Recaps

Uchiha Zhili and his squad turned the battle against the Sand Ninja, then captured the final outpost and completed their mission to destroy five outposts. After returning to Konoha, they reported their success to Tobirama Senju, who praised them and warned that the Sand Ninja might retaliate.

• Uchiha Zhili arrived with his squad and rallied Uchiha Ying and the others, helping drive back the Sand Ninja reinforcements.
• Uchiha Zhili, Uchiha Ying, and Kagami Uchiha led the ninja toward the final outpost and planned a three-direction attack.
• The Uchiha Clan's ninja broke through the outpost's defenses and eliminated it after a fierce battle.
• Uchiha Zhili ordered the squad to withdraw, and they returned to Konoha after destroying five Sand Ninja outposts.
• Uchiha Zhili reported the mission's success to Tobirama Senju, who praised the Shadow Guard, rewarded them, and cautioned them to prepare for retaliation.

Uchiha Ying created the A-rank Nintaijutsu Spiral Qi Twin Tiger Fist and gained fame for its power. During a snowy family gathering, Uchiha Inabi gave Ying the short blade Flowing Cloud and appointed him young clan head, leaving Ying to accept the responsibility of protecting the Uchiha Clan.

• Uchiha Ying trained his body and created the Spiral Qi Twin Tiger Fist, whose spiraling force could break through defenses.
• Uchiha Ying smashed an opponent's Earth Release wall with the fist technique, further spreading his reputation.
• Uchiha Qin and Uchiha Inabi watched the snow together, then joined Ying as Qin performed a traditional Uchiha dance and Inabi demonstrated his blade skills.
• Uchiha Inabi gave Ying the chakra-conducting short blade Flowing Cloud and appointed him young clan head.
• Uchiha Ying accepted the blade and vowed to protect the clan and uphold its glory.

Seven-year-old Jiraiya worked hard at the Ninja Academy, inspired by his family and the heroic ninjas he discovered in books. He dreamed of traveling across the Ninja World, painting its beauty, and ended the chapter recording the starry sky in his sketchbook.

• Jiraiya practiced ninjutsu diligently for his family and earned his teachers' and classmates' respect in a school competition, though he did not win the championship.
• Jiraiya bought a book at a new bookstore and became captivated by its stories and illustrations, which strengthened his ambition to become a hero.
• Jiraiya began imagining a future journey across the Ninja World, where he would discover and paint beautiful places.
• Jiraiya gazed at the stars and reaffirmed his determination to pursue his dream despite future challenges.
• Jiraiya ate Quweiduo Instant Noodles, then painted the night sky in his sketchbook to preserve the moment.

Hatake Yuntian led the ANBU in repelling the Hidden Stone and defeating an ambush on the way back to Konoha. At home, he taught nine-year-old Hatake Sakumo that true strength meant holding to his principles through difficult choices.

• Hatake Yuntian commanded the ANBU as they intercepted and repelled the Hidden Stone attack.
• Hatake Yuntian detected enemies waiting in ambush on the ANBU's return journey and led his squad in defeating them.
• Hatake Yuntian returned home with fish and shared a meal with Hatake Sakumo.
• Hatake Yuntian told Hatake Sakumo that inner resolve and keeping one's principles mattered more than defeating enemies.
• Hatake Sakumo remembered his father's advice as he grew and faced training and dangerous missions.

Mito Uzumaki explained the Uchiha Clan’s strengths and complexity to Tsunade, who admitted she was beginning to care for a brave, kind young man. Meanwhile, Uchiha Ying trained young clan members through the winter, urging them to grow strong enough to protect the clan.

• Mito Uzumaki told Tsunade about the Uchiha Clan’s Sharingan, history, intense emotions, and mix of good and bad people.
• Tsunade described a brave and caring young man she admired, then confessed she feared her feelings might bring trouble or see him hurt in battle.
• Mito Uzumaki reassured Tsunade that sincere feelings were precious and encouraged her to face hardships with the person she cared about.
• Uchiha Ying drilled Uchiha Ning, Uchiha Huoyun, and the other young Uchiha in swordsmanship, correcting their technique and demanding persistence.
• As snow fell, Uchiha Ying insisted that the young Uchiha keep training and remember their efforts were for the clan’s future.

During the Spring Festival, the nations enjoyed a brief pause in their wars, while the First Raikage worried about his declining health and the uncertain future. Uchiha Ying organized an annual clan gathering and urged the Uchiha to unite, prepare for conflict, and improve life in peacetime.

