Recaps

Kaguya Yama escaped the Kaguya Clan massacre with Fujiwara’s help and reached the Land of Rice Fields, where rogue ninja attacked his caravan. The chapter ended with a rogue ninja stabbing at Yama as he struggled to survive.

• Fujiwara helped Kaguya Yama flee the Kaguya Clan grounds during the rebellion, while Yama saw Orochimaro take Kimimaro under his protection.
• Fujiwara parted ways with Yama and sent him toward the Land of Rice Fields with a map to find Achun’s caravan.
• Yama traveled with Achun’s caravan across the border and learned that the Land of Rice Fields was rife with rogue ninja and bandits.
• Five rogue ninja ambushed the caravan, killed a guard, and attacked Achun and the others.
• A rogue ninja came around the cargo cart and stabbed at Yama, who dodged but was wounded.

After killing a rogue ninja, Kaguya Yama unlocked the Jujutsu System and received the Six Eyes, which helped him turn the battle around with his Shikotsumyaku. He continued with the surviving caravan, determined to grow stronger, while sensing that something new had begun to take root within him.

• Kaguya Yama killed a rogue ninja and unlocked the Jujutsu System, which awarded him the Six Eyes.
• Using the Six Eyes to read his attackers' movements, Yama wounded one rogue ninja and killed another who was flanking Achun.
• Yama helped Achun defeat the one-eyed brute, and the caravan captured the two surviving rogue ninjas after the fighting ended.
• Yama revealed to Achun that he was a Kaguya orphan who had escaped from Hidden Mist, and she urged the group to leave before more trouble arrived.
• As the caravan continued through the Land of Rice Fields, Yama tried to contact the system and sensed something taking root in his consciousness.

Six years after the merchant caravan took him in, Kaguya Yama had become a powerful fighter while secretly waiting in Tanzaku Town for Tsunade, hoping she could cure his worsening Shikotsumyaku Bloodline Disease. The chapter left him monitoring the town and holding on to the chance to approach her.

• Kaguya Yama used his Six Eyes from the second floor of Yamada-ya to observe the town and overhear a negotiation downstairs.
• Kaguya Yama reviewed his abilities and learned that his Bloodline Disease had begun causing symptoms as his bone regeneration slowed.
• Kaguya Yama recalled gaining Black Flash and Ice Formation after killing hundreds of enemies, including a Kirigakure pursuit force.
• Kaguya Yama compared his condition with Kimimaro's and concluded that Tsunade might be the only person able to cure him.
• Kaguya Yama resolved to wait in Tanzaku Town for an opportunity to approach Tsunade and persuade her to help.

Kaguya Yama found Tsunade in Tanzaku Town and followed her to Auspicious House, hoping to make contact through gambling. After Tsunade sensed him and confronted him in an alley, he revealed his Cursed Energy and Shikotsumyaku.

• Kaguya Yama spotted Tsunade and Shizune at a tavern and decided to approach Tsunade at a gambling table.
• Kaguya Yama followed Tsunade and Shizune to Auspicious House, where Tsunade lost repeatedly and left without her winnings.
• Kaguya Yama noticed an unusual disturbance in Tsunade's Yang Release chakra and quietly followed her from the gambling house.
• Tsunade confronted Kaguya Yama in an abandoned alley, accusing him of watching her and detecting the corpse-like scent and cold energy around him.
• Kaguya Yama introduced himself as Yamada Soji, explained that the energy was Cursed Energy, and revealed the bones beneath his skin.

Kaguya Yama asked Tsunade to treat his Shikotsumyaku Bloodline Disease and tried to persuade her by offering ideas for treating her hemophobia, but she refused. The next day, Tsunade questioned Shizune about what benefits Yama had promised her.

• Kaguya Yama told Tsunade that he had the Shikotsumyaku Bloodline Disease and asked her for treatment, but she refused because she believed it was incurable.
• Yama offered Tsunade ideas for auxiliary treatment of her hemophobia, then left and told her she could find him at Auspicious House.
• Tsunade rejected Yama as suspicious, while Shizune expressed concern about his illness and looked back at him as they left.
• Yama watched Tsunade and Shizune depart, judged that Shizune might be his opening, and decided he could try to reach Tsunade through her apprentice.
• The next day, Tsunade sat down to breakfast with Shizune and asked what benefits Yama had promised her.

