Recaps

After Kumo Ninja withdrew, Shōji and most of the Uchiha returned to the village, where an Anbu summoned him to the Hokage. The chapter ends with Shōji ordered to report to the Hokage Office Building before he can reach the clan compound.

• Nara Suzaku announced the Third Hokage's transfer order, and Shōji and the other Uchiha packed to leave the front lines.
• A replacement force of six hundred Konoha Ninja arrived, and more than eighty Uchiha returned to the village.
• Fourth Raikage A blamed the Uchiha's strength for Kumogakure's heavy losses and resolved not to spare Uchiha Shōji if they met again.
• Shōji planned to contact the clan's elders after returning, but a white-haired Anbu appeared at the village gate.
• The Anbu told Shōji that the Hokage had ordered him to report immediately to the Hokage Office Building.

Shōji was summoned to meet the Third Hokage immediately after returning to the village, worrying the Uchiha who suspected a trap. Shōji accepted the summons and met Sarutobi Hiruzen, who praised his performance in the Land of Hot Springs.

• A white-haired Anbu ordered Shōji to report to the Third Hokage at once, prompting Kogen and Homura to suspect a plot against the Uchiha.
• Kogen and Homura urged Shōji to refuse the summons until they consulted the clan head, but Shōji chose to obey and said he was prepared.
• Kogen led the Uchiha clansmen back to the clan grounds to report the summons to the clan head.
• The white-haired Anbu escorted Shōji to the Hokage Office Building, where Shōji greeted Sarutobi Hiruzen respectfully.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen praised Shōji’s performance in the Land of Hot Springs, and Shōji replied that he had only done his duty.

Sarutobi Hiruzen invited Uchiha Shōji to join the Hokage’s direct Anbu, believing him to be a trustworthy talent who could serve the village. Shōji accepted, and Hiruzen told him to rest before the Anbu contacted him.

• Sarutobi Hiruzen judged Shōji to be a promising and trustworthy Uchiha, though he planned to test him through missions.
• Hiruzen asked Shōji to join the Hokage’s direct Anbu, surprising him because no Uchiha had joined its ranks before.
• Hiruzen explained that he believed Shōji had the ability and commitment to fight for the village’s interests.
• Shōji resolved to accept the offer and told Hiruzen he would join the Anbu.
• Hiruzen told Shōji to rest for two days, seek help from him or the advisors if needed, and speak with Shisui.

After joining the Anbu, Shōji returned to the Uchiha compound, where Fugaku summoned him and proposed a Military Police Force squad captain position. Shōji waited to see how Fugaku would approach him, while danger had already begun closing in.

• Shōji asked Sarutobi Hiruzen whether his Anbu membership would be kept secret from the Uchiha leadership, and Hiruzen allowed an exception to test the clan's attitudes.
• Shōji decided he might eliminate Uchiha hardliners to protect the clan, but only if he could trust Hiruzen's intentions.
• In early December of Konoha Year 49, fifteen-year-old Shōji officially joined Konohagakure's Hokage-Direct Assassination Tactical Special Unit.
• Uchiha Yashiro met Shōji at the compound gate and escorted him to Fugaku, who praised his wartime accomplishments and proposed making him a Military Police Force squad captain.

Shōji rejected Fugaku’s offer to make him a Military Police Force squad captain and revealed that the Third Hokage had personally invited him to join the Anbu. Fugaku was shocked by the invitation and questioned Shōji about disclosing it, leaving their conversation unresolved.

• Fugaku offered Shōji a squad captain position in the Uchiha Clan’s Military Police Force, but Shōji refused.
• Shōji said his refusal was connected to the Third Hokage’s summons and asked Fugaku to dismiss everyone else.
• After Yashiro left, Shōji told Fugaku that the Third Hokage had invited him to join the Anbu.
• Fugaku reacted with shock and asked whether Shōji understood the meaning and confidentiality rules of joining the Anbu.