• Villagers and ninja across the nations celebrated the Spring Festival while recognizing that peace might not last.
• The First Raikage ordered Mabuyu to monitor Konoha and other nations, then reflected on his health and the future of the Land of Lightning.
• Uchiha Ying proposed an annual gathering with money for the clansmen, and Uchiha Inabi agreed to organize it.
• At the gathering, Uchiha Ying distributed coins, encouraged clansmen, and called for unity, stronger training, and economic development.
• Uchiha Inabi and Uchiha Ying urged the clan to pursue its glory, and the Uchiha followed the celebration by training and developing their economy and culture.

Uchiha Ying celebrated New Year's Eve with his master Tobirama Senju and his family, promising to work toward peace between the Uchiha and Senju clans. Later, Tobirama and Uchiha Inabi discussed supporting Ying's future leadership and protecting the next generation.

• Uchiha Ying welcomed Tobirama Senju to his home for New Year's Eve dinner, where they shared food and reminisced about their past.
• Tobirama Senju and Uchiha Inabi discussed the clans' history of hatred and the possibility of peace, while Uchiha Ying vowed to unite the clans.
• Uchiha Inabi urged Uchiha Ying to toast Tobirama, and Ying promised to strive for peace in the Ninja World.
• Uchiha Qin thanked Tobirama for teaching Ying, and the family shared hopes for a peaceful future as fireworks lit the sky.
• Uchiha Inabi and Tobirama Senju walked to Kage Rock, where Tobirama promised Senju Clan support if Ying reached Kage-level and asked Inabi to look after Tsunade if the Senju Clan declined.
• Uchiha Inabi and Tobirama Senju agreed to prepare a stable future for the children and prevent another generation from suffering through war.

Uchiha Ying enjoyed ramen at Teuchi’s shop, where he met the young Tsunade and paid for her meal after she ran off without paying. Later, Tsunade tumbled down a slope into his arms, and their accidental kiss left them both embarrassed as their relationship shifted.

• Uchiha Ying visited Teuchi’s ramen shop, praised his ramen, and reminisced about eating there as a child.
• Tsunade skipped class, ate tonkotsu ramen, and ran off without paying.
• Uchiha Ying paid Tsunade’s bill before leaving the shop.
• Tsunade rolled down a slope into Uchiha Ying’s arms, and they accidentally kissed.
• Uchiha Ying apologized and told Tsunade to be less reckless and attend class, while Tsunade reacted stubbornly.

After an accidental first kiss left seven-year-old Tsunade and Uchiha Ying confused about their feelings, Tsunade asked her grandmother Mito Uzumaki what it meant for her heart to flutter. Mito recalled her love for Hashirama and reaffirmed her duty to protect Konoha, while Tsunade and Ying separately wondered what their feelings meant.

• Tsunade blushed after her first kiss with Uchiha Ying, and Ying promised to take responsibility for her as she hurried away.
• Tsunade asked Mito Uzumaki what it felt like when a heart fluttered, and Mito described falling in love.
• Mito remembered how her arranged marriage to Senju Hashirama grew into deep love and recalled their life together.
• Mito went outside, sang beneath the moon, and said she would join Hashirama when she could no longer protect Konoha.
• Tsunade lay awake imagining her future, while Mito later tucked her in and watched over her.
• Uchiha Ying replayed the kiss and his promise, then decided to face whatever future awaited him and Tsunade.

Tobirama Senju organized Konoha’s preparations for the Joint Chunin Tournament and assigned Hiruzen Sarutobi to coordinate Konoha’s ninja. With the tournament set to take place in Kumogakure, Tobirama arranged training, security, and travel plans as departure approached.

• Tobirama Senju asked Hiruzen Sarutobi for his views on the tournament, then put him in charge of coordinating Konoha’s ninja.
• Tobirama ordered Danzo to convene a meeting with the major clans, whose representatives pledged support and proposed tournament preparations.
• Tobirama announced that the exams would be held in Kumogakure and began planning coordination with the Raikage and specialized training for Konoha’s participants.
• The Hyuga Clan, Uchiha Clan, and Nara Clan strengthened their training, intelligence, and tactical preparations for the tournament.
• Tobirama Senju selected an experienced escort team to protect Konoha’s participants on the journey to Kumogakure.

Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi escorted Konoha’s contestants toward Kumogakure for the Chunin Ninja Exams, staying alert to threats from rival villages. After planning their defenses and agreeing to prioritize the contestants’ safety, the team resumed its journey at dawn.

