Chapter Summaries

Haku and Kazahana Koyuki discussed investing in the Land of Snow before turning their conversation toward Naruto, and Haku demonstrated her Ice Release Kekkei Genkai. After learning Naruto had mastered Wind and Water nature transformations, Haku brought him to the training ground to try developing Ice Release.

• Zabuza told Naruto and Kakashi that he and Haku had left the Land of Waves and settled in the Land of Demons, though he was considering the newly founded Land of Snow as a place to retire.
• Kakashi explained to Sasuke that the Land of Demons was a secluded, permanently neutral country, while Zabuza described its distinctive culture and the opportunities in the Land of Snow.
• Haku told Kazahana Koyuki that she was involved with Naruto, and Koyuki provoked her by revealing that she and Naruto had shared their first kisses.
• Haku's anger caused the room to grow cold and the teacup to freeze, revealing her Ice Release; she explained that it combined Water and Wind nature transformations.
• After Koyuki told Haku that Naruto had mastered both Wind and Water, Haku gathered him and the others at a training ground to help him try to develop Ice Release.
• Haku said that awakening Ice Release could allow Naruto to pass it to his children, and Naruto asked Kurama whether he might be able to develop the Kekkei Genkai.

Naruto learned Ice Release with Haku’s help before Team 7 left the Land of Snow, while Tsunade reactivated Root Division to strengthen Konoha and counter the elders’ influence. Shikamaru reported for duty as Naruto’s return from the Land of Snow approached.

• Naruto combined wind- and water-nature chakra to create Ice Release, and the Nine-Tails suggested the talent came from Awen.
• Haku gave Naruto a scroll containing her Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals technique before Team 7 departed the Land of Snow.
• Haku stayed behind with Zabuza and Kazahana Koyuki, while Koyuki planned to ask Haku to serve as an official in the Land of Snow.
• Naruto found Koyuki’s message on the back of his signed photo, urging him to become an outstanding Hokage.
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura confronted Tsunade over restoring Danzo’s position and reactivating Root Division, but Tsunade defended her decision as Hokage.
• Shikamaru Nara reported for duty to Tsunade, who remarked that Naruto would likely cause trouble when he returned.

After returning from the Land of Snow, Naruto’s new Ice Release and poor academic record were discussed at the Hokage’s office. Meanwhile, Sasuke chose to leave Konoha for Orochimaru, knocking Sakura unconscious as he departed.

• On the way back to Konoha, Naruto showed off his Ice Release and said he wanted to combine it with the Rasengan and use it in daily life.
• Kakashi reported the mission to Tsunade, who explained Naruto could not become a Chunin until he improved his theoretical knowledge.
• Tsunade read that Naruto had mastered the Rasenshuriken and developed Ice Release, and she and Shizune speculated about his ancestry.
• Sasuke read Orochimaru’s invitation, packed his belongings, and left home to meet the Sound Ninja Four.
• At Konoha’s gate, Sakura tried to stop Sasuke, but he knocked her unconscious and left to seek power for revenge.

Naruto learned that Sasuke had left Konoha and pursued him alone, using Kurama’s power to defeat the Sound Four. He caught up with Kimimaro as the latter carried Sasuke’s barrel, and their fight began.

• Shikamaru told Naruto that Sasuke had defected, but Naruto stayed composed and set out alone to retrieve him.
• Naruto used Flying Thunder God Movement to reach the Sound Four, then drew on Kurama’s Chakra as Kidomaru, Tayuya, and Sakon stayed behind to stop him.
• Orochimaru learned Naruto had disrupted his plans, but agreed to wait three years before taking Sasuke’s body after Kabuto warned that his current body was failing.
• Naruto defeated Kidomaru, Tayuya, and Sakon, then killed Jirobo with a Crimson Jade Rasenshuriken as Jirobo carried Sasuke in the barrel.
• Kimimaro picked up the barrel and continued onward, but Naruto caught up with him in a grassy field, where Kimimaro prepared to fight.

Naruto defeated Kimimaro with an Ice Release: Rasenshuriken, whose freezing power swept across the surrounding forest. When Sasuke emerged from the barrel, Naruto let him leave with a letter rather than trying to stop him, then reunited with Shikamaru and the others.