Shizune told Tsunade that Sōji had asked her to treat his hemophobia and offered money, lodging, and a chance to study his condition. Tsunade let Shizune take the job under strict conditions and ordered her to collect half the payment in advance.

• Shizune explained Sōji’s diagnosis theory, proposed treatment approach, compensation, and analgesic ointment to Tsunade.
• Shizune asked Tsunade to let her try treating Sōji, and Tsunade considered his illness and Shizune’s desire to help.
• Tsunade agreed to the treatment, requiring the location to stay nearby and all medications and plans to receive her review.
• Tsunade demanded half the two million ryō in advance and warned Shizune to make Sōji cooperate honestly.

After a year of treatment and training in Tanzaku Town, Yamada Soji completely mastered control of his Shikotsumyaku and was cured of Bloodline Disease. Tsunade refused to take him as her disciple before leaving with Shizune, and Soji decided it was time to move on.

• Yamada Soji demonstrated that he could safely remove and regrow bone, and Tsunade confirmed that his condition had stabilized.
• Shizune gave Soji his treatment records, medicine formulas, and instructions for preventing the Bloodline Disease from returning.
• Soji asked Tsunade to accept him as her disciple and teach him Medical Ninjutsu, but she refused.
• Tsunade and Shizune departed for the Land of Lightning and advised Soji not to remain in Tanzaku Town.
• After they left, Soji reflected that Tanzaku Town had become only a temporary shelter and decided to make a move.

Tsunade and Shizune discovered that Yamada Soji had joined their ship’s route to the Land of Lightning, then traveled with him through a stop in the Land of Hot Water. As Shizune pursued Tsunade after she slipped away to gamble, Soji sensed that Hidden Mist ANBU had surrounded him.

• Tsunade and Shizune discussed Soji’s character and his payment before he revealed he was escorting cargo on their ship to the Land of Lightning.
• Soji accompanied Tsunade and Shizune during their two-day stop in the Land of Hot Water and acted as their guide.
• Tsunade left the group to visit a gambling house, and Shizune sent Tonton after her so she could stop her from losing their money.
• Soji followed Shizune and Tonton through town, then sensed at least six hostile figures with the chakra and killing intent of Hidden Mist ANBU.

Yamada Soji lured six Hidden Mist ANBU into a dead-end alley and defeated them with his Six Eyes, Ice Release, and Shikotsumyaku. After leaving the scene before residents arrived, he watched the merchant ship from a rooftop as his Cursed Energy grew slightly stronger.

• Yamada Soji separated from Shizune and Tonton, entered a dead-end alley, and faced six Hidden Mist ANBU who demanded he return or die.
• Yamada Soji froze the ANBU’s Water Prison Whips and killed two rooftop attackers with bone projectiles.
• Yamada Soji disrupted the squad leader’s charge with Ice Formation: Frost Bind, then killed him with a bone blade.
• Yamada Soji deflected a Water Dragon Bullet with Ice Formation: Ice Prism and struck the remaining ANBU with finger bones.
• Yamada Soji approached the fallen ANBU, then fled across the rooftops when nearby residents were drawn by the noise.
• Yamada Soji paused on a rooftop, noticed his Cursed Energy had strengthened, and looked back toward the merchant ship in the harbor.

At Hot Springs Inn, Tsunade and Shizune worried over their gambling losses before Tsunade realized Yamada Soji had fought Hidden Mist ANBU. Soji confirmed he had killed six attackers, then decided to continue traveling with Tsunade and Shizune as he escorted Yamada Trading Company's goods.

• Tsunade lost 1,270,000 ryo gambling, including money set aside for treatment, and Shizune warned they had little left to live on.
• Tsunade noticed traces of blood on Yamada Soji and deduced that he had fought someone.
• Soji said six Hidden Mist ANBU had attacked him, and he had killed them all without being injured.
• Shizune confirmed that it was Konoha Year 59, and Soji calculated that the Konoha Crush Plan was three years away.
• Soji said he would continue with Tsunade and Shizune to deliver Yamada Trading Company's goods and could protect himself.
• Soji gave Tsunade and Shizune money to help with their expenses, and Tsunade sent Shizune to buy alcohol and snacks.

