Chapter Summaries

Naruto’s display of strength wrecked the exam room, and Ibiki moved the first test to a spare classroom where the proctors tolerated Naruto openly cuddling Hinata. After Ibiki announced the remaining examinees had passed, Anko arrived, promised a brutal second stage, and dismissed everyone without explaining its details.

• Ibiki found the ruined exam room and ordered the Genin to move to the spare classroom.
• Naruto pulled Hinata onto his lap during the written test, while proctors ignored him and eliminated teams caught cheating.
• Ibiki’s proctors weeded out many examinees, mostly Konoha ninjas, before announcing that the remaining candidates had passed.
• Anko arrived after failing to find the new exam room and argued with Ibiki about Naruto’s destruction of the classroom.
• Anko threatened to reduce the candidates to fewer than half in the second stage, postponed the details until the next day, and dismissed everyone.

Naruto entered the Forest of Death with Sasuke and Karin, ordering each of them to defeat two squads while he monitored the entire forest. After capturing three Amegakure Genin, he received intelligence from White Zetsu about Akatsuki and gave orders concerning the Tailed Beasts, Indra’s reincarnation, Mukade, and Granny Chiyo’s forbidden technique.

• Naruto told Sasuke and Karin to split up and each wipe out two ninja squads, and they left in separate directions.
• Naruto spread his Mind’s Eye of the Kagura across the forest and sensed the teams, including Gaara’s squad and Orochimaru’s Kusagakure squad.
• Naruto ambushed three Amegakure Genin who had set a trap for him and knocked them unconscious.
• White Zetsu emerged beside the Genin and told Naruto that Gato had funded much of Akatsuki and that Pain planned to focus on finding the Tailed Beasts.
• Naruto told White Zetsu to prioritize provoking Indra’s reincarnation, watch Mukade, and locate Granny Chiyo so they could obtain One’s Own Life Reincarnation.

Naruto planned to use White Zetsu and One's Own Life Reincarnation as a safeguard if the Nine-Tails was extracted, while preparing to pressure Sunagakure for the forbidden technique. Meanwhile, Orochimaru attacked Sasuke, who countered his assault with a Rasengan.

• Naruto explained to White Zetsu that he wanted One's Own Life Reincarnation and planned to use the White Zetsu army as sacrifices if necessary.
• White Zetsu said the Sarutobi and Shimura Clans were ready, then left after Naruto told him to wait for orders.
• Naruto found the Earth Scroll on a dead Amegakure ninja and hurried toward the commotion near Sasuke.
• Sasuke saw through Naruto's disguise and stabbed the transformed Kusagakure examinee, then faced Orochimaru's attacks and summoned snakes.
• Sasuke resisted Orochimaru's killing intent, tracked his speed with the Sharingan, and struck at him with a Rasengan.

Sasuke used Naruto’s Rasengan-based training to defeat Orochimaru briefly, but Orochimaru immobilized him and revealed his interest in taking Sasuke’s body. Naruto watched from a tree and declined to intervene, while Orochimaru questioned him about Konoha’s current state.

• Sasuke struck Orochimaru with a Rasengan and sent him crashing through several trees.
• Orochimaru shed his damaged body, praised Sasuke’s Sharingan, and immobilized him with a jutsu.
• Orochimaru noticed Naruto watching from a tree as he cracked sunflower seeds, and Naruto told Sasuke to call him Sensei before refusing to join the fight.
• Orochimaru asked Naruto what he thought of Konoha as it was, while Naruto reflected on Orochimaru’s departure and the politics behind his rejection as Hokage.

Naruto let Orochimaru pursue his plan against Hiruzen Sarutobi, then revealed his Akatsuki identity and Mangekyo Sharingan. He also allowed Orochimaru to implant a Curse Mark on Sasuke, leaving Sasuke in agony and bewildered by the revelations.

• Naruto told Orochimaru to proceed with his plan to kill Hiruzen Sarutobi and even suggested wiping out the Sarutobi Clan.
• Orochimaru threatened to expose Naruto's resentment toward the Hokage, and Naruto revealed a ring identifying him as Madara Uchiha and displayed his Mangekyo Sharingan.
• Orochimaru recognized Naruto as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and Akatsuki's number two, then realized he could not defeat him while his soul was damaged.
• Naruto dismissed Sasuke's prospects under Orochimaru and allowed Orochimaru to implant a Curse Mark on him.
• Sasuke was overcome by burning pain as Naruto and Orochimaru watched.

Naruto explained Orochimaru’s Curse Mark as an imitation form of Sage Mode and showed Sasuke how it could multiply his power, despite its painful and dangerous side effects. After Orochimaru escaped, Sasuke tested the power and became eager to spar with Naruto.

