Chapter Summaries

Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki infiltrated Konoha while Naruto traveled with Jiraiya, who tried to cheer him up. Naruto sensed the approaching Akatsuki members, and the chapter ended with Jiraiya facing them outside Naruto’s room.

• Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki entered Konoha by hypnotizing the guards with genjutsu.
• Naruto told Jiraiya that he understood becoming Hokage meant earning everyone’s acknowledgment, then argued with him over his savings.
• Jiraiya left Naruto at an inn to pursue a tailor shop owner, while Naruto reflected on Itachi Uchiha’s strength and his upcoming encounter with Sasuke.
• The Nine-Tails warned Naruto that Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki were nearby, and Naruto opened his door to find them facing Jiraiya.
• Naruto saw the tailor shop owner asleep on the floor and teased Jiraiya for returning so quickly.

Jiraiya and Naruto continued their search for Tsunade after Itachi and Kisame escaped, and Naruto warned that Orochimaru might seek her help. In Tanzaku Town, Tsunade and Shizune encountered Orochimaru, who revealed his injured arms and exposed Tsunade’s fear of blood.

• Jiraiya summoned the stomach of a great toad to trap Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, but Itachi escaped by blasting through the wall with Amaterasu.
• Sasuke arrived seeking Itachi, and Might Guy accidentally kicked Jiraiya while rushing to protect Naruto and Sasuke.
• Jiraiya and Naruto set out for Tanzaku Town to find Tsunade, and Naruto agreed to train with Jiraiya after they found her.
• Naruto suggested that Orochimaru might also seek Tsunade’s help, prompting Jiraiya to hurry toward Tanzaku Town.
• Tsunade and Shizune met Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi, and Orochimaru showed Tsunade his bloodied, injured arm.
• Shizune shielded Tsunade as Kabuto realized that the legendary medical master suffered from hemophobia.

Naruto and Jiraiya interrupted Orochimaru’s attempt to recruit Tsunade, but Orochimaru and Kabuto escaped. At an inn, Jiraiya asked Tsunade to become the Fifth Hokage, and Naruto declared that he would become an even greater Hokage than her.

• Orochimaru offered to let Tsunade see the two people most important to her if she helped him, and revealed his plan to use the First and Second Hokage against Sarutobi.
• Naruto attacked Orochimaru and Kabuto with a Rasengan, while Jiraiya trapped Orochimaru in a swamp and joined the fight.
• Orochimaru escaped after shedding his skin, and Kabuto used Yin Healing Wound Destruction to survive Naruto’s Rasengan before fleeing.
• Jiraiya, Naruto, Tsunade, and Shizune went to an inn, where Jiraiya asked Tsunade to become the Fifth Hokage.
• Tsunade refused the appointment, and Naruto introduced himself and vowed to become a Hokage more outstanding than her.

Tsunade challenged Naruto to a bet: if he could take her necklace, she would acknowledge his dream of becoming Hokage and give him the necklace. Naruto used the Flying Thunder God Technique to win, leaving Tsunade asking how he had appeared in front of her.

• Tsunade learned Naruto's name and that Kakashi had taught him the Rasengan.
• Tsunade challenged Naruto to take her necklace, wagering that he would remain a Genin if he lost.
• Jiraiya asked Naruto to use the Flying Thunder God Technique on Tsunade, but Naruto refused, and Jiraiya fainted after imagining Tsunade in a bunny outfit.
• Tsunade fought Naruto with one hand and repeatedly knocked him down while criticizing his straightforward attacks.
• Naruto suddenly appeared before Tsunade with the Flying Thunder God Technique and took her necklace.
• Tsunade asked Naruto what ninjutsu he had used to reach her so quickly.

Naruto explained his new Flying Thunder God Movement technique to Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Shizune, then refused Shizune’s request to return Tsunade’s necklace and urged Tsunade to face the future. He left Tsunade reconsidering her grief and began wondering whether other fictional worlds could exist beyond their own.

• Naruto described Flying Thunder God Movement and explained how it differed from the mark-based technique, impressing Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Shizune.
• Naruto reflected that Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi were still nearby and that he might have to fight them.
• Shizune asked Naruto to return Tsunade’s necklace, but Naruto refused and said the past could not be changed while the future could still be saved.
• Tsunade overheard Shizune leave Naruto’s room and, unable to sleep, found renewed resolve in Naruto’s words about resisting fate.
• Naruto and the Nine-Tails discussed whether other worlds existed, and Naruto wondered if someone could cross the dimensional barrier to visit Awen’s world.

Tsunade rejected Orochimaru’s offer to use Impure World Reincarnation and joined Jiraiya in fighting him to protect Konoha. Naruto and Shizune faced Guren, whose Crystal Release clone wounded Shizune before Naruto destroyed it.