Tsunade warned Sōji not to risk his life again, then revealed that gambling helped her forget the deaths of Nawaki and Dan. After she lost her money on the voyage to the Land of Iron, she flirtatiously asked Sōji for another loan, and he calmly asked how much she needed.

• Tsunade noticed Sōji's heartbeat quicken and warned him to protect his life and recovering body.
• The ship left the Land of Hot Water for the Land of Iron with Tsunade, Shizune, and Sōji aboard.
• Tsunade lost her emergency funds gambling and borrowed heavily from an underground exchange.
• Tsunade explained that the thrill of gambling helped her forget painful memories, while Shizune began to mention Nawaki and Dan.
• Tsunade stopped Shizune from discussing the past, then teased Sōji and asked to borrow more money.
• Sōji asked Tsunade how much she needed.

Aboard the merchant ship bound for the Land of Iron, Sōji offered Tsunade money in exchange for learning basic Medical Ninjutsu. Tsunade agreed with strict conditions and gave Shizune notes to teach him, leaving Sōji beginning his studies as Tsunade watched over him.

• Sōji asked Tsunade to teach him Medical Ninjutsu in exchange for a loan, explaining his abilities and why he wanted another way to survive in battle.
• Tsunade recalled Dan and how she had failed to save him, then agreed to teach Sōji basic theory, chakra control, and simple healing techniques.
• Tsunade forbade Sōji from using Medical Ninjutsu to kill and demanded that he stay alive.
• Tsunade told Shizune to give Sōji notes on the thirty-six paired co-assistance points and test his memory before approving the loan.
• Shizune handed Sōji her notes and charts and began explaining them as the merchant ship continued toward the Land of Iron.

Tsunade taught Shizune and Yamada Soji Chakra Enhanced Strength in a valley in the Land of Gold. Shizune struggled to concentrate her chakra, while Soji’s first attempt pulverized a boulder, leaving Tsunade to assess his extraordinary control.

• Tsunade explained the concentration and timing required for Chakra Enhanced Strength, then shattered a boulder with a palm strike.
• Shizune repeatedly tried the technique, but her chakra dispersed before her strikes could break the boulder.
• Tsunade told Shizune to rest and asked Yamada Soji to try the technique.
• Soji used his Six Eyes to analyze Tsunade’s strike and Shizune’s chakra flow, then compressed chakra into his palm.
• Soji struck a boulder and pulverized it with a blast that filled the valley with dust.

Sōji demonstrated Chakra Enhanced Strength and revealed that his Six Eyes could analyze techniques in extraordinary detail. Tsunade warned him to keep his eyes secret, while Sōji resolved to grow stronger and reflected on how the Jujutsu System rewarded killing chakra-possessing ninjas.

• Sōji shattered a huge rock with his first use of Chakra Enhanced Strength, astonishing Shizune and Tsunade.
• Sōji explained that his Six Eyes let him see chakra flow and technique structure, allowing him to imitate Tsunade’s strike.
• Tsunade removed Sōji’s blindfold and realized his eyes could analyze techniques, muscle movements, and chakra channels.
• Tsunade told Shizune to stop comparing herself to Sōji and warned Sōji to keep his eyes hidden from others.
• Sōji thanked Tsunade for not probing his origins, then recognized that he needed to become stronger to protect himself.
• Sōji reflected that killing chakra-possessing ninjas increased his Cursed Energy and that the Jujutsu System could grant rewards, including an Innate Technique.

Yamada Soji reflected on his cursed energy, ninja training, and the mysteries of the Kaguya bloodline, then told Tsunade he wanted to return to the Land of Water to search for clan records. Tsunade challenged the idea, leaving Soji’s plan unresolved.

• Yamada Soji reviewed how killing ninjas increased his cursed energy and concluded he could not pursue that path while traveling with Tsunade.
• Soji considered his progress in ninja techniques, his knowledge of future events, and whether the Kaguya bloodline held powers beyond Shikotsumyaku.
• Soji recalled the Kaguya clan ruins near Kirigakure and decided he wanted to return to the Land of Water to search for surviving records.
• Tsunade asked why Soji wanted to go back, and he explained that he hoped to learn about the origin of his bloodline.

