Chapter Summaries

Plot and events

• Sasuke defeats Kirigakure’s Suigetsu in the third additional match. Using his Two-Tomoe Sharingan, Sasuke tracks Suigetsu’s movements and recognizes that maintaining Hydrification and controlling water consumes chakra and requires him to replenish water.
• Sasuke uses fire attacks to evaporate Suigetsu’s body water, then completes Heaven-Burning Eagle just before Suigetsu’s Water Dragon Bullet Technique can hit. The tracking fire technique overwhelms Suigetsu’s defenses, leaves him severely injured and out of chakra, and earns Sasuke the win.
• Konoha celebrates, while ninjas from other villages recognize Sasuke as a serious threat. Gaara’s gourd trembles, suggesting Shukaku is wary of him.
• The fourth match pits Konoha’s Haku against Akado Yoroi. Haku swiftly evades Yoroi’s chakra-absorbing touch, disarms him with senbon, and incapacitates him with precise strikes—all in under ten seconds. Haku wins without openly using Ice Release.
• Mei Terumi is surprised to find a Yuki Clan member representing Konoha. Uchiha You reminds her that Kirigakure’s persecution of kekkei genkai clans drove Haku from his home, and warns that Konoha will protect him. Mei says Kirigakure will not take him by force, though she hopes to learn whether he would return.

Character developments and interactions

• Sasuke shows improved Sharingan perception and greater control of Heaven-Burning Eagle, but You points out that he completed it at the last moment and remains vulnerable if pressured more strongly. Sasuke accepts the need to improve. Naruto congratulates him, but Sasuke remains reserved; You teases Naruto about wanting to learn the Rasengan.
• Suigetsu acknowledges Sasuke’s strength and concedes defeat.
• Haku stays gentle and composed despite Yoroi’s insults, calmly correcting his assumption that Haku is a woman. His skill suggests substantial strength beyond what he displayed.
• Mei is forced to confront Kirigakure’s past and Haku’s apparent loyalty to Konoha. You emphasizes that Haku is his student, not merely a valuable kekkei genkai wielder.

Significant themes

• Growth through struggle: Sasuke wins, but the narrow timing of his finishing technique exposes room for improvement.
• Power and perception: Konoha’s young ninja earn respect—and concern—from rival villages.
• Protection and belonging: Haku’s place in Konoha contrasts with the persecution that drove him from the Land of Water.
• The legacy of prejudice: Mei’s encounter with Haku brings Kirigakure’s treatment of kekkei genkai clans into focus.

Plot and events

• The additional matches conclude, revealing the strongest remaining genin from each village.
• Konoha’s candidates dominate: Kimimaro, Haku, Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, Shino, Rock Lee, and Hinata all win. Naruto uses his mastered Cloud-Piercing Wings and Gale Palm to defeat a defensive Earth Release user; Hinata decisively wins with the Byakugan and Gentle Fist.
• Sand’s Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro advance with effortless victories. Iwagakure’s Kurotsuchi and Kirigakure’s Chojuro also qualify.
• Shisui announces 14 finalists: nine from Konoha, three from Sunagakure, one from Iwagakure, and one from Kirigakure. The finals will be held in Konoha in one month, with the major villages’ Kage attending. Chunin promotion will depend not only on victories but also on judgment, leadership, and conduct.
• Uchiha You begins preparing Naruto and Sasuke for the finals, planning to teach them the Rasengan and Chidori, while continuing Sakura’s medical and strength training.

Character developments and interactions

• Naruto shows confidence in his improved flight technique and eagerly anticipates learning the Rasengan, though Sasuke teases him about his training accidents. Hinata, encouraged by Naruto’s support, smiles after her victory.
• Suigetsu accepts his loss to Sasuke as motivation for a rematch, while Sasuke dismisses his excuses.
• Kurotsuchi openly signals her interest in challenging Uchiha You. Gaara watches Naruto with a cold, focused gaze; Chojuro, Kimimaro, Haku, and Lee also look ahead to the finals.
• Tsunade recognizes Konoha’s unusually strong showing, and You frames the finals as a chance for the village to demonstrate its strength.

Significant themes

• Growth through effort and rivalry: Naruto’s progress, Hinata’s newfound confidence, and Suigetsu’s response to defeat all point toward continued development.
• Skill beyond raw power: Shikamaru’s tactics and the chunin assessment criteria emphasize judgment, leadership, and decision-making as much as winning.
• Rising inter-village competition: The finals promise a broader test of Konoha’s next generation before the other villages and their Kage.