• Uchiha Ying guarded the escort group and swiftly dealt with minor trouble along the road to Kumogakure.
• Uchiha Ying warned Hiruzen Sarutobi that the exams could attract hostile moves, and Hiruzen said ANBU were watching for unusual activity.
• Hiruzen addressed the guards at their night camp and urged them to remain vigilant during the important mission.
• Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen agreed to evacuate the twenty contestants first if danger arose and ordered the guards to strengthen their preparations.
• At dawn, Uchiha Ying, Hiruzen, and the team packed up and continued toward Kumogakure.

Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi brought Konoha’s team to Kumogakure for the Joint Chunin Tournament, where they met the First Raikage, A, and prepared for the exams. As night fell, both leaders remained alert and anxious about the contest ahead.

• Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi admired Cloud Thunder Gorge and vowed to face the challenges ahead without fear.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi presented Konoha’s invitation to Kumogakure’s guard, who verified it and escorted the team into the village.
• Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi arranged the team’s lodging and watched the other villages’ teams with caution.
• Uchiha Ying visited the Raikage Tower, where he exchanged formal assurances with the First Raikage, A, about the Joint Chunin Tournament.
• Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi discussed the need to stay vigilant, then returned to their rooms and lay awake anticipating the exams.

The First Raikage, A, opened the Kumogakure Chunin Tournament and welcomed the participating villages. After the teams entered the arena, A announced that the exams had officially begun, leaving the contestants poised to compete.

• The First Raikage, A, addressed the crowd and described the tournament as a test of courage, wisdom, teamwork, and strength.
• Mabuyu announced Iwagakure's arrival, and Ōnoki led his team into the arena.
• Yuna led the Sunagakure team onto the field after Mabuyu introduced them.
• Mabuyu introduced Konoha's team, led by Hiruzen Sarutobi, and then Kirigakure's team, led by Hozuki Longyue.
• Mabuyu announced Kumogakure's elite team, led by Ailubi, as the final group to enter.
• A declared that the first Chunin Ninja Exams had officially begun, and the spectators and contestants focused on the field.

Uchiha Liuyun defeated Hozuki Meigetsu in the first Round of 32 match, and Lei Nuo won the second match against Might Duy after Duy unleashed the Eight Gates. The chapter ended with Lei Nuo helping Duy up and both fighters leaving the arena with respect for each other.

• Uchiha Liuyun used genjutsu to trap Hozuki Meigetsu, then struck him with Lightning Release and won the first match.
• The referee announced the second match between Lei Nuo and Might Duy.
• Lei Nuo attacked with Lightning Release while Might Duy dodged and countered with taijutsu.
• Might Duy opened the Opening Gate and struck Lei Nuo, but both fighters fell from exhaustion.
• The referee declared Lei Nuo the winner because Might Duy fell first.
• Lei Nuo praised Might Duy and helped him up, while Might Duy vowed to win next time.

The tournament’s matches narrowed the field from thirty-two contestants to sixteen as Raikage A and the village representatives discussed the villages’ strengths, trade prospects, and unknown factions. After returning to the inn, Uchiha Ying advised Uchiha Liuyun to learn from his difficult victory over Hozuki Meigetsu, and the Konoha team rested for the next round.

• Raikage A watched the Konoha competitors and resolved to strengthen Kumogakure’s training of young ninjas.
• Uchiha Ying asked Hiruzen Sarutobi about the villages’ strengths, then exchanged praise and hopes for the future with Raikage A.
• The village representatives discussed Kirigakure’s tools, unidentified factions near Kumogakure, Iwagakure’s mineral shortage, and Sunagakure’s need for medicinal herbs.
• The round reducing the field from thirty-two contestants to sixteen ended, and Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi led Konoha back to the inn.
• Uchiha Liuyun told Uchiha Ying that he had narrowly defeated Hozuki Meigetsu by using his Sharingan to read the Water Release attacks, and Uchiha Ying urged him to improve his skills.
• Uchiha Liuyun left determined to train harder, and Uchiha Ying and the other Konoha members went to sleep.

Chiyo defeated Hyuga Yang in the Round of 16 to Round of 8 matches with her Puppetry, while Hiruzen Sarutobi and Uchiha Ying praised her potential. The chapter ended with Hatake Sakumo and Chiyo, and Uchiha Liuyun and Lei Nuo, set to face off in upcoming matches.