• Kimimaro attacked Naruto with finger bones, but Naruto overwhelmed him and forced him to use his final Bracken Dance.
• Naruto and the Nine-Tails formed an Ice Release: Rasenshuriken, which froze Kimimaro and shattered him.
• Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, and Choji felt the unnatural cold and hurried through the forest to support Naruto.
• Sasuke emerged from the barrel with his Three-Tomoe Sharingan and declared that he would leave to pursue revenge.
• Naruto gave Sasuke an envelope and let him go, then told Shikamaru and the others that the mission had failed because he had lost track of Sasuke while fighting Kimimaro.

Sasuke read Naruto’s letter, accepted that Naruto still supported him, and continued toward Orochimaru while relying on the Curse Mark’s power. Naruto ended the pursuit after the rain erased Sasuke’s trail, and Tsunade confronted him about deliberately letting Sasuke go.

• Sasuke read Naruto’s apology and warning that Orochimaru would need a new vessel within three years, then burned the letter after memorizing it.
• Sasuke activated Curse Mark Stage Two, then reverted and continued on his way as the rain began to fall.
• Naruto told his team to abandon the pursuit because the rain had erased Sasuke’s scent and they were in poor condition.
• Shikamaru reported the failed mission to Tsunade and concealed Naruto’s unauthorized actions.
• Tsunade dismissed the others, kept Naruto behind, and accused him of deliberately letting Sasuke go.

Naruto learned that Tsunade had secretly sent Sasuke undercover to infiltrate Orochimaru, then supported Sakura as she resolved to become Tsunade’s apprentice. After months of missions and adventures, Naruto prepared to leave Konoha with Jiraiya for training, while the Nine-Tails planned to meet with the other tailed beasts and Jinchuriki.

• Naruto learned that Tsunade had assigned Sasuke a confidential S-rank mission to infiltrate Orochimaru’s side, and promised to keep the plan secret.
• Naruto apologized to Sakura for making her worry, and she decided to ask Tsunade to train her so she could become stronger.
• Sakura became Tsunade’s apprentice, while Naruto and his allies handled the Fuma Clan matter and later missions that included searching for the Dream Fragrance Bug and facing Raiga Kurosuki.
• Naruto experienced events from Awen’s memories and prevented tragedies, including Natsuhi’s, before preparing to leave Konoha with Jiraiya.
• On the night before departing, Naruto wondered whether he had forgotten meeting a mysterious girl, but the Nine-Tails dismissed the memory as imagination.
• The Nine-Tails told Naruto that he would train with Jiraiya while its consciousness used an Ice Release Shadow Clone to meet the other tailed beasts and Jinchuriki.

Naruto prepared to leave Konoha for a long training journey with Jiraiya while he and the Nine-Tails secretly planned to prepare for the Akatsuki and future threats. After reading letters from Haku and Kazahana Koyuki, Naruto said goodbye to his companions and departed with Jiraiya.

• The Nine-Tails planned to take Naruto's Ice Release Shadow Clone to draw chakra from the other Tailed Beasts and help prepare the Jinchuriki for the Akatsuki and other enemies.
• Jiraiya woke Naruto before dawn and gave him letters from Haku and Kazahana Koyuki, who described her longing for him and her failed effort to form a partnership with Konoha.
• Naruto read the letters and wrote replies while Jiraiya told him about Nadeshiko Village and proposed visiting it during their travels.
• Jiraiya recalled his marriage-battle agreement with Nadeshiko Village's previous chief and decided he would take Naruto there despite Naruto's lack of interest.
• Naruto mailed his reply, said goodbye to the companions who came to see him off, and left Konoha with Jiraiya for training.

Naruto and Jiraiya traveled to the Land of Water while investigating Li Feiyu’s movements and possible connection to Akatsuki. After failing to find information there, Jiraiya left with Naruto and said their next stop before Mount Myoboku would be Nadeshiko Village.

• In a snowy cave, Jiraiya showed Naruto a wanted notice for Li Feiyu and explained his suspicion that Li Feiyu was targeting the Tailed Beasts.
• Naruto realized that Kurama and his Ice Release Shadow Clone had caused the activity Jiraiya attributed to Li Feiyu, and silently apologized to Li Feiyu for the misunderstanding.
• Jiraiya concluded that Li Feiyu’s next target was the Tailed Beast in Kirigakure and took Naruto to the Land of Water despite Naruto’s reminder that the Three-Tails was missing.
• After searching the Land of Water for a week without finding useful information, Jiraiya left with Naruto.
• Jiraiya promised to take Naruto to Mount Myoboku after one final stop and revealed that he was taking him to Nadeshiko Village.