• Orochimaru questioned Naruto about Sage Mode, and Naruto explained the Curse Mark’s origins, benefits, and deadly drawbacks.
• Orochimaru left after warning Naruto, and Naruto threatened him not to harm Anko during the Chunin Ninja Exams.
• Naruto revived Sasuke with Yang Release Chakra and explained how the Curse Mark could draw in natural energy.
• Sasuke used the Curse Mark to strengthen his Fireball Jutsu, then felt its power overwhelm his pain and stir a violent urge.
• Sasuke challenged Naruto to a spar, and Naruto watched him with a knowing smile.

Naruto reached Central Tower with Karin and an unconscious Sasuke, then used Shadow Clones to block both routes and eliminate examinees for four days. The survivors gathered under Yakushi Kabuto’s lead and agreed to choose seven people themselves to advance, rather than challenge Naruto’s clones.

• Naruto brought Karin and the battered Sasuke to Central Tower, carrying the scrolls needed to qualify.
• Naruto sent two Shadow Clones to guard opposite sides of the tower and ambush approaching examinees.
• For four days, the clones stopped teams from reaching the tower, leaving bodies piled around them.
• Yakushi Kabuto told the surviving examinees that Naruto’s clones guarded both approaches and that many Konoha ninja had also been killed.
• After Zaku and others rejected the idea of attacking a clone, Kabuto proposed that the survivors select seven people to advance, and they agreed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru struggled to understand Naruto’s disruption of the Chunin Exam, while Naruto revealed that he knew about Orochimaru’s plans and offered him two White Zetsu as sacrifices. Orochimaru took them, and Naruto anticipated that the coming events would become even more dramatic.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi learned that Naruto had sealed Death Tower and persuaded Hinata and Ino to withdraw, leaving only three Sand ninja qualified.
• Yakushi Kabuto killed three Amegakure Genin and took their scrolls as the exam’s fighting spiraled into chaos.
• Orochimaru confronted Naruto in Death Tower and demanded to know why he was disrupting the exam.
• Naruto teased Orochimaru about Sasuke’s Curse Mark and suggested arranging for Sasuke to fight early in the third round.
• Naruto revealed two White Zetsu and offered them as improved sacrifices for Orochimaru’s technique.
• Orochimaru took the White Zetsu, and Naruto predicted that the show would become even better.

After the second exam, Naruto’s actions left only Neji’s team and Gaara’s team to advance, while Hiruzen announced the finals. Orochimaru discussed his plans for Konoha with Kabuto, and Naruto prepared to work with Itachi against the Sarutobi Clan in exchange for help finding the remaining Nine-Tails Chakra.

• Hiruzen found that only nine candidates remained, with Neji’s team and Gaara’s team qualifying after Naruto’s interference and Kabuto’s team forfeiting.
• Naruto cut off Hiruzen’s speech and left with Sasuke, while Gaara also departed and Temari apologized to Hiruzen before chasing after him.
• Kabuto reported the exam’s outcome to Orochimaru, who said he planned to attack Konoha and discussed Naruto, Akatsuki, and the White Zetsu made from Hashirama Cells.
• Naruto met Itachi and asked whether the Sarutobi Clan was obstructing Konoha’s peace; Naruto promised to help find the remaining Nine-Tails Chakra after their deal was done.

Black Zetsu gave Naruto a scroll and mask that could help retrieve the Nine-Tails from the Death God's stomach. Jiraiya returned to Konoha, where Naruto introduced himself as Tsunade's boyfriend and Katsuyu exposed how their relationship began.

• Black Zetsu brought Naruto a mask and a scroll containing a method to extract souls from the Death God's stomach.
• Naruto noted that the full moon was approaching, while Black Zetsu slipped away past Konoha's sensory barrier.
• Jiraiya returned to Konoha and went to the hot spring district, where an ANBU told him the Hokage wanted his help against Orochimaru.
• Naruto appeared before Jiraiya and claimed to be Tsunade's boyfriend, but Jiraiya doubted him because of his age.
• Naruto summoned Katsuyu to confirm his relationship with Tsunade, and she said he had forced himself on her.

Naruto fought Jiraiya and concluded that the Sannin had returned to Konoha to investigate the village and protect him. On the fifteenth, Naruto manipulated Asuma into deciding that the Sarutobi Clan must be destroyed.