Key plot points and events

• After surviving the Forest of Death and the extra qualifying match, the fourteen finalists stay to consider the finals, which are a month away and will draw the Kage of the major villages.
• Uchiha You tells the exhausted candidates to rest in the morning and meet at Training Ground Three at 2 p.m. He also summons Kimimaro, Haku, and Karin to join Team 7’s training.
• You warns Tsunade that holding the finals at Konoha’s central arena would put residents at risk if an attack occurred. With Orochimaru having infiltrated the Forest of Death and many outsiders in the village, he argues that security cannot be taken for granted.
• They decide to move the finals to open land east of Konoha. Tenzo’s Wood Release can help build the arena quickly, while Earth Release teams and barrier units will provide defenses and evacuation routes.
• You agrees to take charge of security on the day, including monitoring and separating village delegations and their Kage-level fighters.
• At Training Ground Three, You launches a month-long special training program: Naruto will learn the Rasengan, Sasuke the Chidori, and Sakura will continue developing Chakra-Enhanced Strength and Medical Ninjutsu under Tsunade. Kimimaro, Haku, and Karin will receive new assignments as well.

Character developments and interactions

• Naruto is eager to train immediately but is reminded that rest matters; his hunger and banter with Sasuke reveal his impulsiveness and competitive spirit.
• Sasuke is exhausted but already recovering and remains focused on strengthening himself, asking to learn the Chidori.
• Sakura keeps Naruto and Sasuke’s bickering in check and takes her place as Tsunade’s student.
• Karin teases Naruto about once using a Shadow Clone to cover for being late, showing her sharp memory and sensory abilities.
• Tsunade initially questions You’s security concerns but takes them seriously, authorizes the venue change, and accepts his offer to oversee security. She also leaves her paperwork to train Sakura.
• Uchiha You is both a demanding mentor and a cautious strategist. His confidence in handling the Kage-level threat helps persuade Tsunade to entrust him with security.

Significant themes

• Preparation and discipline: The finalists must balance recovery with intensive training as they face exceptionally strong opponents.
• Leadership and responsibility: You and Tsunade prioritize public safety and plan for contingencies rather than assuming the exams will proceed peacefully.
• Ambition and competition: The finals offer the young ninja a chance to prove themselves before the leaders of the major villages.
• Teamwork across differences: Candidates from different backgrounds train together, while village rivalries require careful management and security.

Key events

• Special training begins at Training Ground Three, with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura each studying a signature technique under a different mentor.
• Naruto practices the Rasengan’s rotation and compression. After repeatedly bursting water balloons, he uses a shadow clone to divide the work between maintaining rotation and controlling compression. He forms an unstable but recognizable chakra sphere, then steadies it with Uchiha You’s guidance.
• Kakashi teaches Sasuke Chidori, explaining that its high-speed charge can overwhelm the user’s vision—but Sasuke’s Sharingan can compensate. Sasuke struggles to stabilize lightning chakra at first, then improves after Kakashi explains how to concentrate it like a blade.
• Tsunade introduces Sakura to the Yin Seal. Though completing it will take years, Sakura can begin forming its core by practicing precise, sustained chakra compression into a crystal ball. She quickly corrects her output when it becomes unsteady.

Character development and interactions

• Naruto shows inventiveness and persistence, adapting the Rasengan training to his strengths by using a shadow clone. Uchiha You offers concise guidance and recognizes Naruto’s ability to learn through unconventional methods.
• Sasuke approaches Chidori analytically and understands why it suits his Sharingan. Kakashi gives him careful instruction, emphasizing control and safety over immediate power.
• Sakura is initially startled by the Yin Seal’s long timeline but commits to training. Tsunade is strict and practical, while also recognizing Sakura’s exceptional chakra control.
• The three students are trained separately, with Uchiha You observing Sasuke while Kakashi and Tsunade take the lead in teaching him and Sakura.

Significant themes

• Control before power: Each technique demands precision—rotation and compression for the Rasengan, stable concentration for Chidori, and exact long-term storage for the Yin Seal.
• Training tailored to individual strengths: Naruto uses shadow clones, Sasuke’s Sharingan complements Chidori, and Sakura’s chakra control suits the Yin Seal.
• Patience and persistence: Mastery requires repeated practice, sustained effort, and accepting that progress—especially Sakura’s seal—takes time.