Sōji weighed the risks of pursuing cursed energy, ninja training, or his Kaguya bloodline while traveling with Tsunade and Shizune. In the Land of Gold, Tsunade arrived at a gambling house, where the staff recognized her as the Legendary Big Spender and rushed to greet her.

• Tsunade advised Sōji not to depend on bloodline secrets and encouraged him to forge his own path.
• Sōji considered the three routes to power and decided he had time to keep learning before choosing whether to visit the Land of Water.
• Sōji, Tsunade, and Shizune traveled to Kanazawa Castle in the Land of Gold to handle deliveries during the ship’s half-month stop.
• The gambling house attendant recognized Tsunade and saw Sōji carrying three huge chests of money on a shoulder pole.
• The attendant announced Tsunade’s arrival, and the gambling house erupted as its patrons and staff prepared to welcome her.

Tsunade gambled away the 150 million ryō she had brought to the Gold and Silver Hall, while Sōji questioned where such a large sum had come from. Tsunade agreed to explain as they walked away from the gambling hall.

• The Gold and Silver Hall proprietor welcomed Tsunade and her companions, and Sōji teased her about the gamblers eagerly anticipating her money.
• Tsunade sat down at the dice table as the gamblers cheered, then kept betting despite losing her first round.
• Sōji told Shizune that Tsunade might gamble for three or four hours and assured her he had money for food and lodging.
• Tsunade lost all 150 million ryō, and the proprietor and attendants gave her a rehearsed send-off.
• Sōji asked Tsunade where the 150 million ryō had come from, and she agreed to talk while they walked away.

Tsunade told Sōji how she had borrowed 150 million ryō from the Bounty Station and gambled it away, prompting him to compare the loss to four and a half Asumas. The group went to a tavern in Kanazawa Castle, where Tsunade drank and Sōji continued his chakra training while monitoring their surroundings.

• Tsunade explained that she had borrowed 150 million ryō from the Bounty Station in the Land of Gold using her status as a princess.
• Sōji pointed out that Tsunade had lost the equivalent of four and a half Asumas, based on Asuma Sarutobi's bounty.
• Tsunade dismissed concerns about repaying the debt and teased Sōji about worrying over her gambling.
• Tsunade laughed at Sōji's complaint about hauling boxes, then struck his shoulder and called it training in Chakra Enhanced Strength.
• Tsunade, Shizune, and Sōji entered the Iwamiya tavern, where Tsunade ordered sake and snacks.
• Sōji trained his chakra beneath the table while using Six Eyes to monitor the tavern and street.

As Shizune and Tonton slept off the wine, Tsunade watched Yamada Soji train and remembered her dead brother, Nawaki. She warned Soji not to overwork himself, and the night ended with the two of them drinking in quiet reflection.

• Shizune fell asleep clutching an empty wine bottle, and Tonton toppled over beside her after sneaking a drink.
• Tsunade watched Yamada Soji train and was reminded of Nawaki, her younger brother who died in the war.
• Soji noticed Tsunade’s sorrow, thanked her for her hospitality, and offered to pay the bill.
• Tsunade laughed, ordered another jug of hot wine, and told Soji not to push himself until he was hurt.
• Soji drained his cold tea as the night deepened, while Tsunade drank and Shizune and Tonton slept.

Sōji watched Tsunade grieve for Dan and Nawaki as she drank alone in a tavern. A Kumogakure ninja named Amai arrived and begged her to heal his gravely injured companion, but Tsunade refused over Kumogakure’s past attempt to steal the Hyuga Clan’s Byakugan.

• Sōji saw Tsunade quietly mourn Dan and Nawaki, then reach unsuccessfully for the wine jug.
• Amai entered the tavern, knelt before Tsunade, and asked her to save his injured companion.
• Tsunade questioned why Amai could not treat his companion himself, and he admitted his medical skills were inadequate.
• Tsunade refused to help and condemned Kumogakure for its attempt to steal the Hyuga Clan’s Byakugan.
• Amai tried to explain that he and his companion had no part in the plan, while Tsunade criticized those who had benefited from it.

The Fourth Raikage arrived at the izakaya and demanded that Tsunade treat his injured subordinate, Amai, threatening to take her by force if she refused. Tsunade agreed to treat the patient, and Sōji stayed with her through the night, preparing to face the Raikage the next day.