• Mabuyu announced the start of the Round of 16 to Round of 8 matches, and Hyuga Yang faced Chiyo.
• Hyuga Yang pressed Chiyo with Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms, while Chiyo defended and counterattacked with her puppets.
• Chiyo used the Thousand Mechanisms Secret Art to force Hyuga Yang to defend with Revolving Heaven, then exploited a gap in his slowing rotation and struck from behind to win.
• Chiyo celebrated with her teammates, while Hiruzen Sarutobi and Uchiha Ying discussed her talent and potential.
• Sunagakure's Chiyo faced Konoha's Hatake Sakumo, and Konoha's Uchiha Liuyun faced Kumogakure's Lei Nuo as the coming matches drew attention.

On the night before the final battle, Uchiha Ying prepared with Uchiha Ning and Uchiha Liuyun, while Hatake Sakumo and Lei Nuo separately readied themselves for a likely sword fight. As dawn arrived, Lei Nuo declared himself ready to face the challenge.

• Ninjas from different nations relaxed and shared food at a Kumogakure barbecue restaurant ahead of the final battle.
• Uchiha Ying encouraged Uchiha Ning and Uchiha Liuyun to trust their abilities and fight for the Uchiha Clan's honor.
• Hatake Sakumo practiced with his father's chakra short blade and reviewed his techniques for the battle.
• Lei Nuo sensed a powerful blade intent from Konoha's team and resolved to defeat the swordsman he expected to face.
• At dawn, Lei Nuo opened his eyes and announced that he was ready for the new challenge.

Hatake Sakumo defeated Chiyo in the individual semifinals after a fierce battle between his sword techniques and her puppetry. The chapter ended with the crowd applauding both fighters as Sakumo reaffirmed his resolve to fight for Konoha and Chiyo vowed to grow stronger.

• Chiyo sent her puppets against Hatake Sakumo, who dodged their attacks and countered with his chakra short sword.
• Hatake Sakumo used Lightning Slash to strike Chiyo and send her crashing to the ground, but she recovered and continued fighting.
• Chiyo’s puppets surrounded Hatake Sakumo, and he used Moon Thrust to destroy two of them.
• Hatake Sakumo unleashed Lightning Release: Hatake Blade Technique, Thousand-Blade Slash, shattering Chiyo’s final puppet and defeating her.
• Chiyo accepted her defeat, while the spectators applauded both fighters and Sakumo vowed to keep fighting for Konoha’s honor.

Uchiha Liuyun and Lei Nuo fought in the second semifinal, exchanging powerful fire, lightning, and sword techniques. After their final clash filled the arena with smoke and dust, the outcome remained unknown.

• Lei Nuo charged Uchiha Liuyun, who dodged his first attack and blocked his next strike with his Sharingan-enhanced reflexes.
• Uchiha Liuyun used Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, but Lei Nuo evaded it and activated Lightning Release: Lightning Armor.
• Uchiha Liuyun and Lei Nuo clashed with Flowing Cloud Flame and lightning blades, trading attacks across the arena.
• Lei Nuo unleashed Storm Release: Cloud-Piercing Thrust, which Uchiha Liuyun evaded, though its force injured him.
• Uchiha Liuyun sent Phoenix Sage Fire Technique fireballs at Lei Nuo, who cut them apart and prepared a stronger attack.
• Uchiha Liuyun launched Flame Dance: Chaotic Slash, and the two fighters' attacks collided as smoke and dust obscured the arena.

Lei Nuo defeated Uchiha Liuyun, then faced Hatake Sakumo in the Chunin Ninja Exams final. Hatake Sakumo won with his Hatake Blade Technique: Three-Moon Wheel and was declared first place as the exams concluded.

• Lei Nuo knocked Uchiha Liuyun out of the arena, and both fighters acknowledged each other's strength.
• Hatake Sakumo and Lei Nuo began the final, exchanging fast attacks and powerful techniques.
• Hatake Sakumo and Lei Nuo's strongest lightning attacks collided, leaving both injured.
• Hatake Sakumo created three Physical Clones with the Hatake Blade Technique: Three-Moon Wheel and sent Lei Nuo flying out of the arena.
• Mabuyu declared Hatake Sakumo the Chunin Ninja Exams' first-place winner, and the spectators cheered as the exams ended.

Uchiha Ying, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and their companions were ambushed by Hidden Cloud Village shinobi while escorting Hatake Sakumo toward Konoha. After discovering that Zangbi was an Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, they exploited his unstable control to escape into the Land of Fire, where Hiruzen resolved to report the attack to Tobirama Senju.

