshikage declared Akahoshi a rogue shinobi and attacked him with the Mysterious Peacock Method, and Akahoshi fought back.
• The Third Hoshikage suppressed Akahoshi during their battle, while Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara watched from hiding.
• Itachi suspected Akahoshi had accomplices and asked Deidara to scout the area, so Deidara sent clay creatures in a wide formation.

Akahoshi’s fight with the Third Hoshikage, Mogi, was interrupted when Kusagakure ninja revealed themselves as Akahoshi’s allies. As Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara prepared to intervene from hiding, the leader of the Kusa ninja appeared, and Mogi recognized something about him.

• Seven or eight Kusa ninja attacked Mogi while he was close to defeating Akahoshi, but Mogi deflected their weapons with the Mysterious Peacock Method—Guard.
• Mogi accused Akahoshi of colluding with outsiders and resolved to show him no mercy.
• Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara assessed the new threat and held back while Deidara searched for further ambushers.
• Akahoshi claimed that inviting the Kusa ninja was a rational choice for Hoshigakure, and their leader urged Mogi to step down.
• A pale, young Kusa ninja with long black hair and crimson eyes emerged, and Mogi asked who he was.

Akahoshi and Mammoth launched their attack on the Third Hoshikage, but Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara arrived and disrupted the assault. With the newcomers holding off Mammoth and the Kusa Ninja, the Third Hoshikage charged Akahoshi.

• Mammoth and Akahoshi attacked the Third Hoshikage after Akahoshi revealed that his reinforcements had been dealt with.
• Deidara's explosions killed two Kusa Ninja and forced Mammoth and Akahoshi to retreat.
• Kurotsuchi attacked Mammoth with the Great Fireball Technique while Itachi and Deidara joined the ambush.
• Kurotsuchi used Lava Release to help divide the battlefield and told the Third Hoshikage to deal with Akahoshi.
• The Third Hoshikage accepted the reinforcements' help and charged at Akahoshi.