Ch. 161The Tailed Beast Hunt Begins: Akatsuki and the Uchiha
Key plot points and events
- Obito learns that Nagato intends to pursue his own “Absolute Power Deterrence” plan while Obito handles the Tailed Beast hunt. Although Obito resents Nagato’s decision, Black Zetsu advises leaving Nagato in possession of the Rinnegan: it will draw attention while Obito and Zetsu operate in the shadows. Obito agrees and decides to begin the hunt.
- Uchiha Setsuna arrives in the Land of Earth with three Uchiha subordinates to capture Rōshi, the Four-Tails’ Jinchūriki, who lives alone after falling out with Ōnoki.
- Setsuna orders his team to stay back and confronts Rōshi himself. After Setsuna’s fire attack draws Rōshi out, the Jinchūriki responds with a partial transformation and a powerful Lava Release assault.
- Setsuna’s Second-Stage Susanoo blocks and disperses Rōshi’s magma. He then uses an ocular technique to project a figure from the past, joining it in an instantly completed hand-seal sequence before launching a Great Fireball Technique. The battle’s outcome is not yet shown.
Character developments
- Obito remains determined to control the plan, but accepts a temporary alliance of convenience with Nagato, trusting that the Rinnegan can be reclaimed later.
- Black Zetsu acts as a cautious strategist, prioritizing secrecy and keeping Obito’s actions concealed behind Nagato’s public profile.
- Setsuna is portrayed as intensely proud and dismissive of opponents. He sees the fight as a chance to demonstrate the Uchiha Clan’s strength and refuses to retreat, even against a Jinchūriki.
- Rōshi, unaware of recent developments, interprets the Uchiha attack as a possible move by Konoha to start a war and answers with force.
Significant themes
- Power and rivalry: Obito and Nagato pursue separate plans while still relying on one another strategically.
- Secrecy and manipulation: The Rinnegan’s visibility can divert enemies’ attention from Obito’s work in the shadows.
- Clan pride and legacy: Setsuna invokes the Uchiha’s history of fighting the wider ninja world and treats overwhelming strength as the clan’s duty.
- Escalation and misunderstanding: Rōshi’s isolation leaves him unaware of political changes, turning the attack into an apparent international provocation.
Character interactions
- Obito challenges Nagato’s authority, while Black Zetsu urges restraint and frames Nagato as a useful distraction.
- Setsuna commands his three subordinates to hold back, assigning them responsibility only if other enemies appear.
- Setsuna taunts and belittles Rōshi; Rōshi responds with anger and a full display of his Four-Tails-enhanced Lava Release.