Shōji confronted Uchiha Fugaku about the Uchiha clan’s internal problems and its worsening conflict with Konoha. Fugaku agreed to trust Shōji with the clan’s external affairs, including dealings with the Third.

• Shōji challenged Fugaku to acknowledge the clan’s problems and argued that the Uchiha and Konoha were bound together.
• Fugaku described the clan’s relocation, exclusion, and suppression, and warned that growing anger had revived calls for a coup.
• Shōji pressed Fugaku to reject a desperate gamble, arguing that the Uchiha could not win a direct confrontation.
• Shōji asked Fugaku to entrust him with all the clan’s external affairs and said he believed the Third still sought a peaceful resolution.
• Fugaku accepted Shōji’s proposal and agreed to leave the matter to him.

Shōji reassured Fugaku that he would help prevent the Uchiha Clan’s destruction and proposed enduring the village’s hostility until a new Hokage could improve the clan’s position. Fugaku remained concerned about the plan’s risks and the clan’s growing unrest, while Shōji insisted that the alternative would lead to ruin.

• Shōji pledged his support to Fugaku and promised not to let the clan reach its worst possible end while he was alive.
• Fugaku asked Shōji how he planned to earn the trust of Konoha’s other clans and leaders, especially Shimura Danzō.
• Shōji proposed keeping the clan’s temper in check, following the Third’s orders, and waiting for the next Hokage to take office.
• Shōji said that finding the culprit behind the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack remained the fundamental solution, though it would be difficult.
• Fugaku warned that the next Hokage might share the Third’s or Shimura Danzō’s views and that the Uchiha Clan was nearing a breaking point.
• Shōji argued that waiting was the only viable path and said either of the two candidates he considered qualified to become Fifth Hokage would benefit the clan.

Shōji urged Fugaku to keep the Uchiha Clan stable while working to bring Jiraiya or Tsunade back to Konoha as the Fifth Hokage. After securing Fugaku’s understanding, Shōji left with the clan’s future still uncertain but his plan underway.

• Shōji told Fugaku that Jiraiya and Tsunade were the strongest candidates for Fifth Hokage and that he intended to help bring one of them back to Konoha.
• Fugaku agreed that either sannin could protect the Uchiha Clan from the worst outcomes and resolved to endure the difficult years ahead.
• Shōji urged Fugaku to keep the clan stable and avoid giving anyone an excuse to target them.
• As Shōji prepared to leave, Fugaku asked what he knew about Shisui, and Shōji replied that he believed they shared the same goal.
• Shōji left Fugaku’s residence, considering the conversation a necessary first step in his plan.

Shōji met the young Itachi and resolved to steer him away from the influence that would lead to the Uchiha massacre. After returning home, he spent his time off with his family and helped his younger siblings train.

• Shōji encountered Itachi on his way home and reflected on how he might guide him toward loyalty to the clan.
• Itachi told Shōji that he was enjoying the Ninja Academy and admired Shōji and Shisui.
• Shōji encouraged Itachi to study hard and offered to help with his training, while considering asking Fugaku to arrange his future within the clan.
• Shōji returned home and rested for two or three days with his family.
• Shōji accompanied Little Yang and Little Saki as they practiced their basic ninja training.

Shōji spent time training with his younger brother Yang before receiving orders to join the Anbu as a squad captain. The chapter ended with Shōji wondering whether his white-haired division captain was Kakashi Hatake and anticipating how the answer might affect his plans.

• Shōji praised Yang’s accurate shuriken throws and reminded him to balance training with rest.
• Shōji sent Yang indoors and met the white-haired Anbu who had come to deliver his assignment.
• The Anbu, Zero, told Shōji he would join the Anbu Third Division as Sixth Squad captain under the codename Hawk, starting the next morning.
• Shōji considered whether Zero was Kakashi Hatake and reflected on how that possibility could influence his Anbu career and plans for the Uchiha Clan and village.

Shōji arrived at a concealed Anbu branch base and followed Zero through its guarded entrance to the main hall. Zero explained the base’s security and secrecy rules as Shōji began learning how to operate within the Anbu.