• Naruto and Jiraiya fought, then escaped ANBU and the bathhouse guests who had mistaken Jiraiya for a peeping tom.
• Jiraiya wondered whether Naruto was the Child of Prophecy, healed his injuries, and left to pursue two young women.
• Naruto suspected Jiraiya had returned to see Hiruzen Sarutobi's funeral, investigate the Akatsuki, and protect Naruto, unaware that Naruto was an Akatsuki member.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi sent Gekko Hayate to investigate a suspicious Jonin from Sunagakure after sensing that trouble was coming.
• Naruto showed Asuma footage and photographs, then used his Mangekyo Sharingan to convince him that the Sarutobi Clan threatened Konoha's peace.
• Asuma declared that the Sarutobi Clan should not be allowed to live in the world.

Naruto sent Asuma and Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, and Sasori to attack the Sarutobi Clan Grounds. Sasori’s puppets and the others began slaughtering the clan, while the attack’s position in central Konoha obstructed reinforcements.

• Naruto brought Asuma four allies and told them to disguise themselves before entering the Sarutobi Clan Grounds.
• Itachi used his Sharingan to make the two night guards let the group pass without question.
• Asuma ordered the attack, and Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, and Sasori began killing the Sarutobi clan members.
• Sasori unleashed his hundred puppets, which overwhelmed the clan, while Kisame finished off survivors.
• Two guards under enemy control attacked ANBU reinforcements, and Deidara killed their squad leader with an explosion.
• Screams rang through the Sarutobi Clan Grounds as the attack blocked other clans from reaching the compound.

Deidara attacked Konoha, but ANBU contained his clay explosives while villagers and visiting shinobi learned that Asuma had joined Itachi Uchiha in destroying the Sarutobi Clan. Asuma bid farewell to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Itachi carried the group out of Konoha on Susanoo.

• Deidara bombarded Konoha with clay spiders and puppets, while ANBU used Lightning Release and a green barrier to contain the attack.
• Visiting shinobi spread rumors that Asuma had betrayed and wiped out his own clan, and ANBU ordered them to return to their inn.
• Itachi Uchiha broke through the barrier atop Susanoo with Asuma and four others beside him.
• Asuma told Hiruzen Sarutobi he had removed the source of Hiruzen's constraints and apologized for leaving him.
• Itachi spread Susanoo's wings and flew with the group out of Konoha, leaving Hiruzen stunned.

Naruto explained to Orochimaru why he had orchestrated the Sarutobi Clan’s destruction and urged him to tear down Konoha’s power structure. As the village reeled from the attack, Danzo prepared to exploit Hiruzen Sarutobi’s weakened position and reclaim Root.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the Sarutobi Clan compound descend into chaos and coughed up blood as ANBU rushed to support him.
• Naruto told Orochimaru that Asuma had destroyed the Sarutobi Clan, then explained that he wanted revenge for Hiruzen Sarutobi’s role in his suffering and in Itachi Uchiha’s massacre.
• Naruto urged Orochimaru to abandon his limited Konoha Crush Plan and dismantle Konoha’s entire power structure, then revealed that he had been speaking through an illusion.
• Jiraiya watched Itachi Uchiha and his group depart and wondered who had hired the Akatsuki, while Danzo sneezed in his room.
• Danzo gloated over Hiruzen Sarutobi’s troubles and left to speak with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura about reclaiming Root.

Naruto stopped ANBU from taking Sasuke in for questioning after Itachi attacked the Sarutobi Clan compound. Naruto and Sasuke left together, while Kakashi ordered the surrounding ANBU to withdraw.

• Naruto broke into Sasuke's apartment and said he had come to save him.
• ANBU arrived with orders from the Hokage to take Sasuke in for questioning about Itachi's attack on the Sarutobi Clan compound.
• Sasuke rushed toward the door, but the ANBU captain pinned him down and ordered his subordinates to take him away.
• Naruto knocked the ANBU into the walls with Chakra arms and told Sasuke to follow him.
• ANBU surrounded Naruto and Sasuke outside, but Kakashi arrived and ordered them to withdraw.
• Naruto left with Sasuke and reflected on his shallow, pragmatic relationship with Kakashi.

Naruto told Sasuke a slanted account of the Uchiha massacre, shifting his anger toward Konoha’s leaders and awakening his Three-Tomoe Sharingan. When Sasuke demanded a way to grow stronger, Naruto asked whether he would kill his parents and Itachi, then brought up the Ancient Kingdom of Roran.