• Uchiha Ying realized Hidden Cloud Village shinobi were pursuing the group, and Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered everyone to retreat while protecting Hatake Sakumo.
• The pursuers caught up, and Hiruzen identified Zangbi as a Quasi-Shadow-level enemy before staying behind to face him.
• Hiruzen summoned Enma, and Uchiha Ying returned with five Uchiha guards to help when Zangbi revealed himself as an Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
• Uchiha Ying spotted Zangbi's unstable control of the Eight-Tails, and the Uchiha Jonin used genjutsu to create an opening for Hiruzen's fire-and-water dragon attacks.
• Hiruzen led the group into the Land of Fire, then said they needed to report Kumogakure's attack to Tobirama Senju.

After Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi reported that Kumogakure had attacked them on their way back from the exams, Tobirama Senju ordered Konoha to strengthen its defenses and prepare for a possible war. Hatake Sakumo returned home injured, while Uchiha Inabi began mobilizing his clan without waiting for the Hokage’s orders.

• Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi reached the Hokage Office wounded and told Tobirama Senju that Kumogakure ninjas had ambushed them and injured their comrades.
• Tobirama Senju ordered extra guards and patrols, ANBU deployment, reconnaissance of Kumogakure, and treatment for the wounded.
• Konoha’s medical teams, sentries, and patrols mobilized as the village prepared for further attacks.
• Hatake Sakumo returned home, told Hatake Yuntian about the ambush, and promised to grow stronger and defend Konoha.
• Uchiha Inabi, furious that Kumogakure had injured his son, ordered his clan to prepare to attack despite being warned to wait for the Hokage’s orders.

After Kumogakure attacked Konoha’s young participants in the Chunin Tournament, Uchiha Inabi called for war while Uchiha Ying urged Tobirama Senju to mobilize Konoha. Tobirama summoned the major clan heads, who began discussing their response and voicing support for action.

• Uchiha Inabi rallied Uchiha clansmen and declared that they would make the Land of Lightning pay for its provocations.
• Uchiha Ying told Tobirama Senju that Konoha should unite the major clans and civilian ninja to counter Kumogakure.
• Tobirama Senju ordered an ANBU member to summon the heads of Konoha’s major clans to the Hokage Building.
• The Hatake, Hyuga, Uchiha, Ino–Shika–Cho, and Senju clan heads gathered to discuss Kumogakure’s attack on Konoha’s juniors.
• Senju Yun Jian asked Tobirama Senju to explain the crisis, while Uchiha Inabi condemned Kumogakure’s attack and Hatake Shanshui offered the Hatake Clan for deployment.

Tobirama Senju and Konoha's clan heads agreed to prepare for war with Kumogakure after its provocations. Tobirama announced that the First Ninja World War would begin in half a year, and the clans pledged to ready their forces.

• Hyuga Tennomushi vowed that the Hyuga Clan would fight for Konoha and demonstrate the power of the Gentle Fist.
• Nara Toyama urged Tobirama Senju to gather intelligence, assess Kumogakure, and prepare Konoha's resources and strategies.
• Tobirama Senju declared that Konoha would prepare for war and inform the Five Great Nations, while hoping they would remain neutral.
• Tobirama Senju announced that the First Ninja World War would begin in half a year and ordered the clans to train, stockpile supplies, and plan.
• Uchiha Inabi pledged to recall the Uchiha Clan's clansmen, intensify training, and use the Sharingan in the coming war.
• Nara Toyama, Senju Yun Jian, and the other clan heads pledged their clans' intelligence, strength, and support for Konoha's war effort.

As Konoha and Kumogakure prepared for the First Ninja World War, fourteen-year-old Uchiha Ying trained with his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Chidori, and Lightning Cutter before praying at Shinji Mountain. There, ten-year-old Tsunade gave him a handmade omamori pouch and pleaded with him to return alive, leaving Ying determined to fight and protect what he cherished.

• For six months, Konoha's clans prepared for war while Kumogakure made its own preparations, and the First Ninja World War drew near.
• In Konoha Year 19, Uchiha Ying stood out among the Uchiha with his Three-Tomoe Sharingan and trained the younger clan members in Chidori and Lightning Cutter.
• Tobirama Senju warned ten-year-old Tsunade that the battlefield was dangerous, and Tsunade resolved to be brave if she had to fight.
• Before the battle, Uchiha Ying went to pray at Shinji Mountain for the safety of Konoha and the Uchiha Clan.
• Tsunade met Uchiha Ying at the temple and gave him an omamori pouch she had sewn, telling him not to die on the battlefield.
• Uchiha Ying accepted Tsunade's gift and vowed to fight fiercely and protect what he cherished, while Tsunade ran away, flustered and hoping he would return safely.