Naruto learned that Jiraiya was taking him to Nadeshiko Village to settle an old duel agreement, and he decided to save Sagiri after recognizing that Shizuka’s lover was destined to die. Back at the inn, Naruto’s Ice Release Shadow Clone returned with its memories and gathered tailed-beast chakra, including a story about humiliating the Fourth Raikage.

• Jiraiya told Naruto they were traveling to Nadeshiko Village so Naruto could fulfill the duel agreement Jiraiya had made with its former chief.
• Naruto saw Nadeshiko Shizuka and Sagiri together at a night market and recognized that Sagiri would eventually be killed.
• Shizuka told Sagiri that she could not be with him because Naruto would arrive to duel her, and Sagiri sadly wished her happiness.
• Naruto decided to intervene and save Sagiri after they reached Nadeshiko Village.
• Naruto’s Ice Release Shadow Clone dispelled, returning its memories and the Nine-Tails’ consciousness to him.
• Naruto learned that the Shadow Clone had warned the other Jinchuriki about Akatsuki, gathered chakra from seven tailed beasts, and escaped Kumogakure after attacking the Fourth Raikage as Li Feiyu.

Naruto and Jiraiya traveled to Nadeshiko Village so Naruto could settle an old agreement by fighting Nadeshiko Shizuka. Naruto resolved to defeat her without marrying into the village, and their battle began with him easily evading her attacks.

• Naruto woke from a forgotten dream and told Nine-Tails he no longer intended to deliberately fight Shizuka to a draw.
• Jiraiya and Naruto reached Nadeshiko Village, where guards verified Jiraiya's identity using the village chief's letter.
• Shizuka arrived with Tokiwa and faced Naruto in an arena before the village's female ninja and two elders.
• Naruto mentioned seeing Shizuka sneak out, and she angrily attacked him with Gale Fist.
• Shizuka used Vacuum Dance, Second Form, to throw Kunai, but Naruto knocked them all aside.

Naruto refused to marry into Nadeshiko Village and challenged its customs, defeating every female ninja there to show that its rules could change. The village chief accepted his resolve, then revealed that the village’s rules meant the women he defeated now belonged to him.

• Naruto told Nadeshiko Shizuka and the village elders that he would not marry into the village and condemned its restrictive customs.
• Naruto urged Nadeshiko Shizuka to reject rules she disliked, then challenged the village’s female ninja to fight him.
• Naruto defeated 123 female ninja, while Jiraiya comforted Nadeshiko Shizuka and she wondered whether Naruto had fallen in love with her.
• Naruto used Mini Rasengan to defeat the remaining fighters, and the previous village chief arrived to acknowledge his resolve.
• The previous village chief explained that every female ninja Naruto defeated now belonged to him, startling Naruto as the women blushed and Jiraiya teased him.

Naruto left Nadeshiko Village with Jiraiya and traveled to Mount Myoboku to learn Senjutsu. After half a month of training, he mastered Mount Myoboku’s perfect Sage Mode, and Fukasaku prepared to begin the final stage.

• Nadeshiko Shizuka told Tokiwa to end her correspondence with Sagiri because she feared Naruto might misunderstand.
• Naruto left Nadeshiko Village with Jiraiya, puzzled by how he had changed Shizuka’s feelings, and asked to go to Mount Myoboku.
• Jiraiya agreed to take Naruto to Mount Myoboku the next morning and warned him that Senjutsu was difficult to learn.
• After half a month of training, Naruto mastered Mount Myoboku’s Sage Mode with only markings around his eyes.
• Fukasaku praised Naruto’s talent and led him to begin the final stage of training.

Naruto struggled to use Sage Mode in combat because he could only hold natural energy for five minutes, and Kurama proposed storing it in a seal. With Jiraiya and the toads agreeing to help, Naruto began preparing for a risky new method of Sage Mode training on Mount Myoboku.

• Sage Fukasaku tried to maintain Naruto's natural energy, but Kurama's chakra repelled him and knocked him away.
• Kurama suggested Naruto store natural energy in a seal, drawing on Sasuke's Curse Mark and Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred Technique.
• Naruto explained the idea to Jiraiya, Sage Fukasaku, and Sage Shima, and Jiraiya warned him that Senjutsu Chakra could be dangerous.
• Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima agreed to help Naruto, but said he could no longer use Shadow Clones to train.
• Jiraiya advised Naruto to place his Sage Art Seal below his navel rather than between his eyebrows, and Naruto agreed.

After two and a half years of training, Naruto returned to Konoha and reunited with Sakura, Konohamaru, and Tsunade. Tsunade arranged for four Jonin to test Naruto’s improved strength.

• Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi completed a D-rank mission to capture Little Tiger and complained that they could not take more challenging missions.
• Naruto and Jiraiya returned to Konoha, where Naruto celebrated his homecoming and reunited with Sakura.
• Konohamaru showed Naruto his Sexy Jutsu, Jiraiya fainted, and Sakura punched Naruto for encouraging him.
• Naruto met Tsunade at the Hokage Office, where she showed him the letters he had received from the Land of Snow.
• Tsunade called in Kakashi, Might Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai Yuhi to test Naruto’s training results.

Naruto demonstrated how far he had advanced by facing Kakashi, Might Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai Yuhi at once. After defeating two Jonin, discovering Kurenai Yuhi was pregnant, and overwhelming Kakashi with thousands of Sage Mode clones, he left the training match victorious.

• Naruto activated Sage Mode and used a genjutsu and Mini Rasengan to defeat Might Guy.
• Naruto used Flying Thunder God Movement and Frog Kumite to defeat Asuma.
• Naruto sensed that Kurenai Yuhi was pregnant, and Tsunade confirmed it.
• Naruto summoned thousands of Sage Mode Shadow Clones, prompting Kakashi to surrender.

Naruto proved his strength to Kakashi, and Team 7 was reinstated as Kakashi Squad. Meanwhile, Shion foresaw Naruto’s death and the destruction of the world, leaving her to wonder whether that future could be changed.

• Naruto dispelled his Shadow Clones after Kakashi conceded that Naruto had surpassed his expectations.
• Kakashi freed Might Guy from a genjutsu, and Guy ran off to complete one hundred laps around Konoha as punishment for being eliminated first.
• Tsunade reinstated Team 7 as Kakashi Squad, making Kakashi and his former students partners.
• Naruto privately wondered whether the Jinchuriki he had warned would be ready when Shippuden began and whether Gaara would still be captured.
• Shion foresaw Naruto being killed by a dark purple chakra mass, followed by the destruction of the Shinobi World, and recognized Naruto by name.

Yomi revived Mōryō and awakened the Ghost Army, which was ordered to defeat the current priestess of the Land of Demons. Naruto realized an emergency assembly meant the Land of Demons incident had begun earlier than expected and headed to the Hokage Office with Sakura.

• Yomi used Dark Medical Ninjutsu to release Mōryō from his seal and offered his body as a vessel.
• Mōryō entered Yomi’s body, and Yomi awakened the Ghost Army.
• Mōryō ordered Yomi to defeat the current priestess of the Land of Demons before attacking the shrine sealing his body.
• Naruto woke at home, heard the emergency assembly alarm, and carried a confused little girl to a rooftop before heading toward the Hokage Building.
• Naruto and Kurama realized the Land of Demons incident was underway earlier than Awen’s memories suggested, and Naruto met Sakura on the way to the Hokage Office.

Naruto’s team set out for the Land of Demons to protect its shrine maiden and stop Mōryō from reuniting his body and soul. After entering the country, Naruto sensed four ominous chakra signatures heading toward the shrine maiden’s palace.

• Tsunade assigned Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, and Hinata to escort the shrine maiden and prevent Mōryō’s full revival.
• Naruto reflected on how the mission team had changed and resolved to defy the prophecy that he would die.
• Kakashi divided the team’s roles, assigning Sakura and Hinata to protect the target while he and Naruto handled enemies.
• Tsunade reassured Shizune that the team could manage the mission, citing Naruto’s Sage Mode and Kakashi’s leadership.
• After the team entered the Land of Demons, Naruto sensed four ominous chakra signatures moving toward the shrine maiden’s palace.

Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, and Hinata reached the Land of Demons to escort Shion, then battled Mōryō’s subordinates. Shion recognized Naruto from her prophetic dream as he appeared outside her hall.

• Naruto used Sage Mode and Flying Thunder God Movement to bring Kakashi, Sakura, and Hinata to the Land of Demons.
• Pain, Konan, and Obito discussed Mōryō’s invasion and the Akatsuki’s plans, including whether Li Feiyu might interfere.
• Kakashi showed the guards the Hokage’s letter, while Hinata spotted four enemies on a nearby cliff.
• Naruto’s Rasenshuriken killed Gitai and two other subordinates, while Kusuna escaped the blast but died when Kakashi’s genjutsu triggered the destruction of his brain and heart.
• Shion saw Naruto outside her hall and recognized him as the figure from her prophetic dream.