• Shōji arrived at the western Anbu branch base and sensed a barrier and several strong Chakra fluctuations around it.
• Zero appeared and led Shōji through the hidden entrance, warning him to memorize the hand signals and footsteps that avoided traps.
• Shōji followed Zero through the guarded passage and carefully learned its markers and route.
• Zero showed Shōji the hall where squads held discussions and explained that the Third Squad and other squads used the base.
• Zero told Shōji never to reveal his identity, even though squad members often became familiar through working together on missions.

Shōji joined Konoha’s Anbu as the newly appointed captain of Sixth Squad and met the other squad leaders. Zero then assigned Third Squad to investigate a wave of mysterious disappearances in the village, which Shōji suspected might be connected to someone he knew.

• Zero led Shōji into a meeting room where five squad leaders were waiting.
• Zero introduced Shōji, whose Anbu codename was Hawk, to Nezumi, Kuro, Otsu, Naizumi, and Tora.
• Zero announced that nearly a hundred people, including more than a dozen ninja, had vanished from the village since the beginning of the year.
• Zero ordered the squad leaders to investigate the disappearances, report any clues immediately, and avoid acting rashly.
• Shōji suspected the disappearances were likely connected to a particular person.

Shōji considered the risks of the disappearance investigation before meeting his three Sixth Squad subordinates, who challenged his authority. He swiftly subdued the one who spoke, establishing his strength as their new captain.

• Zero dismissed the six squad leaders and ordered them to investigate the disappearances in and around Konoha in teams.
• Shōji worried that the investigation could expose the culprits, Shimura Danzō and Orochimaru, and considered whether to negotiate with Orochimaru.
• Shōji entered the Sixth Squad’s room and introduced himself as Captain Hawk, ordering his subordinates to follow his commands.
• The thin Anbu challenged Shōji to prove himself, and Shōji used a burst of speed and a kunai to subdue him before he could react.
• The thin Anbu realized Shōji was a powerful captain, while the other two subordinates stepped back in shock.

Shōji introduced himself to his Anbu squad and briefed Hoshi, Kumagan, and Yū on their mission to investigate the disappearances of Konoha patrol ninjas. The squad reached the eastern forest where the patrol team was last seen and began searching for clues.

• Shōji demonstrated his skill, earning Hoshi, Kumagan, and Yū's respect as their captain.
• Hoshi introduced himself as a Wind Style specialist, Kumagan as an Earth Style specialist, and Yū as a Water Style, swordsmanship, and barrier specialist.
• Shōji told the squad that the Hokage had ordered them to uncover the truth behind the recent disappearances, possibly caused by a spy from one of the four great villages.
• Shōji led his squad to the eastern forest where four patrol ninjas had vanished and ordered them to search carefully without separating too far.

Shōji suspected Orochimaru was behind the disappearances and weighed the risks of confronting him against the possible reward of obtaining Wood Release cells. After his squad found no clues at the initial scene, Shōji ordered them to broaden their search across the village.

• Shōji considered Orochimaru's strength and methods, and wondered whether the affair could benefit the Uchiha Clan.
• Shōji decided to gather firsthand information before choosing whether to watch Orochimaru or make contact with him, and considered seeking Wood Release cells.
• Shōji and his squad searched the area for several hours but found no traces beyond those left by the four missing patrolmen.
• Hoshi, Kumagan, and Yū reported that their searches had found no useful clues.
• Shōji told his squad to search both remote hiding places and ordinary areas where a high-ranking spy might live under an open identity.

Shōji investigated the disappearances while trying to find solid evidence against Orochimaru without exposing himself to unnecessary danger. After a week, the Anbu divisions had found no useful leads, and Danzo suspected Orochimaru was under scrutiny and considered how to keep him hidden for his own plans against Sarutobi Hiruzen.

