Chapter Summaries

Ren learned from the system’s only log that it had escaped the Land of Wind, lost most of its modules, and taken over the body that became his, before entering hibernation. Back in the lunar palace with Toneri, Ren began weighing what he had learned and formed a series of decisions.

• Ren watched the system’s viewpoint travel from the Land of Wind to Konoha as its diagnostic reports listed lost and damaged modules.
• The system’s viewpoint entered Ren’s former home, where Ren saw Takuma and Mina together before the view went black.
• The system replaced its host body using its mission module, then entered automatic hibernation after reporting insufficient energy.
• Ren returned to the gallery, thanked the system for giving him a life and family, and confirmed that the achievement module remained unchanged.
• Ren carried Toneri to a corner of the lunar palace, sat down, and began sorting through the information before making a series of decisions.

Ren recovered from his emotional turmoil, then ordered Orochimaru to use the Tenseigan to investigate the moon before continuing his research. Orochimaru agreed, curious about what Ren had inferred, and held out his hand to him.

• Ren slept beside Toneri while Orochimaru watched him through the Tenseigan and decided against making a move.
• After waking and eating, Ren went to Orochimaru and asked him to investigate the moon with the Tenseigan.
• Orochimaru asked to finish his research first, but Ren invoked his command authority and ordered him to investigate immediately.
• Ren admitted he had inferred something from other intelligence but refused to explain until it was confirmed.
• Orochimaru agreed to begin the investigation and extended his right hand toward Ren.

Ren and Orochimaru used the Tenseigan to connect their inner worlds, but Orochimaru discovered that Ren had filled his with fabricated memories. They began examining the scene around them, and Orochimaru turned the Tenseigan’s gaze beyond the room.

• Orochimaru revealed that the Tenseigan had taught him a technique for transmitting information through chakra, and Ren recognized it as a two-way connection.
• Ren clasped Orochimaru’s hand, entered his empty inner world, and found he could move freely through it.
• Orochimaru explored Ren’s inner world and saw glowing projections of Ren’s supposed past, including absurd scenes of a young Ren preaching the Will of Fire to a crowd.
• Orochimaru realized Ren’s projections were a smokescreen, and both men left the inner worlds without discussing what they had seen.
• Ren and Orochimaru examined an image of themselves beside Toneri, and Ren noticed the difference in their chakra before Orochimaru turned the Tenseigan’s gaze beyond the room.

Fugaku stood in for Ren in Konoha while Ren and Orochimaru remained out of contact, and he worried over the mysterious Origin Project. When its results emerged, Orochimaru and Kabuto disagreed over how to handle them, so Kabuto ordered the researchers sealed and went to Fugaku, who decided to contact Ren immediately.

• Fugaku listened to the front-line report in Ren's name and kept his impersonation secret from Mikoto Uchiha.
• Fugaku recalled that Ren had said to contact him only if Konoha faced destruction or the Origin Project reached its final results.
• A researcher showed Orochimaru and Kabuto the Origin Project's results, and Orochimaru said they proved his prediction correct.
• Kabuto tensed at the results, but relaxed after Orochimaru reminded him of Ren's instructions.
• Kabuto ordered everyone in the laboratory to undergo the highest-level sealing, then hurried to the Hokage Building.
• After hearing Kabuto's account, Fugaku ordered someone to contact Ren immediately.

Ren and Orochimaru searched the moon for Ōtsutsuki Kaguya but found no trace of her, then used the system logs and Tenseigan to retrace a past journey from the Land of Wind toward Konoha. Ren matched the viewpoint just as the inventory-loss warning appeared, revealing an old ruin.

• Ren and Orochimaru searched the moon repeatedly, finding the Ōtsutsuki Clan graveyard and the hollow that had held the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, but not Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
• Ren considered why Kaguya might be absent and why Black Zetsu had pursued the Infinite Tsukuyomi, then redirected Orochimaru's search toward the Land of Wind.
• Ren and Orochimaru painstakingly matched the system log's viewpoint, route, height, and speed from the Land of Wind toward Konoha.
• Ren told Orochimaru to stop when the system warned that the inventory had been lost, and they saw an old ruin on the screen.