• The Fourth Raikage entered the izakaya, acknowledged Tsunade, and ordered Amai to stop pressing her.
• The Fourth Raikage threatened to tie Tsunade up and take her if she refused to help Kumogakure, and Tsunade challenged him to try.
• The Fourth Raikage ended the confrontation and left with Amai, saying he would wait in the clearing behind the tavern.
• Sōji suggested that he and Tsunade flee, but Tsunade refused because the Fourth Raikage was too fast to escape.
• Tsunade fell asleep at the table, and Sōji covered her with his outer robe and decided to face the Fourth Raikage the next day.

Tsunade refused to treat the injured Hidden Cloud ninja unless the Fourth Raikage accepted her arm-wrestling wager. The Fourth Raikage agreed, while Sōji recognized the episode and considered what he could gain from it.

• The Fourth Raikage arrived at the tavern after waiting in the rain all night and found Tsunade still asleep.
• Tsunade pretended not to remember agreeing to help the Hidden Cloud ninja and challenged the Fourth Raikage to arm wrestling.
• Tsunade wagered that she would treat the ninja if she lost, while the Fourth Raikage and his people would leave the Land of Gold if he lost.
• The Fourth Raikage accepted the wager, and Sōji recalled the story's outcome as he quietly considered his own opportunity.

Tsunade and the Fourth Raikage held a strength contest that ended when Sōji stepped in to shield her hand. Tsunade conceded the victory and headed with Sōji to see the Raikage’s people, while the Fourth Raikage ordered Amai to investigate Sōji’s background.

• Tsunade and the Fourth Raikage began an arm-wrestling match, and Tsunade steadily forced his wrist downward.
• The Fourth Raikage used a sudden burst of speed and his full-body strength to smash the boulder beneath their hands.
• Sōji rushed between them and caught part of the Fourth Raikage’s strike, protecting Tsunade’s hand.
• Tsunade declared the Fourth Raikage the winner and told him to take her to see his people.
• The Fourth Raikage asked Sōji his name, and Sōji answered, “Yamada Soji.”
• The Fourth Raikage told Amai to investigate Sōji’s background after they returned to Hidden Cloud.

Tsunade and Sōji identified the swelling afflicting Karai as a mass of chakra-eating Explosive Insects, a secret technique used by the Xuan Yuan Corps. Tsunade revealed that the Fourth Raikage and Amai were parasitized too, leaving their condition and Karai’s treatment unresolved.

• Tsunade examined Karai’s spider-shaped chest swelling while the Fourth Raikage explained that it grew faster when its host used ninjutsu.
• The Fourth Raikage identified the attackers as the Xuan Yuan Corps, and Tsunade criticized Kumogakure for its history of coveting other nations’ techniques.
• Sōji used his Six Eyes to explain that countless tiny insects had invaded Karai’s body and fed on his chakra.
• Tsunade named them Explosive Insects and said the Aburame Clan had abandoned its own breeding efforts because the insects were difficult and costly to raise.
• Tsunade revealed that the Fourth Raikage and Amai were parasitized as well, and Amai found no visible swelling when he checked his chest.

Tsunade negotiated payment from the Fourth Raikage to treat the rest of the Hidden Cloud shinobi, securing money and valuable Earth Release techniques. She then made Sōji lead Karai’s surgery as she taught him how to remove the Explosive Insects, while the Fourth Raikage grew wary of the young shinobi.

• Tsunade explained that Explosive Insects had not yet harmed the Fourth Raikage because he used chakra too quickly for them to feed on it, but warned that they could infect him over time.
• The Fourth Raikage agreed to pay fifty million ryo and trade the Light-Weight Rock and Added-Weight Rock techniques in exchange for treatment of his shinobi.
• Sōji realized Tsunade had chosen the rewards with his Wind, Water, and Earth chakra natures in mind, and he felt moved by her consideration.
• Tsunade began preparing to treat Karai and told Sōji to lead the operation, with Shizune assisting, so he could learn how to handle the Xuan Yuan Corps’ secret technique.
• The Fourth Raikage watched Sōji and suspected that the blindfolded youth was far more formidable than he appeared.