Plot points and events

• During training, Uchiha You evaluates Kimimaro and identifies a weakness in his close-range-focused fighting style. He teaches him to develop chakra-propelled bone projectiles, potentially enhanced with Wind-nature chakra, and warns that Kimimaro also needs stronger defenses against large-scale attacks.
• You infuses Kimimaro’s bones with Black Umbrella’s power. The resulting Black Bone Transformation currently covers only Kimimaro’s right arm, greatly increasing its strength and giving it a corrosive effect. You cautions him about its chakra cost, physical strain, and possible influence on his will.
• You tells Haku that his Ice Release is effective at delaying and controlling opponents but lacks a decisive finishing attack. He begins teaching Haku to combine ice with Black Umbrella’s corruption. Haku struggles to stabilize corrupted Ice Needles but succeeds on his seventh attempt.
• The chapter briefly shifts to lighter banter when Naruto questions You’s praise of Haku. Sasuke adds a teasing jab at Naruto, prompting laughter before training resumes.
• The other students continue their preparations: Naruto practices the Rasengan, Sasuke trains in lightning chakra with Kakashi, Sakura works on the foundation of the Yin Seal, and Karin trains in sensory range and sealing techniques.
• With the finals a month away, You intends to show that Konoha’s younger generation can rival the shinobi world’s established powers.

Character development and interactions

• Kimimaro accepts difficult training without hesitation and endures the painful transformation in silence, demonstrating exceptional resilience and discipline. He gains a powerful new defensive and offensive option but must learn to control its risks.
• Haku remains calm and determined through repeated failures, showing strong chakra control and a willingness to refine his abilities. He responds warmly to You’s instruction.
• Uchiha You acts as a demanding mentor, tailoring new techniques to each student’s weaknesses while emphasizing control and responsibility.
• Naruto and Sasuke share a teasing exchange that highlights their contrasting personalities and the group’s growing camaraderie.

Significant themes

• Growth through confronting weaknesses: You pushes each student beyond techniques they already rely on.
• Power and its costs: Black Umbrella’s abilities offer extraordinary strength but demand chakra, physical endurance, and firm self-control.
• The next generation’s promise: The training builds toward the finals and the claim that young shinobi can shape the balance of power.

Key plot points and events

• Naruto completes a stable Rasengan after a month of training, using a Shadow Clone to help shape and rotate the chakra. Uchiha You says this is only the first stage: Naruto must eventually form it alone.
• Naruto wants to add Wind Release to the Rasengan, but You warns that attempting it prematurely could seriously injure his arm. He forbids Naruto from practicing it unsupervised, threatening to disqualify him from the finals.
• Sasuke trains under Kakashi by using Lightning Release to boost his speed. He can move extremely fast but struggles to control his direction, allowing Kakashi to catch him. Kakashi explains that Sasuke must master control at high speed before attempting Chidori.
• Sakura trains under Tsunade to begin forming the Yin Seal, carefully diverting some chakra to her forehead while maintaining normal circulation. She initially loses focus when distracted, but persists and makes progress toward stabilizing the seal’s core.

Character developments

• Naruto gains confidence from learning the Rasengan and is driven to surpass his father, Minato. Though tempted to advance too quickly, he agrees to follow You’s safety rules.
• Sasuke shows rapid improvement in Lightning Release and accepts that speed without control is a liability. He remains determined to continue training.
• Sakura demonstrates patience and resilience, improving her concentration and chakra control despite repeated failures.
• You, Kakashi, and Tsunade each guide their students by emphasizing disciplined progress over rushing toward powerful techniques.

Significant themes

• Control matters as much as power: Naruto must master Rasengan formation, Sasuke must control his boosted speed, and Sakura must maintain precise chakra flow.
• Progress takes time: Each student is advancing, but none can master their next major technique instantly.
• Safety and discipline: Their teachers warn against reckless experimentation and make clear that skill must develop before power can be used reliably.
• Different paths to growth: Each student trains in a way suited to their abilities and goals.

Character interactions

• You praises Naruto’s Rasengan but sets firm limits on his ambitions, invoking Minato’s example to motivate him while warning him against risking injury.
• Kakashi repeatedly tests Sasuke, explains why his training focuses on speed and control rather than Chidori, and recognizes his exceptional talent.
• Tsunade identifies how distractions undermine Sakura’s Yin Seal practice, then encourages her to try again. Sakura’s renewed focus earns Tsunade’s quiet approval.