• Tsunade left her room and went with Jiraiya and Naruto to meet Orochimaru outside Tanzaku Town.
• Tsunade refused to join Orochimaru, rejected his offer to revive Nawaki and Dan, and vowed to protect Konoha as the Fifth Hokage.
• Tsunade and Jiraiya attacked Orochimaru, while Naruto and Shizune were intercepted by Guren and Kabuto Yakushi went to aid Orochimaru.
• Kabuto Yakushi helped Orochimaru summon Manda as Jiraiya and Tsunade summoned Gamabunta and Katsuyu.
• Guren used Crystal Release against Naruto and Shizune, and her crystal clone slashed Shizune before Naruto shattered it with a Wind Release Rasengan.

Naruto and Shizune fought Guren while Tsunade and Jiraiya battled Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi. Naruto defeated Guren, but Kabuto rescued her as the enemy group fled, and Tsunade decided to return to Konoha and become Fifth Hokage; Naruto remained worried that Sasuke would soon leave the village.

• Guren attacked Naruto and Shizune with Crystal Dragons, and Naruto destroyed them with golden Chakra chains.
• Naruto used Flying Thunder God Movement to appear before Guren and strike her with a Rasengan, sending her falling from the sky.
• Shizune caught Naruto as he fell, then slapped him after he accidentally pressed her to the ground.
• Naruto prepared to finish off the wounded Guren, but Kabuto Yakushi summoned a giant snake that swallowed her and escaped underground.
• Tsunade and Jiraiya defeated Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi, who fled with Guren, and Tsunade decided to return to Konoha as Fifth Hokage.
• Naruto traveled back toward the village with Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shizune, and Tonton while worrying that Sasuke would soon leave Konoha.

Naruto worried about the Rasenshuriken’s harmful side effects until Kurama urged him to seek help, and Tsunade noticed water-nature chakra in his technique. At the Hot Spring Village, Naruto began training his water-nature transformation, then was shocked when Tsunade entered the bath.

• Kurama called Naruto out for brooding and explained that experience grew through interaction with others, prompting Naruto to ask Tsunade and Jiraiya for advice.
• Naruto demonstrated his Wind Release Rasengan, and Tsunade spotted traces of water-nature chakra in it.
• Tsunade advised Naruto to train his water-nature transformation, and Jiraiya suggested practicing at the Hot Spring Village.
• At the hot springs, Jiraiya taught Naruto to gather water-nature chakra in his palms and strike the surface without disturbing it, while Naruto’s attempts sent up explosive splashes.
• Jiraiya left the bath, and Tsunade entered a few minutes later, leaving Naruto startled.

Tsunade helped Naruto improve his Water-Nature Chakra control before she, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Shizune continued their journey to Konoha. Once they arrived, Naruto told Tsunade that Kakashi was unconscious in the hospital after being struck by Itachi Uchiha’s genjutsu.

• Tsunade joined Naruto in the hot spring and guided him in controlling his Water-Nature Chakra, helping him make much smaller splashes.
• Jiraiya saw Tsunade and Naruto leave the mixed bath together, misunderstood what had happened, and grieved when Naruto explained that Tsunade had only helped with his training.
• Shizune told Jiraiya, Naruto, and Tsunade that Tsunade’s debt collectors had found them, but Tsunade dismissed the concern.
• Tsunade, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Shizune traveled back to Konoha, where the villagers gathered to welcome Tsunade.
• Naruto saw Sasuke in the crowd and asked Tsunade to help Kakashi, who was unconscious in the hospital after Itachi Uchiha’s genjutsu.

Tsunade healed Kakashi and examined Rock Lee, warning him that his injuries left his future as a ninja uncertain. Sasuke challenged Naruto to measure their strength, then remained unmoved when Naruto defeated him and warned him about Orochimaru.

• Tsunade healed Kakashi, then examined Rock Lee and explained how severe his injuries were after Naruto left the ward.
• Naruto returned to find Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke gone, but Sasuke waited outside the hospital to challenge him.
• Sasuke and Naruto fought at the training ground, where Naruto broke free of Sasuke's genjutsu and gained the advantage in close combat.
• Sasuke's Great Fireball Jutsu and Chidori failed to overcome Naruto's Wind Release Rasengan, and the impact knocked Sasuke to the ground.
• Naruto warned Sasuke that Orochimaru wanted to take over his body, but Sasuke did not change his mind.

Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage and began tackling Konoha’s backlog, including approving an A-Rank mission to protect Fujikaze Yukie. Team 7 set out for the mission, while the Nine-Tails suspected it was the Land of Snow assignment from Awen’s memories and Naruto eagerly anticipated meeting Princess Gale.