• After the crowd dispersed, Sasuke demanded that Naruto explain why ANBU had tried to arrest him and whether Itachi had appeared.
• Naruto claimed Fugaku had surrendered his Sharingan to secure Sasuke’s protection and blamed Itachi and Konoha’s leaders for the clan’s destruction.
• Sasuke’s grief and shame awakened his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, while Naruto reflected on how his account had redirected Sasuke’s feelings about Itachi.
• Naruto warned Sasuke that the Uchiha and Konoha higher-ups both threatened him, prompting Sasuke to vow revenge on Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō.
• When Sasuke asked how to get stronger, Naruto asked whether he would kill his parents and Itachi, then asked if he had heard of the Ancient Kingdom of Roran.

Naruto confronted Hiruzen Sarutobi over his plan to suspend the Chunin Ninja Exams and pursue Itachi Uchiha, exposing evidence that challenged Hiruzen’s account of the Sarutobi Clan massacre. Hiruzen revealed he had prepared ANBU and the Sealing Division to capture Naruto, then ordered the attack.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi announced the suspension of the Chunin Ninja Exams and a village-wide hunt for Itachi Uchiha and the Akatsuki.
• Naruto entered the Jonin assembly with Hyuga Hiashi and other clan heads, declared himself the Fourth Hokage’s son, and objected to Hiruzen’s decision.
• Naruto restrained Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura with Wood Release and played a recording of his deal with Hiruzen.
• Naruto showed footage implicating Asuma in the Sarutobi Clan massacre and accused Hiruzen of using Konoha’s resources to settle a clan dispute.
• Hiruzen summoned dozens of ANBU and revealed the Sealing Division was waiting to capture Naruto.
• Hiruzen called Naruto a weapon of war and ordered the ANBU to attack.

Naruto’s faction seized control of the ANBU confrontation, and Tsunade emerged as a candidate to replace Hiruzen Sarutobi. After demonstrating that she had awakened Wood Release, she and Naruto accused Hiruzen of involvement in the Senju Clan’s destruction and secret Hashirama Cell experiments, leaving Kakashi shaken as Naruto produced evidence.

• Yamato led a third of the ANBU in turning against their comrades and standing with Naruto, while some remaining ANBU stepped away from Hiruzen Sarutobi.
• Naruto challenged Hiruzen’s authority and argued that the ANBU should follow the Hokage rather than a temporary leader who had stepped down.
• Tsunade dispelled her disguise and asked whether she was qualified to become Hokage.
• Tsunade used Wood Release: Adamantine Tree Summoning to incapacitate the ANBU protecting Hiruzen, shocking the assembled ninjas.
• Naruto accused Hiruzen of knowing how Senju Nawaki died and suggested Konoha had taken Nawaki’s organs for Hashirama Cell research; Kakashi recalled Hiruzen’s account of Yamato’s origins and grew suspicious.
• Hiruzen denied that Konoha had researched Hashirama Cells, and Naruto pulled out a stack of papers to challenge his denial.

Naruto exposed Hiruzen Sarutobi’s abuses and announced that he would found a nation, while Hiruzen tried to rally the clan leaders against him. Naruto revealed his Susanoo, killed Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, and declared a coup.

• Naruto presented Konoha’s research records and Yamato described surviving the Wood Release experiments as a child.
• Naruto accused Hiruzen Sarutobi of weakening Konoha, destroying clans, driving out the White Fang and the Sannin, and covering for his son.
• Hiruzen blamed Shimura Danzō and Root, but Naruto pointed out that Hiruzen had absorbed Root into the ANBU.
• Hiruzen invoked his appointment by the daimyo, and Naruto announced that he would found a nation.
• Hyuga Hiashi and Nara Shikaku refused to support Hiruzen, with Hiashi saying he owed Naruto his life.
• Naruto’s green Susanoo smashed through the Hokage Building’s roof and cut down Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura before Naruto declared a coup.

Baki told Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara that Sunagakure planned to use the Chunin Exams to attack Konoha, while privately realizing they had been set up as disposable pawns. When the Sarutobi Clan attacked Konoha first, Orochimaru pushed the invasion plan forward, and Naruto greeted the ensuing chaos with excitement.

• Baki explained that Sunagakure's alliance with Konoha had weakened the village and that the Kazekage planned to strike Konoha with Otogakure.
• Baki privately concluded that the Kazekage had abandoned him and the three siblings, but he did not reveal this to Temari, Kankuro, or Gaara.
• Kabuto met with Baki to review the Konoha Destruction Plan, but explosions and a massive Susanoo erupted across Konoha before they could proceed.
• Orochimaru told Baki that Konoha's turmoil offered an opportunity and decided to advance the invasion plan after the Sarutobi Clan was wiped out and Danzo had lost his followers.
• Orochimaru summoned a gigantic two-headed snake into Konoha as Naruto shouted for the attack to begin.
• Naruto spotted Orochimaru on a distant rooftop, grinned, and told him to wait.