• Shōji weighed the risks of investigating Orochimaru and decided to gather intelligence while remaining cautious.
• Shōji led his three subordinates on routine searches for several days, but the Anbu found no useful evidence despite extensive efforts.
• The Third Hokage received reports of the failed investigation and grew concerned about the lack of results.
• Danzo inferred that Orochimaru might have been discovered and considered how to restrain him, since he still intended to use Orochimaru against Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Shimura Danzō ordered Root to protect Orochimaru, who continued illegal experiments in a secret Konoha laboratory and prepared to defect once they were complete. A week later, the Third Hokage’s investigation into disappearances was underway with two Anbu squads assigned to it.

• Shimura Danzō sent a Root operative to deliver a message and ordered Kinoe to stay ready so Orochimaru would remain protected.
• Orochimaru received a scroll and learned that Sarutobi Hiruzen was taking the matter seriously, but decided to accelerate his experiments and leave Konoha at the end of the month.
• Orochimaru reflected that he and Shimura Danzō were only using each other and resolved to sever his ties with Konoha before the new year.
• After most frontline personnel returned and fighting with Kumogakure eased, Sarutobi Hiruzen assigned two Anbu squads to investigate the disappearances.

Shōji suspected Orochimaru was preparing to flee Konoha and decided to seek a deal for the First Hokage’s Wood Release cells. Disguised as Uchiha Obito, he went to Orochimaru’s residence to approach him without revealing his identity.

• The Third Hokage’s Anbu searched Konoha for a week but found no trail, while two more nighttime patrolmen disappeared.
• The Third Hokage placed village department heads who had left Konoha under investigation, but the inquiries revealed nothing unusual.
• Shōji concluded that Orochimaru’s increasingly brazen crimes suggested he planned to escape and considered it best for the Uchiha Clan if he left safely.
• Shōji prepared to trade for the First Hokage’s Wood Release cells and chose to approach Orochimaru in disguise.
• Near the end of December in Konoha Year 49, Shōji evaded patrols and arrived at Orochimaru’s residence wearing a red-cloud cloak and Spiral Mask.

Shōji infiltrated Orochimaru’s residence and discovered a hidden laboratory beneath the courtyard. There, he confronted Orochimaru and revealed his Mangekyō Sharingan, leaving Orochimaru shocked and wary.

• Shōji searched Orochimaru’s dark residence but found no sign of him until his Sharingan detected chakra near a courtyard rockery.
• Shōji opened a concealed entrance in the rockery and descended into a hidden underground laboratory.
• As Shōji approached the end of the passage, Orochimaru emerged from the shadows after detecting the intruder.
• Shōji revealed his Mangekyō Sharingan, and Orochimaru recognized its power and quickly avoided meeting his gaze.
• Orochimaru recalled the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox’s rampage and Konoha’s fears that a Mangekyō wielder could control the Nine-Tails.

Shōji met Orochimaru in Konoha and offered him refuge in Akatsuki in exchange for Wood Release research and service to the organization. Orochimaru accepted the deal, and Shōji left him with Akatsuki supplies and a warning to escape Konoha soon.

• Shōji told Orochimaru that the Third Hokage’s Anbu would soon track him down and offered Akatsuki as a refuge, mentioning its leader’s Rinnegan.
• Orochimaru asked what he would have to give, and Shōji demanded Wood Release cells and research materials, along with mission service.
• Orochimaru accepted and tossed Shōji two scrolls containing the cells and research materials.
• Shōji gave Orochimaru Akatsuki intelligence, a Red Cloud Robe, and a ring bearing the code name “Sora.”
• Shōji warned Orochimaru not to underestimate his teacher and urged him to finish his plans and leave Konoha quickly.

Shōji completed a deal with Orochimaru, obtaining Hashirama Senju's Wood Release cells and information while planting a future source of suspicion between Orochimaru and Obito. He planned to observe Orochimaru's possible defection and Sarutobi Hiruzen's response, unaware that Shimura Danzō would soon disrupt his plans.