Ren recognized the Ancient Kingdom of Roran and realized the Dragon Vein might have taken the system’s backpack, giving him a lead on his original goal. After Konoha contacted him, Ren left the moon with Toneri and a pair of Byakugan, while Haku followed through the passage and a seal appeared in the pool.

• Ren recognized the ruins as the Ancient Kingdom of Roran and suspected the Dragon Vein had taken the system’s backpack.
• Ren ended his mental conversation with Orochimaru and inferred that Konoha had completed the chakra research.
• Ren sent Konoha a reply saying he was coming back immediately, then asked Orochimaru for a pair of Byakugan.
• Ren took the Byakugan and Toneri and left the moon through the passage.
• Ren emerged in the Shinobi World, where Haku greeted him and then entered the passage to the moon.
• Black patterns spread across the bottom of the pool and formed a large seal character.

Ren read Kabuto’s report that the chakra research had succeeded and that the researchers involved posed a serious problem, then returned to Konoha with Toneri. He headed for the laboratory building to find out what had happened.

• Ren read Kabuto’s scroll, which reported the research results and asked how to handle the researchers, then burned it.
• Ren considered why Kabuto wanted to kill the project participants and decided to return to Konoha quickly.
• Shisui arrived and used space-time ninjutsu to take Ren and Toneri to the Uchiha Clan Grounds.
• Ren thanked Shisui and went straight to the laboratory building.

Orochimaru shared his discoveries with Haku, who recognized that others had also uncovered the truth about the Shinobi World. Orochimaru and Kabuto explained to Ren that shinobi did not own chakra but possessed the authority to use it, and Ren concluded that the world operated like a game.

• Haku entered the Tenseigan chamber and, by clasping hands with Orochimaru, learned about Orochimaru’s experiences and experiments on the moon.
• Orochimaru told Haku that shinobi never possessed chakra, and Haku replied that Orochimaru was not the only one who had grasped the truth.
• Kabuto answered Ren’s question by saying shinobi possessed the right to use chakra, and Orochimaru supported his answer.
• Orochimaru used Karin’s healing ability and experimental results to explain that shinobi exchanged spiritual and physical energy for authority over chakra.
• Ren connected Orochimaru’s theory to abilities and events involving the Sharingan, tailed beasts, Black Zetsu, Pain, and senjutsu, then concluded that the Shinobi World was a game.

Ren realized that true chakra had to be secured for Konoha or the Uchiha Clan and learned that the Dragon Vein might make it possible. He ordered the researchers to share the truth and work together, leaving Kabuto to organize the effort.

• Ren concluded that the Sage of Six Paths had a purpose behind distributing false chakra and decided Konoha or the Uchiha Clan needed access to true chakra.
• Ren asked Orochimaru whether the Chakra-Making Device could be miniaturized and mass-produced, but Orochimaru said its design was already at its limit.
• Kabuto told Ren that a preliminary plan involving the Dragon Vein could give Konoha's shinobi real chakra, and Ren guessed the Dragon Vein before Kabuto explained its connection to natural energy.
• Kabuto estimated that a prototype would take half a month to a month, and Ren ordered him to tell the other researchers the truth and bring them into the project.
• Kabuto agreed and left to organize the researchers, while Ren wondered whether giving Kabuto too much dirty work had made him think like Danzo.

Ren learned that revealing the truth about chakra had caused psychological distress among his researchers, and he went to help them face it. He urged them to move beyond doubts about the past and dedicate themselves to developing a new system that would let Konoha master chakra.

