Ch. 121Itachi vs. Neji
Chapter Summary: Itachi vs. Neji
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Feng notices that Neji has been missing for over a month and behaving strangely. He voices his concern to Tsunade, suspecting that something serious may have happened within the Hyuga Clan.
- Tsunade remains determined to convene a Five Kage Summit to unite the villages against Akatsuki, despite Feng’s reservations. Feng disagrees but supports her decision.
- A powerful tremor signals a battle nearby. Feng and Tsunade rush into the forest to investigate.
- They discover Uchiha Itachi confronting Neji Hyuga. Itachi demands that Neji return with him so they can resolve matters peacefully, but Neji refuses, insisting that he must pursue his own goal.
- The conflict escalates as Itachi activates his full Crow Tengu Susanoo, wielding the Yata Mirror and Totsuka Blade. Neji responds by entering Tenseigan Chakra Mode and summoning nine Truth-Seeking Orbs.
- Itachi recognizes that Neji’s power now rivals the overwhelming strength of Uchiha Feng and Tsunade, making Neji a far more dangerous opponent than expected.
- Itachi attacks with Yasaka Magatama and Amaterasu. Neji narrowly evades and counters with Gentle Fist techniques, chakra shields, and powerful ranged attacks.
- Neji ultimately launches a Truth-Seeking Orb at Itachi’s Susanoo. Itachi realizes that the orb may break through his defenses and prepares to evade it.
- The chapter ends in the middle of the battle, with the outcome unresolved.
Character Developments
- Uchiha Feng: Shows deep concern for Neji and the Hyuga Clan. Although he disagrees with Tsunade’s political strategy, he demonstrates loyalty by supporting her decision.
- Tsunade: Remains decisive and politically proactive, determined to unite the Five Kage against Akatsuki. She also shares Feng’s concern about the growing crisis.
- Itachi: Acts as a mediator before becoming an opponent, attempting to bring Neji back peacefully. Once Neji refuses, Itachi becomes serious and uses his strongest techniques, while still showing concern for him.
- Neji: Has become highly powerful and fiercely independent. His commitment to his unknown objective outweighs his willingness to return or compromise. His Tenseigan Chakra Mode and Truth-Seeking Orbs place him above Itachi in raw power.
Significant Themes
- Loyalty versus individual conviction: Itachi wants Neji to return, while Neji insists on following his own path.
- Power and escalation: The confrontation quickly progresses from an attempt at negotiation to a battle involving Susanoo, Amaterasu, Tenseigan Chakra Mode, and Truth-Seeking Orbs.
- Concern for loved ones: Feng’s anxiety over Neji and Itachi’s reluctance to fight him show that the conflict is personal rather than purely strategic.
- Political unity against a larger threat: Tsunade’s plan for a Five Kage Summit establishes the broader struggle against Akatsuki beyond the immediate duel.
Character Interactions
- Feng and Tsunade discuss Neji’s disappearance and the Hyuga Clan’s uncertain future, revealing mutual trust despite strategic disagreement.
- Itachi repeatedly urges Neji to abandon his extreme course and return so they can resolve the situation together.
- Neji rejects Itachi’s appeal, asserting his independence and refusing to surrender his goal.
- Their concern and emotional connection are overshadowed by increasingly destructive combat, culminating in Neji’s Truth-Seeking Orb threatening to destroy Itachi’s Susanoo.