• Orochimaru accepted Shōji's offer, believing he had gained valuable intelligence for almost no cost, and decided to accelerate his plans while staying wary of Sarutobi Hiruzen.
• Shōji left Orochimaru's laboratory satisfied with the deal and hoped that Orochimaru's future encounter with Obito would cause suspicion.
• Shōji returned home, unsealed a bottle of Hashirama Senju's Wood Release cells, and then sealed it away for future research.
• Shōji hid Orochimaru's cell-activity research data and decided to wait and observe how Konoha and Sarutobi Hiruzen would respond if Orochimaru defected.
• Shimura Danzō prepared to interfere with Shōji's plans.

Shimura Danzō accused the Uchiha Clan of causing the village’s disappearances and urged Sarutobi Hiruzen to restrict its Military Police Force and question its members. Hiruzen remained uncertain, while Mitokado Homura supported Danzō’s proposal.

• Shimura Danzō told Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu that he suspected the Uchiha Clan was behind the disappearances.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen challenged Danzō’s claim, citing the Uchiha Clan’s recent restraint and reports from Shisui and Shōji.
• Danzō argued that the disappearances targeted other clans, blamed the Uchiha’s control of the Military Police Force, and questioned whether Shisui and Shōji could know what the clan elders were doing.
• Hiruzen considered Danzō’s argument but doubted the Uchiha Clan would use secret disappearances, even as he recalled the unexplained Sharingan behind the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack.
• Danzō urged Hiruzen to restrict the Uchiha and question Military Police Force members, and Mitokado Homura supported the proposal.

Sarutobi Hiruzen delayed Shimura Danzō’s push for forceful action against the Uchiha Clan, choosing further investigation instead. Danzō agreed outwardly but secretly resolved to protect Orochimaru and pursue his own plans, while Hiruzen asked Mitokado Homura to watch him closely.

• Utatane Koharu urged Sarutobi Hiruzen to decide how to respond to the disappearances, which had not included any Uchiha Clan members.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen chose to question Shisui and Shōji, investigate the Uchiha Clan further, and wait for leads from Anbu before taking forceful action.
• Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu accepted Hiruzen’s cautious approach, while Shimura Danzō realized Anbu might be closing in on Orochimaru.
• Shimura Danzō offered to have Root monitor suspicious members of the Uchiha Clan’s Military Police Force and pressed Hiruzen to act if evidence emerged.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen warned Danzō against extreme measures, then asked Mitokado Homura to keep a closer watch on him.

Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered the disappearance investigation accelerated and urgently summoned Shōji to ask about personnel changes in the Uchiha Clan. Shōji denied knowing of major recent changes, while Hiruzen continued assessing whether the clan was involved.

• Sarutobi Hiruzen told the two Anbu squad captains to accelerate the disappearance investigation, even if it meant overstepping minor boundaries.
• The next morning, Shōji's squad captain stopped him on his way to the Anbu base and ordered him to report to Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately.
• Shōji worried that his meeting with Orochimaru had been discovered, then concluded that the summons was more likely related to an incident within the clan.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen asked Shōji whether the Uchiha Clan had made unusual personnel changes over the past half year, especially in the Military Police Force.
• Shōji said that only some clan members returning from the battlefield had been reassigned to the Military Police Force and that he knew little about changes over the past half year.

Sarutobi Hiruzen pressured Shōji to investigate a disappearance case that might be connected to the Uchiha Clan, giving him two days to clear the clan’s name. Shōji secured the Third Hokage’s apparent agreement to a joint investigation, while Hiruzen privately suspected spies from other nations rather than the Uchiha Clan.

• Sarutobi Hiruzen told Shōji that suspicious intelligence linked the disappearance case to the Uchiha Clan and demanded answers within two days.
• Shōji denied the clan’s involvement and offered to persuade Uchiha Fugaku to have the Military Police Force cooperate with the Anbu in a joint investigation.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen said he trusted Shōji but insisted the matter was urgent, and Shōji understood that he had to prove the clan’s innocence.
• Shōji left for the Uchiha compound, believing the clan had retained some autonomy and that the situation had not reached the point of no return.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Shōji depart and privately judged that spies from other nations were more likely responsible than the Uchiha Clan.