• Kabuto reported that several researchers had suffered mental breakdowns or requested to withdraw and have their memories sealed after learning the truth about chakra.
• Ren, Orochimaru, and Kabuto visited the researchers, who looked shaken but greeted Ren as their Hokage.
• A researcher said the revelation made the world feel unreal and seemed to strip ninja history of its meaning.
• Ren told the researchers that the past existed only in memory and that they should face the truth rather than retreat from it, especially when their choices could affect those they cared about.
• Ren explained that he had suspected chakra was false since he first refined it and had funded research to discover the truth after becoming head of the Uchiha Clan.
• Ren called on the researchers to help Konoha master chakra and create a new system for ninja, presenting them as pioneers of a new era.

Ren demonstrated that his flames were real fire and claimed that mastering true chakra had made him powerful, convincing the researchers to commit themselves to the project. Orochimaru and Kabuto recognized that Ren was lying but chose not to expose him, leaving the group united and eager to continue.

• Ren created a ball of genuine fire with his template ability, and the researchers confirmed it was not simulated with Fire Release chakra.
• Ren said his unusual power proved shinobi could master true chakra, then claimed he had once been an ordinary Chunin.
• The researchers grew excited at the possibility of gaining power and resolved to take part in the project's follow-up work.
• Orochimaru and Kabuto realized Ren was misleading the researchers but kept quiet and supported his performance.
• Ren united the researchers behind the project and bolstered their hopes.

Ren left the laboratory and returned to the Hokage Building, where he decided to wait for Kabuto or Orochimaru to learn more about the Dragon Vein before searching for his system inventory. Meanwhile, the Allied Shinobi Forces occupied half of the Land of Earth and advanced in loosely coordinated groups, with Nagato and Konan traveling alongside Amegakure's forces.

• Ren found Fugaku waiting in his office, but Fugaku greeted him and hurriedly left.
• Ren decided not to investigate the Dragon Vein alone and planned to wait for Konoha's team and for Kabuto or Orochimaru to uncover a clear pattern.
• The Allied Shinobi Forces occupied half of the Land of Earth and shifted to advancing across multiple fronts with reduced central command.
• Kusagakure joined forces with the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Birds, while Amegakure's forces traveled with Takigakure's.
• Nagato and Konan relinquished their positions and joined the front squad of Amegakure's forces under the identities of Pain and Angel Konan.

Nagato and Konan disguised themselves to avoid Jiraiya, but he caught up with them. Nagato was unwilling to renew their relationship and warned Jiraiya away as his right hand transformed into a cannon.

• A young ninja tried to impress Konan, and the squad captain angrily reprimanded him.
• Nagato sensed Jiraiya approaching, then took Konan and left the squad at high speed.
• Jiraiya emerged from a toad and greeted Nagato and Konan, who dropped their disguises.
• Nagato recalled how Jiraiya had persistently sought to reconnect with them, while Konan had accepted his presence.
• Nagato told Jiraiya not to come closer as his right hand transformed into a glowing cannon.

Jiraiya summoned Shima and Fukasaku and entered Sage Mode to face Nagato, who rejected his talk of prophecy and attacked. The battle began with Nagato catching Jiraiya’s punch.

• Jiraiya gathered natural energy while Nagato watched, hoping he would make the first move.
• Jiraiya summoned Shima and Fukasaku, who recognized Nagato’s Rinnegan and argued over the prophecy.
• Nagato dismissed the prophecy and launched two attacks toward Shima and Fukasaku.
• Jiraiya dodged Nagato’s attack in Sage Mode and advanced to fight him.
• Nagato met Jiraiya head-on and caught his punch in one hand.

Nagato overwhelmed Jiraiya in Sage Mode with the Six Paths of Pain and absorbed Jiraiya’s Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan. Jiraiya’s attacks had failed to harm Nagato, who stood unharmed and ready to continue the fight.

• Nagato fought Jiraiya evenly in taijutsu while Konan watched from above.
• Jiraiya called on Shima and Fukasaku to use Frog Kata, but Nagato’s King of Hell blocked the natural-energy attacks and seized Jiraiya with its tongue.
• Nagato kicked Jiraiya away and warned that he would kill him if that was all Jiraiya could do.
• Jiraiya launched an Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan, but Nagato absorbed its chakra and emerged unscathed.