Plot and key events

• Uchiha You and his allies continue training as the Chunin Exam finals approach: Naruto refines his Rasengan, Sasuke develops his speed with Lightning Release, Sakura builds chakra for her Yin Seal, and Kimimaro, Haku, and Karin pursue their own training.
• You receives a major system mission: defend Konoha from an unprecedented attack during the finals. Its reward is the Rinnegan, a prize far beyond the system’s usual offerings. You concludes the threat must be much greater than a typical Konoha Crush.
• Tenzo uses Wood Release to build a vast arena for the finals, supported by the medical team and soldier pills. The venue includes barriers and evacuation routes in case of an attack.
• The great villages’ leaders arrive in Konoha. You recognizes that the supposed Fourth Kazekage is actually Orochimaru in disguise. He suspects Orochimaru has killed the real Kazekage, but keeps his discovery secret so he can uncover the wider conspiracy.
• Mei Terumi arrives for Kirigakure and reminds You of a promise she owes him after losing a wager. Her village appears comparatively unlikely to attack, though You still keeps it under watch.
• Ōnoki arrives with a large Iwagakure delegation. You and the Tsuchikage trade sharp remarks, including You’s pointed criticism of Ōnoki entering the powerful Kurotsuchi in the Chunin Exams.
• The Fourth Raikage arrives with a sizable Kumogakure force and challenges You to a fight after the exams. You provokes him by suggesting he would lose too quickly; the Raikage responds by activating Lightning Release Chakra Mode, but Darui prevents the confrontation from escalating.
• With every village’s Kage now present, Konoha’s security forces go on alert. You prepares for the coming crisis, determined to defeat anyone who threatens the village.

Character developments and interactions

• Uchiha You becomes more vigilant after learning the scale of the mission and spotting Orochimaru. Rather than expose him immediately, You chooses to use the disguise to trace the larger plot. He also demonstrates confidence—and a taste for provocation—in his exchanges with Ōnoki and the Raikage.
• Orochimaru has returned after You destroyed his body, surviving through contingencies involving test subjects and cursed seals. Disguised as the Kazekage, he remains intent on launching his plan during the finals.
• Tenzo is exhausted by a month of constructing the arena with Wood Release, humorously questioning whether the First Hokage’s power has become a mere building tool.
• Mei Terumi maintains a friendly, teasing rapport with You and expects him eventually to claim the favor she owes him.
• Ōnoki shows irritation when You calls attention to Iwagakure’s attempt to exploit the exam rules.
• The Fourth Raikage is portrayed as openly combative and eager to test strong opponents; You’s taunt intensifies his enthusiasm rather than angering him.

Significant themes

• A calm surface hiding danger: The exams appear to be a diplomatic and sporting event, but the system warning, Orochimaru’s disguise, and the villages’ uneasy presence suggest a major conspiracy.
• Power and deterrence: You’s strength and composure shape how other leaders approach him, while the Rinnegan reward signals that the coming threat will demand exceptional force.
• Political mistrust: Old grievances, hidden identities, and competing agendas make the gathering of the villages’ leaders as dangerous as the tournament itself.

Chapter Summary: “The Final Matches Begin”

Key plot points and events

• The Joint Chunin Exams’ final round begins in a newly built, heavily secured arena. The Kage of all Five Great Villages attend, making the event both a competition and a public display of each village’s young shinobi.
• Uchiha You serves as referee and watches the concealed “Fourth Kazekage,” recognizing him as Orochimaru. Neither exposes the other: Orochimaru waits for his plan to unfold, while You suspects a larger threat and waits for hidden enemies to reveal themselves. The Rinnegan reward offered by You’s system suggests the danger may extend beyond Orochimaru and Sunagakure.
• Shisui Uchiha secretly protects Tsunade from behind an ANBU mask, ready to evacuate her if the VIP section is attacked.
• Fourteen qualifiers enter the arena. You explains the knockout rules: there is no time limit, and a bout ends when a fighter cannot continue, forfeits, or is stopped by the referee. Attacking an incapacitated opponent is forbidden.
• You announces the matchups:
  1. Naruto vs. Temari
  2. Haku vs. Kurotsuchi
  3. Sasuke vs. Chojuro
  4. Kimimaro vs. Shikamaru
  5. Gaara vs. Shino
  6. Rock Lee vs. Hinata
  7. Sakura vs. Kankuro