• Tsunade successfully operated on Rock Lee, who survived the critical period and would be able to continue as a ninja after recovering.
• Tsunade was inaugurated as the Fifth Hokage and promised to protect Konoha and pass on the Will of Fire.
• Tsunade considered holding a sports festival, but Shizune explained that Lee’s recovery and Konoha’s piled-up missions made it impractical for now.
• Tsunade approved an A-Rank protection mission for Fujikaze Yukie and sent Shizune to summon Kakashi.
• Kakashi gathered Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura for a mission to meet their client at South Harbor Wharf in the Land of Fire.
• The Nine-Tails suspected the mission was the Land of Snow assignment, and Naruto became excited about meeting Princess Gale and getting her autograph.

Team 7’s mission to escort Fujikaze Yukie to the Land of Snow began with a misunderstanding when Naruto chased after her during her attempted escape. Naruto followed Yukie on horseback, saved several children from danger, and watched as she was thrown from her horse and knocked unconscious.

• Kakashi gave Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura tickets to Princess Gale Adventure before meeting their client, Sandayu.
• After the movie, Fujikaze Yukie rode away on a white horse, and Naruto chased after her while Sasuke and Sakura captured the knights pursuing her.
• Kakashi arrived, freed the bound men, and explained that Team 7 had misunderstood the situation; Sandayu said Yukie did not want to travel to the Land of Snow.
• Naruto caught up with Yukie, praised her as a fan, and rode behind her while she continued toward the Land of Snow.
• Naruto rushed to save children in the road, and Yukie was thrown from her horse at a bend and knocked unconscious.

Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke escorted Fujikaze Yukie aboard a ship bound for the Land of Snow, where she resumed filming after waking from her injury. As the crew watched her perform, Naruto tried to understand Kurama’s warning that the movie’s characters—including him—had serious flaws.

• Naruto returned with Fujikaze Yukie after she fell from her horse and hit a wall, then explained that he had learned to ride just that day.
• Fujikaze Yukie woke aboard a ship and realized she had been taken to sea despite not wanting to go to the Land of Snow.
• Kakashi warned Sakura and Sasuke not to underestimate their A-rank mission protecting Fujikaze Yukie.
• Kurama criticized the characters in Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow and warned Naruto not to act like his movie counterpart.
• Fujikaze Yukie began filming, repeatedly interrupted the scene to ask Sandayu for eye drops, and Naruto defended her acting and appearance.

Naruto warned the film crew that the iceberg blocking their route might be a trap, and Team 7 went to investigate. Snow ninja revealed Fujikaze Yukie's identity as Princess Kazahana Koyuki and attacked the group, leaving Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke fighting on the iceberg.

• In the Land of Snow, Nadare Rōga reported to Kazahana Dōtō that Fujikaze Yukie was Princess Kazahana Koyuki and that she had the Hexagonal Crystal.
• When an iceberg blocked the ship's route, Naruto warned the director it might be a trap, and Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke went to investigate while Sakura stayed behind.
• Kakashi's explosive kunai revealed Nadare Rōga, Fubuki Kakuyoku, and Mizore Fuyukuma, who confirmed Yukie's identity and moved to capture her and the Hexagonal Crystal.
• Kakashi fought Nadare Rōga, Naruto attacked Mizore Fuyukuma, and Fubuki Kakuyoku engaged Sasuke.
• Mizore's Chakra Armor blocked Naruto's Wind Release Rasengan, while Sasuke melted Fubuki's ice swallows and countered her Ice Prison Technique with a Great Fireball Jutsu.

Naruto, Kakashi, and Sasuke fought the Snow Ninja during a staged battle, then discovered that the actress Fujikaze Yukie was actually Princess Kazahana Koyuki. Sandayu revealed his plan to bring her back to reclaim the Land of Snow, and Naruto challenged him to consider whether the plan had the resources and Koyuki’s consent to succeed.

• Naruto and Mizore Fuyukuma clashed with Rasengan techniques, while Kakashi countered Nadare Rōga’s Ice Release with a copied One-Horned White Whale.
• Nadare Rōga ordered Fubuki Kakuyoku and Mizore Fuyukuma to retreat, and the director called the staged battle to an end.
• Fujikaze Yukie collapsed after the battle, and Kakashi recognized her as Kazahana Koyuki from a mission in the Land of Snow years earlier.
• Kakashi replaced the real Hexagonal Crystal with a fake and confronted Sandayu, who promised to explain the truth.
• Sandayu revealed that Kazahana Dōtō had overthrown Koyuki’s father, Kazahana Sōsetsu, and said he hoped Koyuki would lead a rebellion to reclaim the country.
• Naruto questioned whether Sandayu had prepared money, an army, intelligence, allies, popular support, and Koyuki’s own agreement.