Jiraiya tested Nagato's abilities and learned that Nagato could absorb even his strongest Sage Art, leaving Jiraiya unwilling to continue the fight. As Jiraiya walked away, Nagato asked him to explain the Child of Prophecy.

• Jiraiya and the two sages used Sage Art: Goemon against Nagato, but Nagato absorbed the technique with the Preta Path.
• Jiraiya realized ordinary ninjutsu could not harm Nagato, and the sages proposed using genjutsu.
• Jiraiya declined to continue fighting, thanked Fukasaku and Shima, and released their summons.
• Jiraiya said he would visit Nagato and Konan again the next day, then left.
• Nagato asked Jiraiya to tell him about the Child of Prophecy.

After recognizing Jiraiya’s strength, Nagato invited him to explain the prophecy and learned that Jiraiya believed Nagato was the Child of Destiny. Jiraiya left after urging Nagato to stop Uchiha Yushu’s plan and bring peace to the ninja world.

• Nagato reassessed Jiraiya after their battle and told him he was interested in hearing about the prophecy.
• Jiraiya eagerly began explaining the Child of Prophecy, Mount Myōboku, and Gamamaru’s recent prophecy while Nagato regretted asking.
• Jiraiya said Nagato was the Child of Destiny and described his belief that the Shinobi Alliance and Uchiha Yushu’s plan threatened the ninja.
• Jiraiya urged Nagato to stop Uchiha Yushu’s plan and bring peace, then offered his help before departing.
• Nagato listened without stopping Jiraiya, while Konan noticed and accepted the changes in him.

After hearing Jiraiya's prophecy, Nagato concluded that Ren intended to end shinobi warfare by exhausting the shinobi world, but he remained unsure whether to stop him. Nagato and Konan returned to the Amegakure camp, leaving the story with the young man still suffering behind them.

• Nagato told Konan that he rejected Jiraiya's speculation about his role in the prophecy, though it made him reconsider Ren's intentions.
• Nagato concluded that Ren planned to exhaust the shinobi world through endless wars and wondered whether a world without shinobi might prevent past tragedies.
• Nagato decided to observe Ren's plan longer rather than intervene, then told Konan to return with him to the Amegakure camp.
• A young man begged Nagato and Konan for help, but Nagato ignored him and hurried toward the camp while Konan followed.

As the Allied Shinobi Forces gathered outside Iwagakure, Rōshi prepared the village for its impending destruction and learned that six chūnin had killed their own relatives so they could fight to the death. He asked the commander of Iwagakure’s aerial forces whether he resented being denied a chance to surrender, and the man pledged loyalty to the village.

• Ren learned that the Allied Shinobi Forces had reached Iwagakure and considered making arrangements for Tobi.
• Rōshi learned that Tsuchikawa’s team had gone missing in the Land of Snow and Gray Stone’s team had disappeared at sea.
• Han told Rōshi that nearly all shinobi with family ties had joined their cause, but six chūnin had killed their relatives and planned to die fighting for Iwagakure.
• Rōshi reviewed the six chūnin’s files and interrogation records, then dismissed Han and the other officials.
• Rōshi asked the remaining commander whether he hated him for denying the aerial forces any chance to surrender, and the commander vowed to give his last drop of blood for Iwagakure.

The Allied Shinobi Forces prepared to take Iwagakure and tried to persuade its shinobi to surrender. Rōshi rejected their offer, declared that Iwagakure would fight to the death, and charged at the alliance.

• The Allied Shinobi Forces commanders agreed to urge Iwagakure to surrender before attacking.
• The alliance sent surrender notices into Iwagakure and broadcast instructions for a Self-Sealing Technique.
• A miniature Tailed Beast Ball flew from Iwagakure, and Utakata intercepted it with one of his own.
• Rōshi appeared atop Iwagakure's gate, refused to surrender, and ordered the village to fight to the death.
• Rōshi leapt from the wall and charged toward the Allied Shinobi Forces.