Character developments and interactions

• Uchiha You projects authority over the arena and remains watchful for a hidden threat. His recognition of Orochimaru establishes a tense, unspoken standoff.
• Shisui takes on a covert protective role, while Tsunade sits among the assembled village leaders.
• Naruto appears carefree; Sasuke is composed but meets Chojuro’s determined gaze. Chojuro hopes to avenge the Hidden Mist’s loss to Sasuke.
• Shikamaru regrets not forfeiting, especially after drawing the intimidating Kimimaro. Choji and Ino cheer him on.
• Gaara remains cold and unsettling; You’s display of pressure even quiets Shukaku within him.
• Hinata is nervous about facing Rock Lee, while Lee is eager to fight. Guy is visibly excited by the matchup.
• Kankuro underestimates Sakura, assuming his poison-equipped puppet gives him the advantage. Sakura, however, focuses on the puppet and prepares for the fight.
• The Haku–Kurotsuchi pairing draws particular attention from Mei and Ōnoki, since Ice Release and Lava Release promise a clash between powerful bloodline abilities.

Significant themes

• Public prestige and political rivalry: The matches measure not only individual skill but also each village’s standing, influence, and future commissions.
• Hidden danger beneath ceremony: The arena appears orderly, yet Orochimaru’s disguise and You’s suspicions suggest the exams may become the setting for a larger conspiracy.
• Confidence, pressure, and expectations: The competitors face personal challenges, rivalries, and the weight of representing their villages before the Kage and a huge audience.

Naruto and Temari battled with powerful Wind Release techniques, each trying to overcome the other's range and stamina. Naruto broke through Temari's Slashing Dance and reached her with a Rasengan, leaving the match's outcome unresolved.

• Temari opened the fight with Sickle Weasel, and Naruto met it head-on with Great Breakthrough.
• Temari strengthened her attack with Great Sickle Weasel, but Naruto countered with Pressure Damage and broke through her storm.
• Naruto flew above Temari with Cloud-Piercing Wings and Shadow Clones, while Temari defended against his Vacuum Sphere barrage with Wind Killing Formation.
• Temari summoned Slashing Dance and filled the arena with vacuum slashes, but Naruto charged through the attack as his clones shielded him.
• Naruto reached Temari with a Shadow Clone's help and formed a Rasengan, then thrust it toward her.

Naruto defeated Temari with the Rasengan, and Haku and Kurotsuchi began their match, pitting Ice Release against Lava Release. Their battle continued as Haku escaped Kurotsuchi’s attacks, but the chapter left him airborne after his ice wall shattered under a barrage of rock pillars.

• Naruto broke through Temari’s Wind Release barrier with a Rasengan and knocked her out of the arena.
• Uchiha You stabilized Temari, declared Naruto the winner, and Naruto celebrated his victory before the crowd.
• Uchiha You started the second match between Haku and Kurotsuchi, who attacked with Earth Release and Lava Release techniques.
• Haku used Crystal Ice Mirrors and a barrage of ice needles, while Kurotsuchi countered with earthen defenses and quicklime concrete.
• Haku froze the concrete restraining him and escaped, but Kurotsuchi sent rock pillars crashing into his ice wall, shattering it.

Yuki Haku defeated Kurotsuchi in the second match of the finals after trapping her with Ice Release and slowing her chakra with corrupted Ice Needles. Konoha took the first two victories, and Sasuke Uchiha was set to face Chojuro next.

• Kurotsuchi used Earth and Lava Release attacks to challenge Haku, who answered with Ice Release and eventually trapped her in Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.
• Haku pierced Kurotsuchi with a corrupted Ice Needle that spread dark red markings and slowed her chakra circulation.
• Kurotsuchi broke through the Ice Mirror formation, but Haku overpowered her and held a senbon at her throat until she surrendered.
• Uchiha You declared Haku the winner and told Ōnoki the contamination would fade after treatment.
• Uchiha You noted Konoha had won the first two matches, with Sasuke Uchiha scheduled to face Chojuro next.