Naruto challenged Sandayu to consider the people’s needs and Princess Koyuki’s wishes, then urged him to stay alive and help her after defeating Dotō. As Team 7 continued its mission through the Land of Snow, Naruto noticed railway tracks beneath the snow and wondered whether the country’s technology would later reach the Shinobi World.

• Naruto questioned Sandayu’s preparations and pointed out that his small group could not defeat Dotō or win the support of the Land of Snow’s people.
• The director argued that ordinary people cared more about their lives than who ruled them, and Kurama helped Naruto consider the difference between a country and a shinobi village.
• Kakashi asked whether the mission would continue, and Sasuke and Naruto agreed that Team 7 would protect Koyuki and defeat Dotō.
• Naruto told Sandayu that he had to stay alive to help Koyuki after Dotō’s defeat, moving Sandayu to tears as Koyuki listened outside the door.
• The group traveled toward a cavern, where Sandayu described a nearby village of their companions, and Naruto found railway tracks buried under the snow.

Naruto found Kazahana Koyuki after she ran away and convinced her that they had to defeat Kazahana Dōtō rather than flee the Land of Snow. When Dōtō’s men triggered a train derailment and the tunnel began to collapse, Naruto carried Koyuki out and brought down the cavern with a Rasengan.

• After the crew learned that Kazahana Koyuki had run away again, Kakashi sent everyone to search for her.
• Naruto tracked Koyuki by her scent, found her among the snow-covered pines, and carried her back through the tunnel.
• Koyuki asked Naruto to take her away, but Naruto promised to protect her and persuaded her to defeat Kazahana Dōtō first.
• Naruto noticed that the ice on the rails was melting, realized the train was about to derail, and ran with Koyuki on his back.
• Sandayu warned the film crew that Dōtō and his men had arrived, while the director stayed behind to film what happened.
• After the train derailed, Naruto carried Koyuki out of the tunnel and collapsed the cavern with Wind Release: Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan.

Naruto and his team confronted Kazahana Dōtō and the Snow Ninja after the train wreck, while Kazahana Koyuki overcame her fear and declared she would defeat Dōtō. The team defeated the Snow Ninja, and Naruto killed Dōtō with his newly completed Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.

• Kazahana Dōtō emerged from the collapsed mountain with the Snow Ninja and confirmed that he had come for the Hexagonal Crystal.
• Kazahana Koyuki stood beside Naruto and declared that she had come to defeat Dōtō, while Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura arrived to support them.
• Naruto fought Dōtō as Kakashi battled Nadare Rōga and Sasuke and Sakura drew Fubuki Kakuyoku and Mizore Fuyukuma into the forest.
• Kakashi defeated Nadare Rōga, and Sasuke and Sakura destroyed Fubuki Kakuyoku and Mizore Fuyukuma with their coordinated attacks.
• Naruto used Shadow Clones to keep Dōtō occupied, then threw his Wind Release: Rasenshuriken and killed him through his Chakra Armor.

Naruto defeated Kazahana Dōtō with the Rasenshuriken, and Kakashi returned the real Hexagonal Crystal to Kazahana Koyuki. Koyuki refused to rule the Land of Snow and chose to remain an actress in Konoha, then agreed to see what her father had left behind.

• Naruto explained that he used Water-Nature Chakra to protect his hand from the Rasenshuriken's backlash, and Kakashi praised his S-rank technique.
• Kazahana Koyuki hugged Naruto in relief after he confirmed Kazahana Dōtō was defeated, and Kakashi gave her the real Hexagonal Crystal.
• Sandayu and his samurai celebrated Dōtō's death and asked Koyuki to take the throne, but she refused and said she wanted to continue acting in Konoha.
• Kurama explained to Naruto that Koyuki's wishes had not changed and that she had become ruler in the earlier events only because of what Naruto and her father left behind.
• Naruto suggested that Koyuki first see what her father had left for her, and she agreed to go with Team 7.

Kazahana Koyuki activated her father’s Geothermal Generator, chose to inherit the Land of Snow, and became its ruler. After she kissed Naruto at a group photo, the group reunited with Zabuza and Haku, leaving Koyuki suspicious of Naruto’s relationship with Haku.

• Kazahana Koyuki inserted the Hexagonal Crystal into the Rainbow Crystal Wall, awakening the Geothermal Generator and bringing spring to the Land of Snow.
• A projection of Kazahana Sōsetsu reminded Kazahana Koyuki of her childhood dreams, and she decided to inherit the Land of Snow.
• Kazahana Koyuki was crowned ruler, then kissed Naruto during a group photo before he and his team prepared to leave for Konoha.
• A minister announced that a merchant named Zabuza had arrived, so Kazahana Koyuki brought Naruto and the others to meet him.
• Naruto recognized Zabuza and Haku, and Kazahana Koyuki asked what Naruto’s relationship with Haku was.