Sasuke Uchiha fought Chojuro, who flooded the arena and used Water Release and Hiramekarei to keep Sasuke on the defensive. The fight continued as Chojuro attacked through the steam created by Sasuke’s Fireball Jutsu.

• Uchiha You announced Sasuke Uchiha of Konoha and Chojuro of Kirigakure as the third match, and they faced each other in the arena.
• Chojuro flooded the arena with Great Waterfall Technique and repeatedly attacked Sasuke with Water Fang Bullet while Sasuke dodged using his Sharingan.
• Chojuro released Hiramekarei’s chakra sphere, and Sasuke’s flaming shuriken only slowed it before he dodged its blast.
• Chojuro pressured Sasuke with Water Fang Blade and Hiramekarei’s Bone Extraction, grazing Sasuke’s arm with a chakra spike.
• Sasuke used Fireball Jutsu to evaporate the water, but Chojuro countered with Water Formation Wall and fired more spikes through the resulting steam.

Sasuke turned the tide against Chojuro by exploiting openings in his Water Release and Hiramekarei attacks. After dodging Chojuro’s decisive strike with Lightning Release, Sasuke reached him and unveiled Chidori, leaving the match at the moment of his breakthrough.

• Sasuke studied Chojuro’s attack patterns and used shuriken and Fire Release techniques to wound him.
• Chojuro countered with a powerful Hiramekarei release attack, forcing Sasuke to accelerate with Lightning Release and dodge it.
• Sasuke reached Chojuro and formed Chidori in his right hand.
• Uchiha You recognized that Sasuke had achieved a breakthrough and created the true Chidori.

Sasuke defeated Chojuro after completing Chidori during their fight, giving Konoha its third consecutive victory. As Uchiha You noticed Orochimaru’s growing interest in Sasuke, the fourth match began with Kimimaro facing Shikamaru.

• Sasuke used his Sharingan and Lightning Release-enhanced speed to evade Chojuro’s attacks and strike him with Chidori, cracking Hiramekarei and knocking him down.
• Chojuro conceded, and Uchiha You declared Sasuke the winner of the third match.
• Kakashi praised Sasuke for completing Chidori but warned him about its instability and risks.
• Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, coveted Sasuke’s body, while Uchiha You noticed his greed.
• Uchiha You announced Kimimaro versus Shikamaru as the fourth match; Shikamaru declined to surrender and prepared to fight.

A genjutsu attack and invasion erupted during the Chunin Ninja Exams, revealing Orochimaru’s plot and trapping Hiruzen Sarutobi in the Four Violet Flames Formation. Uchiha You confronted the Fourth Raikage outside the Arena and stopped his Lariat with one hand.

• White feathers spread across the Arena, putting spectators and weaker ninja to sleep, and Shisui Uchiha evacuated Tsunade as the Fourth Raikage and Third Tsuchikage began their assault.
• A giant snake charged toward Konoha, but Jiraiya summoned Gamabunta to stop it outside the village.
• Uchiha You ordered Kimimaro and Shikamaru Nara to protect civilians and organize the candidates against the invading ninja.
• Orochimaru revealed himself disguised as the Kazekage and sealed Hiruzen Sarutobi inside the Four Violet Flames Formation.
• Uchiha You left the Arena to avoid endangering spectators, but the Fourth Raikage intercepted him and attacked with Lightning Release: Lariat.
• Uchiha You caught the Fourth Raikage’s punch in his palm, shocking the Raikage.

Uchiha You drove the Fourth Raikage and Ōnoki away from Konoha, while Konoha’s young ninja fought off the coordinated attack at the Arena. Outside the village, Uchiha You revealed his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan as the Raikage and Ōnoki prepared to face his full power.

• Uchiha You kicked the Fourth Raikage through the Arena’s outer wall, dodged Ōnoki’s Dust Release, and lured both leaders toward the wasteland.
• Hidden Cloud, Iwagakure, Hidden Sound, and Sand Village ninja attacked the Konoha crowd, while Gaara sent a wave of sand toward the examinees.
• Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura tried to stop Gaara’s sand, but Kimimaro smashed Kankuro’s Crow puppet and Haku protected civilians by freezing the Sound ninja.
• Shikamaru organized Konoha’s young ninja into a defense, and the group stabilized the battlefield as injured Kurotsuchi watched from the air.
• The Fourth Raikage and Ōnoki confronted Uchiha You in the wasteland, where he revealed his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and unleashed a terrifying surge of chakra.